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polpolpolulu's reviews
92 reviews
Love & Other Disasters by Anita Kelly
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
2.0
I was so excited to read this book. We rarely see non binary representation in books yet alone a non binary main character. I found the plot to be a huge let down, I was expecting there to be more cooking and details about the reality show. I also found Dahlia as a character to be undeveloped. The last half of the book is definitely better than the first, as the author seemed to try to hard to make the content sexy at first. But aside from my criticism this was still a good rom com, and if that’s what you’re into and want to see great representation then this books perfect for you.
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I found the majority of the book to be very boring, and the main character was unlikable. I feel like there could have been more dramatic twists and turns throughout the book. But man, did that ending make my draw drop. It made reading this book worth it.
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I am absolutely in love with this The Secret History. Although the plot isn't seat gripping its evident that’s not the point of the story. You got to learn and bond with every character, and see how their true flaws have been hidden by Richards desire to be a part of their group. This story shows the wicked in the beautiful and that rarely is something as it seems. Donna depicts everything is such detail that you feel and perfectly imagine everything that Richard experiences. I would definitely re read this book in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal death, Child death, Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Gun violence, Homophobia, Incest, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Antisemitism, Medical content, Grief, Car accident, Murder, Toxic friendship, and Alcohol
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I honestly don’t understand the craze about this book. I wouldn’t go as far as saying this book was terrible, there was something that compelled me to keep reading, and I was fascinated by this magical world. But majority of this book felt stationary, and then at the end all the action unravels. A few points on the main character. I liked how she didn’t like to hunt and had to do it to survive, this made her stand out from every other heroine. But the way the author forced her love for painting l was annoying. Also why did this girl never listing to any advice?!? Someone with such hunting and survival abilities is smart enough to listing and pay attention.
Another point I wanted to bring up is that this book is not as spicy as people say. I would say it’s 1/5 on spice. Note that this book is adult fantasy not YA, and people keep forgetting this. Personally I am not a fan of spice, so I believe that this is an acceptable amount. But people made me believe that there is spice every two pages.
I don’t think I will be reading the sequel.
Another point I wanted to bring up is that this book is not as spicy as people say. I would say it’s 1/5 on spice. Note that this book is adult fantasy not YA, and people keep forgetting this. Personally I am not a fan of spice, so I believe that this is an acceptable amount. But people made me believe that there is spice every two pages.
I don’t think I will be reading the sequel.
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This has been the first YA murder mystery book I have read and I quite enjoyed it. Although I did not like the banter in this book it seemed forced, and unbelievable. Overall I was really happy with the ending, it’s not particularly something I was expecting and it kept me on my toes. It’s always good when the book makes you want to get up and yell at the main characters and their choices, and trust me Pip made me furious with her for not speaking up about the threats. It really felt like I was in the mine of a teenager making teenage like decisions.
The last third of the book considerably was better then the first two thirds, at some moments I almost felt bored. As someone that’s an avid mystery reader I wish there was more substance throughout the book. I wish Pip spend more time tracing Andies family.
I really liked the amount of characters in this book. There are a few names that I cannot remember, but it helped with the world building.
The last third of the book considerably was better then the first two thirds, at some moments I almost felt bored. As someone that’s an avid mystery reader I wish there was more substance throughout the book. I wish Pip spend more time tracing Andies family.
I really liked the amount of characters in this book. There are a few names that I cannot remember, but it helped with the world building.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Pedophilia, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide, Violence, Car accident, Death of parent, and Murder
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I always feel bad when criticizing YA because I am not the intended audience being 20, when putting myself in the shoes of middle school me I think I would really enjoy it. But it wasn’t anything especially new, and the writing was not the best. Was this Book entertaining? Yes, it definitely was. The ending was satisfying, but the love triangle was cringe. I did appreciate that the poor girl got everything and the wealthy got nothing, this made my vengeful heart feel good. I will be reading the sequel because they built it up quite well at the end of the book, but I wouldn’t name this anywhere near my favourites.
City of Bones by Martha Wells
adventurous
mysterious
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? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This is such a wholesome lovable book. My new comfort read! I loved the meaning behind this book, that we shouldn’t treat anyone any different because they aren’t the same as ourselves. The description in this Book is so satisfying, it reminded me of reading YA but with mature look on life.
Verity by Colleen Hoover
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book was sick, how an author can think of such subjects and write a story about them is concerning. Somebody needs to give Colleen a check in. The Book itself was interesting and I’m angry that it was because I want to hate it for its content, but at the end it was good. This book definitely put me in a depressed mood after reading, but luckily it was a fast read and could be read in one sitting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Cursing, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Vomit, Grief, Medical trauma, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, and Abandonment
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was such a unique read. I loved how the story line was met with the notes from the police interviews. I liked the amount of characters and how all of them had a story to share. This book touches on the hardships of life in many ways which makes this book relatable to a vast group of people. I think en everyone should read this book at least once.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Gun violence, and Suicide