tessa_talks_books's reviews
1109 reviews

The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren

5.0

Time-Marked Warlock by Shami Stovall

adventurous dark funny mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

 Time-Marked Warlock is the first in the latest series by Shami Stovall. Set in California, the story focuses on Adair Finch (a warlock and a PI) and Bree Blackstone (a 12-year-old girl), who comes directly to Adair when her mother is murdered and her father taken. The pair use Adair's time magic to figure out the identity of the murderer, find her father, and do a few fun good deeds along the way. But will they solve the mystery without anyone else being killed? Only time will tell.

The magic system in Time-Marked Warlock is not your typical run-of-the-mill system. It's a unique blend of familiarity and novelty that keeps readers like me constantly intrigued. The concept of time magic, derived from a bond with Chronos, is particularly fascinating and practical. The detailed explanation of the differences between warlocks and witches is another aspect that I found well-developed and engaging.

The dynamic between Adair and Bree is not just a subplot, but a captivating aspect of the book. Bree, with her youthful impetuousness and unwavering determination to do good, brings a refreshing energy to Adair's grumpy world. As a detective duo, they inject a fun and light-hearted element into the story. Bree's repeated good deeds, even after each time reset, add a unique and heartwarming touch to the narrative.

I was pleasantly surprised by the pacing of the book, with its twists, turns, and dangers that kept me flipping through the pages at a rapid pace. The use of time magic to solve the case was a particularly enjoyable aspect, adding a unique and intriguing layer to the mystery.

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Note: It's important to note that some readers may have sensitivities to the portrayal of animals in books (I'm one of them). In Time-Marked Warlock, there are scenes involving cats and a dog in the beginning. I understand that these scenes might be triggering for some, and if I had known ahead of time, I might have declined to read the book. However, I got the sense that those parts of the story would be short-lived, and they were. By around 30%, the triggering scenes were over. I've noticed that the rule to refrain from killing pets in books has long since been forgotten. Still, the story would be better if it could work with a different non-pet animal. For instance, I would have recommended badgers instead of cats or some made-up creature. 

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Content Warnings

Minor: Animal death

Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews

5.0

 Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews is everything I love about a story and much more. The Saint (Saint Cecelia) is a family-owned and operated resort on an island off the coast of Georgia. Traci Eddings, who grew up a local (an 'ain't'), grew up and married Hoke Eddings, heir apparent. After he died in a tragic plane crash, it was up to Traci to take over running The Saint. With a post-covid economy, staffing requires thinking outside the box, and Traci is up to the challenge. But once the summer begins, missing inventory, a death, and other mysteries expose a long-running scheme. 

Mary Kay Andrews never fails to deliver a story that keeps me on the edge of my seat. Summers at the Saint is a thrilling mystery that had me guessing until the end. While I did manage to piece together some of the puzzle, the suspense was in waiting for Traci to figure it out before it was too late. This plot thread was a chef's kiss of suspense that held me riveted.

The setting is glorious. The author's vivid descriptions of the beach, the resort, and the island's natural beauty made me feel like I was there. I quickly wondered if I could find a job at a beach resort. I wonder if they ever employ resort Counselors because I would be very interested in that job!

The characters are wonderfully developed, relatable, and thoroughly authentic. The messy family dynamics, such as the power struggles and hidden secrets, kept me entertained when the suspense calmed. For example, Traci's relationship with her in-laws becomes more complicated as the story unfolds. Sometimes, the story felt a bit like a reality show about people who work at a summer resort and the wealthy family who owns it, but then, as the characters grew, made themselves known, and had to confront a tragic loss, it became so much more and just grabbed my heart and broke it.

Summers at the Saint is the kind of summer read you hope to find but often don't - it's pure reading perfection! 

May Day by Jess Lourey, J.H. Lourey, Jessica Lourey

3.5

 May Day by Jess Lourey is a unique blend of humor, action, and mystery. As Mira navigates her way through a jobless phase and a house-sitting gig in rural Battle Lake, Michigan, the story unfolds with small-town humor, a charming bookish setting, and a murder mystery that will keep you on your toes.

The small-town humor in May Day resonated with me. The little details, so true of small towns and their inhabitants, had me in stitches. Mira's quick transition from jobless to a library and newspaper position, all because of her English degree, is a delightful reflection of small-town life. It’s a fun and relatable.

The mystery in May Day was a delightful puzzle. I was kept guessing until the very end, only figuring out the culprit when it was revealed. The unexpected twists and turns added to the intrigue, making this a fast and enjoyable read. 

May Day is the perfect companion for a rainy afternoon. Its light-hearted humor and engaging mystery make for a relaxing and enjoyable read, allowing you to escape into the world of Battle Lake, Michigan, effortlessly. 

People in Glass Houses by Jayne Castle

5.0

People in Glass Houses, the tenth book in a series by Jayne Castle, is a testament to the author's skill in world-building. It can easily be read as a standalone because each book in the series focuses on different citizens of Harmony, a colonized planet that has lost its connection with Earth. This unique setting, with its own set of rules and challenges, is a crucial part of the story, and Castle's prologue effectively describes this world, immersing readers in its intricacies and making them feel a part of it.

People in Glass Houses, a captivating blend of romantic suspense/thriller, sci-fi, mystery, and paranormal, is a genre lover's dream. The fusion of these genres is masterfully executed, with a haunted house made of fire glass and a hint of alien ghosts adding a unique twist to the mystery. I was enthralled by every aspect of this genre mashup, eagerly devouring every detail to satisfy my curiosity.

The mystery took a few twists and turns, and they each shocked me. But I was too busy exploring this world to really pay any attention to whether or not there were clues or even red herrings. I was that person walking through a spectacular area who was actively looking everywhere and in danger of running into the other people around me. I was just in sensory heaven and even a little scared.

The romance between Josh and Molly is a delightful journey, following the 'grumpy sunshine' trope. This dynamic leads to engaging interactions and significant character growth. Molly Griffin, the 'sunshine' in this case, beautifully works her way into Josh's heart. Also, the Griffin family dynamics, particularly Molly and Leona's bond, are heartwarming and offer a glimpse into the depth of their love and resilience.

I can't say enough good things about this story, and I highly recommend it to anyone who likes any of the combination of genres in this splendid tale.

The Image of You by Adele Parks

dark tense slow-paced

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

3.5

One-word review: Dark

Emojis:  🥰😠🫥

Rating:  3.5 🌟s
 

The Image of You by Adele Parks is a captivating tale of Anna and Nick's impending wedding. The plot takes an unexpected turn when Anna is unable to attend a dinner she arranged for Nick to meet her twin sister, Zoe. As sparks fly between Nick and Zoe, a complex love triangle emerges. The story takes a thrilling twist when a shocking death occurs, revealing hidden truths.

While I'm not a fan of infidelity in relationships, The Image of You by Adele Parks offers a unique blend of romance and thriller genres. The messy entanglements and fast-paced narrative kept me engaged up to a point, despite my personal reservations.

However, I figured the one real twist out at about 25%. The fact that it wasn't revealed until very close to the end meant I grew tired of being led in circles around what I already knew would happen. The story just droned on for me.

Despite my mixed feelings about the book, I'm genuinely intrigued by the upcoming movie adaptation. I'm eager to see how the plot will be brought to life on the screen and what new elements will be introduced. The potential for a fresh perspective is exciting, and I can't wait to see how it all unfolds.

 

Clytemnestra's Bind by Susan C. Wilson

4.5

 Thank you @NeemTreePress for the free book!

🌷🌸🌷🌸🌷🌸🌷🌸🌷🌸🌷🌸🌷🌸

🌷Clytemnestra’s Bind  by Susan C. Wilson 🌷

One-word review: Multifaceted

Emojis: 🥺😟😲

Rating: 4.5 🌟s

My thoughts:

Clytemnestra's Bind by Susan C. Wilson presents a unique narrative, delving into the life and losses of Queen Clytemnestra before her reign in Mycenae and the downfall of Agamemnon, a man consumed by his own cruelty and thirst for power.

I was captivated by how Wilson meticulously crafted Clytemnestra's character, transforming her from a mere figure in Greek Mythology to a complex, relatable woman. For instance, her loss of her children and her husband's betrayal were not just tragic events, but catalysts that shaped her into a woman driven by revenge. This depth of character made me shed a tear with every one of her losses and feel the fire of revenge burn within me for her retribution.

I also love the women's empowerment angle of the story, which is not just about Clytemnestra's rise to power, but also about Elektra's journey to become the warrior she dreams of being. It's about women reclaiming their agency and challenging the patriarchal norms of their time. And, who doesn't wish Clytemnestra to have the power to rule that she deserves and Elektra to become a warrior? At this point in the story, that's all I wanted for both of them, and Wilson spins the tale so that I feel the possibilities are open. But it's done in such a way that it never negates the story that has been passed down since ancient times. It simply adds thoughts and feelings that were before unwritten.

Clytemnestra's Bind offers a thrilling new perspective for those who, like me, are captivated by the ancient Greek plays and stories of Greek mythology. This fresh take on Clytemnestra, where she is not just a vengeful queen but a complex and multifaceted character, infused with a powerful women empowerment theme, is sure to ignite your imagination and leave you eager for more.

 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Animal death, Sexual assault, and Child death

Lovely War by Julie Berry

4.5

Lovely War by Julie Berry is a profoundly emotional tale. It begins with Aphrodite's mock trial in Olympus after her husband Hephaestus catches her in a hotel room with Ares, a scene that sets the stage for the heart-wrenching love stories she shares. These tales, set amidst the backdrop of WWI, vividly illustrate the link between love and war, the essence of love, the anguish of war, and the redemptive power of music. This epic had me in tears, so deeply was I touched by the profound love that permeates its pages.

I did a read-and-listen combination and enjoyed the cast of narrators. Having different narrators for each main character helped me focus on the story as I listened and brought the tale to life.

The meticulous research that underpins Lovely War left a deep impression on me. The war-time narratives are not just informative, but they also resonate with a profound sense of respect, empathy, and authenticity. From the harrowing experiences of war to the societal prejudices in a post-civil war era, every issue and aspect is portrayed with a level of detail that is both enlightening and compelling.

The purity and beauty of the two relationships the story focuses on, Aubrey and Colette, and Hazel and James, are deeply moving. Aubrey and Colette, a mixed-race couple united by their love of music, face the harsh reality of prejudice. Hazel and James, a new couple torn apart by war, navigate the challenges of developing a relationship in such a difficult time. Their struggles and triumphs are so poignant that I couldn't help but weep for them.

One of the most captivating aspects of Lovely War is the interplay between tragedy and humor. The gods' interactions, providing a much-needed humorous respite, were witty and observant, while the lessons they learned were profound. This skillful balance of emotions adds to the undeniable beauty of the story. I found myself wondering why it's considered YA, as it will undoubtedly resonate with adult readers, particularly those who enjoy historical fiction, mythology, and true love stories.

The Summer Swap by Sarah Morgan

4.0

Imagine a book with a beach setting, and you've already captured my heart, just like The Summer Swap by Sarah Morgan. This is a tale that weaves between three women: Cecilia, Lily, and Kristen. Each of them is at a pivotal point in their lives, grappling with transitions and the need to redefine themselves. Cecilia, a recent widow, is navigating the void left by her husband's passing. Lily, a recent medical school dropout, is at a crossroads in her career and personal life. Kristen, feeling isolated as the wife of a prominent surgeon, is contemplating an affair. All three find themselves in Cape Cod, where they unravel mysteries and make life-altering decisions.

I loved Cecilia and Lily’s stories, primarily, especially when those stories coincided early in the story. The relationship between the two women warmed my heart and made me happy. They are two like souls, and meeting each other pushes them into the next part of their lives with the love and support they have been lacking. Kristen’s story irritated me mostly because adultery is a small trigger for me, which made me unable to find sympathy for the character.

One of the highlights of the book is the relationship between Lily and Todd. Their journey from friends to lovers, a romance trope I typically find less appealing, is portrayed with such authenticity and depth that it became a favorite aspect of the story for me. Similarly, Kristen's relationship with her husband, which starts off on shaky ground, evolves in a way that feels genuine and relatable for their stage in life.

The Summer Swap is the perfect feel-good read for the warmer seasons.

If Something Happens to Me by Alex Finlay

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes

5.0

If Something Happens to Me by Alex Finlay is a thrilling rollercoaster that weaves a complex narrative. It follows the story of Ali, who mysteriously vanishes after her boyfriend Ryan was pulled from her car, only to have that car discovered in a local lake five years later. The narrative unfolds through three distinct plotlines, each contributing to the gripping climax of the story.

The mob plotline, a glimpse into a world driven by revenge, struck a deep emotional chord with me. It delves into the heart-wrenching aftermath of a middle school bullying incident, a tragedy that resonated deeply with me as a parent. It’s a poignant part of the story that I knew would lead to anything but a devastating outcome.

I also loved the pacing. I flew through this story just having to know how the plotlines were connected and what was going to happen next. I figured out some twists, while others caused my jaw to drop in surprise. I felt like the ending was an interesting, though not surprising, choice. And overall I enjoyed this newest Alex Finlay novel. They never disappoint!