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the_bookishkat's reviews
466 reviews
Lovestruck by Laura Jane Williams
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
4.25
I really enjoyed this book. I initially went in blind, and soon after realised what a mistake that was! I was so confused as to why there were two men but never referred to at the same time. Eventually, I realised that I was being an idiot, and once I'd grasped onto the parallel storylines, I really enjoyed the dynamics of the book.
Becca was such a fun character - I loved reading about her romantic adventures, and particularly loved her relationships with her friends, which felt so real! While the initial romances of both storylines felt slightly underwhelming to me, I think it made my enjoyment of her final choice so much more thrilling as the book really picked up pace 25% of the way through.
If you're after a fun, unique romance to quench your need for a summer book, this is the book for you!
Thanks to Penguin and NetGalley for early access to this book!
Becca was such a fun character - I loved reading about her romantic adventures, and particularly loved her relationships with her friends, which felt so real! While the initial romances of both storylines felt slightly underwhelming to me, I think it made my enjoyment of her final choice so much more thrilling as the book really picked up pace 25% of the way through.
If you're after a fun, unique romance to quench your need for a summer book, this is the book for you!
Thanks to Penguin and NetGalley for early access to this book!
Malibu Rising by Taylor Jenkins Reid
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Chosen Ones by Veronica Roth
adventurous
dark
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
4.5
Unladylike Lessons in Love by Amita Murray
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book was a good take on a Regency romance! Lila's character was brilliantly infused with just the right amount of confidence and kindness mixed together to get us to love her. I enjoyed her different adventures, and loved how headstrong she was.
That said, I did find myself less enthralled by the plot itself: it was somewhat predictable. Solving the crime felt jolted and easy, yet I will say I was surprised at how it was all resolved. Some sections of the eARC I was reading were very repetitive (although this may change!) and I felt as though a lot of the time we weren't truly learning anything new about the characters.
The epilogue, while setting up nicely for the rest of the series, seemed particularly rushed and shoehorned in. I wasn't that much of a fan at how quickly the two mains seemed to fall in love, especially as I thought at the start that it was leading to an enemies-to-lovers storyline.
However, I did enjoy it as an easy, fun read while I sat in my garden enjoying the sun - it's a good summer book for those looking to get a bit of a Regency fix!
Thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for early access to this book!
That said, I did find myself less enthralled by the plot itself: it was somewhat predictable. Solving the crime felt jolted and easy, yet I will say I was surprised at how it was all resolved. Some sections of the eARC I was reading were very repetitive (although this may change!) and I felt as though a lot of the time we weren't truly learning anything new about the characters.
The epilogue, while setting up nicely for the rest of the series, seemed particularly rushed and shoehorned in. I wasn't that much of a fan at how quickly the two mains seemed to fall in love, especially as I thought at the start that it was leading to an enemies-to-lovers storyline.
However, I did enjoy it as an easy, fun read while I sat in my garden enjoying the sun - it's a good summer book for those looking to get a bit of a Regency fix!
Thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for early access to this book!
Psyche and Eros by Luna McNamara
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I really liked this book! If you're after a gripping book that elegantly includes Greek myth while still retaining its own flair and originality, this is the book for you! I didn't feel like this book was attempting to be an exact echo of the original tale, instead it took its own unique journey, retaining enough threads of Greek tales to feel grounded while becoming engaging and fun.
I felt as though the characterisation was really good in this book: we were told just enough about each character to remain interested but without dwelling too much on personal details. The dual POVs were really well written with both characters' voices feeling different and consistent throughout.
I loved the different adventures that both Eros and Psyche were sent on - this added really regular pacing throughout which made it easy to read. I also loved that the story didn't rely on only one character to fight for their love - the best part was watching them both fight separately and realising that they truly loved one another.
Psyche as a character was amazing - I really rooted for her throughout the book, loving her brazenness and desire for adventure!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend for any reader wanting to delve into the Greek mythology trend at the moment - this was an easy, yet highly satisfying read for me to start with!
Thanks to Orion Books and NetGalley for early access to this book!
I felt as though the characterisation was really good in this book: we were told just enough about each character to remain interested but without dwelling too much on personal details. The dual POVs were really well written with both characters' voices feeling different and consistent throughout.
I loved the different adventures that both Eros and Psyche were sent on - this added really regular pacing throughout which made it easy to read. I also loved that the story didn't rely on only one character to fight for their love - the best part was watching them both fight separately and realising that they truly loved one another.
Psyche as a character was amazing - I really rooted for her throughout the book, loving her brazenness and desire for adventure!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and I highly recommend for any reader wanting to delve into the Greek mythology trend at the moment - this was an easy, yet highly satisfying read for me to start with!
Thanks to Orion Books and NetGalley for early access to this book!
Boy Parts by Eliza Clark
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Mother Sea by Lorraine Wilson
emotional
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
3.5
This was a brilliant book. Set on a speculative island ravaged by the effects of climate change, Mother Sea explores the dichotomy between faith and science in a beautifully written, thoughtful way.
The writing style flowed so well and was consistent throughout the book, making it easy to read without feeling jolted by the Dual POV. Both Sisi and Kit had their own voices and their personalities certainly shone through in their perspectives, but I did still feel like there was still a unity between them that made more sense as the book continued.
The setting was vividly described, I felt like I could imagine it in front of me right now, and I found the lore about Mother Sea and Brother Island fascinating, as it built the island up more in my imagination. My favourite part of the novel was seeing how both Sisi and Kit's characters learn from themselves and each other more and more as the book goes on - watching Sisi come to terms with her own beliefs and actions felt like a real journey that I was lucky to embark on.
Part of me is quite satisfied with the ending, it felt like a good place to end. And yet, another part of me is so desperate to see how their lives continue past that point - I'm desperate to know more. I think this is a sign of the book's excellence, the time progression of the book felt perfect and I was so invested in the twists and developments that letting it go seems hard.
Ultimately, this was an amazing book, and I really recommend it to everyone. If you're also thinking about how our futures might occur in the wake of climate change, this is definitely the book to get your brain whirring...
Thanks to Fairlight Books and NetGalley for early access to this book!
The writing style flowed so well and was consistent throughout the book, making it easy to read without feeling jolted by the Dual POV. Both Sisi and Kit had their own voices and their personalities certainly shone through in their perspectives, but I did still feel like there was still a unity between them that made more sense as the book continued.
The setting was vividly described, I felt like I could imagine it in front of me right now, and I found the lore about Mother Sea and Brother Island fascinating, as it built the island up more in my imagination. My favourite part of the novel was seeing how both Sisi and Kit's characters learn from themselves and each other more and more as the book goes on - watching Sisi come to terms with her own beliefs and actions felt like a real journey that I was lucky to embark on.
Part of me is quite satisfied with the ending, it felt like a good place to end. And yet, another part of me is so desperate to see how their lives continue past that point - I'm desperate to know more. I think this is a sign of the book's excellence, the time progression of the book felt perfect and I was so invested in the twists and developments that letting it go seems hard.
Ultimately, this was an amazing book, and I really recommend it to everyone. If you're also thinking about how our futures might occur in the wake of climate change, this is definitely the book to get your brain whirring...
Thanks to Fairlight Books and NetGalley for early access to this book!
Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
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
It has been years since I read a book this size in 24 hours, and even longer since I've sacrificed hours of my precious sleeping time to stay up and find out what happens. This book kept me up past midnight and if that isn't a sign that it was brilliant, I don't know what is. I think this might be my favourite book of all time and I'm already quite tempted to buy a physical copy when it releases and then immediately reread it.
Honestly, this book had better become the next big thing. Imagine Hunger Games, tailored for adults, meets A Court of Thorns and Roses and Divergent, then mix them together with Taylor Swift's The Great War. That is the best summary of this book that I can think of. I've already been recommending this to my friends who have recently been part of the Hunger Games revival and I can't wait to talk about it with everyone.
While the plot was vaguely predictable for me, I think that's possibly a sign of how good it was as it combined every trope and plot line that I could possibly think of into one gripping, unputdownable story. I loved Violet and her ability to be badass and inspiring, showing her full potential and overcoming fears while living with chronic pain. Especially her ability with the daggers - incredible and always made me smile! Xaden is such a complex character and I loved how we really only get slight reveals about him as we go through, it really added to the atmosphere of the plot.
The world building is incredible and so vivid - if this isn't made into a movie, I'll be so upset because Yarros' description is so detailed that I can visualise the scenes right now. The idea of the Quadrants are detailed enough to provide real depth to the story but not so complex that I felt like I couldn't keep up with the story.
Overall, this book was absolutely amazing and I truly recommend it to anyone seeking out their teenage YA dystopian vibes again but with adult characters and so much more depth to the romance side of the story. I can't wait until I pick this up again and until I can get my hands on book two!
Thanks to Little Brown and NetGalley for early access to this release!
Honestly, this book had better become the next big thing. Imagine Hunger Games, tailored for adults, meets A Court of Thorns and Roses and Divergent, then mix them together with Taylor Swift's The Great War. That is the best summary of this book that I can think of. I've already been recommending this to my friends who have recently been part of the Hunger Games revival and I can't wait to talk about it with everyone.
While the plot was vaguely predictable for me, I think that's possibly a sign of how good it was as it combined every trope and plot line that I could possibly think of into one gripping, unputdownable story. I loved Violet and her ability to be badass and inspiring, showing her full potential and overcoming fears while living with chronic pain. Especially her ability with the daggers - incredible and always made me smile! Xaden is such a complex character and I loved how we really only get slight reveals about him as we go through, it really added to the atmosphere of the plot.
The world building is incredible and so vivid - if this isn't made into a movie, I'll be so upset because Yarros' description is so detailed that I can visualise the scenes right now. The idea of the Quadrants are detailed enough to provide real depth to the story but not so complex that I felt like I couldn't keep up with the story.
Overall, this book was absolutely amazing and I truly recommend it to anyone seeking out their teenage YA dystopian vibes again but with adult characters and so much more depth to the romance side of the story. I can't wait until I pick this up again and until I can get my hands on book two!
Thanks to Little Brown and NetGalley for early access to this release!
Warrior Girl Unearthed by Angeline Boulley
adventurous
emotional
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
This was a brilliantly emotional and adventurous book - one for everyone to read! Following Perry Firekeeper-Birch through her summer of work, discovery and community was a quick, yet important and heart-warming read.
Boulley's insights into Ojibwe culture was absolutely fascinating and I loved the use of language to really bring an authenticity to the book's voice. I loved learning throughout the book about the different customs and objects they use in their everyday lives, as well as the importance of repatriation of stolen objects, artefacts and people.
As a reader, the plot was gripping - Perry never stops adding on adventures and something's always there to change it up. You get to witness some very thrilling heists while also loving the characters and community that Perry is introduced to throughout the book. Also, Perry as a person is so cool - I loved seeing her make split decisions that I know I could never make myself and then when they succeeded, I was so happy for her!
At times, this didn't necessarily feel like a YA book, except for the ages of the characters. It deals with some very heavy topics, but I felt that this was done in a considerate and educational way. Each of the characters really develops as the narrative goes on, but I felt that Perry in particular felt like such a more mature and rounded character by the end of the novel while still retaining her defining traits.
Overall, this was an excellent book that I really recommend to everybody. It has something for everyone: mystery solving, beautiful friendships, heists and moral learnings. Make sure you check out this book!
Thanks to Oneworld and NetGalley for early access to this book!
Boulley's insights into Ojibwe culture was absolutely fascinating and I loved the use of language to really bring an authenticity to the book's voice. I loved learning throughout the book about the different customs and objects they use in their everyday lives, as well as the importance of repatriation of stolen objects, artefacts and people.
As a reader, the plot was gripping - Perry never stops adding on adventures and something's always there to change it up. You get to witness some very thrilling heists while also loving the characters and community that Perry is introduced to throughout the book. Also, Perry as a person is so cool - I loved seeing her make split decisions that I know I could never make myself and then when they succeeded, I was so happy for her!
At times, this didn't necessarily feel like a YA book, except for the ages of the characters. It deals with some very heavy topics, but I felt that this was done in a considerate and educational way. Each of the characters really develops as the narrative goes on, but I felt that Perry in particular felt like such a more mature and rounded character by the end of the novel while still retaining her defining traits.
Overall, this was an excellent book that I really recommend to everybody. It has something for everyone: mystery solving, beautiful friendships, heists and moral learnings. Make sure you check out this book!
Thanks to Oneworld and NetGalley for early access to this book!