kriss_knows_all's reviews
901 reviews

Cool for the Summer by Dahlia Adler

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hopeful lighthearted 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? Yes

3.0

This was a sweet enough read with a bi character as the main focus. Not the best storytelling, plot, or characters but it was an easy read and enjoyable. 
A Spindle Splintered by Alix E. Harrow

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emotional informative fast-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? Yes

3.0

I will give almost any fairytale retelling a shot. This one was interesting and it was quick so it was easy to get through. It was entertaining enough and fairly different. But there was also a lot packed into this novel and I think that’s where it lost points for me. Lots of fairytales, lots of trying to be VERY modern, and lots of pop references. I can’t see me reading the next installment but I’m glad I read this one. 
A Touch of Darkness by Scarlett St. Clair

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

3.0

This was enjoyable enough that it took me a day to read. I loved that it was steamy but it wasn’t just steamy passages that moved the story along. My issue is that it reads like a novel version of Lore Olympus - a series I love and I think does this retelling better because the passages are shorter and more concise. I can’t imagine where this series goes from here unless it’s just issues between H&P or drama. I wanted to give this five because of how fast I read it but my quickness in reading something isn’t always out of love for a story but out of how easy it reads thanks to the writing. 

Good but not anything I’m in love with. 
Daughter of Sparta by Claire M. Andrews

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adventurous challenging slow-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

3.5

This book was… a lot, but in a good way. It was action-packed, daphne is a fantastic character, there’s SO MUCH lore and Greek mythology in this, and it was an overall good story. 

My only reason for not finishing this series is it’s so much to follow at times that I get a overwhelmed. But I absolutely enjoyed this. 
Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun by Elle Cosimano

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adventurous dark tense 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

3.75

I honestly enjoy this series so much. It's a bit ridiculous at times, but it's funny and entertaining. I love Fin and Vero a lot as characters. And I am often surprised by the twists. I really cannot ask for more from a series. And I will continue reading them.
A Wilderness of Stars by Shea Ernshaw

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 21%.
The idea of this is so fun but I was really bored. It felt like everything was just taking SO long for anything to happen. 
Afterlove by Tanya Byrne

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hopeful sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

So, first of all, this book made me cry and that’s rude. 

I kind of felt like them falling in love and being *so* in love was rushed, but I also understand there’s a lot happening in this book. 

I think this handles grief and loss in a way most books don’t go near which is a bummer because they’re very really, very hard feelings but Tanya did such a wonderful job capturing loss. 

I loved the characters and even the side characters (albeit, Adara annoyed me a little). I loved all of the diversity that was in this book. Even when Essen was just discussing what’s beyond the sea and mentions more than just Heaven? I’m here for that.

Part of me is now slightly terrified this is what happens when you die because it’s scary but it’s also comforting to think someone helps you get to where you’re going? Idk. I find comfort in that for my Mom I guess.

Lastly - I truly BROKE DOWN reading the acknowledgments. Being in the club of “I lost a parent way too young” sucks. But sometimes you find people, stories, weird online friend groups spread across the globe, etc. that help you in the after. 
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas

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adventurous challenging dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

5.0

This was honestly unexpected for me. I fully did not think I would get into this as much as I did. I was rooting, crying, yelling, and hoping for Feyre. I was questioning, wondering, and skeptical of so many characters. 
SJM really hooked me with this. She writes a fun story that is easy for someone like me that needs easy fantasy. I enjoyed the tropes and the world. I had a damn good time. 
Poster Girl by Veronica Roth

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dark emotional mysterious reflective fast-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

From the acknowledgments, I learned this book was written during the beginning of the pandemic and it makes sense. The sense of loneliness Sonya has even when other people are around and when you have social media (like Sonya had her insight) and still feeling lonely is pretty spot on, for me anyway.

I found this incredibly interesting. Sonya isn’t a hero. She isn’t some grand character that you really want to root for. You learn hard things about her and sometimes you just don’t like her. But the book is interesting, sad, mysterious, and intriguing. Not a normal dystopian, but a good one. 
Finlay Donovan Knocks 'Em Dead by Elle Cosimano

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adventurous mysterious tense medium-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? Yes

3.5

This one wasn’t nearly as fun as the first book, but I still enjoyed the antics of Fin and Vero. Still excited for book 3.