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rgoth's reviews
365 reviews
Under the Dome by Stephen King
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
There’s no one quite like Stephen King when it comes to drawing you into a story, weaving a rich tapestry of suspense and emotion that grips your imagination. Just when you’re at the edge of your seat, he masterfully delivers an ending that leaves you so infuriated that you’ll want to hurl a book across the room in frustration!
This is such a hefty read and I'm not sure it needs to be this long only to be let down by the frustrating end.
This is such a hefty read and I'm not sure it needs to be this long only to be let down by the frustrating end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape and Sexual assault
You Don't Have To Have A Dream by Tim Minchin, Tim Minchin
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.25
Firstly this is short and I mean short. I was able to read it when my food was cooking. This book is a delightful blend of beauty and wit, perfectly capturing the essence of Minchin's unique style. His humour is both clever and thought-provoking, making for an engaging experience. However, I found myself wishing for even more of his personal insights and stories woven between the three speeches. These narratives would have added even greater depth and context, enhancing the overall richness of the content.
Despite this minor yearning for more, I thoroughly enjoyed the piece and appreciate the creativity and charm that Minchin consistently brings to his work
Despite this minor yearning for more, I thoroughly enjoyed the piece and appreciate the creativity and charm that Minchin consistently brings to his work
The Bone Hacker by Kathy Reichs
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This was my first delve into this particular series, and although I realized I was diving in out of the intended order, I was pleasantly surprised to find that it functioned well as a stand-alone novel.
One of the aspects I truly appreciated was the character development. The author crafted complex characters that felt authentic and relatable, making their journeys engaging to follow. Additionally, the occasional inclusion of French phrases added a charming layer to the narrative, enriching the setting and providing a nice cultural touch. I also found myself drawn to the protagonist's inner monologue; it was introspective and relatable, though I must admit that the repetitive phrase “I didn’t say it” became a bit grating at times.
However, my primary critique of the story revolves around its resolution. It felt overly convenient to have such separate investigations and an unrelated death in Canada, all of which Brennan has a connection with, all seamlessly intertwined. The neatness of the connections stretched believability for me, making the story feel contrived rather than organically unfolding.
Overall, I found the writing style engaging and skilful, and I'm still interested in exploring more books in this series. Despite my slight disappointment with certain plot elements, I look forward to seeing how the author develops future stories and characters.
One of the aspects I truly appreciated was the character development. The author crafted complex characters that felt authentic and relatable, making their journeys engaging to follow. Additionally, the occasional inclusion of French phrases added a charming layer to the narrative, enriching the setting and providing a nice cultural touch. I also found myself drawn to the protagonist's inner monologue; it was introspective and relatable, though I must admit that the repetitive phrase “I didn’t say it” became a bit grating at times.
However, my primary critique of the story revolves around its resolution. It felt overly convenient to have such separate investigations and an unrelated death in Canada, all of which Brennan has a connection with, all seamlessly intertwined. The neatness of the connections stretched believability for me, making the story feel contrived rather than organically unfolding.
Overall, I found the writing style engaging and skilful, and I'm still interested in exploring more books in this series. Despite my slight disappointment with certain plot elements, I look forward to seeing how the author develops future stories and characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty and Animal death
Moderate: Car accident and Murder
Till The Last Piece: A Perfect Recipe For Murder by Kenneth Cruz
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I was not expecting this to be as short. I was pleasantly surprised by how quickly I was able to finish this book—within about an hour, to be precise. Despite its length, the writing is exceptionally well-crafted, and it effectively builds an atmospheric tension that lingers long after reading.
One aspect that did stand out to me, however, was the method described for creating the poison. The book suggests that apples seeds and bitter almond were. Used to make cyanide but over 200 apple seeds would be needed, which translates to approximately 40 apples, along with around 50 bitter almonds. This raises a significant question: are we expected to believe that such a large quantity of these items could be readily available and left lying around?
Additionally, I had a strong intuition about the events that would unfold when the protagonist awoke. While I had a sinking feeling in my stomach regarding what was about to happen, the emotional impact of the moment was undeniable. Even with my anticipated outcome, it still hit home and resonated profoundly.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this swift yet haunting read. I want to extend my gratitude to the author, the publishers, and NetGalley for providing me with the audiobook version. All opinions I express here are entirely my own and reflect an honest assessment of the work.
One aspect that did stand out to me, however, was the method described for creating the poison. The book suggests that apples seeds and bitter almond were. Used to make cyanide but over 200 apple seeds would be needed, which translates to approximately 40 apples, along with around 50 bitter almonds. This raises a significant question: are we expected to believe that such a large quantity of these items could be readily available and left lying around?
Additionally, I had a strong intuition about the events that would unfold when the protagonist awoke. While I had a sinking feeling in my stomach regarding what was about to happen, the emotional impact of the moment was undeniable. Even with my anticipated outcome, it still hit home and resonated profoundly.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this swift yet haunting read. I want to extend my gratitude to the author, the publishers, and NetGalley for providing me with the audiobook version. All opinions I express here are entirely my own and reflect an honest assessment of the work.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death and Murder
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Given the length of this novella, it surprisingly manages to leave a profound impact that I anticipate will linger with me for quite some time. The writing is not only beautifully crafted but also deeply poignant, striking a delicate balance. Each page resonates with raw emotion, leaving me both unsettled and captivated. The story unfolds with a haunting quality that stays with you, vividly illustrating the complexities of human experience and emotion. It’s a striking work that invites reflection and evokes empathy, making it a truly memorable read.
It's beautiful and bleak in equal measures.
It's beautiful and bleak in equal measures.
Knots and Crosses by Ian Rankin
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
Having heard so much about Rankin's reputation as a master of crime fiction, I was excited to start this series for the first time, but unfortunately, my high expectations led to a sense of disappointment.
The core of my dissatisfaction revolved around the main character. Although I could appreciate his troubled past and the impact of his PTSD, I found him to be fundamentally unlikable. I struggled to connect with him on any meaningful level. His episodes of blackout during sex and the unsettling trend of strangling women were deeply disturbing, making it nearly impossible for me to root for him. Rather than adding tension to the narrative, these traits felt like obstacles, detracting from both the investigation and the overall story arc. Instead of captivating me, they left me feeling uneasy and disengaged.
The core of my dissatisfaction revolved around the main character. Although I could appreciate his troubled past and the impact of his PTSD, I found him to be fundamentally unlikable. I struggled to connect with him on any meaningful level. His episodes of blackout during sex and the unsettling trend of strangling women were deeply disturbing, making it nearly impossible for me to root for him. Rather than adding tension to the narrative, these traits felt like obstacles, detracting from both the investigation and the overall story arc. Instead of captivating me, they left me feeling uneasy and disengaged.
The Jigsaw Man by Nadine Matheson
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-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
Lie Beside Me by Gytha Lodge
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
While I found this book to be an engaging read, it doesn't quite rank as my favorite work by Gytha Lodge. The characters are intricately flawed, which made it difficult for me to fully connect with any of them, though I held onto the hope that Alex hadn't committed any truly heinous acts.
As the narrative unfolded, I began to appreciate Louise more, despite her initially coming across as a rather fragile character. She evolved somewhat, but I often wished she had displayed greater strength.
There were several loose threads in the plot that I felt weren't adequately resolved by the conclusion. The outcomes surrounding April, a friend of Louise's, were particularly exasperating; I had a sense from the very beginning that there was something amiss with her.
In spite of these critiques, the story itself was undeniably gripping, expertly crafted to keep readers guessing until the very last page. The author's skillful writing and clever twists made for an exhilarating ride and I can't wait to read more from her.
As the narrative unfolded, I began to appreciate Louise more, despite her initially coming across as a rather fragile character. She evolved somewhat, but I often wished she had displayed greater strength.
There were several loose threads in the plot that I felt weren't adequately resolved by the conclusion. The outcomes surrounding April, a friend of Louise's, were particularly exasperating; I had a sense from the very beginning that there was something amiss with her.
In spite of these critiques, the story itself was undeniably gripping, expertly crafted to keep readers guessing until the very last page. The author's skillful writing and clever twists made for an exhilarating ride and I can't wait to read more from her.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, Rape, Murder, and Alcohol
Wisteria by Adalyn Grace
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
4.0
This book is a visual and emotional delight. At first, I found myself eagerly anticipating a deeper exploration of the theme of death, but as the narrative unfolded, I was a little disappointed.
Initially, I found myself detesting the character of Fate; he struck me as vile and bitter, and all I could wish for was to see life and death unite in a quest to destroy him. There was an unsettling tension surrounding him that sparked a strong reaction within me.
While the overarching storyline felt somewhat predictable, the relationship that flourished between Blythe and Aris was undeniably captivating. Their connection radiated a warmth that I couldn’t help but be drawn to. Despite the similarities to the dynamic between Death and Signa from the previous books, I remained thoroughly absorbed in their journey.
I enjoyed the plot at the end, yet I couldn’t shake the feeling that a cliffhanger would have elevated the experience, leaving me craving more. Overall, it’s a beautifully crafted tale that weaves together themes of love—one that is as tender as it is tragic. A love that is worth living for, searching for and dying for. Although I didn’t find it quite as enchanting as "Belladonna," it still showcased Grace's exquisite writing style and clever narrative. She managed to pull me into a genre I don’t typically favour, and I was captivated, ultimately falling completely in love with this poignant love story.
Initially, I found myself detesting the character of Fate; he struck me as vile and bitter, and all I could wish for was to see life and death unite in a quest to destroy him. There was an unsettling tension surrounding him that sparked a strong reaction within me.
While the overarching storyline felt somewhat predictable, the relationship that flourished between Blythe and Aris was undeniably captivating. Their connection radiated a warmth that I couldn’t help but be drawn to. Despite the similarities to the dynamic between Death and Signa from the previous books, I remained thoroughly absorbed in their journey.
I enjoyed the plot at the end, yet I couldn’t shake the feeling that a cliffhanger would have elevated the experience, leaving me craving more. Overall, it’s a beautifully crafted tale that weaves together themes of love—one that is as tender as it is tragic. A love that is worth living for, searching for and dying for. Although I didn’t find it quite as enchanting as "Belladonna," it still showcased Grace's exquisite writing style and clever narrative. She managed to pull me into a genre I don’t typically favour, and I was captivated, ultimately falling completely in love with this poignant love story.
No One Saw a Thing by Andrea Mara
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Wow, this book was absolutely gripping from start to finish, and I truly loved every moment of it.
The scene where the girls board that train in the underground subway struck a nerve with me; it triggered a wave of anxiety because losing my child in the underground is one of my biggest fears. From that moment onward, the story was relentless. Each chapter ended on a tantalising cliffhanger, making it nearly impossible to put the book down—my heart was racing with every turn of the page.
There were instances throughout the narrative where the plot became a bit less believable, possibly straying into improbable territory, but I found that I didn’t even mind. I was completely immersed in the characters and the unfolding drama, eager to unravel the intricate threads of the storyline.
As for Aaron, he was truly the epitome of a villain. His actions were despicable, and by the conclusion, I felt that he absolutely deserved everything that came his way. The author did a remarkable job of crafting a satisfying resolution for his character, leaving me both relieved and vindicated.
The scene where the girls board that train in the underground subway struck a nerve with me; it triggered a wave of anxiety because losing my child in the underground is one of my biggest fears. From that moment onward, the story was relentless. Each chapter ended on a tantalising cliffhanger, making it nearly impossible to put the book down—my heart was racing with every turn of the page.
There were instances throughout the narrative where the plot became a bit less believable, possibly straying into improbable territory, but I found that I didn’t even mind. I was completely immersed in the characters and the unfolding drama, eager to unravel the intricate threads of the storyline.
As for Aaron, he was truly the epitome of a villain. His actions were despicable, and by the conclusion, I felt that he absolutely deserved everything that came his way. The author did a remarkable job of crafting a satisfying resolution for his character, leaving me both relieved and vindicated.