ayearinbookswithzoe's reviews
208 reviews

Queen's Shadow by E.K. Johnston

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring tense 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? It's complicated

5.0

As soon as I found out this book existed, I had to read it and I was not disappointed. I grew up watching Star Wars and have always had a love for Padmé. This book makes me like her even more. She is an overwhelmingly good person and what I want our politicians to be. The book is interesting and a nerd’s dream. I loved learning about Padmé and her handmaidens, lots of badass women. I highly recommend this book. 
My Dark Vanessa by Kate Elizabeth Russell

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challenging dark emotional sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I wrote so much in this book. My copy is covered in underlines and notes. I think I really needed to read this book. My experience is different from Vanessa’s but I think there is some value, some closure in reading a book from the perspective of the survivor, especially one who keeps her agency. This book looks at the complexity of coming to terms with an abusive relationship. It tackles the self blame, the negligence of others, and the manipulation of the abuser. It also demonstrates how easy it is to be stuck with the person who hurts you. This book is definitely not for everyone, the descriptions are traumatic and horrific at times. I advise people to be aware before reading. However, I’m glad I took the time to read this book.
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Wayward Son by Rainbow Rowell

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 33%.
I found out that this author has written racist things in previous works and no longer felt comfortable finishing the book. Also this book wasn’t very interesting. 
An Unthinkable Thing by Nicole Lundrigan

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced

5.0

This book is an absolute masterpiece. The narration of 11-year-old Thomas was perfect for this story. I loved the use of court records/police reports in between chapters. It helped to build up the mystery of the story while also allowing me to make my own speculations. I was absolutely not prepared for the ending, but those people got what they deserved.
The writing itself was very well-done and the characters and their personalities well built. There was a discomfort present with some of the characters despite not knowing the reasons that really helped the story along. Tommie was such a good person and a good narrator for this book.
This was an excellent read and I highly recommend it. 
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The Dragon's Bride by Katee Robert

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emotional hopeful tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Shay with Me by Lily Courtade

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring tense medium-paced

4.0

A lot happens in this book, maybe a little too much for my personal liking. It is a very sweet story of two women who have been friends for years coming to terms with their love for each other. It explores accepting one’s sexuality at an older age and the different ways families can look. The relationship between the two women is just what you’d want in an older romance. The love, acceptance, and little dash of spice. I liked going on a journey with these characters and watching them beat all odds. Very sweet love story. 
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Barbarian Lover by Ruby Dixon

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adventurous emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book. I feel like they just get better with everyone. The way I gasped so loud at a particular part (won’t share because it’ll spoil things). It was so so good. So fun. It’s so cute. I love this couple. 
Silk Hills by Kate Sherron, Ryan Ferrier, Brian Level

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dark fast-paced

3.5

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Verity by Colleen Hoover

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challenging dark emotional mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

After reading this, my brain is broken. I was but expecting the ending. This book was just so awful (not in a “it was bad” way, but in a why kind of way). It’s just so dark. It was really good and really fascinating, but very dark. 
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Hell Followed with Us by Andrew Joseph White

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dark emotional mysterious 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? It's complicated

5.0

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