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phoenix2's reviews
1177 reviews
The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
'The Kamogawa Food Detectives' is a feel good, emotional book about a father and a daughter who own a restaurant and also work as detectives, recreating dishes that their clients ask them to.
The book is rather short, but the descriptions of food were mouthwatering and the stories were emotional, sweet, and some of them kind of nostalgic.
The book is rather short, but the descriptions of food were mouthwatering and the stories were emotional, sweet, and some of them kind of nostalgic.
Solving Sophronia by Jennifer Moore
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
'Solving Sophronia' is a mystery-romance book, the start of a series of women who want to be more than wives or spinsters.
Sophronia is an aristocrat who wants to become a reporter, thus, she follows a murder case that brings her closer to the police officer who is investigating it.
The romance in this one was cute and the couple was adorable together.
The mystery was well crafted as well.
There were some moments, however, that sounded cheesy.
Still, it's an enjoyable read.
Sophronia is an aristocrat who wants to become a reporter, thus, she follows a murder case that brings her closer to the police officer who is investigating it.
The romance in this one was cute and the couple was adorable together.
The mystery was well crafted as well.
There were some moments, however, that sounded cheesy.
Still, it's an enjoyable read.
Lost Ark Dreaming by Suyi Davies Okungbowa
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
'Lost Ark Dreaming' is a dystopian, sci fi book.
The story is pretty impressive, though, due to the narration style, it takes some time for the reader to figure out what is going on and who are the 'species' taking part in the story.
The start and the ending of the book were pretty strong, but the middle part got tiring to read.
Still, there were some pretty strong ideas that the author tried and succeeded on putting across.
The story is pretty impressive, though, due to the narration style, it takes some time for the reader to figure out what is going on and who are the 'species' taking part in the story.
The start and the ending of the book were pretty strong, but the middle part got tiring to read.
Still, there were some pretty strong ideas that the author tried and succeeded on putting across.
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
'The Familiar' is a fantasy story taking place in Spain during the Golden Era.
Though I, academically, love that period, and the author did create the right atmosphere, transporting the reader to that time, I didn't really enjoy this book. I think my main problem was with the narration style, which deprived me of carrying for any of the characters. Also, the pace of the story was too fast, thus, it was hard to get into it and engage with the romance.
The finale of the book was interesting though.
Though I, academically, love that period, and the author did create the right atmosphere, transporting the reader to that time, I didn't really enjoy this book. I think my main problem was with the narration style, which deprived me of carrying for any of the characters. Also, the pace of the story was too fast, thus, it was hard to get into it and engage with the romance.
The finale of the book was interesting though.
Sherlock Holmes: The Patchwork Devil by Cavan Scott
adventurous
dark
medium-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? No
1.5
'The Patchwork Devil' is a Sherlock Holmes retelling-universe expending and it combines many stories.
The start of the book was interesting enough, with some mysterious moments and the two friends back together again.
The second half, though it was more action-packed, was kind of boring and didn't vibe well with the rest of the book.
The start of the book was interesting enough, with some mysterious moments and the two friends back together again.
The second half, though it was more action-packed, was kind of boring and didn't vibe well with the rest of the book.
Imagine Me by Tahereh Mafi
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
0.25
'Imagine Me' is the final book of the ''Shatter Me'' series and it wraps up the story (finally). This book was a bit of a mess, with the characters scattered all over the place, and a slight thread keeping the story together. In addition, the ending was too rushed and with no proper and satisfying conclusion.
Overall, the series was A) not for me and, B) a hot mess. I didn't vibe with the writing style (definitely not audio-friendly), the story was meh and the romance had its moments.
Overall, the series was A) not for me and, B) a hot mess. I didn't vibe with the writing style (definitely not audio-friendly), the story was meh and the romance had its moments.
The God and the Gumiho by Sophie Kim
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The God and the Gumiho is a fantasy romance based on Korean folklore. The story, fortunately for me, focused on the fantasy element, with many quirky details and fun moments, and an adventure that had many twists and turns. That is not to say that the romance was neglected. The love story was sweet, though more steamy moments felt awkward a bit. Still, the couple gave me 'The tale of the Nine-tailed' vibes, and a mix of many kdrama overall.
Lenny Marks Gets Away With Murder by Kerryn Mayne
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
'Lenny Marks Gets Away with Murder' is a mystery, slice of life story.
The story does take its time to start, but the main lead is adorable and she loves the Hobbit (I also need that many editions!!).
Overall, it is enjoyable and emotional.
The story does take its time to start, but the main lead is adorable and she loves the Hobbit (I also need that many editions!!).
Overall, it is enjoyable and emotional.
Defy Me by Tahereh Mafi
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.5
'Defy Me' is the fifth book of the series and things...did not improve. No, actually, they got worse. It was full of fillers and no plot and when things finally got more on the action side, they were resolved too easily, and that proposal...I still feel that the romance is kind of forced and those new data just confirm it.
Restore Me by Tahereh Mafi
adventurous
dark
medium-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? No
1.0
'Restore Me' is the fourth book of the series and this time, we have Juliette as the leader of the whole North America... and yes, things don't go well. This book is full of teenage melodrama and telenovela twists. The romance was way too cheesy as well.