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speculativeshelves's reviews
685 reviews
A Novel Love Story by Ashley Poston
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
2.5
So devastated I didn't enjoy this! I loved The Dead Romantics and The Seven Year Slip so I thought I'd love this one for sure (especially because I loved the "falling-into-your-favorite-book-series" portal fantasy concept - see: how much I loved Sarah Rees Brennan's Long Live Evil which also comes out this summer and I think does this concept better but it's also unfair to compare because they are different books in different genres doing different things).
Unfortunately I did not care about the characters at all...Eileen, Anders, and all of the side characters felt so one dimensional to me and so I was never invested in both the main and subplots. The romance happened way too quickly for my liking and the obstacles they faced leading to the "third act breakup" were underwhelming so the ultimate conclusion was just...meh. I don't think I'll remember this one all that much.
There were also a lot of repetitive descriptions that grew tiresome and quite a few jokes that didn't land (when normally Ashley Poston's humor works for me). That being said, while I don't think the writing in this book is as strong as her other work, Ashley Poston's writing overall is still great and it is ultimately what kept me from dnf-ing. While I didn't necessarily care about the romance, the romantic scenes were so well written that there were moments I was rooting for them. I also continue to love the magical elements she includes in her contemporary romances - even if the execution in this one wasn't my favorite. The slight mystery surrounding how the town from the books existed and how Anders was connected kept me intrigued throughout and I ultimately liked how it was explained.
I do think that my feelings on this book have a lot to do with the fact that I personally am not huge a contemporary small-town romance fan and this year in particular I've been getting picky with the romances I read. I think this will work better for a lot of other readers and Ashley Poston readers may still want to give this one a chance.
Unfortunately I did not care about the characters at all...Eileen, Anders, and all of the side characters felt so one dimensional to me and so I was never invested in both the main and subplots. The romance happened way too quickly for my liking and the obstacles they faced leading to the "third act breakup" were underwhelming so the ultimate conclusion was just...meh. I don't think I'll remember this one all that much.
There were also a lot of repetitive descriptions that grew tiresome and quite a few jokes that didn't land (when normally Ashley Poston's humor works for me). That being said, while I don't think the writing in this book is as strong as her other work, Ashley Poston's writing overall is still great and it is ultimately what kept me from dnf-ing. While I didn't necessarily care about the romance, the romantic scenes were so well written that there were moments I was rooting for them. I also continue to love the magical elements she includes in her contemporary romances - even if the execution in this one wasn't my favorite. The slight mystery surrounding how the town from the books existed and how Anders was connected kept me intrigued throughout and I ultimately liked how it was explained.
I do think that my feelings on this book have a lot to do with the fact that I personally am not huge a contemporary small-town romance fan and this year in particular I've been getting picky with the romances I read. I think this will work better for a lot of other readers and Ashley Poston readers may still want to give this one a chance.
Talking as Fast as I Can: From Gilmore Girls to Gilmore Girls (And Everything in Between) by Lauren Graham
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.5
Quick and enjoyable memoir. As expected the audiobook is excellent since it's read by Lauren Graham herself. Some chapters I found more interesting than others but as a fan of both <i>Gilmore Girls</i> and <i>Parenthood</i> I'm glad I finally got to this! I do with the chapter on <i>Parenthood</i> was a little bit longer though.
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
dark
tense
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
4.0
Parable of the Sower is quite a dark and bleak dystopian story but not entirely without hope. The first chapters of this book take place in 2024 and it's eerie to see parallels between the society depicted here and issues we are actually facing in 2024 in the United States (and around the world) today. Even though this book was written in the 90s, the issues the characters face here exist but this book depicts them a more extreme and dire level - climate change, corrupt government and police, extreme poverty, legal slavery by corporations, etc. Books like 1984 and The Handmaid's Tale get brought up a lot in comparing contemporary society to dystopian works of fiction but I feel that if we're close to any of them it might be this one.
It's a slower paced and more character focused story than I expected and so it took a bit for me to get fully invested. However the social commentary, exploration of religion, and the emphasis on community make this book quite compelling and there are lots of interesting threads set up to be explored in Parable of the Talents.
It's a slower paced and more character focused story than I expected and so it took a bit for me to get fully invested. However the social commentary, exploration of religion, and the emphasis on community make this book quite compelling and there are lots of interesting threads set up to be explored in Parable of the Talents.
Temptation of the Force by Tessa Gratton
adventurous
hopeful
tense
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
With the perfect balance of quieter character moments and intense action, Tessa Gratton has written one of the best High Republic books (and honesty, one of the best Star Wars books in general). This was one of my most anticipated books of the year but also of the entire High Republic project and it exceeded my expectations. As someone who read Light of the Jedi when this journey first started in January 2021, it's immensely satisfying 3 1/2 years later to see how just far these characters have come, how their relationships have evolved, and how the stakes continue to be raised.
At its core, this book is about love in all it's forms and I'm happy to seeing it deeply explored in a Star Wars story (especially when the Jedi Order has a paradoxical view on love - strict on "attachments" because it could lead to the dark side but love, compassion, and connection are all part of the light). Every page, every character dynamic is full of love - Avar and Elzar finally acknowledging their feelings for each other and what it means in the context of being part of the Jedi Order (they are the slowburn friends to lovers second chance Jedi love story of my dreams), the strong friendship between Burryaga and Bell Zettifar, the complicated marriage between Cair San Tekka and Xylan Graff, the tense familial relationship between Avon and her mother who is allied with the enemy, the centuries-enduring love Porter Engle has for his sister Barash, and the love countless members of the Jedi Order and the Republic have for the galaxy they are trying to save.
In many ways the love in Temptation of the Force make this arguably the happiest High Republic novel and our heroes have a lot of victories (particularly in comparison to Phase I). That being said, Marchion Ro's storyline (and further exploration of the blight that was introduced in Defy the Storm adds a layer of dread throughout. He continues to be a compelling and intimidating villain and his POV directly contrasts with the other POVs - there is certainly no love to be found. The ending raises the stakes once again and I am excited, yet terrified to see how this story ends (I can't believe we only have one more adult novel left????).
At its core, this book is about love in all it's forms and I'm happy to seeing it deeply explored in a Star Wars story (especially when the Jedi Order has a paradoxical view on love - strict on "attachments" because it could lead to the dark side but love, compassion, and connection are all part of the light). Every page, every character dynamic is full of love - Avar and Elzar finally acknowledging their feelings for each other and what it means in the context of being part of the Jedi Order (they are the slowburn friends to lovers second chance Jedi love story of my dreams), the strong friendship between Burryaga and Bell Zettifar, the complicated marriage between Cair San Tekka and Xylan Graff, the tense familial relationship between Avon and her mother who is allied with the enemy, the centuries-enduring love Porter Engle has for his sister Barash, and the love countless members of the Jedi Order and the Republic have for the galaxy they are trying to save.
In many ways the love in Temptation of the Force make this arguably the happiest High Republic novel and our heroes have a lot of victories (particularly in comparison to Phase I). That being said, Marchion Ro's storyline (and further exploration of the blight that was introduced in Defy the Storm adds a layer of dread throughout. He continues to be a compelling and intimidating villain and his POV directly contrasts with the other POVs - there is certainly no love to be found. The ending raises the stakes once again and I am excited, yet terrified to see how this story ends (I can't believe we only have one more adult novel left????).
The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Beautiful prose, gothic storytelling, and full of fairy tale/folklore/mythology references – of course this was going to be a five star from me. While it draws on many fairy tales, this story feels like an original fairy tale of its own and I was enchanted from the start.
Roshani Chokshi creates the perfect unsettling gothic fantasy atmosphere for this story that carefully walks the line of magical wonder and horrific dread. I especially loved that the House of Dreams felt like its own character. The gothic fairytale vibes expertly work to explore themes of abuse and self-identity in fascinating ways.
This story is told in two timelines with two different POVs – the Bridegroom (whose storyline has a slight "gender-bent Bluebeard retelling" feel) and Azure (whose storyline tells the tale of obsessive friendship) – and I enjoyed them both equally. The way they wove together in the end was unexpected but perfect and I loved it.
Roshani Chokshi creates the perfect unsettling gothic fantasy atmosphere for this story that carefully walks the line of magical wonder and horrific dread. I especially loved that the House of Dreams felt like its own character. The gothic fairytale vibes expertly work to explore themes of abuse and self-identity in fascinating ways.
This story is told in two timelines with two different POVs – the Bridegroom (whose storyline has a slight "gender-bent Bluebeard retelling" feel) and Azure (whose storyline tells the tale of obsessive friendship) – and I enjoyed them both equally. The way they wove together in the end was unexpected but perfect and I loved it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Child abuse, Pedophilia, Violence, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Eating disorder and Sexual content
To Die Beautiful by Buzzy Jackson
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A compelling, suspenseful, and quite dark (but not completely hopeless) story of Hannie Schaft and the Dutch Resistance movement during WWII. I would absolutely recommend this to anyone who enjoys reading historical fiction because this is excellent (and accessible for readers who are intimidated by history).
I wasn't familiar with Hannie before reading and I'm so glad I now know her story (and the stories of Truus and Freddie Oversteegen). There are lots of wartime stories focused on the camaraderie between men who fight together and so I really enjoyed reading a war story with a heavy focus on the camaraderie between women.
I also really appreciated this book's Afterword which expands on the real history depicted in the novel as well as the Author's Note explaining the intentionality of certain storytelling choices. You can tell Buzzy Jackson did a significant amount of research and put in the effort to make sure this story was told with care.
I wasn't familiar with Hannie before reading and I'm so glad I now know her story (and the stories of Truus and Freddie Oversteegen). There are lots of wartime stories focused on the camaraderie between men who fight together and so I really enjoyed reading a war story with a heavy focus on the camaraderie between women.
I also really appreciated this book's Afterword which expands on the real history depicted in the novel as well as the Author's Note explaining the intentionality of certain storytelling choices. You can tell Buzzy Jackson did a significant amount of research and put in the effort to make sure this story was told with care.
On the Way to the Wedding by Julia Quinn
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Had I known this would end up being one of my favorites (perhaps even my number one favorite) book in the series I would have read this sooner!
I loved Gregory being a hopeless romantic and how that contrasts with Lucy's practicality. It made for a great opposites-attract/friends to lovers dynamic that I feel progressed at just the right pace. I don't typically enjoy when one character in a romance starts out being strongly infatuated with someone else - but it worked for me here (I also loved how that part of the plot took place at a party hosted by Kate and Anthony - Lucy/Gregory/Hermione is a different situation than Kate/Anthony/Edwina since Lucy actually does try to set up Hermione with Gregory but I couldn't help comparing the two).
This book was also unexpectedly very angsty which I LOVED and made for what I feel are some of the most romantic moments in the whole series. The circumstances that led to the angst also led to a wildly dramatic ending - it was fun and suspenseful and the exact kind of "somewhat-over-the-top-yet-somehow-believable" drama I enjoy in romance novels.
Fingers crossed Netflix doesn't cancel the show before getting to this one because I need to see this story on screen.
I loved Gregory being a hopeless romantic and how that contrasts with Lucy's practicality. It made for a great opposites-attract/friends to lovers dynamic that I feel progressed at just the right pace. I don't typically enjoy when one character in a romance starts out being strongly infatuated with someone else - but it worked for me here (I also loved how that part of the plot took place at a party hosted by Kate and Anthony - Lucy/Gregory/Hermione is a different situation than Kate/Anthony/Edwina since Lucy actually does try to set up Hermione with Gregory but I couldn't help comparing the two).
This book was also unexpectedly very angsty which I LOVED and made for what I feel are some of the most romantic moments in the whole series. The circumstances that led to the angst also led to a wildly dramatic ending - it was fun and suspenseful and the exact kind of "somewhat-over-the-top-yet-somehow-believable" drama I enjoy in romance novels.
Fingers crossed Netflix doesn't cancel the show before getting to this one because I need to see this story on screen.
Mislaid in Parts Half-Known by Seanan McGuire
adventurous
emotional
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
4.25
Love this series, love these characters...I always have a great time with these novellas.
This works as an excellent follow up to both Lost in the Moment and Found and Where the Drowned Girls Go. Antsy in particular is one of my faves so I'm happy that this book continued with her story.
Selfishly I did wish that Regan was part of the questing group in this installment and I'm a bit sad that she wasn't as she's my fave but I'm hopeful we'll see more of her in the future. Evidently I'm slightly cursed to have my absolute favorite characters not be consistent major characters, as that has been the case with Nancy as well. Also would've loved a bit more time with the dinosaurs in this book!
This works as an excellent follow up to both Lost in the Moment and Found and Where the Drowned Girls Go. Antsy in particular is one of my faves so I'm happy that this book continued with her story.
Selfishly I did wish that Regan was part of the questing group in this installment and I'm a bit sad that she wasn't as she's my fave but I'm hopeful we'll see more of her in the future. Evidently I'm slightly cursed to have my absolute favorite characters not be consistent major characters, as that has been the case with Nancy as well. Also would've loved a bit more time with the dinosaurs in this book!
The Alloy of Law by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Solid start to the second era of Mistborn! This is a fun smaller-scale adventure and overall I enjoyed it but I wasn't as invested in the plot when compared to reading other Cosmere stories - mostly because this is a short book that is doing a lot of setup for the next three installments. The epilogue in particular has many elements that are making me excited for the next books.
I'm not quite attached to the characters yet, though I do like them. Wax and Wayne's banter was great (for the most part...Wayne's humor didn't always land for me), I enjoyed Marasi, and I really want to see more of Steris.
The worldbuilding was absolutely my favorite part - I didn't realize how much I missed Scadrial until reading this. I loved the Western/early 1900s feel, the exploration of new metals/abilities and how the events and characters of the original trilogy have become part of the world's mythology. All of the nods to previous characters made me happy (ex. Wax's new gun being named Vindication!!!) .
I'm not quite attached to the characters yet, though I do like them. Wax and Wayne's banter was great (for the most part...Wayne's humor didn't always land for me), I enjoyed Marasi, and I really want to see more of Steris.
The worldbuilding was absolutely my favorite part - I didn't realize how much I missed Scadrial until reading this. I loved the Western/early 1900s feel, the exploration of new metals/abilities and how the events and characters of the original trilogy have become part of the world's mythology. All of the nods to previous characters made me happy (
It's in His Kiss by Julia Quinn
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Definitely one of my favorite Bridgerton books (along with The Viscount Who Loved Me and When He Was Wicked)! Hyacinth and Gareth had excellent banter and the mystery/quest subplot was a lot of fun. I do wish their relationship had a little bit more of a slow burn but that's mostly just personal preference.