mercedes3295's reviews
144 reviews

This Is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone, Amal El-Mohtar

Go to review page

adventurous emotional hopeful 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? No

5.0

The prose is so incredibly beautiful every word felt like poetry. The world the authors create is so fascinating, and the way the two characters communicate between these letters is kind of unbelievable. I am obsessed with the way everything just clicks towards the end, but even though I couldn’t quite tell where this was going I loved getting to know the characters. Probably the most unique book I’ve ever read.
Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead by Emily Austin

Go to review page

emotional funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

A really funny but raw exploration of mental health and death. The revelation at the end felt like a perfect ending to me, I can’t think of anything I would change. I just really loved how grief and depression are portrayed in each of the characters as well.
She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan

Go to review page

adventurous challenging tense medium-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

5.0

I felt like I couldn’t put this down. The books exploration of desire, gender, and queerness was quite unique to me. I really enjoyed seeing Zhu find power and claim her own fate, even if she sacrificed some morals. Zhu’s relationship with Ma was a highlight to me because of her newfound corruptness too, the balance of Ma’s selflessness and Zhu’s selfishness. I hope it’s explored more in the sequel. Speaking of sequels, the ending didn’t disappoint and I’m definitely looking forward to he who drowned the world.
The Girls I've Been by Tess Sharpe

Go to review page

dark emotional hopeful 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

5.0

I was shocked by how addictive and clever this was from the first page. The writing style and pacing worked really well from the start. It’s almost hard to put it down because the story grabs you from the very start.

As Nora is held hostage in a bank robbery with her ex boyfriend and current girlfriend, I anticipated a lot of unnecessary or petty drama which made me kind of hesitant. However, the relationship between the three characters is so much more heartwarming than expected and I was happy to see their relationships didn’t define them as that does often happen. The glimpses we get into Nora’s past were also a great touch and I liked the way they were included quite a bit.

One thing I do wish we got to see more of was Lee. I really enjoyed her character and her relationship with Nora so was kind of sad she wasn’t as prominent. 
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

Go to review page

adventurous hopeful lighthearted fast-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

5.0

I’m obsessed with everything about this book and it’ll probably become my new personality trait. 
Cheer Up! Love and Pompoms by Crystal Frasier, Val Wise

Go to review page

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Such a cute graphic novel that explores gender identity, sexuality, consent, and friendship. I loved the art style and the character development. The relationship between the characters is just so adorable. I think the author did a really good job at exploring some heavy themes in a healthy way, and in such a quick read. I would recommend this to literally everyone.
Make My Wish Come True by Alyson Derrick, Rachael Lippincott

Go to review page

emotional lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I will admit that I forgot what this was about by the time I got around to reading it so I was skeptical at the start, but I couldn’t put it down once the plot picked up. 

The dynamic between the two main characters was really well written and felt natural. Each ‘date’ is just super cute and reveals a part of their history. I loved witnessing their relationship progress while also seeing how they evolved on their own. I was truly rooting for Arden the whole time. If the premise of the book interests you, I definitely think you’ll enjoy it.

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-ARC!
This Ravenous Fate by Hayley Dennings

Go to review page

adventurous tense medium-paced
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.5

Thanking this book for getting me out of a reading slump. I really loved the jazz age/harlem setting it was definitely a cool aspect. I also loved the protagonists, especially Layla and her relationships with the other reaper. The only thing that I didn’t enjoy much was how messy the ending got and the draw out mystery plot which definitely could have been fleshed out more. I just felt like a lot of the story is crammed in at the end. Would definitely recommend though! 
Look Up, Handsome by Jack Strange

Go to review page

lighthearted fast-paced
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

This is such a cute romance. I really enjoyed the characters and the comedic aspects. It’s definitely hard for a book to make you laugh but I thought it was executed well here. Some parts of the book could become repetitive and a little cringey, but it’s easy to get past those moments.
I would definitely recommend this to someone looking for a holiday romance.

Thanks to the publisher and netgalley for the ARC.
Her Body and Other Parties by Carmen Maria Machado

Go to review page

5.0