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_chrstnlvly's reviews
222 reviews
Every Summer After by Carley Fortune
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
I strongly disliked many aspects of this book.
The author failed to provide compelling reasons for me to care about the characters. I found all the characters to be uninteresting and shallow. Both the young and old versions of Sam were unlikeable, and I cannot comprehend why Percy was initially drawn to him.I was frustrated by how easily Percy gave in to Charlie, which indicated immaturity on her part (to be fair, both Sam and Percy displayed immaturity and should have listened to their parents). I also disliked Charlie's arrogant attitude. The book seemed to trivialize the act of cheating, particularly when Sam quickly forgave Percy and even apologized to her for supposedly giving her a "reason" to cheat.
The plot was tedious and the pacing was slow. The twist in the story felt forced, and I was not too fond of the way cheating was portrayed as justifiable. The dialogue felt repetitive, and the descriptions lacked depth. The romantic interactions between Sam and Percy were cringeworthy, making the book feel more like young adult fiction rather than adult fiction. The buildup to the dramatic revelation felt prolonged, only for the author to hastily conclude the story.
This book felt like a ripoff of Love and Other Words, with the added twist of the female main charactercheating with the male main character's brother.
Overall, I would not recommend this book.
The author failed to provide compelling reasons for me to care about the characters. I found all the characters to be uninteresting and shallow. Both the young and old versions of Sam were unlikeable, and I cannot comprehend why Percy was initially drawn to him.
The plot was tedious and the pacing was slow. The twist in the story felt forced, and I was not too fond of the way cheating was portrayed as justifiable. The dialogue felt repetitive, and the descriptions lacked depth. The romantic interactions between Sam and Percy were cringeworthy, making the book feel more like young adult fiction rather than adult fiction. The buildup to the dramatic revelation felt prolonged, only for the author to hastily conclude the story.
This book felt like a ripoff of Love and Other Words, with the added twist of the female main character
Overall, I would not recommend this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Sexual content, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Death
Minor: Cancer
The Widow's Husband's Secret Lie: A Satirical Novella by Freida McFadden
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
One word to describe this book: absurd. I think it's leaning towards absurd than satire. It doesn't bother me though, because I found myself laughing almost every chapter at how Freida McFadden made fun of the typical tropes.
This book will not change your life. But if you need to read something quick and entertaining (or if you're looking for a short novella so you can be up-to-date with your reading goal), this book is for you. Just don't expect a grand, wonderful story, and just enjoy the ride.
This book will not change your life. But if you need to read something quick and entertaining (or if you're looking for a short novella so you can be up-to-date with your reading goal), this book is for you. Just don't expect a grand, wonderful story, and just enjoy the ride.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Minor: Pregnancy
Worst Wingman Ever by Abby Jimenez
lighthearted
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? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Domestic abuse, Grief, and Murder
The Exception to the Rule by Christina Lauren
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The Last Word by Taylor Adams
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I recently finished reading a rather unique book that really challenged my expectations. The story was both predictable and unpredictable at the same time, which was quite fascinating. On one hand, the book was a little annoying because it seemed to drag on, but on the other hand, as the plot unfolded, I found myself growing sympathetic towards the characters. The outlandish nature of the story was both a positive and a negative for me, as it added an intriguing element to the narrative but also made it a bit hard to relate to at times.
Despite these contradictions, I have to admit that I ultimately found the book to be quite good. The author's ability to draw me in and make me genuinely think and feel showed skillful storytelling. Instead of being frustratingly clueless which is a cliche in most mystery/thriller books, the main character, Emma, was portrayed as a thoughtful and intelligent protagonist, even when her actions seemed questionable at times.
There were even moments that I couldn't help but find a bit humorous, particularly when the different points of view clashed in a somewhat comical way. For instance, there was a part whereEmma claimed the killer had screamed, only for the next paragraph to reveal the killer’s perspective, denying the scream. This unexpected humor provided a welcome break from the intense and adrenaline-filled plot.
Overall, I think I would recommend this book. Its outlandish nature is what gives it its charm, and while you might have a sense of who the killer is, the real mystery lies in how events will unfold.
Despite these contradictions, I have to admit that I ultimately found the book to be quite good. The author's ability to draw me in and make me genuinely think and feel showed skillful storytelling. Instead of being frustratingly clueless which is a cliche in most mystery/thriller books, the main character, Emma, was portrayed as a thoughtful and intelligent protagonist, even when her actions seemed questionable at times.
There were even moments that I couldn't help but find a bit humorous, particularly when the different points of view clashed in a somewhat comical way. For instance, there was a part where
Overall, I think I would recommend this book. Its outlandish nature is what gives it its charm, and while you might have a sense of who the killer is, the real mystery lies in how events will unfold.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Cursing, Death, Infertility, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Grief, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Mental illness, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
In My Dreams I Hold a Knife by Ashley Winstead
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I had high hopes for this book, but it didn't live up to my expectations. It had a dark and twisty plot, which I usually enjoy, but the twists were quite mediocre. Although there were multiple twists, they felt overused and unoriginal, making the story predictable.
Despite being marketed as an adult novel, the characters' behaviors and thoughts seemed more suited to a young adult audience. This discrepancy, combined with the lack of depth and relatability in the characters, made it difficult for me to fully engage with the story. The protagonist, Jessica, came across as extremely self-centered and unlikable.
While I did speed through the book because it was easy to read and had some entertaining moments (there's nothing more entertaining than reading about other people's drama), I can't say that I would recommend it. It's often described as a dark academia book, but it's more of a mystery/thriller. In my opinion, there are much better mystery/thriller novels out there that are worth reading.
Despite being marketed as an adult novel, the characters' behaviors and thoughts seemed more suited to a young adult audience. This discrepancy, combined with the lack of depth and relatability in the characters, made it difficult for me to fully engage with the story. The protagonist, Jessica, came across as extremely self-centered and unlikable.
While I did speed through the book because it was easy to read and had some entertaining moments (there's nothing more entertaining than reading about other people's drama), I can't say that I would recommend it. It's often described as a dark academia book, but it's more of a mystery/thriller. In my opinion, there are much better mystery/thriller novels out there that are worth reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Cursing, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Minor: Rape, Toxic relationship, Grief, and Stalking
As Good As Dead by Holly Jackson
dark
mysterious
tense
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
Reread rating: 5
After reading a lot more YA mystery books over the last 2 years, I've come to appreciate the A Good Girl's Guide to Murder series more. The way Holly Jackson weaved the whole story and everything came full circle was just amazing. I will never shut up about how good her writing (and this series is). I hope if they decide to continue the AGGGTM TV series, they will do all the books justice, especially As Good As Dead.
I love how the series gets darker and darker. I love how we got to see how Pip spiraled. I love looking at how it led her to this point, understanding the reasons why this needed to be how it ended.
*
Initial read rating: 3.5
After reading a lot more YA mystery books over the last 2 years, I've come to appreciate the A Good Girl's Guide to Murder series more. The way Holly Jackson weaved the whole story and everything came full circle was just amazing. I will never shut up about how good her writing (and this series is). I hope if they decide to continue the AGGGTM TV series, they will do all the books justice, especially As Good As Dead.
I love how the series gets darker and darker. I love how we got to see how Pip spiraled. I love looking at how it led her to this point, understanding the reasons why this needed to be how it ended.
*
Initial read rating: 3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Addiction, Cursing, Mental illness, and Stalking
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Rape, and Car accident
Good Girl, Bad Blood by Holly Jackson
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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
Initial rating: 3.5
Reread rating: 5.0
Everytime I read a book in this series, I cry. I cry because I am so amazed at how Holly Jackson's mind can be this phenomenal. I cry because I see fragments of myself in Pip. I cry because Ravi is perfect.
Stanley Forbes, they could never make me hate you.
Reread rating: 5.0
Everytime I read a book in this series, I cry. I cry because I am so amazed at how Holly Jackson's mind can be this phenomenal. I cry because I see fragments of myself in Pip. I cry because Ravi is perfect.
Stanley Forbes, they could never make me hate you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Blood, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Mental illness and Kidnapping
Minor: Animal death, Cancer, Drug use, Rape, Self harm, Suicide, Stalking, and Alcohol
The Woman in Me by Britney Spears
Did not finish book. Stopped at 7%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 7%.
I tried to read this book. I really did. But after several months later, I still get bothered by the writing style. I can't get past it.
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
Dark Matter unexpectedly brought me to tears. It made me reflect on life and the choices we make. It made me stop and reread certain parts because they resonated deeply.
The book explores the concept of "What If?" and emphasizes that what's meant for us will always find its way to us. It also reminded me that we are ultimately responsible for our paths in life, as our past choices shape our present circumstances.
I believe Dark Matter came into my life at exactly the right moment and it really made a significant impression on me.
This was the first book I've read by Blake Crouch, and it impacted me in such a powerful way that I rated it five stars, despite other readers' opinions that his other books are better.
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
A brilliant physicist named Jason Dessen is living in Chicago with his wife, Daniela, and son, Charlie. He is a true genius, and while there was a point in his late twenties when his research could have made him a star in his field, he instead chose a family-focused life. One night, while walking home, he's abducted by a mysterious masked man and injected with a drug. When he next awakes, his world has completely changed. He's no longer married, doesn't have a son, and has achieved professional success beyond his wildest dreams. This sets him on a thrilling, mysterious, and at times terrifying journey to learn what has happened to him, and to find his way home to the people and the life he loves. -Blake Crouch when asked about the premise of Dark Matter
Dark Matter unexpectedly brought me to tears. It made me reflect on life and the choices we make. It made me stop and reread certain parts because they resonated deeply.
The book explores the concept of "What If?" and emphasizes that what's meant for us will always find its way to us. It also reminded me that we are ultimately responsible for our paths in life, as our past choices shape our present circumstances.
I believe Dark Matter came into my life at exactly the right moment and it really made a significant impression on me.
This was the first book I've read by Blake Crouch, and it impacted me in such a powerful way that I rated it five stars, despite other readers' opinions that his other books are better.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Drug use, Violence, Kidnapping, and Murder
Minor: Torture and Stalking