thealyson's reviews
164 reviews

The Secret History by Donna Tartt

dark emotional sad tense slow-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? Yes

5.0

I could talk about these characters for ages. Some beautiful prose that brought be back to moments in my life. Also, the way the author wrote about feeling alone in college was particularly poignant for me. Slow-paced, but I believe for good reason as I think it adds and coincides with the story. Unlike some, I get the hype.

1 DNF after 50%
2 Finished, but a genuine waste of time
3 Enjoy while reading, no staying power
4 Enjoyable WITH staying power, will rec
5 Resonates in your soul, life long

Starling House by Alix E. Harrow

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

3.0

Really enjoyed it while reading. I want to read every novel set in a blue collar town. Semi-likable characters, but didn't find all of their reactions, decisions, and interactions believable for how they were set up. Overall, I'd call it a modern gothic fantasy world worth exploring.

1 DNF after 50%
2 Finished, but a genuine waste of time
3 Enjoy while reading, no staying power
4 Enjoyable WITH staying power, will rec
5 Resonates in your soul, life long

The Intern by Michele Campbell

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

3.0

A female John Grisham novel. I enjoyed the plot, although I may have had to suspend reality for a bit toward the end. I'm okay with that - that's why I read. Genuinely peaked my interest and I was excited to see where the story went. As a lawyer, didn't always love Madison and what she portrayed. I actually enjoyed the judge and her story much more; I would have read a whole novel on her alone. 

1 DNF after 50%
2 Finished, but a genuine waste of time
3 Enjoy while reading, no staying power
4 Enjoyable WITH staying power, will rec
5 Resonates in your soul, life long

The Haunting of Ashburn House by Darcy Coates

4.0

Red Queen by Christina Henry

3.0

The Firm by John Grisham

adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

3.0

Admittedly, had seen the movie several times before reading the novel. I love the movie. The novel varies in major ways. You shouldn't pick it up if you want to love the characters, but you should if you want a good thriller to guess where it'll go. I struggle with the pace, because it moves pretty quickly but also slowly during some sections. Overall, not bad i was invested enough. 

1 DNF after 50%
2 Finished, but a genuine waste of time
3 Enjoy while reading, no staying power
4 Enjoyable WITH staying power, will rec
5 Resonates in your soul, life long

A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross

adventurous 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? No

4.0

Greatly enjoyed the quite beautiful prose and the story itself. The world building was artfully done and very enjoyable - only sad I have to wait to find the next novel to continue on the story. 

Alice by Christina Henry

adventurous dark mysterious sad fast-paced

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

3.0

An interesting dark retelling. The mystery and unknown quality at the beginning kept me interested. However, the “climax” wasn’t really a climax and fell a little flat. I was interested enough to see where it would go to read the second novel (since they’re short enough and fast-paced). 

My rating scale:
1 DNF after 50%
2 Finished, but a genunie waste of time
3 Enjoy while reading, no staying power
4 Enjoyable WITH staying power, will rec
5 Resonates in your soul, life long

This Is How It Always Is by Laurie Frankel

hopeful 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

3.0

All the Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham

dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5