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thosebookishpages's reviews
112 reviews
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
adventurous
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.0
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
i would've easily given this book a 5 star, but there were certain aspects that i did not like reading at all. those parts majorly revolved around conversations the male characters had with one another about women, or even conversations they had with other female characters. the treatment of women in this book was a big ew for me (just like most of the men). the characterisations also felt very male gaze-y and there was a lot of objectification of women.
i personally love stories about stories and books that are set in bookshops and libraries, so i'd say this book is definitely one for book lovers and people who like reading. it was so atmospheric and immersive, i was glued to the page especially during the end bits. i felt like i was so into the story and at the end of the day, it gave me what we all look for in books which is escapism.
i personally love stories about stories and books that are set in bookshops and libraries, so i'd say this book is definitely one for book lovers and people who like reading. it was so atmospheric and immersive, i was glued to the page especially during the end bits. i felt like i was so into the story and at the end of the day, it gave me what we all look for in books which is escapism.
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
5.0
this book felt like therapy
Violet Bent Backwards Over the Grass by Lana Del Rey
5.0
just like her music and lyricism, lana’s poetry is also phenomenal
it doesn’t disappoint at all and each and every poem is beautiful
it doesn’t disappoint at all and each and every poem is beautiful
The Atlas Six by Olivie Blake
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
its so difficult for me to write a review for this book cause i have so many mixed feelings.
i ABSOLUTELY loved so much of it but then there were some parts where i was like?? why was this written?
but still, i liked this book. the writing was great and it did have the dark academia atmosphere.
the characters were the real strength of the book and the character dynamics were EVERYTHING. they were so well written there is not a single weak character. you either hate them, love them or want to know more about them so there's absolutely no space for a 'throw away character'. the characters honestly make this book cause the story is extremely character driven so keep that in mind before going into it.
that being said, there is not much world building in this book at all, especially about the Alexandrian Society. that was a bummer truly because i was hoping we'd get to see more of the secret society, how it operates, etc., as the whole concept of it is truly fascinating.
i gave this book a 3.5 stars and i'm quite intrigued to read the sequel when it comes out and see where the story goes.
i ABSOLUTELY loved so much of it but then there were some parts where i was like?? why was this written?
but still, i liked this book. the writing was great and it did have the dark academia atmosphere.
the characters were the real strength of the book and the character dynamics were EVERYTHING. they were so well written there is not a single weak character. you either hate them, love them or want to know more about them so there's absolutely no space for a 'throw away character'. the characters honestly make this book cause the story is extremely character driven so keep that in mind before going into it.
that being said, there is not much world building in this book at all, especially about the Alexandrian Society. that was a bummer truly because i was hoping we'd get to see more of the secret society, how it operates, etc., as the whole concept of it is truly fascinating.
i gave this book a 3.5 stars and i'm quite intrigued to read the sequel when it comes out and see where the story goes.
Furyborn by Claire Legrand
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-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
4.25
this book was so damn good i'm mind blown. certainly was not expecting the story to be what it is but that just made it better.
the whole concept about 2 main characters separated by a 1000 years in the same world is so intriguing and creative. the world building in this book was absolutely fabulous. the author basically took the same world and built it in 2 different ways 1000 years apart with completely different magical, political and religious systems and it was done exceptionally well.
speaking about the characters, i enjoyed reading the Rielle parts more during the first half of the book but Elliana definitely caught up by the end. The villain and main character dynamic is EVERYTHING (particularly between Rielle and Corien). Few side characters like Ludivine, Zahra, Audric, Navi and Remy were entertaining and interesting to read whereas the others like Simon and Harkan felt particularly flat and boring. I really like Ludivine and the reveal we had at the end, and I can't wait to know where the story progresses. Even Audric is a really lovelable character and I really really enjoyed the whole Audric-Ludivine-Rielle friend group dynamic.
this was a pretty strong introduction to the Empirium trilogy. it did not feel too info-dumpy and still gave us quite a lot of information about this world with ease. this was a 4.25 star read and i cant wait to continue the series and see this world get fleshed out more in the other 2 books. definitely recommend this for the perfect fantasy escapism!
the whole concept about 2 main characters separated by a 1000 years in the same world is so intriguing and creative. the world building in this book was absolutely fabulous. the author basically took the same world and built it in 2 different ways 1000 years apart with completely different magical, political and religious systems and it was done exceptionally well.
speaking about the characters, i enjoyed reading the Rielle parts more during the first half of the book but Elliana definitely caught up by the end. The villain and main character dynamic is EVERYTHING (particularly between Rielle and Corien). Few side characters like Ludivine, Zahra, Audric, Navi and Remy were entertaining and interesting to read whereas the others like Simon and Harkan felt particularly flat and boring. I really like Ludivine and the reveal we had at the end, and I can't wait to know where the story progresses. Even Audric is a really lovelable character and I really really enjoyed the whole Audric-Ludivine-Rielle friend group dynamic.
this was a pretty strong introduction to the Empirium trilogy. it did not feel too info-dumpy and still gave us quite a lot of information about this world with ease. this was a 4.25 star read and i cant wait to continue the series and see this world get fleshed out more in the other 2 books. definitely recommend this for the perfect fantasy escapism!
As Good As Dead by Holly Jackson
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
i don't even think i can possibly talk about this book. what a fantastic conclusion to the 'A Good Girl's Guide to Murder' trilogy, i enjoyed reading this from beginning to end.
this was the longest book in the trilogy but it was honestly such a quick read, maybe cause of the fact that the major chunk of the book takes place within 24 hrs.
all the character arcs were literal perfection and i thoroughly enjoyed how this conclusion tied up all loose ends by bringing the trilogy to a full circle.
*SPOILERS*
i personally enjoyed part 2 of the book much more than part 1. i feel like part 1 dragged on for quite a bit whereas part 2 should've ben more fleshed out cause i was genuinely at the edge of my seat throughout. i solved the jason bell being the DT killer mystery too pretty quickly, so maybe thats why i felt like part 1 dragged on for a while cause i was just waiting for the big reveal.
absolutely enjoyed the "a good girls guide to murder ft how to get away with murder" moment cause i was totally mind blown.
this book was a 4.75 star read but the series in general is a definite 5 star one that i highly recommend!
this was the longest book in the trilogy but it was honestly such a quick read, maybe cause of the fact that the major chunk of the book takes place within 24 hrs.
all the character arcs were literal perfection and i thoroughly enjoyed how this conclusion tied up all loose ends by bringing the trilogy to a full circle.
i personally enjoyed part 2 of the book much more than part 1. i feel like part 1 dragged on for quite a bit whereas part 2 should've ben more fleshed out cause i was genuinely at the edge of my seat throughout. i solved the jason bell being the DT killer mystery too pretty quickly, so maybe thats why i felt like part 1 dragged on for a while cause i was just waiting for the big reveal.
absolutely enjoyed the "a good girls guide to murder ft how to get away with murder" moment cause i was totally mind blown.
this book was a 4.75 star read but the series in general is a definite 5 star one that i highly recommend!
Good Girl, Bad Blood by Holly Jackson
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
holy fuck this book was so fabulous. it had me hooked from beginning to end and the plot twist was something that i just wasn't expecting at all.
a great follow up to 'A Good Girl's Guide to Murder', book 2 had higher stakes, more mystery and obviously great plot. Holly Jackson has crafted this series so well and her attention to detail is literally mind blowing. something that i truly appreciate in murder mysteries is the fact that every single detail matters and should make sense for the finale and this book delivered that just perfectly (to say the least).
*SPOILERS*
the thing i love about Holly Jackson's stories is the fact that it brings up so many relevant conversations along side the murder mystery. from Pip's rage towards the justice system to people's reaction towards Child Brunswick, all of them were so relevant and truly reflective of society.
finally, Stanley...oh Stanley. society often ostracises people for where they come from and where they belong, and that was so vivid in terms of Stanley's story. he tried his level best at not being his father and getting away from that narrative. Holly Jackson took the phrase 'you turn into your worst fears' and proved that that's not the case every time. Stanley did not turn into his worst fears (his father) and died knowing that.
Finally, i was confused about why the book is name 'Good Girl, Bad Blood' but it all makes sense now and i feel like it has two meanings:
1. Bad Blood meaning revenge or conflict which was seen between Charlie and Stanley because the former had 'bad blood' with the later
2. Bad Blood could also be symbolic of society thinking Child had his father's 'bad blood' that is, he would also turn out to be a serial killer which in the end was not the case.
Absolutely loved this book and I highly recommend this series in general! i don't think i can give this book anything less than 5 stars.
a great follow up to 'A Good Girl's Guide to Murder', book 2 had higher stakes, more mystery and obviously great plot. Holly Jackson has crafted this series so well and her attention to detail is literally mind blowing. something that i truly appreciate in murder mysteries is the fact that every single detail matters and should make sense for the finale and this book delivered that just perfectly (to say the least).
the thing i love about Holly Jackson's stories is the fact that it brings up so many relevant conversations along side the murder mystery. from Pip's rage towards the justice system to people's reaction towards Child Brunswick, all of them were so relevant and truly reflective of society.
finally, Stanley...oh Stanley. society often ostracises people for where they come from and where they belong, and that was so vivid in terms of Stanley's story. he tried his level best at not being his father and getting away from that narrative. Holly Jackson took the phrase 'you turn into your worst fears' and proved that that's not the case every time. Stanley did not turn into his worst fears (his father) and died knowing that.
Finally, i was confused about why the book is name 'Good Girl, Bad Blood' but it all makes sense now and i feel like it has two meanings:
1. Bad Blood meaning revenge or conflict which was seen between Charlie and Stanley because the former had 'bad blood' with the later
2. Bad Blood could also be symbolic of society thinking Child had his father's 'bad blood' that is, he would also turn out to be a serial killer which in the end was not the case.
Absolutely loved this book and I highly recommend this series in general! i don't think i can give this book anything less than 5 stars.