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wdallas126's reviews
165 reviews
Below Zero by Ali Hazelwood
3.0
After The Love Hypothesis, I suppose I hoped to see some growth in Hazelwood’s writing, but it still is the epitome of fanfiction style. In fact, this probably works better as fanfiction, because this simply did not have enough time to satisfyingly develop the characters. The structure was very strange and unbalanced, and the sex scenes could be kind of cringey. I suppose I just hoped for a little more from this and it did not deliver.
Ignore the fact that I read the 3rd one first, we take what we can get when we’re reading from the library.
Ignore the fact that I read the 3rd one first, we take what we can get when we’re reading from the library.
The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet by John Green
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
4.5
Who knew that I would care so much about John Green's review of our world? It's a very poignant, touching collection of non-fiction essays that I was constantly moved by (legitimately, I teared up multiple times in this). While the topics are varied often times, Green has created a very strong through-line that discusses humanity and the reality of our existence. I related a lot to the experiences he described and enjoyed his personal stories just as much as I did the factual backgrounds. The essays are fairly short and easy to fly through, with great pacing and evocative writing. The only thing that kept this from being a perfect read is that the author ultimately at times is a bit too optimistic about human kind, which I hope to connect to in the future but just can't quite at the moment. However, this is a perfect example of how I want media to talk about the pandemic, and it hit especially hard due to me currently having COVID. I will definitely be reading more John Green know that I know more about the man himself.
The Wolf and the Woodsman by Ava Reid
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It took me entirely too long to read this book that I really enjoyed. I definitely started out thinking that this would be a 5 stars, but it had some pacing issues that dropped it down just a little.
The main character was one whose liveliness was inspiring, and the development she goes through is really fascinating as she figures out where she fits in within this conflicting world. There were some moments in the latter half of the book where she seemed to stall or didn't act as much on her agency as I wanted, but I still really enjoyed her being at the center of this story. I also really liked the male lead and how the two complemented each other. Their relationship was very compelling as the world and their beliefs made them both a perfect match and ill-fated.
The lore of this world is so lush and tied strongly to historical religions that carry throughout our world. I loved getting to hear about the religious lore for all the different groups and how they created ethno-political conflicts for them. But, I almost always preferred the moments when we were focusing on the magical aspects of these differences versus the main political plotline that dominates the second half of this book.
I can truly say that there is a lot of plot in this - in the sense that many things happen to the characters and that where we end up at the 75% mark is almost inconceivable based on where we started. In some ways, I wish it would have deviated slightly from where it ended up but it was still very good. I think the pacing was a bit unbalanced at times. The second quarter of the book got a bit repetitive (like monster-of-the-chapter vibes) but i liked the emotional development then the most, and the second half was stronger in terms of plot advancement, but seemed like such a different pace from the rest of the book. This, combined with the political emphasis is what dropped it from 5 to 4 stars.
Ava Reid is an incredibly strong writer and I annotated this book to no end. Lush descriptions, powerful emotions and dynamics, horrifying imagery at time, there is no doubt (especially with her recent books + announcements) that she has a long and illustrious career ahead of herself. Certainly the highlight of the book and the reason I hope to reread it one day.
The main character was one whose liveliness was inspiring, and the development she goes through is really fascinating as she figures out where she fits in within this conflicting world. There were some moments in the latter half of the book where she seemed to stall or didn't act as much on her agency as I wanted, but I still really enjoyed her being at the center of this story. I also really liked the male lead and how the two complemented each other. Their relationship was very compelling as the world and their beliefs made them both a perfect match and ill-fated.
The lore of this world is so lush and tied strongly to historical religions that carry throughout our world. I loved getting to hear about the religious lore for all the different groups and how they created ethno-political conflicts for them. But, I almost always preferred the moments when we were focusing on the magical aspects of these differences versus the main political plotline that dominates the second half of this book.
I can truly say that there is a lot of plot in this - in the sense that many things happen to the characters and that where we end up at the 75% mark is almost inconceivable based on where we started. In some ways, I wish it would have deviated slightly from where it ended up but it was still very good. I think the pacing was a bit unbalanced at times. The second quarter of the book got a bit repetitive (like monster-of-the-chapter vibes) but i liked the emotional development then the most, and the second half was stronger in terms of plot advancement, but seemed like such a different pace from the rest of the book. This, combined with the political emphasis is what dropped it from 5 to 4 stars.
Ava Reid is an incredibly strong writer and I annotated this book to no end. Lush descriptions, powerful emotions and dynamics, horrifying imagery at time, there is no doubt (especially with her recent books + announcements) that she has a long and illustrious career ahead of herself. Certainly the highlight of the book and the reason I hope to reread it one day.
The Beautiful Ones by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I found this story really endearing. It took me about 25% to get into it and the ending was a tad rushed, but I loved everything in the middle. I was invested in the characters and the angst they had going on. It would make a great series adaptation in my opinion, a la Bridgerton s2.
While it took me a bit to warm up to Nina, once I did I really enjoyed her characterization and her growth over the book. The reasons she and Hector were drawn together felt realistic and I was invested in their scenes throughout. Ultimately, I was really glad we also had chapters from Valerie's perspective to see her development (read: spiral) which was fascinating and made the main conflict more bearable for me to read.
This world that is part regency era mixed with a slightly fantastical world. I really enjoyed it and the adjustments to the rigid rule systems that were made. The way that the telekinesis is utilized subtly in the story was enjoyable to me and it was intricately tied to the characterizations as well. Plus, it added nicely to the dramatic flare. Otherwise, not straying too much from the regular historical world was to its benefit.
This is certainly vibes heavy and overall light on the plot. The pacing wasn't fast by any means, but a lot of ground is covered throughout the novel. The scenes were mostly them lightly courting or having visits which established the angst and tension. This style worked for me and is what made it progressively more compulsively readable, but it won't work for everyone.
Finally, the writing was different than I was expecting, since this was my first SMG novel. It worked really well for this time-period/style of novel (almost imitative of Austen-era novels) though it was a bit less descriptive than I expected. However, it served the angst and emotions greatly which I think should always be the end goal with this type of book. All in all, I enjoyed my time majorly, and would consider reading more from this author in the future!
While it took me a bit to warm up to Nina, once I did I really enjoyed her characterization and her growth over the book. The reasons she and Hector were drawn together felt realistic and I was invested in their scenes throughout. Ultimately, I was really glad we also had chapters from Valerie's perspective to see her development (read: spiral) which was fascinating and made the main conflict more bearable for me to read.
This world that is part regency era mixed with a slightly fantastical world. I really enjoyed it and the adjustments to the rigid rule systems that were made. The way that the telekinesis is utilized subtly in the story was enjoyable to me and it was intricately tied to the characterizations as well. Plus, it added nicely to the dramatic flare. Otherwise, not straying too much from the regular historical world was to its benefit.
This is certainly vibes heavy and overall light on the plot. The pacing wasn't fast by any means, but a lot of ground is covered throughout the novel. The scenes were mostly them lightly courting or having visits which established the angst and tension. This style worked for me and is what made it progressively more compulsively readable, but it won't work for everyone.
Finally, the writing was different than I was expecting, since this was my first SMG novel. It worked really well for this time-period/style of novel (almost imitative of Austen-era novels) though it was a bit less descriptive than I expected. However, it served the angst and emotions greatly which I think should always be the end goal with this type of book. All in all, I enjoyed my time majorly, and would consider reading more from this author in the future!
A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
A very wholesome book that I honestly wished was longer. Mosscap the robot was very endearing and I like the world established in this. It has some beautiful themes with great lines, and I ultimately wish we were given more time with the characters on this journey so they had a slightly larger impact.
Exit Strategy by Martha Wells
5.0
What can I say, I just really love this sarcastic asshole SecUnit who is trying to learn their feelings. A great culmination of the previous 3 books, and finally has the perfect pace for the action. Entertaining, endearing, exciting. I just really loved my time with this one, and look forward to moving onto the novel. Definitely recommend reading these all closely to one another, the experience is better that way.
Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells
4.0
What can I say, I just really love this series. The start of them are always very technical and can drag a lot as the plot is established, but once we get there it's GREAT. The personal connections are truly the highlight of these stories even as the econopolitical interactions can be confusing. Murderbot is so funny and endearing, and there is always a side-character bot that I fawn over. Might officially need to go purchase these for myself.
Jujutsu Kaisen, Vol. 4 by Gege Akutami
5.0
A blindingly fast read, thanks to the fact that there is a significant battle scene. It was nice to see all of the lore and knowledge we've gained over the past 3 manga finally come to fruition. I feel so close to the end of season 1 even though I'm only halfway through the associated arc, so I'm super hyped for the upcoming content.
Gallant by V.E. Schwab
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
AHS: Murderhouse + Crimson Peak + Hill House/Bly Manor
Not a bad book, but a bit overdone in some aspects. The writing feels like it's forcing the atmosphere and sometimes dragged for me because of that. I just don't think I'm a big fan of Schwab's writing style. The characterization of Olivia was just fine for me, but I liked the "found" family element as it developed. The plot wasn't investing for me and I didn't really feel any stakes. It was an easy enough read and there were moments I definitely liked, just not a complete win for me. Ultimately, I wanted it to lean MORE into the gothic horror elements.
Not a bad book, but a bit overdone in some aspects. The writing feels like it's forcing the atmosphere and sometimes dragged for me because of that. I just don't think I'm a big fan of Schwab's writing style. The characterization of Olivia was just fine for me, but I liked the "found" family element as it developed. The plot wasn't investing for me and I didn't really feel any stakes. It was an easy enough read and there were moments I definitely liked, just not a complete win for me. Ultimately, I wanted it to lean MORE into the gothic horror elements.
You've Reached Sam by Dustin Thao
Did not finish book. Stopped at 9%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 9%.
Temporarily dnfing because a) not really in the mood for a grief story and b) want to focus on a different audiobook for the time being. still interested tho!!