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thebookishmel's reviews
405 reviews
Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
5.0
The epilogue killed me, will write a proper review once I’m emotionally stable :)
—
It’s the next day, I’ve recovered.
This novel has some of the most complex emotional attachments I’ve seen from not only readers, but from the characters themselves. It’s a truly remarkable feature of Cassandra Clare’s writing to really grab the reader and force them to understand just what Tessa, Will and Jem have gone through in a way her previous novels in the Chronicles could not do. I absolutely LOVED the epilogue and thought it was so beautifully crafted, however, I do wish there was more explanation in terms of HIS return.
Throughout the novel, I loved seeing the characters arcs of ALL of them grow. It’s really refreshing to see a full set of characters who have to go through these trials and tribulations that really test their morale and mentality, forcing them to make decisions that not only effect themselves, but everyone else around them. Sophie, being one of the most changed, had such a positive growth that I really loved reading/listening about. She really grew her wings and flew, and I absolutely adored it.
Tessa, as our obvious main female protagonist, finally learns more about her lineage, the clockwork angel on her neck, and who SHE is. I think it really was an incredible wrap up for her to really explore herself as an individual and as a creature never thought of before.
There were moments where I could’ve cared less, like anything to do with Jessamine. And if I’m going to be completely honest, I zoned out during the audiobook when her name was mentioned. Whoops.
Obviously, a 5/5 star rating for me. Cannot wait to read City of Heavenly Fire, which might I add, Clockwork Princess is such a phenomenal transition for that title.
—
It’s the next day, I’ve recovered.
This novel has some of the most complex emotional attachments I’ve seen from not only readers, but from the characters themselves. It’s a truly remarkable feature of Cassandra Clare’s writing to really grab the reader and force them to understand just what Tessa, Will and Jem have gone through in a way her previous novels in the Chronicles could not do. I absolutely LOVED the epilogue and thought it was so beautifully crafted, however, I do wish there was more explanation in terms of HIS return.
Throughout the novel, I loved seeing the characters arcs of ALL of them grow. It’s really refreshing to see a full set of characters who have to go through these trials and tribulations that really test their morale and mentality, forcing them to make decisions that not only effect themselves, but everyone else around them. Sophie, being one of the most changed, had such a positive growth that I really loved reading/listening about. She really grew her wings and flew, and I absolutely adored it.
Tessa, as our obvious main female protagonist, finally learns more about her lineage, the clockwork angel on her neck, and who SHE is. I think it really was an incredible wrap up for her to really explore herself as an individual and as a creature never thought of before.
There were moments where I could’ve cared less, like anything to do with Jessamine. And if I’m going to be completely honest, I zoned out during the audiobook when her name was mentioned. Whoops.
Obviously, a 5/5 star rating for me. Cannot wait to read City of Heavenly Fire, which might I add, Clockwork Princess is such a phenomenal transition for that title.
Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young
5.0
4.5/5
"Believe what you like Eelyn. The bear is an omen... And omens often bring change" (205).
To write a review for this novel is something I didn't think I'd be challenged by, but because of its complexity, its taken me some time to really digest and process. A story following Eelyn, a 17 year old Aska who has to challenge her mindset on family and loyalty, is thrown into something so unreal that she would have never seen coming. Young does a phenomenal job of depicting her hesitance against any Riki culture or practice and understanding that it is, in fact, very similar to her own. The entire story is very descriptive and character driven, as the arcs of Eelyn, Iri and Fiske are some of the most developed.
There's so much detail and attention in every scene written as to capture the reader into really feeling what the characters are. I cannot tell you how many times my heart hurt for Eelyn, or as she went into battle, how my heart started pounding because she was in action and she was going HARD. I love seeing the different bonds grow between the characters as they learn and understand that despite their differences, they really do need each other. It's hard to not form these bonds given the circumstances of their lives, and Young really does such a great job at making sure YOU as a reader knows that this is more than a story of family and loyalty, but its a story of heartbreak, tragedy, healing and growth!
The story is so rich in culture! This hands down was my favorite part and why I was entirely content with the plot being less crazy in terms of action, but more in terms of developing the world. We learn about the Aska and Riki, their different views on the same story, the emphasis of their gods and their heaven, and how two cultures that are perceived as so different, are really just the same. In this world, you have men and women who fight valiantly from a young age, who fight with honor for their homes and for their blood, and it's really inspiring to see.
Overall, I have never been more pleasantly surprised with a book. Being a standalone, I feel that the story did come to a conclusion that my heart was happy with. I felt the story really did wrap up, but also left room for your imagination to explore the future of what may be for these incredible characters.
"Believe what you like Eelyn. The bear is an omen... And omens often bring change" (205).
To write a review for this novel is something I didn't think I'd be challenged by, but because of its complexity, its taken me some time to really digest and process. A story following Eelyn, a 17 year old Aska who has to challenge her mindset on family and loyalty, is thrown into something so unreal that she would have never seen coming. Young does a phenomenal job of depicting her hesitance against any Riki culture or practice and understanding that it is, in fact, very similar to her own. The entire story is very descriptive and character driven, as the arcs of Eelyn, Iri and Fiske are some of the most developed.
There's so much detail and attention in every scene written as to capture the reader into really feeling what the characters are. I cannot tell you how many times my heart hurt for Eelyn, or as she went into battle, how my heart started pounding because she was in action and she was going HARD. I love seeing the different bonds grow between the characters as they learn and understand that despite their differences, they really do need each other. It's hard to not form these bonds given the circumstances of their lives, and Young really does such a great job at making sure YOU as a reader knows that this is more than a story of family and loyalty, but its a story of heartbreak, tragedy, healing and growth!
The story is so rich in culture! This hands down was my favorite part and why I was entirely content with the plot being less crazy in terms of action, but more in terms of developing the world. We learn about the Aska and Riki, their different views on the same story, the emphasis of their gods and their heaven, and how two cultures that are perceived as so different, are really just the same. In this world, you have men and women who fight valiantly from a young age, who fight with honor for their homes and for their blood, and it's really inspiring to see.
Overall, I have never been more pleasantly surprised with a book. Being a standalone, I feel that the story did come to a conclusion that my heart was happy with. I felt the story really did wrap up, but also left room for your imagination to explore the future of what may be for these incredible characters.
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
5.0
4.5-5
When reading this novel, like any Agatha Christie novel, you are completely immersed within the first 20 pages. Christie really has an incredible writing style that will draw you in, begging you for more as you wrack your head for answers, and continue to ask questions as to who-dun-it. I thought I was going to lose my mind with the ending because there wasn't a clear answer, at least to me. But with the epilogue, Christie does it again where she makes you feel like it was SO obvious that it was the murderer the entire time. Continuously mind-blown by her writing and really enjoyed the premise of the poem, and seeing everyone drive themselves crazy. Felt very Lord of the Flies and I was here for it.
When reading this novel, like any Agatha Christie novel, you are completely immersed within the first 20 pages. Christie really has an incredible writing style that will draw you in, begging you for more as you wrack your head for answers, and continue to ask questions as to who-dun-it. I thought I was going to lose my mind with the ending because there wasn't a clear answer, at least to me. But with the epilogue, Christie does it again where she makes you feel like it was SO obvious that it was the murderer the entire time. Continuously mind-blown by her writing and really enjoyed the premise of the poem, and seeing everyone drive themselves crazy. Felt very Lord of the Flies and I was here for it.
Mr. Penumbra's 24-Hour Bookstore by Robin Sloan
3.0
This was kind of an average read for me?? It definitely took a turn that I wasn’t expecting, but I really enjoyed the sleuthing aspect of figuring out the book store and history behind it. Overall, it didn’t blow me away, but it also wasn’t anything I hated.
Hello, Universe by Erin Entrada Kelly
4.0
This was such an interesting read for me, being a middle grade I wasn't expecting. I should probably know what I'm getting into before I start them, but this was really cute! A great diverse cast of kids whose ages are depicted well and the character developments are well written, too. A sweet little story of adventure and growth!
Emergency Contact by Mary H.K. Choi
3.0
3.5
This was such a pleasant surprise! From hearing a bunch of mixed reviews on it, I didn't know how I was going to feel about it. There definitely were some cliche things in here like "I released a breath I didn't realize I was holding" and the one you shouldn't love but you still do. I think my favorite thing though was the fact that the two of them had very separate beginnings, and slowly but surely crossed together. However, I didn't think this was anything SO special that I would necessarily reread a million times, nor did I think that Choi over did the millennial references. It clearly showed that this was a 2018 release with the language and I'm really pleased with it being a new contemporary. It was definitely over hyped for sure.
This was such a pleasant surprise! From hearing a bunch of mixed reviews on it, I didn't know how I was going to feel about it. There definitely were some cliche things in here like "I released a breath I didn't realize I was holding" and the one you shouldn't love but you still do. I think my favorite thing though was the fact that the two of them had very separate beginnings, and slowly but surely crossed together. However, I didn't think this was anything SO special that I would necessarily reread a million times, nor did I think that Choi over did the millennial references. It clearly showed that this was a 2018 release with the language and I'm really pleased with it being a new contemporary. It was definitely over hyped for sure.
This Savage Song by V.E. Schwab
5.0
IM SO WOW, SO GOOD AND SO READY FOR OUR DARK DUET - review to come soon
Meet Cute by Meredith Russo, Dhonielle Clayton, Julie Murphy, Nicola Yoon, Ibi Zoboi, Katie Cotugno, Jocelyn Davies, Kass Morgan, Katharine McGee, Jennifer L. Armentrout, Nina LaCour, Emery Lord, Sara Shepard
3.0
3.5 overall - Some stories were really odd, others had some interesting elements! I’m not necessarily disappointed but definitely found some fun ones!
Siege Etiquette 2/5
Print Shop 3/5
Hourglass 4/5
Click 4.5/5
The Intern 3/5 i dont like that he “fixed” her
Somewhere That’s Green 3.5/5 good, kinda angsty, appreciated the effort but meh
The Way We Love Here 5/5 okay i really liked this one, the fantastical elements really sold it for me and just AH
Oomph 4/5
The Dictionary of You and Me 5/5 JUST ZAZZY
The Unlikely Likelihood of Falling in Love 5/5 OKAY IM :)
259 Million Miles 5/5 made me slightly sad but also heart went boom boom
Something Real 3.5/5 romance felt forced
Say Everything 2.5/5
The Department of Dead Love 3.5/5
Siege Etiquette 2/5
Print Shop 3/5
Hourglass 4/5
Click 4.5/5
The Intern 3/5 i dont like that he “fixed” her
Somewhere That’s Green 3.5/5 good, kinda angsty, appreciated the effort but meh
The Way We Love Here 5/5 okay i really liked this one, the fantastical elements really sold it for me and just AH
Oomph 4/5
The Dictionary of You and Me 5/5 JUST ZAZZY
The Unlikely Likelihood of Falling in Love 5/5 OKAY IM :)
259 Million Miles 5/5 made me slightly sad but also heart went boom boom
Something Real 3.5/5 romance felt forced
Say Everything 2.5/5
The Department of Dead Love 3.5/5
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
5.0
Having waiting far too long to read these books, I’m like 10 years too late to this reaction but oh my goodness am I so incredibly happy with this conclusion. Learning in this world has blown me away in a manner I wasn’t expecting and I’m so ridiculously thankful to have experienced the magic of Harry Potter. I’ll definitely have to reread these beauties at least once a year from now on!
Wish List: a holiday poetry collection by Sara Marie
4.0
I really read this at the perfect time for myself, and I’m really thankful the author reached out and shared her work with me. Although the format initially was something I was apprehensive about, the collection itself was beautifully written.
Speaking to those who don’t feel the joy of the holiday season, Sara Marie does a phenomenal job of instilling a glimpse of hope, as small or as large as it may be. Though I love the holidays and thoroughly enjoy them, this poetry collection isn’t limited to that time of year. I bookmarked plenty of poems that made me think that it was written specifically for me, and I’d like to think that others would do that too, and it doesn’t make me feel as alone in my feelings.
Seriously, an incredible collection.
Speaking to those who don’t feel the joy of the holiday season, Sara Marie does a phenomenal job of instilling a glimpse of hope, as small or as large as it may be. Though I love the holidays and thoroughly enjoy them, this poetry collection isn’t limited to that time of year. I bookmarked plenty of poems that made me think that it was written specifically for me, and I’d like to think that others would do that too, and it doesn’t make me feel as alone in my feelings.
Seriously, an incredible collection.