thecasualbooknerd's reviews
108 reviews

adventurous dark 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

Aurora Rising’s darker, grittier cousin.

Wow, am I glad I decided to read this at a not-so-stressful time in my life. Going into this almost blind, only knowing that it’s sci-fi and in an interesting format, I was surprised at how dark it was—maybe this view is influenced by the fact that I’m reading it right as we’re coming out of a pandemic. Regardless, it is a adrenaline-pumping, gripping story that is excellently paced and expertly crafted.

Content Warnings

Poisoned by Jennifer Donnelly

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing 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

5.0

It’s not a perfectly written book, but it gave me literal goosebumps so many times while I was reading it—much more than I’ve had in a long time, not to mention it captivated me so much that I binged it in one day. Truly magical✨

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

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

4.5

Neil Gaiman’s writing continues to be *chef’s kiss*

Content Warnings

One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston

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funny lighthearted mysterious relaxing 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

4.5

A love story that transcends space and time.

It’s giving some Jane Austen vibes except queer and in the 21st century.

Also really appreciate that we get to sit in and experience the feelings of loss, before the happy ending; it makes it all the happier 🥰

Content Warnings

XOXO by Axie Oh

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adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

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

5.0

This book was so cuuutteee!! Reading it made me feel all warm and fuzzy inside, like drinking a cup of delicious hot cocoa 🥰

Darius the Great Is Not Okay by Adib Khorram

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emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective relaxing 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

4.0

This book was so cute! And as a ‘half-n-half’ myself I related so much to Darius and his time visiting “home”.

This book made me feel feelings 🥰
Definitely one to reread & recommend!

Content Warnings