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luluwoohoo's reviews
472 reviews
So Late in the Day by Claire Keegan
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
So Late In The Day Claire Keegan
☀️☀️☀️⛅
I went into this novella completely blind which is unusual for me. I enjoyed the slow reveal of details and the tension that Keegan drew out with a skilful mix of mundane observations and stark revelations. The subtle but insidious nature of misogyny that is explored here is interesting and well handled but ultimately I can't say I appreciated it as much as I might have done from a longer piece, or perhaps if this was incorporated within an anthology series.
☀️☀️☀️⛅
I went into this novella completely blind which is unusual for me. I enjoyed the slow reveal of details and the tension that Keegan drew out with a skilful mix of mundane observations and stark revelations. The subtle but insidious nature of misogyny that is explored here is interesting and well handled but ultimately I can't say I appreciated it as much as I might have done from a longer piece, or perhaps if this was incorporated within an anthology series.
"He might, when things got heated, have made an ugly remark about her eyes - but he did not like to think of this. The fact was that he could not remember much else about that evening, except that he was glad he didn't have to help with any dishes afterwards."
Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Muse of Nightmares by Laini Taylor
☀️☀️⛅
▪️The resolution of this duology unfortunately managed to favour all of the bits I disliked from book one, and lost the magical world building that supported the weaker elements
▪️ Firstly this book is way too long for the actual content, with the middle portion dragging and the actual plot not really coming to fruition until the final act. The dual plot was interesting at first but would have been much more effective if the Nova and Kora storyline was introduced in the first book
▪️Though Taylor's writing is still enjoyable, there was far too much recapping, too much head hopping and too much 'showing not telling' for me to ever truly engage with the story
▪️There were enjoyable moments and some characters that had good arcs (Theon and Minya), but the lack of consistency in the magic system and lack of explanation when things changed overshadowed these positive elements
▪️ Overall I was left disappointed with this book - it has excellent bones and could have been pulled off if Taylor had taken more time to iron out the finer details of the magic system and edited the content into a tighter, pacier version of what we have now.
☀️☀️⛅
▪️The resolution of this duology unfortunately managed to favour all of the bits I disliked from book one, and lost the magical world building that supported the weaker elements
▪️ Firstly this book is way too long for the actual content, with the middle portion dragging and the actual plot not really coming to fruition until the final act. The dual plot was interesting at first but would have been much more effective if the Nova and Kora storyline was introduced in the first book
▪️Though Taylor's writing is still enjoyable, there was far too much recapping, too much head hopping and too much 'showing not telling' for me to ever truly engage with the story
▪️There were enjoyable moments and some characters that had good arcs (Theon and Minya), but the lack of consistency in the magic system and lack of explanation when things changed overshadowed these positive elements
▪️ Overall I was left disappointed with this book - it has excellent bones and could have been pulled off if Taylor had taken more time to iron out the finer details of the magic system and edited the content into a tighter, pacier version of what we have now.
"Many a choice is made in this way: by pretending it makes itself.
And many a fate is decided by those who cannot decide."
Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Strange The Dreamer by Laini Taylor
☀️☀️☀️⛅
▪️A unique and well written fantasy that delivers a lot of good elements but somehow fails to tie them all into something great
▪️ The pacing was slow in the beginning but I enjoyed the world building enough to go along for the ride. Probably my favourite aspect of the world building was the complexity of everyone's feelings surrounding the original situation in Weep, which was well developed for a YA novel. The mysteries were interesting and arguably better handled than the love story (insta love isn't my favourite trope) and I appreciated the ending not being too predictable
▪️ I found the characters, particularly Lazlo, endearing to read, though as already stated the insta love felt underdone with the rushed pacing
▪️Taylor's writing is lovely and lyrical, sometimes to the detriment of the scenes but mostly enjoyable to read. I do, however, take issue with the head hopping throughout which is a pet peeve of mine in multi POV stories
▪️ Though I enjoyed the experience overall, there were simply too many elements I dislike to rate this higher. I am, however, keen to read the second book and finish off this interesting duology.
☀️☀️☀️⛅
▪️A unique and well written fantasy that delivers a lot of good elements but somehow fails to tie them all into something great
▪️ The pacing was slow in the beginning but I enjoyed the world building enough to go along for the ride. Probably my favourite aspect of the world building was the complexity of everyone's feelings surrounding the original situation in Weep, which was well developed for a YA novel. The mysteries were interesting and arguably better handled than the love story (insta love isn't my favourite trope) and I appreciated the ending not being too predictable
▪️ I found the characters, particularly Lazlo, endearing to read, though as already stated the insta love felt underdone with the rushed pacing
▪️Taylor's writing is lovely and lyrical, sometimes to the detriment of the scenes but mostly enjoyable to read. I do, however, take issue with the head hopping throughout which is a pet peeve of mine in multi POV stories
▪️ Though I enjoyed the experience overall, there were simply too many elements I dislike to rate this higher. I am, however, keen to read the second book and finish off this interesting duology.
"He had even given her wings. But what she wanted most in that moment wasn't the sky. It was the world and broken things, and hand-carved beams and tangled bedcovers, and a lovely tattoo around her navel, like a girl with a hope of a future. She wanted to know all the things that bodies are for, and all the things that hearts can feel[...] She wanted to wake up holding hands."
Ten Steps to Nanette: A Memoir Situation by Hannah Gadsby
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
3.75
Ten Steps to Nanette Hannah Gadsby (audiobook narrated by Hannah Gadsby)
☀️☀️☀️🌤️
▪️A memoir in the truest sense - Gadsby shares moments from across her entire life as though they were all stepping stones towards her current success, though she is quick to dissuade you from thinking it was anything close to a guarantee
▪️Like in Nanette, there is no desire to shy away from the full spectrum of emotions when retelling her life, particularly in the portion detailing her depressive episodes. While Gadsby never fails to find a laugh within the story being told, it's clear that she is leaning into the legitimate pain and discomfort of these times without veering into trauma porn territory
▪️Gadsby's ability to recontextualise her experience growing up with undiagnosed autism and ADHD through the lens of time with more compassion and understanding was a real highlight. While neurotypical people can also appreciate and understand the feelings of being different and isolated, her authentic and confident explanation of all things "odd" definitely shines a light on the neurodiverse experience
▪️The structure of ten steps was well conceived but I personally struggled with the varying lengths of these and how best to focus on them in the grand scheme of the narrative
▪️ Overall I enjoyed the listening experience and would highly recommend the audiobook specifically for this, but watch for triggers.
☀️☀️☀️🌤️
▪️A memoir in the truest sense - Gadsby shares moments from across her entire life as though they were all stepping stones towards her current success, though she is quick to dissuade you from thinking it was anything close to a guarantee
▪️Like in Nanette, there is no desire to shy away from the full spectrum of emotions when retelling her life, particularly in the portion detailing her depressive episodes. While Gadsby never fails to find a laugh within the story being told, it's clear that she is leaning into the legitimate pain and discomfort of these times without veering into trauma porn territory
▪️Gadsby's ability to recontextualise her experience growing up with undiagnosed autism and ADHD through the lens of time with more compassion and understanding was a real highlight. While neurotypical people can also appreciate and understand the feelings of being different and isolated, her authentic and confident explanation of all things "odd" definitely shines a light on the neurodiverse experience
▪️The structure of ten steps was well conceived but I personally struggled with the varying lengths of these and how best to focus on them in the grand scheme of the narrative
▪️ Overall I enjoyed the listening experience and would highly recommend the audiobook specifically for this, but watch for triggers.
"And that's how you go on. You lay laughter over the dark parts. The more dark parts, the more you have to laugh. With defiance, with abandon, with hysteria, any way you can."
The End by Lemony Snicket
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
The End by Lemony Snicket
☀️☀️🌤️
A disappointing ending to such a promising series. I found myself eager to have so many questions answered and mysteries resolved only to have them dismissed as being unimportant, which is pretty insulting, and the lack of comedic relief amongst the darkness really brought the whole tone down. I enjoyed the writing and the philosophical examination but overall I was left wanting much much more from a drawn out story that pitched itself as one giant mystery.
☀️☀️🌤️
A disappointing ending to such a promising series. I found myself eager to have so many questions answered and mysteries resolved only to have them dismissed as being unimportant, which is pretty insulting, and the lack of comedic relief amongst the darkness really brought the whole tone down. I enjoyed the writing and the philosophical examination but overall I was left wanting much much more from a drawn out story that pitched itself as one giant mystery.
The Penultimate Peril by Lemony Snicket
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
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? Yes
4.0
The Penultimate Peril by Lemony Snicket
☀️☀️☀️☀️
Another great instalment in the series that really powers forward with fantastic character and plot progression. There was a great deal learned about many secrets, and I especially liked the self reflection of villainous behaviour and when it is okay to do. I'm so thrilled with how the series has finally hit its stride and can't wait to read the final book!
☀️☀️☀️☀️
Another great instalment in the series that really powers forward with fantastic character and plot progression. There was a great deal learned about many secrets, and I especially liked the self reflection of villainous behaviour and when it is okay to do. I'm so thrilled with how the series has finally hit its stride and can't wait to read the final book!
The Grim Grotto by Lemony Snicket
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Grim Grotto by Lemony Snicket
☀️☀️☀️☀️
This volume managed to pull together all of my favourite aspects of the series. It was filled with tension and hilarity, we learned enough but kept some secrets secret, the siblings had good character growth and the supporting characters were handled perfectly. I'm so close to the end now so this was the perfect time for the series to hit its stride!
☀️☀️☀️☀️
This volume managed to pull together all of my favourite aspects of the series. It was filled with tension and hilarity, we learned enough but kept some secrets secret, the siblings had good character growth and the supporting characters were handled perfectly. I'm so close to the end now so this was the perfect time for the series to hit its stride!
The Slippery Slope by Lemony Snicket
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The Slippery Slope by Lemony Snicket
☀️☀️☀️
This setting and plot was a big departure from the standard structure of the series in a good way, and we did finally start to learn some important information, and we got a truly surprising reveal in the middle, but there was still something about this instalment that didn't totally hook me like I wanted it to.
☀️☀️☀️
This setting and plot was a big departure from the standard structure of the series in a good way, and we did finally start to learn some important information, and we got a truly surprising reveal in the middle, but there was still something about this instalment that didn't totally hook me like I wanted it to.
The Carnivorous Carnival by Lemony Snicket
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The Carnivorous Carnival by Lemony Snicket
☀️☀️☀️⛅
Following on from the progress made in book number 8, this instalment continues to show great character growth for the three siblings as well as maintaining the amusing antics of Olaf and co. Once again I was annoyed at having the necessary reveal wretched away at the last minute, but at least this time the time pressure felt legit. And the ending is fraught with danger and tension and really upped the stakes of the series as a whole.
☀️☀️☀️⛅
Following on from the progress made in book number 8, this instalment continues to show great character growth for the three siblings as well as maintaining the amusing antics of Olaf and co. Once again I was annoyed at having the necessary reveal wretched away at the last minute, but at least this time the time pressure felt legit. And the ending is fraught with danger and tension and really upped the stakes of the series as a whole.
The Hostile Hospital by Lemony Snicket
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The Hostile Hospital by Lemony Snicket
☀️☀️☀️⛅
Abandoning the pattern of moving from guardian to guardian has helped to mature the series and forced the siblings to take full responsibility for their safety. The treacherous situations felt more heightened without the presence of Poe or a guardian, though I would prefer to have more than a few breadcrumbs of information about the overarching mystery at this stage in the series.
☀️☀️☀️⛅
Abandoning the pattern of moving from guardian to guardian has helped to mature the series and forced the siblings to take full responsibility for their safety. The treacherous situations felt more heightened without the presence of Poe or a guardian, though I would prefer to have more than a few breadcrumbs of information about the overarching mystery at this stage in the series.