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lotecider's reviews
55 reviews
One of Us is Back by Karen M. McManus
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I found this to be a satisfactory conclusion to the trilogy. Like most of her books, this one took a while before it became a page turner (I think I was about 52% in) but that doesn't mean it was boring.
It wasn't as intense as the previous books, but I think that made it a lot more satisfying. A lot of the characters have grown since the pervious books and the interactions between them felt organic and real. You truly care for the characters.
With murder mystery books there's always the "trying to figure out whilst your reading it" thing that you do as a reader, but this book truly baffled me at the revelation.that being said, there was a moment where the plot tried hinting that Sana may br a perpetrator but she wasnt and that was never addressed
The reason why it didn't get 4 stars or higher for me is that it's split across multiple points of views. I think that McManus did an okay job at making sure it didn't get confusing but it definitely got really overwhelming reading from multiple points of views. At some points as well, the characters started blending into each other and lost their individuality so it only added to that frustration.
I hope the bayview crew gets a break though and that the next book, if there is one, that involves them is one that talks about how successful and peaceful their lives are!
It wasn't as intense as the previous books, but I think that made it a lot more satisfying. A lot of the characters have grown since the pervious books and the interactions between them felt organic and real. You truly care for the characters.
With murder mystery books there's always the "trying to figure out whilst your reading it" thing that you do as a reader, but this book truly baffled me at the revelation.
The reason why it didn't get 4 stars or higher for me is that it's split across multiple points of views. I think that McManus did an okay job at making sure it didn't get confusing but it definitely got really overwhelming reading from multiple points of views. At some points as well, the characters started blending into each other and lost their individuality so it only added to that frustration.
I hope the bayview crew gets a break though and that the next book, if there is one, that involves them is one that talks about how successful and peaceful their lives are!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
Spice Road by Maiya Ibrahim
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This book took a few chapters before i got into it. A lot of the beginning was a bit cringe and i personally found the main character a bit insufferable and bull headed at times, however it was in a refreshing way. Its not often we see a main character who is coming from a place of privilege, usually its always the poor victimised character saving the world, but Imani isnt poor and nor does she see herself a victim. I do believe her character could have been enriched a bit more but hopefully that'll happen in the next book.
I also find that the relationships between the characters seem a bit forced rather than natural. There's a lot of telling rather than demonstrating most of the time, but that being said, aside from the love triangle that's hinted at, most of the interactions between the characters seemed believable and organic, but a bit flat and as a reader you feel indifferent towards them.
I liked the magic system in place. It wasn't explained in a great deal of detail but it was easy enough to understand. I hope as the plot of the next book progresses we get to see more of the magic system develop as it does have significant influence over the events of the story. I also loved the world building in general too.
The plot is medium placed with a slow build up and most of the action happening in the last 30% of the book. It's a good story, with a few twists and turns and many moments where when you feel like you've figured it out, something completely different happens.Especially some of the twists that happen towards the end!
I also find that the relationships between the characters seem a bit forced rather than natural. There's a lot of telling rather than demonstrating most of the time, but that being said, aside from the love triangle that's hinted at, most of the interactions between the characters seemed believable and organic, but a bit flat and as a reader you feel indifferent towards them.
I liked the magic system in place. It wasn't explained in a great deal of detail but it was easy enough to understand. I hope as the plot of the next book progresses we get to see more of the magic system develop as it does have significant influence over the events of the story. I also loved the world building in general too.
The plot is medium placed with a slow build up and most of the action happening in the last 30% of the book. It's a good story, with a few twists and turns and many moments where when you feel like you've figured it out, something completely different happens.
The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi
dark
mysterious
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
4.0
This book was poetic, haunting, it's writing as intricate and fine as lace made out of gold and diamonds. There is a gorgeous mix of tension, mystery and magic. Although classed as a fantasy, there is more mention of things typically associated with fantasy as opposed to actual elements. However, the writing does create the presence of magic where it needs to, in certain points where it' needed, it does seem otherworldy.
There is a plot twist, and whether you see it or not depends on you as a reader. I personally didn't see it coming, which is a first for me, so I found that a pleasant surprise. There's also a subtle hint st sexual assault against a minor so please be warned before reading!
It is a relatively easy book to read, and very enjoyable. The only qualm i had was going in expecting it to be more fantastical than it was. Another review stated that it seemed more like children playing make believe than an actual fantasy story which I agree with, but it grew on Me and wasn't necessarily a bad feature- it just took a few chapters before I got accustomed to the worldbuilding
There is a plot twist, and whether you see it or not depends on you as a reader. I personally didn't see it coming, which is a first for me, so I found that a pleasant surprise. There's also a subtle hint st sexual assault against a minor so please be warned before reading!
It is a relatively easy book to read, and very enjoyable. The only qualm i had was going in expecting it to be more fantastical than it was. Another review stated that it seemed more like children playing make believe than an actual fantasy story which I agree with, but it grew on Me and wasn't necessarily a bad feature- it just took a few chapters before I got accustomed to the worldbuilding
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault and Sexual violence
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
This was an okay read. I personally wouldn't read it again but I think if you like an okay slow burn romance with a hint of tasteful spice and an okay plot then this definitely could be for you.
Aside from Ana, the characters were kind of dry and lacking in depth. As a reader I felt no attachment towards Misery nor did I feel the chemistry between her and Lowe.
The plot was okay, not the most intricate but it was still a good story. It was a bit basic and predictable here and there but that doesn't necessarily make it bad.
I think the author's writing style is okay, author she tends to do more telling than showing though and I don't really enjoy that
Aside from Ana, the characters were kind of dry and lacking in depth. As a reader I felt no attachment towards Misery nor did I feel the chemistry between her and Lowe.
The plot was okay, not the most intricate but it was still a good story. It was a bit basic and predictable here and there but that doesn't necessarily make it bad.
I think the author's writing style is okay, author she tends to do more telling than showing though and I don't really enjoy that
Psyche and Eros by Luna McNamara
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
The romance was gorgeous, the author's writing style is super poetic, but in a way that keeps you engaged and turning the page.
It's definitely a very fast paced book and I would recommend this book if you're trying to get back into reading after a slump.
It's also an easy read if you want to try Greek mythology retellings but you don't know much about Greek myths. The author uses the myths and historical events to fuel the plot rather than use it to build the world which I think makes it quite digestible for readers, especially since its a relatively shorter book.
It's definitely a very fast paced book and I would recommend this book if you're trying to get back into reading after a slump.
It's also an easy read if you want to try Greek mythology retellings but you don't know much about Greek myths. The author uses the myths and historical events to fuel the plot rather than use it to build the world which I think makes it quite digestible for readers, especially since its a relatively shorter book.
Finding Sky by Joss Stirling
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Honey & Spice by Bolu Babalola
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
2.75
I read this book as part of a book club my friends and I started, so it's not usually something I read. This book took me ages to get into, I spent weeks trying to get through 30% BUT it definitely was worth the drag. I laughed out loud in places and the way the author writes is really entertaining. As a non-black person I feel like some parts of the book were definitely lost on me (but I'm not lowering the rating for that, I feel like other people who've had exposure to certain cultures would definitely resonate and appreciate it a lot more than me). Also at some parts of the book, I couldn't tell whether the book was set in the UK or America because there was definitely a mishmash of tropes, so it was a bit confusing.
In terms of plot, it starts off quite slow, a lot of scene setting and getting to know the main character, and then everything snowballs and the plot races forward in the last quarter of the book. The fake dating trope was done really well and various different topics were touched upon too in a healthy way.
Definitely would recommend if you like books like "get a life chloe brown" with less spice, or if you want to start diversifying the books you read. Overall, despite not being my usual cup of tea, it was definitely worth reading!
In terms of plot, it starts off quite slow, a lot of scene setting and getting to know the main character, and then everything snowballs and the plot races forward in the last quarter of the book. The fake dating trope was done really well and various different topics were touched upon too in a healthy way.
Definitely would recommend if you like books like "get a life chloe brown" with less spice, or if you want to start diversifying the books you read. Overall, despite not being my usual cup of tea, it was definitely worth reading!