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ddnreads's reviews
404 reviews
Godkiller by Hannah Kaner
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
It's quite straightforward at first in the way I like it. I love how solid each characters are. Quite unhinged at first, but it gets better. I felt a bit bored at the middle bcs I think the journey took too long with anything's really happening. But the tension got better at the end. I love how skedicat the god was made almost innocent but we've got to see it got worse.... I love the group dynamics and definitely looking forward to the second book. Overall, the book was enjoyable. If you're into high fantasy, with medieval vibes, where the wild god/goddess were presence, and a knight and kingdoms, found family laced with betrayals, give this book a go!!!!
The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
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? It's complicated
5.0
How am I going to continue my reading challenge without dreading the downhill experience bcs how am I going to TOP THIS BOOK HOWWWWW
It's always a high fantasy with the most intense family drama and romance. Gut-wrenching beautifully written plot. It's a story of valuing tradition and power, a griefing mother, and undoubtedly angst romance. Women empowerment and community care.
I love it so much. I cried with it. I healed with it. This is awesome end of the story.
It's always a high fantasy with the most intense family drama and romance. Gut-wrenching beautifully written plot. It's a story of valuing tradition and power, a griefing mother, and undoubtedly angst romance. Women empowerment and community care.
I love it so much. I cried with it. I healed with it. This is awesome end of the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Genocide, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Fire/Fire injury, and War
The Six Deaths of the Saint by Alix E. Harrow
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
30 pages of masterpiece.
The Will of the Many by James Islington
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
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? No
5.0
I'm so happy that the first book I read in 2024 is such a banger!!!!
I love LOVE well written characters and neat intriguing plot. I DON'T KNOW WHO TO TRUST THEY CAN GRAB THE OSCAR FOR ACTING istg. It's combined with deceptions, clever problem solution meet manipulative alibi and plot twist.
When ppl said it's Roman inspired dark academia fantasy, I couldn't agree more. It might quite hard to grasp at the beginning and the Roman terms didn't help either. HOWEVER, it gets so much better. The storytelling was solid and gripping. It took the time its need to properly develop sense for future plot. Action-packed and challenging.
The story follows Vis, an orphan with interesting background. He was adopted by a Quintus (several rank higher) after showing the understanding ability in ancient language. Vis is definitely "never boring". Throughout the book Vis excel his ability in every aspect matters to the Cantenan Academy. The said Academy was told in the second half of the book. It was the place where people of power in Canten prepare their children to go to work at the senate.
THIS IS WHERE THINGS GET EXTRA INTERESTING π₯Ί
The Academy was full of hidden agendas. Hidden places. It has bloody history and on going mystery.
I love how Vis manuever from one event to another. They way he covers up was great π
Ofc there's going to be rebellious group, greedy government, power hungry actors π
I love it. I need book 2 to release asap!!!!
I love LOVE well written characters and neat intriguing plot. I DON'T KNOW WHO TO TRUST THEY CAN GRAB THE OSCAR FOR ACTING istg. It's combined with deceptions, clever problem solution meet manipulative alibi and plot twist.
When ppl said it's Roman inspired dark academia fantasy, I couldn't agree more. It might quite hard to grasp at the beginning and the Roman terms didn't help either. HOWEVER, it gets so much better. The storytelling was solid and gripping. It took the time its need to properly develop sense for future plot. Action-packed and challenging.
The story follows Vis, an orphan with interesting background. He was adopted by a Quintus (several rank higher) after showing the understanding ability in ancient language. Vis is definitely "never boring". Throughout the book Vis excel his ability in every aspect matters to the Cantenan Academy. The said Academy was told in the second half of the book. It was the place where people of power in Canten prepare their children to go to work at the senate.
THIS IS WHERE THINGS GET EXTRA INTERESTING π₯Ί
The Academy was full of hidden agendas. Hidden places. It has bloody history and on going mystery.
I love how Vis manuever from one event to another. They way he covers up was great π
Ofc there's going to be rebellious group, greedy government, power hungry actors π
I love it. I need book 2 to release asap!!!!
Tales of the Celestial Kingdom by Sue Lynn Tan
adventurous
emotional
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
I LOVE IT!!!!
The spin off gave us closure of things happening during the duology of Celestial Kingdoms books. Consisting of different POVs, we glimpsed the feelings deeper of each character. It's nice to know the story of Chang'e and Houyi and the decision that led them to the start of this duology. We also got Liwei's, Whenzi's, and Shuxiao's POVs, as well as EPILOGUE!!!!
Please read this after you finish reading the duology, bcs there will be major spoilers if you hadn't.
The writing style is indeed admirable. It's comforting, warms and beautiful!!!
Thank you for the arc in exchange for honest review π«Άπ½
The spin off gave us closure of things happening during the duology of Celestial Kingdoms books. Consisting of different POVs, we glimpsed the feelings deeper of each character. It's nice to know the story of Chang'e and Houyi and the decision that led them to the start of this duology. We also got Liwei's, Whenzi's, and Shuxiao's POVs, as well as EPILOGUE!!!!
Please read this after you finish reading the duology, bcs there will be major spoilers if you hadn't.
The writing style is indeed admirable. It's comforting, warms and beautiful!!!
Thank you for the arc in exchange for honest review π«Άπ½
Others Were Emeralds by Lang Leav
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I love the premise and this book exceeding my expectation. The story set in 90s Australia, following a high schooler named Ai.
I grow fond of this book gradually. I didn't put up much expectations on the beginning, as it revolved around the friendship and high school romance drama. However, it's getting more intriguing bcs the "drama" itself created huge misunderstanding and regrets later in the story. There are layers about fitting in, self actualisation, jealousy, and acceptances mixing in their high school life. The dynamics of somewhat complicated friendship is well written.
Ai and her family were Asian (Cambodia) who had to move to Australia to save their lives. There was a huge Asian immigrants and refugees taking shelter in Australia and how they face racism on daily basis. I wasn't aware of this issue before and this book gave me a glimpse on how bad it could be. Yes, it talked about racism, fighting the said racism, and surviving. The unfairness is heart breaking.
I love how this book takes its time to explore grief and loss. And regrets. And shattered dreams. I love how the closure wasn't rushed. It fits the pieces perfectly.
At the end, I grow fondly emotional with the characters and how their lifes turned out.
If you're into hard coming of age, exploring grief and friendship and love, and misunderstanding as well as facing racism, give this book a go.
Thanks so much for the arc ππ«Άπ½π«Άπ½
I grow fond of this book gradually. I didn't put up much expectations on the beginning, as it revolved around the friendship and high school romance drama. However, it's getting more intriguing bcs the "drama" itself created huge misunderstanding and regrets later in the story. There are layers about fitting in, self actualisation, jealousy, and acceptances mixing in their high school life. The dynamics of somewhat complicated friendship is well written.
Ai and her family were Asian (Cambodia) who had to move to Australia to save their lives. There was a huge Asian immigrants and refugees taking shelter in Australia and how they face racism on daily basis. I wasn't aware of this issue before and this book gave me a glimpse on how bad it could be. Yes, it talked about racism, fighting the said racism, and surviving. The unfairness is heart breaking.
I love how this book takes its time to explore grief and loss. And regrets. And shattered dreams. I love how the closure wasn't rushed. It fits the pieces perfectly.
At the end, I grow fondly emotional with the characters and how their lifes turned out.
If you're into hard coming of age, exploring grief and friendship and love, and misunderstanding as well as facing racism, give this book a go.
Thanks so much for the arc ππ«Άπ½π«Άπ½
The Misfits #1: A Royal Conundrum by Lisa Yee
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
4.0
I adore this book. Very suitable for middle graders out there to find their places, bravery and acceptance.
This story follows Olive, who feel she didn't belong with everyone else in her school. Her super busy parents, then put her in RASCH. School for everyone where what matters is not your grade, but your creativity, attitude, teamwork. It's like no other school outside.
At RASCH, Olive gradually found her place and her people. And what's better? She was chosen as one of the elite groups to work undercover helping to solve the crime. When RASCH is on the brink of collapse and a notorious thief is out there, Olive and her team (Phil, Theo, James, Iggy,Modest, Monica) put into action and helped RASCH secure its place.
What I love:
- the school atmosphere, and their teachers!!!
- the characters were quite solid and well written.
- the plot was taking it easy to introduce everything. The pace was uite slow but not that bothering.
What I think could be written better:
- Phil and her unbelievable tools. It's way WAAAAYYY too convenient it's lessen the thrillπ
- the heist and how the dots were connected.
- the ending. I love it, but it just felt rushy the things with Olive parents turned out to be.
Overall, I enjoy the books a lot and children 9-14yo might feel the same way!!!
This story follows Olive, who feel she didn't belong with everyone else in her school. Her super busy parents, then put her in RASCH. School for everyone where what matters is not your grade, but your creativity, attitude, teamwork. It's like no other school outside.
At RASCH, Olive gradually found her place and her people. And what's better? She was chosen as one of the elite groups to work undercover helping to solve the crime. When RASCH is on the brink of collapse and a notorious thief is out there, Olive and her team (Phil, Theo, James, Iggy,Modest, Monica) put into action and helped RASCH secure its place.
What I love:
- the school atmosphere, and their teachers!!!
- the characters were quite solid and well written.
- the plot was taking it easy to introduce everything. The pace was uite slow but not that bothering.
What I think could be written better:
- Phil and her unbelievable tools. It's way WAAAAYYY too convenient it's lessen the thrillπ
- the heist and how the dots were connected.
- the ending. I love it, but it just felt rushy the things with Olive parents turned out to be.
Overall, I enjoy the books a lot and children 9-14yo might feel the same way!!!
The Kindness Booth by Laura K. Murray
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
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
4.5
"Kindness tend to spread."
I love how heartwarming this book is.
It teaches young kids how to be kind and how it will affect your life.
Definitely a fan of the artsyle and color combination!!!!!
I love how heartwarming this book is.
It teaches young kids how to be kind and how it will affect your life.
Definitely a fan of the artsyle and color combination!!!!!
Heaven by Mieko Kawakami
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It took me 2 days to finish this book and 4 days later to write a review. What I can come up with is β¨nggilaniβ¨.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
The Sun and the Void by Gabriela Romero Lacruz
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-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
3.0
Wow there are a lot to unpack. I love the premise, but unfortunately I couldn't engage well with how the story goes. For me personally, the pace was way to slow and one of the prominent character came a bit late. The introduction (?) was just too long and there are too much info dumping. The number of characters and world building is overwhelming and idk some of it made me uncomfortable. I don't mind with unhingedness, but this one is just not it. It's a me problem. However, I don't miss its cleverness on giving one or two slaps about unfairness in society. If you're into a strong female MC who crawl her way and getting manipulated and still go on with her journey and sapphic, and warring gods, give this book a go. Powerful female as heroes and villain.
Thanks for giving me the arc in exchange for honest review π«Άπ½
Thanks for giving me the arc in exchange for honest review π«Άπ½