beckym_reads's reviews
69 reviews

Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas

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adventurous mysterious tense medium-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

Wow! That was an amazing book! So many twists and turns that I was not expected, and left on a cliffhanger that makes me want to go straight to the next book. I'm pleased I have already read Assassin's Blade as I enjoyed the nods back to that. I'm now fully invested in this series. 
DallerGut Dream Department Store: The Dream You Ordered is Sold Out by Miye Lee

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emotional funny inspiring lighthearted 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? No

3.75

This was like nothing I've read before. It didn't follow a typical story arc, and felt more like a glimpse into this magical reality. There were some deep and meaningful moments and I enjoyed how things slotted together. At the same time, it didn't feel like a lot happened, which is why I gave a lower rating. 
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst

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adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing 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? Yes

5.0

I loved this book! I've never read a book that's so comforting and calming to read. The world was beautiful, unlike any fantasy world I've read, it felt like a fairytale. I loved the characters, and there was definitely some laugh out loud moments, particularly with Caz. 
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny sad tense medium-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

4.5

It took me about 150 pages to really get into this book, but then I was hooked. The characters and story were amazing as usual. I loved
getting to learn about more of the world and the travel to different islands.
. I found it a bit annoying
everytime Xaden would refer to Violet as 'love' or they would say 'same'. I guess it didnt feel to me a good fit for their characters.
I will now be patiently waiting to read the next instalment. 
The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore

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emotional funny lighthearted relaxing 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? Yes

4.5

This was a bit different to the first 2 books, as it felt like there was more of Kira and Bennett, and less of the other townsfolk. But, I think it was my favourite. I loved the new characters and the way they sparred with each other and interacted. I also loved the development of all the town friendships coming together. I can't wait to hear more from Dream Harbour. 
The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective 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? Yes

4.0

I loved the plot of this story, it's quite unique to any romance I've read before and I loved the magical aspect. I enjoyed the characters and the relationship between Clementine and Iwan. Some parts of the story felt a bit slow or unimportant, but overall I enjoyed it. 
Some Like It Cold by Elle McNicoll

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-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 the first time I've seen myself reflected in a story and it was magical! And so affirming. Thank you so much to Elle McNicoll for creating an autistic romance, I hope there will be many more to come. The story was lovely and perfect for a Christmas read. My favourite quotes
Jasper, you're my special interest
and
to be loved so well for exactly who you are, after being told you are unlovable
❤️
Riders by Jilly Cooper

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emotional 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

4.0

This is now the longest book I've ever read! I didn't know what to expect from this book, but overall I enjoyed it. It was lighthearted and I enjoyed seeing the characters develop over a ten year time frame. The characters weren't always loveable, but they all had good moments. Jake and Tory were my favourites. 
The Assassin's Blade by Sarah J. Maas

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adventurous dark sad tense 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? Yes

5.0

I love this book! I much preferred it to the 1st Throne of Glass book, and wished I read this first. This book reminded me why I love Sarah J Maas, having read ACOTAR. I loved to see Celaenas backstory and her journey to the beginning of ToG. It helped me understand her character better. 
The Cinnamon Bun Book Store by Laurie Gilmore

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted relaxing 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? Yes

5.0

I loved the characters in this book! I can definitely relate to Hazel. I thought this storyline was much better than the first book, and I'm now completely invested in Dream Harbour. I can't wait for book 3.