r_louhi's reviews
90 reviews

When No One Is Watching by Alyssa Cole

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dark emotional mysterious 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? It's complicated

4.0

I enjoyed listening to this book, both narrators did a good job and our main two PoV characters were interesting characters I enjoyed spending time with, Sydney especially. I enjoyed this book more in the beginning, where the thriller elements were more subtle and the threat of gentrification was ever present though acted slightly more subtly. The character's actions felt real and believable. The ending of this book turned this into a very overt and direct plot by the villains and the characters began to feel more like action vigilante forces which didn't feel like it totally fit the rest of the book to me. Still a great read, 4 stars.
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The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

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emotional funny hopeful relaxing 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

4.5

This book was a joy to read. The characters heavily carried this book, which was enjoyable despite a predictable plot. I took comfort in the predictability however due to current life events. I am excited to return to these characters when I can. The book ultimately carried a lovely message of acceptance and love in a world where prejudice is strong.
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Gender Euphoria by Laura Kate Dale

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emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced

4.5

A collection of wonderful stories about the positive lived experiences of trans people. A lovely and uplifting read.
How to Kill Your Family by Bella Mackie

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dark tense 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? Yes

3.5

I hated everyone in this book, and in a good way. It was interesting to see things through Grace's perspective, at first she seemed surface level likeable but the more time you spend with her the more you see her judgey and callous side, the more you understand that everything she does in life has an ulterior motive. I can't say this is a book filled with characters I'm itching to get back to, but the characters were believable people (though very flawed and unlikeable) and I enjoyed my time with them nonetheless.
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Exit Strategy by Martha Wells

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adventurous emotional funny tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Another great addition to the Murderbot series. I enjoyed how things came together and wrapped up what seems to be the first arc of the series. I'm excited to continue to the full length novels next!
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel

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adventurous mysterious reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.5

This was an interesting book, it managed to keep me hooked throughout the read. It felt like it wanted to say something about pandemics however I feel like the point was a little muddled by the time travel and simulation investigation (main) plot line. An enjoyable book but it didn't blow me away.
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Beneath the Sugar Sky by Seanan McGuire

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adventurous emotional 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

3.5

A fun and adventurous continuation in the series, though it was hard to understand why time worked the way it did. I guess that was the point though considering it focused mostly on a "nonsense" world. Excited to continue!
Down Among the Sticks and Bones by Seanan McGuire

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adventurous dark mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

A great back story for my favourite character and her sister from the first book. I'm looking forward to continuing the series!
Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells

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adventurous funny mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

This was a great followup to the first two books and I feel like each book is better than the last. The plot seems to be expanding and our loved our crew of extras in this installment. I'm excited to continue the series.
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Paradise Rot by Jenny Hval

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challenging dark mysterious fast-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

4.0

This was a very weird read. The atmosphere and prose was beautiful. The content however was disgusting and uneasy, full of bodily fluids, yet somehow erotic in a way that left me feeling nauseated. The writing was full of metaphors about temptation, boundaries, and perhaps depression and emotional dependence. I enjoyed this story and how uncomfortable it made me.
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