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booksborrowed's reviews
117 reviews
That's Not My Name by Megan Lally
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I have been doing this thing lately where if it's a slower paced book, I think it's boring. I have discovered multiple times this year to just trust the process. This book falls into that category. Trust this author. The ending is worth it!
The Deeper the Water the Uglier the Fish by Katya Apekina
challenging
emotional
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Katya Apekina is a new author for me. This slow introduction to two sisters and their trauma was an unexpected read. The way Apekina builds up the story had me unsure how I felt about the story. However, the story picks up pace slightly, and all the details (mostly) come together in a neat little bow. The longer I think about this book, the more I realized I enjoyed it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse and Suicide
Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll
dark
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Bright Young Women follows a previous victim, Ruth, and the only eye witness, Pamela, of "The Defendent."
Pamela is a go-getter, a law student at FSU, and president of her sorority. She is awoken one evening by a noise and, while investigating, sees an assailant escaping through the front door, thankfully unnoticed. Two girls are dead, and two girls are brutally maimed.
These events catapult a relationship between strangers, Tina and Pamela. Tina immediately travels to Tallahassee to seek out the eyewitness. She believes the killer was the same one her friend, Ruth, fell victim to.
Bouncing between two different character points of view and past and present tense, this story was deliberately slow paced. The overall themes of feminist empowerment, misogyny, and inner work are far more prevalent than the intensity of a classic thriller. I felt very little tension or mystery from the plot because we know very early on what happened and who the crime was committed by.
I was underwhelmed but liked this stories underlying lessons. Don't be so nice, people will take advantage.
Pamela is a go-getter, a law student at FSU, and president of her sorority. She is awoken one evening by a noise and, while investigating, sees an assailant escaping through the front door, thankfully unnoticed. Two girls are dead, and two girls are brutally maimed.
These events catapult a relationship between strangers, Tina and Pamela. Tina immediately travels to Tallahassee to seek out the eyewitness. She believes the killer was the same one her friend, Ruth, fell victim to.
Bouncing between two different character points of view and past and present tense, this story was deliberately slow paced. The overall themes of feminist empowerment, misogyny, and inner work are far more prevalent than the intensity of a classic thriller. I felt very little tension or mystery from the plot because we know very early on what happened and who the crime was committed by.
I was underwhelmed but liked this stories underlying lessons. Don't be so nice, people will take advantage.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape
Funny Story by Emily Henry
funny
hopeful
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? Yes
4.0
Daphne Vincent finds herself in a town with no friends and a roommate with peculiar ties. This romance was light hearted with lots of banter between the Daphne and her love interest. It was a good read, though it was clear from just the description what was going to happen. This rom-com will easily lighten your mood.
This Will Only Hurt a Little by Busy Philipps
challenging
informative
slow-paced
Busy Philipps is not holding back. This memoir feels like getting to know a new friends past and all the gossip that comes with that. She is authentic and loud and shares her scariest moments alongside her wins. I really enjoyed listening to her with the audiobook!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault
Minor: Abortion
Malice by Heather Walter
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
"Vila were not the monsters the Etherians would have you believe."
This book is a retelling of Sleeping Beauty. I liked that the FMC is the "villian". An orphan halfling, Alyce is raised to believe she is descendent of evil. She is admonished because of her green Vila blood, always being recognized as the "Dark Grace" and avoided. The Grace are humans, blessed by Etherians, with gold blood that must be drained in order to access their magic. The Grace are saught after and highly admired by Briar society, that is, until their blood runs silver.
The magic system is unique to me and was easy to follow throughout the story. What I was not a fan of was the pace of the first half of the book. Information was drawn out and repetitive ("Dragons Teeth" times thirty-one), and certain scenes could have been cut or even rethought.
The end, however, made it all worthwhile. Everything came together quickly and set up the interest in the sequel well. I look forward to the author perfecting their craft, as this debut has a lot of promise.
This book is a retelling of Sleeping Beauty. I liked that the FMC is the "villian". An orphan halfling, Alyce is raised to believe she is descendent of evil. She is admonished because of her green Vila blood, always being recognized as the "Dark Grace" and avoided. The Grace are humans, blessed by Etherians, with gold blood that must be drained in order to access their magic. The Grace are saught after and highly admired by Briar society, that is, until their blood runs silver.
The magic system is unique to me and was easy to follow throughout the story. What I was not a fan of was the pace of the first half of the book. Information was drawn out and repetitive ("Dragons Teeth" times thirty-one), and certain scenes could have been cut or even rethought.
The end, however, made it all worthwhile. Everything came together quickly and set up the interest in the sequel well. I look forward to the author perfecting their craft, as this debut has a lot of promise.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Sexual content
One of Our Own by Lucinda Berry
Did not finish book. Stopped at 24%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 24%.
I could not get past reading the text messages.
Content Warnings
Minor: Rape, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
Home Is Where the Bodies Are by Jeneva Rose
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
In death, secrets are either buried or revealed. This thriller follows three estranged siblings, Beth, Nicole, and Michael, after their mothers death. Beth is the devoted daughter who took care of her mother after her father's disappearance seven years prior. Nicole is an addict who hides from all the feelings. Michael was the one that got out, now a successful tech guy.
As the siblings are going through their parents belongings, they discover a buried secret. The shock of what their parents had done sends them spiraling and I could not get enough. This story is a page turner. Something new is always happening. I really enjoyed the multiple points of view from each sibling and the flash backs from the mother, Laura. Rose does well with the timeline of this story and bringing it all together.
My biggest problem with the writing was repetitive phrases.Beth often times "did not say anything", because she she had nothing to say. However this was minor and easily overlooked.
As the siblings are going through their parents belongings, they discover a buried secret. The shock of what their parents had done sends them spiraling and I could not get enough. This story is a page turner. Something new is always happening. I really enjoyed the multiple points of view from each sibling and the flash backs from the mother, Laura. Rose does well with the timeline of this story and bringing it all together.
My biggest problem with the writing was repetitive phrases.
When the Tiger Came Down the Mountain by Nghi Vo
adventurous
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The cleric, a scout, and her mammoth find themselves trapped by three hungry tiger sisters. Chih decides to tell a story of the Tigers' ancestors and, in turn, discovers the story being fixed.
I very much enjoy a short story, and Nghi Vo does not disappoint. The ability to create multiple intricate tales within the novella is astounding. There are so many small details to get lost in that I felt as though I was with Chih myself.
I very much enjoy a short story, and Nghi Vo does not disappoint. The ability to create multiple intricate tales within the novella is astounding. There are so many small details to get lost in that I felt as though I was with Chih myself.
Heartless Hunter by Kristen Ciccarelli
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This witchy enemies to lovers is surprisingly complex. The FMC is young, but I found her decisions relatable. Haven't we all been more interested in the one that will destroy us, rather than the one who will save us? Most of the cast have traumatic back stories, and I found it hard to know who to root for. Maybe some plot holes or easy outs near the end. Overall, I am excited to finish the duology.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Murder
Moderate: Death and Genocide