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leighs_little_library's reviews
312 reviews
Cleaners Wanted by Alex Franklyn
This is a comedy caper as an unlikely duo find themselves starting a new job and it turning out not to be what they thought. Could they be in over their heads. They aren't the brightest tools in the box, but they definitely are funny.
I found the authors writing easy to read and follow, and the fact it took me a little longer to read is definitely on me, I have a bit much going on in my head right now and sometime reading was really hard to do. But I admit that when I did pick up the book, even with its darker themes, it still did make me laugh.
I liked the banter between Jack and Caulter, as well as between John and Billy.
The author is great at causing confusion and sending us down the wrong path and does a fab job of tying it all up at the end.
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This is a comedy caper as an unlikely duo find themselves starting a new job and it turning out not to be what they thought. Could they be in over their heads. They aren't the brightest tools in the box, but they definitely are funny.
I found the authors writing easy to read and follow, and the fact it took me a little longer to read is definitely on me, I have a bit much going on in my head right now and sometime reading was really hard to do. But I admit that when I did pick up the book, even with its darker themes, it still did make me laugh.
I liked the banter between Jack and Caulter, as well as between John and Billy.
The author is great at causing confusion and sending us down the wrong path and does a fab job of tying it all up at the end.
Sanctum by Luna Kayne
adventurous
challenging
dark
hopeful
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I wish I could give this more stars. I really wanted to love it more than I did because the idea of angels and demons working together in the midst of a why choose love triangle really ticks my boxes.
The first third of the book had me hooked, and I couldn't put it down, then I felt it got a little slow in the middle and then picked up the pace again in the final third. It was that middle section that let it down for me, I think.
I loved Slade and Ragnar. The demons were fun and brought a bit of humour to the party. I liked Asmodeus, but he wasn't a broody angry demon. He was a protective male who could change form. Same with Michael. He started off so good, but he fell pretty quickly. His arc character arc was still great, though, but could have been developed a bit more.
There were some big plot twists that I enjoyed, but I think the end was a bit too abrupt for me. It gives scope for other books in this world with some of the other characters, but I feel like I wanted just a little bit more from after the final battle.
I did like the story. Gabriel was a great villain. The writing style was easy, but I couldn't connect with the characters as much as I wanted to.
Thank you to Bookfunnel for my copy of this book to read and review.
The first third of the book had me hooked, and I couldn't put it down, then I felt it got a little slow in the middle and then picked up the pace again in the final third. It was that middle section that let it down for me, I think.
I loved Slade and Ragnar. The demons were fun and brought a bit of humour to the party. I liked Asmodeus, but he wasn't a broody angry demon. He was a protective male who could change form. Same with Michael. He started off so good, but he fell pretty quickly. His arc character arc was still great, though, but could have been developed a bit more.
There were some big plot twists that I enjoyed, but I think the end was a bit too abrupt for me. It gives scope for other books in this world with some of the other characters, but I feel like I wanted just a little bit more from after the final battle.
I did like the story. Gabriel was a great villain. The writing style was easy, but I couldn't connect with the characters as much as I wanted to.
Thank you to Bookfunnel for my copy of this book to read and review.
The Wrath of Raghnall by Shauna Richmond
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
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? No
5.0
Having read The Olden Chronicles first, I have to say that I absolutely love being back in this world. Having my heart ripped from my body in Crimson Tears, it's good to know my favourite characters have not been forgotten!
Finn, as promised, is just like his uncles, and Freya is a carbon copy of her mum. It was just destined to be that the two of them would end up together. You can't keep the Raghnalls and the Oldens apart for long.
There are reminders and snippets of characters from the prequel series that I know will come to more in the next books!
As per usual, I have to remind myself not to get attached to side characters because Shauna has an itchy trigger finger that keeps you on edge, but it's hard when they're so good!
I detest the Pretons, especially one in particular, and I hope a ghost comes back and ends him slowly!
A lot goes on in the book, and its pace is quick. There are multiple pov so you have to pay attention.
I'm glad I read the Oldens first. I knew their family and their history, and I don't think I'd have felt as connected if I didn't know what happened when these kids were younger. So I would absolutely recommend reading Shattered Steel and the rest first before reading this trilogy. It will be more of an experience.
Shauna'a writing style is easy, mixed with humour and dark themes, and I flew through the story. I can't wait to read book 2!
Finn, as promised, is just like his uncles, and Freya is a carbon copy of her mum. It was just destined to be that the two of them would end up together. You can't keep the Raghnalls and the Oldens apart for long.
There are reminders and snippets of characters from the prequel series that I know will come to more in the next books!
As per usual, I have to remind myself not to get attached to side characters because Shauna has an itchy trigger finger that keeps you on edge, but it's hard when they're so good!
I detest the Pretons, especially one in particular, and I hope a ghost comes back and ends him slowly!
A lot goes on in the book, and its pace is quick. There are multiple pov so you have to pay attention.
I'm glad I read the Oldens first. I knew their family and their history, and I don't think I'd have felt as connected if I didn't know what happened when these kids were younger. So I would absolutely recommend reading Shattered Steel and the rest first before reading this trilogy. It will be more of an experience.
Shauna'a writing style is easy, mixed with humour and dark themes, and I flew through the story. I can't wait to read book 2!
Cruel Games by Heleva Risque
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
After reading Cruel Lies, which i loved! I couldn't wait to get my hands on this book! I wanted more from the Neon Dogs, and the author delivered!
As expected, it was so so good! To be honest, I couldn't stand Ivy. It's not often where I've disliked a fmc in a dark romance book with her morally grey men, but this time around I absolutely loved the dogs straight away, but it took a long time for me to like Ivy.
The themes are dark, the spice is spicy, and the writer has done a fantastic job of keeping me hooked. I adored Coyote, and I hated that Ivy treated him badly. Even though she had her own issues to deal with, so did he. He is a great character 🥰 All the Dogs are! Each one has their own little quirks and characteristics that pull you in.
I like the little mentions of the skeleton crew and the other members of the Guild, and after the ending I'm sure we are going to find out more on another group of the institution in the next book!
There are many triggers in this book, and I suggest you check them out before reading it, but I really enjoyed it!
As expected, it was so so good! To be honest, I couldn't stand Ivy. It's not often where I've disliked a fmc in a dark romance book with her morally grey men, but this time around I absolutely loved the dogs straight away, but it took a long time for me to like Ivy.
The themes are dark, the spice is spicy, and the writer has done a fantastic job of keeping me hooked. I adored Coyote, and I hated that Ivy treated him badly. Even though she had her own issues to deal with, so did he. He is a great character 🥰 All the Dogs are! Each one has their own little quirks and characteristics that pull you in.
I like the little mentions of the skeleton crew and the other members of the Guild, and after the ending I'm sure we are going to find out more on another group of the institution in the next book!
There are many triggers in this book, and I suggest you check them out before reading it, but I really enjoyed it!
Strung by Per Jacobsen
challenging
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
It was ok.
Short chapters, some suspenseful scenes, and giving off invasion of the body snatchers vibes.
Short chapters, some suspenseful scenes, and giving off invasion of the body snatchers vibes.
I read it quickly, and I'll read the next book continuing on with that cliffhanger ending.
Randall does what any father would do and makes it his mission to find his son amongst the chaos of what the world has become. With the help of his brother, they struggle to keep a step ahead of the enemy to figure out what's going on and save Billy.
A good quick read.
A Five-Letter Word for Love by Amy James
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I thought this was a proper cute small town romance story.
I've read some of the not so good reviews and, honestly, don't know what their problem was.
Yes, the book is centred around the game wordle, so yes, it's mentioned a bunch. The main character has an almost year-long streak that she doesn't want to break! I have that with duolingo 🤷♀️ It literally spells it out in the blurb that wordle will be a prominent feature.
I also think that when most folk thing of a small town romance, they think of lots of spice, but it wasn't love at first sight and to be fair I didn't find the romance to be the main theme of the story. It was all about Emily and her dream of what her life should be. About choosing her right life. Which I actually enjoyed.
John and his laid-back demeanour obviously wasn't a hit with romance fans either because he wasn't all domineering or degrading. But he is like a normal guy with a normal job, and I thought their relationship was cute.
The side characters in the book added to the story, added to Emily knowing who her friends were and weren't. Emily's character was caring and lovely, if a little immature, but it's endearing, and I could definitely be friends with someone like her.
The short chapters were easy to read, and I thoroughly enjoyed the first-person pov, like she was talking to me about her day. It was kind of like reading a diary entry.
If you are looking for a small town romance that is full of spice, well, this one is not for you. But if you're looking for an easy read that you could totally relate to, then give it a shot.
I've read some of the not so good reviews and, honestly, don't know what their problem was.
Yes, the book is centred around the game wordle, so yes, it's mentioned a bunch. The main character has an almost year-long streak that she doesn't want to break! I have that with duolingo 🤷♀️ It literally spells it out in the blurb that wordle will be a prominent feature.
I also think that when most folk thing of a small town romance, they think of lots of spice, but it wasn't love at first sight and to be fair I didn't find the romance to be the main theme of the story. It was all about Emily and her dream of what her life should be. About choosing her right life. Which I actually enjoyed.
John and his laid-back demeanour obviously wasn't a hit with romance fans either because he wasn't all domineering or degrading. But he is like a normal guy with a normal job, and I thought their relationship was cute.
The side characters in the book added to the story, added to Emily knowing who her friends were and weren't. Emily's character was caring and lovely, if a little immature, but it's endearing, and I could definitely be friends with someone like her.
The short chapters were easy to read, and I thoroughly enjoyed the first-person pov, like she was talking to me about her day. It was kind of like reading a diary entry.
If you are looking for a small town romance that is full of spice, well, this one is not for you. But if you're looking for an easy read that you could totally relate to, then give it a shot.
Faebound by Saara El-Arifi
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I had heard mixed reviews and was unsure if this was going to be any good. I read it as part of a book club read and actually pretty enjoyed it. It was sometimes hard to remember that the characters were 30ish because they were a little immature, but the story itself was interesting, and the lore was equally as intriguing.
I liked the world building and the connection the characters had to the landscape its materials.
I did a mixture of reading and listening to the book, but I preferred in the end to read it physically. I enjoyed it. I'll be reading book 2.
I liked the world building and the connection the characters had to the landscape its materials.
I did a mixture of reading and listening to the book, but I preferred in the end to read it physically. I enjoyed it. I'll be reading book 2.
After Life by Gayle Forman
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This is the first book I've read by this author, so I wasn't sure what to expect from the writing style or the story. The blurb conveys that it's a tale that will tug on your heart strings and have you thinking deeply about life and death and the workings of our existence.
I truly adored the concept of this story. The idea that we are able to come back, even just for a little while, to visit loved ones and see how they are doing after we have passed.
This is the case for Amber, cruely taken from this world at 17 years of age.
Amber returns to her family after having been dead for the last 7 years and sees how the people around her carried on after she was in her accident.
The story shows how death can affect those around you, even those you met only briefly, and Amber's story also contains the theme of coming back to help your loved ones move on and be at peace.
The reason my review dropped in stars was due to Calvin's arc. I don't believe his story was particularly necessary, and even if it was, his actions didn't reflect his intentions at the start. I also wasn't a fan of Casey and being a fake best friend. I think in this story, that particular event didn't need to happen to get the full effect of what After Life was trying to convey. It's not a trope I'm terribly fond of.
The idea of forgiveness is heavy at the end. I'm not sure I'd have been as forgiving, but I hope I never have to be in the position to think about it.
No matter what you believe, this book definitely opens a line of conversation that can be really interesting and insightful. Especially for the young adults that the book is aimed at.
I truly adored the concept of this story. The idea that we are able to come back, even just for a little while, to visit loved ones and see how they are doing after we have passed.
This is the case for Amber, cruely taken from this world at 17 years of age.
Amber returns to her family after having been dead for the last 7 years and sees how the people around her carried on after she was in her accident.
The story shows how death can affect those around you, even those you met only briefly, and Amber's story also contains the theme of coming back to help your loved ones move on and be at peace.
The reason my review dropped in stars was due to Calvin's arc. I don't believe his story was particularly necessary, and even if it was, his actions didn't reflect his intentions at the start. I also wasn't a fan of Casey and being a fake best friend. I think in this story, that particular event didn't need to happen to get the full effect of what After Life was trying to convey. It's not a trope I'm terribly fond of.
The idea of forgiveness is heavy at the end. I'm not sure I'd have been as forgiving, but I hope I never have to be in the position to think about it.
No matter what you believe, this book definitely opens a line of conversation that can be really interesting and insightful. Especially for the young adults that the book is aimed at.
The Thirteenth Child by Erin A. Craig
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
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? No
5.0
Omg this book!
It captivated me unexpectedly, and I loved it.
I loved the characters, the story, and the encompassing writing style that had me hooked from the first page.
The journey of Hazel and how she grows and her moral turmoil of right and wrong had me feeling everything for her. She was the thirteenth child. Neglected by her parents and forced to live like a forgotten child while she waits for her godfather to make an appearance and change her life.
She's then uprooted and thrown into a life of study, which takes her on an adventure that has her questioning her path, her relationships, her choices, and I just got so absorbed in it all.
This book took me by surprise. It was paced steadily throughout with some tense and atmospheric scenes.
I cried. I'll not lie. Those last pages had my heart their hands.
I would definitely recommend this wonderful fantasy to anyone who loves the genre. Even to those who don't.
It captivated me unexpectedly, and I loved it.
I loved the characters, the story, and the encompassing writing style that had me hooked from the first page.
The journey of Hazel and how she grows and her moral turmoil of right and wrong had me feeling everything for her. She was the thirteenth child. Neglected by her parents and forced to live like a forgotten child while she waits for her godfather to make an appearance and change her life.
She's then uprooted and thrown into a life of study, which takes her on an adventure that has her questioning her path, her relationships, her choices, and I just got so absorbed in it all.
This book took me by surprise. It was paced steadily throughout with some tense and atmospheric scenes.
I cried. I'll not lie. Those last pages had my heart their hands.
I would definitely recommend this wonderful fantasy to anyone who loves the genre. Even to those who don't.
By The Orchid And The Owl by Mariah Montoya
adventurous
challenging
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? No
5.0
I have a beautiful The Butterfly Bookclub special edition of this book and once again I wasn't disappointed!
I loved this! more than I thought I would, and Coen Steeler is definitely book boyfriend material.
At first I wasn't sure. it's like a mix of Harry Potter, the hunger games Broken Bonds. There's a little bit of magic, ability, tests and 'factions' which, when woven through this tale of self discovery, betrayal and revenge, it becomes this gripping and bingable read.
I loved Rayna and Coen and their little friendship group. The discoveries and events surrounding some of the groups heritage and how the villain is keeping the Island in the dark was tense in places.
I thought the writing kept me engaged, and because I liked the characters it was easy to root for them and get lost in the story. The world building was interesting and fun, with the magics and terrains.
My heart was in my mouth at the end and I will absolutely be diving into book 2!
I loved this! more than I thought I would, and Coen Steeler is definitely book boyfriend material.
At first I wasn't sure. it's like a mix of Harry Potter, the hunger games Broken Bonds. There's a little bit of magic, ability, tests and 'factions' which, when woven through this tale of self discovery, betrayal and revenge, it becomes this gripping and bingable read.
I loved Rayna and Coen and their little friendship group. The discoveries and events surrounding some of the groups heritage and how the villain is keeping the Island in the dark was tense in places.
I thought the writing kept me engaged, and because I liked the characters it was easy to root for them and get lost in the story. The world building was interesting and fun, with the magics and terrains.
My heart was in my mouth at the end and I will absolutely be diving into book 2!