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zaiphon's reviews
148 reviews
Phantasma by Kaylie Smith
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book absolutely delivered in keeping me invested and entertained. The connection between Ophelia and Blackwell gave some funny moments, banter, tension, and spice all in the midst of a deadly trials-like competition. The POV is told through our FMC, Ophelia, as she is trying to come to terms with her Mother's passing as well as what this means for her and her family's lineage and history. She winds up looped into the gothic manor of Phantasma, where we meet some interesting characters throughout the trials that awaits them all.
I loved the vibes and aesthetic, and I also felt that Smith did a great job in keeping things interesting and moving at a great pace. I wished we had some more time to develop additional connections with the other contestants at Phantasma further. Once it was reaching its climax and major twist, it felt like a majority of these characters were easily discarded. I feel Smith's writing would have empowered these characters as their own a little further and made things more impactful. I realize this is continuing in the series and while it looks like we are getting a new POV in book 2, I am hoping these characters can make an appearance and be a part of the story.
Overall I loved:
- Romance
- Fast paced action with some plot twists scattered throughout
- Luci (need more of her!)
- Introduction to the world within Phantasma (though I was hoping for a little more)
I loved the vibes and aesthetic, and I also felt that Smith did a great job in keeping things interesting and moving at a great pace. I wished we had some more time to develop additional connections with the other contestants at Phantasma further. Once it was reaching its climax and major twist, it felt like a majority of these characters were easily discarded. I feel Smith's writing would have empowered these characters as their own a little further and made things more impactful. I realize this is continuing in the series and while it looks like we are getting a new POV in book 2, I am hoping these characters can make an appearance and be a part of the story.
Overall I loved:
- Romance
- Fast paced action with some plot twists scattered throughout
- Luci (need more of her!)
- Introduction to the world within Phantasma (though I was hoping for a little more)
Heaven by Mieko Kawakami
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
"Heaven," a thought-provoking Japanese translated novel, delves into themes of coming of age, bullying, and the search for belonging, all while exploring the beauty of existence, even in solitude. As someone who has consumed a decent amount of Japanese media but is still new to reading Japanese translated novels, I found this book both accessible and deeply impactful.
The story compels us to reflect on the nature of humanity, prompting questions about the motivations behind cruelty and the desperate quest for understanding the "whys" of the world, as exemplified by our nameless narrator.
Through the lens of adolescence, the novel invites readers to analyze the internal "heaven" that each character seeks while navigating the complexities of life. The development of the two main characters is worthy to call out and applaud; however I still found myself wishing the story could have explored them further.
Overall, "Heaven" is a quick but insightful read that I did enjoy.
The story compels us to reflect on the nature of humanity, prompting questions about the motivations behind cruelty and the desperate quest for understanding the "whys" of the world, as exemplified by our nameless narrator.
Through the lens of adolescence, the novel invites readers to analyze the internal "heaven" that each character seeks while navigating the complexities of life. The development of the two main characters is worthy to call out and applaud; however I still found myself wishing the story could have explored them further.
Overall, "Heaven" is a quick but insightful read that I did enjoy.
So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
"So Thirsty" is not exactly your typical vampire romance story.
What I liked
📌 Woman going through a crisis and self discovery.. but add vampires
📌 Best friends road trip... but they are running from the past AND vampires
📌 Embracing that life doesn't have to be over or too late because there isn't an expiration on taking life and steering to a new, exciting direction... but add vampires!
Think road trip of self discovery, discarding baggage, and learning to stop feeling sorry for yourself and live BUT there are centuries old vampires following you around and you are running from a "bloody" mess (hehe pun intended). A quick, but enjoyable read that didn't deliver me a typical broody vampire love story.
However, I wish I could have had more time to learn about the vampire gang and felt a little more connected to them. The conflict twist/relationship at the end just seemed ehh and not so impactful because I didn't feel that I cared or was connected as much. It's like we need a part 2 but the epilogue kind of wrapped up things in a not so strong bow.
I did enjoy the writing enough that I am curious to try to read more by Rachel Harrison.
What I liked
📌 Woman going through a crisis and self discovery.. but add vampires
📌 Best friends road trip... but they are running from the past AND vampires
📌 Embracing that life doesn't have to be over or too late because there isn't an expiration on taking life and steering to a new, exciting direction... but add vampires!
Think road trip of self discovery, discarding baggage, and learning to stop feeling sorry for yourself and live BUT there are centuries old vampires following you around and you are running from a "bloody" mess (hehe pun intended). A quick, but enjoyable read that didn't deliver me a typical broody vampire love story.
However, I wish I could have had more time to learn about the vampire gang and felt a little more connected to them. The conflict twist/relationship at the end just seemed ehh and not so impactful because I didn't feel that I cared or was connected as much. It's like we need a part 2 but the epilogue kind of wrapped up things in a not so strong bow.
I did enjoy the writing enough that I am curious to try to read more by Rachel Harrison.
A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
"A Dark and Drowning Tide" is an enchanting and twisty story that is embedded with german folklore and interesting characters.
The world building came quickly at the beginning and it did take me a moment to catch on and understand the backdrop for this novel. When I did, I truly enjoyed it and actually felt that there was so much to uncover. I also felt that way about the characters. A small expedition group with each their own agenda and intricacies, I found myself feeling like they were starting to become more detailed and then we were at the end of the novel. While there was so much detail in each scene, I still felt there was a lot left unturned. Sure this book would be longer, but I think it needed to be. Such an interesting world created that we didn't get to spend more time in. Because of this, I felt some pivotal moments all happened at about the last 60 pages, so I felt we were just skimming the surface of everything quickly.
Lorelei and Sylvia were loveable and their romance was sweet and poetic, which goes beautifully in the backdrop of lore and mythology. Let's just say I wouldn't be mad if we ever got another book in this world and am going to miss the characters.
The world building came quickly at the beginning and it did take me a moment to catch on and understand the backdrop for this novel. When I did, I truly enjoyed it and actually felt that there was so much to uncover. I also felt that way about the characters. A small expedition group with each their own agenda and intricacies, I found myself feeling like they were starting to become more detailed and then we were at the end of the novel. While there was so much detail in each scene, I still felt there was a lot left unturned. Sure this book would be longer, but I think it needed to be. Such an interesting world created that we didn't get to spend more time in. Because of this, I felt some pivotal moments all happened at about the last 60 pages, so I felt we were just skimming the surface of everything quickly.
Lorelei and Sylvia were loveable and their romance was sweet and poetic, which goes beautifully in the backdrop of lore and mythology. Let's just say I wouldn't be mad if we ever got another book in this world and am going to miss the characters.
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
For all that absolutely loved this book, please don't hate me for seeing this as not a 5 star.
I have a true love/hate relationship with this one. There were some beautifully written scenes in this book, but it sometimes was clouded over by some other not so pleasant things. It took me until about 75% to find a hint of attachment to one of the main characters. I felt I spent so much time frustrated at some of the descriptions/comparisons style, the fact a married, grown man confesses his love for younger college age women and there doesn't seem to be a real purpose for this, the fact a chapter was dedicated to two side characters whose main personality trait was being gay, and a tragedy was written that STILL did not resolve miscommunication issues spanning over 20 some years and move the plot forward for our two MCs. I completely understand humans are complex and annoying and super naive sometimes when it comes to emotions, but at some point you would hoped for a bigger confession and clarification after spending so much time with these characters.
As a gamer, I enjoyed some aspects of the gaming plot concepts, but still felt underwhelmed. There was a little too much going for this novel to the point that I didn't feel I got that satisfaction at the end that I was hoping for.
To sum it up: beautiful writing at times that I felt wasn't given its full potential. Miscommunication trope got to a head banging point of frustration, and side characters had all this potential but were just used to push a plot along for two MC's that didn't even get to that point if finally peeling back their layers for the other. What was the reason?!
I have a true love/hate relationship with this one. There were some beautifully written scenes in this book, but it sometimes was clouded over by some other not so pleasant things. It took me until about 75% to find a hint of attachment to one of the main characters. I felt I spent so much time frustrated at some of the descriptions/comparisons style, the fact a married, grown man confesses his love for younger college age women and there doesn't seem to be a real purpose for this, the fact a chapter was dedicated to two side characters whose main personality trait was being gay, and a tragedy was written that STILL did not resolve miscommunication issues spanning over 20 some years and move the plot forward for our two MCs. I completely understand humans are complex and annoying and super naive sometimes when it comes to emotions, but at some point you would hoped for a bigger confession and clarification after spending so much time with these characters.
As a gamer, I enjoyed some aspects of the gaming plot concepts, but still felt underwhelmed. There was a little too much going for this novel to the point that I didn't feel I got that satisfaction at the end that I was hoping for.
To sum it up: beautiful writing at times that I felt wasn't given its full potential. Miscommunication trope got to a head banging point of frustration, and side characters had all this potential but were just used to push a plot along for two MC's that didn't even get to that point if finally peeling back their layers for the other. What was the reason?!
Spookily Yours by Jennifer Chipman
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
I went into this knowing it was a cozy, but smutty read. That wasn't an issue, but it was more the style it is written. It wasn't for me.
There is a plot and introductions of characters that don't go anywhere. Things just keep toppling all around and the conflicts just seem so simple and overtly cliche. The smut was also just a good chunk of the middle of the story all the way until almost the end, where some of the last strings are quickly tied. I would have enjoyed it more if I felt the characters could have been fleshed out a little more.
If you want a read that doesn't have any anxiety filled conflicts, goes by fast, and has lots of "she is mine" and super cheesy quotes and you also have a couple hours of time to kill, then you could probably pick this up and read it in an afternoon.
There is a plot and introductions of characters that don't go anywhere. Things just keep toppling all around and the conflicts just seem so simple and overtly cliche. The smut was also just a good chunk of the middle of the story all the way until almost the end, where some of the last strings are quickly tied. I would have enjoyed it more if I felt the characters could have been fleshed out a little more.
If you want a read that doesn't have any anxiety filled conflicts, goes by fast, and has lots of "she is mine" and super cheesy quotes and you also have a couple hours of time to kill, then you could probably pick this up and read it in an afternoon.
Madwoman by Chelsea Bieker
dark
emotional
reflective
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
3.5
"Madwoman" delves into the psyche of Clove, a woman burdened with a fractured identity and a past she has long tried to escape. The narrative revolves around a letter from her incarcerated mother, who is imprisoned for the death of Clove's father. As Clove responds to her mother and grapples with her decisions, readers are drawn into a harrowing recount of her life, marked by exposure to domestic violence.
This book covers a lot of the aftermath to a person dealing with something like domestic violence and we get a glimpse of the perspectives of Clove, her Mother, and even her Father. This book made me think of way generational trauma can impact a person, and even how we as a society viewed women and men involved in these type of toxic, co-dependent relationships.
There is a twist that comes at the tail end of another twist, the former feeling as if it was resolved a little too quickly. This twist involved another character that I felt could have offered a deeper examination on abuse formed from trauma and sexism/misogyny, but this perspective felt underexplored.
Despite this, "Madwoman" is still a great read and would make an excellent choice for book clubs, sparking discussions on its complex themes.
This book covers a lot of the aftermath to a person dealing with something like domestic violence and we get a glimpse of the perspectives of Clove, her Mother, and even her Father. This book made me think of way generational trauma can impact a person, and even how we as a society viewed women and men involved in these type of toxic, co-dependent relationships.
There is a twist that comes at the tail end of another twist, the former feeling as if it was resolved a little too quickly. This twist involved another character that I felt could have offered a deeper examination on abuse formed from trauma and sexism/misogyny, but this perspective felt underexplored.
Despite this, "Madwoman" is still a great read and would make an excellent choice for book clubs, sparking discussions on its complex themes.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The writing alone deserves recongition and is the star in this novel. The characters are written in layers that unravel the deeper the story progresses, even though half the time you want to punch them all in the face. The concepts and ambiguous feelings and thoughts of the characters draw you into the story.
For the first half of the book, we are introduced to the characters with the knowledge of a death of one of the group of friends. These characters are introduced as a group who pride themselves of the arts and view themselves as highly intelligient. As you read along, you face concepts of intellectualism and a fall from reality as well as morality. The way these are presented to the reader is through one characters POV, who becomes involved with Julian and the greek class. As the reader, you are seeing the changes in Richard, POV MMC , as he is interwined further with these characters. Additionally, all the other chatacters get their chance to morph and change throughout the story as well. The second half is like it is watching everything just fall apart even more than you could imagine from the first half.
Highly recommend for someone who wants to read something that will encourage conversation and leaves lots of the story's development in the readers hands to fully piece it all together.
Side note: I for some reason found Richard and Nick from Great Gatsby so very similiar narrators and found it funny I was reading these both at the same time.
For the first half of the book, we are introduced to the characters with the knowledge of a death of one of the group of friends. These characters are introduced as a group who pride themselves of the arts and view themselves as highly intelligient. As you read along, you face concepts of intellectualism and a fall from reality as well as morality. The way these are presented to the reader is through one characters POV, who becomes involved with Julian and the greek class. As the reader, you are seeing the changes in Richard, POV MMC , as he is interwined further with these characters. Additionally, all the other chatacters get their chance to morph and change throughout the story as well. The second half is like it is watching everything just fall apart even more than you could imagine from the first half.
Highly recommend for someone who wants to read something that will encourage conversation and leaves lots of the story's development in the readers hands to fully piece it all together.
Side note: I for some reason found Richard and Nick from Great Gatsby so very similiar narrators and found it funny I was reading these both at the same time.
Archer's Voice by Mia Sheridan
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
"Archers Voice" is a romantic read of two people coming together - each healing from their trauma and growing as individuals through the chaos of first love, past demons, new friends, and an acceptance of who you are.
What I loved:
1. The discovery of these two characters and learning about them as individuals
2. The sweet dynamic between the FMC and MMC.
What I didn't love:
1. Some of the spice/romance scenes felt repetitive and filler. There were parts that didn't necessarily need to be there and brought nothing further to the story.
2. Lots of small problems with quick resolutions when I was hoping these things could have contributed more to the characters and their needed growth.
3. Felt like this could have been shorter.. or see number 2 - would have been nice to see more drawn out growth between the characters before the big plot twists
This was a sweet, fun read and I enjoyed some of the topics covered in this novel. However, I was left feeling that there were chunks of the book that was slow but then when the big twists came, they happened all too quickly near each other and were resolved fairly quickly as well.
If you love easy romantic reads that is heavy on the sweet and cheesy, has light spice, and has more of the sweet and cheesy in an epilogue - then this one is for you.
What I loved:
1. The discovery of these two characters and learning about them as individuals
2. The sweet dynamic between the FMC and MMC.
What I didn't love:
1. Some of the spice/romance scenes felt repetitive and filler. There were parts that didn't necessarily need to be there and brought nothing further to the story.
2. Lots of small problems with quick resolutions when I was hoping these things could have contributed more to the characters and their needed growth.
3. Felt like this could have been shorter.. or see number 2 - would have been nice to see more drawn out growth between the characters before the big plot twists
This was a sweet, fun read and I enjoyed some of the topics covered in this novel. However, I was left feeling that there were chunks of the book that was slow but then when the big twists came, they happened all too quickly near each other and were resolved fairly quickly as well.
If you love easy romantic reads that is heavy on the sweet and cheesy, has light spice, and has more of the sweet and cheesy in an epilogue - then this one is for you.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I think everything to say has already been said about this classic, short novel. I know deeming this a great classic is a topic of sometimes an argumenative discussion, but I can see why. The fact this isn't a long read but yet pulls in a lot of poetic, literary parrelels makes this a great topic of discussion. There are a lot of things to interpret and peel back the layers on that makes the story so engaging despite the short length.
While this is mostly a bunch of rich people complaining and a look into the social status of 1920s America, there are a lot of things that can be drawn to similarity of todays sociatal culture as well. The so called American Dream is out on display here and some interesting takeaways I gained were born from inspecting the layers of both Gatsby and our Narrator, Nick. Having Gatsby be a central focus in the story but not the POV narrator I believe was done purposefully to provide more thought into the character as a whole. The story flowed very simply, but yet was so intriguing along the way. This is one of those "I want to discuss this" type of stories where you leave with not 100% clear answers and your thoughts are subjective - but nonetheless pushed the reader into thinking deeply about each word on the page.
Overall a solid read!
While this is mostly a bunch of rich people complaining and a look into the social status of 1920s America, there are a lot of things that can be drawn to similarity of todays sociatal culture as well. The so called American Dream is out on display here and some interesting takeaways I gained were born from inspecting the layers of both Gatsby and our Narrator, Nick. Having Gatsby be a central focus in the story but not the POV narrator I believe was done purposefully to provide more thought into the character as a whole. The story flowed very simply, but yet was so intriguing along the way. This is one of those "I want to discuss this" type of stories where you leave with not 100% clear answers and your thoughts are subjective - but nonetheless pushed the reader into thinking deeply about each word on the page.
Overall a solid read!