Scan barcode
vaniavela's reviews
724 reviews
Everyone in the Group Chat Dies by L.M. Chilton
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
Everyone in the Group Chat Dies, by L.M. Chilton is a modern, twisty, and quick-witted thriller that kept me hooked from start to finish. It’s fast-paced with plenty of dialogue, making it a breeze to get through. I was constantly guessing (and second-guessing) who the killer might be — and let's just say I did not get it right, but that’s part of the fun!
The characters were great, with hilarious group banter that added charm even amid the suspense. I also loved the inclusion of “Show Me,” a fictional app reminiscent of TikTok. It really captured the impact and risks of social media trends. The story had enough twists and clues to take it in multiple directions, and I genuinely enjoyed trying to piece it all together.
The characters were great, with hilarious group banter that added charm even amid the suspense. I also loved the inclusion of “Show Me,” a fictional app reminiscent of TikTok. It really captured the impact and risks of social media trends. The story had enough twists and clues to take it in multiple directions, and I genuinely enjoyed trying to piece it all together.
Nada de esto es verdad by Lisa Jewell
This book hooked me right away with its unique premise: two women, Alix Summers and Josie Fair, who share the same birthday, were born in the same hospital, and just so happen to celebrate their 45th at the same venue. Alix is a well-known podcaster who uplifts women pursuing second chances, while Josie is a frustrated wife and mother grappling with regrets and dreams she never got to chase. The setup was full of promise, and the early chapters delivered.
The dynamic between Alix and Josie, paired with the podcast and Netflix documentary vibe, felt fresh and engaging. I was intrigued by how their lives started to intersect and unravel. The story built tension nicely, and I found myself fully invested for a while.
But as the plot delved into darker territory, things took a turn. Walter’s storyline, in particular, felt mishandled. The way the book framed his predatory behavior—placing blame on a teenage girl—was deeply unsettling. A 13-year-old is a child. She cannot consent, no matter how manipulative or mature she’s portrayed to be. It was hard to stomach how his actions were brushed aside, almost excused by the idea that he was a “good father.” That contradiction just doesn’t hold up.
The twists weren’t groundbreaking, and the ending was predictable, but the unsettling tone and eerie vibe still kept me engaged. There’s definitely a lot of potential here, and parts of the story worked really well.
Ultimately, though, the book falters in how it handles its heavier themes. If it had taken a more thoughtful approach to the darker aspects, this could’ve been a much stronger read.
The dynamic between Alix and Josie, paired with the podcast and Netflix documentary vibe, felt fresh and engaging. I was intrigued by how their lives started to intersect and unravel. The story built tension nicely, and I found myself fully invested for a while.
But as the plot delved into darker territory, things took a turn. Walter’s storyline, in particular, felt mishandled. The way the book framed his predatory behavior—placing blame on a teenage girl—was deeply unsettling. A 13-year-old is a child. She cannot consent, no matter how manipulative or mature she’s portrayed to be. It was hard to stomach how his actions were brushed aside, almost excused by the idea that he was a “good father.” That contradiction just doesn’t hold up.
The twists weren’t groundbreaking, and the ending was predictable, but the unsettling tone and eerie vibe still kept me engaged. There’s definitely a lot of potential here, and parts of the story worked really well.
Ultimately, though, the book falters in how it handles its heavier themes. If it had taken a more thoughtful approach to the darker aspects, this could’ve been a much stronger read.
They Will Tell You the World Is Yours: On Little Rebellions and Finding Your Way by Anna Mitchael
I devoured every page, feeling unexpectedly comforted.
As a girl in her twenties figuring out life, I found comfort in her words. This book is a reminder that it’s okay to not have everything figured out. It’s okay to feel lost, to rebel a little, and to carve out your own path. Mitchael’s words will stay with me for a long time.
As a girl in her twenties figuring out life, I found comfort in her words. This book is a reminder that it’s okay to not have everything figured out. It’s okay to feel lost, to rebel a little, and to carve out your own path. Mitchael’s words will stay with me for a long time.
Vesuvius by Cass Biehn
Cass Biehn’s Vesuvius does a great job of painting a vivid picture of life in Pompeii. From the bustling temples to lush vineyards, brothels, and grand Roman villas, the descriptions make it easy to imagine yourself there alongside the characters. The atmosphere feels rich and immersive, and it’s clear the author put a lot of care into bringing the ancient city to life.
But the dialogue? It felt way too modern for the time period, which was a bit jarring. It kept pulling me out of the story, making it harder to stay fully immersed in the historical setting.
The biggest letdown, though, was the eruption itself—or lack of it. The book spends a lot of time building up to the big moment, but when Vesuvius finally erupts, it’s barely a blip. I was expecting the chaos, the destruction, the sheer intensity of Pompeii’s last moments, but it just didn’t deliver. The volcano and the disaster felt more like a side note than the heart of the story, which was disappointing.
Overall, while Vesuvius has some great moments and a beautifully rendered setting, it left me wishing for a bit more of the drama and impact that made Pompeii’s history so unforgettable.
But the dialogue? It felt way too modern for the time period, which was a bit jarring. It kept pulling me out of the story, making it harder to stay fully immersed in the historical setting.
The biggest letdown, though, was the eruption itself—or lack of it. The book spends a lot of time building up to the big moment, but when Vesuvius finally erupts, it’s barely a blip. I was expecting the chaos, the destruction, the sheer intensity of Pompeii’s last moments, but it just didn’t deliver. The volcano and the disaster felt more like a side note than the heart of the story, which was disappointing.
Overall, while Vesuvius has some great moments and a beautifully rendered setting, it left me wishing for a bit more of the drama and impact that made Pompeii’s history so unforgettable.
A Victim at Valentine's by Ellie Alexander
A Victim at Valentine's is the fifth book in the A Secret Bookcase mystery series, and it’s an absolute treat for cozy mystery fans. Set in the charming town of Redwood Grove, Annie Murray’s Valentine’s Day takes a sinister twist when a beloved community member is found dead during a matchmaking event at her Agatha Christie-inspired bookshop.
The premise is irresistibly fun, with a bookshop-turned-detective-agency setting that feels both fresh and endearing. The romance between Annie and Liam adds a lovely layer to the story, though their Valentine’s Day plans are quickly overshadowed by the hunt for the killer.
This book works perfectly as a standalone, but after reading it, I’m eager to catch up on the rest of the series. The cozy vibes and twists, make this a mystery you won’t want to miss.
A Victim at Valentine's is the fifth book in the A Secret Bookcase mystery series, and it’s an absolute treat for cozy mystery fans. Set in the charming town of Redwood Grove, Annie Murray’s Valentine’s Day takes a sinister twist when a beloved community member is found dead during a matchmaking event at her Agatha Christie-inspired bookshop.
The premise is irresistibly fun, with a bookshop-turned-detective-agency setting that feels both fresh and endearing. The romance between Annie and Liam adds a lovely layer to the story, though their Valentine’s Day plans are quickly overshadowed by the hunt for the killer.
This book works perfectly as a standalone, but after reading it, I’m eager to catch up on the rest of the series. The cozy vibes and twists, make this a mystery you won’t want to miss.
I Am the Swarm by Hayley Chewins
I Am the Swarm, by Hayley Chewins is a powerful and emotional YA novel written in verse. It's a tough read, not just because of its lyrical style, but also because of the heavy themes it tackles. It’s a story that sticks with you, though, even after you’ve finished reading.
The main character, Nell, is going through a lot. She deals with neglect at home and feels overshadowed by her older sister. The book explores Nell's inner struggles, showing how she’s trying to navigate her difficult situation while facing some harsh realities. The writing is vivid and poetic, which adds to the emotional impact of the story.
This book is a slow burn and not for everyone, as it deals with sensitive subjects. It’s intense and thought-provoking, but also beautifully written in a way that pulls you in. If you’re looking for something deep and reflective, this book will leave a lasting impression. Just be aware of the themes and check for any trigger warnings before diving in.
The main character, Nell, is going through a lot. She deals with neglect at home and feels overshadowed by her older sister. The book explores Nell's inner struggles, showing how she’s trying to navigate her difficult situation while facing some harsh realities. The writing is vivid and poetic, which adds to the emotional impact of the story.
This book is a slow burn and not for everyone, as it deals with sensitive subjects. It’s intense and thought-provoking, but also beautifully written in a way that pulls you in. If you’re looking for something deep and reflective, this book will leave a lasting impression. Just be aware of the themes and check for any trigger warnings before diving in.
Fast Boys and Pretty Girls by LO. PATRICK
Fast Boys and Pretty Girls by Lo Patrick definitely kept me engaged with its use of different timelines. It was effective in creating tension and pulling me in, making me want to know what would happen next. The shifting perspectives really kept things interesting and added layers to the story.
That being said, I did feel like the main characters could’ve used a bit more development. I was hoping for more depth, especially given how much of the story was built around their experiences.
By the time I got to the big reveals at the end, I was left feeling a little underwhelmed. The build-up had me expecting more of a twist, so the conclusion didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
The story is definitely a slow burn, which isn’t a bad thing, but I was hoping for more of an explosive payoff. This was my first book by Lo Patrick, and while it wasn’t exactly what I expected, I’d be open to reading more of their work to see how they evolve.
That being said, I did feel like the main characters could’ve used a bit more development. I was hoping for more depth, especially given how much of the story was built around their experiences.
By the time I got to the big reveals at the end, I was left feeling a little underwhelmed. The build-up had me expecting more of a twist, so the conclusion didn’t quite hit the mark for me.
The story is definitely a slow burn, which isn’t a bad thing, but I was hoping for more of an explosive payoff. This was my first book by Lo Patrick, and while it wasn’t exactly what I expected, I’d be open to reading more of their work to see how they evolve.
Summer Girls by Jennifer Dugan
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
Summer Girls by Jennifer Dugan left me with some mixed feelings. I really enjoyed the sweet dynamic between Cass and Birdie once they finally got together—their banter was fun, and their soft moments were heartwarming. However, the way the rich vs. poor dynamic played out between them didn’t quite work for me.
One thing that stood out was the lack of communication. It felt like they were having the same argument over and over again, which got a little frustrating at times. That said, neither character was perfect, and they both made mistakes in their relationship, which feels realistic for a YA romance.
Despite these issues, the book was a quick and engaging read that kept me hooked enough to finish it in one sitting. It’s a fun summer read for fans of the author and a great pick for anyone looking for a light, romance-filled escape.
One thing that stood out was the lack of communication. It felt like they were having the same argument over and over again, which got a little frustrating at times. That said, neither character was perfect, and they both made mistakes in their relationship, which feels realistic for a YA romance.
Despite these issues, the book was a quick and engaging read that kept me hooked enough to finish it in one sitting. It’s a fun summer read for fans of the author and a great pick for anyone looking for a light, romance-filled escape.
Not That Kind Of Hero by Alexia Casale
This was cute, but I’m just not the target audience. The cover art is gorgeous, though — definitely eye-catching.
The story follows Orla, who’s dealing with a tough family situation and has pretty much appointed herself as a Cinderella figure. When her sister lands her a spot in a drama course, Orla reluctantly agrees, setting the stage for her journey.
I really wanted to love this, but it just didn’t click for me. Orla is a complex protagonist, but I found it hard to connect with her. She was all over the place, and the constant complaining wore me down after a while.
That said, it has an exaggerated, over-the-top charm that I think will appeal to its intended readers. It just wasn't for me.
The story follows Orla, who’s dealing with a tough family situation and has pretty much appointed herself as a Cinderella figure. When her sister lands her a spot in a drama course, Orla reluctantly agrees, setting the stage for her journey.
I really wanted to love this, but it just didn’t click for me. Orla is a complex protagonist, but I found it hard to connect with her. She was all over the place, and the constant complaining wore me down after a while.
That said, it has an exaggerated, over-the-top charm that I think will appeal to its intended readers. It just wasn't for me.
Janitors vs. The Living Dead by Michelle Garza, Melissa Lason
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
3.5
Janitors vs. The Living Dead by Sisters of Slaughter (Melissa Lason & Michelle Garza) is a grotesque, blood-soaked thrill ride that doesn't hold back. Packed with body horror and more bodily fluids than you'd ever want to imagine, this story grips you with its fast-paced chaos and unapologetic gore.
The undead here aren’t your typical shambling zombies — no, these are rich, spoiled golfers gone terrifyingly feral. Who knew privilege could turn so grotesque? The carnage is so vivid and visceral that I genuinely felt nauseated a few times (Mind you, I read this in my lunch break. Terrible decision).
If you're in the mood for something over-the-top disgusting, revolting, and brilliantly disturbing, this riotous tale is for you. Just be sure to have a strong stomach — or at least a barf bag handy!
The undead here aren’t your typical shambling zombies — no, these are rich, spoiled golfers gone terrifyingly feral. Who knew privilege could turn so grotesque? The carnage is so vivid and visceral that I genuinely felt nauseated a few times (Mind you, I read this in my lunch break. Terrible decision).
If you're in the mood for something over-the-top disgusting, revolting, and brilliantly disturbing, this riotous tale is for you. Just be sure to have a strong stomach — or at least a barf bag handy!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Cursing, Gore, Violence, Blood, and Vomit
Minor: Domestic abuse