spootilious's reviews
123 reviews

No Gods, No Monsters by Cadwell Turnbull

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dark emotional mysterious reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

 
Read: August 16, 2023
 Title: No Gods, No Monsters 

Series: The Convergence Saga #1
 Author: Cadwell Turnbull
 Genre: Fantasy Horror
 Rating: 2/5
 Review: 

I don’t really have a lot to say about this one. I didn’t… NOT like it, but there isn’t much I specifically liked either. 

What I can say is that the writing style is beautiful. It is obvious that Turnbull is  very talented. However, the storyline and the characters have this sort of vagueness that keeps anything from truly standing out. 

From what I can tell, most people complain at how the story jumps around and the points of view shift so strangely. I can understand their point. I suppose I’ve read enough novels written this way that it wasn’t too bad for me. Though I will say with just a small shuffle of one or two chapters Turnbull could have kept the mystery while still making the shifts less jarring for the reader. In my opinion he didn’t quite manage what he was going for. 

I will also say that physically reading the book makes it more understandable than listening to the audiobook which is what I first attempted. Dion Graham is one of the sexiest narrators I’ve come across but there was nothing he could do with this one to make it easier to understand. 

Overall, not a bad book but not a great one in my opinion. Bit overhyped but love the writing style 😊 


 Quotes: 

N/A 

 

 

TW: Rape, Murder, Gore, Vore, Body Horror, Mass shooting, General Violence 

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A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

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dark slow-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? It's complicated

2.0

 
Read: July 5, 2023
 Title: Game of Thrones 

Series: Song of Ice and Fire #1
 Author: George RR Martin
 Genre: High Fantasy
 Rating: 2/5
 Review: 

I am trying with this series… For the 10th time. Truly I am…. 

I pride myself in my love of high fantasy and with so many in love with this series I have continuously given it a try, much to my disappointment… Rather than go on for ages here are the things I do not like about this book:
 - George RR Martin is so unbelievably dry that I would rather be reading a history book and probably be more entertained. 

-The attempt at writing realistic sex scenes from a woman’s perspective 

-All the sex 

-How unbelievably predictable it is 

-The lack of logic behind practically every character 

-Beating the reader over the head with things that are supposed to be plot points but are obviously there for nothing more than disillusion (The ‘bastard’ bit with Jon Snow… I have a very good idea who he actually is but do not want to write it here if that is the case but he is no bastard I GARUNTEE you that… Far from it) 

-How crazy every single woman that is not a stark is. 

 

Now for the things I like: 

-The feeling of realism despite how boring it is 

-The Characterizations of some of the characters (specifically Tyrion and Ned) 

-It is… technically fantasy…. 

 

That’s about it… That’s all I got… I’ll check back in after book 2. 

 


 Quotes: 

“… A mind needs books as a sword needs a whetstone, if it is to keep its edge.” 

“Never forget what you are, for surely the world will not. Make it your strength. Then it can never be your weakness. Armour yourself in it, and it will never be used to hurt you.” 

“Most men would rather deny a hard truth than face it.” 

“Why is it that when one man builds a wall, the next man immediately needs to know what's on the other side?” 

“A craven can be as brave as any man, when there is nothing to fear. And we all do our duty, when there is no cost to it. How easy it seems then, to walk the path of honor. Yet soon or late in every man's life comes a day when it is not easy, a day when he must choose.” 

“You can't hammer tin into iron, no matter how hard you beat it, but that doesn't mean it's useless.” 

“The world was full of cravens who pretended to be heroes; it took a queer sort of courage to admit to cowardice...” 

 

 

 

 

TW: Rape, Murder, Gore 

While Justice Sleeps by Stacey Abrams

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mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

 
Read: June 29, 2023
 Title: While Justice Sleeps 

Series: Avery Keene #1
 Author: Stacey Abrams
 Genre: Political Thriller
 Rating: 3.5/5
 Review: 

I went into this novel not having read any of Stacey Abrams’ works and not a big fan of political thrillers… and I must say I was pleasantly surprised. 

Abrams has talents for days, but I think we all knew that. The novel has a number of twists and turns that, while perhaps not surprising, are handled well and efficiently. Her characters are well written and stand on their own and the plot is engaging. 

I will say that I found the dialogue lacking in some cases and it is obvious that Abrams doesn’t have much experience (or has done enough research) on some of the actions portrayed in this novel, but it is entertaining to say the least. 

I found that the melodrama with the mother to be a bit distracting and unnecessary as well. Though, I found the romance to be refreshing, having the backdrop of the novel rather than the forefront. 

Overall, a solid read that I quite enjoyed and would recommend. 


 Quotes: 

N/A 

 

TW: Rape, Drug Abuse, Gaslighting 

It Starts with Us by Colleen Hoover

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

 
Read: May 25, 2023
 Title: It Starts With Us
 Series: It Ends With Us #2
 Author: Colleen Hoover
 Genre: Romance
 Rating: 3/5
 Review: 

So… After I provided a fairly low rating of It Ends With Us… I’m probably going to give everyone whiplash… I really enjoyed It Starts With Us. I’ll admit I had ZERO plans of reading it after the mess that was book one but, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wasn’t giving Hoover a decent chance. I have a number of people who are near and dear to me that adore her and could not understand why after reading book 1. I had to be missing something… So, I decided to give her another try. 

I won’t lie and say I loved It Starts With Us but It is certainly far better than It Ends With Us (though it’s not difficult to go up from there). Still, I found myself grinning at the endless witty banter and cheesy lines. It almost felt like a heated blanket on a cold winter night. Like Hoover was trying to sooth the sting of the reader after everything that happened in book one. 

Atlas is adorable and I love him. Lily is still a bit bland for my taste but the different POVs were helpful in handling her. Though for such a short book the story dragged in places and felt completely disconnected from book 1 (Where book one felt like a soap opera justifying gaslighting and abuse, book 2 felt like a cozy sitcom). After glancing over some of the reviews for this book, I feel like this is the reason so many readers hate this one… It’s just so… Different. It was nice to see a health relationship though (Though I’m sad that the brother and his friend didn’t turn into a couple). 

My opinion of Hoover’s writing style remains the same. I am obviously not her target audience, but her writing style feels more suited to younger adults that have not seen enough drama in their lives and I can appreciate that. 

Overall, I doubt I’ll be searching Hoover’s books out regulars but, I won’t turn my nose up at them either and I wouldn’t mind suggesting this one to a select few. 


 Quotes: 

N/A 

 

TW: Violence, Mentions of Abuse, Child Abuse. 

Can't Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne

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lighthearted slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

 
Read: May 23, 2023
 Title: Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea
 Series: Tomes and Tea #1
 Author: Rebecca Thorne
 Genre: LGBTQ Fantasy
 Rating: 2/5
 Review: 

I went into this book with little expectation outside of a cozy fantasy. To be honest, I’m not even sure I’d classify it as cozy. Regardless, I was a bit disappointed. 

The story line is okay overall but the pacing is all wrong. I found myself bored quite often and the being directed this way or that rather than my attention being pulled (i.e. a lot of telling and very little showing). I wouldn’t be surprised to discover this was a Nanowrimo prompt or something similar. 

The relationship felt a bit force, the worldbuilding was below par and there wasn’t much substance to the book. It certainly left me wanting. 

That isn’t to say it was terrible. The characters are lovable, and the overall idea has a lot of potential. Regardless, I don’t think I’m coming back for book 2. 

 


 Quotes: 

N/A 

 

TW: Violence, Vomit. 

Chasing the Prophecy by Brandon Mull

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adventurous emotional funny sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

 
Read: May 19, 2023
 Title: Chasing the Prophacy
 Series: Beyonders #3
 Author: Brandon Mull
 Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
 Rating: 3.5/5
 Review: 

Likes: It was witty and moving, the death scene definitely had my eyes watering, the storyline was a bit unpredictable in places, the world building was wonderful, and the narration was decent. 

Dislikes: Repetitive, too many characters, it felt like a failed attempt at an epic, came off a bit whiny. 

 

Honestly favorite book in the series. 


 Quotes: 

N/A 

 

TW: Death, Gore, Grief, Suicide, Torture, dismemberment, Violence, Vomit. 

Seeds of Rebellion by Brandon Mull

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adventurous funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

 
Read: May 16, 2023
 Title: Seeds of Rebellion
 Series: Beyonders #2
 Author: Brandon Mull
 Genre: Young Adult Fantasy
 Rating: 3/5
 Review: 

Likes: It was witty and moving, the world building was wonderful, and the narration was decent. 

Dislikes: Similar to Mull’s other series, predictable, Slow 


 Quotes: 

“When a government becomes unjust, honor is often found among the lawless.” 

 

TW: Death, Gore, Grief, Suicide, Torture, dismemberment, Violence, Vomit. 

A World Without Heroes by Brandon Mull

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adventurous funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

 
Read: May 9, 2023
 Title: A World Without Heroes
 Series: Beyonders #1
 Author: Brandon Mull
 Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult
 Rating: 2.5/5
 Review: 

I’ve been really looking forward to this series. I’ve read a lot of Mull’s other works and expected the same interesting storylines Beyonders. So, far… Unfortunately, I’m not too impressed. That isn’t to say this book is bad, quite the opposite but there isn’t much unique about it. 

Mull’s technical writing has always been mediocre, better than some, not as great as others, but his storylines and plots have always been captivating. I suppose my biggest problem with this book is that I feel that the plot has been overdone… Perhaps it is because I’ve read his Five Kingdoms series first… Or perhaps I’m so accustomed to the chosen one trope and the unexpected betrayals that are expected from Mull… Or perhaps I’ve simply read too much of Mull’s work…. I am not sure. 

Regardless, I’ve enjoyed this book though it’s not one of my favorites and will most likely finish the series but I wouldn’t classify it as more than a ‘decent read’, despite my love for the author. 


 Quotes: 

N/A 

 

 

TW: Vore, Death, Classism, Cursing, Gore, Grief, medical content, Suicide, Torture, Vomit, Dismemberment. 

 

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It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover

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dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.0

 
Read: May 7, 2023
 Title: It Ends With Us
 Series: It Ends With Us #1
 Author: Colleen Hoover
 Genre: Romance, Fiction, New Adult
 Rating: 2/5
 Review: 

I wanted to love this book. I wanted to love this author, so much!!! I have a family member that I care for deeply that adores her… But as it turns out… I really REALLY don’t. 

I can understand that I am not the target audience for Hoover’s books. The writing style is pretty simplistic and to be honest a bit… immature? I’m not sure if that’s the right word, but if you cut out the sex scenes, I wouldn’t be surprised to find this in the young adult section. (Which there’s nothing wrong with. I love a good YA). 

Then again… The sheer amount of trigger warnings this book needs would probably get it banned immediately if it were YA. I even made a comment about halfway through the book about needing a trigger warning bingo card for it. 

*spoilers* 

All of that aside, the storyline was something straight out of a season of Days of our Lives only darker with more excuses (and before anyone comes at me, I’ve been where Lily was at minus the pregnancy). That paired with the unrealistic ages of the characters, and the horrific cliches makes this a hard no for me. 

That being said, I get why Hoover has her fan base and why others like her which is why I have not rated this novel lower than what it is and I feel as if other of her books probably aren’t as bad as I believe this one is. She is not a terrible writer she simply is not for me. 

 

 


 Quotes: 

N/A 


 
TW: Abandonment, Child abuse, Child death, Classism, Cursing, Death, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Gore, Grief, Gun violence, Medical content, Mental illness, Miscarriage, Panic attacks, Physical abuse, Pregnancy, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual Content, Sexual violence, Suicide, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Vomit. 

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The Dire King by William Ritter

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adventurous emotional medium-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? It's complicated

3.0

 
Read: May 2, 2023
 Title: The Dire King
 Series: Jackaby #4
 Author: William Ritter
 Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Historical/Paranormal Fiction
 Rating: 3/5
 Review: 

Surprisingly enough, the final book of the Jackaby series is perhaps the weakest. 

Everything finally comes together in this last installment, ending in an epic battle of good vs evil, villainy vs heroism. Our loveable characters are forced to face choices including life and death. 

Overall, the writing was fine, and the story line was okay. However, the book as a whole feel a bit flat for the lead up the first three books provided us. While, the series has always been predictable the ‘twists’ in The Dire King were a bit… too much. With the exception of a certain traitor. 

It is obvious that Ritter has far more talent than this book gave him credit for, and if he had taken more time, making the book longer, focusing on nuances and build up this could be a wonderful conclusion. As it stands, it is simply acceptable. 


 Quotes: 

“I never found a book that did not have at least a little magic in it” 

“This world doesn't need showy champions. It needs people who are good, people who do good, even if nobody will ever know.” 

“Real love is when you let another person make you better. You don’t lose yourself in love—you find yourself there.” 

“I learned a long time ago that we do not survive because we’re strong—we become stronger the more we survive.”