tan_wayne's reviews
130 reviews

Ghostly Echoes by William Ritter

adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

3.5

“Look, I don’t know that I fully understand her, either, but that doesn’t matter. I don’t need to understand someone to respect them.  Think she’s very brave.”

“How is she brave?”

“How?” I considered. “There are lots of people out there who are terribly hateful. She could avoid a whole lot of trouble and dress and act as they want her to, but she chooses to be herself. That’s brave. Also - the last time we met she stopped Jackaby from hurting the men who hurt her. They might have killed her. Kindness is an act of bravery, I think, just as hatred is an act of fear. I’m sure you can appreciate that not all strength is muscle, Mr. Finstern. She has a strong spirit, and I believe she is very brave about the way she chooses to use it.” ~William Ritter, Ghostly Echoes

William Ritter decided to craft and build upon the beautiful world he created by introducing vampires, space dimensions, telepathy, mythology, and more. This is what I wanted from the series that its prequel failed to achieve. Throughout the book I am constantly fascinated by the new ideas and descriptions, I even love the little plot twist at the end

The chief officer’s wife being an instigator for The Dire Council.

In this book, we explored Jenny Cavanaugh’s backstory, which has been extremely intriguing since the first book. However, while investigating the mystery kept me on my toes, the ending felt quite predictable. While the characters still exude their unique charm, I felt that the story did not feature Jackaby and Charlie enough, with them playing huge parts in the world.

From the quote above, I believe you could have predicted there may be some positive queer representation in this book (questionable). While that’s nice to see, I have my doubts since the character in my opinion hardly played a huge role in the overarching story, making it feel like an author’s feeble attempt to express political views. Performative activism? Maybe, I would like to see this character being fleshed out in the future, but nonetheless it is heartwarming to see that in the fantasy world, the characters are equally as accepting to the queer community.

Overall, this is considered an excellent “filler book” that connects the final book in the series. I feel that there were small portions that were dragged, and once again the action scene in the ending happens too quickly for my understanding (the third time). It is a solid second place in the overall ranking of all the books in the series thus far. Excited to see how the series will end!😊

☆3.5 Stars☆

A List of Cages by Robin Roe

dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-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

“Why is time like that? Why does it slow down in the places you don’t want it to, but it speeds away when you’re happy?” ~Robin Roe, A List Of Cages

This book had me all in my feels in the middle of the night. 😥

I love the representation of a beautiful friendship and of mental disorders. It is never easy being the odd one out in the world and having friends that will be always there for you regardless. It is also never easy for children to deal with their parents death and be abused by people. We get to see how similar people (Julien and Adam) are overcome their problems in vastly different ways. This story delicately portrays what so many youths today face, and much applause should be given.

I love how the author also blended symbolism and imagery into the stories. Whether it is using stars to represent hope

recurring when Julian is trapped in the chest and the final scene with lanterns

or using using injuries to depict sadness on the inside

Julian being found in the chest with multiple wounds (sores) tying back to his parents

.

I feel that Adam's backstory could have been fleshed out more in my opinion. I am not saying that anyone with mental disorders should always suffer, but I think the author could have explored more on the teachers' abuse, medication and how he slowly began to crack under pressure when he puts the blame on himself for the state of Julien. The romance

between Adam and Emerald

felt quick, and I really wished the author could explore

the struggles and dynamics of Adam partially blaming Emerald for the state of Julien

A book that is close to perfection in my mind. And since there is such strong representation, I felt it was fitting to give my first ever 4.75 stars (because I can and I had to).

☆4.75 Stars☆

The Map by William Ritter

adventurous challenging funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

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

2.0

I think the idea of an adventure revolving around a treasure hunt and the song "Whiskey In The Jar" sounds like a fresh and interesting mystery. However, this story is not as entertaining as I expected it to be. And I did not understand much of the references to throroughly enjoy it.

The fun interactions between Jackaby and Abigail is still present, and it even builds on this heartwarming relationship between the detective and assistant. Some stories are quite interesting,

the magic market, the magical creatures and vegetables, as well as the goblins

but most times they just end up leading to nowhere.

For example, the river riddle and the castle collapsing just to obtain two glasses.

The story is completely filled with magic, in contrast to the interesting mix between magic and science in previous books that I adored.

The ending that they cherish their relationship more is understandable, but it overall it did not make such a huge impact as their other adventures.

☆2 Stars☆

Beastly Bones by William Ritter

adventurous challenging funny lighthearted mysterious tense medium-paced

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

2.5

"On a scale of one to pomegranate?" I followed his lead, checking over the notes I had scribbled in my notepad and speaking in my most audible, serious whisper. "I should think ... acorn? Possibly badger. Time alone will tell.” 😂

Once again the main characters served. Reading the adventures of Abigail, Jackaby, Charlie, Jenny and Douglas are like being with your best friends. How they can come up with just the most random stuff to say while cracking me up is just so entertaining.

Abigail and Charlie admitting their feelings is so cute, and as usual Jackaby is just unfazed which is so what his character would do!

The major problem I had is compared to the predecessor, there is just so much more fluff that does not pay off in the end

drama between professors and Jenny acting up (although the next book is most likely to be about her)

, making the plot quite unbearable to continue being entertained. Digging and dinosaurs are just not my thing. The mystery is very predictable too, which I expect more of since this is ultimately a mystery series. Maybe I would bump it a bit higher in the future, but it would be solely based on the main characters and their interactions.

☆2.5 Stars☆

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

The audiobook is fantastic! The accent adds a touch of personality to the characters, especially Kya!

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

adventurous dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-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

"Most people don't have to be acquitted from murder to be accepted! I never hated people, they hated me!" Delia Owens, Where The Crawdads Sing

Upon knowing that Taylor Swift is going to be releasing a song tied to the film, I decided to dive into this headfirst, since it has been a while I have read a dark mystery story.

I think this is one of the most stunningly detailed books. The rich descriptions of nature, while following how Kya matured over the years, made me form a strong bond to her character. I do have to agree this is quite a slow-burn, but I do love immersing myself in them if executed perfectly. I think it perfectly balances between mystery and fiction through alternating timelines.

The story is so cleverly written; you will only notice it towards the ending. The third-person view gives readers to form their personal perception towards Kya, and I being able to relate to the the loneliness felt by Kya, make you root for her throughout the trial.

The plot twist of Kya actually being the killer left me gagging. But upon closer look, you will realise there were many small clues, such as the continuous descriptions of death between mates, Kya never pleading innocence, and Sunday Justice (cat) ignoring her at the end. She had been living in fear of Chase, she was somehow forced to use her knowledge of the marsh to remove her threat.

However, I feel the ending ended haphazardly with little explanation

to the disguises and timeline of murder. I would say this felt like "No Body No Crime" by Taylor Swift as a story.

It somehow achieved its purpose

of showing that despite being distanced by the society's corruptive nature, she is still affected by this polluted society, and forms part of the Barkley Cove

Overall, I loved the dark overall theme in the book, as well as characters to fall in love with. The clever and descriptive writing makes this story a standout!

☆5 Stars☆

Lion Boys and Fan Girls by Pauline Loh

informative lighthearted fast-paced

1.5

"...described as 'virgin snow' and a 'blank piece of paper that she yearned to fill." ~Pauline Loh, Lion Boys and Fan Girls

The beginning of the book is rough. There are so many unnecessary descriptions and petty drama between boys. Debating about height? And not an Asian author trying to whitewash us Asian characters *sigh* The building of romance

(Mercury and Millicent)

and family relationships

(Mercury and Mr Charlie)

were so brief, at times it felt borderline invasive

(Prome forcing Sophia to come when drunk)

. I barely cared for the mystery that's all.

At least it provided some information of the Lion Dance culture which I have grown up with and loved. However, it can be much for someone who has no clue and interest in Chinese culture.

☆1.5 Stars☆

The Cruel Prince by Holly Black

adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

3.5

I have kind of mixed feelings about it...I loved some parts of the story, but the rest felt mediocre.

I really loved how the book is not afraid to delve into dark themes, it feels quite fresh to read something new in the fantasy genre. Is the writing spectacular? Not really, but I could say I was hooked throughout the book. I think I sort of like most of the characters? But what I really loved is the action in the beginning and towards the end. I think the middle portion felt

(especially suddenly kidnapping a human servant was so unnecessary)

a bit dull. I loved that the story included morally-grey characters, but some of the others, I do not like that much.

I think the world-building could be expanded much more. I think the competitive nature of being the leader and being a faerie could have been touched on more. Or maybe I was just unsatisfied after reading A Court of Thorns and Roses. The love-hate relationship

(between Jude and Cardan)

needed more development, both the hatred and love aspects were not justified in my opinion. I think the story really picked up towards the end, thank goodness😌

☆3.5 Stars☆ 

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

The audiobook is okay I guess...
☆2 Stars☆

A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous challenging dark tense medium-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

2.5

The sexual tension is so high, the pages are practically dripping wet. The book should be called “A Room of Dicks and Hoes”. Basically humans with magic and big dicks.😂I approached the book with an open mind and open legs. But honestly, I felt a bit dry… I mean the book felt dry. The first half moved so slow, but thankfully it picked up in the second half.

Maybe I just don’t like sex scenes in books, or I had a hard time going through its intricate details. Sometimes the writing is descriptive and beautiful, but there were so many times when it went really overboard, and I just went flying off the bed.

Feyre just feels foolish sometimes, like just listen and see contextual clues? I also never saw the point in the three challenges, and the riddle is lame. I guessed it when the riddle first appeared, but like it didn’t even fit the villain’s character.

Rhysand just come and BANG ME NOW!!!

☆2.5 Stars☆