sydneyyylove's reviews
177 reviews

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

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3.0

3.5 Stars

I really didn’t care for the book until the reveal at the end of act 1. After that, I was hooked.

The world building is a bit chaotic for me, but it is playful. It’s like a combination of a bunch of different folktales which is fun but at times a bit confusing.

The pace of the second half of the book was so fast. It was fun to read and I really wanted to know what happened next. Some of the plot was predictable, but I there were lots of surprises that got me. Overall, a good book.
The Wicked King by Holly Black

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5.0

I gasped and screamed while reading this book.

While there is some wonky world building, there is a juicy plot.

I needed a dramatic read and this was certainly it.
A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare

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3.0

3.5 Stars

Overall, I enjoyed it!

I read it this time for a design class and I think that I will have a lot of setting/scenic elements to draw upon and use.

Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

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4.0

3.9 Stars


I love the way this book is written. It’s journal/diary style which means that Lauren (the protagonist) had to take the time to write down what the readers see in the middle of chaos and anarchy.

The ending was abrupt for me. I feel like it leaves a lot of things unsolved. But I guess, in a world like this a lot would be left unknown no matter what.

I think I will read Parable of the Talents (the sequel) because I do want to know what happens to these characters and the world they are living in.

The thing that I am taking away most from this book is the idea that it is a cautionary tale, not a prophecy. Our world has some, too many, similarities to that of this novel. But we still have the power to change the way that things are. The world is scary and injustices are everywhere. But I would like the conversation around this book to move from “look at the similarities” to “how can we prevent these things?”

I read this book for a class at school. It is prompting a lot of really good conversations!
The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson

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5.0

The last chapter had me SOBBING I was so wrapped up in the emotions of it that I know I was speeding over details which probably foreshadow stuff in the next book.

Sanderson leaves so many tiny clues throughout his writing. I probably missed most of them, but the few I caught sent me spiraling and texting my friend who told me to read these books. At first I thought they were mistakes like, “why would he use this specific word here he must know it has connotations about other aspects of the text.” Well, HE KNEW what he was doing. I need to read the the third one!

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

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4.0

Okay, the cover for this book is really good. It’s Rufus and Mateo walking together and their shadows form the grim reaper. THAT IS SOME GOOD COVER ART.

I enjoyed the change in perspectives, I like getting a little slice from different peoples perspectives. But I didn’t love the format.

There were so many sweet moments throughout the book where my heart ached for these two young people. And it made me think about how much little actions can impact the people around us.

It was a quick read and I enjoyed it.
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

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5.0

I LOVED this book.

It was so steamy but so heartwarming. It was suspenseful and hopeful. I loved reading it.

The characters are so well written! Their interactions were so authentic and wholesome. It made me think about how important it is to surround yourself with people who love you for who you are.

Also... is this new adult?? Maybe I can ask in my English class.
The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson

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5.0

This plot.... this is some Save the Cat plot genius shit...

I cried. I laughed. I loved it.
Interior Chinatown by Charles Yu

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4.0

This book is so good. The way that Yu combines the style of traditional knowledge and a screenplay really allows the reader to think more abstractly about the story and apply it to real life.