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siglerbooknook's reviews
180 reviews
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
House of Shadows by Darcy Coates
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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? No
4.75
This was my second Darcy Coates read and I loved it. The best way I can describe this book is "cozy thriller". It has all the aspects of a thriller, a good ghost story, creepy problems, haunted house, a mystery, and a damsel in distress. However, so much of her character building is wholesome, sweet, and loveable that it perfectly offsets the tense moments.
The story was set at a very quick pace and some things felt a little rushed, but I still enjoyed the plot.
The ending was wonderful and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The mystery was just creepy enough to send a shiver up my spine, but didn't keep me awake or leave me tense when I had to put the book down.
I can't wait to read another Coates novel.
The story was set at a very quick pace and some things felt a little rushed, but I still enjoyed the plot.
The ending was wonderful and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The mystery was just creepy enough to send a shiver up my spine, but didn't keep me awake or leave me tense when I had to put the book down.
I can't wait to read another Coates novel.
The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan
challenging
emotional
reflective
slow-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
3.5
I appreciate this book because it's the foundation for Little Pilgrim's Progress which is a favorite of mine since childhood. I did find the old English of the adult version difficult to follow in places and often had to reread a paragraph to fully understand what was being said.
I found it interesting that the religious turmoil of the age in which this book was written were very evident in the story.
I couldn't quite figure out whether this book was meant to be an allegory, or a story. It fell oddly in the middle in a way that was a bit jarring.
Over all, I still love the story and it was interesting seeing a more mature version of a childhood favorite. It was definitely worth reading, but I can say honestly that Little Pilgrim's Progress is my clear preference when I decide to reread this story again.
I found it interesting that the religious turmoil of the age in which this book was written were very evident in the story.
I couldn't quite figure out whether this book was meant to be an allegory, or a story. It fell oddly in the middle in a way that was a bit jarring.
Over all, I still love the story and it was interesting seeing a more mature version of a childhood favorite. It was definitely worth reading, but I can say honestly that Little Pilgrim's Progress is my clear preference when I decide to reread this story again.
Little Pilgrims Progress by Helen L. Taylor
adventurous
hopeful
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? Yes
5.0
This book was a childhood favorite, so when I saw this beautiful illustrated version I had to have it. I had forgotten how lovely this story is.
This was my first time reading it as an adult and I found myself pondering many of the questions put forth and the differences in Christian's pilgrimage verses Christiana's.
Though a children's book, I think there is a great deal of encouragement and learning to be found for people of all ages.
This was my first time reading it as an adult and I found myself pondering many of the questions put forth and the differences in Christian's pilgrimage verses Christiana's.
Though a children's book, I think there is a great deal of encouragement and learning to be found for people of all ages.
The Two Towers by J.R.R. Tolkien
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This is my first time reading Two Towers and I can't believe I waited this long. This has to be one of my favorite classics. I've always loved the movies and couldn't imagine the story being better, yet as always, the book was even more amazing.
I love the bits that are the same as the movies. The nostalgia factor made me smile every time. I can't believe how much more fleshedol out the characters are! Villains and heroes alike.
My favorite character has to be Faramir.
I truly enjoyed that the first part of the book focused on Gimli, Legolas, and Aragorn, and the second part focused on Frodo and Sam. It was much easier to follow than the back and forth.
I can't wait to see how the story ends in Return of the King.
I love the bits that are the same as the movies. The nostalgia factor made me smile every time. I can't believe how much more fleshedol out the characters are! Villains and heroes alike.
My favorite character has to be Faramir.
I truly enjoyed that the first part of the book focused on Gimli, Legolas, and Aragorn, and the second part focused on Frodo and Sam. It was much easier to follow than the back and forth.
I can't wait to see how the story ends in Return of the King.