ishouldreadthat's reviews
1126 reviews

I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid

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dark mysterious tense
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

It has taken me ages to come to a conclusion on what I think about this book. The first half? Perfection. I was about to scream about this book from the rooftops and was so sure it would be my new favourite book. The second half? A total letdown, especially the ending.
Spirits Abroad by Zen Cho

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adventurous dark funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

 I love Zen Cho's writing and have had my eye on this for ages. I read this book slowly, devouring one story a night and it was an absolute delight. Some of my favourite stories include:

- If At First You Don't Succeed, Try, Try Again (winner of the Hugo and with good reason - one of my favourite short stories ever)
- The Terra Cotta Bride
-Odette
-The House of Aunts

Highly recommended for fans of contemporary fantasy! 
The Hollow Places by T. Kingfisher

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dark mysterious tense 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? No

4.5

T. Kingfisher's horror books are immaculate. I foolishly had this sitting on my Kindle for years before picking it up and I'm absolutely kicking myself for not giving it a shot earlier. The combination of portal fantasy, the world's weirdest museum, and the dynamic duo of Kara and Simon made this a perfect spooky read.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

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adventurous dark lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

I'm not sure what I can say about Fourth Wing that hasn't already been said. Is it the best written book out there? No. Is it a really fun read? Absolutely. I think I came across this book at the perfect time - I'd been reading so much dark stuff that a romantasy adventure was exactly what I needed.
Bad Dolls by Rachel Harrison

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dark funny mysterious 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

4.5

 
I'm quickly becoming a huge fan of Rachel Harrison's work, and Bad Dolls is another excellent horror book from her! A collection of four short stories, Bad Dolls uses horror as a vehicle to examine female friendships, relationships, grief, and more. I'd have loved for this collection to be longer - it clocks in at only 192 pages (and I suspect there may be some font and margin fudging to make the physical copy even that long). However, it solidified my love of her writing and I can't wait to pick up more of her titles!

 
Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle

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dark funny mysterious 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

4.0

Chuck Tingle's first foray into mainstream fiction is a total hit. A little slow paced in parts, but I loved the characters and the message behind the book. It's totally haunting and will stick in your brain.
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Murder in the Family by Cara Hunter

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A twisty read that's totally implausible but so much fun. I can understand why everyone is reading this book - it's impossible to put down! Great for fans of mixed media books and true crime.
Cackle by Rachel Harrison

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funny lighthearted 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? Yes

4.0

A wonderfully cosy horror book. I loved the characters (I would die for Ralph) and the journey they go on. Rachel Harrison is an author I discovered this year and I'm obsessed with her books.
The Scratch Daughters by August Clarke

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dark emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Bloom by Delilah S. Dawson

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dark emotional mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Oh my god. This book was absolutely incredible, but not for the faint of heart. I didn't know that cottagecore horror was something I needed in my life, but I now need more of it. Easily one of my favourite books of 2023.
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