the_bookish_owl's reviews
1554 reviews

The Last House on Needless Street by Catriona Ward

dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Mental illness, Blood, Death of parent, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail

Not for the Faint of Heart by Lex Croucher

adventurous emotional funny inspiring 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

4.0

The Death Sculptor by Chris Carter

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror, Death, Drug abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: Rape, Terminal illness

Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree

emotional funny lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing 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

So Thrilled For You by Holly Bourne

emotional reflective tense fast-paced

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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Infertility, Miscarriage, Medical trauma, Pregnancy

Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Fire/Fire injury

Minor: Self harm

Birth

Tea You at the Altar by Rebecca Thorne

adventurous lighthearted reflective fast-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? No

5.0

Girl A by Abigail Dean

dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

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

3.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse

I Have Something to Tell You: The most thought-provoking, captivating fiction novel of 2021 from bestselling author Susan Lewis by Susan Lewis

dark emotional mysterious tense 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? It's complicated

3.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Infidelity, Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Murder

Moderate: Suicide attempt

Minor: Child death

Don't Let The Forest In by C.G. Drews

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-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? It's complicated

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror, Eating disorder, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Blood, Vomit

After Life by Gayle Forman

emotional mysterious reflective sad tense 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

3.0