mikaylareads's reviews
155 reviews

The Greek World: A Study of History and Culture by Robert Garland

2.0

I finished this out of spite tbh
He went on really weird tirades and talked a lot but often didn' really say much. He made some gross comments about statues and how sensual they are and that legitimately the best depiction of the feminine form wasn't as sensual to him as others?? He also has a lot of opinions that he merged in with his facts and he kept trying to relate the past to weird things. Weird pointless side tracks- plays to the library of Alexander to nazis? Self plugs every other episode. I struggled.

The History of Ancient Rome by Garrett G. Fagan

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informative medium-paced

3.5

A lot of very intestinal information is packed into this. Garrett is very passionate about the subject and speaks very clearly. He gives a lot of information in very little time but it also feels important - he does little rambling and when he does it's full of fun tidbits.
The only reason this isn't a 4 is because he felt too time constrained to truly give all the details and information he wanted.

The Sad Ghost Club by Lize Meddings

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reflective medium-paced

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

3.0

A very quick and easy read. Very touching and reassuring about anxiety and mental health.

The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

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adventurous dark 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? It's complicated

4.0

We love to see fatal flaws coming in to play. Also so glad to see everyone together and mostly getting along, it was such a good build up and their interactions are iconic.

Mythos: The Greek Myths Retold by Stephen Fry

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adventurous informative medium-paced

4.0

God I love Stephen Fry, the man truly has a way with words

Five Survive by Holly Jackson

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dark mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

On a re-read this is a 4. Still incredible but because I knew the twist, it lost a lot of a suspense and tension. It was interesting to see all the foreshadowing and hints to what was going on.

Original Review, 2023
The only reason this isn't 5/5 is because I've never hated a character more in my life - the double standard and way he kept jumping from plan to plan with no regard to literally anyone's safety had me actually screaming. I'm amazed none of the characters threw hands (or tied him up) any earlier because good lord he was an asshole.

Amazing writing, a really unique concept that was executed (haha) incredibly well, and the twists and turns were great. I read it in one sitting and couldn't put it down.
I didn't super-love the characters but they were all very interesting and reacted in what feels like very accurate ways for the situation. The concept, the writing style, and the pacing once things started moving definitely made up for it. There are a good lot of twists that keep things moving and keep both the characters and readers on edge.

I did guess who was involved purely on vibes and it hurt that I was right. Screw you Arthur, you hurt my heart and made me cry

Overall, very fun, very different, and I'm Very excited to read the rest of her books

The Sprite and the Gardener by Rii Abrego, Joe Whitt

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lighthearted fast-paced