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amycoles's reviews
663 reviews
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Yumi and the Nightmare Painter by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Body swapping (kind of) + ghostly presences (kind of) + spirit summoning + fighting corporeal nightmares by painting them into something else + vivid and cool worlds + a slowburn hate to love romance + an eccentric totally-not-an-alien noodle shop owner = this book.
When we got to the climax and lots of the secrets came out, I got goosebumps. This is the first time in a while that's made me think, "maybe there are still original ideas out there". Of course nothing is original, but this felt so fresh and different to me. I have one more secret project to read, but this is my favourite one so far!
When Sanderson mentioned in his author's note that some of his inspo for this book was the movie Your Name, the manga Hikaru no Go, and Final Fantasy X, I realized there was no world in which I wouldn't have loved this book.
When we got to the climax and lots of the secrets came out, I got goosebumps. This is the first time in a while that's made me think, "maybe there are still original ideas out there". Of course nothing is original, but this felt so fresh and different to me. I have one more secret project to read, but this is my favourite one so far!
When Sanderson mentioned in his author's note that some of his inspo for this book was the movie Your Name, the manga Hikaru no Go, and Final Fantasy X, I realized there was no world in which I wouldn't have loved this book.
The Frugal Wizard's Handbook for Surviving Medieval England by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
2.5
This was quite simply not for me. The whole cops vs mobs using trademarked interdimensional travel to go to a medieval world just didn't do it for me. This didn't FEEL like a Brandon Sanderson book.
That being said, if you just read this because premise sounds cool to you, not because you've loved the author's other books, you should be just fine.
That being said, if you just read this because premise sounds cool to you, not because you've loved the author's other books, you should be just fine.
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
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? N/A
4.0
This was such a strange reading experience for me because I really didn't care too much about the story at the beginning. It felt super cozy (which I know I have a hard time focusing on). But as the story progressed, I grew to absolutely love it. It was still cozy and funny but also clever with a cool magic system, wild imagery, and increasing stakes. And the character arcs/growth for Tress and the crew was PEAK.
Most importantly, this book made me want to read all the Cosmere books. You can't casually just name-drop Sazed and expect me to go on with my day. And who really is Hoid? Once I'm done with the Secret Projects, I'm going back to square one and starting Elantris.
I almost want to go back and read this again because I feel bad for not really caring at first...
Most importantly, this book made me want to read all the Cosmere books. You can't casually just name-drop Sazed and expect me to go on with my day. And who really is Hoid? Once I'm done with the Secret Projects, I'm going back to square one and starting Elantris.
I almost want to go back and read this again because I feel bad for not really caring at first...
My Roommate Is a Vampire by Jenna Levine
challenging
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
This just wasn't what I was expecting. There are historical romance vibes in a modern setting and the romance was awkward (not in an endearing way). I just didn't see the chemistry and it felt a bit forced. I felt very lukewarm towards the whole story.
Wounded Kiss by Willow Winters
challenging
dark
emotional
- 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
3.0
KNOW BEFORE READING: While this is the first book in a series, it reads like part one of a novel.
Fast paced, lots of spice, and a hint of plot.
Fast paced, lots of spice, and a hint of plot.
Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
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? No
3.75
If you want that female rage lit inside you in a similar way to what Lessons in Chemistry did - pick this up. Only instead of gender injustic in the STEM field, we're in true(ish) crime territory with a look at gender injustice in the police/court system.