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woahshereads's reviews
123 reviews
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
adventurous
dark
medium-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? Yes
5.0
Ok, y'all I get the hype! I of course, as I always am when I am late to something, KICKING MYSELF for not reading this one sooner.
I'm typically always a fan of a dark gothic fantasy realm setting and this one delivered. I have nothing but positive things to say. The pace, world building, character development, the little bits of mystery and suspense sprinkled throughout with a unique a magical system; it was all just so well written and thought out.
I absolutely loved the nightmare. It often felt like this monster turned into Elspeth's inner monologue conscious in a way. He was supposed to be mysterious and scary but he ended up being my favorite part of the book.
If this is considered a YA fantasy, it might be the best one i've read. I'm so lucky to own the second one already because that ending....there's no way I can't continue this immediately.
I'm typically always a fan of a dark gothic fantasy realm setting and this one delivered. I have nothing but positive things to say. The pace, world building, character development, the little bits of mystery and suspense sprinkled throughout with a unique a magical system; it was all just so well written and thought out.
I absolutely loved the nightmare. It often felt like this monster turned into Elspeth's inner monologue conscious in a way. He was supposed to be mysterious and scary but he ended up being my favorite part of the book.
If this is considered a YA fantasy, it might be the best one i've read. I'm so lucky to own the second one already because that ending....there's no way I can't continue this immediately.
Maame by Jessica George
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
What a captivating and irresistible Debut novel by Jessica George. This book takes you on a journey of emotions, both good and bad, I simply could not put this one down.
Maame, meant to be term of endearment, was instead always interpreted by protagonist, Maddie Wright, as meaning "woman" which in a way forces her to burden responsibilities beyond her years from an early age. But at the age of 25, Maddie is finally going to experience life. She moves out, goes on dates, takes on a new job and just when you think Maddie is finally moving onwards and upwards, tragedy strikes and she is yet again forced back into the mold of her old life.
There are so many levels of emotions sprinkled throughout this story, it feels hard not to draw parallels from our own upbringing experience into Maddie's. Grief, difficult familial relationships, guilt, depression, anxiety - these are all universal experiences that most people have dealt with or will deal with in their lifetime. This is an authentic story of a young woman burdened by her responsibilities seemingly expected of her traditional Ghanaian mother in a modern London world.
I loved this one so much. I laughed, I cried & I hope to see more from Jessica George - definitely feels like a must read.
Maame, meant to be term of endearment, was instead always interpreted by protagonist, Maddie Wright, as meaning "woman" which in a way forces her to burden responsibilities beyond her years from an early age. But at the age of 25, Maddie is finally going to experience life. She moves out, goes on dates, takes on a new job and just when you think Maddie is finally moving onwards and upwards, tragedy strikes and she is yet again forced back into the mold of her old life.
There are so many levels of emotions sprinkled throughout this story, it feels hard not to draw parallels from our own upbringing experience into Maddie's. Grief, difficult familial relationships, guilt, depression, anxiety - these are all universal experiences that most people have dealt with or will deal with in their lifetime. This is an authentic story of a young woman burdened by her responsibilities seemingly expected of her traditional Ghanaian mother in a modern London world.
I loved this one so much. I laughed, I cried & I hope to see more from Jessica George - definitely feels like a must read.
The Lonely Hearts Book Club by Lucy Gilmore
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
Ok so a cranky old man makes her realize she is settling for her husband? Honestly, I was bored throughout this entire book it was so hard for me to pay attention to what the hell was going on. Every chapter was the same chapter over and over again.
This book has all the right ingredients for something I would typically DEVOUR with ease but it was a bit of a bore [english accent]. This was a very cliche "sad lonely gal who is engaged to a man she doesn't really like to spend time with who also finds herself gravitating to a profound elderly man who is mean to her but there's also supposed to be some life lesson behind him" story.
I thought the author had so much to work with to really develop the characters as well but again it just was so surface level and didn't do enough for me to actually even care about what their sad lives (that sounds mean but the book is literally called "lonely hearts" so don't come at me).
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!!!
This book has all the right ingredients for something I would typically DEVOUR with ease but it was a bit of a bore [english accent]. This was a very cliche "sad lonely gal who is engaged to a man she doesn't really like to spend time with who also finds herself gravitating to a profound elderly man who is mean to her but there's also supposed to be some life lesson behind him" story.
I thought the author had so much to work with to really develop the characters as well but again it just was so surface level and didn't do enough for me to actually even care about what their sad lives (that sounds mean but the book is literally called "lonely hearts" so don't come at me).
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!!!
The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Straight up, Riley Sager knows how to draw you into the story with his writing but the big letdown for me was finding out this was a paranormal thriller???
I really was not expecting that and I honestly couldn't take the book seriously after I found that out, which by the way is sort of the big twist in the book so again, was the twist really that good? I feel like we just took an easy way out without trying to creatively bring to the light the killer & explain the events that were happening.
Anyway, I will keep reading Riley Sager - I could not put this one down otherwise and felt it was a true page turner. I enjoyed the "now" & "before" POV's and felt like it was really easy to follow and read.
Would recommend everyone give this one a shot just know it you're not really into paranormal you might be disappointed!
I really was not expecting that and I honestly couldn't take the book seriously after I found that out, which by the way is sort of the big twist in the book so again, was the twist really that good? I feel like we just took an easy way out without trying to creatively bring to the light the killer & explain the events that were happening.
Anyway, I will keep reading Riley Sager - I could not put this one down otherwise and felt it was a true page turner. I enjoyed the "now" & "before" POV's and felt like it was really easy to follow and read.
Would recommend everyone give this one a shot just know it you're not really into paranormal you might be disappointed!
Circe by Madeline Miller
challenging
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really really really REALLY wanted to love this one as much as Song of Achilles but in the end the plot wasn't as enticing as I was expecting which I believe left me feeling bored (dare I say) in the middle parts of the book.
I think my main issue with the book is the fast paced sub-plots that we work our way through over the centuries that Circe is banished. If instead we were told only 2 or 3 sub stories in greater detail and depth, rather than many small and short instances, I would have connected with the story more. I guess the "wrath" from the gods didn't come through for me enough, although the human interaction in which Circe finds herself confronted with was. I was expecting to be completely moved by this one, as I was for Achilles, and in the end I wasn't - I didn't even cry which is telling of me.
Madeline Miller, as always, does an incredible job at retelling classic stories in a way that feels relatable to the modern reader. Regardless, I will continue to suggest her books to readers as she has become a favorite of mine with just two books to offer. I genuinely hope to see more from her soon.
I think my main issue with the book is the fast paced sub-plots that we work our way through over the centuries that Circe is banished. If instead we were told only 2 or 3 sub stories in greater detail and depth, rather than many small and short instances, I would have connected with the story more. I guess the "wrath" from the gods didn't come through for me enough, although the human interaction in which Circe finds herself confronted with was. I was expecting to be completely moved by this one, as I was for Achilles, and in the end I wasn't - I didn't even cry which is telling of me.
Madeline Miller, as always, does an incredible job at retelling classic stories in a way that feels relatable to the modern reader. Regardless, I will continue to suggest her books to readers as she has become a favorite of mine with just two books to offer. I genuinely hope to see more from her soon.
She's Not Sorry by Mary Kubica
dark
emotional
sad
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
2.0
I really just wasn't vibing with this one. It's starts off strong with a promising opening scene but then not long after any anticipation just kind of comes to a stand still & nothing really keeps you engaged or driven to keep going. I usually fly through my audiobooks but I just didn't care to keep listening to this one, hence why it took me so long to finish it.
I will say that about 60% of the way through (or Part 2 of the book) the twist that is revealed was unexpected and I was excited that maybe this book will take a positive turn and will end on a high note. But then as I got further into part 2 the story just continued to drag out. It truly felt like the "in between" pages where the suspense is supposed to do it's thing just wasn't there.
I did listen to Local Woman Missing and really enjoyed the writing style of that one so, I was expecting more from "She's Not Sorry" that I think inevitably let me down.
I will say that about 60% of the way through (or Part 2 of the book) the twist that is revealed was unexpected and I was excited that maybe this book will take a positive turn and will end on a high note. But then as I got further into part 2 the story just continued to drag out. It truly felt like the "in between" pages where the suspense is supposed to do it's thing just wasn't there.
I did listen to Local Woman Missing and really enjoyed the writing style of that one so, I was expecting more from "She's Not Sorry" that I think inevitably let me down.
Within Arm's Reach by Ann Napolitano
challenging
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
In the early stages of this book I initially thought that I would enjoy this book more than Hello Beautiful and I was shocked to realize this was Ann's debut novel that had since gone out of print. After her success with HB, her publisher had decided to re-release the book with an updated cover.
Within Arms Reach follows three generations of an Irish American family with themes ranging from rebellion, sexuality, tradition & religion and, largely, loss of connectivity, especially within the familial structure, webbed between it all. This book was messy as real life is but I just wasn't engaged enough nor connected with the characters story developments.
The synopsis and description of the book states this family is "..jarred into crisis by an unexpected pregnancy" however; the majority of the family does not find out about the pregnancy until like 85% of the way through. AND because each character had such a dense sublot that wasn't touched on as much, I felt the reaction I was anticipating wasn't as strong either. The book just kind of ends with them accepting the pregnancy but never moves beyond that so we don't get to see any of the other characters grow or development beyond this "crisis".
Overall, I was left with too many questions left unanswered and found myself wanting more than the book gave me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing for the advance reader copy of this book!
Within Arms Reach follows three generations of an Irish American family with themes ranging from rebellion, sexuality, tradition & religion and, largely, loss of connectivity, especially within the familial structure, webbed between it all. This book was messy as real life is but I just wasn't engaged enough nor connected with the characters story developments.
The synopsis and description of the book states this family is "..jarred into crisis by an unexpected pregnancy" however; the majority of the family does not find out about the pregnancy until like 85% of the way through. AND because each character had such a dense sublot that wasn't touched on as much, I felt the reaction I was anticipating wasn't as strong either. The book just kind of ends with them accepting the pregnancy but never moves beyond that so we don't get to see any of the other characters grow or development beyond this "crisis".
Overall, I was left with too many questions left unanswered and found myself wanting more than the book gave me.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing for the advance reader copy of this book!
I Hope This Finds You Well by Natalie Sue
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I knew I would enjoy this book being a corporate girly myself but I really truly wasn't expecting the story or characters to have so much depth. The synopsis does not do this book enough justice. Not only is it funny and witty but it is hopeful and warmhearted with the perfect balance of comedic entertainment and tough topics.
Jolene is complex, dealing with a lot more than just her seemingly unapproachable colleagues. But then again, so are her colleagues. I really enjoyed getting to witness the layers of each character being peeled back and revealed throughout the book as it progresses. This truly is the perfect example of "you never know what someone is going through". I really felt that the characters were so diverse and realistic, it would be hard not to feel like you relate to the situation in some regard.
There is such a perfect balance of light and dark moments throughout this story, it's baffling to me that this is a Debut Novel. I hope to see more by author, Natalie Sue in the future.
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for the Arc in exchange for an honest review.
#IHopeThisFindsYouWell #NetGalley
Jolene is complex, dealing with a lot more than just her seemingly unapproachable colleagues. But then again, so are her colleagues. I really enjoyed getting to witness the layers of each character being peeled back and revealed throughout the book as it progresses. This truly is the perfect example of "you never know what someone is going through". I really felt that the characters were so diverse and realistic, it would be hard not to feel like you relate to the situation in some regard.
There is such a perfect balance of light and dark moments throughout this story, it's baffling to me that this is a Debut Novel. I hope to see more by author, Natalie Sue in the future.
Thank you NetGalley and William Morrow for the Arc in exchange for an honest review.
#IHopeThisFindsYouWell #NetGalley
The Teacher by Freida McFadden
dark
fast-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
1.0
This is harsh but like I NEED to learn my lesson that her books are NOT for me..
You’re lying to yourself if you thought this book was good.
This was so cringey straight out of the gate. I get the intention behind the book but not even in her acknowledgments did she try to address the very real issue of grown ass men preying on young women & taking advantage of them. She instead just capitalized off the issue.
Also doesn’t help that I’m married to a teacher name Nate 🤮 wouldn’t recommend - this was gross. I have no other thoughts or words. The twists weren’t even good & you saw it coming from a mile away. I genuinely do not get the hype behind this one.
You’re lying to yourself if you thought this book was good.
This was so cringey straight out of the gate. I get the intention behind the book but not even in her acknowledgments did she try to address the very real issue of grown ass men preying on young women & taking advantage of them. She instead just capitalized off the issue.
Also doesn’t help that I’m married to a teacher name Nate 🤮 wouldn’t recommend - this was gross. I have no other thoughts or words. The twists weren’t even good & you saw it coming from a mile away. I genuinely do not get the hype behind this one.
To Sir Phillip, with Love by Julia Quinn
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
4.5 ⭐️
I actually really enjoyed this one! I think beyond the first two (& I am probably more biased towards those because I watched the show first) that this might be one of my favorites. I think Eloise and Phillip’s relationship is the most realistic and authentic one thus far.
I especially enjoyed watching Amanda and Oliver’s personalities changed and grow just as much as Phillip’s and Eloise and I appreciate that the importance of their story was also a main focus and wasn’t just pushed aside. I also personally have always vibed with Eloise but docking .5 because Phillip lowkey sucked and annoyed me for a larger portion that I would have liked throughout this book.
I think Julia Quinn writes her FMC’s much better than the MC’s because I haven’t really LOVED any of them other than Simon..
Onward to the next!! 💕⭐️🫶🏼
I actually really enjoyed this one! I think beyond the first two (& I am probably more biased towards those because I watched the show first) that this might be one of my favorites. I think Eloise and Phillip’s relationship is the most realistic and authentic one thus far.
I especially enjoyed watching Amanda and Oliver’s personalities changed and grow just as much as Phillip’s and Eloise and I appreciate that the importance of their story was also a main focus and wasn’t just pushed aside. I also personally have always vibed with Eloise but docking .5 because Phillip lowkey sucked and annoyed me for a larger portion that I would have liked throughout this book.
I think Julia Quinn writes her FMC’s much better than the MC’s because I haven’t really LOVED any of them other than Simon..
Onward to the next!! 💕⭐️🫶🏼