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phoenix2's reviews
1251 reviews
The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong
3.0
'The Teller of Small Fortunes' is a cozy fantasy with a lot of small adventures and a warm story about family to its center.
I can't say that I enjoyed all of the small adventures equally, but I did like the message that the book had. Also, the characters were cute.
I can't say that I enjoyed all of the small adventures equally, but I did like the message that the book had. Also, the characters were cute.
Under the Oak Tree, Season 1 by namu, P, Suji Kim
2.5
'Under the Oak Tree Season 1' is a popular webtoon with a historical setting and a romantic story.
The story is enjoyable and the female character is cute and endearing, but the male character is a bit too controlling. Will see...
The story is enjoyable and the female character is cute and endearing, but the male character is a bit too controlling. Will see...
The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt
slow-paced
3.0
'The Goldfinch' is a story of a boy who lost his mother and how his life turned out after that fateful event.
The book is quite long, and I could see why people either love it or hate it. If you love Donna Tartt's writing style, then this one will work for you, as she creates an elaborate narrative with many small details and a beautifully melancholic atmosphere.
On the other hand, there is hardly any plot, as anything that happens is concentrated only in a few small passages, so if you are looking for a mystery or thriller like the one in her previous books, you will be disappointed.
Still, it's a good book with interesting characters and wonderful settings, as well as delicious twists when they appeared that is.
The book is quite long, and I could see why people either love it or hate it. If you love Donna Tartt's writing style, then this one will work for you, as she creates an elaborate narrative with many small details and a beautifully melancholic atmosphere.
On the other hand, there is hardly any plot, as anything that happens is concentrated only in a few small passages, so if you are looking for a mystery or thriller like the one in her previous books, you will be disappointed.
Still, it's a good book with interesting characters and wonderful settings, as well as delicious twists when they appeared that is.
The Lantern of Lost Memories by Sanaka Hiiragi
3.0
'The Lantern of Lost Memories' had a unique concept and some very moving and dark at times stories.
The book is indeed intriguing, with the concept of an after life photo studio for memories being quite original. In addition, the individuals that enter the so called photo studio had some sad but also hopeful stories to share.
The book is indeed intriguing, with the concept of an after life photo studio for memories being quite original. In addition, the individuals that enter the so called photo studio had some sad but also hopeful stories to share.
Kiki's Delivery Service by Eiko Kadono
4.0
'Kiki's Delivery Service' is a cute and wholesome book and it will be especially enjoyed by the fans of the anime movie.
The stories that Kiki had to tackle were plenty and her adorable pet was extra funny.
Overall, a pretty adorable book.
The stories that Kiki had to tackle were plenty and her adorable pet was extra funny.
Overall, a pretty adorable book.
The Full Moon Coffee Shop by Mai Mochizuki
3.0
'The Full Moon Coffee Shop' is a cute and emotional book about cats, astrology, and people whose stories are connected by second chances.
The book has some cute aspects (the coffee shop, the cats!), and some pretty emotional and intriguing stories that all come together in the end in the most amazing and sweet way. And even though the whole astrology thing wasn't my cup of tea, I enjoyed those stories and their outcomes.
The audiobook narrators did also a great job with their performances.
The book has some cute aspects (the coffee shop, the cats!), and some pretty emotional and intriguing stories that all come together in the end in the most amazing and sweet way. And even though the whole astrology thing wasn't my cup of tea, I enjoyed those stories and their outcomes.
The audiobook narrators did also a great job with their performances.
Skyshade by Alex Aster
2.0
Big Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy!!
"Skyshade" is the third book of the 'Lightlark' series.
This time around we follow our main character as she navigates her power, her past, and the love triangle that like an indecisive Bella Swan has to deal with.
The book also felt like ACOTAR's second book and, just like the second one, got more mature, with all the sexual yearning and bed scenes, which got confusing after a while since Isla was sleeping with love interest number one and in the next page was yearning for the second love interest. So, yes, the love triangle was badly handled.
On another level, if the book had focused more on the progress of the story and less on the love one, it would have been quite an interesting book, as there is a lot to be explored when it comes to Isla's powers and her family.
Alas, that didn't happen, so 2 out of 5.
"Skyshade" is the third book of the 'Lightlark' series.
This time around we follow our main character as she navigates her power, her past, and the love triangle that like an indecisive Bella Swan has to deal with.
The book also felt like ACOTAR's second book and, just like the second one, got more mature, with all the sexual yearning and bed scenes, which got confusing after a while since Isla was sleeping with love interest number one and in the next page was yearning for the second love interest. So, yes, the love triangle was badly handled.
On another level, if the book had focused more on the progress of the story and less on the love one, it would have been quite an interesting book, as there is a lot to be explored when it comes to Isla's powers and her family.
Alas, that didn't happen, so 2 out of 5.
Nightbane by Alex Aster
2.5
"Nightbane" is the second book of the Lightlark series, and it is much better than the first one. The plot progressed more, and the characters were better understood.
However, it should be noted that this is not a typical Young Adult book. It leans more on the mature side, so if you're looking for a clean romance, this one will not do the trick.
Other than that, the romance was interesting, and there were many moments between the leads that I enjoyed. However, at some point, I got tired of the sexual yearning.
But, this one gave a better insight of the past and the characters, so it was an improvement from the first book.
However, it should be noted that this is not a typical Young Adult book. It leans more on the mature side, so if you're looking for a clean romance, this one will not do the trick.
Other than that, the romance was interesting, and there were many moments between the leads that I enjoyed. However, at some point, I got tired of the sexual yearning.
But, this one gave a better insight of the past and the characters, so it was an improvement from the first book.
Lightlark by Alex Aster
2.0
"Lightlark" is a fantasy-romance book with a complex magic system.
The story isn't very unique, but it's interesting, even though the royal system and the curses weren't explained properly and one can find themselves wondering what is going on, as the plot progresses. Also, the big tournament on the Lightlark island faded into dark quicker than I was anticipating it, but this was clearly romance oriented, so it was kind of expected.
So, overall, two out of five, cause I liked the story, but the execution fell flat.
The story isn't very unique, but it's interesting, even though the royal system and the curses weren't explained properly and one can find themselves wondering what is going on, as the plot progresses. Also, the big tournament on the Lightlark island faded into dark quicker than I was anticipating it, but this was clearly romance oriented, so it was kind of expected.
So, overall, two out of five, cause I liked the story, but the execution fell flat.
The Vegetarian by Han Kang
dark
sad
3.0
'' The Vegetarian'' is my second attempt with Han Kang after her '' Greek Lessons '' novel, and this one went better than the latter.
It is a dark tale that isn't afraid to dig deep, but I was often confused about what the author wanted to point out. Still, I enjoyed that she broke the story in three different POVs and that allowed the reader to see the main character throw the eyes of three different people with different motives towards her.
It is a dark tale that isn't afraid to dig deep, but I was often confused about what the author wanted to point out. Still, I enjoyed that she broke the story in three different POVs and that allowed the reader to see the main character throw the eyes of three different people with different motives towards her.