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breadsalot's reviews
657 reviews
Delicates by Brenna Thummler
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
Sheets by Brenna Thummler
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Misfit City by Kirsten "Kiwi" Smith, Kirsten Smith
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The Heartstopper Yearbook by Alice Oseman
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Queen of Shadows by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Piñata by Leopoldo Gout
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
*Advanced Read Copy*
I’m a sucker for a good demonic possession story, but this book takes the trope to a whole new level. What stands out the most to me as a first-time reader of Gout’s (@leopoldoleopoldo) work is how much I appreciated the time and research that went into incorporating all of the historic elements that made this story unique. Having Mexican history, culture, and heritage at the forefront of this horror novel just made the experience even spookier - because most of it is truly based on reality.
With most possession stories, we tend to run with whatever spirit/demon is the villain of the story and assume their motives make sense. And a lot of the time, the crux of that motive is pure evil. But in this story, you do end up understanding the spirits’ motives. Given the reality of what happened to these ancient cultures and peoples, you can’t help but understand their desire for vengeance and their wrath.
I absolutely loved the characters. The Sanchez family felt genuine and it was easy to feel invested in Luna’s fate. I also loved that the story took place both in Mexico and in the US. Though the climax of the book is truly where most of the heart-pounding frights play out, the time the author gives us to get to know the characters towards the first half of the book really adds to the dread and suspense that builds and builds.
If you love creepy possession stories, this is a book for you. You’ll get that and so much more.
Thank you, @netgalley for the ARC!
I’m a sucker for a good demonic possession story, but this book takes the trope to a whole new level. What stands out the most to me as a first-time reader of Gout’s (@leopoldoleopoldo) work is how much I appreciated the time and research that went into incorporating all of the historic elements that made this story unique. Having Mexican history, culture, and heritage at the forefront of this horror novel just made the experience even spookier - because most of it is truly based on reality.
With most possession stories, we tend to run with whatever spirit/demon is the villain of the story and assume their motives make sense. And a lot of the time, the crux of that motive is pure evil. But in this story, you do end up understanding the spirits’ motives. Given the reality of what happened to these ancient cultures and peoples, you can’t help but understand their desire for vengeance and their wrath.
I absolutely loved the characters. The Sanchez family felt genuine and it was easy to feel invested in Luna’s fate. I also loved that the story took place both in Mexico and in the US. Though the climax of the book is truly where most of the heart-pounding frights play out, the time the author gives us to get to know the characters towards the first half of the book really adds to the dread and suspense that builds and builds.
If you love creepy possession stories, this is a book for you. You’ll get that and so much more.
Thank you, @netgalley for the ARC!
Misfit City Vol. 1 by Kirsten "Kiwi" Smith, Kurt Lustgarten
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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? N/A
3.0
The Wicked Unseen by Gigi Griffis
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
*Advanced Read Copy*
If I’m being completely honest, I came into this book without any real expectations besides the fact that the cover looked neat and the description mentioned the possibility of a Satanic cult in a small town. The book definitely lived up to its cover.
Griffis’ (@gigi.griffis ) novel takes you on a whirlwind story of the mysterious disappearance of the town’s golden girl. When Elle, the pastor’s daughter, disappears, the small Pennsylvania town is quick to suspect the newest (and seemingly odd) family in town. For fans of Stephen Graham Jones’ My Heart is a Chainsaw, The Wicked Unseen gives off similar vibes and is a unique and thrilling experience for readers who enjoy spooky stories and nods to horror films.
The setting of a small closed-minded town adds critical depth to the story and a strong element of immersion, allowing the author to explore real-life historical themes and happenings like the satanic panic, hell houses, Dungeons & Dragons, and the power of religion. Griffis’ ability to weave together real-life events and themes with a thrilling plot and dynamic characters is truly impressive.
The characters are well-developed and believable, making them either really likable or really hateable. The plot twist is also solid and keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The story builds up to an exciting climax, and readers will find themselves flying through the last quarter of the book.
Overall, The Wicked Unseen a must-read for fans of horror stories, thrillers, first loves, and towns with secrets.
Thank you, @netgalley for the ARC!
If I’m being completely honest, I came into this book without any real expectations besides the fact that the cover looked neat and the description mentioned the possibility of a Satanic cult in a small town. The book definitely lived up to its cover.
Griffis’ (@gigi.griffis ) novel takes you on a whirlwind story of the mysterious disappearance of the town’s golden girl. When Elle, the pastor’s daughter, disappears, the small Pennsylvania town is quick to suspect the newest (and seemingly odd) family in town. For fans of Stephen Graham Jones’ My Heart is a Chainsaw, The Wicked Unseen gives off similar vibes and is a unique and thrilling experience for readers who enjoy spooky stories and nods to horror films.
The setting of a small closed-minded town adds critical depth to the story and a strong element of immersion, allowing the author to explore real-life historical themes and happenings like the satanic panic, hell houses, Dungeons & Dragons, and the power of religion. Griffis’ ability to weave together real-life events and themes with a thrilling plot and dynamic characters is truly impressive.
The characters are well-developed and believable, making them either really likable or really hateable. The plot twist is also solid and keeps readers on the edge of their seats. The story builds up to an exciting climax, and readers will find themselves flying through the last quarter of the book.
Overall, The Wicked Unseen a must-read for fans of horror stories, thrillers, first loves, and towns with secrets.
Thank you, @netgalley for the ARC!
Ugly Love by Colleen Hoover
emotional
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0