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authorkristenelizabeth's reviews
34 reviews
Gifted by Kora Greenwood
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
I really enjoyed this book! It's an interesting blend - I kinda related it to Divergent. Arin is a strong-willed girl looking out for her family all throughout the story. It was nice to see her grow from one ideology that was her entire life into something much greater. I love Linc as well - he's a great love interest for Arin and I hope to see more of their romance in the next book. Some parts took me completely by surprise - more towards the end for sure. I don't wanna give anything away, but if you want a cool take on a scifi coming-of-age and overthrow-the-government while you're at it, I suggest this one!
Welcome to Night Vale by Joseph Fink, Jeffrey Cranor
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This is such a fun read! The audiobook is particularly hilarious - I loved the interspersed breaks from the plot to listen to Cecil and his bringing of the news. Welcome to Night Vale is super quirky and has a unique world. Night Vale itself is a town full of very interesting (and deadly) creatures. Everything was so far fetched until the very last few chapters where it all came together. It's a really good book! I'm ready for more of Night Vale!
Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Wow. This was an experience. Listening to the audiobook was a whirlwind. I did not expect where everything was going - and that's good in my opinion. The twists and turns were done at just the right time. WARNING! This book is VERY graphic of its violent scenes. There is a lot to unpack emotionally throughout the entire novel. A small part of me was hoping for redemption and a more justice-like conclusion, but overall I'm satisfied with what transpired. It's a great book if you're into high-stakes true crime that happens in the moment.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Body horror, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicide, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Police brutality, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
The content in this book is HEAVY. You need to be prepared for graphic descriptions of violence and body gore. There is a lot of emotions going on as well so if you're not ready to handle a whole lot of bad things, I would suggest not reading.
Six Feet Deep Dish by Mindy Quigley
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I loved this! Delilah is such a relatable character. She definitely takes the cake as an amateur sleuth (pun intended lol). The murder mystery kept me guessing until the end - then it made a shockingly good amount of sense. I was thrown when the real killer was revealed! I loved the banter between Delilah and Detective Capone - I hope there is more of them together as the series progresses (I want them together as a couple!) The way Mindy Quigley slowly unraveled the layers of each character was so well done. Once I really got into the story, I couldn't stop!
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This is such a great cozy fantasy! I loved the characterization of the main crew - Kiela, Caz, and Larran. Right from the get-go, these characters grabbed me. I listened to the audiobook, so the pace for me seemed slow as compared to reading a paperback/ebook version. I did appreciate that the conflicts that arose were more realistic and funny moments than a "war is coming we're all going to die" vibe. Larran is definitely my favorite - he is just a big teddy bear willing to help anyone in need (cinnamon roll trope to the extreme but I love him!) The plot is cute and the supporting cast made me laugh. The Spellshop is a fun read if you're looking for something light-hearted. I definitely enjoyed!
The Last Bloodcarver by Vanessa Le
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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? Yes
5.0
This is a 5 star read for me this month. Wow. Just wow. I don't want to spoil anything so I'm just going to gloss over my initial thoughts.
First, the world building is phenomenal. Theumas is such a strange place wrapped in science and technology with a hint (just a hint) of the fantastical. The lore of the Yarong and what it means to be a heartsooth/bloodcarver was so well done. Nhika may not have known everything from her ancestors, but the way that the minimal knowledge she did have wrapped into everything around her was done so well. I can't get enough of the world.
Characters I loved are obviously Nhika (she's my girl), Kochin, and Trin! The three of them are now in my brain forever. I really loved the blooming friendship between Trin and Nhika. They have a sort of comradery that comes from being on the other side of the rich folks - they know of the struggle and how life can get real. Kochin is my baby and I'll protect him at all costs - I love him so much it's insane. The way that he and Nhika get along - if you like enemies to lovers/slow burn, this is it right here. I totally understand where he comes from in all the mess.
The mystery of murder and mayhem throughout the story really amplifies the stakes. There were so many moments where I thought I had things figured out and then bam! Plot twist. It's such a great book - I want the sequel out asap so can continue with the storyline. It's so good!
First, the world building is phenomenal. Theumas is such a strange place wrapped in science and technology with a hint (just a hint) of the fantastical. The lore of the Yarong and what it means to be a heartsooth/bloodcarver was so well done. Nhika may not have known everything from her ancestors, but the way that the minimal knowledge she did have wrapped into everything around her was done so well. I can't get enough of the world.
Characters I loved are obviously Nhika (she's my girl), Kochin, and Trin! The three of them are now in my brain forever. I really loved the blooming friendship between Trin and Nhika. They have a sort of comradery that comes from being on the other side of the rich folks - they know of the struggle and how life can get real. Kochin is my baby and I'll protect him at all costs - I love him so much it's insane. The way that he and Nhika get along - if you like enemies to lovers/slow burn, this is it right here. I totally understand where he comes from in all the mess.
The mystery of murder and mayhem throughout the story really amplifies the stakes. There were so many moments where I thought I had things figured out and then bam! Plot twist. It's such a great book - I want the sequel out asap so can continue with the storyline. It's so good!
To Your Eternity, Volume 1 by Yoshitoki Oima
adventurous
dark
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
This is a pretty fast paced manga. We start with "It" as an orb that goes through different transformations on Earth. The story gives off mysterious vibes since we go through the journey along with It, who is later named Fushi. I wasn't expecting the storyline to take a darker turn, but it was necessary for the growth of Fushi as it develops more emotions and growth as a human. It's a good start into the series and I plan on purchasing more volumes.
10 Dance, Volume 1 by Inouesatoh
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed the manga! I'm a sucker for anything dance related (former dancer) so this drew me in immediately. It is a M/M romance so if that's not your speed or something you haven't read before, this is your warning. The banter between both Shinya's is hilarious! Volume 1 really hints at the budding feelings both men are experiencing through learning the other's style of ballroom dance. I couldn't put it down once I started - it's a page turner and easy to read. I loved it!
Mystic Pieces by Ada Bell
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
What an enjoyable cozy! I binged this in pretty much 2 days - I needed to solve the case. This was a wonderful take on a cozy mystery with a fantasy-esque twist. Aly is such a character - literally and figuratively. I loved how real she seemed and I could see myself being bffs with her. She's a hoot! The visions were a nice touch to the mystery - I'd love to see how they really work and if she gets a handle on her powers. I also really love Olive as a character - she's so eccentric but in such an endearing way. The storyline moved at a good pace and kept me guessing til the very end! I'll be continuing this series for sure!
The Tea Shop Witch by Thora Bluestone
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I really enjoyed this book! The story kept me guessing and had me by the throat. I couldn't put it down! Addie is such a relatable ccharacter and a great lead for the paranormal cozy. I really loved the twists littered throughout the story - the red hearings were perfect and I definitely didn't see who the culprit was. The supporting cast was funny and able to provide some details into how Stargaze changed over the years. I love Addie and Bennett's relationship - I'm really hoping there's a romance for them in the future! If you're looking for an enjoyable paranorma take on a cozy mystery, I highly recommend this! I'll be getting the series!