casparquarius's reviews
64 reviews

Kill Creek by Scott Thomas

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

3.25

man I wanted to like this so much more than I actually did. I really liked the characters, and I'm a sucker for a haunted house. this had some interesting things going for it! the pacing, however, seemed to work against the story at every turn: moments that needed to breathe to have maximum impact were brushed past and moments that could have been quick were lingered on. some of the writing choices were not necessarily my favorite, but if the pacing had been better that likely wouldn't have affected my enjoyment of the book. the end was surprisingly one of the best parts, usually I am pretty disappointed by horror endings but I enjoyed the twists. overall, this was fine but kind of a slog and I really wanted more from it. 
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The September House by Carissa Orlando

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

4.0

this was a fun read! I loved the POV character, and even when I wished she'd make different choices it was refreshing to feel like they all made sense for her. the ending felt like a kind of jarring tonal shift but it was also gratifying and enjoyable
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Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw

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

4.5

I think Cassandra Khaw is one of my favorite contemporary horror writers, between this and Salt Grows Heavy. Khaw's way with language is just so beautiful and memorable, and this story tense and interesting. really enjoyed this
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The Martian by Andy Weir

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adventurous emotional funny tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

#Murdertrending by Gretchen McNeil

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

3.5

this was exactly what I wanted it to be: an easy. quick, fun romp of a YA horror. the premise isn't necessarily my usual fare, but it's been a long time since I read YA horror and something about it caught my eye. I would have liked a little more character development, and some of the writing felt choppy, but the forum posts and betting sheets were really fun touches
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White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 3%.
was really enjoying the start of this but the POV character's bedbug anxiety/intrusive thoughts were triggering to mine and I had to put it down. would like to try again when I'm less susceptible! 
The Eyes Are the Best Part by Monika Kim

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dark emotional 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

4.25

I read this in two sittings in one day and dang. it was obviously very compelling! I quite liked it, and Ji-won was such a fun protagonist. the horrors of racist misogyny were almost too real, and honestly more visceral than the physical violence described. 
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The Loney by Andrew Michael Hurley

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Did not finish book.
I'd like to try it again sometime but man the ableist, religious child abuse was So much
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Annihilation by Jeff VanderMeer

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4.5

The Haunted by Bentley Little

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

3.5

this is my first Bentley Little book and for some reason I didn't expect much going in? so much to my surprise I had to make sure I only read it while the lights were on and someone else was awake - despite the writing style not being my particular jam, the book made me feel so on edge and creeped out. it hit on some very old specific fears of mine, not only that but Little hits on the way that fear felt when I was younger. the ending wasn't really what I wanted but wasn't bad, and I'm interested in exploring more of Little's work.
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