Scan barcode
the_bookishkat's reviews
466 reviews
House of Sky and Breath by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
emotional
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
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.5
The Situationship by Taylor-Dior Rumble
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.0
This was an amazingly funny read - one that is heavily relatable to anyone who has been through the toils of online apps and dating.
I absolutely loved the characters, and the depth that Rumble gives each one. Harking back to Bridget Jones, Tia is a brilliantly charismatic character who I loved as the main character. She's funny, she's energetic and most importantly, she's brutally honest about her life.
As a romcom, it was the perfect read for the 'sort-of' summer we ended up with, and I LOVED how empowering the aspects of Tia's life and the way she navigates her solutions was. Overall, Rumble's written an incredible book and I can't wait to read more in the future!
I absolutely loved the characters, and the depth that Rumble gives each one. Harking back to Bridget Jones, Tia is a brilliantly charismatic character who I loved as the main character. She's funny, she's energetic and most importantly, she's brutally honest about her life.
As a romcom, it was the perfect read for the 'sort-of' summer we ended up with, and I LOVED how empowering the aspects of Tia's life and the way she navigates her solutions was. Overall, Rumble's written an incredible book and I can't wait to read more in the future!
The Familiars by Stacey Halls
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Masters of Death by Olivie Blake
challenging
emotional
funny
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? Yes
5.0
Olivie Blake strikes yet again. Every book I read of hers embeds itself into my soul more and more. Masters of Death is a witty insight into the meaning of life and coming to terms with yourself, and the concept of the creatures being around in the world sent my mind spinning! I've never wanted to not be a mortal so much in my life...
The writing style is so classically Blake, and yet every book she writes, the prose takes on a different style that gives you a hungover-like feeling when you put the book down. The perspectives of this book, the different characters and the quick-witted dialogue all combines to make a perfect book.
I LOVED the world-building and concept of the book - every element that leads you up to the game, and learning how each character has to come to terms with something new quite early in the book, whether its becoming undead or finding a long-lost love, makes this book so beautifully chaotic. I wouldn't want it any other way.
I truly want to know how Blake comes up with these ideas in her mind because they single-handedly manage to represent every single existential crisis you could have about life, and then presents them to you in such awe-inspiring, quotable prose that you wonder why you never considered these before.
Ultimately, this is another perfect book from Blake. If there's one author you need to read in your life, it's 100% Olivie Blake and you should do it sooner rather than later.
Thanks to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for early access to this book!
The writing style is so classically Blake, and yet every book she writes, the prose takes on a different style that gives you a hungover-like feeling when you put the book down. The perspectives of this book, the different characters and the quick-witted dialogue all combines to make a perfect book.
I LOVED the world-building and concept of the book - every element that leads you up to the game, and learning how each character has to come to terms with something new quite early in the book, whether its becoming undead or finding a long-lost love, makes this book so beautifully chaotic. I wouldn't want it any other way.
I truly want to know how Blake comes up with these ideas in her mind because they single-handedly manage to represent every single existential crisis you could have about life, and then presents them to you in such awe-inspiring, quotable prose that you wonder why you never considered these before.
Ultimately, this is another perfect book from Blake. If there's one author you need to read in your life, it's 100% Olivie Blake and you should do it sooner rather than later.
Thanks to Pan Macmillan and NetGalley for early access to this book!
The Sun and the Void by Gabriela Romero Lacruz
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-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
3.75
I really enjoyed reading this book! It's a dark, twisted fantasy novel that immerses you into the depths of South America where faith and hope become something that you'd never expect...
The characters of this novel were excellent - where the POVs changed, I felt like we got a really good insight into their deepest parts of their souls, and learned what truly made them who they were. This then meant that each choice the character made felt so accurate to their personalities and I couldn't stop rooting for each of them at different points!
The folklore of the novel is what truly makes it special - the world-building is so expansive and detailed that I could genuinely picture every single setting. Some of the foods had me practically drooling as I read this, and the use of family categories at the start really helped me understand where each character was from and what their role was.
Ultimately, this is a really detailed, beautifully written book and I am excited to see where it goes next. It took me a while to truly get into it as I was so certain that I wanted to absorb every detail, so now that we'll get future books in the same world, hopefully I'll fly through those!
Thanks to Daphne Press and NetGalley for early access to this book!
The characters of this novel were excellent - where the POVs changed, I felt like we got a really good insight into their deepest parts of their souls, and learned what truly made them who they were. This then meant that each choice the character made felt so accurate to their personalities and I couldn't stop rooting for each of them at different points!
The folklore of the novel is what truly makes it special - the world-building is so expansive and detailed that I could genuinely picture every single setting. Some of the foods had me practically drooling as I read this, and the use of family categories at the start really helped me understand where each character was from and what their role was.
Ultimately, this is a really detailed, beautifully written book and I am excited to see where it goes next. It took me a while to truly get into it as I was so certain that I wanted to absorb every detail, so now that we'll get future books in the same world, hopefully I'll fly through those!
Thanks to Daphne Press and NetGalley for early access to this book!
Girl, Goddess, Queen by Bea Fitzgerald
adventurous
funny
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
4.75
I LOVED this book. Between the story's beautifully-written characters who worm their way into your heart the second you meet them, to the incredible world building of the Greek mythological world, this book was a delight to read.
Who doesn't love a Hades and Persephone retelling? This book was also a brilliant way to test my knowledge and understanding of the original story, I found myself shocked at certain elements that happened and pleasantly surprised when I could predict outcomes! The modern elements to the story, namely the language and the attitudes of Hades and Persephone, really added a fun element to the writing - I felt like Persephone's angst and anger really shone through when she could express herself in a new way...
If you're looking for a book that will make you smile as you read it, that has the perfect romance storyline weaved throughout, and that reassures you that one day you will always find your way and your home, this is the one for you! Absolute brilliance in a book, and I can't wait to read future Fitzgerald novels.
Thanks to Penguin Random House Children's and NetGalley for early access to this book!
Who doesn't love a Hades and Persephone retelling? This book was also a brilliant way to test my knowledge and understanding of the original story, I found myself shocked at certain elements that happened and pleasantly surprised when I could predict outcomes! The modern elements to the story, namely the language and the attitudes of Hades and Persephone, really added a fun element to the writing - I felt like Persephone's angst and anger really shone through when she could express herself in a new way...
If you're looking for a book that will make you smile as you read it, that has the perfect romance storyline weaved throughout, and that reassures you that one day you will always find your way and your home, this is the one for you! Absolute brilliance in a book, and I can't wait to read future Fitzgerald novels.
Thanks to Penguin Random House Children's and NetGalley for early access to this book!
Icebreaker by Hannah Grace
funny
lighthearted
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
4.5
Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs
adventurous
mysterious
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
4.0
I really enjoyed this book! Törzs has created a world in which magic is present in special books, powered by the blood of Scribes. We follow two sisters as they attempt to navigate their place in this magical world and discover a few secrets and plot twists along the way!
I loved the characters of this book - my favourite has to have been Joanna, I feel like she's been so misunderstood for following what she knows for years and it was great to see everything finally come to light. I also loved the other characters that we get introduced to along the way and found that they really added to the dynamics of the book. I was worried that the sisters wouldn't really gel in a way that got the book's pace flowing, but the other characters really helped that along.
In terms of the world and plot, this was my favourite part. I loved the concept of the magical books, especially the vampiric book, and was really intrigued to see where the plot would go throughout. Several elements of the plot really surprised me and I read the second half of the book in one sitting.
My only quibble with the book was its pacing/format about three-quarters of the way through. At points, it felt like the plot was taking its time, setting us up for an interesting series of books where different book-related adventures would happen. Then, at other points, it became more and more clear that this is likely to be a standalone, and I felt like the plot started becoming confusing by these points. It felt like at times it really sped up to fit everything in, and then at others it took its time to explain in detail certain elements or scenes.
Ultimately, I think I'd have actually preferred this as a series as I loved the world-building that much, but as far as I'm aware, no future books have been announced. This is a fun new fantasy book that had me gripped and intrigued to see what turn it would take next, and I can't wait to see where Törzs' future work goes...
Thanks to Penguin Books and NetGalley for early access to this ARC!
I loved the characters of this book - my favourite has to have been Joanna, I feel like she's been so misunderstood for following what she knows for years and it was great to see everything finally come to light. I also loved the other characters that we get introduced to along the way and found that they really added to the dynamics of the book. I was worried that the sisters wouldn't really gel in a way that got the book's pace flowing, but the other characters really helped that along.
In terms of the world and plot, this was my favourite part. I loved the concept of the magical books, especially the vampiric book, and was really intrigued to see where the plot would go throughout. Several elements of the plot really surprised me and I read the second half of the book in one sitting.
My only quibble with the book was its pacing/format about three-quarters of the way through. At points, it felt like the plot was taking its time, setting us up for an interesting series of books where different book-related adventures would happen. Then, at other points, it became more and more clear that this is likely to be a standalone, and I felt like the plot started becoming confusing by these points. It felt like at times it really sped up to fit everything in, and then at others it took its time to explain in detail certain elements or scenes.
Ultimately, I think I'd have actually preferred this as a series as I loved the world-building that much, but as far as I'm aware, no future books have been announced. This is a fun new fantasy book that had me gripped and intrigued to see what turn it would take next, and I can't wait to see where Törzs' future work goes...
Thanks to Penguin Books and NetGalley for early access to this ARC!
Sing Me to Sleep by Gabi Burton
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
4.5
I devoured this book in one evening! Absolute brilliance within a book.
Firstly, the premise is amazing - Saoirse's life as a Siren is so intriguing and I love how badass she was. It never felt like she just relied on her beauty, and the discussion of the internal conflicts that it provided her with felt honest and genuinely interesting.
The characters were so great, I loved meeting each one of them and learning more about them, especially Saoirse, Hayes and Rain! The magic-system of the world seemed well thought through and I thought that we were told enough to set it up without it feeling boring or overwhelming.
The plot of this book genuinely had me gasping at points, I could not get enough once I'd got into the book. One thing that knocked the rating down ever so slightly was the lack of romance in the book: I felt on tenterhooks the whole book and then was a little underwhelmed. However, now that I've confirmed that this is the first in a series, I don't mind, as I'm sure we'll get more in future releases! Just don't go in expecting the romance to be solidified by the end, you're left on edge the whole time!
Ultimately, this was a brilliant debut and I highly recommend that everyone picks up this book! I can't wait to see what Gabi Burton releases next...
A huge thanks to Hodderscape and NetGalley for early access to this book!
Firstly, the premise is amazing - Saoirse's life as a Siren is so intriguing and I love how badass she was. It never felt like she just relied on her beauty, and the discussion of the internal conflicts that it provided her with felt honest and genuinely interesting.
The characters were so great, I loved meeting each one of them and learning more about them, especially Saoirse, Hayes and Rain! The magic-system of the world seemed well thought through and I thought that we were told enough to set it up without it feeling boring or overwhelming.
The plot of this book genuinely had me gasping at points, I could not get enough once I'd got into the book. One thing that knocked the rating down ever so slightly was the lack of romance in the book: I felt on tenterhooks the whole book and then was a little underwhelmed. However, now that I've confirmed that this is the first in a series, I don't mind, as I'm sure we'll get more in future releases! Just don't go in expecting the romance to be solidified by the end, you're left on edge the whole time!
Ultimately, this was a brilliant debut and I highly recommend that everyone picks up this book! I can't wait to see what Gabi Burton releases next...
A huge thanks to Hodderscape and NetGalley for early access to this book!