livinliterary's reviews
1592 reviews

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
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

Nightwood by Patricia Windsor is a gruesome and disturbing novel that grips you from start to finish. On so many levels, it dives into the dark and unsettling, but it keeps you hooked until the very last sentence. The suspense is intense, making the story impossible to put down, especially with its shifting points of view that enhance the tension.

The ending? It left me wanting more. Jeff's ending came out of the blue, and I really wish it had been explored further because it piqued my interest in unexpected ways.

Cannibalism plays a role in the book, but it’s fairly light. There’s only one quick scene where it comes into play, which is just enough to add to the horror without overwhelming the story.

Overall, Nightwood is a chilling read that packs a punch with its suspense, disturbing themes, and characters. It will leave you with questions and a desire to know what happens next. Highly recommend if you’re into dark and intense thrillers.

Shooting Stars Omnibus: Cinnamon, Ice, Rose and Honey by V.C. Andrews

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hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
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

Shooting Stars Omnibus offers a collection of four interconnected novellas— Cinnamon, Ice, Rose, and Honey—each following a young girl navigating the complexities of family, secrets, and their burgeoning sense of self. Known for the signature blend of gothic atmosphere and melodrama, this book serves up a cocktail of dark secrets, twisted relationships, and emotional turbulence.

Each novella features a protagonist with a troubled background, but what ties them all together is the overarching theme of yearning for acceptance and identity amidst personal and familial chaos. Cinnamon's story kicks things off, introducing a tone of quiet desperation, while Ice, Rose, and Honey each unravel their own secrets, with layers of tension slowly peeling away.

While the individual novellas are engaging and packed with trademark V.C. Andrews intrigue, the omnibus as a whole can feel somewhat formulaic at times. The characters often struggle with similar issues, which leads to a certain repetitiveness. However, the author's ability to tap into the emotional lives of young women with haunting pasts is compelling.

The writing, though vivid and emotionally charged, occasionally dips into melodrama, especially in the latter two stories. Some plot points felt rushed, leaving certain character arcs less impactful than they could have been. The gothic undertones and the exploration of fractured family dynamics, though, still make for an engaging read for fans of Andrews' style.

In the end, while Shooting Stars doesn’t quite reach the heights of some of Andrews’ earlier works, it offers enough twists, mystery, and character exploration to satisfy long-time readers. For those new to her work, this collection might serve as a softer entry into her darker, more unsettling worlds.

Pros:
- Strong emotional undercurrents and gothic vibes.
- Complex, layered characters.
- Intriguing family secrets.

Cons:
- Repetitive themes across the novellas.
- Some rushed plotlines and melodramatic writing.

Forest of Secrets by Erin Hunter

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adventurous emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Forest of Secrets, the third installment in Erin Hunter’s Warriors: The Prophecies Begin series, is an intense and gripping journey that kept me listening to the very end. From start to finish, it’s packed with emotion, suspense, and unexpected twists that will leave you ready for the next chapter of the series.

One of the book’s strongest aspects is its ability to evoke deep feelings—there are moments of joy, betrayal, and, above all, sadness that tugged at my heartstrings. The storyline explores the bittersweet nature of friendships and alliances within the warrior clans. Characters face difficult choices, parting ways with old friends while forming new, sometimes uneasy, alliances. These emotional moments hit me hard.

The pacing of the book is relentless, with each chapter bringing new developments that heighten the tension. It was impossible to put stop listening as the stakes grow ever higher, and the shocking twists—particularly near the end—get your adrenaline pumping. At the same time, the sad moments are heartfelt, and it’s hard not to shed a tear as certain bonds are tested, and loyalties are questioned.

Overall, Forest of Secrets is a must-read for fans of the series, with its rich, complex plot and emotional depth. It’s a journey that will leave you both heartbroken and eager to dive into the next adventure in the Warriors universe.

Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced

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

3.5

As far as sequels go, the writing in this one is lovely, but the story seems to be missing its spark. While it still maintains a whimsical charm, I found myself putting the book down too easily and hesitating to pick it back up. It felt like the plot took an unnecessarily long time to build up to the main event, which dulled the impact.

That said, the book still delivers on character development. Emily, with her strong and independent nature established in the first book, softens noticeably as she grows closer to those around her, which was a refreshing change. Wendell remains my favorite character in the series—his sarcasm is top-tier, and he added much-needed wit and humor to the narrative.

Despite the slower pacing, I’m looking forward to Emily and Wendell’s next journey into Faerie. There’s still plenty of magic left in the world, and I’m hopeful the next installment will recapture the spark.

Villains Are Destined to Die, Vol. 6 by Gwon Gyeoeul, SUOL

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dark medium-paced