tessa_talks_books's reviews
1138 reviews

It Had to Be You by Mary Higgins Clark, Alafair Burke

4.0

The Dragon in Winter by Jonathan Maberry

5.0

 The Dragon in Winter, the third book in the Kagen the Damned series, is a compelling conclusion to Jonathan Maberry’s epic saga. Maberry’s unique style is a delightful blend of Tolkien-like fantasy, Arthurian legend, Monty Python hijinks, Stephen King horror, and Holmesian mystery, creating a narrative that is both familiar and refreshingly original. 

The story features a vast array of characters, each meaningfully developed. Some characters persist throughout the story, while others meet their tragic demise, serving the tale’s progression. Dragons, elves, fairies, witches, and various monsters adds to the richness of this fantastical world. This book stands out as something genuinely different from anything I have read, and I'm sure it will excite and intrigue any fantasy literature enthusiast.

My anticipation for this installment of the Kagen trilogy was high, as I couldn’t wait to discover who would ultimately prevail. Maberry masterfully keeps readers guessing until the very end. The story concludes just as it began, focusing on family and its complexities.

I will greatly miss some of my favorite characters who now disappear behind the book covers. Kagen, Tuke, Filia, Jheklan, and Faulkner, along with many others, kept me heartily entertained throughout the series. 

Slow Dance by Rainbow Rowell
Did not finish book. Stopped at 20%.

Too slow for my taste

The Break-Up Pact by Emma Lord

4.0

One-word review:  Angsty-fun

Emojis: 🥺🫠🤨🥰

Rating: 4 🌟s

The Top Ten things that stood out to me about The Breakup Pact:

• I adore the cover! It's the perfect confectionary creation for a fun summer read.
• The epilogue is a fitting ending for the story. It's everything I hoped it would be and more.
• I don't know about a tea and scone shop on the boardwalk. Usually, you find cold beverages, not hot, on a beach's boardwalk, so that was a little strange to me.
• The use of social media in the breakup and fake dating stories is not just current, it's also incredibly appropriate. It adds a layer of authenticity to the narrative, making it more relatable to the readers.
• I love the fake dating trope. It's fun, creative, and full of delicious angst.
• June's relatability and her deep friendship with Sana are the heart of The Breakup Pact. The author's skillful character development makes them feel like real people you might know, rather than characters in a book.
• While the pacing of The Breakup Pact was slower than I typically prefer, it was in line with the childhood-friends-to-lovers storyline. This pace, while not my usual cup of tea, added depth to the characters and their relationships.
• I loved the setting! It feels so quaint and coastal, which is my absolute favorite setting.
• I had a hard time with Levi. I didn't necessarily feel he was any better for June than her ex-boyfriend.  I couldn't connect or sympathize with his choices.
• The aspect I loved best about The Breakup Pact is the poignant understory. It's a surprising element that brings depth to the current tale, keeping the readers engaged as the characters grow and develop through their grief over June's sister's death.

 

Carl's Doomsday Scenario by Matt Dinniman

4.5

One-word review:  Deeper

Emojis: 🤣🥹😟😥

Rating:  4.5 🌟s

Top Ten Things that stood out about the book:

• Book 2 is less focused than Book 1 but worth the resulting development.
• The pace slows down, especially with all the backstory and reflection, but I didn't mind it. It actually felt needed at this point.
• The aliens persist in being an enigma. More is learned in Book 2, but much more is needed to understand the force behind this death and destruction.
• Book 2 delves deep into the moral dilemmas faced in this story, presenting them with depth and introspection that elevates the narrative beyond a mere fun story, stimulating the intellect and engaging the reader's mind.
• The exploration of Carl's past in Book 2 is a beautiful addition that enriches the character, adding a new layer of depth.
• The wit of the dialogue and achievements and the cleverness of the problem-solving continue to be a delight.
• The list of the top ten contestants posted near the end is endlessly thought-provoking.
• The development of challenges in Book 2 is as fascinating as it is disturbing, creating a sense of unease and anticipation that keeps the reader intrigued and on the edge of their seats.
• I still love the sassy Princess Donut above all else, and the combination of Carl and Donut continues to bring me much joy.
• I loved the story and world development. This second book shows excellent depth as feelings begin to turn rightfully melancholy over their situation, fostering a deep connection and empathy with the characters.

 

Made for You by Jenna Satterthwaite

3.75

 Made for You by Jenna Satterwaite is an exceptional thriller that combines a page-turning mystery with tough social topics and a compelling, masterfully developed main character. The fast-paced plot kept me on the edge of my seat, eagerly turning the pages.  As usual, I can't go into too much detail since I would never want to give away any spoilers or hint at this novel's incredible twists and turns. But do know it has them, and my jaw is still on the floor over a few.

However, I can tell you that I loved how the serious topics covered in this story feel so authentic, with all the levels of gray that come with being human, feeling love, and experiencing empathy. It is simply masterful. These sensitive topics are artfully woven into a fast-paced thriller plot that kept me on the edge of my seat. 

Note: It's important to note that this novel delves into very dark and sensitive topics. If abuse in relationships is a trigger for you, I would advise against reading this book. 

On the Bright Side by Anna Sortino

3.75

On the Bright Side by Anna Sortino is the story of Ellie and Jackson during a tough time.  Ellie’s deaf boarding school had to shut down, meaning that Ellie had to transition to a mainstream school for her senior year.  On the other hand, Jackson has been a star athlete in the same mainstream school that Ellie is transitioning to, when his legs start going numb for no apparent reason and right in the middle of a pivotal game. His senior year becomes one where he has to learn to live with a devastating diagnosis.  As they navigate the challenges of their senior year, Ellie and Jackson meet, and the chemistry is palpable. But with societal prejudices, personal insecurities, and the fear of losing each other, is it just the right place but the wrong time to meet, or can something more bloom?

I found Jackson’s story particularly moving. I felt instant compassion for him and all that he was going through. His parents are a little much, but I could tell it was all out of love.

Ellie is a little spitfire, with a fierce determination to succeed despite her hearing impairment. I respected her position in school and life, unwavering independence, and refusal to be pitied. However, she wasn’t as approachable and definitely wasn’t as sympathetic. To be fair, I doubt she would want mine or anyone else’s sympathy.

On the Bright Side is a profoundly authentic narrative that mirrors the real-life experiences of its readers. The story of Ellie and Jackson, their challenges, and their journey towards love and acceptance, is a testament to the human spirit. It is a story that will surely resonate with readers, leaving a lasting impression on their hearts and minds.

Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman

5.0

So many thoughts are going through my head about the Dungeon Crawler Carl series and its first book. First off, I loved it and am totally addicted to it. I was lucky enough to get a bag with an important catchphrase from the story, but now I want a T-shirt, coffee mug, and any other merchandise that someone thinks to put it on. I want everyone to stop me and ask me what it means so I can tell them about the series they need to read.

What did I love most?   That's a tough one, but it's probably Donut because that hilarious cat is the heart of this series, infusing it with a unique charm and humor that sets it apart from any other story.  The dynamic duo of Donut and Carl delivers laugh-out-loud moments, glorious snarky dialogue, and so many thrills.  Individually, the characters are interesting, but together, they are simply remarkable.

Do you need to be a gamer to appreciate this story?  As a self-confessed gamer, it's hard for me to say definitively, but I believe it's a story that all can enjoy. While some humor might resonate more with those familiar with RPG-style games, the story is crafted to be accessible to all, offering a unique blend of snark and action.  It's a genre-bending tale that defies expectations and has something to offer everyone.

If you're a fan of high-octane thrillers with plenty of unexpected twists and turns, and you're ready to dive into a wild world brimming with fantasy and sci-fi elements, then this book is a must-read. Brace yourself for a rollercoaster ride of a story that will keep you on the edge of your seat, eager to turn the next page!

Only One Survives by Hannah Mary McKinnon

4.25

Only One Survives, a gripping psychological thriller by Hannah Mary McKinnon, unfolds a suspenseful narrative.  The story revolves around Vienna, who narrates most of the events from her perspective.  It's a dual-timeline saga of a girl with a tumultuous past carving her path in the music industry until a tragic car accident involving the entire band changes everything.

There's a wealth of details I'm eager to share, but I'm mindful of the need to avoid spoilers.  This story is easily spoiled, but I've taken great care to respect your reading experience. These are the best kind of thrillers, after all! You can trust that I won't give away any crucial plot points.

The character development in this book is truly captivating. The characters are multi-layered, adding to the tragic, disturbing, yet thrilling nature of the story.  

The fast-paced narrative is filled with shocking twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. This book is a rollercoaster of suspense and thrill, from the tragic car accident to the revelations about the characters' past.  What thriller addict (like me)  doesn't love that?

Lastly, I'm still thinking about that ending, and it's been days since I finished the book.  I won't spoil it, but I will say that it's a fitting conclusion to the story. The characters are developed so well that it's easy to feel empathy for them, and the ending ties up their arcs in a specific way - whether it's satisfying or not - you will just have to decide for yourself. It's a testament to the book's lasting impact, that I'm still reflecting on it.

The Night Ends with Fire by K.X. Song

medium-paced

4.0

I gave my reading experience ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

I loved the Asian-inspired fantasy world, the magic and mythical creatures, and the immersive world-building.

However, I thought the character development could use a little more attention, and the ending was not to my liking. I hope there will be a second book because I’d hate for the story to end like that, but I don’t know that a second book is planned.

My opinion is a bit mixed, but overall, I enjoyed it and am in love with the attention and the beautiful physical edition that was given.