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tiamango's reviews
114 reviews
Red Rising by Pierce Brown
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Read if:
- You like rebellious, dystopian sci-fi
- You are a boy (lol)*
*I've had many men tell me this is a favorite of theirs and even one that said "no woman I've ever talked to has rated it higher than a 3/5"
I get it. I understand it is a great dystopian, sci-fi book. The world was interesting, the devious plotting and politics is fun and entertaining. It is a great start and I'm still curious about where this story goes.
It's only a 3.5 for me because the main character is pretty flat (and of course he's so good at everything he does even though he's more or less an average guy, also 16 years old and SUCH a "my wife" guy?? I might just be scarred from the Try Guys guy but still...) and the women in this might as well be non-existent (see spoiler below for more details).
Darrow's main motivation of avenging Eo, like again I get it but meh... He's 16 years old and such a WIFE GUY?? Like if life expectancies change in the future sure, but there's no way a 16 year old is like this. Then his new love interest Mustang, who's twin brother is Darrow's main enemy, so easily abandons and backstabs her family for him without any second thoughts. No moral dilemmas here because she is a woman and purely a plot device.
At the end of the day, I get it, I can see why so many people love this story. But personally, I need stronger character development and women that are more person than warm bodies. THAT BEING SAID, if you can compartmentalize and/or you just read for the vibes (no judgement here), it's still a fun read.
- You like rebellious, dystopian sci-fi
- You are a boy (lol)*
*I've had many men tell me this is a favorite of theirs and even one that said "no woman I've ever talked to has rated it higher than a 3/5"
I get it. I understand it is a great dystopian, sci-fi book. The world was interesting, the devious plotting and politics is fun and entertaining. It is a great start and I'm still curious about where this story goes.
It's only a 3.5 for me because the main character is pretty flat (and of course he's so good at everything he does even though he's more or less an average guy, also 16 years old and SUCH a "my wife" guy?? I might just be scarred from the Try Guys guy but still...) and the women in this might as well be non-existent (see spoiler below for more details).
At the end of the day, I get it, I can see why so many people love this story. But personally, I need stronger character development and women that are more person than warm bodies. THAT BEING SAID, if you can compartmentalize and/or you just read for the vibes (no judgement here), it's still a fun read.
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I'm absolutely speechless. Just read it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism and Drug abuse
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
2.0
I can only rate this if I turn my brain off. Not that I had high expectations for this book, but it was so disappointing.
Violet was extra annoying, the relationships made no sense (having the SAME FIGHT for NO REASON?? also, all of the platonic relationships felt so flat. like suddenly they know each other soooo well and blindly listen to each other with no skepticism), and the MAGIC??? are we not going to talk about how Brennan is somehow powerful enough to just mend the ward stone with no practice or prior research??
The only good thing to come out of it was the ending (bc I'm curious to see where this goes) but if I actually pick up any of the following books it'll purely be out of INTENSE FOMO.
The only good thing to come out of it was the ending (bc I'm curious to see where this goes) but if I actually pick up any of the following books it'll purely be out of INTENSE FOMO.
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.25
Read if:
- You like niche drama
- You want to get into R.F Kuang's writing (BUT this is NOT fantasy like her other work)
- You're looking for a quick "housewife" drama (like Big Little Lies but different font)
I'm not going to lie, someone else said in their review that this felt like R.F. Kuang was projecting a lot in this and I can't stop thinking about it.
THAT BEING SAID, I still thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the niche drama I got to experience and the WILD perspective we get to experience. A funny, easy yet thoughtful read.
- You like niche drama
- You want to get into R.F Kuang's writing (BUT this is NOT fantasy like her other work)
- You're looking for a quick "housewife" drama (like Big Little Lies but different font)
I'm not going to lie, someone else said in their review that this felt like R.F. Kuang was projecting a lot in this and I can't stop thinking about it.
THAT BEING SAID, I still thoroughly enjoyed this book. I loved the niche drama I got to experience and the WILD perspective we get to experience. A funny, easy yet thoughtful read.
Electric Idol by Katee Robert
3.0
came for the shameless smut, stayed for the actual plot (but mostly the smut)
**less smut, more plot than Neon Gods just fyi
**less smut, more plot than Neon Gods just fyi
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
3.75
Read if:
- You want a shorter read with fantasy elements
- You are looking to be lost in a unique world
- You have patience lol
I'll be honest, it took me a bit to get into. Once things started coming together (I was so lost for probably 60% of the book) I could not put it down. I had no idea where anything was going, but each breadcrumb of information kept me going and this book definitely paid off in the end. I would almost categorize this as a Fantasy/Mystery because it gives the same vibe as a Mystery/Thriller narrated by a suspect.
- You want a shorter read with fantasy elements
- You are looking to be lost in a unique world
- You have patience lol
I'll be honest, it took me a bit to get into. Once things started coming together (I was so lost for probably 60% of the book) I could not put it down. I had no idea where anything was going, but each breadcrumb of information kept me going and this book definitely paid off in the end. I would almost categorize this as a Fantasy/Mystery because it gives the same vibe as a Mystery/Thriller narrated by a suspect.
In My Dreams I Hold a Knife by Ashley Winstead
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Read if:
- you want a solid mystery/thriller with juicy gossip and multiple perspectives
- that's it. I really liked this and would recommend if you're looking for something in this genre
I honestly loved this book. I won't lie, while I understand his purpose in the book, Eric felt so flat as a character, but tbh it was everything I wanted. I wasn't disappointed in the ending, I did predict it (but not too early on), and the overall resolution was fitting. I know I'm usually pretty harsh with logic throughout but the juicy gossip of all these shitty people was enthralling and satiated my need for drama. Do I love any characters? fuck no. But that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the story as it was played out.
**pls note there is no knife
- you want a solid mystery/thriller with juicy gossip and multiple perspectives
- that's it. I really liked this and would recommend if you're looking for something in this genre
I honestly loved this book. I won't lie, while I understand his purpose in the book, Eric felt so flat as a character, but tbh it was everything I wanted. I wasn't disappointed in the ending, I did predict it (but not too early on), and the overall resolution was fitting. I know I'm usually pretty harsh with logic throughout but the juicy gossip of all these shitty people was enthralling and satiated my need for drama. Do I love any characters? fuck no. But that doesn't mean I didn't enjoy the story as it was played out.
**pls note there is no knife
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape, Addiction, and Violence
Minor: Blood and Homophobia
Wicked Beauty by Katee Robert
I think this is it. I’m afraid Dark Olympus has peaked for me. Do I even bother with the rest when this was everything?
Only not 5 stars bc I can’t have this in the same category as my other 5 star reads. There’s still so much cringe and characters can be wack af but idk what it is about this series I eat it up with no thoughts, just vibes.
emotional
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? No
4.25
Only not 5 stars bc I can’t have this in the same category as my other 5 star reads. There’s still so much cringe and characters can be wack af but idk what it is about this series I eat it up with no thoughts, just vibes.
Heartstopper Volume 5 by Alice Oseman
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.25
just want this series to be over so i don’t have to sit in my heartache waiting for the next one
None of This Is True by Lisa Jewell
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Read if:
- You’re in a reading slump because a mystery/thriller might do the trick
- You’re a fan of true crime podcasts
- You’re nosy and love being in other people’s business
I inhaled this book and ngl I’m still unsure how to think or feel. I loved how it was written and how the podcast/netflix special was incorporated. I felt like the breadcrumbs were perfectly dispersed and kept me guessing. I was constantly engaged and ate it up like every True Crime Netflix Docuseries in existence.
**read for a book club. Upon further analysis, I would give this a 3.5 rounded up. The truth was kinda weird and didn't feel right based on everything that was laid out. On the back, there's a quote from another author saying if you likeed Verity by Colleen Hoover, you'd like this, and I could see that, BUT Verity was bad if you are a big fan of mystery/thrillers, albeit entertaining.
- You’re in a reading slump because a mystery/thriller might do the trick
- You’re a fan of true crime podcasts
- You’re nosy and love being in other people’s business
I inhaled this book and ngl I’m still unsure how to think or feel. I loved how it was written and how the podcast/netflix special was incorporated. I felt like the breadcrumbs were perfectly dispersed and kept me guessing. I was constantly engaged and ate it up like every True Crime Netflix Docuseries in existence.
**read for a book club. Upon further analysis, I would give this a 3.5 rounded up. The truth was kinda weird and didn't feel right based on everything that was laid out. On the back, there's a quote from another author saying if you likeed Verity by Colleen Hoover, you'd like this, and I could see that, BUT Verity was bad if you are a big fan of mystery/thrillers, albeit entertaining.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Pedophilia