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alysbookclub's reviews
248 reviews
An Education in Malice by S.T. Gibson
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
4.5
"After all, what horror wouldn't I tolerate, if it was meted out by the hand of my beloved?"
A gothic dark academia drenched in desperation, longing and blood. A retelling of the novel Carmilla, Laura and Carmilla are two young women who are trying to find their way in a world where their feelings are immoral and they are pitted against each other by their otherworldly and enigmatic professor. A rivals-to-lovers dark sapphic romance that manages to be explosive and yet so sweet.
TW: explicit sexual content, gore, toxic relationships
TW: explicit sexual content, gore, toxic relationships
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Sexual content, and Toxic relationship
Dreadful by Caitlin Rozakis
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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
4.25
This novel was a hilarious farcical fantasy with themes of belonging, found family and identity.
Home Is Where the Bodies Are by Jeneva Rose
dark
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A solid domestic thriller following three children returning home when their mother passes, and the family's hidden secrets.
The premise was intriguing and made for a good mystery - however, the ending was pretty clear about halfway through.
The premise was intriguing and made for a good mystery - however, the ending was pretty clear about halfway through.
When Among Crows by Veronica Roth
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
I really had no idea how this book would play out. I've read Veronica Roth before and because of that, had reasonable expectations for this book, but the reality has been so much more impressive.
An urban fantasy set in modern day Chicago with a focus on Polish folklore and themes of belonging, regret, acceptance, family/found family, religion, and immigrant families, I found it to be a bit of an emotional reflection. Roth even managed to weave a beautiful romantic storyline in the most unexpected place.
I do wish this book were longer, or part of a series, but that's only because I loved the characters and world so much.
An urban fantasy set in modern day Chicago with a focus on Polish folklore and themes of belonging, regret, acceptance, family/found family, religion, and immigrant families, I found it to be a bit of an emotional reflection. Roth even managed to weave a beautiful romantic storyline in the most unexpected place.
I do wish this book were longer, or part of a series, but that's only because I loved the characters and world so much.
Where the Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
A beautiful folk tale that reminds me of aspects of beauty and the beast, howls moving castle, and tens of other traditional folk tales. I can tell this one will stay with me for a long time.
Eclipse of the Crown by A.K. Caggiano
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
"You've ruined me Ammalie," he said with a chuckle. "Enthralled me completely without even using magic."
Squealing, crying, loving it. Such a perfect end to the trilogy!
Squealing, crying, loving it. Such a perfect end to the trilogy!
Summoned to the Wilds by A.K. Caggiano
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH, it is fantasy rom-com slow burn perfection.
Throne in the Dark by A.K. Caggiano
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
5.0
I loved this book so much! Just enough humor, and done well. The romance is definitely a slow burn, again done well. I loved the world the author built and am moving straight on to the second book.
Until the Stars Fall by Vanessa Rasanen
Did not finish book. Stopped at 2%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 2%.
The writing was too juvenile and plot was obvious once you realize it's the movie Sabrina.
Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0