stellie_c's reviews
160 reviews

The Vacation by John Marrs

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dark emotional mysterious 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

I listened to the 2015 version and read the new 2021 published book! John Marrs is one hell of a storyteller. The way he weaves together all the different characters' lives and how they intersect at the hostel. It was really fun comparing both versions of the story. I could see where he cut out some extra bits and then added a different ending for one of the characters, which i thought was great because I felt it was great closure. I love how twisted most of Marrs characters can be, and you don't realize until you are halfway through the book! Really good read. It was a little slow at the beginning, but the twists were worth the wait. Marrs always manages to get me to say "wtf" out loud as I'm reading lmao
One Italian Summer by Rebecca Serle

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emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

A very sentimenal, emotional journey. It is a story of a daughter and a mothers relationship. The daughter, Katie, gets to know her mother Carol as she was in her 30s, as a woman and friend, not just her mother. It's a very touching story, and I loved the italian setting. Talking about the food, the people, the culture. I enjoyed this as a quick, feel-good read. 
The Family Game by Catherine Steadman

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This was a really fun, chaotic thriller. There were a lot of secrets in this family! Lol, I guessed the twist at the end, but I think it was still written well. The story kept me very invested. I just wanted to keep reading and know what Harriot was going to do next, finding out everything about her new inlaws! Very fun for the holiday season! 
You Better Watch Out by James S. Murray, Darren Wearmouth

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dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Lol, what a fun Christmas thriller! It was gorey and creepy in a good way! I liked how you learned about each Characters backstory and how it all connected. I really liked the twist. I didn't see it coming! Really fun, short Christmasy thriller! Just what I wanted this holiday!
Sailor Moon Eternal Edition 10 by Naoko Takeuchi

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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? It's complicated

5.0

Sour Candy by Kealan Patrick Burke

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

It's a short novella that's pretty creepy. Phil has a childless life, with his girlfriend, and that's the way he likes it, until this boy comes into his life and takes over! 
The Hurricane Blonde by Halley Sutton

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dark emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I like the Hurricane Blonde. It had a very Hollywood, glitzy vibe to it. I liked how tangled the family dynamics were, and we were along for the ride as Salma was uncovering all their family's dark secrets. The six feet under tour also gave a fun twist to the story, bringing light to Hollywood murdered stars! Fun read! 
Sailor Moon Eternal Edition 9 by Naoko Takeuchi

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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? Yes

5.0

All the Colors of the Dark by Chris Whitaker

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious sad tense slow-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? It's complicated

4.0

This book had a serial killer, missing girls, coming of age, love, some funny commentary, heartbreaking losses, and a historical feel to it. It was definitely a unique read. It spanned a whole lifetime for the 2 characters, Saint and Patch, and some of the other people in their town. Short chapters, but a lot of chapters, this book was about a friendship throughout the ages. Very interesting.
Sailor Moon Eternal Edition 8 by Naoko Takeuchi

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adventurous challenging emotional funny inspiring lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0