the_bookish_owl's reviews
1543 reviews

Gwen and Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher

Go to review page

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

4.0

Finale by Stephanie Garber

Go to review page

Did not finish book. Stopped at 3%.
Rainforest mist does not have a colour. I just can't with these books anymore.
Legendary by Stephanie Garber

Go to review page

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

3.0

At least there's actual world building in this book. Along with a whole lot of over-description.
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros

Go to review page

dark emotional mysterious 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

Valentine by Elizabeth Wetmore

Go to review page

Did not finish book. Stopped at 34%.
Disconnected plotlines. No quotation marks which I personally loathe.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
Everything is Beautiful: the most uplifting, heartwarming read of 2021 by Eleanor Ray

Go to review page

emotional reflective sad 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? It's complicated

5.0

Paperback read but ebook previously provided by NetGalley for review. Thank you.

This was a sad yet hopeful book and beautifully written.

In no uncertain terms Amy is a hoarder. Specific items - green wine bottles, mugs, clocks, ashtrays, cookbooks, ceramic birds, plant pots/vases and newspapers. All items relating to specific moments in her relationship with the man she planned to marry, until the day he and her best friend disappeared without a trace, presumably together.

The book follows a dual timeline of now and then with each then section headed with the item it relates to. In the present day Amy is dealing with an interfering neighbour who is obsessed with her hoard being dangerous. Then a new family move in next door which changes everything.

This was really sensitively written, especially around the hoard and how much Amy clearly cares for her belongings. The word hoard is only used once so as not to stigmatise things further. The mystery of Tim and Chantel's disappearance added an intriguing extra layer.


Expand filter menu Content Warnings
The Wild Truth: A Memoir by Carine McCandless

Go to review page

emotional informative reflective medium-paced

3.0

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
Scythe by Neal Shusterman

Go to review page

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

4.0

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
The Chalice of the Gods by Rick Riordan

Go to review page

emotional funny 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? No

5.0

Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross

Go to review page

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

4.0

I enjoyed this but there were elements that seemed to come out of nowhere and I'd have liked more detail there.
Expand filter menu Content Warnings