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art_books_chemistry's reviews
538 reviews
Bean in Love by Annie Hansen
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
The concept of Bean in Love's story is solid and I could see myself really loving it except for me there were a few major flaws. Primarily, the fact that this was a 9+ hr long episode of Murder, She Wrote if we lived inside Jessica (Angela Lansbury's) head ruminating for 7 of those hours. There's character development and then there's writing a book as if it were the character's diary. There's far more background than necessary to complete the actual plot, plus a decent chunk of it was repeated multiple times.
My other major issue is that mysteries are far more enjoyable when you have a chance at guessing the solution. As far as I could tell, major pieces that were revealed within the second to last chapter were never even hinted at previously and the entire solution was laid out for us very quickly all at once, there was no gradual revealing of facts as they were discovered as even the main character learned 90% of it at the end.
Combined, these elements basically made Bean in Love long and boring. I'm still rating it a 2.5-3 star because the concept was decent and the characters were likeable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
My other major issue is that mysteries are far more enjoyable when you have a chance at guessing the solution. As far as I could tell, major pieces that were revealed within the second to last chapter were never even hinted at previously and the entire solution was laid out for us very quickly all at once, there was no gradual revealing of facts as they were discovered as even the main character learned 90% of it at the end.
Combined, these elements basically made Bean in Love long and boring. I'm still rating it a 2.5-3 star because the concept was decent and the characters were likeable.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Infertility, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Infidelity
Blunt Force Rising by Russ Colchamiro
challenging
dark
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I've been on a cozy mystery kick lately and for some reason my brain turned "Angela Hardwicke Mystery" into cozy-sci-fi-mystery and then once I was about 25% through Blunt Force Rising my brain exploded. Ok, maybe not literally, but figuratively while several characters' literally did. If you are at all squeamish, I Do Not recommend this! Gore++ Explicit and very messy. If you've seen the first Kingsman movie, it's similar to the church scene. Once I mentally readjusted for that, I kept breezing through BFR.
Personally, I'd call it a bit more of a thriller than mystery but there's definitely a fine line between the two sometimes. The Private Eye FMC is a deep character that definitely evokes empathy, though she can also be a bit frustrating. Coming into the middle of a series, I did feel a little left out on some of the relationships and references going on but they were still explained just enough that I didn't feel lost, just that I was missing easter eggs.
Blunt Force Rising is a rich sci-fi story that doesn't fall into the over-technical trap. There's just enough jargon and science words to immerse you and build this world that includes androids without making you bored. There was some pretty deep talk about bigotry, artificial life, some philosophical what-makes-a-person talk, and existential crises. Plus discussions of PTSD and childhood trauma. This is definitely not a good book if you have any triggers, but it's classic sci-fi in the sense that it's hitting all the hard topics by coming at them from a future/space age attitude.
Main con is that I did find it to be a slower read. I read most of it in one day but it took much longer than normal for me for a book under 300 pages. Some parts were longer tangents that could have been reduced, and some sections just dragged at the beginning during the set-up.
Personally, I'd call it a bit more of a thriller than mystery but there's definitely a fine line between the two sometimes. The Private Eye FMC is a deep character that definitely evokes empathy, though she can also be a bit frustrating. Coming into the middle of a series, I did feel a little left out on some of the relationships and references going on but they were still explained just enough that I didn't feel lost, just that I was missing easter eggs.
Blunt Force Rising is a rich sci-fi story that doesn't fall into the over-technical trap. There's just enough jargon and science words to immerse you and build this world that includes androids without making you bored. There was some pretty deep talk about bigotry, artificial life, some philosophical what-makes-a-person talk, and existential crises. Plus discussions of PTSD and childhood trauma. This is definitely not a good book if you have any triggers, but it's classic sci-fi in the sense that it's hitting all the hard topics by coming at them from a future/space age attitude.
Main con is that I did find it to be a slower read. I read most of it in one day but it took much longer than normal for me for a book under 300 pages. Some parts were longer tangents that could have been reduced, and some sections just dragged at the beginning during the set-up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Mental illness, Racism, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Panic attacks/disorders, Terminal illness, Excrement, Medical content, and Death of parent
Minor: Drug use, Infidelity, Rape, Sexism, Sexual violence, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol
My First Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes by Editors of Studio Fun International
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
A Quiet Life in the Country by T.E. Kinsey
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-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? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Stolen by the Beast by Sedona Ashe, M.J. Marstens
dark
emotional
funny
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
4.25
Have you ever wanted to run away and just hide in the woods for the rest of forever to forget about the real world? Marstens runs with this idea and throws in the perfect fantasy man. Well, man adjacent creature... Stolen by the Beast is a surprisingly deep analysis of what makes a man and what makes a monster wrapped up in a steamy, spicy monster romance.
This was a well-paced romance that as much as it was a fantasy, was very realistic in progression. The "monster" himself was a sweet cinnamon roll willing to try anything the FMC cooks but with animalistic urges, including intense touch-her-and-die vibes. But don't worry! There's a very happily ever after ending.
This was a well-paced romance that as much as it was a fantasy, was very realistic in progression. The "monster" himself was a sweet cinnamon roll willing to try anything the FMC cooks but with animalistic urges, including intense touch-her-and-die vibes. But don't worry! There's a very happily ever after ending.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Gun violence
Minor: Self harm, Police brutality, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol
The Time Machine by H.G. Wells
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
- Cool concept, I liked how he went really far into the future and had multiple time stops.
- Weird vibes from using the word caress when talking about Weena, maybe that's just me.
- Funny listening to his theories about the future time
- Very action-adventure vs sci-fi outside the time travel aspect
- Weird vibes from using the word caress when talking about Weena, maybe that's just me.
- Funny listening to his theories about the future time
- Very action-adventure vs sci-fi outside the time travel aspect
A Court of Fire and Frost by Daniela A. Mera, Elayna R. Gallea
adventurous
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I always feel a little guilty giving less than 4 stars to an ARC/promo book I've received for free but I also find it would be a disservice to my followers to not rate everything honestly. Fire and Frost is a huge insta-lust/love story right off the bat and these just aren't my favorite unless I'm reading something quick and dirty for spice. The meeting of the two main characters is good enough but then multiple years pass when they barely exchange 100 words but are still deeply crazy for each other to the point they would kill or die for the other one before even knowing each others names. But I can understand that some people like this.
The biggest thing that pulled me out of the story multiple times was when the FMCs snowy owl "cawed". Snowy owls hoot, bark, and hiss (the FMC's owl did hiss as well). Some other owls do caw but not really these. The part about how the MMC's osprey was a weird animal for the Summer Court was also not explained. They are northern and southern birds so a habitat analogy seems off.
Another thing that wasn't explained or closed appropriately in my opinion was the origin of the FMC being held prisoner. Was it her mother? Was it the rebels? Was it someone else? During this section I'm also pretty sure there was a fae holding a gun which is later said to not be a thing because of the iron. (Although also kind of silly, there are many polymer firearms these days which would absolutely allow a fae to carry/hold one without an issue and if they're careful it shouldn't be difficult to load bullets by touching only the brass casings.)
Overall, I just couldn't get completely pulled into the story, I felt there were a few holes and some shallow character development that was more appropriate for a YA novel.
The biggest thing that pulled me out of the story multiple times was when the FMCs snowy owl "cawed". Snowy owls hoot, bark, and hiss (the FMC's owl did hiss as well). Some other owls do caw but not really these. The part about how the MMC's osprey was a weird animal for the Summer Court was also not explained. They are northern and southern birds so a habitat analogy seems off.
Another thing that wasn't explained or closed appropriately in my opinion was the origin of the FMC being held prisoner. Was it her mother? Was it the rebels? Was it someone else? During this section I'm also pretty sure there was a fae holding a gun which is later said to not be a thing because of the iron. (Although also kind of silly, there are many polymer firearms these days which would absolutely allow a fae to carry/hold one without an issue and if they're careful it shouldn't be difficult to load bullets by touching only the brass casings.)
Overall, I just couldn't get completely pulled into the story, I felt there were a few holes and some shallow character development that was more appropriate for a YA novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, and Alcohol
Moderate: Sexual content and Abandonment
Minor: Cursing, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
The Ear Book by Al Perkins
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
The Nature of Witches by Rachel Griffin
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-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
3.0
Sadly, I found this incredibly boring. It wasn't "bad" which is why I'm giving it 3 stars but it wasn't exciting even though there was actual action. It felt like Griffin was going for the classic magic school trope without wanting to actually "build" a fictional school. There was no structure of the school, it was unclear what ages attended it (except that they graduate somewhere around 18 unless they came to do extra research from another school), or what classes they took other than group practical magic practice sessions. I'm also still confused what "off-season" witches do during their off-seasons. Do they not study for 3 quarters of the year? My point being: the world-building was less than ideal, especially for a standalone novel.
I did appreciate the main female character's growth over the book but she was the only truly fleshed out character, most of the teachers and other students were either non-existent or very shallow. The main supporting male character is better but still does not have super deep character development, we mainly know how much he loves plants. For me it just contributed to the lack of reality that was already created from the lack of world-building around the school. It is supposed to be somewhat contemporary however it just doesn't feel real.
If you want a simple witchy read, this could satisfy that requirement but it isn't a story that's going to stick with you forever.
I did appreciate the main female character's growth over the book but she was the only truly fleshed out character, most of the teachers and other students were either non-existent or very shallow. The main supporting male character is better but still does not have super deep character development, we mainly know how much he loves plants. For me it just contributed to the lack of reality that was already created from the lack of world-building around the school. It is supposed to be somewhat contemporary however it just doesn't feel real.
If you want a simple witchy read, this could satisfy that requirement but it isn't a story that's going to stick with you forever.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Sexual content, Blood, Medical content, and Injury/Injury detail
Blood of Zeus by Angel Payne, Meredith Wild
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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
This book was honestly devourable, I think I read it in 3 sessions and when you have a 3 month old, that's pretty impressive. It was lower on the spice scale technically, however the build-up was steaming hot. I'm not super into virgin MCs (I mentioned I have a 3-mo LOL) but this did not feel awkward and was very much a jump into the deep end type of "first time".
The plot of Blood of Zeus is not the most complicated but it is fairly well developed, as are most of the characters. In my opinion even the side characters are fleshed out enough to feel real, even if they are only on page for a short time. The MCs are not shallow, and exhibit more depth of emotion than simply lust and attraction which is the case in many romance novels.
I do wish there was a bit more explicit spice but as the first in a many book series, it's definitely set up to get spicier later.
Tropes:
-Virgin FMC
-Professor/student relationship
-Large MMC
-Forbidden Love
-Dark Secret
-Insta-Lust
-Celebrity FMC
The plot of Blood of Zeus is not the most complicated but it is fairly well developed, as are most of the characters. In my opinion even the side characters are fleshed out enough to feel real, even if they are only on page for a short time. The MCs are not shallow, and exhibit more depth of emotion than simply lust and attraction which is the case in many romance novels.
I do wish there was a bit more explicit spice but as the first in a many book series, it's definitely set up to get spicier later.
Tropes:
-Virgin FMC
-Professor/student relationship
-Large MMC
-Forbidden Love
-Dark Secret
-Insta-Lust
-Celebrity FMC
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual violence
Minor: Violence