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shiv91's reviews
1019 reviews
The Abuse of Ashley Collins by Jon Athan
challenging
dark
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
2.5
As expected, a very messed up book which shows how generations can continue doing something, even though it's wrong, just because "the same happened to me so it makes sense to continue this depravity" schtick.
My own gripes with this are pretty much things that have been mentioned in other reviews of this book.
Understandably, with a short book you can only give so much background information but this really went from 0 to 100 in the blink of an eye.
Then physically/medically there was a moment with the father and Ashlee where he forces her to eat some condoms and she doesn't choke (she did choke but seemingly only on the first one then managed fine?) and she also doesn't end up with some sort or obstruction or severe infection from the foreign bodies on her system.
My own gripes with this are pretty much things that have been mentioned in other reviews of this book.
Understandably, with a short book you can only give so much background information but this really went from 0 to 100 in the blink of an eye.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Confinement, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, and Blood
The Chalice of the Gods by Rick Riordan
adventurous
funny
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
5.0
A fun read as always. Going by the book, I'm really hoping for more books! Love Percy
Phantom Limbs by Paula Garner
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
"But damage doesn't necessarily mean broken."
This book touched on some heavy subjects and I applaud how the author broached the subject of grief. You never stop grieving, you just learn how to live with it better as time goes on.
Dara was an interesting side character with a main character role. To the point where I began wondering, whether it was her story or Otis/Megs' story.
What I didn't particularly like was Meg, I get that she went through a lot and has her own demons but Otis lost his brother and I found myself being annoyed because she came across pretty selfish.
Also, I didn't like that it took basically the whole book to find out about Mason and by the time we were told more, I wasn't really too affected by it.
This book touched on some heavy subjects and I applaud how the author broached the subject of grief. You never stop grieving, you just learn how to live with it better as time goes on.
Dara was an interesting side character with a main character role. To the point where I began wondering, whether it was her story or Otis/Megs' story.
Also, I didn't like that it took basically the whole book to find out about Mason and by the time we were told more, I wasn't really too affected by it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Alcoholism, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
The Good Samaritan by John Marrs
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
4.5
This was a dark, tense read. The kind of book that would make you doubt the sincerity of those around you. Family and strangers alike.
I found myself torn between feeling sorry for the characters and wanting to close the book for a time to contemplate the complexity of human beings.
The story itself had me trying to figure out what the next move would be, so I was glad to see a book not being too predictable.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
I found myself torn between feeling sorry for the characters and wanting to close the book for a time to contemplate the complexity of human beings.
The story itself had me trying to figure out what the next move would be, so I was glad to see a book not being too predictable.
I look forward to reading more from this author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide
Better Off Dead by Lee Child, Andrew Child
adventurous
mysterious
tense
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
2.0
I love the Jack Reacher books but this was not a Jack Reacher book. It might as well have been a completely different character because this Reacher didn't give me the same, cool, intelligent badass vibes that previous books have. This read more like a caricature of him.
We know that Reacher isn't big on technology so he doesn't own a phone, uses them when needed by borrowing, stealing etc but for him to see a phone ask for face ID and him to not know what that is really bothered me. He can figure out insane plans that the bad guys make when no one else can but he doesn't know what face ID is?
The writing felt so stilted and didn't flow well at all. I felt a lot of the descriptions of things were over the top and unnecessary.
The plot itself felt awkward and not particularly interesting. The fight scenes were weird too.
I don't think I'll be reading any more Reacher books that Andrew Child is involved with. It would have been better if Lee Child had ended the series instead.
Gave 2 stars for Fenton being an alright character.
We know that Reacher isn't big on technology so he doesn't own a phone, uses them when needed by borrowing, stealing etc but for him to see a phone ask for face ID and him to not know what that is really bothered me. He can figure out insane plans that the bad guys make when no one else can but he doesn't know what face ID is?
The writing felt so stilted and didn't flow well at all. I felt a lot of the descriptions of things were over the top and unnecessary.
The plot itself felt awkward and not particularly interesting. The fight scenes were weird too.
I don't think I'll be reading any more Reacher books that Andrew Child is involved with. It would have been better if Lee Child had ended the series instead.
Gave 2 stars for Fenton being an alright character.
The Cursed Among Us by John Durgin
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I think it was a good book but I found it to be a bit like every other horror story so it was pretty predictable, not particularly unique. The writing was fine but I feel as someone who has read a lot of horror books, this didn't do much for me.
I do, however, think this would be good for teenagers or anyone looking to get into horror books. Although there is, of course, violence and also descriptions of verbal and physical abuse to one of the characters so just to be aware of that if your child reads this.
I do, however, think this would be good for teenagers or anyone looking to get into horror books. Although there is, of course, violence and also descriptions of verbal and physical abuse to one of the characters so just to be aware of that if your child reads this.
The Long Walk by Stephen King
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
5.0
Wow, after reading this, I'm feeling extremely aware of every muscle in my body. Every single painful step that Ray Garraty took, I felt all the pain and discomfort with him.
I've been meaning to read this book for a while and it did not disappoint.
I've been meaning to read this book for a while and it did not disappoint.
My Heart Goes Bang by Keris Stainton
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
Found it quite boring but did like the women supporting women and strong friendships.
Spine Chilling by Michelle Godard-Richer
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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? Yes
5.0
A fast paced, well written novella.
With Halloween coming up, I was looking forward to reading this spooky book. This definitely got me in to "scary season mood".
There weren't many characters but it didn't need more than it had. They were all interesting and I found myself unsure whether or not to trust any of them.
The story itself was creepy and definitely has me looking at my books a bit suspiciously, especially my older books!
Can't wait to read more by Michelle.
With Halloween coming up, I was looking forward to reading this spooky book. This definitely got me in to "scary season mood".
There weren't many characters but it didn't need more than it had. They were all interesting and I found myself unsure whether or not to trust any of them.
The story itself was creepy and definitely has me looking at my books a bit suspiciously, especially my older books!
Can't wait to read more by Michelle.
The Choice by Samantha King
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
3.5
It wasn't really the story I expected which put me off a bit. A lot of it was quite repetitive so I found myself wanting to skip over bits (I didn't though) It was also more predictable than I would have liked. There were some things that I didn't see coming but for the main plot twists, they weren't surprising.
However, I did read the book in a day which says something for it being an entertaining enough read. As far as psychological thrillers go, it was good and Maddie is an interesting character.
However, I did read the book in a day which says something for it being an entertaining enough read. As far as psychological thrillers go, it was good and Maddie is an interesting character.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, and Medical content