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booksandbongs's reviews
155 reviews
House of Earth and Blood by Sarah J. Maas
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Oh man. Another one where I can’t leave a real review right now, just wow.
I fell in love with the world and characters so much. What an amazing story and a fulfilling ending, I can’t wait to start the second one. The modern setting is PERFECT! Bryce is such a badass female lead.
I fell in love with the world and characters so much. What an amazing story and a fulfilling ending, I can’t wait to start the second one. The modern setting is PERFECT! Bryce is such a badass female lead.
Other Birds by Sarah Addison Allen
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I knew little going into this book, and I’m so glad I picked it up.
I found myself falling in love with Zoey, Mac, Charlotte, Fraiser, and Mallow Island. The lighthearted and warm tone of the book was really enjoyable and easy to read. The mystery aspects didn’t feel forced or too oppressive to the story. I love how the characters become so interwoven and connected to each other. I wish the little birds were real, lol.
This was an amazing feel good book that felt like a hug. A great ending that leaves for some speculation about what the characters will do next. Excellent read.
I found myself falling in love with Zoey, Mac, Charlotte, Fraiser, and Mallow Island. The lighthearted and warm tone of the book was really enjoyable and easy to read. The mystery aspects didn’t feel forced or too oppressive to the story. I love how the characters become so interwoven and connected to each other. I wish the little birds were real, lol.
This was an amazing feel good book that felt like a hug. A great ending that leaves for some speculation about what the characters will do next. Excellent read.
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
4.75
I was a little cautious going into reading this because people had said it’s very “science heavy” and I was worried I would get bored. I am SO glad I decided to read it anyway. I liked the Martian but I think this one is much more my cup of tea.
I was unsure of the narrative at first but as the book went on the narrative became one of my favorite parts.
My favorite part has to be Rocky. What a perfect friend for the protagonist and I think one that really added to the quality of the story.
Weir does use a lot of science in the book but everything is explained in a digestible-for-non-scientists type of way. But the scientific elements really make the story feel believable, like it could really happen.
Weir does an excellent job of keeping the reader engaged while sprinkling in humor and warm fuzzy moments.
An exceptional book, definitely my favorite of Weir. Also one I will recommend for years to come.
Also, I thought the ending was absolutely PERFECT.
I was unsure of the narrative at first but as the book went on the narrative became one of my favorite parts.
My favorite part has to be Rocky. What a perfect friend for the protagonist and I think one that really added to the quality of the story.
Weir does use a lot of science in the book but everything is explained in a digestible-for-non-scientists type of way. But the scientific elements really make the story feel believable, like it could really happen.
Weir does an excellent job of keeping the reader engaged while sprinkling in humor and warm fuzzy moments.
An exceptional book, definitely my favorite of Weir. Also one I will recommend for years to come.
Also, I thought the ending was absolutely PERFECT.
A Court of Silver Flames by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
Too emotional to leave a full review now. But wow, Nesta has become my favorite character in the ACOTR universe. She is the most relatable to me and her growth is nothing short of inspiring. I love this world Maas has created and I am so sad I have to wait for the next installment. Favorite book in the series to date for sure.
Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I liked this more than I thought I would originally. Sports/discussion of sports usually aren’t my cup of tea but TJR really knows how to engross the reader in the story. I did find Carrie to be pretty insufferable for a lot of the book, but I absolutely loved the relationship with her father and she did become more tolerable towards the end.
I do think there were a few tidbits that I will take away completely unrelated to tennis that I found to be profound.
I also really liked the dynamic between Soto and Chan, and the presence of strong female characters.
Overall, a really enjoyable, quick read that I think anyone who likes TJR’s writing style will appreciate. The references to her other books were really fun as well.
I do think there were a few tidbits that I will take away completely unrelated to tennis that I found to be profound.
I also really liked the dynamic between Soto and Chan, and the presence of strong female characters.
Overall, a really enjoyable, quick read that I think anyone who likes TJR’s writing style will appreciate. The references to her other books were really fun as well.
A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
The perfect “Christmas special” to heal after the trauma of ACOWR (for the characters and the readers) before diving into ACOSF, making the transition very smooth. Just a feel good novella where you get to spend some more time with the characters you have come to love so dearly.
Also the PERFECT ending to Feyre’s pov/direct story.
Also the PERFECT ending to Feyre’s pov/direct story.
A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
5.0
Too emotional to leave a full review rn. Oh my god😭😩
Final Night by Kell Shaw
Did not finish book. Stopped at 34%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 34%.
I won a digital copy of this book as part of a Storygraph giveaway.
The plot itself is interesting enough, but the characters felt flat and the magic confusing at times.
The reason I put the book down and chose not to finish it is because the author includes a transgender character, but then has the main character deadname and misgender them when thinking of before they came out. For a book that aims to be inclusive, this feels pretty unforgivable and put a bad taste in my mouth.
The plot itself is interesting enough, but the characters felt flat and the magic confusing at times.
The reason I put the book down and chose not to finish it is because the author includes a transgender character, but then has the main character deadname and misgender them when thinking of before they came out. For a book that aims to be inclusive, this feels pretty unforgivable and put a bad taste in my mouth.
Sweet, Young, & Worried by Blythe Baird
dark
emotional
reflective
4.5
A darkly beautiful reflection of the authors struggles with mental illness/eating disorders and the like. If you enjoy poetry, this is an excellent collection to explore. I look forward to reading more works by the author.
Thank you storygraph for providing a digital copy of this collection as part of a giveaway.
Thank you storygraph for providing a digital copy of this collection as part of a giveaway.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75