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curiouser_books's reviews
136 reviews
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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? Yes
4.75
Some authors are really good STORYtellers. Bardugo is one of those authors.
Actual stars: 4.75
Format: audio, libro.fm
What I liked: Ugh, everything. I love this new world. I love that I haven't read this story in 100 other times in 100 other books. I loved these characters because they weren't good, but they were real, complex, surviving. I love how slow the pacing was because it was so immersive. And the ending. Well, I loved the ending.
What I didn't like: It's hard when you're rating a book 4.75 stars to decide there is something you didn't like. I found the story took a few chapters to get into, that's my only note.
Yes, absolutely. But also, I knew I would.
Who I'm recommending this to: Bardugo fans, people who love an immersive story, anyone looking for something "good and different" because I know we get those requests all the time at the bookstore.
Actual stars: 4.75
Format: audio, libro.fm
What I liked: Ugh, everything. I love this new world. I love that I haven't read this story in 100 other times in 100 other books. I loved these characters because they weren't good, but they were real, complex, surviving. I love how slow the pacing was because it was so immersive. And the ending. Well, I loved the ending.
What I didn't like: It's hard when you're rating a book 4.75 stars to decide there is something you didn't like. I found the story took a few chapters to get into, that's my only note.
Yes, absolutely. But also, I knew I would.
Who I'm recommending this to: Bardugo fans, people who love an immersive story, anyone looking for something "good and different" because I know we get those requests all the time at the bookstore.
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
I hate werewolves. I've just decided.
Actual stars: 2.5
Format: audio, libro.fm
What I liked: This was actually cute until the *spicy* started and then ... werewolf sex was just not something I needed THIS many details about.
What I didn't like: I don't know if I've read an Ali Hazelwood book before, she's a decent author. I'm just not one for werewolf/vampire relationships. I don't want to read about them at all. Didn't that trend end like 8 years ago?
Did I enjoy it? No, but I'd be willing to try a Hazelwood book without the fantasy elements.
Who I'm recommending this to: Romance girlies who like mixed species and a little raunchiness.
Actual stars: 2.5
Format: audio, libro.fm
What I liked: This was actually cute until the *spicy* started and then ... werewolf sex was just not something I needed THIS many details about.
What I didn't like: I don't know if I've read an Ali Hazelwood book before, she's a decent author. I'm just not one for werewolf/vampire relationships. I don't want to read about them at all. Didn't that trend end like 8 years ago?
Did I enjoy it? No, but I'd be willing to try a Hazelwood book without the fantasy elements.
Who I'm recommending this to: Romance girlies who like mixed species and a little raunchiness.
Draw Down the Moon by Kristin Cast, P.C. Cast
funny
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
4.0
My brain needed this break from all the *spicy* reads.
Actual stars: 4
Format: audio, libro.fm
What I liked: This reads like P.C. Cast's other books, quick plot, light character development, and problems you see coming that no one is slowing down for. Although the plot points seem very predictable, I like the original elements of the story with the moon magic and the elementals. Maybe there are more books like this, but I haven't read one (at least not recently) and I enjoyed this feeling of freshness, especially after all the very predictable romance books I've been reading.
What I didn't like: This is pretty predictable, girl gets magic and then ends up the ultimate savior of the world (well, they don't say that, but it's the same story as so many others). There isn't a lot in the way of character development and I never trusted the one character who seems to betray us so either I'm super smart, or that wasn't well hidden. Maybe this is a 3.5 star book, but I really enjoyed it and I needed the change, so it is a 4 star book for me right now.
Did I enjoy it? Yes, it was a great switch from what I've been reading. I don't know if I'll continue the series.
Who I'm recommending this to: All the teens who come in and are looking for traditional YA fantasy, which this definitely fits (and is good for younger teens too because the romance is there, but there is a single kiss)
Actual stars: 4
Format: audio, libro.fm
What I liked: This reads like P.C. Cast's other books, quick plot, light character development, and problems you see coming that no one is slowing down for. Although the plot points seem very predictable, I like the original elements of the story with the moon magic and the elementals. Maybe there are more books like this, but I haven't read one (at least not recently) and I enjoyed this feeling of freshness, especially after all the very predictable romance books I've been reading.
What I didn't like: This is pretty predictable, girl gets magic and then ends up the ultimate savior of the world (well, they don't say that, but it's the same story as so many others). There isn't a lot in the way of character development and I never trusted the one character who seems to betray us so either I'm super smart, or that wasn't well hidden. Maybe this is a 3.5 star book, but I really enjoyed it and I needed the change, so it is a 4 star book for me right now.
Did I enjoy it? Yes, it was a great switch from what I've been reading. I don't know if I'll continue the series.
Who I'm recommending this to: All the teens who come in and are looking for traditional YA fantasy, which this definitely fits (and is good for younger teens too because the romance is there, but there is a single kiss)
The Fake Mate by Lana Ferguson
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Phew, this was not one to listen to at work.
Actual stars: 2.5 (but if this is your thing, you'll give it a way higher score)
Format: audio, libro.fm
What I liked: I love the fake dating trope. It's cute, fun, and you know where it is going. Even the awkward embarrassment part of romance novels is understandable because the other person is pretending ... right?
What I didn't like: This is one of those books that is only 15% story and the rest is just spicy scenes. If this is your thing, you'll love it. This isn't my thing, I need more story. I want to know that these two adult DOCTORS are able to use their heads more and think rationally. I realize they are shapeshifters/wolves/whatever but come on.
Did I enjoy it? No. Will you enjoy it? Probably? This just wasn't for me. Also I don't like werewolf stories.
Who I'm recommending this to: All my friends at bookclub who would really just like to read spicy scenes only.
Actual stars: 2.5 (but if this is your thing, you'll give it a way higher score)
Format: audio, libro.fm
What I liked: I love the fake dating trope. It's cute, fun, and you know where it is going. Even the awkward embarrassment part of romance novels is understandable because the other person is pretending ... right?
What I didn't like: This is one of those books that is only 15% story and the rest is just spicy scenes. If this is your thing, you'll love it. This isn't my thing, I need more story. I want to know that these two adult DOCTORS are able to use their heads more and think rationally. I realize they are shapeshifters/wolves/whatever but come on.
Did I enjoy it? No. Will you enjoy it? Probably? This just wasn't for me. Also I don't like werewolf stories.
Who I'm recommending this to: All my friends at bookclub who would really just like to read spicy scenes only.
The City of Stardust by Georgia Summers
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.25
I nearly gave up, but oh that last quarter of the book is SO good.
Actual stars: 4.25
Format: audio, libro.fm
What I liked: This reads likes some of my favorites: The Starless Sea, Night Circus, Starling House. It isn't as complex and between 25% and 50% the story drags to where I wasn't sure I wanted to keep reading, I wasn't pushed to keep picking the book up. However, once I got past the 50% point, the story started to pickup and then I couldn't put it down.
What I didn't like: Other than the story drag for about 25% of the book, the audio leaves a lot to be desired. The reader reads slowly and the pauses between sentences and paragraphs is SO LONG. I read the last half of the at 2.2 speed which is really uncommon for me (I'm typically between 1.4 and 1.6). Even at this speed the pauses were still too longer. Chapter pauses made me think the app had glitched.
Did I enjoy it? Yes. Will I recommend it? Absolutely ... the print version.
Who I'm recommending this to: People who are obsessed with similar books as I am, the books that feel like rich, layered, newly-discovered fairy tales that are immersive and enrapturing.
Actual stars: 4.25
Format: audio, libro.fm
What I liked: This reads likes some of my favorites: The Starless Sea, Night Circus, Starling House. It isn't as complex and between 25% and 50% the story drags to where I wasn't sure I wanted to keep reading, I wasn't pushed to keep picking the book up. However, once I got past the 50% point, the story started to pickup and then I couldn't put it down.
What I didn't like: Other than the story drag for about 25% of the book, the audio leaves a lot to be desired. The reader reads slowly and the pauses between sentences and paragraphs is SO LONG. I read the last half of the at 2.2 speed which is really uncommon for me (I'm typically between 1.4 and 1.6). Even at this speed the pauses were still too longer. Chapter pauses made me think the app had glitched.
Did I enjoy it? Yes. Will I recommend it? Absolutely ... the print version.
Who I'm recommending this to: People who are obsessed with similar books as I am, the books that feel like rich, layered, newly-discovered fairy tales that are immersive and enrapturing.
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Actual stars: 3.25
Format: Audio, Libro.fm
Take those triggers seriously.
This somehow had sweet parts.
I don’t know if I’ll read another “dark romance” soon. But this was fun … most of the time.
Format: Audio, Libro.fm
Take those triggers seriously.
This somehow had sweet parts.
I don’t know if I’ll read another “dark romance” soon. But this was fun … most of the time.
Really Very Crunchy: A Beginner's Guide to Removing Toxins from Your Life without Adding Them to Your Personality by Emily Morrow
funny
informative
fast-paced
Do I want to become really very crunchy? No.
Did I thoroughly enjoy this book? Yes
If you follow Emily on TikTok, then you already know she is an awkward delight and it comes across so well in her book. I remember the early days of watching her account and wondering if she was genuine before picking up on the joke.
In her book, she outlines a lot of "how to get started" while giving lots of tips for not scaring away your friends and family. She constantly assures readers any steps toward a crunchier life are good and only you and your family can decide where to start, where to go next, what you can afford, and what works for you.
I loved Jason's additions at the end of each chapter!
I listened to the audio, which I highly recommend, but whether you're on a crunchy journey of your own or just enjoying Emily's TikTok, I think you'll like this no matter the format you choose.
Did I thoroughly enjoy this book? Yes
If you follow Emily on TikTok, then you already know she is an awkward delight and it comes across so well in her book. I remember the early days of watching her account and wondering if she was genuine before picking up on the joke.
In her book, she outlines a lot of "how to get started" while giving lots of tips for not scaring away your friends and family. She constantly assures readers any steps toward a crunchier life are good and only you and your family can decide where to start, where to go next, what you can afford, and what works for you.
I loved Jason's additions at the end of each chapter!
I listened to the audio, which I highly recommend, but whether you're on a crunchy journey of your own or just enjoying Emily's TikTok, I think you'll like this no matter the format you choose.
Happily Never After by Lynn Painter
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
3.0
Oh the banter.
Actual stars: 3
Format: audio, libro.fm
What I liked: The premise is cute, interrupting weddings to get people out of their terrible marriages. The couple is also cute. She doesn't believe in love and he probably doesn't either. This book had more emotional depth than most romances which I appreciated.
What I didn't like: Sophie held on to her "love isn't real" a little more passionately than I wanted her to. I wanted more cracks to happen in that belief sooner. But the payoff was good in the end.
Did I enjoy it? Yes, the tension? SO good.
Who I'm recommending this to: The romance girlies who like fun, well-written love stories with spice but aren't looking for anything overtly graphic.
Actual stars: 3
Format: audio, libro.fm
What I liked: The premise is cute, interrupting weddings to get people out of their terrible marriages. The couple is also cute. She doesn't believe in love and he probably doesn't either. This book had more emotional depth than most romances which I appreciated.
What I didn't like: Sophie held on to her "love isn't real" a little more passionately than I wanted her to. I wanted more cracks to happen in that belief sooner. But the payoff was good in the end.
Did I enjoy it? Yes, the tension? SO good.
Who I'm recommending this to: The romance girlies who like fun, well-written love stories with spice but aren't looking for anything overtly graphic.
A Fate Inked in Blood by Danielle L. Jensen
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Loved the audio book narrator
Actual stars: 3.75
Format: audio, libro.fm
What I liked: This whole Norse/Viking story caught me from the first pages I really cheered for Freya throughout the first 60% of the book. Bjorn is moody and handsome and the picture of what the romantasy girls are looking for. Their tension up until about 60% of the way into the book was really what was driving me to keep turning pages.
What I didn't like: This book is very much plot-based, lacking much in the way of character development (and the world-building was a little weak for my personal preferences). However, even being plot-based it could have been about 20% shorter in the second half of the book. It felt like we were just moving from plot point to plot point and all the fighting started to feel the same. I like my books to have more character development, so this just didn't quite tick all the boxes for me.
Did I enjoy it? Yes, but I think it could have been shorter.
Who I'm recommending this to: All the girlies who are suddenly obsessed with romantasy or the show "Vikings".
Actual stars: 3.75
Format: audio, libro.fm
What I liked: This whole Norse/Viking story caught me from the first pages I really cheered for Freya throughout the first 60% of the book. Bjorn is moody and handsome and the picture of what the romantasy girls are looking for. Their tension up until about 60% of the way into the book was really what was driving me to keep turning pages.
What I didn't like: This book is very much plot-based, lacking much in the way of character development (and the world-building was a little weak for my personal preferences). However, even being plot-based it could have been about 20% shorter in the second half of the book. It felt like we were just moving from plot point to plot point and all the fighting started to feel the same. I like my books to have more character development, so this just didn't quite tick all the boxes for me.
Did I enjoy it? Yes, but I think it could have been shorter.
Who I'm recommending this to: All the girlies who are suddenly obsessed with romantasy or the show "Vikings".