thatonelibrarygirl's reviews
332 reviews

One of Us Is Lying by Karen M. McManus

mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• 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

Didn’t hold my attention in terms of that I-can’t-wait-to-pick-it-up-again feeling. This is a teen book and is clearly written as such. While I don’t mind reading teen books, I was hoping for a more mature writing style. I can understand why it’s popular with the demographic for which it’s written, though. I’ll recommend it for teens at the library looking for a murder mystery. 

Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

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

5.0

Absolutely wonderful. One of the best books I’ve read/listened to! Very much highly recommend the audio for this- the narrator for Marcellus does such a great job- I really was listening to an octopus speak it seemed. Not the typical kind of book I pick up, but I 100% understand the hype. 

Paper Planes by Jennie Wood

lighthearted reflective slow-paced

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

4.0

Not exactly a keep-me-up-page-turner, but cute! Really refreshing to see an ace character in a teen graphic novel. The timeline jumps from present to past and back and forth; that doesn’t always appeal to me, and I’m not sure it was necessary for the storytelling of these characters. But I enjoyed this nonetheless. 

A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted reflective medium-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

 I did NOT think I’d be into this book- Nesta and Cassian’s story. However, once I got past my mental block, I loved it! This book had me laughing out loud, yelling at the characters, and crying (albeit silently). 

The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose

funny lighthearted mysterious 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

4.0

 Audiobook recommendation.

In November, my book club read The Maid and had a lively discussion about all things Molly Gray. Some of the discussion circled around Molly's quirks, habits, and demeanor. A few folks had a really hard time believing that Molly's speech patterns would be appropriate for a maid. I disagreed and was intrigued to read The Mystery Guest next. I really enjoyed learning about Molly's upbringing and how that shaped her viewpoints. However, I did find myself questioning comments or behaviors through the lens of my fellow book clubbers. Overall, this is a good book, and I'd recommend listening to it on audio! 

Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros

adventurous emotional funny hopeful 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? It's complicated

4.0

Is this a brilliantly worded piece of writing? No. Does it fulfill its purpose of providing a swoon-worthy dose of escapism? Absolutely. I can tell it was hastily written, but I’m not going to sit here and mark it a 2 based on the quality of the grammar and word play. I am, however, going to rate it based on its ability to pull me in and hold me under while riding the waves of the plot and these characters. I was captivated by the twists and especially by the end. Once again, I’ll be waiting until the next book comes out. 

The Maid by Nita Prose

funny lighthearted mysterious 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? Yes

4.5

I listened to the audio of this on Spotify Premium. The missing half star is a reaction to the excessive descriptors and details of every scene, wardrobe, feeling, etc. I fully understand the intention and the necessity of these details, but it’s just not my style. I thought I had the death of Mr. Black solved, but Nita threw a wrench in that at the very end. I already have the second in the series on hold at my local library and am eagerly waiting the release. Highly recommend this novel! 

A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas

lighthearted reflective slow-paced

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

5.0

 Short novella, cute. Lighthearted insight of how the solstice is celebrated in Velaris. Reminiscent of Christmas traditions. Cute. 

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous challenging dark hopeful 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

 #3 down…. I can’t stop reading these adventures and falling in love with these characters! I laughed, I cried, and I slammed the book with anger. That’s how you know a book has you tightly in its grasp. 

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective 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? It's complicated

5.0

I don’t know what to say. Not as spicy as I had expected (or hoped), but I 100% can see why this was republished per the author as adult, not teen. Was never intended to be teen. Can’t wait to dig into the next!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

Moderate: Gore