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sammis_bookshelf's reviews
107 reviews
Ataraxia by Jacklyn Parker
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Torture, Violence, and Blood
Minor: Drug abuse, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
That Sik Luv by Jescie Hall
dark
emotional
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
4.25
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Absentia Mori by M. Violet
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
M Violet promised a vile, depraved and filthy book and she delivered!
π₯π€ "F**k. I hate how hot he looks standing over me with the bloody scalpel." π€π₯
Throughout the devils of ravens gate duet I kept wondering 'where is Libra?' and I'm so happy she got her own book! The spoiled princess is shown in a completely new light when she is held at Absentia Asylum.
π₯π€ "The more they degrade me, the more feral I become. The more I want to surrender to their every psychotic whim." π€π₯
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book. As always, this is my honest review.
π₯π€ "F**k. I hate how hot he looks standing over me with the bloody scalpel." π€π₯
Throughout the devils of ravens gate duet I kept wondering 'where is Libra?' and I'm so happy she got her own book! The spoiled princess is shown in a completely new light when she is held at Absentia Asylum.
π₯π€ "The more they degrade me, the more feral I become. The more I want to surrender to their every psychotic whim." π€π₯
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC of this book. As always, this is my honest review.
Whatever Whispers by Genna Black
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Dark academia but with a sprinkle of cuteness, and a hot single dad with a knife kink π€
"How do I word, I will forfeit all my mortal possessions if you promise to never leave my sight again, without scaring her off? - Jack"
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of Whatever Whispers by Genna Black. I devoured this book! Hooked immediately from the first page and obsessed with the main characters (and Kronk - I hold a special place for a big bousterious german shepherd).
The mental health rep in this was spot on. The FMC suffers anxiety and it is so accurately described in this.
Some of the tropes include: Professor x student, Single dad x nanny, age gap, slow burn
I cannot wait to read more from this author.
"To everyone who struggles with mental illness. Most of the time the only ghosts are the ones in your mind, but that doesnβt make them any less terrifying."
"How do I word, I will forfeit all my mortal possessions if you promise to never leave my sight again, without scaring her off? - Jack"
I was lucky enough to receive an ARC copy of Whatever Whispers by Genna Black. I devoured this book! Hooked immediately from the first page and obsessed with the main characters (and Kronk - I hold a special place for a big bousterious german shepherd).
The mental health rep in this was spot on. The FMC suffers anxiety and it is so accurately described in this.
Some of the tropes include: Professor x student, Single dad x nanny, age gap, slow burn
I cannot wait to read more from this author.
"To everyone who struggles with mental illness. Most of the time the only ghosts are the ones in your mind, but that doesnβt make them any less terrifying."
Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver
dark
emotional
funny
tense
medium-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? Yes
5.0
The Wedding Party: An addictive psychological thriller full of twists and turns set on a sweltering Australian beach by Rebecca Heath
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The story centers around Adele who is marrying Jason (A friend of her childhood sweetheart Ollie, who tragically died when they were younger.)
It's told in multiple POV covering the present and the past - Adele and Melanie (Ollie's mum) take us through the present and Sophie (Ollie's brother) takes us through the past. I was a little thrown by Adele and Melanie's POV being in first person but Sophie's in third.
I felt it a little slow to start but it did keep me interested with complex relationships between the characters, hidden secrets and shocking twists.
I wouldn't say any of the main characters are particularly likeable, maybe a little more depth to their backstory would of helped this. Dorothy and her little dog Laila were my favorite though.
Melanies POV was interesting. I felt it gave Girl on the train vibes. She is an unreliable narrator and you question if what she believes is true. I really felt for her in her grief following the loss of her son and was rooting for her to be able to heal.
All in all it was a decent thriller that was enjoyable, kept me guessing and made me want to read to the end.
Thank you Aria and Aries and NetGalley for this ARC.
Thank you Aria and Aries and NetGalley for this ARC.
Exodus by Kate Stewart
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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
5.0