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eve_reads's reviews
121 reviews
Our Violent Ends by Chloe Gong
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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
4.5
Overall Thoughts:
⁕ Gong takes the beloved enemies-to-lovers trope and raises you enemies-to-lovers-to-enemies-and-back-to-lovers-again FLAWLESSLY. She doesn't ignore the conflict between their families and political parties, but builds that tension into every scene between them. It's an agonizing slow-burn with the greatest payoff.
⁕ This sequel was even more enriched with historical context than These Violent Delights. I've never read a book in this setting before and loved learning about/researching 1920's Shanghai.
⁕ [spoilers] I love the small bit of hope that Gong concludes this duology with. She still honors the authentic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet but also makes space for the reader to explore other possibilities for her main characters.
To read my full review, visit: https://evereads.online/
For regular book-related content, follow my Instagram account: @eve_reads
⁕ Gong takes the beloved enemies-to-lovers trope and raises you enemies-to-lovers-to-enemies-and-back-to-lovers-again FLAWLESSLY. She doesn't ignore the conflict between their families and political parties, but builds that tension into every scene between them. It's an agonizing slow-burn with the greatest payoff.
⁕ This sequel was even more enriched with historical context than These Violent Delights. I've never read a book in this setting before and loved learning about/researching 1920's Shanghai.
⁕ [spoilers] I love the small bit of hope that Gong concludes this duology with. She still honors the authentic tragedy of Romeo and Juliet but also makes space for the reader to explore other possibilities for her main characters.
To read my full review, visit: https://evereads.online/
For regular book-related content, follow my Instagram account: @eve_reads
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Cursing, Kidnapping, Colonisation, War, and Classism
Artificial Condition by Martha Wells
adventurous
funny
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
3.0
Overall Thoughts:
⁕ I get that Wells is trying to replicate the structure and style of crummy serial television, but she almost does it too well. As the second book in the series, the plot was practically identical to the first: Murderbot attempts to keep to himself, he gets attached to a group of humans and protects them from malicious forces, and then he must make himself scarce before being discovered.... predictable and boring!
⁕ Probably the most interesting development in this book was the inclusion of another AI. Seeing how another robot processed information and communicated with Muderbot was an interesting thought experiment in the potential future and capabilities of artificial life.
⁕ The ending of the this one was more open-ended than the first. I wasn't sure what the overarching goal/conflict was and didn't feel prompted to continue reading onto the third book.
To read my full review, visit: https://evereads.online/
For regular book-related content, follow my Instagram account: @eve_reads
⁕ I get that Wells is trying to replicate the structure and style of crummy serial television, but she almost does it too well. As the second book in the series, the plot was practically identical to the first: Murderbot attempts to keep to himself, he gets attached to a group of humans and protects them from malicious forces, and then he must make himself scarce before being discovered.... predictable and boring!
⁕ Probably the most interesting development in this book was the inclusion of another AI. Seeing how another robot processed information and communicated with Muderbot was an interesting thought experiment in the potential future and capabilities of artificial life.
⁕ The ending of the this one was more open-ended than the first. I wasn't sure what the overarching goal/conflict was and didn't feel prompted to continue reading onto the third book.
To read my full review, visit: https://evereads.online/
For regular book-related content, follow my Instagram account: @eve_reads
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cursing, Death, Gun violence, Violence, and Stalking
The Ex Hex by Erin Sterling
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Overall Thoughts:
⁕ The quirky bits felt forced and teetered on the edge of cringe-worthy. I ended up rolling my eyes more times than I did laughing.
⁕ The plot meandered for about 200 pages and then spectacularly resolved itself in the last 30. Not only did it drag to the point where I put it down for MONTHS (seriously, I started it in October of 2021 and finished it in April of 2022), but it didn't even make up for it with a satisfactory ending.
⁕ Don't even get me STARTED on the weak transition from enemies to lovers. They never even fully address Rhys' arranged marriage and the reasons they originally started hating each other in the first place? The development just wasn't there!
To read my full review, visit: https://evereads.online/
For regular book-related content, follow my Instagram account: @eve_reads
⁕ The quirky bits felt forced and teetered on the edge of cringe-worthy. I ended up rolling my eyes more times than I did laughing.
⁕ The plot meandered for about 200 pages and then spectacularly resolved itself in the last 30. Not only did it drag to the point where I put it down for MONTHS (seriously, I started it in October of 2021 and finished it in April of 2022), but it didn't even make up for it with a satisfactory ending.
⁕ Don't even get me STARTED on the weak transition from enemies to lovers. They never even fully address Rhys' arranged marriage and the reasons they originally started hating each other in the first place? The development just wasn't there!
To read my full review, visit: https://evereads.online/
For regular book-related content, follow my Instagram account: @eve_reads
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Cursing, Toxic relationship, and Alcohol
Minor: Death
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
4.0
Overall Thoughts:
⁕ The book is largely structured around Mateo and Rufus' narration with some 3rd person narration sprinkled in here and there. Each chapter is in chronological order and timestamped throughout their last day.
⁕ The ending of this book did not have the emotional impact that Tik Tok and Bookstagram promised. Maybe it's because the title of the book spoils it, but I think it's actually because the tear-jerking, misty-eyed moments are sprinkled in throughout the plot. The focus of the book is the journey and connections that are made along the way, not the destination.
⁕ The "sci-fi" elements central to the plot of this book are incredibly intriguing. However, if you are drawn to this book solely because of death cast and it's implications, this might not be the read for you! World-building only extends as far as it is relevant to the direct impact it has on Mateo and Rufus. There are no deep dives into the history, politics, or science besides some very vague basics.
To read my full review, visit: https://evereads.online/
For regular book-related content, follow my Instagram account: @eve_reads
⁕ The book is largely structured around Mateo and Rufus' narration with some 3rd person narration sprinkled in here and there. Each chapter is in chronological order and timestamped throughout their last day.
⁕ The ending of this book did not have the emotional impact that Tik Tok and Bookstagram promised. Maybe it's because the title of the book spoils it, but I think it's actually because the tear-jerking, misty-eyed moments are sprinkled in throughout the plot. The focus of the book is the journey and connections that are made along the way, not the destination.
⁕ The "sci-fi" elements central to the plot of this book are incredibly intriguing. However, if you are drawn to this book solely because of death cast and it's implications, this might not be the read for you! World-building only extends as far as it is relevant to the direct impact it has on Mateo and Rufus. There are no deep dives into the history, politics, or science besides some very vague basics.
To read my full review, visit: https://evereads.online/
For regular book-related content, follow my Instagram account: @eve_reads
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Animal death, Cursing, Panic attacks/disorders, Police brutality, Car accident, and Fire/Fire injury
Gallant by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Overall Thoughts:
⁕ V.E. Schwab's writing style never fails. As always, it's lyrical and elegant but creates an atmosphere unique to this story and world alone.
⁕ I adore Olivia's character! Her emotions are so big and real. She's not the typical morally righteous, brave main character that you see in every middle grade novel. Sure, those things are part of her, but she's also fallible and has needs/motivations outside of doing the right thing just because.
⁕ This isn't a book to read if you want in-depth world-building and plot development. It's not meant to be. It's character- and emotion-driven, meant to make you feel more than anything else.
To read my full review, visit: https://evereads.online/
For regular book-related content, follow my Instagram account: @eve_reads
⁕ V.E. Schwab's writing style never fails. As always, it's lyrical and elegant but creates an atmosphere unique to this story and world alone.
⁕ I adore Olivia's character! Her emotions are so big and real. She's not the typical morally righteous, brave main character that you see in every middle grade novel. Sure, those things are part of her, but she's also fallible and has needs/motivations outside of doing the right thing just because.
⁕ This isn't a book to read if you want in-depth world-building and plot development. It's not meant to be. It's character- and emotion-driven, meant to make you feel more than anything else.
To read my full review, visit: https://evereads.online/
For regular book-related content, follow my Instagram account: @eve_reads
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Mental illness, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
The Nature of Witches by Rachel Griffin
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
3.5
Overall Thoughts:
⁕ The book is split into 4 sections to reflect 4 seasons. I understand that this is to show how Clara's magic operates and changes, but the quick passage of time sometimes resulted in rushed scenes and passively explaining the action instead of showing it.
⁕ I feel indifferent about the main character but love many of the secondary ones. Each has unique motivations and experiences when it comes to their relationship with Clara that create such interesting dynamics throughout the story.
⁕ I wish there was more extensive world-building around the history of magic, the founding of the schools, and the conflict between those with magic and those without.
To read my full review, visit: https://evereads.online/
For regular book-related content, follow my Instagram account: @eve_reads
⁕ The book is split into 4 sections to reflect 4 seasons. I understand that this is to show how Clara's magic operates and changes, but the quick passage of time sometimes resulted in rushed scenes and passively explaining the action instead of showing it.
⁕ I feel indifferent about the main character but love many of the secondary ones. Each has unique motivations and experiences when it comes to their relationship with Clara that create such interesting dynamics throughout the story.
⁕ I wish there was more extensive world-building around the history of magic, the founding of the schools, and the conflict between those with magic and those without.
To read my full review, visit: https://evereads.online/
For regular book-related content, follow my Instagram account: @eve_reads
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Violence, Death of parent, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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
4.0
Overall Thoughts:
⁕ The plot of this book was more quest-based than the last one. I struggled to remain engaged during Laia's and Elias' perspectives when there was extensive travel because it felt redundant and repetitive.
⁕ Helene is slowly making her way up there on my list of all time favorite female characters. The internal conflict she faces when choosing between her patriotism, family, and Elias is a DELICIOUS addition to the book. For the unrequited love interest, she is a fully-fleshed character that is glorious in all her flaws and fears.
⁕ [spoiler] HOLY PLOT TWIST. Tahir got me good and honest. It made absolute sense and I didn't see it coming.
To read my full review, visit: https://evereads.online/
For regular book-related content, follow my Instagram account: @eve_reads
⁕ The plot of this book was more quest-based than the last one. I struggled to remain engaged during Laia's and Elias' perspectives when there was extensive travel because it felt redundant and repetitive.
⁕ Helene is slowly making her way up there on my list of all time favorite female characters. The internal conflict she faces when choosing between her patriotism, family, and Elias is a DELICIOUS addition to the book. For the unrequited love interest, she is a fully-fleshed character that is glorious in all her flaws and fears.
⁕ [spoiler] HOLY PLOT TWIST. Tahir got me good and honest. It made absolute sense and I didn't see it coming.
To read my full review, visit: https://evereads.online/
For regular book-related content, follow my Instagram account: @eve_reads
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Gore, Sexual violence, Torture, and Violence
This Is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone, Amal El-Mohtar
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Overall Thoughts:
⁕ To say that this book had an emotional impact on me would be an understatement. I wish I had the words to define the place it occupies in my heart, but any attempt would not do it justice. Simply put: this is a book to read if you want to FEEL.
⁕ The world-building is ambiguous (especially for a sci-fi that involves time travel elements) but it serves the overall story well. The focus is meant to be on the relationship and conflict between the main characters; not the nuances of their environment. All the (relevant) murky details make enough sense in the end, I promise.
⁕ This book is structured mostly in the fashion of letters written back and forth between the main characters, but it reads like poetry. It is full of witty references and metaphors. Somehow, in all these combinations of words and literary devices, they write a story that has you going "oh, this is exactly what love is."
⁕ The! Ending! Is! Everything! As the reader, you are drip fed pieces of the plot slowly. It unravels and circles back on itself in such a fashion that will keep you hungry until conclusion, where you will smack your forehead in amazement and awe.
To read my full review, visit: https://evereads.online/
For regular book-related content, follow my Instagram account: @eve_reads
⁕ To say that this book had an emotional impact on me would be an understatement. I wish I had the words to define the place it occupies in my heart, but any attempt would not do it justice. Simply put: this is a book to read if you want to FEEL.
⁕ The world-building is ambiguous (especially for a sci-fi that involves time travel elements) but it serves the overall story well. The focus is meant to be on the relationship and conflict between the main characters; not the nuances of their environment. All the (relevant) murky details make enough sense in the end, I promise.
⁕ This book is structured mostly in the fashion of letters written back and forth between the main characters, but it reads like poetry. It is full of witty references and metaphors. Somehow, in all these combinations of words and literary devices, they write a story that has you going "oh, this is exactly what love is."
⁕ The! Ending! Is! Everything! As the reader, you are drip fed pieces of the plot slowly. It unravels and circles back on itself in such a fashion that will keep you hungry until conclusion, where you will smack your forehead in amazement and awe.
To read my full review, visit: https://evereads.online/
For regular book-related content, follow my Instagram account: @eve_reads
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Death, Gore, Violence, and War
The Whisper Man by Alex North
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Overall Thoughts:
⁕ The folkloric rhymes and suburban mythos North creates around the Whisper Man are honestly the creepiest part of the book. Growing up, most of us have called upon monsters in children's rhymes and rundown homes. North taps into this phenomena and makes it feel very, very real.
⁕ The developments in the mystery are slow coming at times. I was often disappointed by the anti-climactic evolution of the plot-- I wanted an "AHA!" moment that I didn't get.
⁕ This book focuses more on the characters than the crime itself. If you are looking to play detective, there are certainly clues littered throughout the text, but the main focus of the story an exploration of family, grief, and parenthood.
To read my full review, visit: https://evereads.online/
For regular book-related content, follow my Instagram account: @eve_reads
⁕ The folkloric rhymes and suburban mythos North creates around the Whisper Man are honestly the creepiest part of the book. Growing up, most of us have called upon monsters in children's rhymes and rundown homes. North taps into this phenomena and makes it feel very, very real.
⁕ The developments in the mystery are slow coming at times. I was often disappointed by the anti-climactic evolution of the plot-- I wanted an "AHA!" moment that I didn't get.
⁕ This book focuses more on the characters than the crime itself. If you are looking to play detective, there are certainly clues littered throughout the text, but the main focus of the story an exploration of family, grief, and parenthood.
To read my full review, visit: https://evereads.online/
For regular book-related content, follow my Instagram account: @eve_reads
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Sexual violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Confinement