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ddnreads's reviews
404 reviews
Lusifer! Lusifer! by Venerdi Handoyo
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
INI BAGUS. Jadi ngerti sirkel dalem gereja kyk apa. Conservative Christian is not a topic I stumble upon often and I enjoy the novelty.
Jarang bgt ada novel bahasa Indonesia yang tokoh utamanya Kristen konservatif dan nyeritain keadaan gereja + berada dalam keluarga yang sangat religius. And I do like the writing. Jadi belajar banyak hal baru tanpa ngerasa digurui.
Buku ini tipis. Bisa diselesaikan dalam sekali duduk. But there are LAYERS of topics to discuss. Ceritanya sebenernya slice of life, masalah ortu + anak, pergolakan batin, hubungan sosial masyarakat dan bagaimana agama ikut campur dalam hal2 tersebut. Kritik sosialnya oke bgt terutama yang menyangkut fanatisme dalam sebuah agama.
Highly recommended π©·π©·π©·
Jarang bgt ada novel bahasa Indonesia yang tokoh utamanya Kristen konservatif dan nyeritain keadaan gereja + berada dalam keluarga yang sangat religius. And I do like the writing. Jadi belajar banyak hal baru tanpa ngerasa digurui.
Buku ini tipis. Bisa diselesaikan dalam sekali duduk. But there are LAYERS of topics to discuss. Ceritanya sebenernya slice of life, masalah ortu + anak, pergolakan batin, hubungan sosial masyarakat dan bagaimana agama ikut campur dalam hal2 tersebut. Kritik sosialnya oke bgt terutama yang menyangkut fanatisme dalam sebuah agama.
Highly recommended π©·π©·π©·
Sound the Gong by Joan He
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I LOVE IT!!!!
IT'S DEFINITELY BETTER THAN THE FIRST BOOK. Agree with how Joan He said it supposed to be one thick book (bcs now I have to buy TWO BOOKS, not complaining since the cover's gorgeous) and best read RIGHT AFTER STRIKE THE ZITHER.
The pace is fast, straightforward and to the point ππΌ it's war and strategies all over the places... With different bodies, different mindsets, more enemies.
I was skeptical with the 'twist' in book 1, but book makes it so much better and I think the writing is getting better too.
The angst omg THE ANGST THE YEARNING I HATE YOU CROW AND ZHYPER BUT I LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH
The bittersweet end... It left me wondering....
It's clear but I need to remind ppl that Joan He knows what she's talking about, we could see that this is a well researched book. Definitely worth to read.
I feel like this series is a bit underestimated. THEY DESERVE MORE HYPE. Give it a go ππΌπ©·π©·π©·
IT'S DEFINITELY BETTER THAN THE FIRST BOOK. Agree with how Joan He said it supposed to be one thick book (bcs now I have to buy TWO BOOKS, not complaining since the cover's gorgeous) and best read RIGHT AFTER STRIKE THE ZITHER.
The pace is fast, straightforward and to the point ππΌ it's war and strategies all over the places... With different bodies, different mindsets, more enemies.
I was skeptical with the 'twist' in book 1, but book makes it so much better and I think the writing is getting better too.
The angst omg THE ANGST THE YEARNING I HATE YOU CROW AND ZHYPER BUT I LOVE YOU GUYS SO MUCH
The bittersweet end... It left me wondering....
It's clear but I need to remind ppl that Joan He knows what she's talking about, we could see that this is a well researched book. Definitely worth to read.
I feel like this series is a bit underestimated. THEY DESERVE MORE HYPE. Give it a go ππΌπ©·π©·π©·
Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
My favourite of Ali Hazelwood so far.
For all the eldest daughter who thought they should shoulder everything up, this one's for you π₯ΊππΌ
I love it when the female main character being shitty, her friends remind her how shitty she'd become.
I love their friendship and sisterhood dynamic π₯ΊππΌ
Give it a goβ¨
For all the eldest daughter who thought they should shoulder everything up, this one's for you π₯ΊππΌ
I love it when the female main character being shitty, her friends remind her how shitty she'd become.
I love their friendship and sisterhood dynamic π₯ΊππΌ
Give it a goβ¨
A Bright Heart by Kate Chenli
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
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
4.5
I enjoy this more than I thought I would!!! Imo, this BOOK DESERVES MORE HYPE. WHY AREN'T MORE PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT THIS BOOK?!
It has such a gorgeous cover and the story inside lived up the expectation.
The story followed Shin'ra who died in her first life due to treachery. However, magic took over and she has given a second chance in life. Going back to her past two years prior, she tried to make it right at whatever it takes
Will she be able to alter her destiny? What will the consequences be of having such a great magical power? Will she be ever feel safe???
I love how fast paced and straightforward this book is. The plot is solid and the characters are well written.
I love the character's development also. I root the clever cunning FMC who knows what to do.
I didn't expect I will be swoon by the romance but oh man.... The β¨kissesβ¨are so well written and sweet and tender yet passionate.
I kinda need Kate Chenli adult fantasy lol ππππ
If you're into kingdom fantasy, with black magic and spirit, princes and princesses, seizing throne, brothers who tried to outdo each other, romance, and kingdom politic ladden with betrayal, give this book a go
It has such a gorgeous cover and the story inside lived up the expectation.
The story followed Shin'ra who died in her first life due to treachery. However, magic took over and she has given a second chance in life. Going back to her past two years prior, she tried to make it right at whatever it takes
Will she be able to alter her destiny? What will the consequences be of having such a great magical power? Will she be ever feel safe???
I love how fast paced and straightforward this book is. The plot is solid and the characters are well written.
I love the character's development also. I root the clever cunning FMC who knows what to do.
I didn't expect I will be swoon by the romance but oh man.... The β¨kissesβ¨are so well written and sweet and tender yet passionate.
I kinda need Kate Chenli adult fantasy lol ππππ
If you're into kingdom fantasy, with black magic and spirit, princes and princesses, seizing throne, brothers who tried to outdo each other, romance, and kingdom politic ladden with betrayal, give this book a go
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Murder
Minor: Torture
Things You May Find Hidden in My Ear: Poems from Gaza by Mosab Abu Toha
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
Angste level: 10/10
The writing: 10/10
π
The writing: 10/10
π
Like A Charm by Elle McNicoll
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I didn't put much expectations into this book but it turned out great!!! It's been a while since I enjoyed a middle grade book and the character portrayal isn't what I've used to read.
The story revolved around Ramya, a neurodivergent kid in Edinburgh. I like how the book justified her feelings and how we understand things through her lens. How her parents weren't always accommodating. I treasure the grandad and granddaughter bondπ₯Ίπ«Άπ½
The story was light and enjoyable, have enough depth to be meaningful, exactly what I want to see in a middle grade. It's about how Ramya found magic through her grandad mysterious book. How she got to know the Hidden Folk and the dangers lurking around. She had to get her courage up and fight the evil.
If you're into fantasy, magical beings in modern world, finding the Hidden Folk (vampire, kelpies, and sirens), with a pinch of family bond and drama, give this book a go π
The story revolved around Ramya, a neurodivergent kid in Edinburgh. I like how the book justified her feelings and how we understand things through her lens. How her parents weren't always accommodating. I treasure the grandad and granddaughter bondπ₯Ίπ«Άπ½
The story was light and enjoyable, have enough depth to be meaningful, exactly what I want to see in a middle grade. It's about how Ramya found magic through her grandad mysterious book. How she got to know the Hidden Folk and the dangers lurking around. She had to get her courage up and fight the evil.
If you're into fantasy, magical beings in modern world, finding the Hidden Folk (vampire, kelpies, and sirens), with a pinch of family bond and drama, give this book a go π
Lights by Brenna Thummler
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-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
5.0
I love the Ghostly series with my whole heart ππ
Guardians of Dawn: Zhara by S. Jae-Jones
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
2,5 β
My 14yo self might love this book, but the first two chapters (teens reading smut, etc) might contradict the idea.
First, I think the market was overclaim. I was sold by the mention of sailor moon and turned out the story is below my expectations.
The premise is pretty simple. Zhara is a young woman with magical ability in a land where magic was unacknowledged. Her magic turned out to be crucial and greater than what she can imagine. Suprise, turned out there are magicians everywhere. And where there are magicians, there are demons too. Zhara and her friend tried to fight the abomination. She found love and family and group where she belonged to. A light whismical romanfantasy for teens.
It doesn't really suit me.
I found the characters cringey and lack of depth. Xu was the most interesting one. Everyone else's felt one dimensional and typical. Don't get me started with good looking giggles or whatever that is.
The story telling isn't gripping enough to invest with the characters and the plot.
It has such a great potential with the setting and magical ability and the beasts and the abomination. Sadly, for me, it wasn't well executed. The world building is the most exciting idea of this book.
What really turned me off is at the end of this book, the author chose to portray, I believe, one of the KPop idol group. The author didn't even change the group name. I don't know if that's wise to include real life idols in a commercial book. And... I'm not a fan. The exaggerating description of how handsome and awesome was not selling. And Im confuse how in the end they suddenly have a big role toward the plot and follow Zhara's next journey like what's for. It's understandable if u want to put them in a plot as performers, but to include them all the way to the next adventure sounds very childish imo. Nope nope
Im giving this book a second chance bcs I'm still going to read Ami. But if I see those 7 boys out of nowhere I might dnf early.
My 14yo self might love this book, but the first two chapters (teens reading smut, etc) might contradict the idea.
First, I think the market was overclaim. I was sold by the mention of sailor moon and turned out the story is below my expectations.
The premise is pretty simple. Zhara is a young woman with magical ability in a land where magic was unacknowledged. Her magic turned out to be crucial and greater than what she can imagine. Suprise, turned out there are magicians everywhere. And where there are magicians, there are demons too. Zhara and her friend tried to fight the abomination. She found love and family and group where she belonged to. A light whismical romanfantasy for teens.
It doesn't really suit me.
I found the characters cringey and lack of depth. Xu was the most interesting one. Everyone else's felt one dimensional and typical. Don't get me started with good looking giggles or whatever that is.
The story telling isn't gripping enough to invest with the characters and the plot.
It has such a great potential with the setting and magical ability and the beasts and the abomination. Sadly, for me, it wasn't well executed. The world building is the most exciting idea of this book.
What really turned me off is at the end of this book, the author chose to portray, I believe, one of the KPop idol group. The author didn't even change the group name. I don't know if that's wise to include real life idols in a commercial book. And... I'm not a fan. The exaggerating description of how handsome and awesome was not selling. And Im confuse how in the end they suddenly have a big role toward the plot and follow Zhara's next journey like what's for. It's understandable if u want to put them in a plot as performers, but to include them all the way to the next adventure sounds very childish imo. Nope nope
Im giving this book a second chance bcs I'm still going to read Ami. But if I see those 7 boys out of nowhere I might dnf early.
Behind You Is the Sea by Susan Muaddi Darraj
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Behind You is the Sea is an adult slice of life fiction revolving around Palestinian Americans community in Baltimore. It consists of short stories focusing on one character and the next, finding out as the pages revealed that they know each other. I love this kind of book. The satisfaction of realising who's who is its own sugary treat.
Plotwise, the story stands on its own. You don't have to read them in orderly form.
This debut turned out to be an enjoyable read. Exceeding any of my expectations (which I didn't put much). Definitely looking forward to Susan M. Darraj's future works.
The conflicts are mostly family drama. Some are hopeful, some are bitter, the others make me wonder bcs I want the stories to keep going. We get to see various generations of Palestinians' struggles weaving through their lifes abroad. The different concern is quite striking as we come to aware about the class gap within the community.
It's like peeking through the life of Palestinians as they are. Flaws and all.
I need y'all to read this book to remind that they should have a life as normal as what we're having. Fall in love the way we do. Having family close by to hold into.
I hate how US propaganda and israhell genoci e dehumanize them or forced them to be the perfect heroes. They didn't deserve it one bit. Please keep them in your prayers. Always. β¨
Plotwise, the story stands on its own. You don't have to read them in orderly form.
This debut turned out to be an enjoyable read. Exceeding any of my expectations (which I didn't put much). Definitely looking forward to Susan M. Darraj's future works.
The conflicts are mostly family drama. Some are hopeful, some are bitter, the others make me wonder bcs I want the stories to keep going. We get to see various generations of Palestinians' struggles weaving through their lifes abroad. The different concern is quite striking as we come to aware about the class gap within the community.
It's like peeking through the life of Palestinians as they are. Flaws and all.
I need y'all to read this book to remind that they should have a life as normal as what we're having. Fall in love the way we do. Having family close by to hold into.
I hate how US propaganda and israhell genoci e dehumanize them or forced them to be the perfect heroes. They didn't deserve it one bit. Please keep them in your prayers. Always. β¨
Minor Detail by Adania Shibli
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
It left me utterly devastated. I'm desperate for the next page. I NEED the author's note. Anything.
If she didn't make it then why am I here.... The first POV didn't help. I'm left hollow and sorrowful.
But probably it portrayed the reality. We don't always get the hopeful ending we're so craving for. This is what happens daily there. This is what will happen to you once you cross the border and try to find the truth.
If she didn't make it then why am I here.... The first POV didn't help. I'm left hollow and sorrowful.
But probably it portrayed the reality. We don't always get the hopeful ending we're so craving for. This is what happens daily there. This is what will happen to you once you cross the border and try to find the truth.