toasty_boyo's reviews
24 reviews

A Darker Shade of Magic by V.E. Schwab

adventurous dark funny fast-paced

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

4.0

Okay so this is the second book I’ve read by V.E. Schwab and I’m loving this author. I found this book a pretty fast paced book that immediately sets you in with what’s going on. The world building for this book is nuts with the separate worlds and power system. I thought it was so interesting and can’t wait to read the next book. I will however say that I was surprised by how not as dark this direction of the book went I felt as thought the characters struggled but also felt like they resolved things relatively easily - now this could be that I need to continue the story and if so then ignore. Either way really thought it was hilarious and a good read!

The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab

dark emotional hopeful medium-paced

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

4.75

This book was gorgeous it was so interesting and it took so many different turns. This is my first time reading something by this author and I’m in love with the way she writes - my fav line of this being “time is the minutes you want minus one” like what a raw line. I loved how human the main character was and how this book made me feel every emotion possible. This book within a book is a must read and I will be telling everyone I know to read!

If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio

dark emotional reflective fast-paced

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

5.0

This book was a master piece. My favorite thing about this was the way it was formatted from it being split into Acts, Scenes and dialogue separated by names like what a beautiful touch. Having read very little Shakespeare this was written in a way that didn’t make me feel left out. I was on the edge of my seat and feeling very much like Colbourne I HAD to know the truth. If your a fan of Dead Poet Society or Secret History this is right there with it. The ending is both satisfying yet left me wanting more and more. The characters were refreshing and reminded me of my own group (minus the murder obviously). Pip being the real MVP.

The Institute by Stephen King

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.25

This books was wonderfully tense and had my heart racing - it wasn’t horror in the sense of Stephen King’s normal brand of horror. This book was a good mix of New Mutants (movie), Stranger Things and The Black Phone. The main character and all characters were lovable it truly made me cry and I love the world building so much I wish there was a second book. It started off so strange because your like who is this cop guy but then the story builds and all the things fall together and it’s like a light bulb in your head. I hope to read more non horror horror from Stephen King.