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kba76's reviews
3142 reviews
The Girl You Know by Elle Gonzalez Rose
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Girl You Know tells an all too familiar story, but the approach is anything but common.
Our main character, Luna, is deeply upset by the unexpected death of her sister, Solina. She is convinced someone in Solina’s life knew more than they’d told anyone, and determines to take her sister’s place at the exclusive Kingswood Academy that her sister was so keen to leave.
Upon arrival Luna finds herself caught up in the pretence that she is her sister. She quickly realises that her sister was keeping a lot from her, and that someone in her circle may have been instrumental in her death.
Like Ace of Spades we see a system geared to letting those already benefitting from many social advantages continue to thrive. We see just how far those who want to succeed are prepared to go in order to guarantee success. A rather depressing read in many ways, but definitely a story worth reading.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this prior to publication.
Our main character, Luna, is deeply upset by the unexpected death of her sister, Solina. She is convinced someone in Solina’s life knew more than they’d told anyone, and determines to take her sister’s place at the exclusive Kingswood Academy that her sister was so keen to leave.
Upon arrival Luna finds herself caught up in the pretence that she is her sister. She quickly realises that her sister was keeping a lot from her, and that someone in her circle may have been instrumental in her death.
Like Ace of Spades we see a system geared to letting those already benefitting from many social advantages continue to thrive. We see just how far those who want to succeed are prepared to go in order to guarantee success. A rather depressing read in many ways, but definitely a story worth reading.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this prior to publication.
No Place Left to Hide by Megan Lally
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
No Place Left to Hide is an explosive YA thriller. Our main character is Brooke, ultimate Queen Bee, and the focus is on events surrounding the death of a former classmate.
From early on we are given a clear picture of how driven Brooke is. Determined to get into Yale she’s on every committee and part of every activity possible. Her mother is the school principal and her father is in the running for the role of a district judge. The whole family are high fliers, but we’re also privy to the harassment Brooke is receiving.
Much of our focus is on the party Brooke is persuaded to attend by her best friend Jena. A beach-side farewell to high school, where Brooke thinks she may finally get a chance with the boy she’s liked from afar. Similar to the party they all attended where Brooke’s ex-best friend Claire ended up dead. As this draws to a close Brooke feels positive about her future…until she’s tailed on the way home.
While the behaviour of the characters makes little sense, it’s the kind of crazy scenario that makes for dramatic reading. Naturally, Brooke hasn’t been entirely honest about events and someone wants her to pay.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this before publication.
From early on we are given a clear picture of how driven Brooke is. Determined to get into Yale she’s on every committee and part of every activity possible. Her mother is the school principal and her father is in the running for the role of a district judge. The whole family are high fliers, but we’re also privy to the harassment Brooke is receiving.
Much of our focus is on the party Brooke is persuaded to attend by her best friend Jena. A beach-side farewell to high school, where Brooke thinks she may finally get a chance with the boy she’s liked from afar. Similar to the party they all attended where Brooke’s ex-best friend Claire ended up dead. As this draws to a close Brooke feels positive about her future…until she’s tailed on the way home.
While the behaviour of the characters makes little sense, it’s the kind of crazy scenario that makes for dramatic reading. Naturally, Brooke hasn’t been entirely honest about events and someone wants her to pay.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this before publication.
The Vipers: The dazzling new thriller from the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Cloisters by Katy Hays
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A slow start, and a deeply unappealing group of characters, but The Vipers was an absorbing story.
Our primary focus is the wealthy Lingate family and what happens on their annual retreat to Capri. While the story is exploring the disappearance of the family’s assistant, Lorna, integral to the plot is the much earlier mystery surrounding the suspicious death of Sarah Lingate.
It’s safe to say that nobody is quite what they first appear to be. Secrets aplenty, and some truly treacherous behaviour. We do, eventually, get answers to the many mysteries permeating the novel. It might not be to everyone’s tastes, but it will have its share of fans.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this prior to publication.
Our primary focus is the wealthy Lingate family and what happens on their annual retreat to Capri. While the story is exploring the disappearance of the family’s assistant, Lorna, integral to the plot is the much earlier mystery surrounding the suspicious death of Sarah Lingate.
It’s safe to say that nobody is quite what they first appear to be. Secrets aplenty, and some truly treacherous behaviour. We do, eventually, get answers to the many mysteries permeating the novel. It might not be to everyone’s tastes, but it will have its share of fans.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this prior to publication.
The Boy from the Sea by Garrett Carr
emotional
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Family and community are key in The Boy from the Sea. A lyrical debut, painting a vivid picture of a close-knit community and its inhabitants. Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review it prior to publication.
The opening reminded me of Heaney’s poem ‘Storm on the Island’ with its focus on the depiction of a small group. It draws you in and it’s hard not to become absorbed in the tale that unfolds in front of us.
When a baby is found washed up on the beach he is, eventually, taken in by fisherman Ambrose Bonnar. We follow the Bonnar family through their lives. We are privy to the observations of many of the villagers as they watch Ambrose and his family go about their business.
A strange set-up, and a large part of the novel focuses on the changes in the community as the fishing industry comes under threat. The family suffer their own trials and tribulations, and though there is a sense of claustrophobia throughout it was fascinating to see the interactions of the characters.
The opening reminded me of Heaney’s poem ‘Storm on the Island’ with its focus on the depiction of a small group. It draws you in and it’s hard not to become absorbed in the tale that unfolds in front of us.
When a baby is found washed up on the beach he is, eventually, taken in by fisherman Ambrose Bonnar. We follow the Bonnar family through their lives. We are privy to the observations of many of the villagers as they watch Ambrose and his family go about their business.
A strange set-up, and a large part of the novel focuses on the changes in the community as the fishing industry comes under threat. The family suffer their own trials and tribulations, and though there is a sense of claustrophobia throughout it was fascinating to see the interactions of the characters.
Jay's Gay Agenda by Jason June
emotional
funny
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? Yes
3.5
Jay has got used to being seen as the gay guy in his remote country town. As he approaches senior year he finds himself increasingly the third wheel to his best friend Lu and her boyfriend. When his mum gets a big promotion it means a move to Seattle where Jay gets caught up in trying to find out who he is.
Jay’s Gay Agenda is a means of Jay getting to experience all the things he’s missed out on. With the help of some new friends Jay begins to tackle his list of hitherto unknown experiences. Unfortunately, along the way, he starts to forget who he is.
Some cute moments. Jay makes some silly decisions and people are ridiculously quick to forgive and forget. However, there was a lot to like about this.
Jay’s Gay Agenda is a means of Jay getting to experience all the things he’s missed out on. With the help of some new friends Jay begins to tackle his list of hitherto unknown experiences. Unfortunately, along the way, he starts to forget who he is.
Some cute moments. Jay makes some silly decisions and people are ridiculously quick to forgive and forget. However, there was a lot to like about this.
Beautiful Ugly by Alice Feeney
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Beautiful Ugly opens with a dramatic event. Author Grady Green receives the news that his latest novel is a best seller, but his wife is not there to celebrate with him. He calls her as she’s on her way home. All he hears is her stop the car suddenly then head outside as there’s a woman on the road. Her car is discovered exactly as she left it and there’s no sign of her. Grady knows she was receiving threats on account of her work as an investigative journalist, and is convinced this might be behind her disappearance.
Nearly a year later Grady is struggling to cope. He can’t write and has been forced to sell his home. He’s given a lifeline by his agent…the opportunity to spend some time in the rural writing retreat of a previous client.
So Grady finds himself heading to the remote island of Amberly. Devoid of cell service, shops, TV and home to only 25 inhabitants Amberly is the kind of place that would not be for everyone. When Grady is convinced he’s seen his wife, it begins a drawn out and rather scary experience.
We’re never quite sure what he’s imagining or what is happening. The characters on the island are somewhat elusive and their habits and stories are more than a little disconcerting. Eventually we find out what’s happening, and why. I didn’t see it coming.
Nearly a year later Grady is struggling to cope. He can’t write and has been forced to sell his home. He’s given a lifeline by his agent…the opportunity to spend some time in the rural writing retreat of a previous client.
So Grady finds himself heading to the remote island of Amberly. Devoid of cell service, shops, TV and home to only 25 inhabitants Amberly is the kind of place that would not be for everyone. When Grady is convinced he’s seen his wife, it begins a drawn out and rather scary experience.
We’re never quite sure what he’s imagining or what is happening. The characters on the island are somewhat elusive and their habits and stories are more than a little disconcerting. Eventually we find out what’s happening, and why. I didn’t see it coming.
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
dark
emotional
mysterious
slow-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? Yes
3.0
I know I’m going to be in the minority but this just didn’t work for me.
The first third of the book was - for me - boring and I found myself wanting to skip the repetitive scenes between Xaden and Violet. It’s never a good sign when you feel like you have to force yourself to pick up a book. If it weren’t from comments from other readers that it got considerably better, I may not have bothered.
Once the cadets were sent on their quests things picked up. We learnt a little more about the challenges they’re facing, and Violet’s father seems to have been prepared for much of what transpired. The development of Adarna’s situation felt unfair, but it definitely created a bit of interest.
I found myself constantly checking to see how much was left. The battle Violet faced offered, as you could predict, some drama but I found myself wondering why so much of this was happening. As for the ending..it felt horribly manipulative. I didn’t feel broken by it, just a bit bored.
The first third of the book was - for me - boring and I found myself wanting to skip the repetitive scenes between Xaden and Violet. It’s never a good sign when you feel like you have to force yourself to pick up a book. If it weren’t from comments from other readers that it got considerably better, I may not have bothered.
Once the cadets were sent on their quests things picked up. We learnt a little more about the challenges they’re facing, and Violet’s father seems to have been prepared for much of what transpired. The development of Adarna’s situation felt unfair, but it definitely created a bit of interest.
I found myself constantly checking to see how much was left. The battle Violet faced offered, as you could predict, some drama but I found myself wondering why so much of this was happening. As for the ending..it felt horribly manipulative. I didn’t feel broken by it, just a bit bored.
The Crash by Freida McFadden
mysterious
tense
fast-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? Yes
2.5
A fast-paced thriller, perhaps not up to McFadden’s usual standard, but entertaining enough.
The Crash focuses on a young woman called Tegan. She’s eight months pregnant, desperate for money, but isn’t prepared to sign the NDA the baby’s father wants her to sign in exchange for a hefty settlement because she is convinced he drugged and raped her. Eager for a bit of respite in the closing stages of her pregnancy she plans to visit her brother. Unfortunately she gets caught in a major snowstorm, her car crashes and so begins a rather unusual few days.
Tegan is rescued by Hank, an intimidating looking man, who offers to take her to his home so she can be warm and safe until the snow clears. With a possible broken ankle, Tegan has little alternative. She fears Hank, and everything about his wife Polly’s behaviour feeds into her assumptions. Once Tegan is put downstairs in the basement - a converted space for an ill mother - she starts to realise that she may never get out of this situation.
It’s easy for readers to see where this is going, and Polly is something of a caricature villain. However, there’s a few shocks in store which make for a rather preposterous ending.
The Crash focuses on a young woman called Tegan. She’s eight months pregnant, desperate for money, but isn’t prepared to sign the NDA the baby’s father wants her to sign in exchange for a hefty settlement because she is convinced he drugged and raped her. Eager for a bit of respite in the closing stages of her pregnancy she plans to visit her brother. Unfortunately she gets caught in a major snowstorm, her car crashes and so begins a rather unusual few days.
Tegan is rescued by Hank, an intimidating looking man, who offers to take her to his home so she can be warm and safe until the snow clears. With a possible broken ankle, Tegan has little alternative. She fears Hank, and everything about his wife Polly’s behaviour feeds into her assumptions. Once Tegan is put downstairs in the basement - a converted space for an ill mother - she starts to realise that she may never get out of this situation.
It’s easy for readers to see where this is going, and Polly is something of a caricature villain. However, there’s a few shocks in store which make for a rather preposterous ending.
Floating Hotel by Grace Curtis
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Floating Hotel is a mixed bag. There’s a lot going on, and we’re not always privy to the reasons why. A lot of characters and it’s hard to gather much idea about why they all end up in the Hotel.
The hotel has, for many decades, toured space and taken passengers around the galaxy. We see the manager Carl when he first gets on board, and we soon become aware that many of the guests are not what they seem. Someone keeps writing messages to people on board and there’s a number of undercover agents trying to find out the identity of the mysterious lamplighter.
Having just finished I feel this struggled with trying to work out what it was. Sci-fi, mystery or something else.
The hotel has, for many decades, toured space and taken passengers around the galaxy. We see the manager Carl when he first gets on board, and we soon become aware that many of the guests are not what they seem. Someone keeps writing messages to people on board and there’s a number of undercover agents trying to find out the identity of the mysterious lamplighter.
Having just finished I feel this struggled with trying to work out what it was. Sci-fi, mystery or something else.
The Road Trip by Beth O'Leary
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
The story begins in dramatic fashion, with one car piling into another. Unfortunately, the passengers in both cars have history…and they’re on their way to Scotland for the wedding of a mutual friend. Their only option is to travel together in the undamaged car, and we realise how momentous this is as their history is revealed.
Dylan and Addie used to be a couple. They haven’t spoken in over a year, so we expect things to be awkward. This is made more so by the fact that Dylan’s best friend Marcus, who played a part in trying to split them up, is travelling with them.
The road trip does not go to plan. Chaotic experience follows chaotic experience, but the time together offers an opportunity for us to learn about how they got together and the circumstances of their break-up.
By the end of the book so much is resolved. The characters are not particularly likeable, but I get the feeling they’re not meant to be.
Dylan and Addie used to be a couple. They haven’t spoken in over a year, so we expect things to be awkward. This is made more so by the fact that Dylan’s best friend Marcus, who played a part in trying to split them up, is travelling with them.
The road trip does not go to plan. Chaotic experience follows chaotic experience, but the time together offers an opportunity for us to learn about how they got together and the circumstances of their break-up.
By the end of the book so much is resolved. The characters are not particularly likeable, but I get the feeling they’re not meant to be.