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woahshereads's reviews
123 reviews
Devil Is Fine by John Vercher
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
2 Stars - I don't know I just didn't like it to be honest.
Devil Is Fine by John Vercher follows a biracial man who talks conversationally with his recently deceased teenage son with whom he had a difficult relationship with. Through these conversations, he seems to be losing himself to hallucinations, panic attacks, and sleep paralysis - not to mention he broke his years long sobriety and seemingly resorted to mixing medication with alcohol. If that wasn't enough? He inherits a plantation.
This had so much potential but the casual writing style made it hard to follow at times. The flashbacks were even more so difficult to understand, I wasn't sure who or where we even were in them. The main character is also insufferable, no wonder his "woke" teenage son didn't enjoy his company. It was hard to feel bad for the MMC when all I could think about was how his son deserved better but it was too late..which I think is maybe part of the point? But honestly, I couldn't tell you the point of this book.
I think I would have enjoyed this so much more if we spent more time in the subplots (jellyfish significance, maybe therapy for self-absorbed narcissistic men who desperately need it, difficult familial relationships AND RECOGNIZING THEM, inheriting a plantation as a biracial man in a town that wants no recognition of such thing, etc. Instead we spent way too much time in this man's subconscious.
At then end he turns into a jellyfish or he unalives himself, I am not sure which.
Thank you to the NetGalley team for the Advance Readers Copy!
Devil Is Fine by John Vercher follows a biracial man who talks conversationally with his recently deceased teenage son with whom he had a difficult relationship with. Through these conversations, he seems to be losing himself to hallucinations, panic attacks, and sleep paralysis - not to mention he broke his years long sobriety and seemingly resorted to mixing medication with alcohol. If that wasn't enough? He inherits a plantation.
This had so much potential but the casual writing style made it hard to follow at times. The flashbacks were even more so difficult to understand, I wasn't sure who or where we even were in them. The main character is also insufferable, no wonder his "woke" teenage son didn't enjoy his company. It was hard to feel bad for the MMC when all I could think about was how his son deserved better but it was too late..which I think is maybe part of the point? But honestly, I couldn't tell you the point of this book.
I think I would have enjoyed this so much more if we spent more time in the subplots (jellyfish significance, maybe therapy for self-absorbed narcissistic men who desperately need it, difficult familial relationships AND RECOGNIZING THEM, inheriting a plantation as a biracial man in a town that wants no recognition of such thing, etc. Instead we spent way too much time in this man's subconscious.
At then end he turns into a jellyfish or he unalives himself, I am not sure which.
Thank you to the NetGalley team for the Advance Readers Copy!
A River Enchanted by Rebecca Ross
Did not finish book. Stopped at 37%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 37%.
The audio book is miserable. I am DNF'ing for now. I think I'd like the physical book better so I'll try that down the road!
The Branded by Jo Riccioni
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
The Branded follows twin sisters, Nara and Osha, as they are sequestered in the citadel among the unbranded - those who are without the mark of disease. However, Nara soon finds herself on the run joined by Osha traveling to Reis, the city of her family's demise and those supposedly accountable for her grandmother's murder.
Dear Jo, I sincerely need you to send me the ARC of The Rising because I actually cannot wait until February 2025 for the second book to hit the U.S.
This one was a quick read for me and I can contribute that to the compelling storyline. There is fun banter between characters, a love triangle, chapter ending cliffhangers, revealed prophecies, seers, sways, and more. These are all things that I adored throughout the book and was genuinely curious to see where the writing went.
However, on the flip side, there were a few things I wish we had gotten in this book. First being a map! There is so much traveling going on in many different instances that I really think we would have benefitted from one. The second being the world building. There are far too many things over-described multiple times throughout the book & then far too little where I think it should have mattered more.
I also would have appreciated more depth into a few of the side characters or subplots. For instance, a big discovery is that the Council in the Citadel is secretly partaking in trafficking woman to outside parties and throughout the entire book there is talk about how dangerous the outside world is and how cruel some of the men can be. But we don't really see that or come across it through Nara and Osha's journey. There were a few instances where the Wrangler is traveling with Hrossi men and although Nara gets an elbow to the gut one too many times (another thing over-described), that's the extent of their "bad behavior". For a world that is supposed to be cruel and unforgiving, we only see a very brief glimpse of that in Orlath.
Regardless, there's enough for me to want to see this one through and I will be picking up the sequel come February (or if by some miracle I can get my hands on it, earlier!)
Dear Jo, I sincerely need you to send me the ARC of The Rising because I actually cannot wait until February 2025 for the second book to hit the U.S.
This one was a quick read for me and I can contribute that to the compelling storyline. There is fun banter between characters, a love triangle, chapter ending cliffhangers, revealed prophecies, seers, sways, and more. These are all things that I adored throughout the book and was genuinely curious to see where the writing went.
However, on the flip side, there were a few things I wish we had gotten in this book. First being a map! There is so much traveling going on in many different instances that I really think we would have benefitted from one. The second being the world building. There are far too many things over-described multiple times throughout the book & then far too little where I think it should have mattered more.
I also would have appreciated more depth into a few of the side characters or subplots. For instance, a big discovery is that the Council in the Citadel is secretly partaking in trafficking woman to outside parties and throughout the entire book there is talk about how dangerous the outside world is and how cruel some of the men can be. But we don't really see that or come across it through Nara and Osha's journey. There were a few instances where the Wrangler is traveling with Hrossi men and although Nara gets an elbow to the gut one too many times (another thing over-described), that's the extent of their "bad behavior". For a world that is supposed to be cruel and unforgiving, we only see a very brief glimpse of that in Orlath.
Regardless, there's enough for me to want to see this one through and I will be picking up the sequel come February (or if by some miracle I can get my hands on it, earlier!)
Red Rising by Pierce Brown
adventurous
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? Yes
4.75
We Are Not Like Them by Christine Pride, Jo Piazza
challenging
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
3 Stars - A great book club choice!
The premise of this book sounds great. It brings up a very important and a very real reality that many families have gone through. However, the difference is this book particularly focuses on a pair of best friends who have to navigate this situation together as they are both involved. Jen's husband, who is white, is involved in a fatal shooting of an unarmed black kid. Jen's best friend, Riley, who is black and pursuing a news anchor position, has to cover the story.
Unfortunately, I don't think the book lived up to the potential or the impact that it could have had. There are quite a few talking points brought up from both authors, which is why I believe this would be a great book for a book club because those talking points aren't really discussed any further in depth by the two main characters, Jen & Riley. Those tough conversations that both characters have said they wished they had had don't happen and you are left wondering, well what does happen then in this situation then?
In my opinion, I didn't really feel any particular way towards Jen because she was incredibly selfish and I don't feel she made any sort of progress of understanding from Riley's perspective throughout the book. Jen's progress? She convinces her husband to "do what's right" & then they live happily ever after in Florida where they are able to start over. Jen has the luxury of not struggling for more than a few mere months while the trial is going on. She also never has to have those tough yet productive and educating conversations with Riley. Bottom line, Jen doesn't deserve Riley's friendship.
Whereas in Riley's case, she had mentioned that her past behavior of ignoring micro-aggressions & not bringing those to light & educating those around her about how and why what was being said or done was wrong, was not the best way to handle the situation at the time. But later on in the book, we see Riley stand up for herself to Jen when Jen says some insensitive shit (again).
Unfortunately, Riley doesn't get to just forget the heartbreaking story that led her to a potential anchor position. Unfortunately, Tamara doesn't get to forget that her son was murdered for no reason or that an officer involved gets to move away with his newborn son and start over. Furthermore, just a few months after Justin's case, there is another fatal shooting involving a young black male and a police officer and both Tamara and Riley seemingly gear up to show up for those families yet again.
The premise of this book sounds great. It brings up a very important and a very real reality that many families have gone through. However, the difference is this book particularly focuses on a pair of best friends who have to navigate this situation together as they are both involved. Jen's husband, who is white, is involved in a fatal shooting of an unarmed black kid. Jen's best friend, Riley, who is black and pursuing a news anchor position, has to cover the story.
Unfortunately, I don't think the book lived up to the potential or the impact that it could have had. There are quite a few talking points brought up from both authors, which is why I believe this would be a great book for a book club because those talking points aren't really discussed any further in depth by the two main characters, Jen & Riley. Those tough conversations that both characters have said they wished they had had don't happen and you are left wondering, well what does happen then in this situation then?
In my opinion, I didn't really feel any particular way towards Jen because she was incredibly selfish and I don't feel she made any sort of progress of understanding from Riley's perspective throughout the book. Jen's progress? She convinces her husband to "do what's right" & then they live happily ever after in Florida where they are able to start over. Jen has the luxury of not struggling for more than a few mere months while the trial is going on. She also never has to have those tough yet productive and educating conversations with Riley. Bottom line, Jen doesn't deserve Riley's friendship.
Whereas in Riley's case, she had mentioned that her past behavior of ignoring micro-aggressions & not bringing those to light & educating those around her about how and why what was being said or done was wrong, was not the best way to handle the situation at the time. But later on in the book, we see Riley stand up for herself to Jen when Jen says some insensitive shit (again).
Unfortunately, Riley doesn't get to just forget the heartbreaking story that led her to a potential anchor position. Unfortunately, Tamara doesn't get to forget that her son was murdered for no reason or that an officer involved gets to move away with his newborn son and start over. Furthermore, just a few months after Justin's case, there is another fatal shooting involving a young black male and a police officer and both Tamara and Riley seemingly gear up to show up for those families yet again.
Dragonfruit by Makiia Lucier
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
I actually enjoyed this book and thought it had a really intriguing premise. The seadragon and magical fruit was very interesting and I loved the idea of bringing in "markings" as an ode to cultural tattoos in the pacific. However, I thought the execution was just a little "mid" (as the kids say these days).
There wasn't a ton of character development. You got to know and understand who they were through the small interactions they carried with one another but there wasn't much depth to really drive the reader to be invested in their stories. Furthermore, the plot often felt like it was just hovering in the background with little detail again aiding to its purpose. We know the queen is in some sort of ageless coma and without a dragonfruit there is no hope to bring her back. But I often felt like Hanalei's drive to learn more about seadragons was far more interesting and intriguing (again probably because we have no background or history to tie us emotionally to the queen).
As far as YA fantasy goes, this did have the world building limits I would have expected and I honestly felt like I could imagine this world fairly vividly. Could it have also had way more contributing to the world building? Absolutely. But it did tick my boxes so I am happy with that.
I also really loved Fetu & the other markings on the characters. That was a really unique element to include and I felt it elevated the story as far as interests go.
I would definitely recommend this one, just know it is probably as YA as you can get. Absolutely no spice, barely and romance or relationship building at all so somewhat stale in that regard but interesting premise nonetheless!
There wasn't a ton of character development. You got to know and understand who they were through the small interactions they carried with one another but there wasn't much depth to really drive the reader to be invested in their stories. Furthermore, the plot often felt like it was just hovering in the background with little detail again aiding to its purpose. We know the queen is in some sort of ageless coma and without a dragonfruit there is no hope to bring her back. But I often felt like Hanalei's drive to learn more about seadragons was far more interesting and intriguing (again probably because we have no background or history to tie us emotionally to the queen).
As far as YA fantasy goes, this did have the world building limits I would have expected and I honestly felt like I could imagine this world fairly vividly. Could it have also had way more contributing to the world building? Absolutely. But it did tick my boxes so I am happy with that.
I also really loved Fetu & the other markings on the characters. That was a really unique element to include and I felt it elevated the story as far as interests go.
I would definitely recommend this one, just know it is probably as YA as you can get. Absolutely no spice, barely and romance or relationship building at all so somewhat stale in that regard but interesting premise nonetheless!
Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I get so nervous when I rate the first book 5 stars and hope for the second one to be on par with it at the very least but this one I wasn't even doubting would be a five-star rating from me from the very beginning.
She does it again!!!! I truly think Rachel could have made this a 5 book series and the storyline would just continue to develop into something even more amazing. I could read about these characters in this world for ages.
Some repetitive thoughts and feelings that carried over from the first book to the second: the magic system is so unique and special I really enjoyed getting to continue to pick back each layer and learn something new each time I read about it. I love a good gothic spooky setting and the creeping mist-cloaked forests are just chef's kiss so I'm really glad the imagery continued to be told in depth in the Two Twisted Crowns. The Nightmare/Shepherd King was to no surprise my favorite character one again. He's funny & brutally honest and cares for Elspeth in an odd yet endearing way.
BUT Elspeth also really pulled through as a character in the second book for me. I knew it was too good to be true for these two to continue living on in unison together - something I really thought was going to happen because, as we've seen before, for some unbeknownst reason exceptions can be made in magic realms. But regardless, I think the story was wrapped up and concluded on such a high and appropriate note for this story.
I will say, I did not get a book hangover from this duology but I don't know if that's because I am just on a really strong reading streak or because this just wasn't the series to do that.
She does it again!!!! I truly think Rachel could have made this a 5 book series and the storyline would just continue to develop into something even more amazing. I could read about these characters in this world for ages.
Some repetitive thoughts and feelings that carried over from the first book to the second: the magic system is so unique and special I really enjoyed getting to continue to pick back each layer and learn something new each time I read about it. I love a good gothic spooky setting and the creeping mist-cloaked forests are just chef's kiss so I'm really glad the imagery continued to be told in depth in the Two Twisted Crowns. The Nightmare/Shepherd King was to no surprise my favorite character one again. He's funny & brutally honest and cares for Elspeth in an odd yet endearing way.
BUT Elspeth also really pulled through as a character in the second book for me. I knew it was too good to be true for these two to continue living on in unison together - something I really thought was going to happen because, as we've seen before, for some unbeknownst reason exceptions can be made in magic realms. But regardless, I think the story was wrapped up and concluded on such a high and appropriate note for this story.
I will say, I did not get a book hangover from this duology but I don't know if that's because I am just on a really strong reading streak or because this just wasn't the series to do that.
The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
The premise of this one sounded really fun and heartwarming and although it had some really good moments it just fell flat for me. I was fully expecting to be immersed in the characters and their background but instead you get surface level introductions and the magical realism component felt too simple. This felt like a Debut Novel from someone who has GREAT ideas but just can't follow through on the writing piece.
I don't mind different POV chapters in books but Opaline and Martha were too similar, I often kept getting them confused and mistaking their chapter for one another. The dialog and writing of the characters also felt nonsensical in that they were felt so young and naive and their actions didn't make sense for their supposed age.
The "plot twist" you saw coming from MILES (no, not just one. Many many many many miles) away. It wasn't surprising in the least and because of that I am missing what makes their lives "extraordinary".
It takes a lot of for me to not recommend a book so please give this one a shot if it seems more your speed!!!
I don't mind different POV chapters in books but Opaline and Martha were too similar, I often kept getting them confused and mistaking their chapter for one another. The dialog and writing of the characters also felt nonsensical in that they were felt so young and naive and their actions didn't make sense for their supposed age.
The "plot twist" you saw coming from MILES (no, not just one. Many many many many miles) away. It wasn't surprising in the least and because of that I am missing what makes their lives "extraordinary".
It takes a lot of for me to not recommend a book so please give this one a shot if it seems more your speed!!!
Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala
This was like a 2.75 star read for me.
Lila moves back to her hometown after a horrible breakup with the task of helping her Tita Rosie's failing restaraunt when suddenly, her hometown love drops dead after eating there one afternoon. Of course, she is charged with his murder.
The premise seemed super engaging and the first page really felt like Mia's writing style would be something right up my alley. But unfortunately, the plot plateaued halfway through then nose dived. There was too little in the first half then WAY too much the latter half. This book did not have a steady pace setting or balance to it.
Either we were reading about people eating or we were reading about finding someone murdered.
I wish you all could have seen my face when I found out this was the first book in a series. There are currently 4 books out with the 5th coming in 2024. I haven't read any of the others but I have a feeling if you've read one of them, you've read them all.
It takes a lot of for me to not recommend a book so please give this one a shot if it seems like something you would enjoy!!!
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
This was like a 2.75 star read for me.
Lila moves back to her hometown after a horrible breakup with the task of helping her Tita Rosie's failing restaraunt when suddenly, her hometown love drops dead after eating there one afternoon. Of course, she is charged with his murder.
The premise seemed super engaging and the first page really felt like Mia's writing style would be something right up my alley. But unfortunately, the plot plateaued halfway through then nose dived. There was too little in the first half then WAY too much the latter half. This book did not have a steady pace setting or balance to it.
Either we were reading about people eating or we were reading about finding someone murdered.
I wish you all could have seen my face when I found out this was the first book in a series. There are currently 4 books out with the 5th coming in 2024. I haven't read any of the others but I have a feeling if you've read one of them, you've read them all.
It takes a lot of for me to not recommend a book so please give this one a shot if it seems like something you would enjoy!!!
They Came for the Schools: One Town's Fight Over Race and Identity, and the New War for America's Classrooms by Michael Hixenbaugh
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Five-Stars for many reasons but also because there seems to be some Southlake residents bombarding the reviews even though they've never read it...? I think you're proving minor points in this book...but okay. & you call us sheep? Anyway..
This was probably one of the most stressful and aggravating books I have ever read. As a white cisgender female I recognize how incredibly privileged I am in many many ways (& you should too).
I have so much empathy and respect for those falling into any minority group that have to experience similar situations portrayed in Mike Hixenbaugh's book solely based on a foundation of something that cannot be described as anything but hate and discrimination on a day-to-day basis. Even more so for having to interact with those put in leadership positions that cannot even begin to register or understand the negative impact their tunnel vision decisions are having. Their entire argument can be turned around and made against themselves because it has no merit or grounding.
This is such an important read and I feel so strongly about these issues, especially being married to a Male Elementary school educator. I would recommend this to anyone but unfortunately, I know a few people who SHOULD read it but won't because they themselves can't seem to see the "opposing view" they preach.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mariner Books for the Advanced Readers Copy.
This was probably one of the most stressful and aggravating books I have ever read. As a white cisgender female I recognize how incredibly privileged I am in many many ways (& you should too).
I have so much empathy and respect for those falling into any minority group that have to experience similar situations portrayed in Mike Hixenbaugh's book solely based on a foundation of something that cannot be described as anything but hate and discrimination on a day-to-day basis. Even more so for having to interact with those put in leadership positions that cannot even begin to register or understand the negative impact their tunnel vision decisions are having. Their entire argument can be turned around and made against themselves because it has no merit or grounding.
This is such an important read and I feel so strongly about these issues, especially being married to a Male Elementary school educator. I would recommend this to anyone but unfortunately, I know a few people who SHOULD read it but won't because they themselves can't seem to see the "opposing view" they preach.
Thank you to NetGalley and Mariner Books for the Advanced Readers Copy.