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lauren_miller's reviews
755 reviews
Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I'm glad I finally got around to reading this! What an incredibly imaginative story, reminiscent (in vibes only) of The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea meets Nettle & Bone. The pawn shop was such a cool setting (though the time we spent there was too short!) and Hana's characterization felt very akin to the shop—sterile, dutiful, lonely. I also adored the museum setting and Haruto's craft. Plus, the village of stars was dripping with that magical, Ghibli quality. There were so many small moments that felt special (I *need* a fully developed fairytale-esque story about the ryokan!!) and side characters or functions of the world building that felt unique and purposeful... and yet I still came away slightly disappointed. Like many other reviews, I found the chemistry between Hana and Keishin lacking. I probably would have preferred a more hands-off, slow burn approach to their romance, if at all; for once, this is a couple that might actually have benefited from the "I'm cold and uptight, you're playful and open" archetypes. I also had so. many. questions. concerning the ending. Convenient is the wrong word, but it's pretty close to how I feel. So many things got glossed over in the last couple pages... Anyway, I did have a good time, but I can't help thinking that there are other stories out there with the same fantastical energy that are tighter in plot, higher in stakes, and stronger in characterization. This wasn't bad by any means!! but it wouldn't be my first choice of recommendation.
I'm glad I finally got around to reading this! What an incredibly imaginative story, reminiscent (in vibes only) of The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea meets Nettle & Bone. The pawn shop was such a cool setting (though the time we spent there was too short!) and Hana's characterization felt very akin to the shop—sterile, dutiful, lonely. I also adored the museum setting and Haruto's craft. Plus, the village of stars was dripping with that magical, Ghibli quality. There were so many small moments that felt special (I *need* a fully developed fairytale-esque story about the ryokan!!) and side characters or functions of the world building that felt unique and purposeful... and yet I still came away slightly disappointed. Like many other reviews, I found the chemistry between Hana and Keishin lacking. I probably would have preferred a more hands-off, slow burn approach to their romance, if at all; for once, this is a couple that might actually have benefited from the "I'm cold and uptight, you're playful and open" archetypes. I also had so. many. questions. concerning the ending. Convenient is the wrong word, but it's pretty close to how I feel. So many things got glossed over in the last couple pages... Anyway, I did have a good time, but I can't help thinking that there are other stories out there with the same fantastical energy that are tighter in plot, higher in stakes, and stronger in characterization. This wasn't bad by any means!! but it wouldn't be my first choice of recommendation.
Time to Shine by Rachel Reid
Did not finish book. Stopped at 29%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 29%.
it was fine, but I put the audio down for a day or two and then felt zero pull to pick it back up. wasn't totally sold on the developing chemistry either. looking forward to more M/M sports romances though!
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
slow-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? It's complicated
4.75
I was impressed by the concept and literal writing of the first ~70%, though I found myself kind of meh in terms of attachment. but that last 30%??? I was locked in and ended up sobbing like a baby. V.E. Schwab just knows the way to my heart...
The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-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? It's complicated
2.75
unfortunately, instead of cozy and charming, I found this kind of a chore. Kiela was an exhausting protagonist. instead of relatable and sweet, I found her martyr tendencies and lack of self-confidence really irritating. Larran was alright, but we really glossed over his childhood and the connection he had with Kiela back then; I wanted WAYY more anecdotes about their time together beyond just that single cove interaction. the other members of the pinecone society kind of blended together in terms of characterization. it was kind of ridiculous that Fen-however-you-spell-his-name laid it all out there for the captain and there were literally NO consequences?? the different creatures were interesting and the overall use of spells was cool, but nothing in the book wow'd me or spoke to my heart. basically, I found myself very underwhelmed and not really itching for book two.
The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim
adventurous
mysterious
medium-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
4.0
The Golden Goal by Annah Conwell
hopeful
lighthearted
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
3.75
The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-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? It's complicated
4.5
in terms of vibes alone, this reminded me a lot of Bitterthorn by Kat Dunn, especially with respect to abuse and loneliness. Hazel is not solitary by choice,—she takes up the mantle of purpose superimposed upon her without question, and everything that happens after leads us down a long and winding path, with front row seats to the feeble, fallible, incredibly simple but oh so cruel and dramatic nature of human beings. I was engaged but not necessarily impressed by the first two thirds, but the ending really sold me, however expected—perhaps even cliché—it was. my biggest critique is that Hazel’s voice didn’t seem to change much despite how much she ages. that said, I found her an acceptable protagonist and did ultimately warm up to her choices, as well as her relationship with Leo. and despite my notes, truthfully I did binge this audiobook in less than 48 hours, so…
Lavender Clouds: Comics about Neurodivergence and Mental Health by Bex Ollerton
Did not finish book. Stopped at 15%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 15%.
DNF @ pg. 21
honestly, ironically, i'm too anxious to read this. it's just stressing me out...
honestly, ironically, i'm too anxious to read this. it's just stressing me out...
The Empress by Kristin Cast
adventurous
lighthearted
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
2.5
Note: I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
unfortunately, I did not enjoy this as much as I'd hoped.
I was disappointed to find the tarot cards played no part beyond the setting, not even with regard to the power of the empress card. as someone who has dabbled for quite a few years, I was hoping for more "lore" or intention behind the use of pentacles and cups.
I was also really frustrated by Hannah. I know the author probably meant for her to seem relatable, but I found her pathetic and kind of clueless. I guess it should've been a clue when she didn't put pressure on her own stab wound... her inability to curb her self-righteous behavior should've gotten her killed or ended their ruse several times, and each time she "got away with it," I found myself a little more reticent to continue. I also don't shy away from smut in books, but the whole "good girl" thing was really lost on me; Hannah already had very little autonomy, so having her submit to Cain like that just felt like too much, you know? and don't even get me started on the whole maxing out her credit card thing. if you've been harping the whole book that the FMC is poor, it's so out of left field to have her defrost her credit card and max it out in the name of a makeover, even if she is going to disappear to another realm. it just felt so inauthentic to her character...
lastly, the ending was a bit ridiculous. I firmly believe that no member of royalty, let alone two, would allowsuch a transfer of power to occur , regardless of the fact that Cain and Hannah saved the whole kingdom. I also doubt the kingdom of cups would have sent such a message; if my envoys were murdered on the side of the road, I'd be preparing for war, not willing to continue trade negotiations... when I say everything was wrapped up in a far too convenient, happy bow, I mean it. I did consider DNFing several times, and the other readers that did, I salute you. this was not for me and unfortunately, I do not think I would willingly recommend it without a million disclaimers first.
I was disappointed to find the tarot cards played no part beyond the setting, not even with regard to the power of the empress card. as someone who has dabbled for quite a few years, I was hoping for more "lore" or intention behind the use of pentacles and cups.
I was also really frustrated by Hannah. I know the author probably meant for her to seem relatable, but I found her pathetic and kind of clueless. I guess it should've been a clue when she didn't put pressure on her own stab wound... her inability to curb her self-righteous behavior should've gotten her killed or ended their ruse several times, and each time she "got away with it," I found myself a little more reticent to continue. I also don't shy away from smut in books, but the whole "good girl" thing was really lost on me; Hannah already had very little autonomy, so having her submit to Cain like that just felt like too much, you know? and don't even get me started on the whole maxing out her credit card thing. if you've been harping the whole book that the FMC is poor, it's so out of left field to have her defrost her credit card and max it out in the name of a makeover, even if she is going to disappear to another realm. it just felt so inauthentic to her character...
lastly, the ending was a bit ridiculous. I firmly believe that no member of royalty, let alone two, would allow
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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? It's complicated
3.0
what the actual ffffff
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, War, and Injury/Injury detail