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374 reviews
The Wicked Deep by Shea Ernshaw
5.0
(You can also find this review on my blog!)
This book is brilliantly written, eerie, haunting, and just so, so good. At the end of the book, my heart was scattered all over the place, and my mind was reeling, thinking about just how brilliant it was!
The writing
When I read the first few chapters, I was immediately intrigued. There was something about the author’s writing that is both alluring and haunting; the way she described the town of Sparrow, the curse, the people, the way she conveyed the thoughts and emotions of the main character Penny Talbot, and other characters as well.
I also loved the flow of the book, the way the author told the whole story. It did not just focus on Penny’s perspective, it revolved around other characters and past events as well. So throughout the story, I witnessed multiple past events unfurl, and saw how it came down to the present story.
The characters
I also love the characters in this story, not just the main characters but the other characters involved as well. The characterization was so good, it seemed like every character in the book has their own story to tell—Penny, Bo, Penny’s mother, Penny’s dad, the Swan sisters Marguerite, Aurora, and Hazel, Rose, the townspeople, everyone. I truly felt like every character was involved in the story and that they all had their own significant parts.
The plot
I absolutely loved the plot of this book! It was haunting and truly intriguing. There were times when I would express my reaction out loud because I didn’t see a plot twist coming or that the current situation was getting frustrating and I didn’t know what would happen next.
The plot kept me buried in the book. I wanted to know what happened two centuries ago with Marguerite, Aurora, and Hazel, and I also wanted to know what will happen next in the present-day story and how will Penny and Bo and everyone in Sparrow will survive the curse, if they survive the curse. The plot made me crave. I think that’s the right word for it! It made me crave for a conclusion that will satisfy the hunger I felt throughout reading the book haha!
Also, there were certain points in the plot which I have sort of predicted, but still the author’s writing left me in awe and shocked. I swear it was so, so good!
Quotes from the book
This book is brilliantly written, eerie, haunting, and just so, so good. At the end of the book, my heart was scattered all over the place, and my mind was reeling, thinking about just how brilliant it was!
The writing
When I read the first few chapters, I was immediately intrigued. There was something about the author’s writing that is both alluring and haunting; the way she described the town of Sparrow, the curse, the people, the way she conveyed the thoughts and emotions of the main character Penny Talbot, and other characters as well.
I also loved the flow of the book, the way the author told the whole story. It did not just focus on Penny’s perspective, it revolved around other characters and past events as well. So throughout the story, I witnessed multiple past events unfurl, and saw how it came down to the present story.
The characters
I also love the characters in this story, not just the main characters but the other characters involved as well. The characterization was so good, it seemed like every character in the book has their own story to tell—Penny, Bo, Penny’s mother, Penny’s dad, the Swan sisters Marguerite, Aurora, and Hazel, Rose, the townspeople, everyone. I truly felt like every character was involved in the story and that they all had their own significant parts.
The plot
I absolutely loved the plot of this book! It was haunting and truly intriguing. There were times when I would express my reaction out loud because I didn’t see a plot twist coming or that the current situation was getting frustrating and I didn’t know what would happen next.
The plot kept me buried in the book. I wanted to know what happened two centuries ago with Marguerite, Aurora, and Hazel, and I also wanted to know what will happen next in the present-day story and how will Penny and Bo and everyone in Sparrow will survive the curse, if they survive the curse. The plot made me crave. I think that’s the right word for it! It made me crave for a conclusion that will satisfy the hunger I felt throughout reading the book haha!
Also, there were certain points in the plot which I have sort of predicted, but still the author’s writing left me in awe and shocked. I swear it was so, so good!
Quotes from the book
“Love is an enchantress—devious and wild. It sneaks up behind you, soft and gentle and quiet, just before it slits your throat.”
“We wait for death. We hold our breath. We know it’s coming, and still we flinch when it claws at our throats and pulls us under.”
“We’re deadlocked in a strange battle of secrecy. Neither of us is willing to tell the truth. Neither of us is willing to let the other one in.”
“Even her grief can’t keep her from kindness.”
“But how do you let yourself unravel in front of someone, knowing your armor is the only thing keeping you safe.
So I don’t say anything. I keep my heart hidden deep and dark in my chest.”
The Tiny Book of Tiny Stories, Vol. 1 by wirrow, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
4.0
This was such a refreshing read! These little stories do not only touch your heart, but they also stimulate the mind in the most entertaining ways. I loved it!
The Tiny Book of Tiny Stories, Vol. 2 by wirrow, Joseph Gordon-Levitt
4.0
Just like the first volume, this was an amazing read as well! The tiny stories were interesting, and for me it really it shows the thoughts and emotions of the various contributors in different, little ways.
The Tiny Book of Tiny Stories, Vol. 3 by Joseph Gordon-Levitt
5.0
Out of all the three volumes, this one was the best for me. All the tiny stories were great! It was refreshing, it was emotional, it was touching, it was stimulating. I'm so glad our editor gave us a copy of this book and I got the chance to read it! I really really loved it!
Essence by Hayley Gabrielle
3.0
(You can also find this review on my blog!)
The author gave me a free ebook in exchange for an honest review! The synopsis was intriguing, and the story was just enough to keep me on my toes.
The writing
The writing style was okay for me. There were some parts that did not entice me enough, but there were also scenes and lines that made me think about humanity and the world, and I really liked that.
The characters
The characters were really interesting, especially the Essences. The author truly captured their personalities and showed their "Essences" well. I also liked the fact that the Essence of Good was a man, and the Essence of Evil was a woman. In a way, it defies the norm/trope that women are the innocent ones, and men are the malicious ones. It was a nice change in the story. I would love to know how the author is going to continue that arc, and that story.
I liked the protagonist enough. Although, there was little that made me feel for her or connect with her. When I read, I try to relate myself to the narrator of the story but with Abbey Shader, I feel like I didn't get much feel of her personality. I saw her emotions, that was for sure, but her personality was a miss for me.
Zac, the other protagonist, was okay for me as well. There's a lot of story in his past, but I feel like it wasn't explored enough. Maybe the author will revisit that in the future installments of the series, and give it more significance, who knows?
The plot
The plot was interesting enough, although I found it a bit lacking. It was intriguing and fascinating, but I needed more. I needed something that will truly get me hooked and leave me craving for more.
It was simple, and that's good, there is nothing wrong about that. But it didn't captivate me enough like I thought it would. Maybe they will be more action and plot in the second book once we dive in deeper to their world.
The world-building
The world-building was also good. I liked the concept of the erodosphere and how the Essences move and exist and function in these different worlds and in different people. I would really love to know more about them and their system. And I'd also love to meet other Essences!
This was a good read, and my first for the month of September! I give this 3.5 stars!
The author gave me a free ebook in exchange for an honest review! The synopsis was intriguing, and the story was just enough to keep me on my toes.
The writing
The writing style was okay for me. There were some parts that did not entice me enough, but there were also scenes and lines that made me think about humanity and the world, and I really liked that.
The characters
The characters were really interesting, especially the Essences. The author truly captured their personalities and showed their "Essences" well. I also liked the fact that the Essence of Good was a man, and the Essence of Evil was a woman. In a way, it defies the norm/trope that women are the innocent ones, and men are the malicious ones. It was a nice change in the story. I would love to know how the author is going to continue that arc, and that story.
I liked the protagonist enough. Although, there was little that made me feel for her or connect with her. When I read, I try to relate myself to the narrator of the story but with Abbey Shader, I feel like I didn't get much feel of her personality. I saw her emotions, that was for sure, but her personality was a miss for me.
Zac, the other protagonist, was okay for me as well. There's a lot of story in his past, but I feel like it wasn't explored enough. Maybe the author will revisit that in the future installments of the series, and give it more significance, who knows?
The plot
The plot was interesting enough, although I found it a bit lacking. It was intriguing and fascinating, but I needed more. I needed something that will truly get me hooked and leave me craving for more.
It was simple, and that's good, there is nothing wrong about that. But it didn't captivate me enough like I thought it would. Maybe they will be more action and plot in the second book once we dive in deeper to their world.
The world-building
The world-building was also good. I liked the concept of the erodosphere and how the Essences move and exist and function in these different worlds and in different people. I would really love to know more about them and their system. And I'd also love to meet other Essences!
This was a good read, and my first for the month of September! I give this 3.5 stars!
Five Feet Apart by Tobias Iaconis, Mikki Daughtry, Rachael Lippincott
4.0
(You can also find this review on my blog!)
I got approved of a DRC (Digital Review Copy) of this book from Edelweiss! With a gorgeous cover and an intriguing concept and theme, this book immediately caught my attention the first time I saw it.
The writing
I really like the writing style of this book. Though the story mainly revolves around the fragility of life and the difficult situation of having a terminal illness, the writing style was light, easy, moderately-paced, and so, so relatable! It was relatable in a way that it shows several aspects of how a modern teenager lives—the use of smartphones, making apps, the use of social media, and the likes.
I also liked the tones of the different narrations. The point of views in this story alternate between the two main characters, Stella and Will. I loved that within these two perspectives, I was able to get a view of their situations and their emotions. With Stella, it was hopeful, and hurting, and guilty. And with Will, it was cynical and reckless. But as the story progresses, the tone turns hopeful and trusting. I loved that.
I also love that this book is very educational. I am familiar with Stella and Will's illness (cystic fibrosis), though I cannot say that I am fully equipped with knowledge about it. As I read the book, I realized that the authors did not neglect to inform readers about this kind of illness. It made me feel like the authors did a lot of research about this illness, and I am really thankful for it.
The characters
I really liked the characters in this story as well, despite the fact that it was a little cliche for me. The main characters' personalities are a trope I always see among girl-and-boy pairings—a reckless boy who does not do what he's been told to do, and a good girl who does everything right. However as I read on, I realized that these characters go beyond these cliche characteristics (and I am really thankful for that!). Will is an artist who craves to see and experience the world, and Stella is a programmer/developer who just misses her family and how they were. These little things made me like them and their chemistry in the story.
I also liked the minor characters. I felt Julie and Barb's love for Stella, Stella's parents and their struggles. Stella's friends, Will's friends, and Poe, although they only had little parts in the book, they completed Stella and Will's worlds.
The plot
The plot was also good, but it was a struggle. I struggled because I did not know what will happen to these two main characters, and what will be the end game for them. I did not know if it will be a melancholic ending, or a hopeful one, and that really frustrated me (in a good way haha!). The plot also showed me that there is a fine line between want and need, and the main characters realized that, too.
There were some subplots that have been opened near the ending of the book, and I wished the authors took the time to delve into that much further. These subplots were interesting and I really wanted to know more about them. Also, there is one plot twist that did not sit well with me, and it's both frustrating and saddening at the same time.
All in all, the plot was good and I can't wait to buy a physical copy of this! I loved this one, and I really can't wait for its release on November 20th this year! Also, this book is soon to be a major motion picture starring Cole Sprouse and Haley Lu Richardson in March 2019 and WOW WOW WOW. I am beyond excited!
I got approved of a DRC (Digital Review Copy) of this book from Edelweiss! With a gorgeous cover and an intriguing concept and theme, this book immediately caught my attention the first time I saw it.
The writing
I really like the writing style of this book. Though the story mainly revolves around the fragility of life and the difficult situation of having a terminal illness, the writing style was light, easy, moderately-paced, and so, so relatable! It was relatable in a way that it shows several aspects of how a modern teenager lives—the use of smartphones, making apps, the use of social media, and the likes.
I also liked the tones of the different narrations. The point of views in this story alternate between the two main characters, Stella and Will. I loved that within these two perspectives, I was able to get a view of their situations and their emotions. With Stella, it was hopeful, and hurting, and guilty. And with Will, it was cynical and reckless. But as the story progresses, the tone turns hopeful and trusting. I loved that.
I also love that this book is very educational. I am familiar with Stella and Will's illness (cystic fibrosis), though I cannot say that I am fully equipped with knowledge about it. As I read the book, I realized that the authors did not neglect to inform readers about this kind of illness. It made me feel like the authors did a lot of research about this illness, and I am really thankful for it.
The characters
I really liked the characters in this story as well, despite the fact that it was a little cliche for me. The main characters' personalities are a trope I always see among girl-and-boy pairings—a reckless boy who does not do what he's been told to do, and a good girl who does everything right. However as I read on, I realized that these characters go beyond these cliche characteristics (and I am really thankful for that!). Will is an artist who craves to see and experience the world, and Stella is a programmer/developer who just misses her family and how they were. These little things made me like them and their chemistry in the story.
I also liked the minor characters. I felt Julie and Barb's love for Stella, Stella's parents and their struggles. Stella's friends, Will's friends, and Poe, although they only had little parts in the book, they completed Stella and Will's worlds.
The plot
The plot was also good, but it was a struggle. I struggled because I did not know what will happen to these two main characters, and what will be the end game for them. I did not know if it will be a melancholic ending, or a hopeful one, and that really frustrated me (in a good way haha!). The plot also showed me that there is a fine line between want and need, and the main characters realized that, too.
There were some subplots that have been opened near the ending of the book, and I wished the authors took the time to delve into that much further. These subplots were interesting and I really wanted to know more about them. Also, there is one plot twist that did not sit well with me, and it's both frustrating and saddening at the same time.
All in all, the plot was good and I can't wait to buy a physical copy of this! I loved this one, and I really can't wait for its release on November 20th this year! Also, this book is soon to be a major motion picture starring Cole Sprouse and Haley Lu Richardson in March 2019 and WOW WOW WOW. I am beyond excited!
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
5.0
I've seen the movie Coraline years ago and completely loved it! I did not know that it was based from this book though! Now I've read it, and I loved it as well! Will publish a book review on my blog this weekend!
This Lie Will Kill You by Chelsea Pitcher
3.0
(You can also find this review on my blog!)
I first saw this book on Edelweiss so I requested for a digital reader's copy, and I was approved! Although the story was really interesting—filled with lies, porcelain dolls, and fire—I found myself wanting more.
The writing
One thing that I loved about the author's writing in this story is the magnificent use of metaphors. This is probably my favorite thing out of the whole book. The author has a way of using metaphors and making the imagery much more interesting and in a way, more significant to the current scene.
The perspective of the story also jumped from character to character, and from past to present and vice versa. This was good for me as I was able to see the events unfold and see the truth among all the lies.
There was a part in the writing though that seemed too sexual and graphic for me. Although, when I think about it, that part really gave me a clear perspective into that particular character's personality.
The characters
The characters were likable enough for me, but there were times that they were predictable.
Ruby was fiery but I feel like she fell in love way to easily. Juniper was blinded by her feelings, Brett deserved better than to be manipulated and used because of his affections for a certain someone. Gavin only wants to fit in, and Parker is a true jerk who has the makings of an abusive, manipulative, and controlling boyfriend (Sorry guys, but I'm really not fond of Parker's character *cries*). Also, Shane seems like some sort Edward Cullen's reincarnation, I swear.
The plot
The plot was good, although I kept looking for something that will really chill my bones, something that will really blow my mind. Unfortunately, I found it a bit lacking.
There was mystery indeed—it made me wonder just what exactly happened one year ago, what these people are hiding, why was this party/contest happening and who made it possible, those kind of things. However, it didn't blow my mind or give me chills. Most of my theories and guesses about the plot were right. There was only one plot twist though that really shocked me. I won't go into details because I do not want to spoil you guys! Just know that this one was really crazy and I did not see it coming. (Kind of makes me think how I didn't see it!) That's something to watch out for!
And there you go! 3.5 stars for this book! This book will be released a month from now, December 11, 2018!
If you want something different from the usual YA Contemporary or YA Fantasy in your TBR, you can give this book a shot!
I first saw this book on Edelweiss so I requested for a digital reader's copy, and I was approved! Although the story was really interesting—filled with lies, porcelain dolls, and fire—I found myself wanting more.
The writing
One thing that I loved about the author's writing in this story is the magnificent use of metaphors. This is probably my favorite thing out of the whole book. The author has a way of using metaphors and making the imagery much more interesting and in a way, more significant to the current scene.
The perspective of the story also jumped from character to character, and from past to present and vice versa. This was good for me as I was able to see the events unfold and see the truth among all the lies.
There was a part in the writing though that seemed too sexual and graphic for me. Although, when I think about it, that part really gave me a clear perspective into that particular character's personality.
The characters
The characters were likable enough for me, but there were times that they were predictable.
Ruby was fiery but I feel like she fell in love way to easily. Juniper was blinded by her feelings, Brett deserved better than to be manipulated and used because of his affections for a certain someone. Gavin only wants to fit in, and Parker is a true jerk who has the makings of an abusive, manipulative, and controlling boyfriend (Sorry guys, but I'm really not fond of Parker's character *cries*). Also, Shane seems like some sort Edward Cullen's reincarnation, I swear.
The plot
The plot was good, although I kept looking for something that will really chill my bones, something that will really blow my mind. Unfortunately, I found it a bit lacking.
There was mystery indeed—it made me wonder just what exactly happened one year ago, what these people are hiding, why was this party/contest happening and who made it possible, those kind of things. However, it didn't blow my mind or give me chills. Most of my theories and guesses about the plot were right. There was only one plot twist though that really shocked me. I won't go into details because I do not want to spoil you guys! Just know that this one was really crazy and I did not see it coming. (Kind of makes me think how I didn't see it!) That's something to watch out for!
And there you go! 3.5 stars for this book! This book will be released a month from now, December 11, 2018!
If you want something different from the usual YA Contemporary or YA Fantasy in your TBR, you can give this book a shot!
Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young
4.0
(You can also find this review on my blog.)
The first time I saw this book, I was immediately hooked! (Though, I suspect it’s primarily because of the Vikings part in the synopsis.) Fantasy and action and a strong female character? Sign me up!
The writing
The writing was good. The author managed to hook me within just a few chapters. I also loved how the writing style really captured the struggle of the main character, in terms of her journey from Hylli to Fela, and her own inner struggle in understanding everything that happened to her brother, and everything about the Riki clan.
At first I didn’t like the way the author incorporated the violence in the narration. It seemed out of place for me. But that was only in the first few chapters. After that, it was smoother and fiercer, and and through the writing, I saw the warrior that Eelyn was.
The characters
The characters were likable as I truly saw the passion and the love they have for various things. And although, each of them was driven by very different reasons, they were all so alike.
Eelyn was fueled by her love for her brother and father, and even Myra and the Aska clansmen. I witnessed Iri embrace new hope, a new life, and a new family. And I saw Fiske be driven by the love he has for his family including Iri.
I also loved how the clans were represented. Aska and Riki were different from each other, but one thing is for sure, their love for their clan and their families can unite them all.
The Herja clan was intriguing, too, but I felt like the details given by the author in the book was lacking. I wanted to know more about this fearsome clan.
The plot
The plot was good as well, though there were some points that threw me off.
The first few chapters were really good—filled with action and violence and fierce story-telling. But then it turned slow when Eelyn was in the Riki village. And then it picked up pace once again in the middle of the book.
The Herja clan was really interesting and I feel like they could have added more impact to the plot if the story offered more details about them. The story didn’t divulge further explanations about them other than they we menacing, they were ghost-like, and they were thought to be legends.
Eelyn’s growing feelings for Fiske also seemed out-of-place for me. They had minimal interaction and I just feel like it was so weird for them to be feeling that way. (That’s what it felt like for me, anyway.)
3.5 stars for me!
The first time I saw this book, I was immediately hooked! (Though, I suspect it’s primarily because of the Vikings part in the synopsis.) Fantasy and action and a strong female character? Sign me up!
The writing
The writing was good. The author managed to hook me within just a few chapters. I also loved how the writing style really captured the struggle of the main character, in terms of her journey from Hylli to Fela, and her own inner struggle in understanding everything that happened to her brother, and everything about the Riki clan.
At first I didn’t like the way the author incorporated the violence in the narration. It seemed out of place for me. But that was only in the first few chapters. After that, it was smoother and fiercer, and and through the writing, I saw the warrior that Eelyn was.
The characters
The characters were likable as I truly saw the passion and the love they have for various things. And although, each of them was driven by very different reasons, they were all so alike.
Eelyn was fueled by her love for her brother and father, and even Myra and the Aska clansmen. I witnessed Iri embrace new hope, a new life, and a new family. And I saw Fiske be driven by the love he has for his family including Iri.
I also loved how the clans were represented. Aska and Riki were different from each other, but one thing is for sure, their love for their clan and their families can unite them all.
The Herja clan was intriguing, too, but I felt like the details given by the author in the book was lacking. I wanted to know more about this fearsome clan.
The plot
The plot was good as well, though there were some points that threw me off.
The first few chapters were really good—filled with action and violence and fierce story-telling. But then it turned slow when Eelyn was in the Riki village. And then it picked up pace once again in the middle of the book.
The Herja clan was really interesting and I feel like they could have added more impact to the plot if the story offered more details about them. The story didn’t divulge further explanations about them other than they we menacing, they were ghost-like, and they were thought to be legends.
Eelyn’s growing feelings for Fiske also seemed out-of-place for me. They had minimal interaction and I just feel like it was so weird for them to be feeling that way. (That’s what it felt like for me, anyway.)
3.5 stars for me!