Scan barcode
rdmoreland0801's reviews
248 reviews
Sea of Tranquility by Emily St. John Mandel
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
3.5
It’s not that the book wasn’t good or that I didn’t like it, but I was still confused at the end.
I more enjoy a story that is tied up nice and neatly at the end, and this just didn’t do it for me.
Multiple timelines can be really entertaining, but I feel like this story just moved too quickly and we only got bits and pieces throughout.
However, I absolutely love that h IMMEDIATELY broke the first rule of time traveling. Not a second thought.
I more enjoy a story that is tied up nice and neatly at the end, and this just didn’t do it for me.
Multiple timelines can be really entertaining, but I feel like this story just moved too quickly and we only got bits and pieces throughout.
However, I absolutely love that h IMMEDIATELY broke the first rule of time traveling. Not a second thought.
Caraval by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I heard I should’ve read this series before OUABH, but I had already read it. I decided to go back and listen to the Caraval series before ACFTL is released.
I didn’t care for the narrator at first, then realized it was the same narrator as OUABH - who I loved. Turns out, I just can’t stand Scarlett.
I did not care for Scarlett. There was just something about her that annoyed me. Tells wasn’t much better. I adored Julian and would love to see more of him. Governor Draggna can go to hell where he belongs.
I will continue with the series to hopefully get a better backstory, but I do hope it improves with book two.
I didn’t care for the narrator at first, then realized it was the same narrator as OUABH - who I loved. Turns out, I just can’t stand Scarlett.
I did not care for Scarlett. There was just something about her that annoyed me. Tells wasn’t much better. I adored Julian and would love to see more of him. Governor Draggna can go to hell where he belongs.
I will continue with the series to hopefully get a better backstory, but I do hope it improves with book two.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Violence, and Murder
Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
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? Yes
5.0
What amazing premise! I’ve always been fascinated with poison, and this book hits the spot.
Signa is a badass and an amazing detective. While I saw some smaller twists coming, I was definitely surprised by the big twists.
I can’t wait for the showdown between Death and Fate in the next book. I’m also looking forward to seeing more of Blythe’s eccentric “charm”.
Signa is a badass and an amazing detective. While I saw some smaller twists coming, I was definitely surprised by the big twists.
I can’t wait for the showdown between Death and Fate in the next book. I’m also looking forward to seeing more of Blythe’s eccentric “charm”.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Death of parent
The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan
adventurous
challenging
emotional
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
A very satisfying end to this amazing series. While Luke and many others did wrong, they got the chance in the end to die heroes. They were all just kids who got a little lost along the way.
All of the relationships in this series are beautiful in many different ways. Each demigod is a hero in their own way. This giant band of misfits joined together and changed the way the world works.
Percy may have been an idiot about girls the entire time, but I’m glad he finally came to his senses. As much as I hate the word, Percy and Annabeth were always “endgame”.
All of the relationships in this series are beautiful in many different ways. Each demigod is a hero in their own way. This giant band of misfits joined together and changed the way the world works.
Percy may have been an idiot about girls the entire time, but I’m glad he finally came to his senses. As much as I hate the word, Percy and Annabeth were always “endgame”.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Abandonment, and War
Cursed Crowns by Katherine Webber, Catherine Doyle
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
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? Yes
5.0
I was teetering between 4 and 5 stars, but the ending brought me to tears, bumping this up to 5 stars.
While Rose and Wren are still going through a lot of crazy stuff, the rally at the end was really beautiful. We really get to see the strength of the witches and the graciousness of the twin queens when the battle comes to an end.
While I can’t wait to see what happens with Wren and Tor/Alarick, I will throw the biggest fit if we don’t see a Rose/Shen wedding in the next book.
While Rose and Wren are still going through a lot of crazy stuff, the rally at the end was really beautiful. We really get to see the strength of the witches and the graciousness of the twin queens when the battle comes to an end.
While I can’t wait to see what happens with Wren and Tor/Alarick, I will throw the biggest fit if we don’t see a Rose/Shen wedding in the next book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Grief
Priest by Sierra Simone
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The book wasn’t bad, just not quite what I was looking for. I was in the mood for pointless spice, and this didn’t quite hit the spot.
Don’t get me wrong, it had spice. But it also had a storyline that wasn’t very well fleshed out. They claim to be in love, but we only ever hear them talk/think about sex.
If we’re going to get a storyline, I prefer it to be a little more detailed and drawn out. It was good for what it was though.
Don’t get me wrong, it had spice. But it also had a storyline that wasn’t very well fleshed out. They claim to be in love, but we only ever hear them talk/think about sex.
If we’re going to get a storyline, I prefer it to be a little more detailed and drawn out. It was good for what it was though.
Love, Theoretically by Ali Hazelwood
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
Definitely Ali Hazelwood’s best so far. Amazing characters, deep storyline, great banter.
Elsie is my favorite leading lady. As a people pleaser myself, I know how hard it can be to turn that part of you “off”. Jack was so patient and understanding, it was hard not to fall in love with him.
I cannot wait to read more. Ali Hazelwood never disappoints.
Elsie is my favorite leading lady. As a people pleaser myself, I know how hard it can be to turn that part of you “off”. Jack was so patient and understanding, it was hard not to fall in love with him.
I cannot wait to read more. Ali Hazelwood never disappoints.
Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.0
This was my introduction to Brandon Sanderson. I will definitely try some more of his work.
The magic system was unique, and I definitely want to know more. The world is inviting and sounds quite beautiful, if not deadly. Also, a talking rat.
Tress is and 18 year old girl who leaves everything she’s ever known to find the boy she loves.In order to do so, she joins a pirate ship, defeats the captain, and becomes the captain of a pirate ship in a matter of weeks.
If nothing else, Tress is extremely determined. She doesn’t want to impose on anyone, so she tries to do everything on her own. However, her very nature has gained her a loyal following, purely by accident.
Together, Tress and her crew, sail the dangerous spore seas to rescue her love from the evil sorceress.
Pirates, deadly spores, found family, and talking animals lead to one crazy story.
The magic system was unique, and I definitely want to know more. The world is inviting and sounds quite beautiful, if not deadly. Also, a talking rat.
Tress is and 18 year old girl who leaves everything she’s ever known to find the boy she loves.
If nothing else, Tress is extremely determined. She doesn’t want to impose on anyone, so she tries to do everything on her own. However, her very nature has gained her a loyal following, purely by accident.
Together, Tress and her crew, sail the dangerous spore seas to rescue her love from the evil sorceress.
Pirates, deadly spores, found family, and talking animals lead to one crazy story.
Love at First Psych by Cara Bastone
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Cute, quick story to listen to on my drive. I really enjoy Cara Bastone’s writing.
The story itself was just okay, but I enjoyed the banter. I also loved Robbie’s golden-retriever energy.
The story itself was just okay, but I enjoyed the banter. I also loved Robbie’s golden-retriever energy.
Wretched by Emily McIntire
dark
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
While the storyline in this book didn’t really grab my attention, the spice definitely did.
There was one scene, however, that made me question whether I should seek help. It definitely shouldn’t have been hot, but I think I liked it…?
Definitely not my favorite in the series, but a decent read.
There was one scene, however, that made me question whether I should seek help. It definitely shouldn’t have been hot, but I think I liked it…?
Definitely not my favorite in the series, but a decent read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Addiction, Drug abuse, Gun violence, and Grief