thattheatrekid's reviews
104 reviews

Verity by Colleen Hoover

dark mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

2.5

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.75

Wow, just wow! I truly loved this book and read it nonstop until it was finished. The concept was intriguing. The only thing was the world building was slightly confusing/underdeveloped (a map would have been helpful - like is this dystopian earth or a different world?), and the characters could have had more depth. I did care about them but it felt like everyone was more developed than Mare (who was kind of entitled honestly). I didn’t like the love triangle very much and the entire romance thing was unnecessary if you ask me. Yes, it mattered to the plot, but it could have been done differently. It feels like just because the main character is female, she has to be involved in some romance.

Before I read this book I knew there would be a big plot twist/betrayal but I didn’t know who it was. Maven did make the ideal betrayal character, though at the end he didn’t seem to have the greatest motive besides “I’m evil and I want power mwahahah!”

Don’t get me wrong, I LOVED this book and can’t wait to read the rest; it just could have improved on some things.

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

adventurous lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing medium-paced

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

3.75

Truthfully, I had expected a bit more from this book. The mystery itself was very interesting to read (though it was put on hold a few times in favor of a very random subplot and romance), but it moved way too slowly in the middle. I didn’t like the romance at all; it was awkward, distracting and annoying. It would be much better if the grandsons and Avery were just friends — although I only really liked Xander. The mystery felt predictable but just barely not enough so that you keep reading. Avery was a flat protagonist; she came across as a not-like-other-girls girl instead of a smart teen who wanted to be left alone (which is what the author was going for, I think). Still, the cliffhanger was decent and I will be continuing the series in hopes that it gets more streamlined.

Sophie's World: A Novel about the History of Philosophy by Jostein Gaarder
Did not finish book. Stopped at 35%.

I think I was too young at the time, and though mildly interested in the philosophy, I was mainly hooked on the plot of the story. Now that I’m older I think I’d enjoy the ideas much more and I’ll give it another go when I have the time.

The Smoke Thieves by Sally Green

adventurous dark emotional inspiring mysterious 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

4.75

After a dry spell of reading several books that were either downright terrible or mediocre, this one was a breath of fresh air. I loved everything about it. The characters’ stories intertwined in a masterful way and not much of the plot was predictable. The world building was deep and extremely believable. I especially loved Catherine’s character development and arc in general, though I cared for each of the characters. The themes were pronounced and recognizable, but subtle enough that they didn’t sacrifice the story to make a point. I can’t wait to dive headfirst into the rest of the series! Read this book, you won’t regret it. It reminded me of the Mistborn series.

The only reason I had to deduct a quarter of a point was that the author could have been more original with the swearing. All the characters speak with such graceful eloquence right up until they swear; then they assume the language of an American redneck. Only two swear words were used, and they were used over and over again by multiple characters, and the words were very out of place with the rest of the language. It wouldn’t have been hard to invent some foreign swear words or slurs is all.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Cursing and Gore

The Marked Girl by Lindsey Klingele

adventurous emotional lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

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

3.75

I loved how this book combined the real world and fantasy - almost like Enchanted, though not nearly as whimsical. I liked how all the characters seemed fleshed out and had their own distinct voices, except for some of the ones at the end, like Peter. The end was a bit rushed and quite incoherent plot wise. I found myself not really caring about the characters, as they weren’t super loveable. I appreciated the occasional comic relief though to keep it lighthearted.

At the beginning I liked Cedric and Liv’s romance; it was cute, but by the end it was both annoying and anticlimactic, especially with the added complication of Kat. She could have shone a lot more in the story, considering she’s supposed to be Cedric’s best friend, but instead she came across more as a devoted bodyguard than a betrothed close friend. Throughout the book I got tired of hearing about how exciting it was that some body part of Cedric’s was barely touching Liv and she didn’t dare move; like get on with the story please. 

Overall a decent read to kill time but I’m still deciding if I should invest my time in the sequel.

As You Wish by Chelsea Sedoti

emotional inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

3.25

This book moved fast for having so little action. I think Eldon was sort of a jerk but also not as much as people are saying; he’s just a complicated, realistic character. I thought the ending was satisfying and I would have wished for the same thing. Generally though there was not much action and some ends were left untied, such as where the three missing people went (were they murdered? Just arrested?). Pretty average but I won’t be rereading. I had expected a more exotic plot but the entirety of the story happened in the small town.

The Paladin Prophecy by Mark Frost

adventurous hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious relaxing medium-paced

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

3.0

This was an interesting read! The author seemed to rush it though and I feel like I couldn’t clearly picture much of anything in my mind due to lack of description. The conversations were often mundane, followed by quick bursts of action. The characters didn’t have clear voices either (one moment speaking in a sophisticated way and the other next going “WTF!” or “Oh, fudge”), and the involvement of the supernatural just made the plot more confusing. Dave was never fully explained, nor the monsters. I also felt detached from the characters and didn’t care much about them. Despite all that this was a nice concept. I probably won’t be reading the sequels though.

Opposite of Always by Justin A. Reynolds

adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

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

2.0

This book dragged on and on and on. I read the same story 5 times. The reason Jack would go back in time was never revealed, and it was a struggle to push through. The first half of the book alone was way too long and only provided the setup. I will not be reading this again. Interesting concept but terrible execution unfortunately.

A World Without Princes by Soman Chainani

adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

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

4.0

Good book! I liked the second half better than the first. Some things (like Tristan) were very predictable but it’s a kids book so who am I to complain? I’m getting tired of the is-Sophie-good-or-not shenanigans, they’re getting old. I wish there were a more creative villain as well. But overall an exciting read and I look forward to the next, though something tells me this will be my favorite.