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tiamango's reviews
114 reviews
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Read if:
- you had a twilight phase, or a wattpad phase, or are looking to check those boxes in your adulthood with a popular new read
ok ok ok hear me out here. It's so unserious that it's borderline cringe, but I ate this up. It's so Twilight coded but falls in the category of romantasy that I've been indulging in where authors conveniently incorporate random fantasy tropes into the contemporary romance template then sprinkle in some, or a lot, of smut (I'm talking about you Dark Olympus). Whatever you want to call this, I get it, but also I think the Omegaverse is "knot" for me (lol its ok I hate me too)
If I think about this too much, I'm going to hate it but I need to be so real and admit that I could not take my grubby little, trash panda hands off this damn book.
- you had a twilight phase, or a wattpad phase, or are looking to check those boxes in your adulthood with a popular new read
ok ok ok hear me out here. It's so unserious that it's borderline cringe, but I ate this up. It's so Twilight coded but falls in the category of romantasy that I've been indulging in where authors conveniently incorporate random fantasy tropes into the contemporary romance template then sprinkle in some, or a lot, of smut (I'm talking about you Dark Olympus). Whatever you want to call this, I get it, but also I think the Omegaverse is "knot" for me (lol its ok I hate me too)
If I think about this too much, I'm going to hate it but I need to be so real and admit that I could not take my grubby little, trash panda hands off this damn book.
Brave New World by Aldous Huxley
challenging
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
So, I have to review this book differently from my usual here in my "reading as a hobby" era.
For starters, I loved reading this book. Huxley's writing style is so fun and unique and the scenes he painted were so immersive and exciting, especially when we switch perspectives throughout the course of an evening. I think if I would have read this while I was in school, I would have actually read it (ty spark notes) and enjoyed it!
That being said, its a weird one to recommend unless someone is really looking for some old school, classic "speculative fiction". I can see how this inspired the dystopian-utopia plot of future books, but I wonder if anything written more recently is able to relay similar messages/themes but in a way that's more palatable.
For starters, I loved reading this book. Huxley's writing style is so fun and unique and the scenes he painted were so immersive and exciting, especially when we switch perspectives throughout the course of an evening. I think if I would have read this while I was in school, I would have actually read it (ty spark notes) and enjoyed it!
That being said, its a weird one to recommend unless someone is really looking for some old school, classic "speculative fiction". I can see how this inspired the dystopian-utopia plot of future books, but I wonder if anything written more recently is able to relay similar messages/themes but in a way that's more palatable.
Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
mysterious
tense
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? No
5.0
Read if:
- You're curious about Brandy Sandy's work and want to FEEL SOMETHING again
First of all, do not even attempt to read the last maybe 200 pages of this in public. I made the mistake of finishing this at the library and while I'm not afraid to cry in public, I didn't mean to disturb the other patrons over my parasocial relationship with fictional characters.
I have to acknowledge that this is a longer book (~600 pages depending on your copy) but by no means did this feel too long. I thought the worldbuilding was wonderfully paced, and the lore-heavy/info dumping sections weren't too dense and made sense in the MC's journey. There were so many times I wanted to SCREAM at some of these characters, but I never expected to have such a strong reaction to each character's development. I finished this over a week ago (from writing this review) and my heart still aches for these characters.
This book will likely go down as one of my all-time favorites and I can already see it being a future comfort read. The world is unique, the magic system is perfectly logical and mysterious, and I can't wait to see how the cast of characters grow and develop over the next 2 books.
- You're curious about Brandy Sandy's work and want to FEEL SOMETHING again
First of all, do not even attempt to read the last maybe 200 pages of this in public. I made the mistake of finishing this at the library and while I'm not afraid to cry in public, I didn't mean to disturb the other patrons over my parasocial relationship with fictional characters.
I have to acknowledge that this is a longer book (~600 pages depending on your copy) but by no means did this feel too long. I thought the worldbuilding was wonderfully paced, and the lore-heavy/info dumping sections weren't too dense and made sense in the MC's journey. There were so many times I wanted to SCREAM at some of these characters, but I never expected to have such a strong reaction to each character's development. I finished this over a week ago (from writing this review) and my heart still aches for these characters.
This book will likely go down as one of my all-time favorites and I can already see it being a future comfort read. The world is unique, the magic system is perfectly logical and mysterious, and I can't wait to see how the cast of characters grow and develop over the next 2 books.
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Read if:
- You are interested at all in science FICTION
**go in as blind as you can! the plot unraveling is too good.
I loved this book so much. While it did remind me why I went to business school and did not follow my father's dreams of becoming an Engineer just like him, this book made me a lover of fun Sci-Fi. The actual science involved was easily digestible and its affect on the plot was always explained. I can't say too much without spoiling too much, but just know the second half is SIGNIFICANTLY more entertaining than the first half.
- You are interested at all in science FICTION
**go in as blind as you can! the plot unraveling is too good.
I loved this book so much. While it did remind me why I went to business school and did not follow my father's dreams of becoming an Engineer just like him, this book made me a lover of fun Sci-Fi. The actual science involved was easily digestible and its affect on the plot was always explained. I can't say too much without spoiling too much, but just know the second half is SIGNIFICANTLY more entertaining than the first half.
The It Girl by Ruth Ware
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Read if:
- you're looking for another mystery/thriller and like Ruth Ware (but there are other title's I'd recommend before this one)
So. Here we have a pretty average Mystery/Thriller that was pretty straight forward. Not much to write home about honestly. The main character and narrator was also kind of forgettable. Not sure if its supposed to feel "self-insert MC" but she's just defined enough to not be relatable but not defined enough to be memorable. I was entertained enough as the story unfolded (felt very classic mystery novel format). It felt like each suspect was introduced and squashed pretty quickly but the book still felt 100 pages too long. Just kinda bummed about it but was entertained enough to not DNF.
Also, was it just me or did Hannah have the revelation of the how & why twice?
- you're looking for another mystery/thriller and like Ruth Ware (but there are other title's I'd recommend before this one)
So. Here we have a pretty average Mystery/Thriller that was pretty straight forward. Not much to write home about honestly. The main character and narrator was also kind of forgettable. Not sure if its supposed to feel "self-insert MC" but she's just defined enough to not be relatable but not defined enough to be memorable. I was entertained enough as the story unfolded (felt very classic mystery novel format). It felt like each suspect was introduced and squashed pretty quickly but the book still felt 100 pages too long. Just kinda bummed about it but was entertained enough to not DNF.
I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Read if:
- you're looking for a short horror read and like A24 films
This was a wild one. I will say, I spent a majority of the book confused and unsure of where the plot was going, but I think that was the point. The fun thing about reading Horror/Thrillers is authors get to be so creative in how they deliver the same unease and discomfort a jump scare in a horror movie does.
There really isn't too much I can say about this book without giving too much away, just know its short, but really written for the ride and the lingering effects of the book as a whole.
The movie on the other hand...
- you're looking for a short horror read and like A24 films
This was a wild one. I will say, I spent a majority of the book confused and unsure of where the plot was going, but I think that was the point. The fun thing about reading Horror/Thrillers is authors get to be so creative in how they deliver the same unease and discomfort a jump scare in a horror movie does.
There really isn't too much I can say about this book without giving too much away, just know its short, but really written for the ride and the lingering effects of the book as a whole.
The movie on the other hand...
You, Again by Kate Goldbeck
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
4.5
4.5/5 rounded up!
Read if:
- You want to read a rom-com. That's it.**
I loved every second of this book. I actually laughed out loud, tears came down, and I cheered through the end of the book. I thought it was a perfect When Harry Met Sally retelling (same basic plot, new characters with the gender bend aspect too).
I loved how we got to see both character's perspectives and anxieties. I do wish some things were different (I wish there was just a bit more content that showed how Ari was also falling for Josh because the hesitation when they were actually getting together felt a little icky ), but overall I can understand why it unfolded the way it did. I read it as part of my book club, and I was pleasantly surprised by the praise from the male readers!
**I understand some readers are bothered by the discourse around "Reylo" fanfics becoming actual books, but let's be real, a brooding, tall, dark-haired, guy and a petite, kinda punchy brunette is not a new combo (any grumpy-sunshine fans?).
Read if:
- You want to read a rom-com. That's it.**
I loved every second of this book. I actually laughed out loud, tears came down, and I cheered through the end of the book. I thought it was a perfect When Harry Met Sally retelling (same basic plot, new characters with the gender bend aspect too).
I loved how we got to see both character's perspectives and anxieties. I do wish some things were different (
**I understand some readers are bothered by the discourse around "Reylo" fanfics becoming actual books, but let's be real, a brooding, tall, dark-haired, guy and a petite, kinda punchy brunette is not a new combo (any grumpy-sunshine fans?).
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
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? No
4.5
Read if:
- You're looking for a murder mystery sprinkled with underground magic societies and wrapped up in a dark academia blanket
I really enjoyed this book. The themes were right up my alley (love some dark academia/occult vibes) and the pacing perfectly kept my attention. Investigating the murder mystery was so entertaining and unfolded perfectly alongside the unravelling of Alex's background. I don't feel like this is a book that will stick with me for too long, but the story and world is interesting enough to keep me in this world for the next book.
- You're looking for a murder mystery sprinkled with underground magic societies and wrapped up in a dark academia blanket
I really enjoyed this book. The themes were right up my alley (love some dark academia/occult vibes) and the pacing perfectly kept my attention. Investigating the murder mystery was so entertaining and unfolded perfectly alongside the unravelling of Alex's background. I don't feel like this is a book that will stick with me for too long, but the story and world is interesting enough to keep me in this world for the next book.
The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
adventurous
funny
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Honestly, this book gets that +.5 because I know younger Tia would have LOVED it. The friendships, the support they gave each other, the FIGHTING SCENES WITH ADDITIONAL COMEDY. I love it.
The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston
lighthearted
relaxing
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? No
4.5
Read if:
- you are looking for an easy, emotional read to make your new contemporary rom-com comfort pick
Honestly, I don't really know what to say. Like there is nothing super notable about this book BUT its so 00's rom-com chick flick coded I couldn't help but eat it up. I was shocked I liked it so much. I did trudge through the first 40% but binged the last 60% in one day.
Did I get butterflies every time the love interest used the MC's nickname? Kicking my feet and screaming included. Will I pick up other books by Ashley Poston? If a copy suddenly appears in my hands. Did this book successfully offset the grossly MAN sci-fi book I just read? Thankfully. Will I recommend this book? Most definitely to anyone that reads fiction and whos birth year starts with 19-.
- you are looking for an easy, emotional read to make your new contemporary rom-com comfort pick
Honestly, I don't really know what to say. Like there is nothing super notable about this book BUT its so 00's rom-com chick flick coded I couldn't help but eat it up. I was shocked I liked it so much. I did trudge through the first 40% but binged the last 60% in one day.
Did I get butterflies every time the love interest used the MC's nickname? Kicking my feet and screaming included. Will I pick up other books by Ashley Poston? If a copy suddenly appears in my hands. Did this book successfully offset the grossly MAN sci-fi book I just read? Thankfully. Will I recommend this book? Most definitely to anyone that reads fiction and whos birth year starts with 19-.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death and Suicide