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the_bookishkat's reviews
466 reviews
The American Roommate Experiment by Elena Armas
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
Babel by R.F. Kuang
challenging
dark
emotional
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
This book has a truly powerful concept that intrinsically critiques and pulls apart colonialism and empire. RF Kuang's writing never fails to astound me, and I was particularly impressed with the research that has clearly gone into this book. The use of language throughout the story is perfectly chosen and I found the footnotes both helpful and satisfying to my academic brain. As someone who has done an English degree, I found so many themes and topics tackled in this book reflected and expanded on so much that I have previously learned and I loved seeing it come to life within a fictional world. However, I'm not sure that this intense academic tone would appeal to others who are looking for more of a whimsical element.
The characters were beautifully written, and I found myself constantly questioning who was in the right or not, especially the differences and similarities between Robin and Griffin. The setting of Oxford was an excellent choice, both for the implications of the centre of the academic/colonial world, but also because it provided Kuang a grounded setting to add the tower of Babel into without it feeling out of place.
Overall, I loved this book. I've been touting it as likely to be one of my favourites for a while, and it definitely lived up to expectations for me. I highly recommend if you're looking for a read that will make you stop and question everything about the world we currently live in.
The characters were beautifully written, and I found myself constantly questioning who was in the right or not, especially the differences and similarities between Robin and Griffin. The setting of Oxford was an excellent choice, both for the implications of the centre of the academic/colonial world, but also because it provided Kuang a grounded setting to add the tower of Babel into without it feeling out of place.
Overall, I loved this book. I've been touting it as likely to be one of my favourites for a while, and it definitely lived up to expectations for me. I highly recommend if you're looking for a read that will make you stop and question everything about the world we currently live in.
Death of a Bookseller by Alice Slater
dark
mysterious
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
4.25
This was such an eerie and unsettling read in the best possible way. If you want to read a book where neither POV you trust or like, this is the book for you!
It follows two booksellers: unalike in almost every way possible, but united by the overarching branch of true crime. While Laura seems to be doing her best to avoid the topic as much as she can, Roach is obsessed with the genre and embodies it entirely.
The POVs of this book are where it truly shines: Slater manages to encapsulate both personalities to the point where even the writing style feels slightly different. Both perspectives are written brilliantly: we get to see what makes both Laura and Roach unique, but thought has gone into how each of their actions and thoughts might even be different. I couldn't stop cringing and wincing while reading Roach's POV in fear of what would come next and Laura's POV had me consistently questioning whether she was nice or not. In terms of the plot line as well, Slater does an excellent job at always keeping you on your toes and guessing what was coming up next - once hooked, I couldn't put it down.
The role of the bookseller plays into the plot really well - you can almost imagine both characters roaming around your local bookstore and I loved the attention given to how the store runs and how it affects both characters' moods.
While reading the entire thing, I loved how much it made me question whether any of the characters were truly in the right, while also offering some slithers of sympathy for everyone involved at different times. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was the ending: it ended a little too quickly through the epilogues for my liking, we didn't spend enough time on that aspect of the closure!
Overall though, this was a brilliant book and I fully expect to see it gain in popularity very quickly... Personally, I now can't wait to see how the real booksellers in stores sell this book to customers!
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Staughton for early access to this book!
It follows two booksellers: unalike in almost every way possible, but united by the overarching branch of true crime. While Laura seems to be doing her best to avoid the topic as much as she can, Roach is obsessed with the genre and embodies it entirely.
The POVs of this book are where it truly shines: Slater manages to encapsulate both personalities to the point where even the writing style feels slightly different. Both perspectives are written brilliantly: we get to see what makes both Laura and Roach unique, but thought has gone into how each of their actions and thoughts might even be different. I couldn't stop cringing and wincing while reading Roach's POV in fear of what would come next and Laura's POV had me consistently questioning whether she was nice or not. In terms of the plot line as well, Slater does an excellent job at always keeping you on your toes and guessing what was coming up next - once hooked, I couldn't put it down.
The role of the bookseller plays into the plot really well - you can almost imagine both characters roaming around your local bookstore and I loved the attention given to how the store runs and how it affects both characters' moods.
While reading the entire thing, I loved how much it made me question whether any of the characters were truly in the right, while also offering some slithers of sympathy for everyone involved at different times. The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars was the ending: it ended a little too quickly through the epilogues for my liking, we didn't spend enough time on that aspect of the closure!
Overall though, this was a brilliant book and I fully expect to see it gain in popularity very quickly... Personally, I now can't wait to see how the real booksellers in stores sell this book to customers!
Thanks to NetGalley and Hodder & Staughton for early access to this book!
Falling Hard for the Royal Guard by Megan Clawson
funny
hopeful
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? No
2.25
This book drew me in with its funny premise and cute cover - and while I did somewhat enjoy reading it, I eventually chose to give it 2/5 stars.
If you're after an easy read with funny moments, a klutzy heroine and a Prince William dupe, then this is the book for you. Honestly, I think the main reason I didn't enjoy it as much is because I'm such a mood reader and this didn't deliver what I was looking for in a romcom. The cliches of the book became too much at times, and I kept inwardly cringing. Sometimes, things weren't really explained in much depth in order to keep the pace quick and light, but I really wanted to know more about our characters. Once we learn more about Freddie, we still don't get much of an insight into him as a person - what's his flaws, his favourite things, his embarrassing moments etc, which only feels so out of place because we are given access to so many of Maggie's inner thoughts and actions.
The writing itself was good, Clawson did keep me engaged until the end of the book even with the cliches, and I liked the insight into living in the Tower of London, and the history behind this; at those points of the book where we got to see what internal life living around so many military forces, I was definitely intrigued!
Overall, this is a cute, wholesome book that I think many people will enjoy for its humour, lightheartedness and quick pace - I just wasn't one of them!
Thanks to Avon Books and NetGalley for giving me early access to this ARC!
If you're after an easy read with funny moments, a klutzy heroine and a Prince William dupe, then this is the book for you. Honestly, I think the main reason I didn't enjoy it as much is because I'm such a mood reader and this didn't deliver what I was looking for in a romcom. The cliches of the book became too much at times, and I kept inwardly cringing. Sometimes, things weren't really explained in much depth in order to keep the pace quick and light, but I really wanted to know more about our characters. Once we learn more about Freddie, we still don't get much of an insight into him as a person - what's his flaws, his favourite things, his embarrassing moments etc, which only feels so out of place because we are given access to so many of Maggie's inner thoughts and actions.
The writing itself was good, Clawson did keep me engaged until the end of the book even with the cliches, and I liked the insight into living in the Tower of London, and the history behind this; at those points of the book where we got to see what internal life living around so many military forces, I was definitely intrigued!
Overall, this is a cute, wholesome book that I think many people will enjoy for its humour, lightheartedness and quick pace - I just wasn't one of them!
Thanks to Avon Books and NetGalley for giving me early access to this ARC!
One for My Enemy by Olivie Blake
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-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
5.0
Olivie Blake strikes again! In fact, I would argue even stronger if that's possible. I devoured her previous books The Atlas Six and The Atlas Paradox but One For My Enemy was absolute brilliance in a book.
The gradual building of the characters was spectacular - I absolutely loved the way we were shown the feuds between the two families through the POV changes that revealed what each of them was thinking and doing individually. Lev and Sasha are possibly my favourite characters that Blake has given us readers, which is high praise considering my love for the Atlas characters. I was truly invested in each of their storylines as we continued through the book.
The pacing of the book felt just right, I stormed through it quickly but it was just enough to make sure that I relished what I was reading without forgetting everything that was happening. The narrative of the book being set like a play with scenes helped the narrative progress quickly and also made it an easy read to immediately pick up and be invested in.
However, most importantly, the writing itself was beautiful. I haven't read a book in a long time that has made me want to write down quotes, but this book was exactly that. Blake's depictions of love, both the good and bad, is stunning and captivating - you immediately feel invested in the characters and want to experience it for yourself! The book's links to Shakespeare felt fitting given how Blake's writing seemed to be just as lyrical as the excerpts that were chosen.
Overall, this was a truly brilliant book and is certainly one that I would recommend to anyone. You'll be astounded at how quickly you become invested and will never want to let these characters go. Side note, the drawings in this book are yet again incredibly done and add an extra element to the book that really draws it all together.
Thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for access to this book - I can't wait to see what Olivie Blake has in store for us next!
The gradual building of the characters was spectacular - I absolutely loved the way we were shown the feuds between the two families through the POV changes that revealed what each of them was thinking and doing individually. Lev and Sasha are possibly my favourite characters that Blake has given us readers, which is high praise considering my love for the Atlas characters. I was truly invested in each of their storylines as we continued through the book.
The pacing of the book felt just right, I stormed through it quickly but it was just enough to make sure that I relished what I was reading without forgetting everything that was happening. The narrative of the book being set like a play with scenes helped the narrative progress quickly and also made it an easy read to immediately pick up and be invested in.
However, most importantly, the writing itself was beautiful. I haven't read a book in a long time that has made me want to write down quotes, but this book was exactly that. Blake's depictions of love, both the good and bad, is stunning and captivating - you immediately feel invested in the characters and want to experience it for yourself! The book's links to Shakespeare felt fitting given how Blake's writing seemed to be just as lyrical as the excerpts that were chosen.
Overall, this was a truly brilliant book and is certainly one that I would recommend to anyone. You'll be astounded at how quickly you become invested and will never want to let these characters go. Side note, the drawings in this book are yet again incredibly done and add an extra element to the book that really draws it all together.
Thanks to NetGalley and Pan Macmillan for access to this book - I can't wait to see what Olivie Blake has in store for us next!
Silver in the Bone by Alexandra Bracken
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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
4.75
What a brilliant read! Bracken's latest series follows the myth of Arthurian legend, such as Avalon, reimagined into a mixture of the modern world and mythical lands, forged together by rifts and magic. The first book in the series, Silver in the Bone, follows the main character, Tamsin, and her group as they explore how time has changed these worlds through curses and strange magical happenings.
I absolutely flew through this book - once I got about 20% of the way in, it became impossible to put it down. The action was fast-paced and Bracken has a real talent for weaving incredible world-building into the story without it feeling bulky and misplaced. The world was so well built and vivid that I often felt as if I could already imagine a movie made of it in my mind.
In terms of the characters, the storytelling is brilliant. Tamsin's personality is perfect for how she goes about doing everything: whether it be the decisions she makes, the people she trusts (or more accurately, not) or even just her thought process, it felt clear, and true to her character. Her relationships with other people, including Cabell (her brother), and Emrys were so complex and tangled that I loved to read on to see where she'd end up next. The depictions of the trauma that Tamsin has experienced felt so real and deeply explored throughout the novel, allowing us as the reader a much deeper insight into who she truly is. Emrys as a character was incredible and I loved the dynamic between him and Tamsin throughout the book, almost like a rollercoaster!
The plot gave the perfect amount of setting up a new world, resolving one element that was important to this book but still giving the reader far more to expect in the rest of the series. I'm going to need a second book release as soon as possible because I am absolutely desperate to read it! I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick-paced fantasy read where you want to entirely invest yourself in a world and characters intensely.
Thanks to Hachette UK, Team BKMRK and NetGalley for early access to this book!
I absolutely flew through this book - once I got about 20% of the way in, it became impossible to put it down. The action was fast-paced and Bracken has a real talent for weaving incredible world-building into the story without it feeling bulky and misplaced. The world was so well built and vivid that I often felt as if I could already imagine a movie made of it in my mind.
In terms of the characters, the storytelling is brilliant. Tamsin's personality is perfect for how she goes about doing everything: whether it be the decisions she makes, the people she trusts (or more accurately, not) or even just her thought process, it felt clear, and true to her character. Her relationships with other people, including Cabell (her brother), and Emrys were so complex and tangled that I loved to read on to see where she'd end up next. The depictions of the trauma that Tamsin has experienced felt so real and deeply explored throughout the novel, allowing us as the reader a much deeper insight into who she truly is. Emrys as a character was incredible and I loved the dynamic between him and Tamsin throughout the book, almost like a rollercoaster!
The plot gave the perfect amount of setting up a new world, resolving one element that was important to this book but still giving the reader far more to expect in the rest of the series. I'm going to need a second book release as soon as possible because I am absolutely desperate to read it! I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a quick-paced fantasy read where you want to entirely invest yourself in a world and characters intensely.
Thanks to Hachette UK, Team BKMRK and NetGalley for early access to this book!
Chase of the Wild Goose: The Story of Lady Eleanor Butler and Miss Sarah Ponsonby, Known as the Ladies of Llangollen by Mary Louisa Gordon
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by S.A. Chakraborty
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
5.0
To start with, all I have to say is: what an absolutely brilliant whirlwind of a story. It honestly had everything - pirates, magic, deep-rooted and vibrant settings and a whole cast of incredible characters. Unlike a lot of reviewers nowadays, I am yet to read any of S.A. Chakraborty's works, and honestly, to start here felt like a brilliant place to delve in.
Of course, I must begin by touching upon the incredible Amina Al-Sirafi. Her character was astoundingly written, enveloping the reader into the duality of the warm, caring mother and leader to the absolutely badass and rebellious nakhudha (pirate captain). I never once felt like I lost connection with her character - her antics are the perfect combination of funny and adventurous. You'll feel so invested in her actions that you won't stop rooting for her the entire way through the book.
Raksh. The impressively wimpy demon. Yet another character that provides an absolute flair to this storyline. No matter how frustrated you are at Amina's circumstances, he comes along to provide a witty spinelessness to everything. But the real brilliance of his character is that this cowardice constantly follows the reader alongside the knowledge that aside from his cowering, he could easily be one of the strongest characters present. Chakraborty has managed to interweave the supernatural elements of the book while maintaining an original and fresh concept to their integrations. Gone are the days when an automatically supernatural hero would come along and solve everything instantly!
The world of this book is rich and lively, and the world-building itself is exceptional. Layers upon layers of seamless setting description and references to the wider world allow for this novel to truly become wider than the action that we see - Amina's dreams to travel the world become echoed in the reader through their portrayals.
Overall, this is honestly an incredible book. I haven't read a book this good in a while and I strongly urge everyone to pick it up and enjoy the amusement and adventure of Amina's tales.
Thanks to Harper Voyager and NetGalley for an early release copy of the book!
Of course, I must begin by touching upon the incredible Amina Al-Sirafi. Her character was astoundingly written, enveloping the reader into the duality of the warm, caring mother and leader to the absolutely badass and rebellious nakhudha (pirate captain). I never once felt like I lost connection with her character - her antics are the perfect combination of funny and adventurous. You'll feel so invested in her actions that you won't stop rooting for her the entire way through the book.
Raksh. The impressively wimpy demon. Yet another character that provides an absolute flair to this storyline. No matter how frustrated you are at Amina's circumstances, he comes along to provide a witty spinelessness to everything. But the real brilliance of his character is that this cowardice constantly follows the reader alongside the knowledge that aside from his cowering, he could easily be one of the strongest characters present. Chakraborty has managed to interweave the supernatural elements of the book while maintaining an original and fresh concept to their integrations. Gone are the days when an automatically supernatural hero would come along and solve everything instantly!
The world of this book is rich and lively, and the world-building itself is exceptional. Layers upon layers of seamless setting description and references to the wider world allow for this novel to truly become wider than the action that we see - Amina's dreams to travel the world become echoed in the reader through their portrayals.
Overall, this is honestly an incredible book. I haven't read a book this good in a while and I strongly urge everyone to pick it up and enjoy the amusement and adventure of Amina's tales.
Thanks to Harper Voyager and NetGalley for an early release copy of the book!
One for All by Lillie Lainoff
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
Wow! One For All is brilliant. Once you dive into the Parisian world with Tania, the protagonist, you'll be immersed into a story of tension, drama and intrigue. The premise of the book was incredible: I loved watching a female group thrive together in such feisty, yet still feminine ways. I loved that the girls weren't restricted by their gender to fight and stand up for themselves, while still indulging each other in conversations about feminine things. Especially, I loved that each character acted their own age: this makes for a believable YA novel that is authentic and gripping.
While the story was a bit slow to start off with, it perfectly led us to understand Tania's character, and particularly how her POTS affects her lifestyle. I was very endeared to her right from the start and this only grew as the narrative went on. Lainoff's depiction of chronic illness as not debilitating or embarrassing makes Tania a beautiful character; her personal growth was so strong and captivating. You can really tell as a reader that Lainoff has considered all aspects of how POTS would be considered in the time period, even considering how the other characters can provide aids such as a pulley system to help Tania thrive with her condition.
Ultimately, this book is a great debut. If you're after found family, a realistic depiction of the time period and some powerful, intelligent women solving mysteries, this is truly the book for you!
Thanks to Titan Books and NetGalley for access to this ARC!
While the story was a bit slow to start off with, it perfectly led us to understand Tania's character, and particularly how her POTS affects her lifestyle. I was very endeared to her right from the start and this only grew as the narrative went on. Lainoff's depiction of chronic illness as not debilitating or embarrassing makes Tania a beautiful character; her personal growth was so strong and captivating. You can really tell as a reader that Lainoff has considered all aspects of how POTS would be considered in the time period, even considering how the other characters can provide aids such as a pulley system to help Tania thrive with her condition.
Ultimately, this book is a great debut. If you're after found family, a realistic depiction of the time period and some powerful, intelligent women solving mysteries, this is truly the book for you!
Thanks to Titan Books and NetGalley for access to this ARC!
The Veil by Ivy Brannon
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed this debut book by Ivy Brannon. It took everything I've loved in fantasy books throughout my reading life and combined it into one novel. If you're looking for a new enemies to lovers with different circumstances throughout the book, this one is for you! Every page I turned seemed to have another plot line, which certainly kept me hooked throughout.
While I enjoyed how similar this book felt to others out there at times (think The Cruel Prince, combined with A Court of Thorns of Roses, but definitely more New Adult), at other times I wasn't as sure whether I enjoyed such repeated tropes and character personalities. However, I think my overall opinion is that it worked. I loved Lina as the protagonist: confident, kind yet sometimes brash and witty. Her quips kept the romances and interactions feeling fresh and unique. I'd love to see what role Wynn plays more in future books as I was really interested in his part in the book.
One thing I struggled with was the pacing, or more accurately, the jumping with time. I found it somewhat hard to engage with Lina's story entering the Fae world and it felt like she almost immediately reluctantly accepted it - we are told she becomes more confident, but I would've liked to see more of her adjusting to court life and feeling like an outsider. Also, the war has so many references within this book, and I feel as though it holds strong importance in future books, and yet Lina feels so distanced and involved in it all at the same time. However, the pacing wasn't incredibly difficult to deal with, just takes a few chapters to adjust to and by that point, the action's so hectic that you end up not focusing on the pace anyway.
Overall, I did really enjoy this book and I think Brannon has a lot of potential as an author seeing as her debut is this good! If you're a reader looking to fill the gap that other popular romantasy books have left, The Veil is definitely a great choice to pick up next.
Thanks to NetGalley for early access to this book!
While I enjoyed how similar this book felt to others out there at times (think The Cruel Prince, combined with A Court of Thorns of Roses, but definitely more New Adult), at other times I wasn't as sure whether I enjoyed such repeated tropes and character personalities. However, I think my overall opinion is that it worked. I loved Lina as the protagonist: confident, kind yet sometimes brash and witty. Her quips kept the romances and interactions feeling fresh and unique. I'd love to see what role Wynn plays more in future books as I was really interested in his part in the book.
One thing I struggled with was the pacing, or more accurately, the jumping with time. I found it somewhat hard to engage with Lina's story entering the Fae world and it felt like she almost immediately reluctantly accepted it - we are told she becomes more confident, but I would've liked to see more of her adjusting to court life and feeling like an outsider. Also, the war has so many references within this book, and I feel as though it holds strong importance in future books, and yet Lina feels so distanced and involved in it all at the same time. However, the pacing wasn't incredibly difficult to deal with, just takes a few chapters to adjust to and by that point, the action's so hectic that you end up not focusing on the pace anyway.
Overall, I did really enjoy this book and I think Brannon has a lot of potential as an author seeing as her debut is this good! If you're a reader looking to fill the gap that other popular romantasy books have left, The Veil is definitely a great choice to pick up next.
Thanks to NetGalley for early access to this book!