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jae_28's reviews
150 reviews
Plié by A.H. Cunningham
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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? Yes
3.0
This was chill. I liked the characters and pacing. I do think the story could’ve done without at least five sex scenes and delved more into the plot (even make the romancers talk more) but it’s erotica, what did I expect! The conflict was predictable and the male narrator was a bit obnoxious sometimes when he did dialogue for Aisha lol. Still, for someone who’s slipping into a dangerous reading slump, I didn’t hate this and depending on who the next book is about, I MIGHT read it.
Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
3.0
This was a quick immersive read for me. I enjoyed the mood and atmosphere of the story and the connection the characters built through their community and books. I liked the first part of the book much better, but I didn’t hate the turn.
Quarterbacks Don't Date Nerdy Girls by Clara Nielsen
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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
3.0
This was such a cute story! I felt myself slipping into a slump and this one helped bring me back a little. I finished it in two days and feel ready to jump back into the other books I’m currently reading.
This was simple and fluffy, with a bearable amount of trauma (on my part), though I do think we could’ve gone much deeper. I really liked Bri and Addie’s relationship and Jasper was the sweetest. I kept forgetting this was YA for some reason but Addie always brought me back because the way she thought had me going “Give her grace, her brain isn’t fully developed.” The constant reminder of how “different” she was got on my nerves and really took me out of the story. I wish we could’ve just seen her be who she was instead of constantly being reminded throughout the story that she was a nerdy loner.
This was simple and fluffy, with a bearable amount of trauma (on my part), though I do think we could’ve gone much deeper. I really liked Bri and Addie’s relationship and Jasper was the sweetest. I kept forgetting this was YA for some reason but Addie always brought me back because the way she thought had me going “Give her grace, her brain isn’t fully developed.” The constant reminder of how “different” she was got on my nerves and really took me out of the story. I wish we could’ve just seen her be who she was instead of constantly being reminded throughout the story that she was a nerdy loner.
The reveal at the end (when Addie talked about what happened with her dad) should've happened in a family setting. It would've made a greater impact, especially since I wasn’t a fan of her family. I wished we’d seen these important conversations with them because I think that would've possibly filled in a few plot holes. But they might be covered in the next books, IDK. This brings up my issue with authors centering romantic relationships to the point where they skim over other integral topics in a story. In this case, the familial relationship was the one that needed more attention, especially at the end. It felt like we got this huge build-up only for it to fall flat.
Overall though, sweet story, quick, and easy to read. I might check out some other works by the author.
Overall though, sweet story, quick, and easy to read. I might check out some other works by the author.
Little Rot by Akwaeke Emezi
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was a black mirror episode from start to finish—they did not ease up! If this book does nothing, it opens discussions that challenge beliefs, values, and the act of survival. This is the kind of book you sit in a circle and talk about for hours! There were many gray areas (and characters), and several POVs, some I didn’t think were exactly necessary but I can’t say they lacked in voice or didn’t contribute to the story. Each character had a distinct voice, with their own issues that ultimately revolved around the central conflict. You see them grapple with their demons, desires, good and evil; ideologies—some I agreed with wholeheartedly, others, not so much, but I appreciated the challenge.
I will say though, having the characters so closely related was too easy for the execution. The events of the book were horrible and were the hardest things about it. Yeah, the connections were nice twists along the way, but the plot unfolded too smoothly (and quickly) in my opinion. This entire thing happened in the span of a day, which was crazy (in a good way) but still…
What was absolutely necessary were trigger warnings, which the book didn’t have. I don’t care what anyone says, it was not fun stumbling into certain things and I almost DNFed, so I’ll add the worst of it here:
!!!: EXPLICIT/GRAPHIC DETAILS AND MENTIONS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE & ABUSE (PEDOPHILIA, RAPE), MURDER, HOMOPHOBIA :!!!
I will say though, having the characters so closely related was too easy for the execution. The events of the book were horrible and were the hardest things about it. Yeah, the connections were nice twists along the way, but the plot unfolded too smoothly (and quickly) in my opinion. This entire thing happened in the span of a day, which was crazy (in a good way) but still…
What was absolutely necessary were trigger warnings, which the book didn’t have. I don’t care what anyone says, it was not fun stumbling into certain things and I almost DNFed, so I’ll add the worst of it here:
!!!: EXPLICIT/GRAPHIC DETAILS AND MENTIONS OF SEXUAL VIOLENCE & ABUSE (PEDOPHILIA, RAPE), MURDER, HOMOPHOBIA :!!!
Overall, a great read; addictive, tense, thought-provoking, and will definitely have you talking to yourself way after you’ve finished it. I want to buy the physical as a trophy, to remind myself I got through it.
Maid-sama! (2-in-1 Edition), Vol. 6 by Hiro Fujiwara
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Getting more of Usui with each volume and I love it! He’s such a mystery, it’s unfair. It’s understandable when Misa gets frustrated— he knows everything about her lol. Misa getting flustered when she has to talk about her feelings is so real. I loved the bonus story of the Idiot Trio. Ikkun is so precious and their friendship is much more than we get to see. I always thought they were all still badass even though they dont act like they have sense half the time. I can’t wait to see where this goes, but I’m not ready for the series to end.
Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The first time I read this book, it wasn’t five stars, but it is now. My first experience with this was overwhelming and I wasn’t looking forward to rereading because of it. On top of that, I listened to the audiobook. There were a lot missed and so many things I’d forgotten. This time round, I tried immersive reading to annotate and study for Oathbound (which is going to be EPIC).
This book is unstable, chaotic, and adventurous; these three things are what I think best describe what the characters went through and how they felt. The events, from start to finish, made me feel so many emotions I can’t begin to list them. I understand why this might not be five stars for some (and why it wasn’t for me when I first read it) but today… it’s a 10/10. I love these characters so much. They’re complex and well-rounded, with so much depth, and that goes for the story as well. I want so much happiness and peace for Bree, Sel, and Nick (yes, all three of them, they’re my kids). The magic, the history, connections, romance, action—there’s so much to talk about, but it’s easier to read it than explain.
What I’m looking forward to the most in the next installments, is Bree’s growth and mastery of her powers. AND don’t forget breaking off completely from the Legendborn because F*CK them. The day she stops caring about that Line, is the day we’ll all be free.
Lastly… if Tracy sets up this polyamorous relationship I see forming, and backtracks without due cause…. I will be LIVID. It’s either all three of them are together or no one’s together and I’m not taking backtalk about it.
This book is unstable, chaotic, and adventurous; these three things are what I think best describe what the characters went through and how they felt. The events, from start to finish, made me feel so many emotions I can’t begin to list them. I understand why this might not be five stars for some (and why it wasn’t for me when I first read it) but today… it’s a 10/10. I love these characters so much. They’re complex and well-rounded, with so much depth, and that goes for the story as well. I want so much happiness and peace for Bree, Sel, and Nick (yes, all three of them, they’re my kids). The magic, the history, connections, romance, action—there’s so much to talk about, but it’s easier to read it than explain.
What I’m looking forward to the most in the next installments, is Bree’s growth and mastery of her powers. AND don’t forget breaking off completely from the Legendborn because F*CK them. The day she stops caring about that Line, is the day we’ll all be free.
Lastly… if Tracy sets up this polyamorous relationship I see forming, and backtracks without due cause…. I will be LIVID. It’s either all three of them are together or no one’s together and I’m not taking backtalk about it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Violence
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
mysterious
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? It's complicated
2.5
The lore and magic in this book were cool and intriguing, but I’m not a fan of how the plot was executed. The beginning, for example, could’ve been left a mystery. That might’ve opened up the story to more in-depth character and plot development. Certain events were rushed and it all felt very surface-level.
I wanted Evangeline to do more; it felt like the plot was happening to her and she wasn’t the driving force behind the story. It wasn’t until the end that she started doing anything significant. You got the bare minimum from these characters, it was hard to connect to or care for any of them. It was like, they were wrapped in tiny individual bubbles that only contained less than a handful of interesting things about them. They were there for the plot and that alone, nothing else mattered about them lol. The Fates had more character about them than anyone else but outside of Jacks, we mostly got glimpses and mentions.
This was simple and easy to read, definitely something for anyone trying to get into fantasy. This was set in the same world as Caraval and I haven’t read that series but I heard some things make more sense after reading that. Not a horrible book, but it wasn’t enough to move me or leave an impression.
I wanted Evangeline to do more; it felt like the plot was happening to her and she wasn’t the driving force behind the story. It wasn’t until the end that she started doing anything significant. You got the bare minimum from these characters, it was hard to connect to or care for any of them. It was like, they were wrapped in tiny individual bubbles that only contained less than a handful of interesting things about them. They were there for the plot and that alone, nothing else mattered about them lol. The Fates had more character about them than anyone else but outside of Jacks, we mostly got glimpses and mentions.
This was simple and easy to read, definitely something for anyone trying to get into fantasy. This was set in the same world as Caraval and I haven’t read that series but I heard some things make more sense after reading that. Not a horrible book, but it wasn’t enough to move me or leave an impression.
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I don’t even know where to start with this one. My first impression from seeing the publishing year alone told me this was going to be good. It was EXCELLENT! Right off the bat, it felt like being dropped into a world of chaos and following the characters around, getting acquainted with everything and everyone. I love how the author built the world around the events and didn’t dump it all in the first chapter, it hooks you into the story and makes you want to know more about the systems and lore.
The amount of suspense, anger, and stress I went through reading this was actually amazing. The story was unpredictable and brutal. Several times I had to take a break to give the characters a moment because the plot didn’t let them experience a moment’s peace. I loved the conflict that kept the characters moving forward and I loved their development and growth. I also liked the pacing; things kept happening but it all felt cohesive and necessary to the storytelling—it made it all the more complex. Even though the events made me mad, Tahir absolutely gagged me. The only thing I wished was that we got more of Helene’s and Elias’s background as best friends throughout the book. Like flashbacks\mentions of things they used to do together because their connection felt more like work friends who had each other's backs more than anything.
I already have the second book lined up and after reading the preview at the end of the book, I’m so ready!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Slavery, and Violence
Curvy Girl Summer by Danielle Allen
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
- 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
4.5
I was absolutely loving this until the 70% mark and they started playing in my face. First off, the banter was beautiful, so was the chemistry and connection. This book had me CACKLING. The characters felt so real and relatable, I honestly can't wait for the other books that I'm assuming will follow Aliyah's friends. Now for what made me start begging for the book to end; the dreaded miscommunication trope. It was hardly even miscommunication, Aliyah kept running away from the conversation! At your big age of 30?! And what made it worse, she was great at communicating with EVERYBODY ELSE, but for some reason (to keep the conflict going obviously) she would not talk to Ahmad even though she wanted to be with him. They had nothing and no one between them, there was literally nothing to lose because the friendship was already on the rocks. I honestly wish authors would find other ways to create tension cause this one felt out of place and dragged out. It would've made more sense if he was the one running away. Don't get me wrong, I still loved the story, but by the end I was so annoyed I didn't care if they got together or not. I even skipped most of that make up scene and only skimmed some of the dialogue because even then, instead of just coming out and saying what they wanted, they kept going in circles. Overall, it's a good book, read it, enjoy it. I'm still gonna buy the physical but I’m skipping that 25% toward the end when I reread.
Black Clover, Vol. 30 by Yûki Tabata
adventurous
dark
hopeful
relaxing
tense
fast-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
4.5