beauty_andbooks's reviews
518 reviews

What I liked:
✔️historical fiction set in other countries than the US is always the best 
✔️I didn’t have much pre-existing knowledge of Russia during the time period of the book, so that was a fun learning experience
✔️I liked the main character. He was quirky 

What I didn’t like:
✖️Plot was similar to Anne of Green Gables where there isn’t much main plot, and just a bunch of sub-plots. Not my fave type of book.
✖️Slow most of the time. Really had to push myself to binge so I could just “get it over with”, which is not something you want to say about a book

Things I loved: 
✔️Perfect summer read! All I could picture was warm summer nights on the East Coast with fireflies and humid air! 
✔️I liked the main character. I wouldn’t have made the choices she did because maybe I’m not as brave! But she was persistent in her beliefs
✔️The overall twist!! How different was that one??
✔️The added element of drawings within the book. I looked forward to the next page that had a picture. Made the reading experience go fast

What I liked:
✔️the overall premise. I love anything about disasters. I was the child that hyperfixated on the Titanic 😂
✔️the interactions and differing personalities of the characters. They all seemed to blend well together and it was super believable how they bonded over tragedy 
✔️I learned stuff! Nonfiction elements within a fiction thriller

What I didn’t like:
✖️some of the military moments were hard to keep my attention. The lingo was difficult at times

*I was in a terrible reading slump when I read this book so bare that in mind when reading my review 

What I liked:
✔️The main basis plot of the story was very interesting! Especially interesting that the author based it off real experiences 
✔️A house near a seaside cliff was a super cozy setting (even if the plot was sad and depressing lol)

What I didn’t like:
✖️Ending was too HEA (happily ever after) for me. And sorta too good to be true 
✖️Maybe a tad too slow for my liking (but could have felt that way because of my slump)

I have to give credit where credit is due. This book helped me get out almost completely of my worst slump yet in my reading career. I was really hooked by the writing of this book and I enjoyed learning about the inside scoop of what I’d imagine game creation looks like. This book surprised me because it is very character driven and I usually prefer books more plot oriented. I found the main plot points of the book to be exciting and kept my attention. 

I read this book with my bookclub, SoCal Story Swappers, and most of us enjoyed this book! Whether or not we felt it was perfectly popularized like we saw on bookstagram a year ago, we all agreed it was an enjoyable read.

*I was in a terrible reading slump when I read this book so bare that in mind when reading my review 

What I liked:
✔️The multiple POV was enjoyable 
✔️A detective type thriller I actually did enjoy because it was heavily based in detective lingo
✔️Plot twist was fun!

What I didn’t like: 
✖️Felt slow going in the first half (reading slump may be a factor)
✖️characters weren’t super likable

I had somewhat high expectations for this book since I loved The Last Housewife. But I preemptively gave the book grace knowing I didn’t love academia books, which I knew this one was. Once again I went in blind and I had a slow start. I didn’t have any issues really. I liked the peeks into the truth throughout the book where we got more information about the murder. That definitely had me keep reading. It was good but just not a favorite. I didn’t like any of the characters but I think that was quite purposeful.

It is time! I finally got to this beloved book and I have no regrets.

But oh wow that world building in those first few chapters. My suggestion to you is to find a guide to help you understand all the quirks of the world. 

Maas writes a super impressive story that hooks you in pretty quick. I loved all the characters, even the villains. My only gripe with it was all the back and forth traveling the two main characters do throughout the book, but I get the need because they are actively trying to solve a crime and it’s a long timeline. It would be strange if they stayed in one place too long. 

The last 20 percent of the book was so exhilarating! I want to read the next one super soon! Can’t wait til next year when the third comes out.

For fans of reality tv plots and cozy mysteries, The Golden Spoon was a very enjoyable read! Super fast paced and the multiple character POVs were easy to keep track of. I’m not usually one to enjoy a mystery book, but this book maintained my attention. I didn’t love the ending but I think if you like mysteries like Agatha Christie, then you won’t mind it. 

Trigger warning: sexual assault

Thank you to Simon and Schuster Bookclub Favorites for sending me a copy to read and review! I think this is a perfect choice for my bookclub!