thecasualbooknerd's reviews
108 reviews

Defy the Night by Brigid Kemmerer

Go to review page

adventurous 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

4.5

This was a solid Robin-Hood-esque fantasy that had satisfying twists and turns and none of the cringe YA tropes. It was enthralling and original enough to stand on its own. 

Would definitely read again and recommend 
Expand filter menu Content Warnings
David Copperfield by Charles Dickens, Sam Mendes, Marty Ross

Go to review page

adventurous slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Everyone was cast to PERFECTION and boy did the actors deliver! Even young Reece Kenwyne Mpudzi did an excellent job. 

I don’t know if I’ll read the original, and it seemed Theo James would play a central role (while in reality he was only present for like 2.5 chapters) Izuka Hoyle should have been in the main credits… despite this, the sound design was stunning—it felt like I was watching a movie while listening to this. 
Fireworks by Alice Lin

Go to review page

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

3.25

Gotham Academy Vol. 1: Welcome to Gotham Academy (the New 52) by Becky Cloonan, Brenden Fletcher

Go to review page

adventurous tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot

3.25

Wildbound by Elayne Audrey Becker

Go to review page

adventurous challenging 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? Yes

4.5

A nice ending to a good duology. Would re-read!
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh

Go to review page

inspiring 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

One of my fave reads of the year!!
Star Wars: Before the Awakening by Greg Rucka

Go to review page

adventurous 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? No

3.75

A captivating story, I would have liked to see more of Fin’s story and Rey’s could have been compressed a bit, though I appreciated knowing the backstory on her piloting and mechanic skills. Poe’s was a bit heavy on the play-by-play space fights but overall was good, you can really see where he gets his Last Jedi headstrongness from. 

All in all, a great precursor to the movie, would recommend. Besides, it’s a light and easy read. 

I’m off to re-watch the movie now! *salutes in Resistance*
The Takedown by Lily Chu

Go to review page

emotional funny 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

4.5

The story was good, not just fluff romance, but romance with a real plot that had believable stakes that mattered. Phillipa Soo as narrator was also amazing ✨👌🏽💯💯
Ender's Game Alive: The Full Cast Audioplay by Orson Scott Card

Go to review page

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

4.5

I really enjoyed the dramatised audiobook; the cast did an amazing job! 
How to Lose a Guy Before Christmas by A.J. Pine

Go to review page

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

4.0