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639 reviews
Nothing Ever Happens Here: A Thriller by Seraphina Nova Glass
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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
Reading Journal Details
Book: Nothing Ever Happens Here by Seraphina Nova Glass
Format Read: Audiobook (~9 hours, 33 minutes long)
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 of 5 stars)
Quick Take Review
Nothing Ever Happens Here delivers relentless suspense and a clever multi-POV, singular timeline structure that keeps you guessing in a nail-biting whodunit where every hint of the villain is expertly subverted. Although the expansive cast can make individual characters difficult to recall, the book's elaborate twists and continuous tension make it a thoroughly engaging and unputdownable read.
Full Review
This was my first experience with Seraphina Nova Glass, and it was a stellar introduction to her work. The novel kicks off with relentless suspense that never lets up. This was masterfully coupled with a multiple POV narrative set within a singular timeline, creating a continuous, fluid flow that perfectly complements the dark, twisty, and chilling vibes captured flawlessly by the narrators.
A standout element is the whodunit mystery: every time I thought I had identified the villain, the story skillfully sent me back to square one, making it feel like a thrilling game of "Guess Who." In the same respect, while the story is richly layered with a diverse cast—all of whom have excellent depth—I sometimes struggled to connect with the secondary characters due to their sheer number, which made it hard to recall who was who. Overall, despite this minor drawback, the elaborate twists, eyebrow-raising shockers, and nail-biting tension made for an engaging and memorable read.
I received a free complimentary advanced listener's copy (ALC) of this book from Netgalley and Harlequin Audio. I am voluntarily leaving this review; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Book: Nothing Ever Happens Here by Seraphina Nova Glass
Format Read: Audiobook (~9 hours, 33 minutes long)
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4 of 5 stars)
Quick Take Review
Nothing Ever Happens Here delivers relentless suspense and a clever multi-POV, singular timeline structure that keeps you guessing in a nail-biting whodunit where every hint of the villain is expertly subverted. Although the expansive cast can make individual characters difficult to recall, the book's elaborate twists and continuous tension make it a thoroughly engaging and unputdownable read.
Full Review
This was my first experience with Seraphina Nova Glass, and it was a stellar introduction to her work. The novel kicks off with relentless suspense that never lets up. This was masterfully coupled with a multiple POV narrative set within a singular timeline, creating a continuous, fluid flow that perfectly complements the dark, twisty, and chilling vibes captured flawlessly by the narrators.
A standout element is the whodunit mystery: every time I thought I had identified the villain, the story skillfully sent me back to square one, making it feel like a thrilling game of "Guess Who." In the same respect, while the story is richly layered with a diverse cast—all of whom have excellent depth—I sometimes struggled to connect with the secondary characters due to their sheer number, which made it hard to recall who was who. Overall, despite this minor drawback, the elaborate twists, eyebrow-raising shockers, and nail-biting tension made for an engaging and memorable read.
I received a free complimentary advanced listener's copy (ALC) of this book from Netgalley and Harlequin Audio. I am voluntarily leaving this review; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Shoot Your Shot by Lexi LaFleur Brown
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
Reading Journal Details
Book: Shoot Your Shot by Lexi LaFleur Brown
Format Read: Audiobook (~8 hours, 30 minutes long)
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Quick Take Review
Shoot Your Shot is a standout debut that immerses you in the authentic world of hockey while delivering a realistic, opposite-attract romance between the edgy, snarky Lucy and the sweet yet determined JJ. With thoughtful treatments of mental health, race, and LGBT issues, and top-notch narration, it's a compelling, addictive read despite a few underdeveloped secondary characters. Highly recommend!
Full Review
For a debut novel, Shoot Your Shot is a stellar hit that immediately caught my attention with its authentic portrayal of hockey—a rarity in the hockey romance genre, where the sport often plays a mere background role. Author Lexi LaFleur Brown excels at weaving the nitty-gritty details of equipment, rink time, and training into the narrative, making the hockey scenes feel genuine and immersive.
The romance between Lucy and Jaylen (affectionately known as JJ) is a standout element; Lucy's snarky, edgy personality and artistic soul, juxtaposed with JJ's sweet, humble determination in his hockey career, create a realistic and organic opposites-attract dynamic that evolves naturally throughout the narrative. Their relationship, enriched by the nuances of personal and professional struggles, is both engaging and heartfelt.
Additionally, Brown tackles very serious topics—race, mental health, and the LGBT community—in a seamless, thoughtful manner, with the portrayal of mental health particularly resonant through JJ's struggles with anxiety and depression. The narration by Kristen DiMercurio and Jamal Roque further elevates the experience, bringing the characters to life and making it impossible to put the book down; I finished it in just a day.
While the debut is undeniably impressive, I do wish there were more in-depth details and character development for some of the secondary figures who play crucial roles in Lucy and JJ's lives. Nonetheless, for a hockey fan like me, finding a romance that nails the sport's authenticity, personal struggles, and important social themes in a nuanced way is a true delight. I'm excited to track Lexi LaFleur Brown's progress and future works!
Book: Shoot Your Shot by Lexi LaFleur Brown
Format Read: Audiobook (~8 hours, 30 minutes long)
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5)
Quick Take Review
Shoot Your Shot is a standout debut that immerses you in the authentic world of hockey while delivering a realistic, opposite-attract romance between the edgy, snarky Lucy and the sweet yet determined JJ. With thoughtful treatments of mental health, race, and LGBT issues, and top-notch narration, it's a compelling, addictive read despite a few underdeveloped secondary characters. Highly recommend!
Full Review
For a debut novel, Shoot Your Shot is a stellar hit that immediately caught my attention with its authentic portrayal of hockey—a rarity in the hockey romance genre, where the sport often plays a mere background role. Author Lexi LaFleur Brown excels at weaving the nitty-gritty details of equipment, rink time, and training into the narrative, making the hockey scenes feel genuine and immersive.
The romance between Lucy and Jaylen (affectionately known as JJ) is a standout element; Lucy's snarky, edgy personality and artistic soul, juxtaposed with JJ's sweet, humble determination in his hockey career, create a realistic and organic opposites-attract dynamic that evolves naturally throughout the narrative. Their relationship, enriched by the nuances of personal and professional struggles, is both engaging and heartfelt.
Additionally, Brown tackles very serious topics—race, mental health, and the LGBT community—in a seamless, thoughtful manner, with the portrayal of mental health particularly resonant through JJ's struggles with anxiety and depression. The narration by Kristen DiMercurio and Jamal Roque further elevates the experience, bringing the characters to life and making it impossible to put the book down; I finished it in just a day.
While the debut is undeniably impressive, I do wish there were more in-depth details and character development for some of the secondary figures who play crucial roles in Lucy and JJ's lives. Nonetheless, for a hockey fan like me, finding a romance that nails the sport's authenticity, personal struggles, and important social themes in a nuanced way is a true delight. I'm excited to track Lexi LaFleur Brown's progress and future works!
Incubation by Adrienne Lecter
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Reading Journal Details
Book: Incubation by Adrienne Lecter
Format Read: Kindle eBook (~309 pages long)
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)
Quick Take Review
Incubation delivers an engaging prequel to the zombie apocalypse in Green Fields, but an overly revealing prologue and a disjointed protagonist undermine its suspense significantly. Despite its flaws, the book's intriguing and promising premise keeps me invested enough to look forward to the next installment.
Full Review
Incubation is a mixed bag, as it managed to hold my attention with its engaging banter between Bree and Nate and its intriguing exploration of how the zombie apocalypse began. However, I felt that this story might have worked better as a prequel rather than the series' opening installment—mainly because the Prologue gives away so much that it skews the mystery for the remainder of the book. By revealing key survival outcomes and crucial plot points that would have worked better as a late-book reveal or a lead-in for the next installment, it left me with a strong bias about who's going to survive and what twists to expect.
While I appreciated the dynamic dialogue and the fresh take on the apocalypse origin story, I struggled to connect with Bree as a character. Her constant tantrums, unrealistic reactions, and an
overabundance of introspective inner monologues made her seem erratic and disjointed—especially compared to the more compelling Bree hinted at in the prologue.
As a huge zombie fan, I'm willing to stick with the series—after all, with over ten books in the Green Fields series, there's hope that these growing pains will smooth out in future installments.
Book: Incubation by Adrienne Lecter
Format Read: Kindle eBook (~309 pages long)
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️ (3/5)
Quick Take Review
Incubation delivers an engaging prequel to the zombie apocalypse in Green Fields, but an overly revealing prologue and a disjointed protagonist undermine its suspense significantly. Despite its flaws, the book's intriguing and promising premise keeps me invested enough to look forward to the next installment.
Full Review
Incubation is a mixed bag, as it managed to hold my attention with its engaging banter between Bree and Nate and its intriguing exploration of how the zombie apocalypse began. However, I felt that this story might have worked better as a prequel rather than the series' opening installment—mainly because the Prologue gives away so much that it skews the mystery for the remainder of the book. By revealing key survival outcomes and crucial plot points that would have worked better as a late-book reveal or a lead-in for the next installment, it left me with a strong bias about who's going to survive and what twists to expect.
While I appreciated the dynamic dialogue and the fresh take on the apocalypse origin story, I struggled to connect with Bree as a character. Her constant tantrums, unrealistic reactions, and an
overabundance of introspective inner monologues made her seem erratic and disjointed—especially compared to the more compelling Bree hinted at in the prologue.
As a huge zombie fan, I'm willing to stick with the series—after all, with over ten books in the Green Fields series, there's hope that these growing pains will smooth out in future installments.
The Promotion by Daniel Hurst
2.5
Reading Journal Details
Book: The Promotion by Daniel Hurst
Format Read: Audiobook (~7 hours, 8 minutes long)
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️✨ (2.5/5)
Quick Take Review
The Promotion starts off strong with engaging alternating perspectives and a promising glimpse into Imogen and Michael's complex past, but it soon derails into two disjointed storylines filled with unrealistic plot points. Although the suspense builds well, the fumbled conclusion and lack of focus on key character backstories ultimately leave the narrative feeling uneven and unfilled.
Full Review
I found myself tittering mid-book as The Promotion initially promised a thrilling, suspenseful ride with its clever back-and-forth POVs between Imogen and Michael. Michael—despite coming off as a jerk—is portrayed with enough complexity (hinting at a kinder past with Imogen) that left me wanting more of their earlier history, a missed opportunity for an excellent subplot.
The premise is solid, and the first half of the book delivers a quick, popcorn read full of tension and intriguing twists. However, the narrative veers sharply off course midway, almost as if two separate books are stitched together—one that aligns with the enticing summary and another that fizzles out into unrealistic scenarios.
For instance, critical moments like a police investigation are glossed over, and common-sense details (like a major bank clearly lacking security cameras) slip by without explanation. The culmination, despite its buildup, results in a timid reveal that feels forced rather than organic, leaving the overall narrative disjointed and struggling to stay cohesive.
Book: The Promotion by Daniel Hurst
Format Read: Audiobook (~7 hours, 8 minutes long)
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️✨ (2.5/5)
Quick Take Review
The Promotion starts off strong with engaging alternating perspectives and a promising glimpse into Imogen and Michael's complex past, but it soon derails into two disjointed storylines filled with unrealistic plot points. Although the suspense builds well, the fumbled conclusion and lack of focus on key character backstories ultimately leave the narrative feeling uneven and unfilled.
Full Review
I found myself tittering mid-book as The Promotion initially promised a thrilling, suspenseful ride with its clever back-and-forth POVs between Imogen and Michael. Michael—despite coming off as a jerk—is portrayed with enough complexity (hinting at a kinder past with Imogen) that left me wanting more of their earlier history, a missed opportunity for an excellent subplot.
The premise is solid, and the first half of the book delivers a quick, popcorn read full of tension and intriguing twists. However, the narrative veers sharply off course midway, almost as if two separate books are stitched together—one that aligns with the enticing summary and another that fizzles out into unrealistic scenarios.
For instance, critical moments like a police investigation are glossed over, and common-sense details (like a major bank clearly lacking security cameras) slip by without explanation. The culmination, despite its buildup, results in a timid reveal that feels forced rather than organic, leaving the overall narrative disjointed and struggling to stay cohesive.
Kill for Me, Kill for You by Steve Cavanagh
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Reading Journal Details
Book: Kill For Me, Kill For You by Steve Cavanagh
Format Read: Audiobook (~10 hours, 15 minutes long)
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Quick Take Review
Kill For Me, Kill For You hooks you from the first page with relentless twists and red herrings that keep you guessing, while Detective Farrow's blend of wit, heart, and human vulnerability elevates the narrative. Cavanagh's authentic portrayal of mental health and PTSD adds depth to this high-octane thriller, making it an unforgettable read.
Full Review
From the very first chapter, Kill For Me, Kill For You grabs you with its expertly plotted narrative that extracts every iota of mystery and thrill from each page. Author Steve Cavanagh masterfully weaves an intricate tapestry of shocks, twists, and red herrings that make this book utterly unputdownable.
A standout is Detective Farrow—a character who brilliantly blends razor-sharp wit with heartfelt intuition. His chronic back pain isn't just a quirk; it's a vital part of his character that adds a refreshing dose of realism and vulnerability to an otherwise high-octane thriller.
Moreover, the narrative excels in its authentic portrayal of mental health and PTSD. Cavanagh skillfully integrates these elements into the fast-paced, tension-filled storyline, ensuring that the emotional and psychological toll of the characters' lives is both gradual and profoundly realistic.
Overall, Kill For Me, Kill For You is an astounding, adrenaline-fueled read that expertly balances relentless suspense with deep, resonant character moments—a true standout in the thriller genre.
Book: Kill For Me, Kill For You by Steve Cavanagh
Format Read: Audiobook (~10 hours, 15 minutes long)
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Quick Take Review
Kill For Me, Kill For You hooks you from the first page with relentless twists and red herrings that keep you guessing, while Detective Farrow's blend of wit, heart, and human vulnerability elevates the narrative. Cavanagh's authentic portrayal of mental health and PTSD adds depth to this high-octane thriller, making it an unforgettable read.
Full Review
From the very first chapter, Kill For Me, Kill For You grabs you with its expertly plotted narrative that extracts every iota of mystery and thrill from each page. Author Steve Cavanagh masterfully weaves an intricate tapestry of shocks, twists, and red herrings that make this book utterly unputdownable.
A standout is Detective Farrow—a character who brilliantly blends razor-sharp wit with heartfelt intuition. His chronic back pain isn't just a quirk; it's a vital part of his character that adds a refreshing dose of realism and vulnerability to an otherwise high-octane thriller.
Moreover, the narrative excels in its authentic portrayal of mental health and PTSD. Cavanagh skillfully integrates these elements into the fast-paced, tension-filled storyline, ensuring that the emotional and psychological toll of the characters' lives is both gradual and profoundly realistic.
Overall, Kill For Me, Kill For You is an astounding, adrenaline-fueled read that expertly balances relentless suspense with deep, resonant character moments—a true standout in the thriller genre.
The Only One Left by Riley Sager
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Reading Journal Details
Book: The Only One Left by Riley Sager
Format Read: Audiobook (~12 hours, 30 minutes long)
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)
Quick Take Review
The Only One Left kicks off with a phenomenal first half—packed with early twists, eerie vibes, and standout moments like the unique communication between Kit and Lenora—that firmly establishes Riley Sager's knack for suspense. Although the second half tapers off with some lackluster characters and a slightly contrived revealed ending, the overall experience remains thrilling and engaging, solidifying its place as a highly recommended and unforgettable read.
Full Review
Riley Sager delivers a rollercoaster of twists and turns in The Only One Left, with the first half of the book being nothing short of phenomenal—packed with the creepy vibes, unique plot developments, fast pace, and adrenaline-fueled situations that define his work. The narrative kicks off with a series of early shocks that hook you instantly, and the standout communication between Kit and Lenora adds an original twist that elevates the story, especially when paired with the eerie settings such as a creepy house on the rocks and Kit's uneasy alliance with an alleged murderer.
However, while the second half still meets the eerie vibe, it tapers off slightly, with some characters coming off as lackluster and harder to connect with. The ending, though undeniably surprising and left me completely in left field, felt a bit too contrived—almost like a villain mansplaining in a Scooby-Doo episode—rather than emerging organically. Despite this, Sager's signature style of keeping you guessing (usually incorrectly) makes him an auto-read author for me, and this installment remains a thrilling and engaging experience overall.
Book: The Only One Left by Riley Sager
Format Read: Audiobook (~12 hours, 30 minutes long)
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ (4.5/5)
Quick Take Review
The Only One Left kicks off with a phenomenal first half—packed with early twists, eerie vibes, and standout moments like the unique communication between Kit and Lenora—that firmly establishes Riley Sager's knack for suspense. Although the second half tapers off with some lackluster characters and a slightly contrived revealed ending, the overall experience remains thrilling and engaging, solidifying its place as a highly recommended and unforgettable read.
Full Review
Riley Sager delivers a rollercoaster of twists and turns in The Only One Left, with the first half of the book being nothing short of phenomenal—packed with the creepy vibes, unique plot developments, fast pace, and adrenaline-fueled situations that define his work. The narrative kicks off with a series of early shocks that hook you instantly, and the standout communication between Kit and Lenora adds an original twist that elevates the story, especially when paired with the eerie settings such as a creepy house on the rocks and Kit's uneasy alliance with an alleged murderer.
However, while the second half still meets the eerie vibe, it tapers off slightly, with some characters coming off as lackluster and harder to connect with. The ending, though undeniably surprising and left me completely in left field, felt a bit too contrived—almost like a villain mansplaining in a Scooby-Doo episode—rather than emerging organically. Despite this, Sager's signature style of keeping you guessing (usually incorrectly) makes him an auto-read author for me, and this installment remains a thrilling and engaging experience overall.
The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine
challenging
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Reading Journal Details
Book: The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine
Format Read: Audiobook (12 hours long)
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️ (2/5)
Quick Take Review
Liv Constantine's The Last Mrs. Parrish is marked by her undeniable talent, yet its excruciatingly slow pace and overdone build-up render the narrative uninteresting. The insufferable, contrived portrayal of Amber as an obsessive villain further undermines what could have been a more compelling tale.
Full ReviewIn The Last Mrs. Parrish, Liv Constantine's undeniable writing talent shines through with intricate plots and scenes—but the story ultimately drags on far too long, with an overindulgent build-up that leaves the narrative uninteresting. While the pacing might be intended to create tension, it becomes an exercise in tedium, and the deliberate slowness only heightens the disappointment.
A major drawback is one of the key characters, Amber, who is crafted as an overzealous, obsessed villain. Despite the intricacies of her devious schemes, her portrayal is overly forced and downright insufferable, leaving me struggling to find any realistic motivation behind her manipulations and ultimately detracting from the overall story.
While I found this particular narrative not entirely to my preference, I am inclined to read the second installment in the series because I appreciated Liv Constantine's writing style and hope to see improvements—or at least some clarifications—in the subsequent book. Additionally, I intend to explore more of Constantine's her works in the future.
Book: The Last Mrs. Parrish by Liv Constantine
Format Read: Audiobook (12 hours long)
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️ (2/5)
Quick Take Review
Liv Constantine's The Last Mrs. Parrish is marked by her undeniable talent, yet its excruciatingly slow pace and overdone build-up render the narrative uninteresting. The insufferable, contrived portrayal of Amber as an obsessive villain further undermines what could have been a more compelling tale.
Full ReviewIn The Last Mrs. Parrish, Liv Constantine's undeniable writing talent shines through with intricate plots and scenes—but the story ultimately drags on far too long, with an overindulgent build-up that leaves the narrative uninteresting. While the pacing might be intended to create tension, it becomes an exercise in tedium, and the deliberate slowness only heightens the disappointment.
A major drawback is one of the key characters, Amber, who is crafted as an overzealous, obsessed villain. Despite the intricacies of her devious schemes, her portrayal is overly forced and downright insufferable, leaving me struggling to find any realistic motivation behind her manipulations and ultimately detracting from the overall story.
While I found this particular narrative not entirely to my preference, I am inclined to read the second installment in the series because I appreciated Liv Constantine's writing style and hope to see improvements—or at least some clarifications—in the subsequent book. Additionally, I intend to explore more of Constantine's her works in the future.
The Swimmer by Loreth Anne White
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Reading Journal Details
Book: The Swimmer by Loreth Anne White
Format Read: Kindle eBook (349 pages long)
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)
Quick Take Review
The Swimmer offers a rich, dual-timeline narrative where Chloe Cooper's painfully human vulnerability—accentuated by her acute observational skills and tender bond with her dog, Brodie—drives an engaging, suspenseful journey. Despite some exaggerated dramatic sequences and cliched secondary characters, the novel's emotional depth and intricate storytelling make it a memorable read.
Full Review
In The Swimmer, Loreth Anne White introduces us to Chloe Cooper—a protagonist whose awkwardness and limited social skills set the stage for a deeply human, if sometimes painful, journey. Early in the narrative, we see Chloe navigating everyday interactions with an acute observational ability; her internal monologue reveals a sharp awareness of subtle manipulations and mistreatment, even as she remains blissfully aware of the full extent of those around her. This duality is brilliantly accentuated by the alternating "before" and "after" timelines, which not only build suspense but also gradually expose the consequences of her earlier naivety.
A standout moment is the tender portrayal of Chloe's relationship with Brodie, her elderly dog. In one particularly moving scene, as Chloe takes Brodie on a quiet walk, the bond between them is laid bare—reminding us of the unconditional comfort pets can provide during turbulent times. This emotional anchor contrasts sharply with scenes where Chloe's vulnerability is exploited, such as during a tense family gathering that highlights her isolation despite her sharp insights.
However, not every element lands perfectly. Some dramatic sequences, intended to heighten the thriller-esque tension, come off as exaggerated and lead to predictable outcomes, leaving a few secondary characters feeling more like clichés than fully realized individuals. While these moments may have been an intentional stylistic choice, they sometimes detract from the otherwise engaging narrative.
Overall, The Swimmer is a compelling exploration of vulnerability and resilience. Its shifting timelines and intimate character study pull you into Chloe's world, even if a few overly dramatic beats and one-dimensional figures occasionally break the spell.
Book: The Swimmer by Loreth Anne White
Format Read: Kindle eBook (349 pages long)
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (4/5 stars)
Quick Take Review
The Swimmer offers a rich, dual-timeline narrative where Chloe Cooper's painfully human vulnerability—accentuated by her acute observational skills and tender bond with her dog, Brodie—drives an engaging, suspenseful journey. Despite some exaggerated dramatic sequences and cliched secondary characters, the novel's emotional depth and intricate storytelling make it a memorable read.
Full Review
In The Swimmer, Loreth Anne White introduces us to Chloe Cooper—a protagonist whose awkwardness and limited social skills set the stage for a deeply human, if sometimes painful, journey. Early in the narrative, we see Chloe navigating everyday interactions with an acute observational ability; her internal monologue reveals a sharp awareness of subtle manipulations and mistreatment, even as she remains blissfully aware of the full extent of those around her. This duality is brilliantly accentuated by the alternating "before" and "after" timelines, which not only build suspense but also gradually expose the consequences of her earlier naivety.
A standout moment is the tender portrayal of Chloe's relationship with Brodie, her elderly dog. In one particularly moving scene, as Chloe takes Brodie on a quiet walk, the bond between them is laid bare—reminding us of the unconditional comfort pets can provide during turbulent times. This emotional anchor contrasts sharply with scenes where Chloe's vulnerability is exploited, such as during a tense family gathering that highlights her isolation despite her sharp insights.
However, not every element lands perfectly. Some dramatic sequences, intended to heighten the thriller-esque tension, come off as exaggerated and lead to predictable outcomes, leaving a few secondary characters feeling more like clichés than fully realized individuals. While these moments may have been an intentional stylistic choice, they sometimes detract from the otherwise engaging narrative.
Overall, The Swimmer is a compelling exploration of vulnerability and resilience. Its shifting timelines and intimate character study pull you into Chloe's world, even if a few overly dramatic beats and one-dimensional figures occasionally break the spell.
eMortal by Steve Schafer, Steve Schafer
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
informative
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
5.0
Reading Journal Details
Book: eMortal by Steve Schafer
Format Read: Audiobook (8 hours, 35 minutes long)
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Quick Take Review
eMortal captivates with its intricate narrative that alternates between Liv's personal journey and the compelling evolution of her AI creation, Brock, whose growing self-awareness is a marvel to witness. Enhanced by the superb dual narration, this thought-provoking audiobook is an absolute must-listen that blurs the line between human experience and digital consciousness.
Full Review
eMortal is an engrossing, thought-provoking journey that effortlessly pulls you into the intricacies of Liv's multi-layered life—balancing her personal struggles and a high-stakes coding contest in which her AI creation, Brock, must complete numerous challenges. The alternating narrative between Liv and her creation, Brock, is executed brilliantly. As Brock learns, questions reality, and becomes increasingly self-aware, his growth is captivating as it is unpredictable.
Additionally, the superb narration by Rebecca H. Lee and Stacy Carolan breathes life into each character and scene alike, enhancing the already compelling storyline and making the complex themes both accessible and entertaining. Overall, eMortal is a skillfully crafted audiobook that not only entertains, but left me pondering the boundaries between human life and artificial intelligence.
A huge thank you to Netgalley, BooksGoSocial Audio, and the author, Steve Schafer, for providing me with a free advanced listener's copy (ALC) of this book. I am voluntarily leaving this review; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Book: eMortal by Steve Schafer
Format Read: Audiobook (8 hours, 35 minutes long)
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Quick Take Review
eMortal captivates with its intricate narrative that alternates between Liv's personal journey and the compelling evolution of her AI creation, Brock, whose growing self-awareness is a marvel to witness. Enhanced by the superb dual narration, this thought-provoking audiobook is an absolute must-listen that blurs the line between human experience and digital consciousness.
Full Review
eMortal is an engrossing, thought-provoking journey that effortlessly pulls you into the intricacies of Liv's multi-layered life—balancing her personal struggles and a high-stakes coding contest in which her AI creation, Brock, must complete numerous challenges. The alternating narrative between Liv and her creation, Brock, is executed brilliantly. As Brock learns, questions reality, and becomes increasingly self-aware, his growth is captivating as it is unpredictable.
Additionally, the superb narration by Rebecca H. Lee and Stacy Carolan breathes life into each character and scene alike, enhancing the already compelling storyline and making the complex themes both accessible and entertaining. Overall, eMortal is a skillfully crafted audiobook that not only entertains, but left me pondering the boundaries between human life and artificial intelligence.
A huge thank you to Netgalley, BooksGoSocial Audio, and the author, Steve Schafer, for providing me with a free advanced listener's copy (ALC) of this book. I am voluntarily leaving this review; all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Hostile Takeover by Dan Willis
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-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
5.0
Reading Journal Details
Book: Hostile Takeover by Dan Willis
Format Read: Kindle Unlimited eBook (308 pages long)
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Quick Take Review
Dan Willis' Hostile Takeover expertly blends the immersive alternate history of the 1930s with an ever-evolving narrative full of fresh twists and multilayered events. Anchored by the dynamic character of Alex Lockerby and his race against time, this installment is a standout 5-star read in one of my all-time favorite series.
Full Review
The Arcane Casebook series stands as one of my top ten favorite series, brilliantly blending an authentic alternate history of the 1930s with a narrative bursting with fresh, multilayered events that contribute to an ever-expanding large picture. Dan Willis crafts a vividly immersive world where every twist and turn deepens the intrigue, and the historical details feel remarkably real.
The characters are a particular highlight, as each one is thoughtfully developed, growing alongside the whirlwind of events that propel the story forward engagingly. In particular, Alex Lockerby's race against time and his unwavering determination to master the challenges he faces infuse the novel with relentless energy and excitement, making it a truly thrilling read from start to finish.
Book: Hostile Takeover by Dan Willis
Format Read: Kindle Unlimited eBook (308 pages long)
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ (5/5)
Quick Take Review
Dan Willis' Hostile Takeover expertly blends the immersive alternate history of the 1930s with an ever-evolving narrative full of fresh twists and multilayered events. Anchored by the dynamic character of Alex Lockerby and his race against time, this installment is a standout 5-star read in one of my all-time favorite series.
Full Review
The Arcane Casebook series stands as one of my top ten favorite series, brilliantly blending an authentic alternate history of the 1930s with a narrative bursting with fresh, multilayered events that contribute to an ever-expanding large picture. Dan Willis crafts a vividly immersive world where every twist and turn deepens the intrigue, and the historical details feel remarkably real.
The characters are a particular highlight, as each one is thoughtfully developed, growing alongside the whirlwind of events that propel the story forward engagingly. In particular, Alex Lockerby's race against time and his unwavering determination to master the challenges he faces infuse the novel with relentless energy and excitement, making it a truly thrilling read from start to finish.