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angeldevoursliterature's reviews
271 reviews
For One More Day by Mitch Albom
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Well that was... underwhelming. It was a short and quick read.
The way how the flashbacks and the ghost story were weaved seemed tedious. It has similarities with 'The Five People You Meet in Heaven', but it lacks the heartwarming, inspiring, and compelling elements. Character development? Nada.
Not recommending this one at all.
The way how the flashbacks and the ghost story were weaved seemed tedious. It has similarities with 'The Five People You Meet in Heaven', but it lacks the heartwarming, inspiring, and compelling elements. Character development? Nada.
Not recommending this one at all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Infidelity, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Rivals in Love and War by Dan O'Sullivan
slow-paced
1.0
Yikes. I'm sorry but...
The premise seemed promising, but frankly, it failed to meet my expectations.
When you have your fair share of Greek mythology, there's really nothing new to read here.
The 'retellings' didn't click. The book alternates between the different POVs of the goddesses Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. However, I noticed that there were no discernible tone differences throughout the three Goddesses. Each chapter contains general description after general description and lacks depth and substance which did not engage me at all.
Thank you Netgalley and Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for sending me an ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The premise seemed promising, but frankly, it failed to meet my expectations.
When you have your fair share of Greek mythology, there's really nothing new to read here.
The 'retellings' didn't click. The book alternates between the different POVs of the goddesses Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. However, I noticed that there were no discernible tone differences throughout the three Goddesses. Each chapter contains general description after general description and lacks depth and substance which did not engage me at all.
Thank you Netgalley and Cranthorpe Millner Publishers for sending me an ARC of the book in exchange for an honest review.
Trouble Is a Friend of Mine by Stephanie Tromly
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
lighthearted
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
3.5
Well, that was a fun read. Maybe I would've liked the story more if I'd read this when I was younger.
Just like the next book, 'Trouble Makes A Comeback' (I actually read the second book first before book one it was an instant purchase at the bookstore back in 2021, I didn't even bother reading the synopsis where it clearly said it's part of a series), there's a lot of mischief, trouble, quirks, witty dialogues, and some high school stereotypes involved in this one.
The mystery wasn't that 'intense' though which is a bit reasonable since it'll be resolved in the next books. If you're looking for a fast-paced and easy read, pick this one up.
Just like the next book, 'Trouble Makes A Comeback' (I actually read the second book first before book one it was an instant purchase at the bookstore back in 2021, I didn't even bother reading the synopsis where it clearly said it's part of a series), there's a lot of mischief, trouble, quirks, witty dialogues, and some high school stereotypes involved in this one.
The mystery wasn't that 'intense' though which is a bit reasonable since it'll be resolved in the next books. If you're looking for a fast-paced and easy read, pick this one up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying, Drug use, Misogyny, Sexual violence, Trafficking, Medical trauma, and Stalking
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and Kidnapping
A Black and Solemn Silence by Danielle Thompson
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
What an interesting read :)
Not my usual reading preference but... wow.
The prose dude. It's captivating. The plot was great. A bit complex, but it's easy to follow. Goes to show that Danielle Thompson is a good writer. I admit I got attached to the characters, especially Kuro. I liked his overall characterization, especially his ways of dealing with his internal struggles throughout the story. I'm hoping that in the next book though, we get to know more of his background story as it'll surely help the story's development further.
Thank you Danielle Thompson, Netgalley, and IBPA for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC for A Black and Solemn Silence :D
Not my usual reading preference but... wow.
The prose dude. It's captivating. The plot was great. A bit complex, but it's easy to follow. Goes to show that Danielle Thompson is a good writer. I admit I got attached to the characters, especially Kuro. I liked his overall characterization, especially his ways of dealing with his internal struggles throughout the story. I'm hoping that in the next book though, we get to know more of his background story as it'll surely help the story's development further.
Thank you Danielle Thompson, Netgalley, and IBPA for giving me the opportunity to read an ARC for A Black and Solemn Silence :D
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Blood, Murder, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Medical content, Stalking, and Sexual harassment
Mothballs by Sole Otero
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Mothballs begins with 19-year old Rocio inheriting her grandmother Vilma's house after she passed away. Struck by the low turn-out at the funeral, Ro uncovers a hidden family history of hardships and resilience. The story weaves between Italy at the beginning of the 20th century and Argentina in the 21st, drawing paralells between Vilma and Ro's lives. Despite being pressured to meet familly and societal expectations, both women remain strong-willed and yearn for independence. Ro embarks on a journey of self-discover whilst honoring her grandmother's memory.
This was a worthwhile read :D .
I couldn't put it down since page one. It was well-written. I liked how the flashbacks were weaved thoroughly in the narrative without making it confusing to read.
The illustrations are lovely and vibrant. Personally, I think it would be better if the cursive font used for the dialogues are changed. Would love to read the rest of the story.
This is a review of the first 200 pages of Mothballs provided by Fantagraphics Books on Netgalley. Thank you for the copy!
This was a worthwhile read :D .
I couldn't put it down since page one. It was well-written. I liked how the flashbacks were weaved thoroughly in the narrative without making it confusing to read.
The illustrations are lovely and vibrant. Personally, I think it would be better if the cursive font used for the dialogues are changed. Would love to read the rest of the story.
This is a review of the first 200 pages of Mothballs provided by Fantagraphics Books on Netgalley. Thank you for the copy!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Homophobia, Miscarriage, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
Moderate: Misogyny
Minor: Cursing, Deadnaming, and Domestic abuse
Once A Queen by Sarah Arthur
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
sad
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? No
2.0
The book had a promising premise, but there's plenty of room for improvement. The characters, especially Eva, were likable though! In my opinion, a lot is lacking. I didn't connect with it at all.
Where's the fantasy? I was expecting the story to focus more on the 'fantasy elements' instead of Eva's attempts to reconnect with her grandmother, who is struggling with grief and trauma from past events. My biggest letdown was the world-building. Despite the story taking us to different worlds multiple times, it feels disconnected from the narrative, leaving me wanting more actual exploration.
Additionally, I wish the story had more suspense in the first parts where the mystery was being introduced.
Thank you to NetGalley, Waterbrook, and Sarah Arthur for providing me an ARC of this book.
Where's the fantasy? I was expecting the story to focus more on the 'fantasy elements' instead of Eva's attempts to reconnect with her grandmother, who is struggling with grief and trauma from past events. My biggest letdown was the world-building. Despite the story taking us to different worlds multiple times, it feels disconnected from the narrative, leaving me wanting more actual exploration.
Additionally, I wish the story had more suspense in the first parts where the mystery was being introduced.
Thank you to NetGalley, Waterbrook, and Sarah Arthur for providing me an ARC of this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
The Five People You Meet in Heaven by Mitch Albom
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I don't believe in heaven. This book though, taught valuable lessons about life and death which make you pause and reflect as you read through. A lighthearted and fast-paced read. Not my usual cup of tea but I enjoyed the story nonetheless.
(Brb while I go and give the author's other books a shot :D *disappears*)
(Brb while I go and give the author's other books a shot :D *disappears*)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Gun violence, Terminal illness, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Infertility, Racism, and Sexual assault
I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood Up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.0
I want to clarify that my rating is solely for the book and not for Malala as a person.
The book covers Malala's life story in great detail, from her childhood to the time when her family stayed in Birmingham. However, I did face some issues with the writing, particularly with the way the political and historical accounts were intertwined with its personal reflections. Nevertheless, it was still worth reading, and her story is truly enlightening and inspiring. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an eye-opening read.
The book covers Malala's life story in great detail, from her childhood to the time when her family stayed in Birmingham. However, I did face some issues with the writing, particularly with the way the political and historical accounts were intertwined with its personal reflections. Nevertheless, it was still worth reading, and her story is truly enlightening and inspiring. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for an eye-opening read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Sexism, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Mass/school shootings, Religious bigotry, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, and War
Dash & Lily's Book of Dares (Netflix Series Tie-In Edition) by David Levithan, Rachel Cohn
adventurous
challenging
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Misogyny, Sexual content, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Minor: Animal death, Bullying, Homophobia, Sexism, and Grief
Foodie Places by Amy Grimes, Sarah Baxter
4.0
The book is a compilation of articles that uncover the history and culinary customs of 25 cities. I was immersed! I liked how the information was well presented. The artwork included are amazing (bro they're picture frame-worthy :D).
I wish there were more of them though. More illustrations, cities covered, perhaps the author should've inserted some recommendations on where to eat, among others. I would recommend this to my foodie buddies.
Thank you NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for providing me an ARC for this one. :D
I wish there were more of them though. More illustrations, cities covered, perhaps the author should've inserted some recommendations on where to eat, among others. I would recommend this to my foodie buddies.
Thank you NetGalley and Quarto Publishing Group for providing me an ARC for this one. :D