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zaiphon's reviews
101 reviews
The Secret History by Donna Tartt
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The writing alone deserves recongition and is the star in this novel. The characters are written in layers that unravel the deeper the story progresses, even though half the time you want to punch them all in the face. The concepts and ambiguous feelings and thoughts of the characters draw you into the story.
For the first half of the book, we are introduced to the characters with the knowledge of a death of one of the group of friends. These characters are introduced as a group who pride themselves of the arts and view themselves as highly intelligient. As you read along, you face concepts of intellectualism and a fall from reality as well as morality. The way these are presented to the reader is through one characters POV, who becomes involved with Julian and the greek class. As the reader, you are seeing the changes in Richard, POV MMC , as he is interwined further with these characters. Additionally, all the other chatacters get their chance to morph and change throughout the story as well. The second half is like it is watching everything just fall apart even more than you could imagine from the first half.
Highly recommend for someone who wants to read something that will encourage conversation and leaves lots of the story's development in the readers hands to fully piece it all together.
Side note: I for some reason found Richard and Nick from Great Gatsby so very similiar narrators and found it funny I was reading these both at the same time.
For the first half of the book, we are introduced to the characters with the knowledge of a death of one of the group of friends. These characters are introduced as a group who pride themselves of the arts and view themselves as highly intelligient. As you read along, you face concepts of intellectualism and a fall from reality as well as morality. The way these are presented to the reader is through one characters POV, who becomes involved with Julian and the greek class. As the reader, you are seeing the changes in Richard, POV MMC , as he is interwined further with these characters. Additionally, all the other chatacters get their chance to morph and change throughout the story as well. The second half is like it is watching everything just fall apart even more than you could imagine from the first half.
Highly recommend for someone who wants to read something that will encourage conversation and leaves lots of the story's development in the readers hands to fully piece it all together.
Side note: I for some reason found Richard and Nick from Great Gatsby so very similiar narrators and found it funny I was reading these both at the same time.
Archer's Voice by Mia Sheridan
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? Yes
3.0
"Archers Voice" is a romantic read of two people coming together - each healing from their trauma and growing as individuals through the chaos of first love, past demons, new friends, and an acceptance of who you are.
What I loved:
1. The discovery of these two characters and learning about them as individuals
2. The sweet dynamic between the FMC and MMC.
What I didn't love:
1. Some of the spice/romance scenes felt repetitive and filler. There were parts that didn't necessarily need to be there and brought nothing further to the story.
2. Lots of small problems with quick resolutions when I was hoping these things could have contributed more to the characters and their needed growth.
3. Felt like this could have been shorter.. or see number 2 - would have been nice to see more drawn out growth between the characters before the big plot twists
This was a sweet, fun read and I enjoyed some of the topics covered in this novel. However, I was left feeling that there were chunks of the book that was slow but then when the big twists came, they happened all too quickly near each other and were resolved fairly quickly as well.
If you love easy romantic reads that is heavy on the sweet and cheesy, has light spice, and has more of the sweet and cheesy in an epilogue - then this one is for you.
What I loved:
1. The discovery of these two characters and learning about them as individuals
2. The sweet dynamic between the FMC and MMC.
What I didn't love:
1. Some of the spice/romance scenes felt repetitive and filler. There were parts that didn't necessarily need to be there and brought nothing further to the story.
2. Lots of small problems with quick resolutions when I was hoping these things could have contributed more to the characters and their needed growth.
3. Felt like this could have been shorter.. or see number 2 - would have been nice to see more drawn out growth between the characters before the big plot twists
This was a sweet, fun read and I enjoyed some of the topics covered in this novel. However, I was left feeling that there were chunks of the book that was slow but then when the big twists came, they happened all too quickly near each other and were resolved fairly quickly as well.
If you love easy romantic reads that is heavy on the sweet and cheesy, has light spice, and has more of the sweet and cheesy in an epilogue - then this one is for you.
The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I think everything to say has already been said about this classic, short novel. I know deeming this a great classic is a topic of sometimes an argumenative discussion, but I can see why. The fact this isn't a long read but yet pulls in a lot of poetic, literary parrelels makes this a great topic of discussion. There are a lot of things to interpret and peel back the layers on that makes the story so engaging despite the short length.
While this is mostly a bunch of rich people complaining and a look into the social status of 1920s America, there are a lot of things that can be drawn to similarity of todays sociatal culture as well. The so called American Dream is out on display here and some interesting takeaways I gained were born from inspecting the layers of both Gatsby and our Narrator, Nick. Having Gatsby be a central focus in the story but not the POV narrator I believe was done purposefully to provide more thought into the character as a whole. The story flowed very simply, but yet was so intriguing along the way. This is one of those "I want to discuss this" type of stories where you leave with not 100% clear answers and your thoughts are subjective - but nonetheless pushed the reader into thinking deeply about each word on the page.
Overall a solid read!
While this is mostly a bunch of rich people complaining and a look into the social status of 1920s America, there are a lot of things that can be drawn to similarity of todays sociatal culture as well. The so called American Dream is out on display here and some interesting takeaways I gained were born from inspecting the layers of both Gatsby and our Narrator, Nick. Having Gatsby be a central focus in the story but not the POV narrator I believe was done purposefully to provide more thought into the character as a whole. The story flowed very simply, but yet was so intriguing along the way. This is one of those "I want to discuss this" type of stories where you leave with not 100% clear answers and your thoughts are subjective - but nonetheless pushed the reader into thinking deeply about each word on the page.
Overall a solid read!
A Conduit Of Light by Chelsey Ann Tompkins
adventurous
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Wasn't sure what to rate this as I was reading. The first half didn't capture me fully and almost dnf'd. Some of the plot points (like the romance) felt rushed so that the book could really take off about 50% of the way through. The world building was there but not immersive. I felt it didn't start taking shape until about 50% through. I also felt a true connection with the characters didn't exactly snap in place for me.
I am curious to see if Book 2 can breathe the life into this universe to fill in what feels missing. I feel that Book 2 has a foundation set in place from Book 1 enough to really flesh out this world and story (here is to hoping). Because of this thought, I plan on reading it sometime, but not in a rush.
I am curious to see if Book 2 can breathe the life into this universe to fill in what feels missing. I feel that Book 2 has a foundation set in place from Book 1 enough to really flesh out this world and story (here is to hoping). Because of this thought, I plan on reading it sometime, but not in a rush.
The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
"They Both Die At The End" has a special place in my heart, so I was very curious to see this Death Cast universe expand in a prequel. And man, this did not disappoint!
First, these two novels make me want to read every single book Silvera has written. He has a way of bringing these characters to life and you become so intertwined in the human experience. They are an easy read but don't think it lacks in any substance (it certainly does not!). Truly my favorite thing about the Death Cast series is the way the motto "living life to the fullest" shows its meaning in the lives of the characters that seem so relatable and like an old friend. And much like the first book, all the characters are walking through their own lives and separate battles - but yet their lives also intertwine and connect. It creates a beautiful, emotional atmosphere. I have never been to New York, but I felt like I was on a road trip through all these landmarks and through the story, these landmarks painted a beautiful picture and memory.
There are still some unanswered questions about Death Cast itself, but we were introduced to characters that I know will play a big role in future books within the Death Cast universe. Very excited to read the next one (plus anything by Adam Silvera at this point).
If you enjoyed the first one - do yourself a favor and pick this up!
First, these two novels make me want to read every single book Silvera has written. He has a way of bringing these characters to life and you become so intertwined in the human experience. They are an easy read but don't think it lacks in any substance (it certainly does not!). Truly my favorite thing about the Death Cast series is the way the motto "living life to the fullest" shows its meaning in the lives of the characters that seem so relatable and like an old friend. And much like the first book, all the characters are walking through their own lives and separate battles - but yet their lives also intertwine and connect. It creates a beautiful, emotional atmosphere. I have never been to New York, but I felt like I was on a road trip through all these landmarks and through the story, these landmarks painted a beautiful picture and memory.
There are still some unanswered questions about Death Cast itself, but we were introduced to characters that I know will play a big role in future books within the Death Cast universe. Very excited to read the next one (plus anything by Adam Silvera at this point).
If you enjoyed the first one - do yourself a favor and pick this up!
Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents by Lindsay C. Gibson
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
My first self help/psychology/non-fiction book. My goal is to read more of these.
I thought this was an interesting read. It spends a lot of time breaking down and defining terminology and the concept of emotional immaturity.
Interested in reading more of these types of books!
I thought this was an interesting read. It spends a lot of time breaking down and defining terminology and the concept of emotional immaturity.
Interested in reading more of these types of books!
Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? It's complicated
5.0
This was an amazing sequel! It has everything you would expect after reading and thoroughly enjoying "One Dark Window" - engaging characters, enjoyable plot, action and emotion, and an epilogue that doesn't throw a wrench into the rest of the story.
One thing I absolutely loved about this duology was the way the characters all play their roles well. Even side characters seemed fleshed out and the dialogue and plot flowed so well together.
I highly recommend this duology for fantasy fans or even newer fantasy/romantasy readers.
One thing I absolutely loved about this duology was the way the characters all play their roles well. Even side characters seemed fleshed out and the dialogue and plot flowed so well together.
I highly recommend this duology for fantasy fans or even newer fantasy/romantasy readers.
Five-Star Stranger by Kat Tang
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I really liked the concept, but I felt the ending was missing a lot of depth as the main character, Stranger, comes to the realization how he ended up where he did.
A lot of trauma and emotional issues were touched upon, but the ending just fell flat to me. It didn't leave as big an impact as I thought it could. However, there is potential there which ultimately kept me drawn to the story.
It probably could have been a big longer and it would have only added further to the story.
A lot of trauma and emotional issues were touched upon, but the ending just fell flat to me. It didn't leave as big an impact as I thought it could. However, there is potential there which ultimately kept me drawn to the story.
It probably could have been a big longer and it would have only added further to the story.
Bury Your Gays by Chuck Tingle
adventurous
dark
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I chose "Bury Your Gays" as a part of a book subscription and went into this blind. What I found was a fast paced part gorey horror, part sci-fi, part childhood trauma that is a part of a main character's growth.
"Bury Your Gays" touches on topics specifically related to homophobia, misogny, and queer erasure in society/hollywood media. Our main character, Misha, is a troubled screenwriter who is still struggling with internalized trauma in accepting his sexuality and coming to terms with pieces of his past. As the story progresses and these crazy monsters created from Misha come to reality, I really enjoyed the parrellels of revisiting Misha's past and how it became the seeds that bore the horror stories he has written. However, I felt like I needed more and would have preferred some more exploring with Misha in his past and able to confront some of those characters in the present.
The last half of the book felt that it shifted the story in a different direction, to ultimately resolve the main conflict. But, it felt too rushed or like there was something missing from the narrative (what made me fall in love with the first half of the story in the first place). Overall, enjoyed reading and exploring the topics touched in this setting.
"Bury Your Gays" touches on topics specifically related to homophobia, misogny, and queer erasure in society/hollywood media. Our main character, Misha, is a troubled screenwriter who is still struggling with internalized trauma in accepting his sexuality and coming to terms with pieces of his past. As the story progresses and these crazy monsters created from Misha come to reality, I really enjoyed the parrellels of revisiting Misha's past and how it became the seeds that bore the horror stories he has written. However, I felt like I needed more and would have preferred some more exploring with Misha in his past and able to confront some of those characters in the present.
The last half of the book felt that it shifted the story in a different direction, to ultimately resolve the main conflict. But, it felt too rushed or like there was something missing from the narrative (what made me fall in love with the first half of the story in the first place). Overall, enjoyed reading and exploring the topics touched in this setting.
One Dark Window by Rachel Gillig
adventurous
dark
fast-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? It's complicated
4.0
What do you get when you mix a magic card system, 500 year old mysteries, a spirit in the woods, romance, action, and a powerful creature that lives inside your mind? This book.
I absolutely loved this. The story kept progressing forward at a steady pace and it never felt boring or slow. I enjoyed the aesthetic of this world and the card system that is the sole basis surrounding magic and the creation of itself.
The characters all worked well together and were engaging. I wanted to know more about each characters - even all the smaller side characters. The chemistry (not just the romantic kind) between all the connected characters did not feel forced. It is only a duology, but I can see the potential to have pushed this story deeper and longer running series. However, the amount of creative space that was left for the reader to build on and that air of mystery is what sold this story to me.
Excited to jump right into book 2!
I absolutely loved this. The story kept progressing forward at a steady pace and it never felt boring or slow. I enjoyed the aesthetic of this world and the card system that is the sole basis surrounding magic and the creation of itself.
The characters all worked well together and were engaging. I wanted to know more about each characters - even all the smaller side characters. The chemistry (not just the romantic kind) between all the connected characters did not feel forced. It is only a duology, but I can see the potential to have pushed this story deeper and longer running series. However, the amount of creative space that was left for the reader to build on and that air of mystery is what sold this story to me.
Excited to jump right into book 2!