Take a photo of a barcode or cover
sandaru's reviews
191 reviews
Contest by Matthew Reilly
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
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? No
4.0
This book was recommended to me by my husband since he is a big fan of Matthew Reilly. Just as he described his books as being like a movie I couldn't put the book down. I finished it in 4 sittings (usually a book this big takes me weeks)
It was like reading a movie. That's right! I said reading a movie. The writing style is meticulous details of everything happening in one frame, and cliffhangers and climax and anticlimax parts at the end of chapters: exactly how it would in a sci-fi techno-thriller. All action parts are amazing and will put you on edge. In some parts you will put the book down in disbelief at what just happened. I do not think I have ever been this loud reading a book. Loved it.
It was like reading a movie. That's right! I said reading a movie. The writing style is meticulous details of everything happening in one frame, and cliffhangers and climax and anticlimax parts at the end of chapters: exactly how it would in a sci-fi techno-thriller. All action parts are amazing and will put you on edge. In some parts you will put the book down in disbelief at what just happened. I do not think I have ever been this loud reading a book. Loved it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Blood, and Murder
It's OK to Feel Things Deeply by Carissa Potter
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
3.5
This was really easy and interesting to read. All the pages and the ideas were conveyed through cartoon graphics with the topics like mental well-being, emotions and feelings (the same phrases/topics you would hear or see in general) but the execution of graphics were done in a very humorous and poignant manner. The drawing style reminded me of this illustrator on Instagram called Jeremyville. His illustrations have the same mannerism of motivating through literal and poignant illustrations.
Five Survive by Holly Jackson
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
It has been a while I could not put a book down because the plot kept getting better and better. The plot twists, the secrets and the mystery within the story that happens in the span of just one night was crazy. Such an interesting novel!
The characters are well-built and I hated Oliver with my whole heart and I didn't like Red as much. This is not a spoiler you would hate him right away you start reading the book as well.
Also, I could kind of figure out the characters who were keeping the secrets before the story ended (this is probably because I watch too many crime/mystery shows, nothing could suprise me anymore) However the secrets and how they are all connected the story behind it I give full credits to the author for executing it perfectly and making me take this book to the toilet with me and even when I ate. It has been a while since I read a long book in one sitting.
There were definitely parts where you would feel too confidential or too unrealistic But this being a YA book and also a mystery novel, I wouldn't see that as a downfall but rather a necessity for the story.
The characters are well-built and I hated Oliver with my whole heart and I didn't like Red as much. This is not a spoiler you would hate him right away you start reading the book as well.
Also, I could kind of figure out the characters who were keeping the secrets before the story ended (this is probably because I watch too many crime/mystery shows, nothing could suprise me anymore) However the secrets and how they are all connected the story behind it I give full credits to the author for executing it perfectly and making me take this book to the toilet with me and even when I ate. It has been a while since I read a long book in one sitting.
There were definitely parts where you would feel too confidential or too unrealistic But this being a YA book and also a mystery novel, I wouldn't see that as a downfall but rather a necessity for the story.
Rogues: True Stories of Grifters, Killers, Rebels and Crooks by Patrick Radden Keefe
Did not finish book. Stopped at 3%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 3%.
Not the right time. Will come back to this soon.
Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell
challenging
dark
tense
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? Yes
3.5
If I only think of the book within 2 seconds and tell what it was like reading this, I could see a strong resemblance or some sort of repetition with Orwell's previous novel, "Animal Farm", in the context. Also, familiarity with how today's world works, even if it is not to the extent in the novel: such as the role of the "war" between countries, the ideological enforcement through brainwashing by the hierarchical society/government, which as citizens today, we have come to accept and also have been okay with them. even though the plot is heavily political, as an average fictional story also, anyone can enjoy it; it would put you on the edge of the chair at times.
Assembly by Natasha Brown
challenging
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I was excited for this since it is written in vignettes and the genre is philosophical fiction. Probably because it was hard for me to fully grasp the context in the start. But overall, this was not a bad read either.
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland & Through the Looking-Glass by Lewis Carroll
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Since Alice's Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass are two stories, I will give my thoughts on the both separately.
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
I love the story. Eventhough I knew the story before (reading simplified versions, movies and TV shows) there were a lot of tiny details and characters that I don't remember, even some funny writings and amazing world building by L. Carroll were actually enjoyable. Some interpret this as a story written about puberty or how mad the real world is. Amidst there are some others who interpret Alice or rather the writer as a person on how hallucinogens (refering to the mushrooms, all the eat me/drink me food, all the weird imagery and characters..etc) and my favourite interpretation is Alice is Wonderland is a children's horror story (Cheshire cat, mad hatter, the queen of hearts wanting to behead everyone..etc) whatever the interpretation is this is an iconic story that everyone should read.
Through the Looking Glass
Compared to the Wonderland story, this was a very complicated and weird one. Eventhough both are equally weird in terms of dream story telling, for some reason it was hard for me to understand most parts of this one. I don't think I enjoyed this.
Alice's Adventures in Wonderland
I love the story. Eventhough I knew the story before (reading simplified versions, movies and TV shows) there were a lot of tiny details and characters that I don't remember, even some funny writings and amazing world building by L. Carroll were actually enjoyable. Some interpret this as a story written about puberty or how mad the real world is. Amidst there are some others who interpret Alice or rather the writer as a person on how hallucinogens (refering to the mushrooms, all the eat me/drink me food, all the weird imagery and characters..etc) and my favourite interpretation is Alice is Wonderland is a children's horror story (Cheshire cat, mad hatter, the queen of hearts wanting to behead everyone..etc) whatever the interpretation is this is an iconic story that everyone should read.
Through the Looking Glass
Compared to the Wonderland story, this was a very complicated and weird one. Eventhough both are equally weird in terms of dream story telling, for some reason it was hard for me to understand most parts of this one. I don't think I enjoyed this.
The Little Prince by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
4.75
How can a story be beautiful and sad at the same time. It was very refreshing to read Children literature that could be enjoyed by adults in a different way (I am assuming this would hit a child differently, only I would never know since I never read if as a kid) really easy to read and it was funny and insightful at the same time. One of the best reads of 2023.
The Postman Always Rings Twice (Special Edition) by James M. Cain
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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? Yes
2.25
When I initially picked it up I was hoping for a story full of mystery and crime. Well, this was a bit different. Written in 1st person POV the crime and the perpetrators were already clear from the start. It was more of a neo noir film about how the fate gets you even if it misses you the first time around. All in and out, it was a fast paced book I read in one sitting and the plot was interesting and dramatic so I kept going. Nothing bad to say it is just what I had hoped for the story to be was completely different.
Temple Alley Summer by Sachiko Kashiwaba
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-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
4.25
Totally Studio Ghibli Vibes
My first audiobook of the year; I wanted to start off with something light and fun. And it was indeed light and fun. The story was interesting and the characters were very well put out. Some characters made me resent them at first and then absolutely love them in the end. Kitiko the cat is also such a fun character. Also, the little story within the main story made me feel like I actually read two complete stories. The narrator did a great job in imitating different voices for each characters' dialogues. Even inclding the Kitiko the cat. Hahha. Very cute. If there is anything I could change it would be the title. It's not bad but could have been something better, attention-catching.
My first audiobook of the year; I wanted to start off with something light and fun. And it was indeed light and fun. The story was interesting and the characters were very well put out. Some characters made me resent them at first and then absolutely love them in the end. Kitiko the cat is also such a fun character. Also, the little story within the main story made me feel like I actually read two complete stories. The narrator did a great job in imitating different voices for each characters' dialogues. Even inclding the Kitiko the cat. Hahha. Very cute. If there is anything I could change it would be the title. It's not bad but could have been something better, attention-catching.