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queendbw's reviews
1193 reviews
Dele Weds Destiny by Tomi Obaro
challenging
emotional
reflective
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
4.75
Book #31 of 2023. Dele Weds Destiny by Tomi Obaro.
Funmi, Enitan and Zanab became friends while at university in Nigeria. They were three very different young ladies from very different backgrounds, but they became the best of friends. Life and the decisions they made took them in different directions (one married an American, one is wealthy and one has a sick husband) and they weren’t as close.
It’s been 30 years but now they’re together again for a wedding. Funmi’s daughter, Destiny, is getting married and they’ve all gathered to celebrate. Over the course of the festivities we learn about their lives together; how they parted and where life took each of them. The author covered life, love, betrayal, heartbreak and enduring friendship beautifully.
4.75/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
Funmi, Enitan and Zanab became friends while at university in Nigeria. They were three very different young ladies from very different backgrounds, but they became the best of friends. Life and the decisions they made took them in different directions (one married an American, one is wealthy and one has a sick husband) and they weren’t as close.
It’s been 30 years but now they’re together again for a wedding. Funmi’s daughter, Destiny, is getting married and they’ve all gathered to celebrate. Over the course of the festivities we learn about their lives together; how they parted and where life took each of them. The author covered life, love, betrayal, heartbreak and enduring friendship beautifully.
4.75/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
Please Don't Sit on My Bed in Your Outside Clothes by Phoebe Robinson
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
Book #30 of 2023. Please Don’t Sit on My Bed in Your Outside Clothes by Phoebe Robinson.
I got another non-fiction read under my belt! This was a collection of completely enjoyable essays. I was not familiar with the author, but the book was recommended to me. Ms. Robinson covered a range of topics from mental health and self care to interracial dating and performative allyship. She’s a great writer and I found myself laughing out loud (literally) at some of the things she said. I’ll definitely read more of her writing.
4.5/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
I got another non-fiction read under my belt! This was a collection of completely enjoyable essays. I was not familiar with the author, but the book was recommended to me. Ms. Robinson covered a range of topics from mental health and self care to interracial dating and performative allyship. She’s a great writer and I found myself laughing out loud (literally) at some of the things she said. I’ll definitely read more of her writing.
4.5/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
The Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
4.5
Book #29 of 2023. The Empress of Salt and Fortune by Nghi Vo.
A young royal is sent is sent south to wed the Emperor. This is a political move and soon all her brothers and armies are gone. She is lonely and alone but finds an unlikely ally in Rabbit. Rabbit is a poor girl who is sent to serve the emperor because her family cannot afford to pay their taxes.
This was an epic fairy tale set somewhere in Asia. The writing is beautiful; the characters are unforgettable and the story is amazing. I think this is an author to watch!
4.5/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
A young royal is sent is sent south to wed the Emperor. This is a political move and soon all her brothers and armies are gone. She is lonely and alone but finds an unlikely ally in Rabbit. Rabbit is a poor girl who is sent to serve the emperor because her family cannot afford to pay their taxes.
This was an epic fairy tale set somewhere in Asia. The writing is beautiful; the characters are unforgettable and the story is amazing. I think this is an author to watch!
4.5/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Book #28 of 2023. Clean Sweep by Ilona Andrews.
This is the fist book of the Innkeeper Chronicles. Dina runs a quaint B&B in a small Texas town, but all is not as it seems. Dina has a magical broom, a permanent guest that cannot leave the grounds and a house that thinks for itself. When an unknown terror starts attacking her neighbors, Dina has to use all her wits, skill, magic and an annoyingly attractive neighbor to protect her town.
I generally enjoy the urban fantasy genre and Ilona Andrews’ books never fail to please me. I look forward to seeing where this series goes.
4/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
This is the fist book of the Innkeeper Chronicles. Dina runs a quaint B&B in a small Texas town, but all is not as it seems. Dina has a magical broom, a permanent guest that cannot leave the grounds and a house that thinks for itself. When an unknown terror starts attacking her neighbors, Dina has to use all her wits, skill, magic and an annoyingly attractive neighbor to protect her town.
I generally enjoy the urban fantasy genre and Ilona Andrews’ books never fail to please me. I look forward to seeing where this series goes.
4/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
Choosing Theo by Victoria Aveline
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Book #27 of 2023. Choosing Theo by Victoria Aveline.
Jade is kidnapped by aliens and taken to another planet. She manages to escape her captors, but is told that she cannot be returned to Earth and must choose a husband. She finds herself adapting to living on a female-centric planet, being married and Theo’s mercurial mood changes.
This was a book club read and not anything that I would have chosen for myself, but the story was ok.
3/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
Jade is kidnapped by aliens and taken to another planet. She manages to escape her captors, but is told that she cannot be returned to Earth and must choose a husband. She finds herself adapting to living on a female-centric planet, being married and Theo’s mercurial mood changes.
This was a book club read and not anything that I would have chosen for myself, but the story was ok.
3/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
Peace Talks by Jim Butcher
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
4.5
Book #26 of 2023. Peace Talks by Jim Butcher.
This is the last Dresden Files tale for a bit.
The nations of the supernatural world are meeting to negotiate an end to ongoing hostilities and Harry is tapped to serve as security. Unfortunately, his brother is framed for the murder of a major player. Harry must now prove his brother is innocent and figure out who the real culprit is, all while he helps tomaintains the “peace”.
Another solid story from Mr. Butcher. The plot, characters and pacing were superb. I truly enjoyed this story and cannot wait to read the 17th tale in the series.
4.5/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
This is the last Dresden Files tale for a bit.
The nations of the supernatural world are meeting to negotiate an end to ongoing hostilities and Harry is tapped to serve as security. Unfortunately, his brother is framed for the murder of a major player. Harry must now prove his brother is innocent and figure out who the real culprit is, all while he helps tomaintains the “peace”.
Another solid story from Mr. Butcher. The plot, characters and pacing were superb. I truly enjoyed this story and cannot wait to read the 17th tale in the series.
4.5/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
Skin Game by Jim Butcher
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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
4.5
Book #25 of 2023. Skin Game by Jim Butcher.
I guess I just wanted the comfort of familiar characters back in April, because I have 2 more books from the Dresden Files.
Mab is “lending” Harry’s services to pay off a debt. She has agreed to let one of Harry’s most despised enemies, Nicodemus, use his skills to steal the Holy Grail from a vault in the underworld. What ensues is a wild game of backstabbing and double crosses beyond imagining! This was a great read!
4.5/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
I guess I just wanted the comfort of familiar characters back in April, because I have 2 more books from the Dresden Files.
Mab is “lending” Harry’s services to pay off a debt. She has agreed to let one of Harry’s most despised enemies, Nicodemus, use his skills to steal the Holy Grail from a vault in the underworld. What ensues is a wild game of backstabbing and double crosses beyond imagining! This was a great read!
4.5/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
Cold Days by Jim Butcher
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-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
4.25
Book #24 of 2023. Cold Days by Jim Butcher.
This is the 14th book in the Dresden Files series. (I LOVE a good series!).
Harry is alive - YAY! He is still the Winter Knight - Oh no! Unfortunately, Mab is not going to let a little thing like death erase her claim to Harry and her next task for him is a doozy. Mab wants him to kill an immortal!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Even after 13 stories, the author still manages to keep the characters true and the plots interesting. I will continue with this series. Bonus: the narrator is James Marsters (Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and his voice is *chef’s kiss*
4.25/5
This is the 14th book in the Dresden Files series. (I LOVE a good series!).
Harry is alive - YAY! He is still the Winter Knight - Oh no! Unfortunately, Mab is not going to let a little thing like death erase her claim to Harry and her next task for him is a doozy. Mab wants him to kill an immortal!
I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Even after 13 stories, the author still manages to keep the characters true and the plots interesting. I will continue with this series. Bonus: the narrator is James Marsters (Spike from Buffy the Vampire Slayer) and his voice is *chef’s kiss*
4.25/5
Ghost Story by Jim Butcher
adventurous
dark
fast-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
4.0
I have a LOT of book reviews to add to my timeline. I’ll squeeze them in over the next several days.
Book #24 of 2023. Ghost Story by Jim Butcher.
Harry Dresden has been killed. He is stuck in the afterlife and has to figure out who killed him or he’ll be trapped between life and death forever. Great story - this was actually my second time reading it. This is part of a series, but I think one could enjoy it as a stand alone story.
4/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
Book #24 of 2023. Ghost Story by Jim Butcher.
Harry Dresden has been killed. He is stuck in the afterlife and has to figure out who killed him or he’ll be trapped between life and death forever. Great story - this was actually my second time reading it. This is part of a series, but I think one could enjoy it as a stand alone story.
4/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
The Maidens by Alex Michaelides
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Book #22 of 2023. The Maidens by Alex Michaelides.
This was quite a ride!!! Mariana’s niece is a student at Cambridge, her alma mater, and someone is murdering coeds. She is quite sure that she knows who it is, but she has to prove it - despite being warned off by the police, dealing with a stalker patient, a potential love interest on the horizon and the total disdain of the girls she’s trying to protect.
There were so many twists and turns that I DID NOT SEE COMING! There were a few instances where I wanted to grab Mariana and shake some sense into her, but I was rooting for her the entire time. And the ending was completely unexpected! I highly recommend this one and I hope it’s the start of a series!
4.75/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental
This was quite a ride!!! Mariana’s niece is a student at Cambridge, her alma mater, and someone is murdering coeds. She is quite sure that she knows who it is, but she has to prove it - despite being warned off by the police, dealing with a stalker patient, a potential love interest on the horizon and the total disdain of the girls she’s trying to protect.
There were so many twists and turns that I DID NOT SEE COMING! There were a few instances where I wanted to grab Mariana and shake some sense into her, but I was rooting for her the entire time. And the ending was completely unexpected! I highly recommend this one and I hope it’s the start of a series!
4.75/5
#readsof2023 #audiobookreader #literacy #readingisfundamental