theshelvesofschae's reviews
197 reviews

The Dragon Republic by R.F. Kuang

adventurous dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Beautiful writing, structure, pacing but material/story-wise this isn't my cup of tea. I have enjoyed reading this, don't get me wrong! R.F. Kuang is a genius!

The Fury by Alex Michaelides

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

3.0

I like the thought that Alex Michaelides puts into his books, how they flow, etc. Structure-wise this didn't work the best for me, but I still thought this was enjoyable.

The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang

adventurous dark medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Parts of this I really enjoyed (the lore, the writing style) while other parts I was just shocked with how graphic it got, which for being a war novel makes sense. I have no idea why one of the reviews said something about it being a new Harry Potter because it very much was not. 

Big Swiss by Jen Beagin

dark funny medium-paced

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

2.0

It started with such a unique premise but I found that it failed to deliver in the end :(

The Night Shift by Alex Finlay

dark mysterious fast-paced

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

3.0

A fairly average mystery with some smart dialogue and tight pacing.

Oscar Wars: A History of Hollywood in Gold, Sweat, and Tears by Michael Schulman

informative medium-paced

5.0

Such an enjoyable read! I was so taken by the beginning, it felt cinematic! This could've been really dense but Michael Schulman presented his research in an entertaining way that I couldn't put it down.

Guilt and Ginataan by Mia P. Manansala

lighthearted mysterious 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

2.0

Weak installment... might be done with this series :( Just felt very poorly written and paced :(

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

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

3.0

The 2nd person POV section was so emotional. If I read this 10 years ago, I would've thought this was earth-shatteringly profound. Instead, I found it to be borderline artificial? But the pacing and structure really allowed me to devour this, so I can certainly appreciate it for what it is.

Conclave by Robert Harris

mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Very spot on to the film. Really enjoyed the research that went into making this feel so authentic.  

The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels by Janice Hallett

dark mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Reading slump who? This has me on the edge of my seat (and admittedly a little scared). Really well-written and paced. I would love to know Janice Hallett's process of putting all of this together.