taylor_annotates's reviews
215 reviews

Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas

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adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

5.0

The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas

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adventurous slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes

3.75

Helpful stories that provide more insight into the world of Rifthold and the Assassin's Keep. 
The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry: How to Stay Emotionally Healthy and Spiritually Alive in the Chaos of the Modern World by John Mark Comer

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reflective slow-paced

3.0

The principles behind this book are something I am greatly interested in, but the overall delivery of the book was tough for me to get through.The first part of the book was steeped in non-denominational Christian church speak. If I had read this in college, I likely would have loved it. Now though, it made me cringe countless times and even caused me to consider stop reading the book as a whole. It was the combination of colloquial, trying to be relatable writing with these vague references to things and people that required a weird mixture of knowledge on pop culture and theologians. It just felt... odd.And to be candid, I found the quotes Comer used from other writers (which let me tell you, there were a lot of quotes) to be more impactful than the author’s writing.The second part of the book started with more practical steps towards moving into silence, solitude, and less hurry with Jesus. This portion of the book veered more into practical measures for implementing slowness into daily life. This section of the book was much better of a read for me, and ultimately I will be taking some of the ideas Comer describes and trying them in my own practice.Let it be said though, it seems very clear that Comer loves Jesus and that comes out through these pages which in turn had me seeking the presence of God more. I would be interested to read his book concerning Practicing the Way.In truth, I don’t know that I would recommend this. I would likely just recommend reading Brother Lawrence’s The Practice of the Presence of God. It is much more straight forward and practical when it comes to how to be more contemplative of God’s presence in every moment.
Tomb Sweeping by Alexandra Chang

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emotional mysterious reflective medium-paced

4.0

Scythe by Neal Shusterman

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dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

This was a wild ride. I wasn't entirely sure what to expect, but I found this book to be really engaging. I think others were put off by the pacing, but that was my favorite part of this one. I would recommend!
People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry

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adventurous funny lighthearted 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? It's complicated

4.5

Listen, it isn't that this book is necessarily an exceptional romance, but I found it so incredibly relatable at times that it is nothing short of my favorite romance novel to date. I loved this story, these characters, and all of the travel in between. I refrain from a full five star rating only because of the appearance of a trope I have come to loathe, but alas, it can't always be perfect.
Woman of Light by Kali Fajardo-Anstine

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adventurous emotional slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes

3.0

The Mothers by Brit Bennett

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challenging emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.75

House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas

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adventurous medium-paced

4.5

This was less interesting than HOEAB for me. The sexual overtones felt immature (yet again), but the storyline just felt less buttoned up. It was still a thrill and I love the world, but it wasn’t quite what I had hoped for.