thecasualbooknerd's reviews
108 reviews

Rebel of the Sands by Alwyn Hamilton

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adventurous funny mysterious 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? Yes

4.25

I really enjoyed this one! It really feels like the first book in the series, but I appreciate the care and time taken to really draw us into the world of Miraji. Love an impulsive female MC, you don’t see a lot of those <3
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Gemina by Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense fast-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

5.0

Kaufman & Kristoff have done it again: knocked my socks off. I feel like I’m spinning through a wormhole that’s a bout to collapse. Astonishingly well done.
The Hammer of Thor by Rick Riordan

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adventurous challenging emotional funny 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

3.25

Aurora's End by Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted tense fast-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

5.0

The most found-familiest of found family books I’ve read!

Excellent end to an excellent series:)

Bonus points for the slogans:
“It’s about time” and “The squad you love is out of time” 
Do not despair, as I did, dear reader; I promise it’s a ride worth reading!
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Darius the Great Deserves Better by Adib Khorram

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inspiring lighthearted reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I absolutely love Darius’ story and I hope we get more of it at some point:)

The only reason it didn’t get 5stars is because the writing style is a bit too minimalist for me. It gets the story across well and emotions too, I just personally prefer more detail and “flowers”. 

Would recommend as a fun “slice-of-life” read with great representation of many walks of life. 
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The Toll by Neal Shusterman

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adventurous challenging emotional mysterious 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

4.75

This book fractured me. 

An excellent end, satisfying yet bittersweet and still open for more. 

Definitely one to reread for the sheer excellence of storytelling, an inspiration. Though I probably won’t do it anytime soon because of the emotional toll (pun intended). 
Thunderhead by Neal Shusterman

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adventurous challenging reflective 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? Yes

5.0

Neal Schustetman’s ability to craft characters is exceptional and this is abundantly clear in Thunderhead. A thrilling sequel that accomplishes plot in the most engaging, and in the end, subversive, way. A story that only moves faster and more invigorating with each page, the lives of characters weaving together in an increasingly masterful tapestry of narrative. 

Excuse me while I rush to the library for the next one. 
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Manners & Mutiny by Gail Carriger

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

4.5

Most excellent. 

A very satisfying conclusion to a wonderfully engaging, somewhat tense, yet lighthearted page-turner of a tetralogy. 

The Finishing School series has turned me into a Gail Carriger fan and I can’t wait to read more for her work! 
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Waistcoats & Weaponry by Gail Carriger

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adventurous funny lighthearted relaxing 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

4.75

Miss Gail Carriger has done it again!

Excellent ending, laugh-out-loud funny, and shenanigans only fit for Sophronia & Co.

“Soap understood her. Soap would always understand.” Who knew a Middle-grade steampunk spy novel would nearly have me crying my eyes out 😭


I do so hope to see everyone again in the next one <3
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Supernova by Marissa Meyer

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adventurous inspiring reflective tense fast-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

4.75

An amazing conclusion to a great series. This book gripped me in a way that didn’t let me put it down, always wanting to turn to the next page. 

And that epilogue!! Wowowow
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