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uutopicaa's reviews
713 reviews
The Midnight Feast by Lucy Foley
2.0
No fue para mí. El libro tiene demasiados narradores, va y viene en el tiempo constantemente y desorienta mucho al lector sin ningún motivo.
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
slow-paced
4.0
No tenía ni la más pálida idea de lo que era este libro. Al inicio me costó mucho engancharme, pero luego no lo podía soltar. Me encanta todo lo que no se dice, pero se entiende/infiere, en especial cuando un lector conoce de qué es que se está hablando.
Es la clase de libro del que pueden hacerse múltiples lecturas, dependiendo de cuánta información de contexto tengamos.
Es la clase de libro del que pueden hacerse múltiples lecturas, dependiendo de cuánta información de contexto tengamos.
Graveyard Shift by M.L. Rio
2.0
La verdad es que... no.
Me gustan los libros breves, pero este es cualquier cosa.
Me gustan los libros breves, pero este es cualquier cosa.
The Lost House by Melissa Larsen
4.0
*Note: I received an audio ARC through NetGalley, and I’m incredibly grateful to both the author and the publisher for the opportunity. This is an honest review.
Wow. Just wow. This book exceeded all of my expectations.
I picked this title because I enjoy mystery books in general. I didn’t know much about the author or the plot beforehand, but the synopsis seemed intriguing, especially with its Icelandic setting, which felt perfect for a winter read. To my surprise, this book checked so many boxes of things I love in fiction that I could hardly believe it!
The story follows a relatable young female protagonist who is grappling with loss, a recent separation, depression and the aftermath of an accident that left her with a shattered leg a year prior to the events of the book. She feels empty and adrift, until she is contacted by the creator of a popular true crime podcast who is interested in doing a special episode in Iceland, tied to her family and the unsolved murder of her grandmother nearly forty years ago. While most people in the town believe her grandfather was the killer —and that’s why he fled the country— our protagonist is convinced that’s not the case. So she sets out to uncover the truth about what happened long before she was even born and to clear her grandfather´s name!
When she arrives in Iceland, we’re introduced to a fascinating cast of characters, and we learn that a young woman has recently gone missing. The protagonist finds herself inadvertently involved in two parallel investigations that seem to be linked in unexpected ways.
I won’t delve deeper into the plot. You can read the synopsis and discover the details for yourself (and I highly recommend you do), but I want to highlight one of the book’s most refreshing aspects: the natural, non-romantic portrayal of queer and sapphic characters. Their sexualities are just one part of who they are, not the focal point of the story, and are presented as casually as other personal traits, like hair color or coffee preferences. This inclusive, matter-of-fact representation is something we need more of in fiction, particularly outside the confines of romance. The characters’ relationships, whether they involve a partner or not, don’t define them or their role in the story. It was a thoughtful and meaningful touch that added so much depth to the book. I did not expect to find myself represented in this story… until I did, with one of the side characters.
As for the mystery itself, while it’s not entirely unique, it’s still compelling and filled with intriguing twists. The characters are well-developed, the pacing is excellent, and the resolution is satisfying. If I had one minor critique, it would be the inclusion of a few scenes from the past. These flashbacks, though few, felt somewhat out of place and unnecessary. But aside from that, this is a top-notch mystery/thriller.
And I would love to see Nora (the podcast host) become the anchor for creating more mysteries in a longer series of books in the future. I feel that, as a character, she had a lot of missed potential in this book. She also has her own story to tell at another time. Can this become book #1 in the Nora Mysteries Saga? Please?
I would highly recommend this book to any fan of the genre. It’s an engaging, well-crafted story that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
Wow. Just wow. This book exceeded all of my expectations.
I picked this title because I enjoy mystery books in general. I didn’t know much about the author or the plot beforehand, but the synopsis seemed intriguing, especially with its Icelandic setting, which felt perfect for a winter read. To my surprise, this book checked so many boxes of things I love in fiction that I could hardly believe it!
The story follows a relatable young female protagonist who is grappling with loss, a recent separation, depression and the aftermath of an accident that left her with a shattered leg a year prior to the events of the book. She feels empty and adrift, until she is contacted by the creator of a popular true crime podcast who is interested in doing a special episode in Iceland, tied to her family and the unsolved murder of her grandmother nearly forty years ago. While most people in the town believe her grandfather was the killer —and that’s why he fled the country— our protagonist is convinced that’s not the case. So she sets out to uncover the truth about what happened long before she was even born and to clear her grandfather´s name!
When she arrives in Iceland, we’re introduced to a fascinating cast of characters, and we learn that a young woman has recently gone missing. The protagonist finds herself inadvertently involved in two parallel investigations that seem to be linked in unexpected ways.
I won’t delve deeper into the plot. You can read the synopsis and discover the details for yourself (and I highly recommend you do), but I want to highlight one of the book’s most refreshing aspects: the natural, non-romantic portrayal of queer and sapphic characters. Their sexualities are just one part of who they are, not the focal point of the story, and are presented as casually as other personal traits, like hair color or coffee preferences. This inclusive, matter-of-fact representation is something we need more of in fiction, particularly outside the confines of romance. The characters’ relationships, whether they involve a partner or not, don’t define them or their role in the story. It was a thoughtful and meaningful touch that added so much depth to the book. I did not expect to find myself represented in this story… until I did, with one of the side characters.
As for the mystery itself, while it’s not entirely unique, it’s still compelling and filled with intriguing twists. The characters are well-developed, the pacing is excellent, and the resolution is satisfying. If I had one minor critique, it would be the inclusion of a few scenes from the past. These flashbacks, though few, felt somewhat out of place and unnecessary. But aside from that, this is a top-notch mystery/thriller.
And I would love to see Nora (the podcast host) become the anchor for creating more mysteries in a longer series of books in the future. I feel that, as a character, she had a lot of missed potential in this book. She also has her own story to tell at another time. Can this become book #1 in the Nora Mysteries Saga? Please?
I would highly recommend this book to any fan of the genre. It’s an engaging, well-crafted story that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig
slow-paced
2.5
I got this through the Book of the Month subscription, and I honestly regret not picking another option. But… let me explain why.
This is not a bad book, not at all. I chose it because I’ve always had a really hard time with the “dark fairy tale” style of stories, and I wanted to give the genre another chance. I guess it’s just not for me.
I did manage to finish reading it, which means a lot when I think back to so many other titles in the genre that I’ve DNF’d before even getting halfway through them.
I liked the main character; she was human and credible, while also standing up for herself when necessary. However, I didn’t like the lack of worldbuilding. The gods appear but are a complete mystery, and we don’t know anything about the world (how it functions, what kingdoms exist, or even if there’s an ocean). Nothing at all. Even though it’s a really long book, it’s missing so much context. The story just moves forward following a character while everything else remains a blur. It’s like watching through the eyes of a racing horse who can’t look to the sides to see what’s around them.
I liked the narration style, but not the story. And I still don’t truly understand what the plot is about. There’s not one main conflict, and the “biggest twist” happens in just a couple of pages towards the end. The rest of the book feels like pure filler. The story doesn’t move forward at all until more than halfway through. Everything before that is just an incredibly long prologue.
How can a novel be lacking so much and at the same time have so many unnecessary pages? It baffles me.
I don’t know… maybe I’m just missing something, and this is a masterpiece in a genre I don’t understand.
I did finish it, though. And I did like the fact that many elements from the first part came back near the end. I also liked how most of the characters were developed. So that’s something, I guess.
All in all, it was a waste of a week for me, and with this book, I’m fully giving up on the dark fairy tale type of stories. They’re just not for me; they bore me too much. But if you enjoy this kind of books you’ll probably love The Thirteenth Child. It’s the best I’ve read in the genre, even if I still didn’t enjoy it.
Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery": The Authorized Graphic Adaptation by Shirley Jackson, Miles Hyman
dark
2.0
El cuento original es una maravilla. Es perturbador y te pone los pelos en punta.
Esta novela gráfica, aunque se considera oficial, no le llega ni a los talones. No le hace justicia en lo absoluto.
Esta novela gráfica, aunque se considera oficial, no le llega ni a los talones. No le hace justicia en lo absoluto.
A Bánh Mì for Two by Trinity Nguyen
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.25
This is a beautiful, quick read with incredibly relatable characters.
I thoroughly enjoyed traveling through Vietnam alongside the protagonists, as well as experiencing the dynamic between them.
The story offers a refreshing and heartwarming romance that takes the time to develop their relationship with each scene while also advancing the plot and highlighting the individual goals of each character.
I thoroughly enjoyed traveling through Vietnam alongside the protagonists, as well as experiencing the dynamic between them.
The story offers a refreshing and heartwarming romance that takes the time to develop their relationship with each scene while also advancing the plot and highlighting the individual goals of each character.
As with any book, there are moments where it feels like certain elements were included solely to serve the plot, even if they don’t seem entirely logical for the situation (I’m trying to avoid spoilers here).
Additionally, I couldn’t shake the feeling that some scenes were missing. It’s not that pages were cut out, but rather that certain aspects of the story and some secondary characters felt underdeveloped. For example, one of the protagonists is in Vietnam on a university exchange, yet there’s no exploration of her academic life (her studies, goals and classes are entirely absent). This left me wishing for a bit more depth in that area.
Finally, the ending. While I appreciated the moment the book closes on, there were some bittersweet gaps that, in this type of romance, didn't quite convince me. A final scene or even an epilogue would have been ideal to fully tie everything together. That said, it’s a short book, and I do love that about it. Still, I think two or three more chapters could have really enriched the experience.
These are minor details that don’t ruin the overall enjoyment of the read, but since they’re recurring, I felt they were worth mentioning.
All in all, this is a perfect book for a relaxing afternoon if you love a wholesome and refreshing romance. I highly recommend it! It’s one of the sweetest sapphic stories I’ve read in a while!
An Insidious Inheritance by Amelie West
dark
fast-paced
3.5
Note: First of all, I want to mention that I received a digital ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. I am truly grateful for the opportunity.
So, where to begin? As I reread my notes on this story, I find it difficult to organize my thoughts in the right order. Before anything, I want to say I DO recommend this book, but it is not a perfect novel.
Now, I guess I’ll start by saying what An Insidious Inheritance is and what I liked most about it.
This is a historical paranormal mystery with a touch of romance, set in upstate New York around 1930. The story follows a young woman living in Rochester, who one day receives the news that her father has committed suicide. She hasn’t seen her father in over a decade and considered him a terrible man. However, the lawyer informs her that she is entitled to inherit her father’s property: a rundown inn located in the middle of nowhere, with no electricity and many secrets.
In this small-town mystery/horror story, we encounter ghosts, murders, and a small cast of characters who are wary of the new girl asking too many questions and uncovering strange things at the Inn.
The book relies on some of the classic elements of its genres, so it was a comforting read for me—predictable, yes, but cozy. It felt like the kind of story I would read at night while sipping hot chocolate.
Let me put on my editor hat for the next fragment of the review:
I’m giving this book 3.5 stars because it has potential, but I don’t think it’s ready for publication. There are too many small details and contradictions that should have been addressed by the time ARC readers received their copies. And I’m not just talking about punctuation, repetition, or the excessive use of ellipses in almost every paragraph. I’m referring to plot points and historical accuracy.
There are several small issues that don’t quite make sense to me. Perhaps I’m wrong, but they felt off and detracted from my enjoyment of the book. For example, we’re told repeatedly that the protagonist is broke and that the U.S. is in the midst of the Great Depression. Yet, despite being unable to pay her bills, she owns a car (an uncommon possession at the time, especially for a single woman with a part-time job who can’t even afford rent). Even if we assume the car isn’t hers and a friend lent it to her, how did she know how to drive it? Her family never had money or owned a vehicle as far as I recall. I understand the need for transportation in the story, but it would have been helpful to include some “historical inaccuracies notes” at the end of the book to acknowledge such details.
Another issue arises when the protagonist visits the local library to investigate some missing people in town. She knows their names and that they are missing, yet she tells herself that it will be difficult to find information because she doesn’t know their names (which she does). She even checks the obituaries to see when they died (again, they are missing). There’s also a moment where the protagonist recalls something she said earlier, but she quotes it incorrectly. Additionally, there are several plot elements that are introduced but never fully explained or that get lost and forgotten by the end of the book. These loose ends simply disappear, even though they seemed important at one point.
Maybe I missed something or misunderstood something, but I don’t think I could’ve overlooked everything I’ve mentioned.
Now, from a reader’s perspective, my main issue with the story is that everything that happens in Rochester at the beginning of the book is completely forgotten by the 25% mark and never brought up again. I’m talking about the protagonist’s best friend, her Halloween party, and other early plot points. I do believe that if something is mentioned, it should serve a purpose. It would have made more sense if the epilogue had been set at that party, perhaps with a surprise guest meeting the protagonist there (trying to avoid spoilers as much as possible).
All in all, I think this is a great draft of a book with a lot of potential. I loved the protagonist and how she navigates life as an independent woman (by necessity) in the 1930s. That was fantastic. I also enjoyed the mystery and the paranormal elements. I would love to see more about her childhood memories and the things her father could see in future books. I liked many things about the book: the atmosphere, the twists, the characters, and the overall feeling of a small town filled with secrets, as well as the historical aspects.
I just think it needs more work before being released, and I hope the final version available for purchase addresses the issues I’ve mentioned.
To close this review: do I recommend this book? Yes, I think it’s entertaining and well-planned, despite some minor issues. No book is perfect, and most readers may not even notice the things I’ve pointed out. I just can’t help but read books with the eyes of an editor.
So, where to begin? As I reread my notes on this story, I find it difficult to organize my thoughts in the right order. Before anything, I want to say I DO recommend this book, but it is not a perfect novel.
Now, I guess I’ll start by saying what An Insidious Inheritance is and what I liked most about it.
This is a historical paranormal mystery with a touch of romance, set in upstate New York around 1930. The story follows a young woman living in Rochester, who one day receives the news that her father has committed suicide. She hasn’t seen her father in over a decade and considered him a terrible man. However, the lawyer informs her that she is entitled to inherit her father’s property: a rundown inn located in the middle of nowhere, with no electricity and many secrets.
In this small-town mystery/horror story, we encounter ghosts, murders, and a small cast of characters who are wary of the new girl asking too many questions and uncovering strange things at the Inn.
The book relies on some of the classic elements of its genres, so it was a comforting read for me—predictable, yes, but cozy. It felt like the kind of story I would read at night while sipping hot chocolate.
Let me put on my editor hat for the next fragment of the review:
I’m giving this book 3.5 stars because it has potential, but I don’t think it’s ready for publication. There are too many small details and contradictions that should have been addressed by the time ARC readers received their copies. And I’m not just talking about punctuation, repetition, or the excessive use of ellipses in almost every paragraph. I’m referring to plot points and historical accuracy.
There are several small issues that don’t quite make sense to me. Perhaps I’m wrong, but they felt off and detracted from my enjoyment of the book. For example, we’re told repeatedly that the protagonist is broke and that the U.S. is in the midst of the Great Depression. Yet, despite being unable to pay her bills, she owns a car (an uncommon possession at the time, especially for a single woman with a part-time job who can’t even afford rent). Even if we assume the car isn’t hers and a friend lent it to her, how did she know how to drive it? Her family never had money or owned a vehicle as far as I recall. I understand the need for transportation in the story, but it would have been helpful to include some “historical inaccuracies notes” at the end of the book to acknowledge such details.
Another issue arises when the protagonist visits the local library to investigate some missing people in town. She knows their names and that they are missing, yet she tells herself that it will be difficult to find information because she doesn’t know their names (which she does). She even checks the obituaries to see when they died (again, they are missing). There’s also a moment where the protagonist recalls something she said earlier, but she quotes it incorrectly. Additionally, there are several plot elements that are introduced but never fully explained or that get lost and forgotten by the end of the book. These loose ends simply disappear, even though they seemed important at one point.
Maybe I missed something or misunderstood something, but I don’t think I could’ve overlooked everything I’ve mentioned.
Now, from a reader’s perspective, my main issue with the story is that everything that happens in Rochester at the beginning of the book is completely forgotten by the 25% mark and never brought up again. I’m talking about the protagonist’s best friend, her Halloween party, and other early plot points. I do believe that if something is mentioned, it should serve a purpose. It would have made more sense if the epilogue had been set at that party, perhaps with a surprise guest meeting the protagonist there (trying to avoid spoilers as much as possible).
All in all, I think this is a great draft of a book with a lot of potential. I loved the protagonist and how she navigates life as an independent woman (by necessity) in the 1930s. That was fantastic. I also enjoyed the mystery and the paranormal elements. I would love to see more about her childhood memories and the things her father could see in future books. I liked many things about the book: the atmosphere, the twists, the characters, and the overall feeling of a small town filled with secrets, as well as the historical aspects.
I just think it needs more work before being released, and I hope the final version available for purchase addresses the issues I’ve mentioned.
To close this review: do I recommend this book? Yes, I think it’s entertaining and well-planned, despite some minor issues. No book is perfect, and most readers may not even notice the things I’ve pointed out. I just can’t help but read books with the eyes of an editor.