thatonelibrarygirl's reviews
332 reviews

The Turnout by Megan Abbott

dark tense slow-paced

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

3.5

Interesting, suspenseful novel. I enjoyed a behind-the-scenes look at ballet schools. However, I don’t think this should be genrefied as a thriller- not very thrilling. Twist and information at the end definitely had me raising my eyebrows- wasn’t expecting that.

Shrink by Rachel M. Thomas

challenging emotional reflective fast-paced

4.0

Rating based on my reaction to the reading, not the authors’ experiences. I wasn’t expecting the historical facts to be sprinkled in as strongly as they were. I wanted more about her experiences and the struggles with her ED. As someone with an ED and ED-tendencies, I found this super relatable and heartbreaking. Lots of internal thoughts brought to the surface for me.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body shaming, Eating disorder, Fatphobia, Dysphoria

Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel

adventurous dark slow-paced

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

3.0

Giving this a 3-star review, but I ultimately don’t know how to rate it. I think it’s something that I’ll think about now and again, which says to me that it’s good. However, it’s bleak for the entire book and I really wanted more from this novel. I suppose the characters are interesting, but the focus on a dead actor (from the first few pages, not a spoiler) carries through the entire book and I don’t know the purpose of that. Eh, it’s alright.

King Cheer by Molly Horton Booth, Stephanie Kate Strohm

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Last book of 2024! This was cute. I forgot how much I miss light graphic novels. 

Twelfth Grade Night by Molly Horton Booth, Stephanie Kate Strohm

funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

It’s cute. Queer teen love story. But also about finding yourself in high school. Enjoyed the Shakespearean nods.

For the Throne by Hannah Whitten

adventurous challenging emotional tense slow-paced

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

3.0

This took me FOREVER to read. The slowness of the plot meant I could stop, read another book, and come back without feeling like I was missing anything. And why am I always drawn to the bad boys? Rhys, Solmir… sigh. 

*SPOILERS*

I’m irritated that this entire duology came down to the twins dying. Granted, they came back to life… with Arick??  The last quarter of the book felt rushed- like the author needed to tie up loose ends. But Arick’s ends weren’t loose. I don’t know- I have mixed feelings about this book and now I’m mostly glad I can move on to another story. 

None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

5.0

Well, well. I thought I had it all figured out because I read thrillers like this often. However, the very last two pages threw a wrench in my thought process. Very reminiscent of the end of Verity, I’m questioning everything. The title, None of This is True, is both deceiving and intriguing. Great job, Lisa.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Murder

Moderate: Pedophilia, Sexual assault

Minor: Ableism

The Pairing by Casey McQuiston

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective 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

Heart-wrenching, hopeful, spicy… all the best parts of a love story rolled into one. I’m jealous of this fictitious cast of characters and their delightful journey!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

Minor: Death of parent

Extras by Scott Westerfeld

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

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

2.5

As I predicted after Specials, this wasn't a necessary book. Taking place a handful of years after the previous book and in a different location, it seemed disjointed and out of place. What I didn't like is Tally's character also seemed harsher than her character in the three previous books. The series definitely could've stopped at book three. 

Specials by Scott Westerfeld

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Well… this one was interesting. I’m not sure how there’s a fourth book. This one wrapped it all up in a little bow and everything. Reading the synopsis of Extras, it sounds more like a spin off than a continuation. We shall see.