tamaraepps's reviews
688 reviews

The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

challenging dark emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

While a fairly easy yet intriguing read, this book feels unnecessary and doesn't really add anything of value to the world of Panem and The Hunger Games, beyond a glimpse of history. 

As a fan of the Hunger Games trilogy I certainly found it interesting, but don't think I would be missing anything if I hadn't read it. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child death, Death, Racism, Violence, Police brutality, Murder, Colonisation, and Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: Drug abuse, Gun violence, Toxic relationship, and War

Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Cannibalism, and Death of parent

Some Sunny Day by Vera Lynn

informative inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

3.5

Songbirds: From the author of the international bestseller The Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri

adventurous dark informative sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Animal death and Racism

Moderate: Miscarriage and Sexism

Minor: Physical abuse and Violence

Blackwattle Lake by Pamela Cook

challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child death

Moderate: Animal cruelty, Infertility, Miscarriage, and Toxic friendship

Minor: Death of parent

Doctor Who: The Maze of Doom by David Solomons

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

The Good Luck Girls by Charlotte Nicole Davis

adventurous challenging dark emotional inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Drug abuse, Gun violence, Misogyny, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Trafficking, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, and Classism

Moderate: Infertility, Medical trauma, and Death of parent

Minor: Suicide and Lesbophobia

Symptoms of Being Human by Jeff Garvin

challenging dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Transphobia, Outing, and Dysphoria

Moderate: Hate crime, Homophobia, and Sexual harassment

Minor: Deadnaming, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Suicide

Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley

adventurous challenging emotional informative inspiring reflective sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cultural appropriation and Colonisation

Moderate: Racism and Rape

Minor: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment

Launch Something! by Bae Myung-hoon

mysterious slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Mum & Dad by Joanna Trollope

challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Self harm, Toxic relationship, and Gaslighting