whiskedawayreads's reviews
616 reviews

Winter by Marissa Meyer

adventurous emotional funny fast-paced

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

5.0

While I acknowledge that there were likely parts of this read that weren’t perfect, I struggle to rate it lower for such. I found it that enjoyable of a book. I enjoyed the multiple perspectives of narration. I will note that the perspective became overwhelming at times, in terms of tracking who was speaking, but I also can’t imagine it being another way. The characters continued to be well developed and flushed out. There was humor, romance, sadness and hurt. And it blended together beautifully.

With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo

funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This read was enjoyable and lighthearted. The characters were well developed and relatable. The writing style and chapter structure made the pace feel like it was continuing to move forward, while also filling in gaps from the past. 

The Plot Is Murder by V.M. Burns

funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

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

3.0

While a cozy read, the narration style and ways of moving through the plot line were not typical. I thoroughly enjoyed the split in narration, between the present and fiction. The connection between the two, despite not being a surprise, aided the overall plot progression well. Unfortunately, with two narration perspectives, there was less well rounded development of the characters. This was a pity as the characters seemed compelling, but under developed. As this is the first novel in a series, perhaps there is more development of such in the future. 

Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus

emotional funny lighthearted sad medium-paced

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

4.0

For those thinking that this book is a romance, it’s not. At least not in the traditional sense. There is love and laughter, but it also explores how to continue after significant loss. It’s about pushing limits and advocating for what is right, regardless of whether it’s easy. It’s about exploring one’s own strengths, and the various and numerous ways that strengths can actively applied. The characters were both beautiful and ugly, complex yet simple. The writing kept the reader pulled in despite the perspective of the narrator. The novel has non traditional points of view, that are typically overlooked in most narratives. Overall, it was a lovely read.

Hold Me by Susan Mallery

funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

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

2.5

If you’re looking for a cozy read, this is for you. While there are better cozy novels than this, it gets the job done. I thought some of characters’ flaws seemed overly dramatic with limited realism. However, it you can look past that, it’s worth your time.

Backstage at the Lincoln Assassination: The Untold Story of the Actors and Stagehands at Ford's Theatre by Thomas A. Bogar

informative slow-paced

1.0

I would guess that the author bit off more than he could chew in writing this historical piece. There were too many characters that were being detailed in depth, as well as the need for more names versus pronouns being utilized to aid in differentiating all the people. It seemed more like a book to exonerate Spangler than anything else. The pace to almost too slow, with so many characters having little to no role within the narrative. The narrator also would make grammatical speaking errors, which was frustrating.

The Alice Network by Kate Quinn

dark funny reflective medium-paced

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

3.75

The characters were thoroughly enjoyable and well developed. The alternating timelines keep you, as the reader, wanting to know more. It was also a creative way to continue to progress with the storyline while keeping with the two narrating perspectives. The historical environment was one of intrigue. Overall,  a lovely read.

Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver

dark funny mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I was prepared to hate this book after reading the trigger warnings. So much so that I almost didn’t read it. To my surprise, I loved it so much that I read the whole thing in nearly a day. I found the characters to be relatable and charming. The plot line was well paced and catching. The writing was well done as well. While I’m not a fan of the amount of spice, there were times when it felt like the spice allowed the forward movement of the plot line too.

Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

funny lighthearted mysterious fast-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

4.75

I am often nervous that the second addition to a series won’t live up to the original. However, I was pleasantly surprised to find that I enjoyed this one very much. It opens with a catching plot line, with a narrative that continues to pull at your interest. The characters remain well rounded and relatable. The additions of new characters and new perspectives opens fun new views and allows for new avenues of receiving information. As with the first, I cannot wait for the next addition!

Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman

dark funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.0

This was my first time reading a book of this genre. It took some time to get pulled in, but the characters allowed for this to happen relatively quickly. The MCs wouldn’t necessarily mesh well in typical circumstances, but it was done quite well. The storyline was rapidly moving, keeping the reader entertained and able to understand what was going on in the world that was created. Despite not being super knowledgeable about video games and the like, I found myself able to understand and follow along easily.