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curiouser_books's reviews
136 reviews
A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Why was this not good?
Actual stars: 2.75
Format: audio, libro.fm
What I didn't like: Okay, let's chat about this book. WOWZA. The plot is all over the place. It is going 100 miles an hour. There are twists and turns. Everything is hard to follow and you might get car-sick trying to catch all the details. When we are speeding along it is hard to learn anything about these characters. That's the magic of Six of Crows (which this is compared to), is that it is 80% character development and 20% plot. This is 95% plot and 3% characters, 2% history and it was not enough for me. I'll willingly acknowledge that plot readers will probably love this, as they should.
What I liked: I like the "team of morally gray characters working together to take down a more morally gray character" theme of the book. I have a cat named Kaz, this is kind of my thing. Even though my star rating of this book is low, I actually did like it, I just wanted so much more from it. The twists were great, although one of the big ones was so obvious to me, that I thought it was a part of the plot until I read some "spoilers" that talked about it and I realized it wasn't actually written out before the reveal. Regardless, it was a fun read for sure.
Who I'm recommending this to: Anyone looking for a fantasy page-turner, but I finished this in a day. It might have gone by in a flash, but I know many readers will love that.
Actual stars: 2.75
Format: audio, libro.fm
What I didn't like: Okay, let's chat about this book. WOWZA. The plot is all over the place. It is going 100 miles an hour. There are twists and turns. Everything is hard to follow and you might get car-sick trying to catch all the details. When we are speeding along it is hard to learn anything about these characters. That's the magic of Six of Crows (which this is compared to), is that it is 80% character development and 20% plot. This is 95% plot and 3% characters, 2% history and it was not enough for me. I'll willingly acknowledge that plot readers will probably love this, as they should.
What I liked: I like the "team of morally gray characters working together to take down a more morally gray character" theme of the book. I have a cat named Kaz, this is kind of my thing. Even though my star rating of this book is low, I actually did like it, I just wanted so much more from it. The twists were great, although one of the big ones was so obvious to me, that I thought it was a part of the plot until I read some "spoilers" that talked about it and I realized it wasn't actually written out before the reveal. Regardless, it was a fun read for sure.
Who I'm recommending this to: Anyone looking for a fantasy page-turner, but I finished this in a day. It might have gone by in a flash, but I know many readers will love that.
The Wiener Across the Way by Amy Award
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
It sounds like it'll be fun ... and it was. But the CRINGE.
Actual stars: 2.5
Format: audio, libro.fm
What I liked: The story is cute and fun, the banter is good, the characters feel real (but honestly is that only because they are based on very real people that we love?). I was along for the ride early on and the ending when it was more fiction than real life was even more fun ... but there were problems. I did love the plus size representation and all of the silly terms for Colorado places (Rust Rocks/Red Rocks, Peachy Creek/Cherry Creek, etc.) oh, and flip-flop instead of TikTok made me laugh every time.
What I didn't like: This reads like Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce fan fiction. Like until the 58% point it really is just a fictionalized version of what we know. At first it felt fun and silly, but then it felt like an invasion of privacy. Like I know this author doesn't have an inside track into their relationship, but I don't read gossip sites because people deserve to have privacy, and this felt too much like those very real people to be fiction.
Who I'm recommending this to: Probably no one. It was fun and spicy and the plus size rep was great. But it was too much reality to be fun fiction for me.
Actual stars: 2.5
Format: audio, libro.fm
What I liked: The story is cute and fun, the banter is good, the characters feel real (but honestly is that only because they are based on very real people that we love?). I was along for the ride early on and the ending when it was more fiction than real life was even more fun ... but there were problems. I did love the plus size representation and all of the silly terms for Colorado places (Rust Rocks/Red Rocks, Peachy Creek/Cherry Creek, etc.) oh, and flip-flop instead of TikTok made me laugh every time.
What I didn't like: This reads like Taylor Swift/Travis Kelce fan fiction. Like until the 58% point it really is just a fictionalized version of what we know. At first it felt fun and silly, but then it felt like an invasion of privacy. Like I know this author doesn't have an inside track into their relationship, but I don't read gossip sites because people deserve to have privacy, and this felt too much like those very real people to be fiction.
Who I'm recommending this to: Probably no one. It was fun and spicy and the plus size rep was great. But it was too much reality to be fun fiction for me.
Howl's Moving Castle by Diana Wynne Jones
adventurous
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? Yes
4.0
When was the last time you read it?
Actual stars: 4
Format: audio, libby
What I liked: Last week a customer in the bookstore asked when the last time I read Howl's Moving Castle was. I'm thinking I was like 9, so it's been awhile. She told me she had just re-read it and liked it even more now. I have to agree. Somehow in this simple story, there is more character development and story happening just below the surface than most adult books I read. Maybe it is just the nostalgia talking, but I loved this wholeheartedly.
What I didn't like: Honestly, I didn't dislike anything. Plus this new cover is a million times better than the one the book had when I was a kid.
Who I'm recommending this to: Everyone. If you're an adult, you need to re-read. If you're a kid who likes fantasy, you need to read. This is really great for that good reader who isn't ready for more complicated YA stories yet.
Actual stars: 4
Format: audio, libby
What I liked: Last week a customer in the bookstore asked when the last time I read Howl's Moving Castle was. I'm thinking I was like 9, so it's been awhile. She told me she had just re-read it and liked it even more now. I have to agree. Somehow in this simple story, there is more character development and story happening just below the surface than most adult books I read. Maybe it is just the nostalgia talking, but I loved this wholeheartedly.
What I didn't like: Honestly, I didn't dislike anything. Plus this new cover is a million times better than the one the book had when I was a kid.
Who I'm recommending this to: Everyone. If you're an adult, you need to re-read. If you're a kid who likes fantasy, you need to read. This is really great for that good reader who isn't ready for more complicated YA stories yet.
Keeper of Enchanted Rooms by Charlie N. Holmberg
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I'd like to volunteer to go live at Whimbrel House.
Actual stars: 4
Format: audio, libro
What I liked: Cozy fantasy is the perfect vibe for hot summer days. I'm not typically one for books told with multiple POVs, but this was done well. I just like the simplicity of the story, but it got exciting and sweet and captivating.
What I didn't like: The only bad part of cozy fantasy books is that I'd kinda like them to be more complicated.
Who I'm recommending this to: To people who want something gently fantasy, or who love cozy fantasy, or anyone who likes a magic house.
Actual stars: 4
Format: audio, libro
What I liked: Cozy fantasy is the perfect vibe for hot summer days. I'm not typically one for books told with multiple POVs, but this was done well. I just like the simplicity of the story, but it got exciting and sweet and captivating.
What I didn't like: The only bad part of cozy fantasy books is that I'd kinda like them to be more complicated.
Who I'm recommending this to: To people who want something gently fantasy, or who love cozy fantasy, or anyone who likes a magic house.
Weyward by Emilia Hart
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I was LOVING this ...
Actual stars: 2
Format: audio, libro
What I liked: I was loving this story. I was even vibing with the three POVs (which I normally don't love). The whole Weyward family integration. Loving it. Until ...
What I didn't like: That SA scene. The way it was described made her sound even younger than she was (she is sixteen). I just couldn't get back into the book afterward. Maybe I should have expected it, but I had paused the audio book and picked it up right when the assault started. I couldn't get past it.
Who I'm recommending this to: I probably won't recommend it. I know it's popular and plenty of other people do, but it won't be on my list of recommendations.
Actual stars: 2
Format: audio, libro
What I liked: I was loving this story. I was even vibing with the three POVs (which I normally don't love). The whole Weyward family integration. Loving it. Until ...
What I didn't like: That SA scene. The way it was described made her sound even younger than she was (she is sixteen). I just couldn't get back into the book afterward. Maybe I should have expected it, but I had paused the audio book and picked it up right when the assault started. I couldn't get past it.
Who I'm recommending this to: I probably won't recommend it. I know it's popular and plenty of other people do, but it won't be on my list of recommendations.
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This book is like a hug to read.
Actual stars: 4
Format: physical, ARC
What I liked: Um, everything ;) Not a quick paced read, but a throughoutly enjoyable one. A librarian, a sentient plant, a bunch of spell books, and a sweet town that just loves people. Yes please. Every part of this was so lovely and non-stressful. If you're looking for a book to help you relax, this is probably it.
What I didn't like: I do like a book that feels "exciting" and cozy fantasy is not that. It isn't a bad thing, it's just personal preference. This was perfect to read in the garden on the swing (which I did).
Who I'm recommending this to: People who are looking for intro fantasy or love cozy fantasy (Bookshops and Bonedust or House in the Cereulean Sea). This is also a great adult pick for younger readers or people who specifically are looking for clean books.
Actual stars: 4
Format: physical, ARC
What I liked: Um, everything ;) Not a quick paced read, but a throughoutly enjoyable one. A librarian, a sentient plant, a bunch of spell books, and a sweet town that just loves people. Yes please. Every part of this was so lovely and non-stressful. If you're looking for a book to help you relax, this is probably it.
What I didn't like: I do like a book that feels "exciting" and cozy fantasy is not that. It isn't a bad thing, it's just personal preference. This was perfect to read in the garden on the swing (which I did).
Who I'm recommending this to: People who are looking for intro fantasy or love cozy fantasy (Bookshops and Bonedust or House in the Cereulean Sea). This is also a great adult pick for younger readers or people who specifically are looking for clean books.
The Rom-Commers by Katherine Center
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
It's what you expect ... until it isn't.
Actual stars: 3.50
Format: audio, Libro.fm
What I liked: The whole book is so charming. Emma is so real on the page and she owns who she is. She's doing her best and being her best, and honest with herself (at least, most of the time). Charlie is a little jaded, but also trying to do his best and be his best and I really want to give him a hug.
What I didn't like: It was a little corny in the middle. It would have only been a three-star until the ending ... which was so good. Like I felt teary it was so good. But there was a good chunk that was sub-par corny.
Who I'm recommending this to: Lovers of romance. I think this is a good fit for Emily Henry girlies ... it isn't quite on par with her, but the characters are good.
Actual stars: 3.50
Format: audio, Libro.fm
What I liked: The whole book is so charming. Emma is so real on the page and she owns who she is. She's doing her best and being her best, and honest with herself (at least, most of the time). Charlie is a little jaded, but also trying to do his best and be his best and I really want to give him a hug.
What I didn't like: It was a little corny in the middle. It would have only been a three-star until the ending ... which was so good. Like I felt teary it was so good. But there was a good chunk that was sub-par corny.
Who I'm recommending this to: Lovers of romance. I think this is a good fit for Emily Henry girlies ... it isn't quite on par with her, but the characters are good.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
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
3.75
Don't you wish you were here?
Actual stars: 3.75
Format: audio, Libby
What I liked: What a cute story about standing up for what you want, what you need, and what is right. The story is such a cozy book, easy to read, nothing too dramatic.
What I didn't like: It felt a little too simplistic for me. I wanted a more complicated story, something with more emotional depth.
Who I'm recommending this to: I'm actually not sure. I'll have to think on it. Maybe people who are looking to read cozy books that change the way their world thinks.
Actual stars: 3.75
Format: audio, Libby
What I liked: What a cute story about standing up for what you want, what you need, and what is right. The story is such a cozy book, easy to read, nothing too dramatic.
What I didn't like: It felt a little too simplistic for me. I wanted a more complicated story, something with more emotional depth.
Who I'm recommending this to: I'm actually not sure. I'll have to think on it. Maybe people who are looking to read cozy books that change the way their world thinks.
The Book of Doors by Gareth Brown
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
fast-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
4.75
When you get pulled in from page one, you know it is going to be good.
Actual stars: 4.75
Format: audio, Libby
What I liked: I didn't expect this book to be good. I don't know what I thought it would be, but it was one of those "if you like these books, you'll love this new release" and for once, they were right. The plot is fast-paced, but the characters are real and fleshed out. All of the characters are so good that somehow the entire cast of characters feel like primary characters, and maybe they are. This is definitely a story that would hold up to a re-reading because there is so much I know I missed because I was focused on a different aspect of the story.
What I didn't like: I would have liked more story, more world-building, more explanation of the magic. It was so good, but I wanted more. I often feel like this in stand-alone novels. But maybe Mr. Brown will surprise us and create a series.
Also, I cried twice. I won't say when, but TWO times. It was so good.
Who I'm recommending this to: Well, probably everyone because it was so good. But all my magical realism friends, this is such a great example of what makes this genre incredible.
Actual stars: 4.75
Format: audio, Libby
What I liked: I didn't expect this book to be good. I don't know what I thought it would be, but it was one of those "if you like these books, you'll love this new release" and for once, they were right. The plot is fast-paced, but the characters are real and fleshed out. All of the characters are so good that somehow the entire cast of characters feel like primary characters, and maybe they are. This is definitely a story that would hold up to a re-reading because there is so much I know I missed because I was focused on a different aspect of the story.
What I didn't like: I would have liked more story, more world-building, more explanation of the magic. It was so good, but I wanted more. I often feel like this in stand-alone novels. But maybe Mr. Brown will surprise us and create a series.
Also, I cried twice. I won't say when, but TWO times. It was so good.
Who I'm recommending this to: Well, probably everyone because it was so good. But all my magical realism friends, this is such a great example of what makes this genre incredible.
A Short Walk Through a Wide World by Douglas Westerbeke
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I'm so curious about who likes this kind of book. I do, but I'm curious about the other readers.
Actual stars: 4.25
Format: audio, Libro
What I liked: This is one of those stories where you just have to be along for the ride. You have to read, not be focused on what the plot is or how it will be rectified in the end. I like that this has nearly no plot. There is a lot of story, a little character, almost no world-building (it is our world, but early 1900s I think). This book is all vibes, so if you need plot to enjoy a book, it isn't this one.
What I didn't like: I didn't KNOW when I started that it was this kind of book ... so I got a little impatient. It took me a long time to finish because no one had told me there was no plot. I loved it in the end, but I just didn't KNOW.
Who I'm recommending this to: Readers who like what I like, who can read between the lines, who enjoy the story that is off the page, what is only hinted at. Most people don't like books like this. If someone likes The Starless Sea or Piranesi ... they will like this too.
Actual stars: 4.25
Format: audio, Libro
What I liked: This is one of those stories where you just have to be along for the ride. You have to read, not be focused on what the plot is or how it will be rectified in the end. I like that this has nearly no plot. There is a lot of story, a little character, almost no world-building (it is our world, but early 1900s I think). This book is all vibes, so if you need plot to enjoy a book, it isn't this one.
What I didn't like: I didn't KNOW when I started that it was this kind of book ... so I got a little impatient. It took me a long time to finish because no one had told me there was no plot. I loved it in the end, but I just didn't KNOW.
Who I'm recommending this to: Readers who like what I like, who can read between the lines, who enjoy the story that is off the page, what is only hinted at. Most people don't like books like this. If someone likes The Starless Sea or Piranesi ... they will like this too.