tan_wayne's reviews
130 reviews

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

The audiobook was not bad. However, since the two readers speed at different paces, I have to adjust to hear them clearly sometimes.

☆2 Stars☆ 

Becoming by Michelle Obama

The audiobook is incredible. Having Michelle Obama narrate the book is such a pleasant experience, because you can feel the emotions and experiences with her!

☆4.5 Stars☆ 

Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare

I have to be honest, the audiobook somewhat enhances the whole reading experience, but it is not really something that is really exceptional.

☆3.5 Stars☆ 

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

The audiobook had so much potential. Not to criticise the narrator, but I felt that having one voice throughout the book felt bland as compared to its predecessor.

☆3 Stars☆ 

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

The audiobook provided nothing new, except maybe some nice instrumentals. I think the reader did a nice job differentiating between the different characters

☆3 Stars☆ 

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

adventurous lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced

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

3.5

I think this is case where a book is hyped so much, I was honestly a bit let down.

The story kept me invested throughout, I finished the book in less than 6 hours. I think the fast pacing is perfect, and the interactions felt natural and fitting for the story. Other than the MC Avery standing out being a great protagonist, (I loved how quick-witted and protective she is) the rest were likeable but lacklustre. The riddles were sprinkled in perfect doses, creating suspense but not affecting the flow of the story.

To the negatives, I think the plot-twists were quite predictable, except the one in the epilogue

(Alexander Hawthorne finding out there is another Tobias Hawthorne)

. Especially since this is a mystery fiction, I would judge the mystery aspect to a greater extent. I also don’t see the point in the love triangle, actually the romance is barely even there. There were several things also left out

Skye Hawthorne’s assassination attempt reason

and greater justification for the MC being selected, that bothered me a little. Maybe it is left out for the sequel…

☆3.5 Stars☆

The audiobook provided nothing new, except maybe some nice instrumentals. I think the reader did a nice job differentiating between the different characters

☆3 Stars☆

Worthy by Donna Cooner

lighthearted medium-paced

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

1.0

Having read so many great books this year, this is just disappointing. Is anyone tired of the “I am an average girl with blond hair and pale skin. But no one likes me.” Because I am.

I think the major problem is like I don’t really care for all the drama. Like if the application is projecting so much hate into your life, just delete that thing! If this is a YA romance novel, and I don’t like the romance, why bother? Alex (the love interest) honestly deserves better

(being talented at football, patient and family loving with no toxic traits is like a great package)

when the MC is just boring. Even the reason for rejection

(Alex attending his sister’s quinceañera)

is because the main character is so petty and rash. The friendship is also one of the worst I have ever seen. 

It touched on major topics like body shaming and social media. But by touching on, I mean like removing your hands immediately after touching a hot stove. Everything serious was solved in a few paragraphs of dialogue (not even good ones). 

☆1 Star☆

The Inexplicable Logic of My Life by Benjamin Alire Sáenz

dark emotional funny reflective sad 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

“They were like the falling yellow leaves of Mima’s tree. Life had its seasons, and the season of letting go would always come, but there was something very beautiful in that, in the letting go. Leaves were always graceful as they floated away from the tree.” Benjamin Alire Sáenz, The Inexplicable Logic of my Life

I guess I am a sucker for prose.😭

Throughout the story we get to know so many loveable and realistic characters. We get to experience glimpses of their life. There is nothing terribly happening heart-breaking, but there is always this lingering feeling of sadness. It was until reading the letter that made me break down in tears. It gave me flashbacks to why I loved “More Happy Than Not” by Adam Silvera.

The friendship is everything I ever wanted. I love how everyone faces sadness, but at the end of the day, they love each other no less than before. I loved the representation of a harmonious Mexican-American family and a gay father loving his son

(children by the end of the book)

. What a wonderful story discussing the topics of family dynamics, sexuality, race, grief, and mental health.

I felt something missing. Some things could have been dealt in depth

(Samantha’s sexual assault)

and polished in other areas. I am keeping very high hopes for Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe!

☆4.5 Stars☆

City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare

adventurous challenging dark mysterious medium-paced

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

3.0

Electric Chair!!! What is this book supposed to do?

I honestly had low expectations for TMI after reading the amazing TID series, but not to this degree!

I disliked almost everyone even more! Why are there only two people making the right decisions? Isabelle

(Thank you for coming to rescue Clary, caring about your friend Maia even though she was your rival, and trying to save Simon)

and

Magnus Bane (Thank you for being patient towards the STUBBORN and SELFISH Alec)

Up till the halfway-point I was like okay, this is not bad, I am actually not actively hating on anybody (as compared to the first three books in TMI). The ending just went downhill. Can people PLEASE think before they act!

(Simon sacrificing to revive is wrong on so many levels)

After everything, I realised it is still back to square one, so what is the point of this book? At least I was somewhat entertained and finished the book in two days...

☆3 Stars☆

Jackaby by William Ritter

adventurous dark 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? It's complicated

4.0

Sherlock Holmes meets Doctor Who. What a spot on description! Overall, it is a solid debut novel that combines mystery and action. It gave me Sherlock with touches of paranormal activity and magic, which is fresh and interesting.

I loved that the story is set in the Victorian era, which added to the eerie atmosphere. The characters were my favourite! There was so much interesting banter between the characters which I lived for! I never thought I would be swooning over a ghost, a duck, and a policeman in a short span of 300 pages.

(I was deeply saddened when Charlie had to leave😢)

However, I think it was monotone at times and the action mostly built up in the last one-fifth of the book and having a quick resolution. Nonetheless, I loved the book a lot and am anticipated to read the next novel!

☆4 Stars☆