valerixia's reviews
130 reviews

The Cloisters by Katy Hays
Did not finish book. Stopped at 95%.

Got to 14 pages from the end, which is the 1st time she mentions that she ran over her own father and left without calling for help, and decided I cba.

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

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

3.0

Enjoyed the alternative angle on this double agent killing eve style thriller. Convoluted but easy to read, definitely ott towards the last third!

Duma Key by Stephen King

adventurous dark mysterious tense slow-paced

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

3.75

Slow burn, creepy, but rounded characters and compelling plot crumbs scattered to collect. 

Girl A by Abigail Dean

dark mysterious slow-paced

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

2.0

Written vaguely and inconsistently, the importance of things is placed by the reader, but I didn't really care as there is so little detail about how characters felt or what they thought that everything seemed hollow when meant to be harrowing. And the, 'surprise'? towards the end was pathetic.

Perfect Prey by Helen Sarah Fields

adventurous dark medium-paced

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

3.75

The Survivors of the Clotilda: The Lost Stories of the Last Captives of the American Slave Trade by Hannah Durkin

challenging dark informative sad

5.0

Impeccably researched and respectfully told, this is about the lives of enslaved people in America during the civil war and into the great depression. Stories from those who lived extraordinary lives, but who have ignored, until now.

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

challenging dark reflective medium-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

4.5

The last third of this book is just twitter accounts. Some clever tells and insights into race and privilege. Kinda got The Other Black Girl vibes.

Mudlark: In Search of London's Past Along the River Thames by Lara Maiklem

informative lighthearted reflective relaxing slow-paced

5.0

Interesting look at London and its people current and past. Informed and Interesting author.

Schrader's Chord by Scott Leeds

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny fast-paced

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

5.0

Really original, really fresh but yet evocative of King and Herbert, in a great way. Contemporary with hithic touches. Flew through thus, enjoyed it.

Best Served Cold by Joe Abercrombie

adventurous dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Barbarians, armies, battles and politics.