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shellballenger's reviews
496 reviews
Larger Than Life by Jodi Picoult
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Type of read: Commuter Read.
What made me pick it up: Picoult is a regular on my TBR and I was looking for something that wasn't as hefty (in length) as some of the other books I'm currently reading.
Overall rating: When I started 'Where There's Smoke,' I didn't realize it was a prequel to 'Leaving Time.' The version I loaned from my library included both 'Where There's Smoke' and 'Larger Than Life.' As stand-alone stories, they were both quick reads, with the same gut-wrenching emotion you expect from Picoult. I liked that I could enjoy Picoult's writing in a shorter format and I'm interested to see how these play into 'Leaving Time' (which I've already got on loan from my library).
Reader's Note: 'Where There's Smoke' includes some graphic depictions of death and 'Larger Than Life' includes descriptions of animal abuse.
What made me pick it up: Picoult is a regular on my TBR and I was looking for something that wasn't as hefty (in length) as some of the other books I'm currently reading.
Overall rating: When I started 'Where There's Smoke,' I didn't realize it was a prequel to 'Leaving Time.' The version I loaned from my library included both 'Where There's Smoke' and 'Larger Than Life.' As stand-alone stories, they were both quick reads, with the same gut-wrenching emotion you expect from Picoult. I liked that I could enjoy Picoult's writing in a shorter format and I'm interested to see how these play into 'Leaving Time' (which I've already got on loan from my library).
Reader's Note: 'Where There's Smoke' includes some graphic depictions of death and 'Larger Than Life' includes descriptions of animal abuse.
Where There's Smoke by Jodi Picoult
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Type of read: Commuter Read.
What made me pick it up: Picoult is a regular on my TBR and I was looking for something that wasn't as hefty (in length) as some of the other books I'm currently reading.
Overall rating: When I started 'Where There's Smoke,' I didn't realize it was a prequel to 'Leaving Time.' The version I loaned from my library included both 'Where There's Smoke' and 'Larger Than Life.' As stand-alone stories, they were both quick reads, with the same gut-wrenching emotion you expect from Picoult. I liked that I could enjoy Picoult's writing in a shorter format and I'm interested to see how these play into 'Leaving Time' (which I've already got on loan from my library).
Reader's Note: 'Where There's Smoke' includes some graphic depictions of death and 'Larger Than Life' includes descriptions of animal abuse.
What made me pick it up: Picoult is a regular on my TBR and I was looking for something that wasn't as hefty (in length) as some of the other books I'm currently reading.
Overall rating: When I started 'Where There's Smoke,' I didn't realize it was a prequel to 'Leaving Time.' The version I loaned from my library included both 'Where There's Smoke' and 'Larger Than Life.' As stand-alone stories, they were both quick reads, with the same gut-wrenching emotion you expect from Picoult. I liked that I could enjoy Picoult's writing in a shorter format and I'm interested to see how these play into 'Leaving Time' (which I've already got on loan from my library).
Reader's Note: 'Where There's Smoke' includes some graphic depictions of death and 'Larger Than Life' includes descriptions of animal abuse.
Last Call: A True Story of Love, Lust, and Murder in Queer New York by Elon Green
dark
sad
slow-paced
3.0
Type of read: Commuter Read.
What made me pick it up: One of Tennessee R.E.A.D.s prompts for May is to read a book by or about a journalist. 'Last Call' immediately caught my eye. I didn't start this one until the beginning of June, which felt very fitting at the start of Pride Month.
Overall rating: I am continually thankful for books like 'Last Call' that bring awareness to the lives and stories of those who may not otherwise be shared. With many of the nonfiction books I read, I'm just happy to have the opportunity to read and learn more about a specific point in time. I would definitely recommend 'Last Call' to any true crime individuals. It's an interesting read that is very clearly written and researched.
Reader's Note: 'Last Call' includes themes of gruesome murder, death, and sex.
What made me pick it up: One of Tennessee R.E.A.D.s prompts for May is to read a book by or about a journalist. 'Last Call' immediately caught my eye. I didn't start this one until the beginning of June, which felt very fitting at the start of Pride Month.
Overall rating: I am continually thankful for books like 'Last Call' that bring awareness to the lives and stories of those who may not otherwise be shared. With many of the nonfiction books I read, I'm just happy to have the opportunity to read and learn more about a specific point in time. I would definitely recommend 'Last Call' to any true crime individuals. It's an interesting read that is very clearly written and researched.
Reader's Note: 'Last Call' includes themes of gruesome murder, death, and sex.
Lover Eternal by J.R. Ward
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Type of read: Commuter Read.
What made me pick it up: I stumbled across the Black Dagger Brotherhood in early 2024 with Darius (Book 0) and I got sucked into this crazy, cracked-out world of sexy, throwback feeling, world of vampires fighting something more evil than themselves.
Overall rating: Why do I find myself sucked into this absolutely ridiculous series!?!?!?!?! First, I have to start by saying that I didn't know what I needed in my life was more Rhage, but I'm not complaining. Second, for as cheesy and ridiculous as this series is in certain moments, you can tell that Ward is a true craftsperson with writing. The interconnectedness of each book so far, the backstories, the world-building, it's all honestly incredible. Am I saying that there are not some cringe moments? No. There are most definitely cringe moments. But, in a world of BookTok, quick/self-published romantasy, it's amazing to pick up a series (even if it feels like a dated series) and have fully thought-out storylines, worlds, and characters. And don't even get me started on the proper grammar and spelling. That alone is enough to get a girl going. 😜 I do wish we learned more about John and his journey,especially since he's somewhat of a catalyst for the majority of the plot in 'Lover Eternal,' but I know that his time (and book) is coming. I also really enjoyed that we get a sneak peek into the next book in the series with the Zsadist/Bella entanglement. Ward knew what they were doing. Bring on the vampires, I'm officially sucked in.
Reader's Note: 'Lover Eternal' includes themes of death, dying, sexual assault including rape, physical assault, stalking, and consensual sex.
What made me pick it up: I stumbled across the Black Dagger Brotherhood in early 2024 with Darius (Book 0) and I got sucked into this crazy, cracked-out world of sexy, throwback feeling, world of vampires fighting something more evil than themselves.
Overall rating: Why do I find myself sucked into this absolutely ridiculous series!?!?!?!?! First, I have to start by saying that I didn't know what I needed in my life was more Rhage, but I'm not complaining. Second, for as cheesy and ridiculous as this series is in certain moments, you can tell that Ward is a true craftsperson with writing. The interconnectedness of each book so far, the backstories, the world-building, it's all honestly incredible. Am I saying that there are not some cringe moments? No. There are most definitely cringe moments. But, in a world of BookTok, quick/self-published romantasy, it's amazing to pick up a series (even if it feels like a dated series) and have fully thought-out storylines, worlds, and characters. And don't even get me started on the proper grammar and spelling. That alone is enough to get a girl going. 😜 I do wish we learned more about John and his journey,
Reader's Note: 'Lover Eternal' includes themes of death, dying, sexual assault including rape, physical assault, stalking, and consensual sex.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
I do wish there was more world-building throughout the book, rather than just in little bits and pieces. And maybe I just wasn't paying close enough attention in the beginning, but I wish we had gotten a bit more backstory on the whole rebellion thing. But there's something about 'Forth Wing' that sucks you in. At its core, it's a good story with characters that make you feel something. I do plan to read 'Iron Flame' and continue the series.
Reader's Note: There's definitely not a lack of sex in 'Fourth Wing.' Descriptive, steamy, wall shattering, sex. If you've read the ACOTAR series, it's Silver Flames level sex, with a few Starlight cringe moments. Additionally, I appreciate the fact that our FMC is a sex-positive individual. There are many times that Violet talks about sex in a casual and natural way. If you've read any of my reviews for a while, especially those of spicy books, you know I hate the awkward condom moment where the author suddenly gets a conscience and has to remind everyone their characters are being safe (which some authors are REALLY bad at). I definitely got a chuckle out of the 'I take the fertility suppressant' conversation, it flowed, made sense with the storyline, and was like "here's my obligation to you, the reader, to let you know that my characters aren't dumbasses." 😂
adventurous
inspiring
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
4.25
Type of read: Commuter Read.
What made me pick it up: BookTok made me do it.
Overall rating: Grrrrrrrr. I don't know what it is about this book that I like so much! Because let's be honest:
What made me pick it up: BookTok made me do it.
Overall rating: Grrrrrrrr. I don't know what it is about this book that I like so much! Because let's be honest:
- It's predictable. Like super predictable.
- Violet is...ugh (I really wish we knew more why she's so frail...feels like the whole 'I'm So SmAlL' trend versus being actually representative of anything).
- It feels like a mash-up of the mythical books that I grew up on (very Harry Potter meets Hunger Games).
- There's a whole chunk of the book where they entirely forget about the dragons that supposedly make them who they are (which conveniently is also the part of the book with nearly all of the spicy moments).
- It's a very loose enemies to lovers. Like, very loose.
I do wish there was more world-building throughout the book, rather than just in little bits and pieces. And maybe I just wasn't paying close enough attention in the beginning, but I wish we had gotten a bit more backstory on the whole rebellion thing. But there's something about 'Forth Wing' that sucks you in. At its core, it's a good story with characters that make you feel something. I do plan to read 'Iron Flame' and continue the series.
Reader's Note: There's definitely not a lack of sex in 'Fourth Wing.' Descriptive, steamy, wall shattering, sex. If you've read the ACOTAR series, it's Silver Flames level sex, with a few Starlight cringe moments. Additionally, I appreciate the fact that our FMC is a sex-positive individual. There are many times that Violet talks about sex in a casual and natural way. If you've read any of my reviews for a while, especially those of spicy books, you know I hate the awkward condom moment where the author suddenly gets a conscience and has to remind everyone their characters are being safe (which some authors are REALLY bad at). I definitely got a chuckle out of the 'I take the fertility suppressant' conversation, it flowed, made sense with the storyline, and was like "here's my obligation to you, the reader, to let you know that my characters aren't dumbasses." 😂
The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women by Kate Moore
dark
informative
sad
slow-paced
3.0
Type of read: Commuter Read.
What made me pick it up: I've always heard the radium girls' story, and it's intrigued me.
Overall rating: First and foremost, 'The Radium Girls' made me incredibly mad. The fact that this happened at all is just horrendous, the fact that it happened for so incredibly long is asinine. I feel like the message and the information within 'The Radium Girls' is extremely interesting and something more individuals should know. I did see some other reviews commenting about how Moore seemed to focus on what the girls looked like, what they were wearing, and what their social status was. I felt like maybe within the book they were trying to get across that this could happen to anyone. The amount of detail that was provided for each individual affected by the radium poisoning, and such their ultimate decay as a human being, was a way for Moore to show that this was truly an unbiased disease. I don't know if the pacing and style Moore used was really my style or how I would have approached the book, but all in all, it was good information about a time in our country's history.
Reader's Note: 'The Radium Girls' includes graphic depictions of the health issues 'The Society of the Living Dead,' and many others, experienced due to their work with radium paint.
What made me pick it up: I've always heard the radium girls' story, and it's intrigued me.
Overall rating: First and foremost, 'The Radium Girls' made me incredibly mad. The fact that this happened at all is just horrendous, the fact that it happened for so incredibly long is asinine. I feel like the message and the information within 'The Radium Girls' is extremely interesting and something more individuals should know. I did see some other reviews commenting about how Moore seemed to focus on what the girls looked like, what they were wearing, and what their social status was. I felt like maybe within the book they were trying to get across that this could happen to anyone. The amount of detail that was provided for each individual affected by the radium poisoning, and such their ultimate decay as a human being, was a way for Moore to show that this was truly an unbiased disease. I don't know if the pacing and style Moore used was really my style or how I would have approached the book, but all in all, it was good information about a time in our country's history.
Reader's Note: 'The Radium Girls' includes graphic depictions of the health issues 'The Society of the Living Dead,' and many others, experienced due to their work with radium paint.
Send for Me by Lauren Fox
emotional
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
Type of read: Commuter Read.
What made me pick it up: One of Tennessee R.E.A.D.s prompts for May is to read a book set in a city you want to visit. I opened up my TBR and figured a country I wanted to visit (Germany) also worked. 'Send for Me' has been in my TBR for quite some time so it was a win-win.
Overall rating: 'Send for Me' is beautifully tragic and poetic. I wish I had read a tangible version of the book, I think it would have been easier to comprehend the time switches, but overall I enjoyed 'Send for Me.' The way Fox interconnects the perspectives, how they write the characters, and their expression of what's happening in their lives was probably my favorite part of 'Send for Me.' I would recommend it, in a tangible form, for anyone interested in historical and personal life-based novels.
What made me pick it up: One of Tennessee R.E.A.D.s prompts for May is to read a book set in a city you want to visit. I opened up my TBR and figured a country I wanted to visit (Germany) also worked. 'Send for Me' has been in my TBR for quite some time so it was a win-win.
Overall rating: 'Send for Me' is beautifully tragic and poetic. I wish I had read a tangible version of the book, I think it would have been easier to comprehend the time switches, but overall I enjoyed 'Send for Me.' The way Fox interconnects the perspectives, how they write the characters, and their expression of what's happening in their lives was probably my favorite part of 'Send for Me.' I would recommend it, in a tangible form, for anyone interested in historical and personal life-based novels.
Heir of Fire by Sarah J. Maas
slow-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
3.25
Type of read: Lunch/Weekend Read.
What made me pick it up: Maas sucked me in with ACOTAR and now I just want more of the Maasverse and let's be honest, to prepare for the interconnection of all her literary worlds.
Overall rating: Ahhhh, that dreaded part in a series where the author needs to build worlds and context and *hopefully* set up the next books in the series. Here's the thing, I love 'Heir of Fire' because we get to meet Rowan and get a better look into Celaena Sardothien and who she is growing and training to become, but it's so dang drawn out. There were some points where I was jaw on the floor, not prepared to turn the next page and then there were stretches where it was like, yeah, we get it, she is a cold hardass who doesn't want to let anyone in (and these were also usually the times I was reminded of how young Celaena is...she does celebrate her 19th birthday in 'Heir of Fire'). What I liked about 'Heir of Fire' was the historical looks where we find out more about our FMC and how they became who they are today. I also liked that this was the first book where I saw potential glimpses of worlds colliding (TOG and ACOTAR). Obviously, I'm continuing the series - and I would be lying if I didn't say I knew there were going to be books in the series that were less interesting than the others - I'm just hoping we pick back up with a little less world building and a little more action in 'Queen of Shadows.'
Sidenote - So far my reading order has been: 'Assassian's Blade', 'Throne of Glass', 'Crown of Midnight', and then 'Heir of Fire'. I came into the series only knowing that I loved Maas's style from ACOTAR, I was not privy to any of the TOG characters or storyline. I feel like the way I've tackled the series so far has made a ton of sense from a reading perspective and I feel like I've had the backstory necessary to make certain parts of the first three full books make sense without giving too much away. I'm still trying to decide if I'll be tandem reading 'Empire of Storms' and 'Tower of Dawn.'
Reader's Note: 'Heir of Fire' includes graphic depictions of death and torture.
What made me pick it up: Maas sucked me in with ACOTAR and now I just want more of the Maasverse and let's be honest, to prepare for the interconnection of all her literary worlds.
Overall rating: Ahhhh, that dreaded part in a series where the author needs to build worlds and context and *hopefully* set up the next books in the series. Here's the thing, I love 'Heir of Fire' because we get to meet Rowan and get a better look into Celaena Sardothien and who she is growing and training to become, but it's so dang drawn out. There were some points where I was jaw on the floor, not prepared to turn the next page and then there were stretches where it was like, yeah, we get it, she is a cold hardass who doesn't want to let anyone in (and these were also usually the times I was reminded of how young Celaena is...she does celebrate her 19th birthday in 'Heir of Fire'). What I liked about 'Heir of Fire' was the historical looks where we find out more about our FMC and how they became who they are today. I also liked that this was the first book where I saw potential glimpses of worlds colliding (TOG and ACOTAR). Obviously, I'm continuing the series - and I would be lying if I didn't say I knew there were going to be books in the series that were less interesting than the others - I'm just hoping we pick back up with a little less world building and a little more action in 'Queen of Shadows.'
Sidenote - So far my reading order has been: 'Assassian's Blade', 'Throne of Glass', 'Crown of Midnight', and then 'Heir of Fire'. I came into the series only knowing that I loved Maas's style from ACOTAR, I was not privy to any of the TOG characters or storyline. I feel like the way I've tackled the series so far has made a ton of sense from a reading perspective and I feel like I've had the backstory necessary to make certain parts of the first three full books make sense without giving too much away. I'm still trying to decide if I'll be tandem reading 'Empire of Storms' and 'Tower of Dawn.'
Reader's Note: 'Heir of Fire' includes graphic depictions of death and torture.
Dark Lover by J.R. Ward
dark
mysterious
medium-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
3.5
Type of read: Commuter Read.
What made me pick it up: I stumbled across the Black Dagger Brotherhood a month or so ago with Darius (Book 0, published 17 years after Dark Lover) and I wanted to start at the beginning and see if it was a series worth continuing.
Overall rating: 'Dark Lover' feels like that one book at the library that got miss-shelved in the YA fantasy/romance, so you picked it up while you were perusing the stacks, checked it out at the start of the summer (the all-knowing librarian giving you a bit of the eyebrow raise while they scanned the book and told you the due date), and then you were a completely changed individual when you unabashedly shoved it back into the returns box completely knowing that Wrath was now your newest book boyfriend and all others would be compared to this chiseled, mysterious bad boy. Is it that good that it is a throw across the room after the last page, heart ripped out of your chest, book hangover type of book? Absolutely not. But there is an almost nostalgic quality to 'Dark Lover' that makes me think of simpler times and returning to school in the fall with that smug feeling of knowing you were reading above your grade level...in more ways than one. 😆
16-year-old me would have picked up 'Dark Lover' and fallen in love with the characters, the ridiculous complexity of their backstories, and the overall world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. 33-year-old me enjoys the fact that it's an easy, somewhat predictable but still enjoyable read. One that I would absolutely categorize as an airplane book. It's easy to pick up and put down, there are enough natural pauses that you don't have to work your way through ridiculously long chapter breaks, and it has enough to keep you engaged but you're not going to miss a round of drinks and a dip in the pool to find out what happens next...Wrath and the boys will be there when your slightly toasty self comes back to the room and needs a bit of wind-down time before passing out.
Reader's Note: 'Dark Lover' includes themes of death, dying, sexual assault including rape, stalking, sex, and physical assault.
What made me pick it up: I stumbled across the Black Dagger Brotherhood a month or so ago with Darius (Book 0, published 17 years after Dark Lover) and I wanted to start at the beginning and see if it was a series worth continuing.
Overall rating: 'Dark Lover' feels like that one book at the library that got miss-shelved in the YA fantasy/romance, so you picked it up while you were perusing the stacks, checked it out at the start of the summer (the all-knowing librarian giving you a bit of the eyebrow raise while they scanned the book and told you the due date), and then you were a completely changed individual when you unabashedly shoved it back into the returns box completely knowing that Wrath was now your newest book boyfriend and all others would be compared to this chiseled, mysterious bad boy. Is it that good that it is a throw across the room after the last page, heart ripped out of your chest, book hangover type of book? Absolutely not. But there is an almost nostalgic quality to 'Dark Lover' that makes me think of simpler times and returning to school in the fall with that smug feeling of knowing you were reading above your grade level...in more ways than one. 😆
16-year-old me would have picked up 'Dark Lover' and fallen in love with the characters, the ridiculous complexity of their backstories, and the overall world of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. 33-year-old me enjoys the fact that it's an easy, somewhat predictable but still enjoyable read. One that I would absolutely categorize as an airplane book. It's easy to pick up and put down, there are enough natural pauses that you don't have to work your way through ridiculously long chapter breaks, and it has enough to keep you engaged but you're not going to miss a round of drinks and a dip in the pool to find out what happens next...Wrath and the boys will be there when your slightly toasty self comes back to the room and needs a bit of wind-down time before passing out.
Reader's Note: 'Dark Lover' includes themes of death, dying, sexual assault including rape, stalking, sex, and physical assault.
A Whole New World by Liz Braswell
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
Type of read: Commuter Read.
What made me pick it up: Disney + alternate ending = TBR. I've been wanting to start the Twisted Tales series and 'A Whole New World' was next on my list.
Overall rating: My least favorite part of 'A Whole New World' was how word for word the first quarter of the book was to the movie we all know and love. When I get a retelling or an alternate story, I expect just that, a retelling, not a script reading. After the letdown that was 'Go The Distance,' I really wanted to like 'A Whole New World' but it was extremely meh. I have never been one to shy away from YA or to say that certain books shouldn't be read or won't be enjoyed by certain audiences; however, I think that for me, the Twisted Tales series just isn't what I want it to be. Maybe a younger me would enjoy these more? Or a me that doesn't already have every Disney movie memorized so that when the book literally regurgitates the first quarter of the movie it doesn't feel like nails on a chalkboard as you silently scream 'WHERE'S THE WHAT IF' as you wait for the "real" beginning of this supposed to be twisted tale. But with both books that I've tried in the series, I've gotten about halfway through and literally just hoped for a swift end. Which never came. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. I don't think I'll be continuing with any more of the Twisted Tales series, at least for right now, they just aren't my vibe.
What made me pick it up: Disney + alternate ending = TBR. I've been wanting to start the Twisted Tales series and 'A Whole New World' was next on my list.
Overall rating: My least favorite part of 'A Whole New World' was how word for word the first quarter of the book was to the movie we all know and love. When I get a retelling or an alternate story, I expect just that, a retelling, not a script reading. After the letdown that was 'Go The Distance,' I really wanted to like 'A Whole New World' but it was extremely meh. I have never been one to shy away from YA or to say that certain books shouldn't be read or won't be enjoyed by certain audiences; however, I think that for me, the Twisted Tales series just isn't what I want it to be. Maybe a younger me would enjoy these more? Or a me that doesn't already have every Disney movie memorized so that when the book literally regurgitates the first quarter of the movie it doesn't feel like nails on a chalkboard as you silently scream 'WHERE'S THE WHAT IF' as you wait for the "real" beginning of this supposed to be twisted tale. But with both books that I've tried in the series, I've gotten about halfway through and literally just hoped for a swift end. Which never came. Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. I don't think I'll be continuing with any more of the Twisted Tales series, at least for right now, they just aren't my vibe.