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thecasualbooknerd's reviews
104 reviews
Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi (Novel) Vol. 1 by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu
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
4.5
This silly little main character and his silent support Lan Zang had me laughing crying and wishing I could read the rest of the series yesterday. Thoroughly enjoyable with a meaty plot, would def re-read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
The Stand-In by Lily Chu
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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
Figured out the twist halfway through but it was a fun, cute, & entertaining listen:)
Swift the Storm, Fierce the Flame by Meg Long
adventurous
slow-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
Would have been a 3.25 if it weren’t for that ending and the FEELINGS it gave me.
Interesting world building and concept, some of it was rather repetitive and at times stale, but nice characters and the ending was definitely a whirlwind that left me screaming and wanting more.
Interesting world building and concept, some of it was rather repetitive and at times stale, but nice characters and the ending was definitely a whirlwind that left me screaming and wanting more.
My Life with the Walter Boys by Ali Novak
Did not finish book. Stopped at 23%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 23%.
I was interested in this because of the Netflix show, but upon starting to read it, I could not bring myself to finish.
With a bland protagonist who’s both “not like other girls” yet still “a girly girl” who doesn’t know what Lord of the Rings is and treats boys like an alien species to be studied and understood, yet of a lower class, it alienates her to the reader. Not only that, most of the boys themselves were difficult to empathise with their actions, and the most problematic of them was painted as the love interest. Jackie’s cluelessness towards Cole was frustrating, and everyone’s attitudes towards the Walter boys as some sort of Herculean family was tiresome. It contains all of the worst wattpad tropes, including them in the most stale way possible.
With a bland protagonist who’s both “not like other girls” yet still “a girly girl” who doesn’t know what Lord of the Rings is and treats boys like an alien species to be studied and understood, yet of a lower class, it alienates her to the reader. Not only that, most of the boys themselves were difficult to empathise with their actions, and the most problematic of them was painted as the love interest. Jackie’s cluelessness towards Cole was frustrating, and everyone’s attitudes towards the Walter boys as some sort of Herculean family was tiresome. It contains all of the worst wattpad tropes, including them in the most stale way possible.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Emotional abuse
For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten
adventurous
dark
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
4.75
A dark-fantasy retelling of Little Red Riding Hood and Beauty and the Beast, this story was gripping and very well crafted. The pacing was also just right 👌🏽
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror
Moderate: Grief and Death of parent
Minor: Alcohol
To Best the Boys by Mary Weber
adventurous
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Binged this book in a day.
Story was intriguing, though sometimes it felt like they thought they were being more revolutionary than was actually the case. Still, a captivating premise and plot.
The beginning dragged a bit but the build up payed off, though the ending could have been condensed (in my opinion).
Story was intriguing, though sometimes it felt like they thought they were being more revolutionary than was actually the case. Still, a captivating premise and plot.
The beginning dragged a bit but the build up payed off, though the ending could have been condensed (in my opinion).
Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer
adventurous
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
4.5
This was a solid Robin-Hood-esque fantasy that had satisfying twists and turns and none of the cringe YA tropes. It was enthralling and original enough to stand on its own.
Would definitely read again and recommend
Would definitely read again and recommend
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Blood
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury
David Copperfield by Charles Dickens, Sam Mendes, Marty Ross
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Everyone was cast to PERFECTION and boy did the actors deliver! Even young Reece Kenwyne Mpudzi did an excellent job.
I don’t know if I’ll read the original, and it seemed Theo James would play a central role (while in reality he was only present for like 2.5 chapters) Izuka Hoyle should have been in the main credits… despite this, the sound design was stunning—it felt like I was watching a movie while listening to this.
I don’t know if I’ll read the original, and it seemed Theo James would play a central role (while in reality he was only present for like 2.5 chapters) Izuka Hoyle should have been in the main credits… despite this, the sound design was stunning—it felt like I was watching a movie while listening to this.
Fireworks by Alice Lin
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Gotham Academy Vol. 1: Welcome to Gotham Academy (the New 52) by Brenden Fletcher, Becky Cloonan
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.25