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art_books_chemistry's reviews
538 reviews
Sherlock Holmes and the Christmas Demon by James Lovegrove
adventurous
mysterious
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
4.0
I can't imagine how difficult it must be to try and write something from through the lens of an author from the 1890s writing a story in the 1890s. I found Lovegrove to be very successful in his emulation of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's style considering this. I did think in the beginning it felt a little "vocabulary-happy" so to speak, keeping in mind that The Strand magazine, where Doyle published most Holmes stories, was marketed towards a wide audience with varying literacy. I also found Lovegrove's Holmes to be a bit more free with his thought process than is traditionally seen but for the most part I found the character on point. Lovegrove even tied in bits of the original timeline and allusions to other stories just as Doyle used to do.
Overall, the plot was very much classic Sherlock Holmes though I wasn't thrilled at some of the allusions to Watson cheating on Mary. I did not figure out every part of the conclusion myself, which is definitely a compliment, however I was suspicious of the ultimate villain from the get-go and guessed a bit piece of the final puzzle from the first hint. There were, however, enough twists and turns and red herrings to still make this a very enjoyable read for any mystery or Holmes fan.
Overall, the plot was very much classic Sherlock Holmes though I wasn't thrilled at some of the allusions to Watson cheating on Mary. I did not figure out every part of the conclusion myself, which is definitely a compliment, however I was suspicious of the ultimate villain from the get-go and guessed a bit piece of the final puzzle from the first hint. There were, however, enough twists and turns and red herrings to still make this a very enjoyable read for any mystery or Holmes fan.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicide, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Gun violence, Infidelity, Violence, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Confinement
The Highway by C.J. Box
dark
emotional
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Cursing, Death, Gun violence, Kidnapping, and Murder
Moderate: Sexism
Minor: Sexual violence and Fire/Fire injury
Protector of the Small: #4 Lady Knight by Tamora Pierce
adventurous
emotional
sad
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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal death and Slavery
Minor: Confinement, Miscarriage, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, and Classism
Beastly & Bookish by Catrina Bell
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Someone call Hallmark, we've got the next movie! Successful MMC returns to small hometown for the holidays and finds his long lost teenage love. But add a dash of spice, a sprinkle of bookstagram, and a helping of beauty and the beast references! Plus who doesn't love some smexy hot springs time with a hot librarian??
Honestly, pure adorableness from a pair of book nerds fallen in love again.
Honestly, pure adorableness from a pair of book nerds fallen in love again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Holly's Unjolly Christmas by Lark Green
emotional
lighthearted
tense
fast-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
5.0
Such a Hallmark movie in its predictability, but oh so very steamy with Mr. Tall-Dark-Handsome and Silent. I absolutely sympathize with Holly, I'm meticulous when picking AirBnB's but sometimes they can get very weird. Though coming out of it with a sweet, handsome, demon lover doesn't sound like a bad trade...
The cuddle or freeze and size difference tropes are hilarious plus nice and spicy.
The cuddle or freeze and size difference tropes are hilarious plus nice and spicy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Car accident, and Fire/Fire injury
Holidays Ablaze by Lucy Limón
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
My goodness, Samite had me at "Yes, Chef" I don't care how sarcastic and sassy that first one was.
The spice is delectable, just like the food descriptions, even though it's mostly oral, plus horns.
Honestly, these two are just perfect together and I need more Samite and Sophia.
The spice is delectable, just like the food descriptions, even though it's mostly oral, plus horns.
Honestly, these two are just perfect together and I need more Samite and Sophia.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Violence and Alcohol
Secrets of a Rose by Adina Chiles
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Chiles builds a solid fantasy world without making it over complicated. Though most are young, the main characters are well developed, very likeable, without being angsty.
Some of the time jumping does get a little confusing, however that could be because I listened to the audiobook. The visual descriptions of plants and flowers are well done and helpful in creating this vibrant fantasy world.
Definitely recommend for lovers of YA Fantasy.
Some of the time jumping does get a little confusing, however that could be because I listened to the audiobook. The visual descriptions of plants and flowers are well done and helpful in creating this vibrant fantasy world.
Definitely recommend for lovers of YA Fantasy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Blood
Wrap Up with Me by Dani Elias
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Absolutely adorable! I totally sympathize with how the Dan feels becoming a father because even having months to prepare that first month with a new baby is a totally strange adjustment and he gets all the props for trying to do it himself!
I loved that although the romance moved quickly within the pages of the book, it was technically a "real life" slow burn. Plus the little added dash of hero in there!
I loved that although the romance moved quickly within the pages of the book, it was technically a "real life" slow burn. Plus the little added dash of hero in there!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Death of parent
Minor: Pregnancy and Alcohol
Captive of the Stolen Empire by Megan Van Dyke
adventurous
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Overall, Captive of the Stolen Empire is a unique fantasy story with some interesting twists and turns. There is just the right amount of world building spread out over the course of the book to fully set the world up without bogging down the story at any given point. There is a solid amount of character development, however I found some of the internal dialogue to be circular and repetitive.
One of my least favorite tropes is the miscommunication trope. And so much of the central storyline of this book is based around that with some variations for character relationships. For the most part, it's done well enough that it doesn't bother me and in such as way as to make sense with the over arching plot, but it's just never my favorite so it brings my overall rating down a bit.
The spice is light but written well and fairly classy. I was definitely rooting for the love story and would love to see this continued in a sequel novel.
One of my least favorite tropes is the miscommunication trope. And so much of the central storyline of this book is based around that with some variations for character relationships. For the most part, it's done well enough that it doesn't bother me and in such as way as to make sense with the over arching plot, but it's just never my favorite so it brings my overall rating down a bit.
The spice is light but written well and fairly classy. I was definitely rooting for the love story and would love to see this continued in a sequel novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Alcohol
Haven: Book of Knowledge by Saralyn Everhart
adventurous
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The best part of this book was the middle that read like a hilarious D&D campaign. I honestly wish the entire book was written that way but understand the beginning had to set the rest up.
I struggled to sympathize with Haven for a good portion of the beginning, making for a slow start. Although neglect was a clear issue, she still acted like an ungrateful brat. Her father is definitely to blame a lot as well, especially with how he could have told her certain details and basically fixed her issues.
The language in the first part was also a bit grandiose and obtuse but it did fit the story at that point, becoming more normal in the next section.
Overall, solid adventure story! I'd like to learn more about some of the side characters moving forward.
I struggled to sympathize with Haven for a good portion of the beginning, making for a slow start. Although neglect was a clear issue, she still acted like an ungrateful brat. Her father is definitely to blame a lot as well, especially with how he could have told her certain details and basically fixed her issues.
The language in the first part was also a bit grandiose and obtuse but it did fit the story at that point, becoming more normal in the next section.
Overall, solid adventure story! I'd like to learn more about some of the side characters moving forward.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Violence, Blood, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Murder, Toxic friendship, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Suicidal thoughts and Grief
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol