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dannilmp's reviews
63 reviews
The Appeal by Janice Hallett
challenging
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-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
2.75
Do you like to combine your love for reading with cluedo? Well then this is certainly a book you'll be interested in. A typical whodunit type of story where the stakes are making sure an innocent is released from prison while the guilty pay the price for murder.
I really enjoyed getting involved with this book and taking the time between sections to review the facts and try to deduce the case. Taking breaks is made a little easier as the whole book is told through texts, emails, phone records and the like. I must admit I hadn't gotten the murderer right so I was still suprised when all the case wrapped up and I had been completely lead astray by red herrings!
While both the book and the experience were highly enjoyable, my reasoning for the lower star rating is the fact that I cannot see myself reading the book again now that I know the answers to the questions. Maybe if I re-read it I could see where I had gotten my facts wrong the previous time or maybe retrospectively I could put more clues together. I may re-read it one day but it certainly won't be any time soon.
I really enjoyed getting involved with this book and taking the time between sections to review the facts and try to deduce the case. Taking breaks is made a little easier as the whole book is told through texts, emails, phone records and the like. I must admit I hadn't gotten the murderer right so I was still suprised when all the case wrapped up and I had been completely lead astray by red herrings!
While both the book and the experience were highly enjoyable, my reasoning for the lower star rating is the fact that I cannot see myself reading the book again now that I know the answers to the questions. Maybe if I re-read it I could see where I had gotten my facts wrong the previous time or maybe retrospectively I could put more clues together. I may re-read it one day but it certainly won't be any time soon.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Terminal illness, and Murder
Moderate: Child abuse and Child death
Fragile Things: Short Fictions & Wonders by Neil Gaiman
adventurous
dark
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I don't typically read anthologies and even when I do its only a select few stories that stay with me. Such was the case with Fragile Things. Neil Gaiman's story writing capabilities are impecable and even though there were some short stories that I didn't really enjoy, I could still appreciate the craft work. It's brilliant that these stories are so far removed from one another but they contain so much depth in such short prose.
My favourite story from this collection is the one where the months of the year are telling stories to one another. There was just something so other worldy about it that it just captivated me. I loved the way it wasn't entirely clear cut at the end and there was some thought to be had about the ending itself. The problem with Susan was another good one, mainly because I have always loved the Narnia series and I think Neil's short story was a fitting addition to the tale.
There were a few poems in this collection and while I did read through them, I don't think I fully appreciated them as poetry isn't really my thing. But they did serve as a nice little break between longer pieces. I would recommend this book if you prefer reading in short bursts as you can take the time to put the book down and digest whatever hellish concept you've just finished reading.
My favourite story from this collection is the one where the months of the year are telling stories to one another. There was just something so other worldy about it that it just captivated me. I loved the way it wasn't entirely clear cut at the end and there was some thought to be had about the ending itself. The problem with Susan was another good one, mainly because I have always loved the Narnia series and I think Neil's short story was a fitting addition to the tale.
There were a few poems in this collection and while I did read through them, I don't think I fully appreciated them as poetry isn't really my thing. But they did serve as a nice little break between longer pieces. I would recommend this book if you prefer reading in short bursts as you can take the time to put the book down and digest whatever hellish concept you've just finished reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Pedophilia
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
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? No
3.75
I gave this a try as it came as a recomendation from someone a long time ago and I just hadn't gotten round to it yet after all those years. It is not usually my style of read but I felt myself flying through the pages and really eager to continue the series. It certainly serves as a nice refreshing break from some of the darker themed books that I like to read. I am in love with all of the characters and I just want to see them do well and achieve their own goals. I loved learning more about African culture and mannerisms and community interactions.
Tears of the Giraffe by Alexander McCall Smith
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
mysterious
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? No
3.0
I loved this book as a continuation from The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency. It feels like a slice of life type of read. Very cosy, relaxing and goes perfectly with a cup of tea and a few biscuits. I feel like I am learning so much about Africa and Botswanna that I never would have learnt otherwise, and unlike other forms of learning, I am able to retain some of these new facts in my brain.
Morality for Beautiful Girls by Alexander McCall Smith
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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? No
3.0
A cozy little adventure mystery read, this book is just as much as a delight as the first two in the series. I like that the mysteries are more on the lighthearted side, while this one involved a case of suspected poisioning, it doesn't feel as dark or gloomy as a lot of the other mysteries I have read over the years. Maybe this is partially due to the way that Mma Ramotswe deals with her cases and clients.
The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
What can I say other than what an amazing story this book holds. Certainly one of my favourite reads this year! We follow Deka through her journey as she learns she is one of the demons with gold blood and her journey across the contintent to become a pawn in the Emperor's army against the Deathshrieks.
From start to end I adored this book, but what I loved the most was the way the characters grew over the story. Their own personal development but also watching the bonds between characters grow. It was beautifully written and enjoyable to read through. The twists and turns I never expected, I didn't even get close with any of the potential theories I had come up with. The ending was excellent and had me on tenterhooks waiting for the release of The Merciless ones.
From start to end I adored this book, but what I loved the most was the way the characters grew over the story. Their own personal development but also watching the bonds between characters grow. It was beautifully written and enjoyable to read through. The twists and turns I never expected, I didn't even get close with any of the potential theories I had come up with. The ending was excellent and had me on tenterhooks waiting for the release of The Merciless ones.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Torture, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Rape and Sexual assault
Minor: Death of parent and War
The Color Purple by Alice Walker
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-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
2.5
The Color Purple is a deeply moving story, mainly following Celie on her journey through adulthood and life. The emotional rollacoaster this woman goes through certainly made me feel for her. And seeing her overcome hate and make room for those negative emotions in life defintely taught me something today!
I was worried when I started this book that I wouldn't be able to read it easily with the writing style used but actually I found myself flying both through the pages and through Celie's story! I felt this novel was an absolute eye opener into something I thought I had a little understanding about but it turns out I really had no understanding at all!
While I can't say I found anything particulary negative about this book, I did struggle to read it with the letter style chapters. I felt like I was missing big gaps in the story, I know this may have been Walker's intention but it just doesn't vibe with me. Other than that, this story was wonderful but the heavy content and the way it made me feel emotionally means it wasn't one of my higher rated reads this year. Mainly because I prefer to read stories that don't shatter my heart and soul.
I was worried when I started this book that I wouldn't be able to read it easily with the writing style used but actually I found myself flying both through the pages and through Celie's story! I felt this novel was an absolute eye opener into something I thought I had a little understanding about but it turns out I really had no understanding at all!
While I can't say I found anything particulary negative about this book, I did struggle to read it with the letter style chapters. I felt like I was missing big gaps in the story, I know this may have been Walker's intention but it just doesn't vibe with me. Other than that, this story was wonderful but the heavy content and the way it made me feel emotionally means it wasn't one of my higher rated reads this year. Mainly because I prefer to read stories that don't shatter my heart and soul.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Sexual violence
Moderate: Incest and Rape
Minor: Child abuse and Drug use
A Clash of Kings by George R.R. Martin
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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
3.25
Here the important part of the story finally seems to kick off and we get our Game of Thrones. Very aptly named is Clash of Kings considering once the old king dies everyone seems to jump up and claim the throne for their own.
I really enjoyed seeing the story progress from the P.O.Vs of different characters, with some being in entirely different continents of the map. I felt the use of the comet and how everyone seems to interpret the comet with different ideas to give them the advantage in the upcoming war.
However, in typical GRRM fashion, this book contains much gore, sexual assult, rape and everything else bad in the world. While I understand every book has its bad scenes, once again A Clash of Kings just seems to go overboard with all of it.
I really enjoyed seeing the story progress from the P.O.Vs of different characters, with some being in entirely different continents of the map. I felt the use of the comet and how everyone seems to interpret the comet with different ideas to give them the advantage in the upcoming war.
However, in typical GRRM fashion, this book contains much gore, sexual assult, rape and everything else bad in the world. While I understand every book has its bad scenes, once again A Clash of Kings just seems to go overboard with all of it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Incest
Minor: Misogyny and Fire/Fire injury
The Kalahari Typing School for Men by Alexander McCall Smith
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
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? No
3.25
This series is such a comfort one and so far not a single book has disappointed. I really enjoyed this one, espeically seeing how Mma Ramwotse deals with her competetion. I love how Mma Makusi is coming into her own and her job role now, but seeing some of the things she goes through in this book did make my heartstrings hurt.
Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
dark
emotional
informative
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? It's complicated
2.5
I picked this book up hoping to learn something more about a culture's history and I wasn't dissapointed. Here we follow young Sayori through the trials of her life that lead to her becoming a Geisha. A heartfelt story with plenty of heartaching moments to follow.
Golden really did his research to be able to write such a detailed piece of historical fiction. I felt as though I learnt so much more about Geishas and Japan's history while also coming to understand more what the Geishas roles and functions in society were.
I don't typically read historical fiction so this was a venture outside of my usual comfort zone, and while it was written very well (bar young Sayori's obsession with a certain character feeling icky) it is not something I would rush to read in a hurry again. But parts of the story have still stuck with me months later, so I have to give the book credit.
Golden really did his research to be able to write such a detailed piece of historical fiction. I felt as though I learnt so much more about Geishas and Japan's history while also coming to understand more what the Geishas roles and functions in society were.
I don't typically read historical fiction so this was a venture outside of my usual comfort zone, and while it was written very well (bar young Sayori's obsession with a certain character feeling icky) it is not something I would rush to read in a hurry again. But parts of the story have still stuck with me months later, so I have to give the book credit.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Slavery, Death of parent, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Infidelity and Abortion