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tan_wayne's reviews
130 reviews
Clockwork Prince by Cassandra Clare
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
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
4.5
Having read the fourth book by Cassandra Clare, I think she had really found the sweet spot between world building and character development. I have never been this invested in a fantasy book that much.
As the beloved Judge Judy once said, “Beauty fades, but dumb is forever.” Tessa, you definitely matured, but I still think you need to more self-aware of the love signs and not plunging into dangerous situations.
Oh Will…I should have known you have been living with a lie this entire time.
Jem, Magnus, Charlotte, Henry, Sophie, and Gideon are my sweethearts. No one take them away from me!
I think it would be nice to expand on Jessamine’s romance (with Nate) as well as Sophie’s romance (with Gideon) because I do not feel a very deep connection between the pairs. I also think the proposal (between Tessa and Jem) felt somewhat rushed, I would love to have more conviction and emotions?
Nevertheless, this was quite an enjoyable read. In the first book, I fell in love with the world. In the second book, I fell in love with the characters. I would love to see where Clockwork Princess would take me!
☆4.5 Stars☆
As the beloved Judge Judy once said, “Beauty fades, but dumb is forever.” Tessa, you definitely matured, but I still think you need to more self-aware of the love signs and not plunging into dangerous situations.
Oh Will…I should have known you have been living with a lie this entire time.
Jem, Magnus, Charlotte, Henry, Sophie, and Gideon are my sweethearts. No one take them away from me!
I think it would be nice to expand on Jessamine’s romance
Nevertheless, this was quite an enjoyable read. In the first book, I fell in love with the world. In the second book, I fell in love with the characters. I would love to see where Clockwork Princess would take me!
☆4.5 Stars☆
More Happy Than Not by Adam Silvera
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
This book is so heart-breaking. The story is written beautifully, and the characters are all so well-developed. I kept growing so attached to the main characters, I begin to feel so sad when things started to fall apart. It deals with so many issues like homophobia, depression, and suicide.
I think this is a beautiful blend between “Girl In Pieces” by Kathleen Glasgow and “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn. The former having a similar sombre tone throughout the book. The latter having a shocking twist that could almost be dethroned by this book.
I love how this book started out as a nice romance story. Everything from the cute dates t the interactions felt so romantic and genuine, it gave me the butterflies. The story slowly evolved to be darker and sadder, similar to a mystery. We were slowly given the missing pieces of the story that were heart-breaking.
I came into this book expecting only one ending I will be happy with. But somehow it had a much more satisfying and fitting ending (view spoiler), which shows how much I adored this book. It somehow broke me in several pieces and pieced me back together.
☆5 Stars☆
I think this is a beautiful blend between “Girl In Pieces” by Kathleen Glasgow and “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn. The former having a similar sombre tone throughout the book. The latter having a shocking twist that could almost be dethroned by this book.
I love how this book started out as a nice romance story. Everything from the cute dates t the interactions felt so romantic and genuine, it gave me the butterflies. The story slowly evolved to be darker and sadder, similar to a mystery. We were slowly given the missing pieces of the story that were heart-breaking.
I came into this book expecting only one ending I will be happy with. But somehow it had a much more satisfying and fitting ending (view spoiler), which shows how much I adored this book. It somehow broke me in several pieces and pieced me back together.
☆5 Stars☆
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Homophobia, Physical abuse, and Suicide
Moderate: Drug use, Self harm, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Cursing
The Two Princes by Noah Galvin, Mimi O’Donnell, Cynthia Erivo, Tonya Pinkins, Kevin Christopher Snipes, Ari’el Stachel, Samira Wiley, Ali Stroker
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
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
3.5
Season 1:
The story is really cute and the production of the audiobook is fantastic. From the voice actors to the music, everything is perfection. Rupert is relatable and funny, which really complements the brave personality of Amir. Although the romance is borderline insta-love, it does not diminish my love for the first season.
Season 2:
This season is a little rough. The romance between the two characters lacks the chemistry in the first season. There were some interesting adventures but I kept feeling that they are undeveloped and uninteresting. I really wished there was a different ending (view spoiler)
Season 3:
Um...what? When did this become a Riverdale musical episode. I have been enjoying the previous seasons, but the cringey lyrics and mediocre singing just made me really sour. Everything felt rushed and the overall storyline felt a bit lazy. I really wished the stories of other characters could be fleshed out more for the season finale, but I guess I only have this...
☆3.5 Stars☆
The story is really cute and the production of the audiobook is fantastic. From the voice actors to the music, everything is perfection. Rupert is relatable and funny, which really complements the brave personality of Amir. Although the romance is borderline insta-love, it does not diminish my love for the first season.
Season 2:
This season is a little rough. The romance between the two characters lacks the chemistry in the first season. There were some interesting adventures but I kept feeling that they are undeveloped and uninteresting. I really wished there was a different ending (view spoiler)
Season 3:
Um...what? When did this become a Riverdale musical episode. I have been enjoying the previous seasons, but the cringey lyrics and mediocre singing just made me really sour. Everything felt rushed and the overall storyline felt a bit lazy. I really wished the stories of other characters could be fleshed out more for the season finale, but I guess I only have this...
☆3.5 Stars☆
Boy Robot by Simon Curtis
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
“Boy Robot” is a book where Isaak finds out about his identity as a Robot.
I think this is a nice blend between “The 5th Wave” by Rick Yancey and “Warcross” by Marie Lou, both books which I adore. The writing is beautiful, although the beginning can be a little confusing. The story alternates between the main character’s (Isaak) point-of-view and another side character.
I love how the different stories from various perspectives parallel problems happening in real life (queer acceptance, bullying, rape, war flashbacks, trans abuse). However, the different viewpoints from characters does not really blend in with the main character’s story, making the story a little choppy. The short stories from side characters are anonymous, which left me wondering if the author should flesh out the characters more.
Nevertheless, this book made me curious and on the tip of my toes all the time. The descriptions of the powers of each character felt so cool and intriguing. I am highly anticipating the second novel in the series!
☆4.5 Stars☆
I think this is a nice blend between “The 5th Wave” by Rick Yancey and “Warcross” by Marie Lou, both books which I adore. The writing is beautiful, although the beginning can be a little confusing. The story alternates between the main character’s (Isaak) point-of-view and another side character.
I love how the different stories from various perspectives parallel problems happening in real life (queer acceptance, bullying, rape, war flashbacks, trans abuse). However, the different viewpoints from characters does not really blend in with the main character’s story, making the story a little choppy. The short stories from side characters are anonymous, which left me wondering if the author should flesh out the characters more.
Nevertheless, this book made me curious and on the tip of my toes all the time. The descriptions of the powers of each character felt so cool and intriguing. I am highly anticipating the second novel in the series!
☆4.5 Stars☆
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Rape, Sexual assault, and Transphobia
Price of Duty by Todd Strasser
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
“Are we making progress? If progress is sacrificing young American lives over there so that people don’t die here, then maybe we are. And since I am a member of the military, part of me feels obligated to give the answer that’s expected. But another, more private part asks, what about Brad, and Morpiss, and Skitballs? What about all these young men and women who enlisted with valor in their eyes and duty and honor in their hearts? Now dead or forever maimed. Who’s asking them if they think it was worth it?” ~Todd Strasser, Price of Duty
“Price of Duty” depicts how a soldier can relive trauma experiencing simple things in life, from seeing crowds to sitting in a car.
I deeply understand his position of being a hero for the country, but not feeling like one. He feels pressure from his peers looking up to him as a saviour, but all he felt was guilt from escaping the war unlike his peers. On one hand, he understands that the army needs numbers to sustain, on the other hand, he knows that most will not survive and does not want to take the blame for hurting someone.
Todd Strasser expertly combines stories, feelings and arguments behind the service and repercussions of the military. I love how this book deftly talks about the current issues with war and the rights for those serving the army. The author even speaks out about how privileges in the community has been affecting the intake of soldiers for a long time.
To all who served in the military, no matter how big your contributions, we salute you. You may have sacrificed or experience loss. We would like to thank you endlessly for serving the country and protecting the people. To the family members of the military, we support you and we see you.
This reminds me of the song “epiphany” by Taylor Swift which talks about the heroes of today.
The price of duty is insurmountable. But the reward of writing such a stunning book is nothing short of a stellar review.
☆5 Stars☆
“Price of Duty” depicts how a soldier can relive trauma experiencing simple things in life, from seeing crowds to sitting in a car.
I deeply understand his position of being a hero for the country, but not feeling like one. He feels pressure from his peers looking up to him as a saviour, but all he felt was guilt from escaping the war unlike his peers. On one hand, he understands that the army needs numbers to sustain, on the other hand, he knows that most will not survive and does not want to take the blame for hurting someone.
Todd Strasser expertly combines stories, feelings and arguments behind the service and repercussions of the military. I love how this book deftly talks about the current issues with war and the rights for those serving the army. The author even speaks out about how privileges in the community has been affecting the intake of soldiers for a long time.
To all who served in the military, no matter how big your contributions, we salute you. You may have sacrificed or experience loss. We would like to thank you endlessly for serving the country and protecting the people. To the family members of the military, we support you and we see you.
This reminds me of the song “epiphany” by Taylor Swift which talks about the heroes of today.
The price of duty is insurmountable. But the reward of writing such a stunning book is nothing short of a stellar review.
☆5 Stars☆