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siglerbooknook's reviews
174 reviews
The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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
70% of this book is terribly confusing. There is so much happening, so many characters (many of whom have more than 2 names), and lots of similarities between several of the key players that left me very lost.
However, once the pieces started coming together it was extremely satisfying. I have always loved the movie based on the Count of Monte Cristo, but having now read the book I'm amazed by some of the deviations to extremely important details!
There are characters in the book who are dead or never existed at all in the movie and substantially change the course of events. Other characters are far more devious of their own merit than the movie lets on.
The Count himself is barely recognizable as the same character from film to page. In the book his reasoning is much more clear and the happenings are far more than petty vengeance. The Count is a master at pulling strings and uncovering information but I liked that the downfall of so many characters was their own fault in the end.
The Count of Monte Cristo is easily the longest book I've ever read, and adding to that the struggle of reading old English, I'm not sure I'll read it again, but I am pleased I have finally read it at least once and the story itself was extremely satisfying.
However, once the pieces started coming together it was extremely satisfying. I have always loved the movie based on the Count of Monte Cristo, but having now read the book I'm amazed by some of the deviations to extremely important details!
There are characters in the book who are dead or never existed at all in the movie and substantially change the course of events. Other characters are far more devious of their own merit than the movie lets on.
The Count himself is barely recognizable as the same character from film to page. In the book his reasoning is much more clear and the happenings are far more than petty vengeance. The Count is a master at pulling strings and uncovering information but I liked that the downfall of so many characters was their own fault in the end.
The Count of Monte Cristo is easily the longest book I've ever read, and adding to that the struggle of reading old English, I'm not sure I'll read it again, but I am pleased I have finally read it at least once and the story itself was extremely satisfying.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Confinement, Mental illness, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Child death, Slavery, Suicide, Violence, and Trafficking
Minor: Drug use, Infidelity, and Abandonment
Shadow Study by Maria V. Snyder
adventurous
funny
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I always try to have a positive spin on my reviews, but I'm struggling a bit with this one. The things I loved in the first 3 books have been repeated so often at this point that they're...beige. They're not bad, but I'm definitely not getting the same level of enjoyment out of them, and there aren't enough new twists to keep me entertained.
As much as I love Valek and Yelena, I'm ready for a nice happy ending, but each book seems to end in the same place and the prior one...just before a happy ending. And before the happy ending gets here, another major problem occurs.
At this point it's pretty much a guarantee that Yelena will be kidnapped at least twice per book and at the last minute she and Valek will put together enough pieces to defeat the undefeatable villain of the current story.
Some of the side characters are beginning to feel flat. They should have learned or grown in at least some ways by now. We're 4 books into Yelena's story with an entire trilogy in the middle.
I did enjoy some of the new characters and look forward to seeing how they switch things up.
While I want to see where Yelena and Valek's story ends, I don't know if I'll reread this one in the future.
As much as I love Valek and Yelena, I'm ready for a nice happy ending, but each book seems to end in the same place and the prior one...just before a happy ending. And before the happy ending gets here, another major problem occurs.
At this point it's pretty much a guarantee that Yelena will be kidnapped at least twice per book and at the last minute she and Valek will put together enough pieces to defeat the undefeatable villain of the current story.
Some of the side characters are beginning to feel flat. They should have learned or grown in at least some ways by now. We're 4 books into Yelena's story with an entire trilogy in the middle.
I did enjoy some of the new characters and look forward to seeing how they switch things up.
While I want to see where Yelena and Valek's story ends, I don't know if I'll reread this one in the future.
Uprooted by Naomi Novik
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-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? Yes
4.75
Where to begin? This book is as close to a unique story as I've ever read. It's hard to describe because it feels quite original.
The underlying tones are definitely Beauty and the Beast but in very much its own way.
Our heroine, Nieshka is instantly loveable for her clumsy, messy, confident self. I've never read a hero quit like her and it was very enjoyable.
Her sunshine to the Dragon's grumpy was delightful.
Perhaps one of my favorite things about this book was the themes of friendship and individuality seen side by side without being pitted against each other. Nieshka and her best friend Kasia have a beautiful friendship that acknowledges their flaws but never stops them from loving each other. We see hints of real human jealousy, grief, annoyance, and love in both girls even though their personalities couldn't be more different. I don't know if I've ever seen such a wholesome and believable friendship in literature before.
I enjoyed the story over all, though for a while the plot did get terribly confusing and difficult to follow. Once we were given answers they were mostly satisfying.
While I will never completely enjoy the "undefeatable villain" trope, the reasoning behind this one was at least understandable.
Even the ending was quite unique. I enjoyed the less-than-perfect end. I think everything neatly wrapped in a bow would have betrayed the overall feel of the story.
Over all I definitely liked Uprooted, and am likely to read it again.
The underlying tones are definitely Beauty and the Beast but in very much its own way.
Our heroine, Nieshka is instantly loveable for her clumsy, messy, confident self. I've never read a hero quit like her and it was very enjoyable.
Her sunshine to the Dragon's grumpy was delightful.
Perhaps one of my favorite things about this book was the themes of friendship and individuality seen side by side without being pitted against each other. Nieshka and her best friend Kasia have a beautiful friendship that acknowledges their flaws but never stops them from loving each other. We see hints of real human jealousy, grief, annoyance, and love in both girls even though their personalities couldn't be more different. I don't know if I've ever seen such a wholesome and believable friendship in literature before.
I enjoyed the story over all, though for a while the plot did get terribly confusing and difficult to follow. Once we were given answers they were mostly satisfying.
While I will never completely enjoy the "undefeatable villain" trope, the reasoning behind this one was at least understandable.
Even the ending was quite unique. I enjoyed the less-than-perfect end. I think everything neatly wrapped in a bow would have betrayed the overall feel of the story.
Over all I definitely liked Uprooted, and am likely to read it again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Kidnapping, Medical trauma, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Rape, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, Sexual harassment, and War
The Study of Poisons by Maria V. Snyder
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Did this book REALLY deserve 5 stars? Based purely on this book alone and writing style, maybe not? But add in the anticipation that it wholeheartedly delivered on, the adorable cute scenes throughout, and the chance to peek inside my favorite love interest's head and how could I give it less?
I strongly suggest reading Poison Study first. The two books are very tightly woven and A Study of Poisons is clearly the companion. The pacing and details are much clearer in the original book from Yelena's point of view. That said, if you finish Poison Study and are craving more of our favorite Ixians, this book delivers everything you could ask for.
The story was adorable, it answered every curiosity I'd had after finishing Poison Study, and filled in some blanks I hadn't even realized bothered me the first time through this adventure.
A Study of Poisons does a fantastic job of rounding out some loveable side characters and introduces us to new ones. It left me wanting to reread Poison Study (again for the 3rd time in 2 years) and excited for the remaining Study books I haven't yet gotten my hands on.
I can't wait to reread this book and catch all the well-thought-out details you're likely to miss on a first read. I definitely made connections this time around that I didn't before, which always adds extra delight.
I strongly suggest reading Poison Study first. The two books are very tightly woven and A Study of Poisons is clearly the companion. The pacing and details are much clearer in the original book from Yelena's point of view. That said, if you finish Poison Study and are craving more of our favorite Ixians, this book delivers everything you could ask for.
The story was adorable, it answered every curiosity I'd had after finishing Poison Study, and filled in some blanks I hadn't even realized bothered me the first time through this adventure.
A Study of Poisons does a fantastic job of rounding out some loveable side characters and introduces us to new ones. It left me wanting to reread Poison Study (again for the 3rd time in 2 years) and excited for the remaining Study books I haven't yet gotten my hands on.
I can't wait to reread this book and catch all the well-thought-out details you're likely to miss on a first read. I definitely made connections this time around that I didn't before, which always adds extra delight.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Murder
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, and Sexual violence
Minor: Child abuse, Confinement, Drug abuse, Drug use, Genocide, Torture, Excrement, Vomit, Kidnapping, and Outing
The Body Reader by Anne Frasier
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.5
I really enjoyed this book, as depraved as that sounds.
It had all the things a good mystery thriller should have. Jude is extremely well written, managing to give off bad-ass energy without being the typical "not like other girls" energy.
The story was gripping. Some places had a bit of unnecessary, scene-setting information that kind of pulled me out of the moment, but over all it was a thrilling ride.
I'm usually spot on with solving mysteries and while I did guess this one correctly, it made me second guess myself a few times.
This is definitely a dark and twisted story not for the faint of heart, and I strongly suggest you check trigger warnings before diving into this book.
It had all the things a good mystery thriller should have. Jude is extremely well written, managing to give off bad-ass energy without being the typical "not like other girls" energy.
The story was gripping. Some places had a bit of unnecessary, scene-setting information that kind of pulled me out of the moment, but over all it was a thrilling ride.
I'm usually spot on with solving mysteries and while I did guess this one correctly, it made me second guess myself a few times.
This is definitely a dark and twisted story not for the faint of heart, and I strongly suggest you check trigger warnings before diving into this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Kidnapping, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Drug use, Emotional abuse, Pedophilia, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Pregnancy, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
Craven Manor by Darcy Coates
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
This is a great introduction to suspenseful ghost stories. Darcy Coates has woven a beautiful story of unlikely companions, chilling enemies, and the importance of a kind heart.
I am so glad I purchased this story last year and now that I've gotten around to reading it, it did not disappoint.
Daniel's character is loveable, hopeful, and not an idiot like many suspense novel characters. Darcy Coates does a wonderful job of weaving in personality details without making it obvious.
This book made me smile, laugh, jump, confused, excited, hopeful, sad, and maybe most importantly, completely enraptured. Once I started it I didn't want to put it down.
This is definitely an "along for the ride" book you aren't meant to solve, but honestly it works. It was just tense enough to keep me on the edge of my seat, but slow enough to not be overwhelming.
I hope you'll enjoy Craven Manor as much as I have.
I am so glad I purchased this story last year and now that I've gotten around to reading it, it did not disappoint.
Daniel's character is loveable, hopeful, and not an idiot like many suspense novel characters. Darcy Coates does a wonderful job of weaving in personality details without making it obvious.
This book made me smile, laugh, jump, confused, excited, hopeful, sad, and maybe most importantly, completely enraptured. Once I started it I didn't want to put it down.
This is definitely an "along for the ride" book you aren't meant to solve, but honestly it works. It was just tense enough to keep me on the edge of my seat, but slow enough to not be overwhelming.
I hope you'll enjoy Craven Manor as much as I have.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror and Child death
Moderate: Toxic friendship
Minor: Animal death, Terminal illness, Religious bigotry, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Alcohol, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.25
I've watched the show for Outlander on Starz before, but this was my first time reading the book.
I was surprised how true to the plot the tv show stayed.
A few characters are different, either in appearance, or not appearing at all.
I think my favorite difference was in Claire. It always bothered me in the show how rediculously modern she was, for all she's supposed to be intelligent. Many of the moments in the show that made me roll my eyes because "why would she be that stupid" never even happen in the book.
The chapters near the end with Captain Randall were too much for me and I did skim through them. I was glad to have some warning from the show on how bad it could be.
Over all I loved the book and look forward to recommending it to friends. It was a tad long and I found myself dragging through the last 200 pages. Still, I look forward to reading the next one.
I was surprised how true to the plot the tv show stayed.
A few characters are different, either in appearance, or not appearing at all.
I think my favorite difference was in Claire. It always bothered me in the show how rediculously modern she was, for all she's supposed to be intelligent. Many of the moments in the show that made me roll my eyes because "why would she be that stupid" never even happen in the book.
The chapters near the end with Captain Randall were too much for me and I did skim through them. I was glad to have some warning from the show on how bad it could be.
Over all I loved the book and look forward to recommending it to friends. It was a tad long and I found myself dragging through the last 200 pages. Still, I look forward to reading the next one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Emotional abuse, Gore, Hate crime, Homophobia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Medical trauma, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Infidelity, Sexism, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Medical content, Religious bigotry, and Murder
Minor: Infertility, Suicide, Blood, Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, and Colonisation
Court of Swans by Melanie Dickerson
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was a cute read. It definitely is aimed at a middle school reading level so the plot is a little simple, but the story itself is adorable. I did feel like it wrapped up a little too neatly, especially for a book about trusting God even when things don't go your way. It was enjoyable to have such a light simple read for winding down at the end of the night.
The Silent Songbird by Melanie Dickerson
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
This story was so cute! It is easy enough for even young YA readers to enjoy. The story was very sweet and exactly the light read I was hoping for. Some of the writing feels a bit simplistic or overlooked a small detail, but it didn't detract from the story.
I definitely got Little Mermaid vibes and couldn't help quoting Princess Bride in a few places either, though I wouldn't call Silent Songbird a true retelling; more inspired by.
I love Evangeline and Westley. I especially enjoyed the nod to Christianity throughout the book and that it was such an innocent romance.
I can't wait to read more by Melanie Dickerson.
I definitely got Little Mermaid vibes and couldn't help quoting Princess Bride in a few places either, though I wouldn't call Silent Songbird a true retelling; more inspired by.
I love Evangeline and Westley. I especially enjoyed the nod to Christianity throughout the book and that it was such an innocent romance.
I can't wait to read more by Melanie Dickerson.
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Confinement, Death, Kidnapping, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St. Clair
adventurous
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I think I could have loved this book if there was more plot and less 🌶️🌶️🌶️.
It had to be 40-50% of the book that was just sex. It got to the point I was skipping whole pages. I like a good romance as much as the next person, but I need plot to hold it together.
I'm honestly disappointed. This book had so much promise. The plot that was there was great. Easy to solve, but very enjoyable. I wish the book had spent more time letting us get to know the characters and the world of Cordova instead of another XXX scene.
Every time Isolde asks a question it goes unanswered, and since I had already figured out the big secret the end reveal felt a little flat.
I did enjoy the quips from the side characters like Sorin. Killian was unlikeable from the start.
To quote a favored character, it was as promising as a pie and disappointing to discover there was no filling.
It had to be 40-50% of the book that was just sex. It got to the point I was skipping whole pages. I like a good romance as much as the next person, but I need plot to hold it together.
I'm honestly disappointed. This book had so much promise. The plot that was there was great. Easy to solve, but very enjoyable. I wish the book had spent more time letting us get to know the characters and the world of Cordova instead of another XXX scene.
Every time Isolde asks a question it goes unanswered, and since I had already figured out the big secret the end reveal felt a little flat.
I did enjoy the quips from the side characters like Sorin. Killian was unlikeable from the start.
To quote a favored character, it was as promising as a pie and disappointing to discover there was no filling.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Medical trauma, Murder, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Infertility, Infidelity, and Abortion