catalyst226's reviews
188 reviews

The New Naturals by Gabriel Bump

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dark emotional reflective 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

3.0

This was an interesting read as it was not at all what I expected. It has a very conversational-based writing style and was harder to follow. The characters we follow are complex and only somewhat connected to one another.

I switched to the audio version about 65% of the way through and enjoyed it far more than the print version.
The Golden Enclaves by Naomi Novik

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dark emotional 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

I really enjoyed this book as it's own story outside of the setting of the previous two novels and as the conclusion to the trilogy. The author clearly had the entire story in mind from the beginning and laid it out expertly. The globetrotting and "twist" on El's prophecy in particular were my favorites.
The Last Graduate by Naomi Novik

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adventurous 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

In true book-two-of-a-trilogy fashion, this was not quite as good as book one but definitely sets the stage for book three. El's character development was a through line of the plot. The romance was very teenage and brief (yay). We also learn a lot about the power and magic system as well as the school itself. Also yet another cliffhanger. I wish we could have gotten a bit more information on El's mom's warning but I could have missed it.
A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik

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dark emotional 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

I've not read a ton of academia-esque fantasy but I LOVED this. The fact that our main character is prophesized to be a dark wizard but fights it at every turn is honestly delightful. Watching her (finally) grow into friendships was very nice. Also a well-done cliffhanger at the end.
Neon Gods by Katee Robert

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3.0

A Magical Girl Retires by Park Seolyeon

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lighthearted fast-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? Yes

3.0

A quick read about a woman coming in to her power as a magical "girl" under misinformed circumstances. I came in expecting a different story but enjoyed it nonetheless. The real big bad being climate change was very modern.
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When the Vibe Is Right by Sarah Dass

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-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

A fun carnival-centric story revolving around Tess, her family, classmates, and "rivals". Each character is vibrant and adds to the story.
Crooked Plow by Itamar Vieira Junior

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challenging reflective relaxing 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? Yes

5.0

A beautiful translated novel, told in three parts with three different narrators. The story follows a family of tenant farmers in Agua Negra, beginning with Bibiana and the self-inflicted wounds her and her sister take on from the curiosity of finding a knife in their grandmother's luggage. We follow past these events and learn about their elders and other members of their community.
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Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas

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adventurous mysterious medium-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

4.5

It's pretty refreshing to have a leading female character that is strong and confident in their own skills. It's very clear this was one of the first novels this author wrote but she found a voice and it works jumping between multiple characters in third person. The final fight left a little to be desired but I enjoy the world building and look forward to reading the remainder of the series.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt

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emotional lighthearted reflective 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? Yes

5.0

I'm a huge fan of contemporary novels that have characters that aren't entirely aware of how their lives intertwine. Mix in an octopus trying to feed them clues and you've got Remarkably Bright Creatures.