livinliterary's reviews
1591 reviews

dark mysterious 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

4.0

A captivating middle-grade horror that delivers a spine-tingling, camp-inspired adventure. Ally Russell's immersive storytelling had me hooked from the start, transporting me to the eerie woods with Jenna and the Owlet scouts. As someone who has spent time in the wilderness, I found the scenarios chillingly plausible. The mixed media—blogs, survival guides, police transcripts—added an inventive and engaging layer to the narrative, enhancing the spooky atmosphere. The climax is a standout, showcasing Jenna's bravery and ingenuity in a truly satisfying way. This debut novel is an impressive start, and I can't wait to see what Ally Russell brings us next!

Devolution: A Firsthand Account of the Rainier Sasquatch Massacre by Max Brooks

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dark tense 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? N/A

3.5

Devolution is a thrilling blend of imagination and scientific knowledge, crafting a gripping narrative that’s hard to put down. The shifting interview POV and found journal format add depth and intrigue. While the story starts slow and the characters are initially difficult to like, it picks up steam midway, with phenomenal character development—Mostar stands out as a memorable hero.

Set in Greenloop, a tech-savvy off-the-grid community, the plot takes a dark turn after a volcanic eruption isolates the residents. The true horror unfolds as sasquatches make their appearance, turning the suspense into full-blown terror. Despite the compelling build-up, the ending is disappointing and lacks coherence. Nonetheless, it’s a must-read for its unique premise and chilling atmosphere.

Under the Oak Tree: Volume 1 (The Novel) by Suji Kim

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adventurous emotional medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Under the Oak Tree: Volume 1 holds a special place in my heart with its unique and captivating storytelling. Despite the spicy content, the innocent and pure portrayal of the love story between Lady Maxi and Sir Riftan is beautifully done, making the romantic moments heartfelt rather than graphic. From start to finish, I couldn’t put the book down—the romance, character backgrounds, and their development drew me in deeper with each page.

This novel has become my ultimate guilty pleasure and is one of the best books I’ve ever read. Discovering that the webtoon had a light novel was a wonderful surprise, as these adaptations often add depth and detail that webtoons alone sometimes miss. The slow character development, especially Maxi’s journey into her role as Riftan’s wife and lady of the fortress, is a highlight. Her growth is subtle yet impactful, and I’m eagerly anticipating more in the next volume. I’ve already pre-ordered Volume 2 and can’t wait to see how their story continues!

Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

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adventurous funny 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

4.5

Apprentice to the Villain is a delightful follow-up to The Assistant to the Villain, filled with humor, heartfelt moments, and engaging storytelling. Each page is a mix of laughter and emotion, making it an enjoyable read from start to finish. The found family trope is beautifully executed, adding depth and warmth to the story. Kingsley, of course, steals the show with his charm and wit—definitely my favorite character! 🐸👑 The super short chapters keep the pace brisk and the reader hooked. I can't wait to see what happens next in this captivating series!

Homicide and Halo-Halo by Mia P. Manansala

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mysterious medium-paced