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the_b00kreader's reviews
268 reviews
Alondra by Gina Femia
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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? N/A
5.0
Alondra follows 16-year-old Alonda as she embarks on a journey of self discovery and new friendships. Noticing a group of friends who are constantly bickering outside her window, Alonda decides to pick up the courage to talk to them.
Spider, Pretzel, King and Lexi seem to take to Alonda pretty quickly and it was lovely to read about their connections. They each had common ground, a love for wrestling, and encouraged each other greatly (while still keeping up the banter). I will admit, I loved their banter, they made fun of each other often but they always made sure they were there for one another.
It also felt great to read about Alonda discovering more about herself and opening up that 'box' she created within herself. I could see so much of myself in her and honestly, it felt comforting to read.
The pacing of this book was relatively fast and I found I had finished this book pretty swiftly. (Plus it had short chapters which I LOVE!)
Gina Femia's writing style was one I really liked: everything felt as though I, as the reader, was included in each conversation and every memory. It was beautiful and heartwarming all at the same time.
All in all, this was a lovely read. Light-hearted and inspiring.
Spider, Pretzel, King and Lexi seem to take to Alonda pretty quickly and it was lovely to read about their connections. They each had common ground, a love for wrestling, and encouraged each other greatly (while still keeping up the banter). I will admit, I loved their banter, they made fun of each other often but they always made sure they were there for one another.
It also felt great to read about Alonda discovering more about herself and opening up that 'box' she created within herself. I could see so much of myself in her and honestly, it felt comforting to read.
The pacing of this book was relatively fast and I found I had finished this book pretty swiftly. (Plus it had short chapters which I LOVE!)
Gina Femia's writing style was one I really liked: everything felt as though I, as the reader, was included in each conversation and every memory. It was beautiful and heartwarming all at the same time.
All in all, this was a lovely read. Light-hearted and inspiring.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Six Times We Almost Kissed (And One Time We Did) by Tess Sharpe
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
This book was beautiful. Simply beautiful.
This was the first I have read of Tess Sharpe's work and I'm glad to have read it.
Although remaining to be a romance read, Sharpe was able to incorporate many different emotions throughout this book by bringing up some heavy topics.
There was significant detail on the effects that grief can have on different people and the coping mechanisms that each individual has.
There were many moments throughout this book where I just wanted to give Penny and Tate a hug. Both have been through so much but they always made sure they were there for one another. I do admire that about them.
On the romance side of things, this book had it all: the one bed trope, forced proximity, miscommunication, a love-hate relationship, etc.
There was also another little side relationship that I thought was absolutely adorable!
I love Sharpe's writing style and I really loved the text messages that flowed into the story. They certainly added to the overall vibe of the book and also allowed for a quick recovery break for the reader between emotional scenes.
All in all, I would highly recommend reading this book if you haven't already!!
This was the first I have read of Tess Sharpe's work and I'm glad to have read it.
Although remaining to be a romance read, Sharpe was able to incorporate many different emotions throughout this book by bringing up some heavy topics.
There was significant detail on the effects that grief can have on different people and the coping mechanisms that each individual has.
There were many moments throughout this book where I just wanted to give Penny and Tate a hug. Both have been through so much but they always made sure they were there for one another. I do admire that about them.
On the romance side of things, this book had it all: the one bed trope, forced proximity, miscommunication, a love-hate relationship, etc.
There was also another little side relationship that I thought was absolutely adorable!
I love Sharpe's writing style and I really loved the text messages that flowed into the story. They certainly added to the overall vibe of the book and also allowed for a quick recovery break for the reader between emotional scenes.
All in all, I would highly recommend reading this book if you haven't already!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Mental illness, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Addiction, Cancer, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, and Sexual harassment
Silver in the Bone by Alexandra Bracken
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
Heartbreaking. Soul-crushing. Full of twists and turns.
That's all I can say about this book....
That's all I can say about this book....
I stayed up until 2am to finish this book....2 AM! And I do not regret it.
This book was great, like really great. I loved it! I loved Bracken's writing style and found it helped to keep this story more captivating.
This book was great, like really great. I loved it! I loved Bracken's writing style and found it helped to keep this story more captivating.
The tension was high throughout this entire book but towards the end, around the last nine chapters, the tension sky-rocketed and everything I thought I knew was no more. Plot twists and turns, one after the other, emotional damage was done.
(I mean my pillow....full of tears)
(I mean my pillow....full of tears)
Tamsin, the main character, was certainly an interesting character to read about. She had quite an issue with trust (relatable) and had difficulty letting people in (also relatable). Her development throughout this book was very well written and she certainly grew on me.
Another thing about this book was that you could tell Bracken did plenty of research on the Arthurian legends that fed into the plot line.
But, after that ending....I'm going to need the next book ASAP. I have so many questions!!
I honestly cannot recommend this book enough. If you haven't read it, I highly recommend you do so! I loved it!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Hate crime, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child death and Abandonment
The Luminaries by Susan Dennard
adventurous
challenging
dark
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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? N/A
5.0
Winnie Wednesday, our main character, is such a strong and independent role model fighting for both herself and her family, eager to redeem their image.
Once an outcast, now welcomed back as though she was never an outcast.
Susan Dennard wonderfully wrote a story that was tense, a story that dealt with feelings of all sorts and a story in which let one know that home can certainly be where the heart is. There's no need to spend time reminiscing on what could have been, instead look at what you have now, what you could have.
For Winnie, it was friendships and also herself. She learned more about herself along the way and it was really beneficial to the story to have been able to get such a deep insight into Winnie's character.
The story itself was so so good! I loved it! The trials to become a Luminary hunter were certainly intriguing, but oh my! That third trial was certainly something. The tension while reading was crazy!
But...I am now left looking for answers and eagerly waiting book 2 after having a curve ball thrown at me (thank you Susan Dennard for that lovely 'what the f**k' moment towards the end!)
All in all, I highly recommend you all to read this book ASAP, you won't regret it!!
Once an outcast, now welcomed back as though she was never an outcast.
Susan Dennard wonderfully wrote a story that was tense, a story that dealt with feelings of all sorts and a story in which let one know that home can certainly be where the heart is. There's no need to spend time reminiscing on what could have been, instead look at what you have now, what you could have.
For Winnie, it was friendships and also herself. She learned more about herself along the way and it was really beneficial to the story to have been able to get such a deep insight into Winnie's character.
The story itself was so so good! I loved it! The trials to become a Luminary hunter were certainly intriguing, but oh my! That third trial was certainly something. The tension while reading was crazy!
But...I am now left looking for answers and eagerly waiting book 2 after having a curve ball thrown at me (thank you Susan Dennard for that lovely 'what the f**k' moment towards the end!)
All in all, I highly recommend you all to read this book ASAP, you won't regret it!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Alcohol
Monarch Rising by Harper Glenn
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? N/A
5.0
“I scare you?”
Cove’s chest rises and falls; he nods. “Yes . . . shitless.”
It was a diverse and gripping read that certainly held my attention from start to finish. Highlighting poverty, racism and prejudice in a cleverly woven tale of love and heartbreak...and betrayal. This book was a real rollercoaster of emotions and it certainly held a few unexpected twists!
I loved Jo, the main character, and found that her character development was really well written. She learned a lot on her journey and we, as readers, learned everything alongside her.
In many ways, the world Harper Glenn wrote of is not that different from the one we live in and that is unnerving to think about. I love how each topic was discussed and brought up often while still keeping to the plot and keeping the story flowing. That is another talent in itself.
I'm eager to read the next book as I still have questions that I'd love answers to. (Mainly questions about Cove and Jo...and other important events.) So...right now, I shall wait, and wait, and wait, and ....
Cove’s chest rises and falls; he nods. “Yes . . . shitless.”
It was a diverse and gripping read that certainly held my attention from start to finish. Highlighting poverty, racism and prejudice in a cleverly woven tale of love and heartbreak...and betrayal. This book was a real rollercoaster of emotions and it certainly held a few unexpected twists!
I loved Jo, the main character, and found that her character development was really well written. She learned a lot on her journey and we, as readers, learned everything alongside her.
In many ways, the world Harper Glenn wrote of is not that different from the one we live in and that is unnerving to think about. I love how each topic was discussed and brought up often while still keeping to the plot and keeping the story flowing. That is another talent in itself.
I'm eager to read the next book as I still have questions that I'd love answers to. (Mainly questions about Cove and Jo...and other important events.) So...right now, I shall wait, and wait, and wait, and ....
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child death, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Mental illness, Racism, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Colonisation, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Cancer, and Eating disorder
Flames of Rapture by Riley Kade
adventurous
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? It's complicated
4.0
*Please note, this is a spicy read....read at your own risk🤭
This book was quite the read! Action-packed and full of tension, this was a fast-paced, quick read.
Personally I loved the storyline and I loved how the main character, Sadie, was finding out more and more about herself and her people along the way. A succubus, a human-feeder. An identity new to her, an unknown world. It was honestly just as intriguing for me, the reader, as it probably was for Sadie.
I do like how the author, Riley Kade, went in depth with how Sadie was feeling after each new experience, it really added to this book! Also, the little hints and details that were spread throughout the book....amazing!! So wonderfully crafted.
My only criticism is for the character of James (Aka. Jimmy). I just couldn't bring myself to like him. I found him overly possessive and, in some ways, emotionally manipulative. I also found that Sadie had more chemistry with Hetia (a character she vaguely knew) than she had with Jimmy (a character she grew up with). The scenes with him were bland and, honestly, I just skim read them.
But... the rest of the book was truly wonderfully written and the many other encounters that Sadie had were certainly...interesting, shall we say? (Introduce trust issues for every new character you meet.)
I'm eager to read book 2 (especially after that ending!!) and I look forward to reading more about Sadie's journey.
This book was quite the read! Action-packed and full of tension, this was a fast-paced, quick read.
Personally I loved the storyline and I loved how the main character, Sadie, was finding out more and more about herself and her people along the way. A succubus, a human-feeder. An identity new to her, an unknown world. It was honestly just as intriguing for me, the reader, as it probably was for Sadie.
I do like how the author, Riley Kade, went in depth with how Sadie was feeling after each new experience, it really added to this book! Also, the little hints and details that were spread throughout the book....amazing!! So wonderfully crafted.
My only criticism is for the character of James (Aka. Jimmy). I just couldn't bring myself to like him. I found him overly possessive and, in some ways, emotionally manipulative. I also found that Sadie had more chemistry with Hetia (a character she vaguely knew) than she had with Jimmy (a character she grew up with). The scenes with him were bland and, honestly, I just skim read them.
But... the rest of the book was truly wonderfully written and the many other encounters that Sadie had were certainly...interesting, shall we say? (Introduce trust issues for every new character you meet.)
I'm eager to read book 2 (especially after that ending!!) and I look forward to reading more about Sadie's journey.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Hate crime, Sexual content, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Murder, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Mademoiselle Maupin by J.M. Frost
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
slow-paced
3.75
As much as I want to love this book entirely, I can't. The pacing was a little slow for my liking and I found this impacted how I felt about each character.
The story itself was great and the historical touches really helped to make this story feel more atmospheric and, ultimately, more real. I enjoyed the diversity and the hidden clues that were left throughout this read.
The detail that Frost went into about vampires and their likes was truly brilliant and certainly more appealing than Stephenie Meyer's vampires. These vampires weren't the traditionally known ones, there was so much more to learn about them. I still feel as though there is still more to be uncovered and I do look forward to that in the next book.
Julie, or La Maupin, was the more primarily featured character and I do believe she's the only one I can sort of feel for. The other characters...I just felt as though they were empty. (Particularly when a death occurred as it was very quickly brushed aside.)
All in all, I did enjoy the story that Mademoiselle Maupin held and I do wish for another book, even if the pacing still remains slow. I have questions that I'd love to have answers for in another book.
The story itself was great and the historical touches really helped to make this story feel more atmospheric and, ultimately, more real. I enjoyed the diversity and the hidden clues that were left throughout this read.
The detail that Frost went into about vampires and their likes was truly brilliant and certainly more appealing than Stephenie Meyer's vampires. These vampires weren't the traditionally known ones, there was so much more to learn about them. I still feel as though there is still more to be uncovered and I do look forward to that in the next book.
Julie, or La Maupin, was the more primarily featured character and I do believe she's the only one I can sort of feel for. The other characters...I just felt as though they were empty. (Particularly when a death occurred as it was very quickly brushed aside.)
All in all, I did enjoy the story that Mademoiselle Maupin held and I do wish for another book, even if the pacing still remains slow. I have questions that I'd love to have answers for in another book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Misogyny, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Racism and Slavery
Green Shoots by Ben Westwood
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
4.0
**TW**
murder, poison, death, torture, gore, s*icidal thoughts
Reading the synopsis of this book, I did not expect what I got. But I certainly have no complaints.
An eco thriller that is full of tension and mystery and hidden secrets waiting to be uncovered? Sign me up!
The main character was a little iffy for me. I couldn't like him nor dislike him yet I could understand his actions and why he was doing what it was that he was doing.
This book was craftily written and kept me hooked throughout. It was fast-paced and quite enjoyable. I was eager to see how it would all playout in the end. The way the murders were carried out were quite interesting albeit twisted.
I do hope a second book is to come given how the book ended. All in all, this was a great read and I highly recommend!!
murder, poison, death, torture, gore, s*icidal thoughts
Reading the synopsis of this book, I did not expect what I got. But I certainly have no complaints.
An eco thriller that is full of tension and mystery and hidden secrets waiting to be uncovered? Sign me up!
The main character was a little iffy for me. I couldn't like him nor dislike him yet I could understand his actions and why he was doing what it was that he was doing.
This book was craftily written and kept me hooked throughout. It was fast-paced and quite enjoyable. I was eager to see how it would all playout in the end. The way the murders were carried out were quite interesting albeit twisted.
I do hope a second book is to come given how the book ended. All in all, this was a great read and I highly recommend!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Colonisation, and Injury/Injury detail
Wildblood by Lauren Blackwood
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
"You . . . you tamed a shadow creature?" he asks dumbly.
"What, like it's hard?"
**TW**
blood, death, gore, domestic violence, r*pe, betrayal, grief, kidnapping, slavery, racism
Wildblood was amazing. That's all I feel like I need to say. It's a story that you simply have to read. Where do you truly feel at home? Where do you truly belong?
These two questions seem to pop into your mind as you read this book through the eyes of the main character, Victoria.
Victoria is a light-skinned Wildblood, a 'Rare Beauty' yet that doesn't stop harm from coming her way.
This book was bittersweet and heartfelt, magical yet real. Every emotion you may have suppressed is likely to come to the surface.
Wildblood is written in such a way that I could not be torn away from reading, I just had to keep going. The story this book held, the deeper meanings, it was all so beautiful.
I must say, I'm glad how the story ended and I don't believe I could picture a more perfect ending. This book is worthy of your time, so please give it a go. (I insist!🤭)
Lauren Blackwood, you've written a story that has touched my heart. To read about such a strong connection and such a strong female lead, I feel honoured. Thank you for writing Wildblood and sharing it. ♡ (I shall now dedicate myself to reading previously published and future releases by you!)
"What, like it's hard?"
**TW**
blood, death, gore, domestic violence, r*pe, betrayal, grief, kidnapping, slavery, racism
Wildblood was amazing. That's all I feel like I need to say. It's a story that you simply have to read. Where do you truly feel at home? Where do you truly belong?
These two questions seem to pop into your mind as you read this book through the eyes of the main character, Victoria.
Victoria is a light-skinned Wildblood, a 'Rare Beauty' yet that doesn't stop harm from coming her way.
This book was bittersweet and heartfelt, magical yet real. Every emotion you may have suppressed is likely to come to the surface.
Wildblood is written in such a way that I could not be torn away from reading, I just had to keep going. The story this book held, the deeper meanings, it was all so beautiful.
I must say, I'm glad how the story ended and I don't believe I could picture a more perfect ending. This book is worthy of your time, so please give it a go. (I insist!🤭)
Lauren Blackwood, you've written a story that has touched my heart. To read about such a strong connection and such a strong female lead, I feel honoured. Thank you for writing Wildblood and sharing it. ♡ (I shall now dedicate myself to reading previously published and future releases by you!)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gore, Gun violence, Hate crime, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Abandonment
I May Be Wrong and Other Wisdoms From Life as a Forest Monk by Björn Natthiko Lindeblad, Navid Modiri, Caroline Bankler
challenging
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
"This too shall pass."
**TW**
s*icide mentions, assisted s*icide, mental health, anxiety, depression, death, isolation, serious illness
For those of you that follow me, you may know it takes a lot for me to get into a non-fiction book, it just isn't my go-to genre. But, when I had first read about this book I decided "why not?". I'm glad I did.
We follow Björn on his travels through forest monkhood and it felt as though we were seeing the world through his eyes.
There was little comments thrown in here and there that helped to keep the book light and real.
This book can be described as nothing more than eye-opening. It was such a unique read for me and I loved that.
The little mantras we came across in the book and the points that were made alongside the mantras really did make sense and quite a few of them spoke to me. Particularly this one:
"You will know
what you need to know
when you need to know it."
No matter what stage you are in at life, I would definitely recommend this book. Just how much of your life has been influenced by your thoughts?
**TW**
s*icide mentions, assisted s*icide, mental health, anxiety, depression, death, isolation, serious illness
For those of you that follow me, you may know it takes a lot for me to get into a non-fiction book, it just isn't my go-to genre. But, when I had first read about this book I decided "why not?". I'm glad I did.
We follow Björn on his travels through forest monkhood and it felt as though we were seeing the world through his eyes.
There was little comments thrown in here and there that helped to keep the book light and real.
This book can be described as nothing more than eye-opening. It was such a unique read for me and I loved that.
The little mantras we came across in the book and the points that were made alongside the mantras really did make sense and quite a few of them spoke to me. Particularly this one:
"You will know
what you need to know
when you need to know it."
No matter what stage you are in at life, I would definitely recommend this book. Just how much of your life has been influenced by your thoughts?
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, and Medical content
Moderate: Grief and Death of parent
Minor: Body shaming