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375 reviews
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
Did not finish book. Stopped at 55%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 55%.
Soft dnf for now.... not in the mood/ really don't care for these characters that much.
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I had no idea what was coming but I was not expecting THAT. 🤯
This book is so much heavier and darker and bloodier than the previous books. It will pull on your heartstrings and make you feel angry for what's happening to our characters. It will also make you want revenge on certain people 😤
All that said, while there are some things about this book that I didn't love, I still think it was a solid conclusion to the trilogy. We found out what happened to our main characters and Panem. Which, what more could I ask for?
If you love dystopian novels, young adult fantasy, sci-fi, anything of the like, you are bound to enjoy The Hunger Games! I had so much fun reading these books. And now it's time to move onto the prequel!
This book is so much heavier and darker and bloodier than the previous books. It will pull on your heartstrings and make you feel angry for what's happening to our characters. It will also make you want revenge on certain people 😤
All that said, while there are some things about this book that I didn't love, I still think it was a solid conclusion to the trilogy. We found out what happened to our main characters and Panem. Which, what more could I ask for?
If you love dystopian novels, young adult fantasy, sci-fi, anything of the like, you are bound to enjoy The Hunger Games! I had so much fun reading these books. And now it's time to move onto the prequel!
Trust Issues: A Novel by Greg Wands, Elizabeth McCullough Keenan
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This book was a rollercoaster. I had no idea what to expect other than a con artist and murder. It delivered on that front, but the ending left me wanting more.
I absolutely loved the character dynamics in this book. Siblings Kagan and Hazel truly got on like brother and sister, and their interactions were so entertaining.
The introduction of Ava was interesting. She was a mysterious character added to the mix later on in the story, and her purpose seemed to be to progress the story. I liked her, but I felt like we could have gotten some more depth to her like we did Kagan and Hazel.
Perry is a whole other can of worms. He is the con artist, and the book ends up following the siblings on their chase to find him and end his con artist ways. They basically want revenge on him for all the terrible things he has done - like kill some of their family members.
The ending of this book was very underwhelming. I was expecting some big thing to happen or blow up in someone's face, but we didn't get that. It was kind of a let down, to be honest.
I'm not really sure what genre I would classify this as. This was a very character driven novel and was entertaining for the most part. It had the revenge theme and leaned into the mystery of Perry, but I don't think I would classify this as a thriller. Mystery seems like the obvious genre, but there's just something about this book that gives me pause to classify it as that.
Overall, entertaining read but falls flat at the end. If you're looking for a purely character driven novel with a side of mystery and a need for revenge, this book is for you.
This book was a rollercoaster. I had no idea what to expect other than a con artist and murder. It delivered on that front, but the ending left me wanting more.
I absolutely loved the character dynamics in this book. Siblings Kagan and Hazel truly got on like brother and sister, and their interactions were so entertaining.
The introduction of Ava was interesting. She was a mysterious character added to the mix later on in the story, and her purpose seemed to be to progress the story. I liked her, but I felt like we could have gotten some more depth to her like we did Kagan and Hazel.
Perry is a whole other can of worms. He is the con artist, and the book ends up following the siblings on their chase to find him and end his con artist ways. They basically want revenge on him for all the terrible things he has done - like kill some of their family members.
The ending of this book was very underwhelming. I was expecting some big thing to happen or blow up in someone's face, but we didn't get that. It was kind of a let down, to be honest.
I'm not really sure what genre I would classify this as. This was a very character driven novel and was entertaining for the most part. It had the revenge theme and leaned into the mystery of Perry, but I don't think I would classify this as a thriller. Mystery seems like the obvious genre, but there's just something about this book that gives me pause to classify it as that.
Overall, entertaining read but falls flat at the end. If you're looking for a purely character driven novel with a side of mystery and a need for revenge, this book is for you.
Bad Honey by Aubrey Taylor
emotional
hopeful
sad
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
4.0
I have seen so much love for this book on instagram and I can see why people enjoy it so much!
This is a heavy read at times. It covers grief, guilt, addiction, abusive households... it's not for the faint of heart.
I really like our main characters Ella and Arlo. There was enough backstory given for them for me to understand why they act the way they do. The author's depticion of Ella's panic attacks was very respectful and in no way romanticized her mental health. I appreciated that when Arlo was around for a panic attack, he was just *there* with her, reminding her it will pass.
Side character Cael is probably my favorite character in this book, though. He was a mess, but a real mess. And I mean "real" like real life, not a fictional book kind of mess. His mental health and struggle with addiction was also displayed in a very respectful way. Points to the author for doing research and caring about these characters 🫶🏻
I found some parts of this story to be a bit clunky, and some scenes went on for more than was necessary imo. I also found the explanation of some character relationships to be vague, which left me wondering how each person connects to each other.
Overall, this was a very emotional read with an emphasis on found family. It's not for the faint of heart, and if you're looking for a lighthearted romance, you won't find it here. But if you want to feel something and have your heart ripped out and contemplate life, this book is for you!
This is a heavy read at times. It covers grief, guilt, addiction, abusive households... it's not for the faint of heart.
I really like our main characters Ella and Arlo. There was enough backstory given for them for me to understand why they act the way they do. The author's depticion of Ella's panic attacks was very respectful and in no way romanticized her mental health. I appreciated that when Arlo was around for a panic attack, he was just *there* with her, reminding her it will pass.
Side character Cael is probably my favorite character in this book, though. He was a mess, but a real mess. And I mean "real" like real life, not a fictional book kind of mess. His mental health and struggle with addiction was also displayed in a very respectful way. Points to the author for doing research and caring about these characters 🫶🏻
I found some parts of this story to be a bit clunky, and some scenes went on for more than was necessary imo. I also found the explanation of some character relationships to be vague, which left me wondering how each person connects to each other.
Overall, this was a very emotional read with an emphasis on found family. It's not for the faint of heart, and if you're looking for a lighthearted romance, you won't find it here. But if you want to feel something and have your heart ripped out and contemplate life, this book is for you!
Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was a good sequel to the Hunger Games, but it didn't blow me away. It kind if just felt like the first book all over again but with more gloom and doom. And more love triangle action.
Regardless, the ending had me screaming and I will be listening to the next book immediately. Like WHAT DO YOU MEAN?!?!
I'm having so much fun with this series!
Regardless, the ending had me screaming and I will be listening to the next book immediately. Like WHAT DO YOU MEAN?!?!
I'm having so much fun with this series!
Babylonia by Costanza Casati
Did not finish book. Stopped at 15%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 15%.
I so badly wanted to like this one! The premise was super interesting, but the story is just not grabbing me. I'm finding myself not caring about what happens. I'm sure this book has its audience and lovers of ancient history may enjoy this one. It's just sadly not for me.
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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
4.5
I first read this in 8th grade for english class (I don't know why, it seems super random now) and I did not enjoy it - probably because I was being forced to read it. But listening to this now with adult ears has me appreciating it so much more! You could say I am fully obsessed.
I loved Katniss. She's a great narrator. She's very protective over people she cares about, which was a great quality for the Hunger Games. She has this dry wit about her and practicality that I really connected with.
Katniss's relationship with Peeta made me so emotional. There was angst and resentment and thoughts of betrayal but ultimately they cared about each other's wellbeing and wanted to win. The romance that bloomed made my heart happy, yet I can't help but feel an overarching sense of doom.
Don't even get me started on Rue. I'm still not over that.
The ending has me itching to start Catching Fire. I need to know Katniss and Peeta's fate. What happens now after that final interview?!
If you've been putting off this series like I have, it's time you pick it up! The audio is fantastic and really immersed me in the story. There were some parts of the book where I was losing interest - like Katniss hunting or going about her business in the arena with not much going on. But overall, this was an amazing story!
I loved Katniss. She's a great narrator. She's very protective over people she cares about, which was a great quality for the Hunger Games. She has this dry wit about her and practicality that I really connected with.
Katniss's relationship with Peeta made me so emotional. There was angst and resentment and thoughts of betrayal but ultimately they cared about each other's wellbeing and wanted to win. The romance that bloomed made my heart happy, yet I can't help but feel an overarching sense of doom.
Don't even get me started on Rue. I'm still not over that.
The ending has me itching to start Catching Fire. I need to know Katniss and Peeta's fate. What happens now after that final interview?!
If you've been putting off this series like I have, it's time you pick it up! The audio is fantastic and really immersed me in the story. There were some parts of the book where I was losing interest - like Katniss hunting or going about her business in the arena with not much going on. But overall, this was an amazing story!
Single Player by Tara Tai
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This is such a cleverly written enemies to lovers rom-com with a side of fake dating and workplace romance. It sounds like a lot but it was so well-balanced!
I absolutely loved the queer and AAPI rep in this book. I haven't read many romances that featured nonbinary characters, and I loved the diversity! This book also briefly touched on racism, sexism, and homophobia within the videogame industry, which was super informative.
Our main characters Cat and Andi are great. I loved them both so much. We got to learn of their struggles with their family relationships, too, which helped me get to know them a lot better.
And I loved all of the videogame references! It was so much fun to read this book because of that. I loved that the main characters were gamers. There's also D&D mentioned in this book!
Overall, this was a lighthearted queer romance that any romance lover would enjoy. I can tell the author put so much love into this book, and it is 100% worth the read!
I absolutely loved the queer and AAPI rep in this book. I haven't read many romances that featured nonbinary characters, and I loved the diversity! This book also briefly touched on racism, sexism, and homophobia within the videogame industry, which was super informative.
Our main characters Cat and Andi are great. I loved them both so much. We got to learn of their struggles with their family relationships, too, which helped me get to know them a lot better.
And I loved all of the videogame references! It was so much fun to read this book because of that. I loved that the main characters were gamers. There's also D&D mentioned in this book!
Overall, this was a lighthearted queer romance that any romance lover would enjoy. I can tell the author put so much love into this book, and it is 100% worth the read!
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
What on earth did I just read?!
I was sort of hesitant to pick this one up because of all the mid reviews I've seen for it but I was pleasantly surprised and ended up enjoying it!
I absolutely loved all of the action, politics, and war that was present in this story. Violet has some great character growth imo (even though some of her thought processes did annoy me but whatcha gonna do 🤷🏼♀️ ). The dragons were amazing as usual. I wish we got more of Xaden in this book (he was there but it felt like less than Fourth Wing) but I think we're going to get MUCH more of him in Onyx Storm.
I did feel like a lot of content in this book was unnecessary to the ✨big thing✨ at the end, which brings my rating down a tad.
Speaking of the end.... I'm not sure what to do with myself now. 🧍🏼♀️
I was sort of hesitant to pick this one up because of all the mid reviews I've seen for it but I was pleasantly surprised and ended up enjoying it!
I absolutely loved all of the action, politics, and war that was present in this story. Violet has some great character growth imo (even though some of her thought processes did annoy me but whatcha gonna do 🤷🏼♀️ ). The dragons were amazing as usual. I wish we got more of Xaden in this book (he was there but it felt like less than Fourth Wing) but I think we're going to get MUCH more of him in Onyx Storm.
I did feel like a lot of content in this book was unnecessary to the ✨big thing✨ at the end, which brings my rating down a tad.
Speaking of the end.... I'm not sure what to do with myself now. 🧍🏼♀️
The Kennedy Girl by Julia Bryan Thomas
emotional
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Thank you so much Sourcebooks Landmark and NetGalley for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
The Kennedy Girl is such a unique historical fiction novel. It follows Mia who is scouted in NYC to be a model for a fashion house in Paris. While she is there, she ends up involved - unbeknownst to her - with a network of spies during the Cold War.
I loved how suspenseful this book was. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what's going to happen to Mia since she became unknowingly tangled up in espionage.
I have to admit, though, that my interest in this book didn't pique until the spy stuff started happening. I wasn't really connecting to Mia or her occupation and I found her day to day life to be not that exciting. But things started getting very interesting once the talk of the Cold War started.
Mia ended up surprising me as a character. She seemed very skiddish at the beginning, but as time went on, I could tell she became more comfortable in her modeling role and her role as a spy. Her character development was seamless.
Some of the spy and Cold War stuff did confuse me a little bit and I wasn't always able to follow who was sided with who.
The ending of this book was super satisfying. If you enjoy historical fiction and suspense, you are bound to enjoy this one when it releases on January 14th!
The Kennedy Girl is such a unique historical fiction novel. It follows Mia who is scouted in NYC to be a model for a fashion house in Paris. While she is there, she ends up involved - unbeknownst to her - with a network of spies during the Cold War.
I loved how suspenseful this book was. I was on the edge of my seat waiting to find out what's going to happen to Mia since she became unknowingly tangled up in espionage.
I have to admit, though, that my interest in this book didn't pique until the spy stuff started happening. I wasn't really connecting to Mia or her occupation and I found her day to day life to be not that exciting. But things started getting very interesting once the talk of the Cold War started.
Mia ended up surprising me as a character. She seemed very skiddish at the beginning, but as time went on, I could tell she became more comfortable in her modeling role and her role as a spy. Her character development was seamless.
Some of the spy and Cold War stuff did confuse me a little bit and I wasn't always able to follow who was sided with who.
The ending of this book was super satisfying. If you enjoy historical fiction and suspense, you are bound to enjoy this one when it releases on January 14th!