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beckyray14's reviews
93 reviews
Wicked Souls by Katie Wismer
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I HATED that this book ends on a cliffhanger. The 3rd book isnt even out yet and the story is slowly draining its momentum. I'm not sure if I will read the next one. <SPOILER> why make this deal when you already know the consequences? I'd be more impressed with her suffering through it and Reid figuring everything out. The twist that the man they have been looking for all this time, for over 2 books is actually her father that she thought was dead was such a great twist. I also enjoyed her finally being put in prison for some of the actions she did, even though she had no control over her actions so to say.
The Marionettes by Katie Wismer
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This book is quite intriguing- the pace was slow but the story the author is writing feels so intricate. I went immediately to read the next book. i liked that the characters were older and in university instead of young teenagers. I also enjoyed that were seeing snippets of what the magic and politcal system is in a way that feels organic.
Troy by Stephen Fry
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
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
As usual this is another fantastic historical retelling by Stephen Fry. The story of Troy is well known and thoroughly published and yet here we have something fresh and interesting. He weaves such a magical history. I read this as an audiobook and he narrated his own book. Such a joy to listen to. At the end there is an analysis of fantasy vs lore when it comes to ancient texts and epics that I really enjoyed, a captivating way to summarize the story/myth. In line with the story telling but still filled with interesting tidbits. Hopefully he will release more history for me to consume.
Omega Found by Evelyn Flood
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Another book that started off as 5 stars but slowly got repetitive in some of the phrasing. I think there were some things that the author should've focused on that got lost in the mix. For example: therapy? how to overcome or deal with immense trauma, pack traumas, emotional bonds, and some things that should never have been GLOSSED OVER.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Violence
Moderate: Sexual violence
Ambience by Sierra Knoxly
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I thought this was going to be a 5 star read....But something about the main character bothered me. Its not that she wasn't formidable enough or outspoken enough. Maybe it was how quickly she came to give affection and love to the king but even that progressed in a way that could be expected. Since she is one of a harem most of the book takes place in just 2 locations or so in the palace and event that makes sense. But somehow it feels quite stifling. Something felt restricted and I wanted something more somewhere.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual assault
This book deals with a woman who has escaped a warlord and ends up in a kings harem in another country for protection [no one can get in or out of the harem and here she thinks she will be safe from the warlord.] As such she must do acts expected in the harem. There are sex scenes including MM, MF, FF etc, but also mentions of some things she had to do whilst a slave of the warlord that allude to sexual assault or violence.
Omega Sanctuary by Mira Kane
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I chose this book purely for the cover- and that it would be in the Omegaverse. What I got was an interesting story, FULL of spice. Every few pages- SPICE! But somehow it furthered the plot...? I'm more interested in the plot going into book 2 that I am about the forming of the pack/ members having sex. I also really liked the main character being undiscovered for so long and having a unique gift [in terms of books that i've read]. Her abilities also have an interesting manifestation.
Flame and Starlight by Dana Isaly
medium-paced
2.5
It is so jumpy. The pacing, the romance, the main characters emotional and physical changes- all of it is jumpy. The emotional impact fell short for me. This book initially started out as five stars and slowly lost stars the further I went into it. It feels like this book was written in chunks. Some of the chunks are good but cohesively they do not work.
Remote Control by Nnedi Okorafor
adventurous
dark
emotional
fast-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
Nnedi Okorafor is a master of Afro-Scifi. She is brilliant- the worlds she weaves are so thick, so real and quite visceral. This is my 2nd book by her and was just as riveting as Binti [another one of her short stories]. I finished this in a single sitting via Audible. Her characters are always complex and multi-dimensional and interesting. I've already downloaded another by her. This book makes you question little things in life, you can easily empathize with her characters and their predicaments.
House of Lies and Sorrow by Emily Blackwood
slow-paced
2.5
This was so cliche in so many ways. And was I would be forgiving of if this book didnt need SO MUCH EDITING. it has poor vocabulary choices, the story really jumps around and nothing really develops. Character motivation was lacking. The twist in this book felt like it was put in for the sake of a twist. Unnecessary. Luckily the two main characters were likeable, but there wasn't any time or effort put into developing their relationship or any romance.
Remembrance by Jude Deveraux
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
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
5.0
I love this book. This is my first re-read of this book. I came across it as a teen maybe 15 years ago. It is still fantastic. I didnt remember the beginning being so...yammering. And it was strange that the main character was a bit whiny. But she is supposed to be, it is what kicks off her journey and it pays off. I stayed up until 5am to finish this. I cried twice. The end makes me want to jump for joy. I want a love as brilliant as the one that develops in this story. But hopefully with less drama and meddling. This book is the first I ever experienced [back as a teen] to introduce me to the concept of past lives. And I have never forgotten it.