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whenimreading's reviews
1058 reviews
American Rapture by CJ Leede
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child death, Death, Gore, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Injury/Injury detail, and Pandemic/Epidemic
The Shutouts by Gabrielle Korn
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
4.0
While I’ve seen some say this is a standalone novel, I would have to disagree. This is very much a sequel and without reading Yours for the Taking, you will be missing a lot of nuances and shared history between the characters. It adds depth and emotional connection to the story, so I highly recommend reading it first.
The world building in this novel and its predecessor is starting to hit close to home with climate change ramping up right before our eyes. The government and billionaires not doing anything to curb the change, women’s rights, trans rights, etc. It’s all very relevant and thought provoking to the world we live in. I think the events here are slightly exaggerated to add more tension and dread to the whole experience. It’s nicely done overall, but I found a few nitty gritty things that probably wouldn’t work in real life.
With that said, I quite enjoyed this book. Even more so as the stakes are much higher and I really grew to like these characters, even though they sometimes annoyed and frustrated me to bits! All the different POVs really came together and I started looking forward to Kelly’s letters or how Ava and Brook’s journey to find July progressed. This was more emotional and poignant because of the time jumps and how the story unfolded. All the details about the survivalist cult really made my blood boil. The government’s/rich people’s selfishness and that whole subplot really was a mind trip. I thought the ending wrapped up a bit abruptly, a bit sad but still hopeful for the characters surviving and adapting to their new world.
Narration by Gail Shalan was effortless, the perfect amount of emotion and great pacing to keep me enthralled in the story.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and Macmillan Audio for the review copies.
Dating and Dragons by Kristy Boyce
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
This was such a cute book and I adored the theme and characters! Quinn is starting in a brand new school after her family moves to be closer to her grandma. Moving mid school year is tough but after joining a D&D group, Quinn begins to open up to new friendships.
Much like Dungeons and Drama, this is a sweet teen romance. There’s an easy, wholesome atmosphere to the whole book, not too many stakes but at the same time, showcasing realistic emotions and situations.
All the characters are lovable and unique. Creating their D&D campaign was a fun angle, I could imagine watching their live stream in real life. I think this is a great story for a teen audience or anyone looking for a lighthearted read with friendships and a feel good vibe.
Thank you to Delacorte Press for the early review copy.
Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
5.0
The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
4.0