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siglerbooknook's reviews
174 reviews
The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
adventurous
challenging
dark
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
4.75
This book was every bit as good as I remember it being when I was a teenager, and possibly even more challenging. The premise is so dark and sad, but the characters so loveable it's hard not to enjoy the story.
I love watching the character growth in Peeta and Katniss. I will always cry at that one death. Haymitch is probably my favorite character.
The underlying warnings about a people divided are hard to ignore.
My only real complaint with the book is how stiff Katniss is throughout, even when she knows what's on the line. Maybe it's just because I don't relate to her personality but I found myself rolling my eyes at how obtuse she is at times. However, this definitely doesn't ruin the story for me at all.
I love watching the character growth in Peeta and Katniss. I will always cry at that one death. Haymitch is probably my favorite character.
The underlying warnings about a people divided are hard to ignore.
My only real complaint with the book is how stiff Katniss is throughout, even when she knows what's on the line. Maybe it's just because I don't relate to her personality but I found myself rolling my eyes at how obtuse she is at times. However, this definitely doesn't ruin the story for me at all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Blood, Medical trauma, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Gore, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, and Classism
Breath of the Dragon by A.L. Tait
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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? No
4.5
This was such a cute ending to this 3 book adventure. There are wonderful examples of character growth, morals, how to be the bigger person, and still a good sense of justice and satisfaction at the end.
There are some typos throughout the book, and a few points where our lead characters make silly decisions, but they are 14 after all.
Some of the peril us situations they end up in are unbelievable but very entertaining.
Zain is a wonderfully written role model, who instills many important lessons on his young charges. He often shares hard won wisdom in a nurturing way.
I will definitely be adding this trilogy to my own collection.
There are some typos throughout the book, and a few points where our lead characters make silly decisions, but they are 14 after all.
Some of the peril us situations they end up in are unbelievable but very entertaining.
Zain is a wonderfully written role model, who instills many important lessons on his young charges. He often shares hard won wisdom in a nurturing way.
I will definitely be adding this trilogy to my own collection.
The Last Namsara by Kristen Ciccarelli
adventurous
challenging
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? No
4.0
This story was entertaining and unique. I love the idea of stories holding magic for both good and evil.
My favorite parts of this book were the way the author wove her lore and stories into the over arching plot, the dragons, and the relationship between the two. She did a wonderful job making the old stories feel magical and they were definitely my favorite parts of the book. I also loved that the dragons we see in the story have very unique personalities that feel somewhere between human and animal. The idea that they can also share stories was beautiful!
I unfortunately didn't really find the characters to be engaging or likeable. There were points where I understood them, but often they hold to a personality flaw too long and it makes them feel stuck and flat. A good portion of the sub plot would have been easily avoided with some direct communication.
Everyone in this story was either absolutely evil, or a want-to-be martyr.
That said, the one character death in the book made me cry.
Jarek was so cruel he made a rather unbelievable character with 0 redeeming qualities. The author does a good job making us hate him, and I do understand his motives.
Her other villain however, honestly didn't make sense to me. He had everything to lose and nothing to gain by making the decisions he did.
Over all, I could definitely see a younger reader loving this book. It has a leading lady who is believably strong and a leading man who is both masculine and gentle. There was enough to the plot to be entertaining and most of the answers were satisfying. I even found myself surprised with one of the reveals.
My favorite parts of this book were the way the author wove her lore and stories into the over arching plot, the dragons, and the relationship between the two. She did a wonderful job making the old stories feel magical and they were definitely my favorite parts of the book. I also loved that the dragons we see in the story have very unique personalities that feel somewhere between human and animal. The idea that they can also share stories was beautiful!
I unfortunately didn't really find the characters to be engaging or likeable. There were points where I understood them, but often they hold to a personality flaw too long and it makes them feel stuck and flat. A good portion of the sub plot would have been easily avoided with some direct communication.
Everyone in this story was either absolutely evil, or a want-to-be martyr.
That said, the one character death in the book made me cry.
Jarek was so cruel he made a rather unbelievable character with 0 redeeming qualities. The author does a good job making us hate him, and I do understand his motives.
Her other villain however, honestly didn't make sense to me. He had everything to lose and nothing to gain by making the decisions he did.
Over all, I could definitely see a younger reader loving this book. It has a leading lady who is believably strong and a leading man who is both masculine and gentle. There was enough to the plot to be entertaining and most of the answers were satisfying. I even found myself surprised with one of the reveals.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Sexism, Slavery, Torture, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Confinement, Genocide, Physical abuse, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Emotional abuse, Terminal illness, Medical content, Medical trauma, Death of parent, and Fire/Fire injury
The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
!!!CONTAINS MINOR SPOILERS!!!
This book has proved complicated to review. I have many conflicting thoughts and feelings now that I've finished the whole story.
While the ending wasn't completely satisfying it does make sense, both with the plot, and with the way the main characters have been built. Several goals from all 3 books felt very rushed. Big bads that have been overwhelmingly powerful for 3 books were a cliffnote in the ending.
Of all the characters in the book I liked Diana and Matthew the least. Their personalities while well rounded, are very similar to how they were in the beginning of the first book. I don't feel like they grew much. By this book I felt like Matthew should have learned to have some faith in Diana and Diana should stop second guessing everything.
The side characters however, completely make up for it. I love almost every other character in the book, even if some feel like completely different people from the last time we saw them.
I felt like the plot dragged a little in the middle. We spend the entire second book on Diana learning to use her magic, so further learning in this book felt repetitive. I didn't really need to know how she comes up with words and ingredients for spells multiple times to understand she was growing as a witch.
I did love the big reveal at the end. Harkness does a wonderful job pulling all the tiny clues together. Any detail can be tied back to the reveal beautifully. I do wish she'd answered a few of the broader questions in a little more detail, like what daemons, witches, and vampires are.
Over all I enjoyed the story and am mostly satisfied with the ending.
This book has proved complicated to review. I have many conflicting thoughts and feelings now that I've finished the whole story.
While the ending wasn't completely satisfying it does make sense, both with the plot, and with the way the main characters have been built. Several goals from all 3 books felt very rushed. Big bads that have been overwhelmingly powerful for 3 books were a cliffnote in the ending.
Of all the characters in the book I liked Diana and Matthew the least. Their personalities while well rounded, are very similar to how they were in the beginning of the first book. I don't feel like they grew much. By this book I felt like Matthew should have learned to have some faith in Diana and Diana should stop second guessing everything.
The side characters however, completely make up for it. I love almost every other character in the book, even if some feel like completely different people from the last time we saw them.
I felt like the plot dragged a little in the middle. We spend the entire second book on Diana learning to use her magic, so further learning in this book felt repetitive. I didn't really need to know how she comes up with words and ingredients for spells multiple times to understand she was growing as a witch.
I did love the big reveal at the end. Harkness does a wonderful job pulling all the tiny clues together. Any detail can be tied back to the reveal beautifully. I do wish she'd answered a few of the broader questions in a little more detail, like what daemons, witches, and vampires are.
Over all I enjoyed the story and am mostly satisfied with the ending.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Torture, Violence, and Stalking
Moderate: Child death, Confinement, Death, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Medical content, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Eating disorder, Miscarriage, Misogyny, and Kidnapping
The Return of the King by J.R.R. Tolkien
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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? No
5.0
I can't believe I waited so long to read these books. I've loved the movies since childhood and was always told that the books were so full of detail that they made for a rather boring read.
While there is a great deal of detail and information that is purely world building with no obvious effect on the story, I couldn't have loved it more.
I absolutely loved how much more complete the end of the story is in the novel. I was left much more satisfied. All the effort felt rewarded, not just survived.
There are so many subtle little details that at first seemed unimportant, but the more I thought over the story, the more I found the little things to mean the most.
Several points in the story surprised me, even being familiar with the movies and plot.
Once again the side characters stole my heart. While our main heroes are important and loveable, it was the courage and honor of the "less important" that I found inspiring.
This is a story I will always treasure and will likely read again.
While there is a great deal of detail and information that is purely world building with no obvious effect on the story, I couldn't have loved it more.
I absolutely loved how much more complete the end of the story is in the novel. I was left much more satisfied. All the effort felt rewarded, not just survived.
There are so many subtle little details that at first seemed unimportant, but the more I thought over the story, the more I found the little things to mean the most.
Several points in the story surprised me, even being familiar with the movies and plot.
Once again the side characters stole my heart. While our main heroes are important and loveable, it was the courage and honor of the "less important" that I found inspiring.
This is a story I will always treasure and will likely read again.
Content Warnings
Minor: Chronic illness, Death, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
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? No
4.5
This was a very engaging book full of important little details. Harkness does a great job of pulling all the pieces together so they are believable and entertaining.
This book does a great job building both our main characters and several of the side characters from the first book, as well as introducing new characters that feel like real people.
I must say, I enjoyed the side characters even more than Matthew and Diana.
I found Matthew's brooding a bit taxing as the story went along. It felt like growth between Diana and Matthew took a bit too long and it did get frustrating, however the side characters were loveable enough to make up for it.
I love Harkness's way of weaving useful information in with the desires and personalities we've already come to know of Matthew and Diana. They didn't feel like completely different people despite their circumstances.
She also does a wonderful job of making the story feel complete, letting the reader see little snippets of detail like the ripples a choice causes in time. I don't understand how this book could feel so beautifully finished and yet leave me so tense and ready for the third book. I can't wait to see how this trilogy will end in the next novel.
This book does a great job building both our main characters and several of the side characters from the first book, as well as introducing new characters that feel like real people.
I must say, I enjoyed the side characters even more than Matthew and Diana.
I found Matthew's brooding a bit taxing as the story went along. It felt like growth between Diana and Matthew took a bit too long and it did get frustrating, however the side characters were loveable enough to make up for it.
I love Harkness's way of weaving useful information in with the desires and personalities we've already come to know of Matthew and Diana. They didn't feel like completely different people despite their circumstances.
She also does a wonderful job of making the story feel complete, letting the reader see little snippets of detail like the ripples a choice causes in time. I don't understand how this book could feel so beautifully finished and yet leave me so tense and ready for the third book. I can't wait to see how this trilogy will end in the next novel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infertility, Miscarriage, and Abandonment
Moderate: Child death, Drug use, Torture, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Addiction, Animal death, Homophobia, Infidelity, Self harm, Sexual content, Antisemitism, Religious bigotry, and Pandemic/Epidemic
She's Buried Deep by Georgia Wagner
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
The over arching plot of the book was enjoyable and well thought out. Some of the puzzle pieces were told a bit obviously, but they still fit, no plot holes.
This was definitely an "along for the ride mystery". While the pieces fit they are so scrambled and several are red herrings making it impossible to find the answer.
While I liked the story, some of the chapter switches were very sudden and jarring. I definitely think some of the character building and connections could have been filled out more.
The sub plots felt like curve balls that would then swing violently back toward the main story making it a bit difficult to enjoy the lighter moments. The word play and quips were enjoyable, even if sometimes they felt a bit forced.
A lot of the description felt like the author wanted to write a dark thriller, but then was afraid of the description that would illicit the shivers of memorable books in the genre.
Over all it was a cute read and was short enough to stay enjoyable.
This was definitely an "along for the ride mystery". While the pieces fit they are so scrambled and several are red herrings making it impossible to find the answer.
While I liked the story, some of the chapter switches were very sudden and jarring. I definitely think some of the character building and connections could have been filled out more.
The sub plots felt like curve balls that would then swing violently back toward the main story making it a bit difficult to enjoy the lighter moments. The word play and quips were enjoyable, even if sometimes they felt a bit forced.
A lot of the description felt like the author wanted to write a dark thriller, but then was afraid of the description that would illicit the shivers of memorable books in the genre.
Over all it was a cute read and was short enough to stay enjoyable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping and Murder
Minor: Mental illness and Violence
Prisoner of the Black Hawk by A.L. Tait
adventurous
lighthearted
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
As is true with most trilogies, this book felt a bit slower than the first book. It had a few tiny plot holes but nothing that couldn't be overlooked.
The "villain" characters in this book are incredibly unlikeable and I desperately want to see them get their comeuppance.
The middle of the book felt a bit stretched. Though I am impressed by Tait's ability to make endless days of ocean travel entertaining.
I enjoyed the lead characters and how I can relate to their feelings even as an adult. Looking forward to starting the last book soon.
The "villain" characters in this book are incredibly unlikeable and I desperately want to see them get their comeuppance.
The middle of the book felt a bit stretched. Though I am impressed by Tait's ability to make endless days of ocean travel entertaining.
I enjoyed the lead characters and how I can relate to their feelings even as an adult. Looking forward to starting the last book soon.
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
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? No
4.75
I loved this book! The story captured so many emotions well. It made me laugh, made me nervous. I was fully invested in the heroes. The villains were frightening. They felt like real people with motivations while still feeling dangerous and bad.
The side characters are wonderful. Each character felt like their own person, even those who were only in a few chapters. Harkness does a wonderful job writing witty banter. I caught myself laughing out loud at several points.
The unique take on witches, vampires, and demons was very enjoyable. I loved the world building and how myth and legend are woven so seemlessly into the story.
My only gripe was how secretive a few characters are. It feels like a few things would have been a lot less dangerous with honest communication. I also didn't like Matthew much at the beginning because he was so controlling, but that got better/more understandable as the story went along.
The side characters are wonderful. Each character felt like their own person, even those who were only in a few chapters. Harkness does a wonderful job writing witty banter. I caught myself laughing out loud at several points.
The unique take on witches, vampires, and demons was very enjoyable. I loved the world building and how myth and legend are woven so seemlessly into the story.
My only gripe was how secretive a few characters are. It feels like a few things would have been a lot less dangerous with honest communication. I also didn't like Matthew much at the beginning because he was so controlling, but that got better/more understandable as the story went along.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Torture, and Murder
Moderate: Blood
Minor: Infertility, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Medical trauma, Stalking, Pregnancy, War, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Race to the End of the World by A.L. Tait
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
This was such a cute book! Despite being aimed at much younger people I found myself not only entertained, but feeling like I learned something. There are a few different quips in the book that made me laugh out loud.
I love the main characters. They all manage to have a distinctive feel. The plot was fast paced and had a surprising amount of action for a story set at sea.
I can't wait to start the next one and see what happens next. A truly enjoyable light read.
I love the main characters. They all manage to have a distinctive feel. The plot was fast paced and had a surprising amount of action for a story set at sea.
I can't wait to start the next one and see what happens next. A truly enjoyable light read.
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Slavery, Blood, Murder, and Classism