whatellisreadnext's reviews
617 reviews

Winterset Hollow by Jonathan Edward Durham

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adventurous dark funny 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? Yes

3.0

Winterset Hollow is a beautifully written novel, I honestly can't get over how well this story was told. Not to mention is was bat sh*t crazy. I'm talking if all the animals from wind in the willows where anthropomorphic and really p*ssed, so decide hunt humans... it was a ride. This is definitely a high 3 star, I just didn't have that 4 star feeling. I think it was perhaps a bit too long and full of brutality? Saying that, it didn't feel overdone, just that it could have wrapped up quicker. I definitely recommend it if you fancy something that doesn't take itself too seriously, but also has bloody great writing.
Nevertell by Katharine Orton

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adventurous mysterious relaxing 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? Yes

3.0

Obviously, I am not the target audience for this, even though I am a 30 year old smol girl. I enjoyed it for what it was, a wintery middlegrade, which was educational in its depiction of labour camps under Stalin, but perhaps fell short a little with its fantastical elements. The characterisation was okay, although I guessed the twists, but again, I'm not a child. I could see a kid of 7-10 absolutely loving this story. Mountainfell by this author was a big win for me, so I'm excited to see what Katharine writes in the future.
A Loving, Faithful Animal by Josephine Rowe

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dark emotional reflective sad medium-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

4.0

Josephine Rowe is clearly a skilled storyteller. We follow the voices of a family affected by the ptsd of their father, getting to hear from each member. Rowe created such unique voices for each of the characters. They are vivid, which makes the narrative all the more harrowing. The majority of the story takes place over New Years Eve and New Years Day, making it a very sombre seasonal story full of inner monologues and musings on life. Would recommend to all of my fellow heavy slice of life lovers.

 
Cytonic by Brandon Sanderson

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adventurous funny lighthearted 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

3.0

I'm feeling pretty mid about this instalment, unfortunately, but very willing to give the last book a chance. I want to see where this will end for Spensa. 

All of the big reveals felt like reaches rather than clever twists. The whole book ended up feeling kind of pointless, which is a shame. Too many characters were introduced to an already massive cast. I just wanted Spensa and Mbot and Doomslug, and then it turned into something too meta. My brain is fried.
Private Rites by Julia Armfield

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4.0

The Saturday Night Ghost Club by Craig Davidson

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4.0

Even though I'm not Canadian, the nostalgia in this one goes hard. Oh, to be a kid again, riding around on my bicycle. Even though the narrative didn't reach autumn until the very end, it felt like the perfect little read for October. A brain surgeon tells the story of a year in his childhood whilst also giving us his dark little musings on life. This was actually a lot darker than I thought, which was a nice surprise, but I could have honestly done with it leaning into that a bit more with the ending. All in all, it's a great read to get lost in, easy reading with fantastic characters and an interesting narrative. Would recommend to all 🍂
At Dark, I Become Loathsome by Eric LaRocca

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dark

2.0

Cold Skin by Albert Sánchez Piñol

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mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

This book gave me the ick. Lots of horrible nonconsensual sex scenes with a lizard woman being held captive and then a weird ass ending that I think was trying to be clever, but just ended up being sh*t. I'm over it, and whoever compared this to Annihilation is stupid. The only similarity is the lighthouse. 
Age of Legend by Michael J. Sullivan

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious 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

4.0

This is definitely my second favourite after Age of Myth. It went back to its cosy roots, whilst simultaneously blowing my tiny mind. Plus, it had one of my favourite tropes; an unlikely band of heroes going on a quest to save their friend. I can't believe I've only 2 books left. Legends of the First Empire 100% my emotional support fantasy series.
The Wood at Midwinter by Susanna Clarke

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

3.0