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micaelamariem's reviews
724 reviews
The Golden Basement by David Norman Lewis
adventurous
dark
fast-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
4.0
Thank you so much to the author for the ARC!
This book was so weird. But it was fun, and that’s the main thing I ask of a book, that I enjoy reading jt.
It was marketed to me as sci fi but I would also argue this is very horror as well. The tale follows ten year old Evan, who lives in these underground caves with his crazy father and sister and a bunch of weird aliens. His father wants him to unlock the code to the golden basement, but all Evan wants is a normal life on the surface. When he tries to enact a plan for this, chaos ensues, including more aliens, a cult, a riot, and some washed up rock star roadies.
I loved the illustrations, they really added to the book and made it a quick read.
I also loved the theme of conspiracy theories and how diving into extreme beliefs can be ruinous.
The characters were compelling for the fact that they were all deeply flawed and disturbed individuals. There was no golden star to this and that was refreshing.
As long as you can handle some body horror with a dose of dark humor, I recommend this read 🙌🏼
This book was so weird. But it was fun, and that’s the main thing I ask of a book, that I enjoy reading jt.
It was marketed to me as sci fi but I would also argue this is very horror as well. The tale follows ten year old Evan, who lives in these underground caves with his crazy father and sister and a bunch of weird aliens. His father wants him to unlock the code to the golden basement, but all Evan wants is a normal life on the surface. When he tries to enact a plan for this, chaos ensues, including more aliens, a cult, a riot, and some washed up rock star roadies.
I loved the illustrations, they really added to the book and made it a quick read.
I also loved the theme of conspiracy theories and how diving into extreme beliefs can be ruinous.
The characters were compelling for the fact that they were all deeply flawed and disturbed individuals. There was no golden star to this and that was refreshing.
As long as you can handle some body horror with a dose of dark humor, I recommend this read 🙌🏼
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Homophobia, Mental illness, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
The Friendship Breakup by Annie Cathryn
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I won this arc in a goodreads giveaway and while I’m so thankful for having the opportunity to read it, I feel so guilty for not liking it. 🥲
There were times the writing was absolutely beautiful, like when Fallon found the perfect place to run her chocolate business. And the themes of moving on in relationships is a very potent one.
However, a lot of the time, the writing did feel juvenile. A lot could have been fixed by the characters actually talking with each other. I thought some of the reactions of the adult characters were either too unrealistic or too on the nose (specifically the therapy sessions). I also found the children characters to act unrealistically, too mature and well-behaved from my point of view, while also saying things that had them seem younger than seven.
And I think, as a whole, this book wasn’t for me. I think some of the themes, like the marital problems and menopause, I’m too young to truly appreciate, and then the way they acted I was too old to appreciate.
Just because this wasn’t for me doesn’t mean others won’t enjoy it though. I see plenty of four star reviews here, and maybe I missed something, but I think it generally comes down to me being not the right target audience and not what I expected (I expected a general fading out instead of a massive falling out in friends).
There were times the writing was absolutely beautiful, like when Fallon found the perfect place to run her chocolate business. And the themes of moving on in relationships is a very potent one.
However, a lot of the time, the writing did feel juvenile. A lot could have been fixed by the characters actually talking with each other. I thought some of the reactions of the adult characters were either too unrealistic or too on the nose (specifically the therapy sessions). I also found the children characters to act unrealistically, too mature and well-behaved from my point of view, while also saying things that had them seem younger than seven.
And I think, as a whole, this book wasn’t for me. I think some of the themes, like the marital problems and menopause, I’m too young to truly appreciate, and then the way they acted I was too old to appreciate.
Just because this wasn’t for me doesn’t mean others won’t enjoy it though. I see plenty of four star reviews here, and maybe I missed something, but I think it generally comes down to me being not the right target audience and not what I expected (I expected a general fading out instead of a massive falling out in friends).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Infertility, Infidelity, Panic attacks/disorders, Blood, Grief, Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death, Sexual content, and Death of parent
The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
adventurous
challenging
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This book started out incredibly slow. I was almost ready to DNF (jk I don’t DNF) but then the main character got to university and it finally got interesting.
I do think the writing could have been more concise, there was no reason this had to be 700 pages. But the academia, conflict, magic, and desires were definitely compelling. The reveal at the end that I proudly predicted will be the main thing that keeps me going through the series. I would say this is an okay read, and perhaps good for fans of thick “hard fantasy” novels with lots of descriptions.
I do think the writing could have been more concise, there was no reason this had to be 700 pages. But the academia, conflict, magic, and desires were definitely compelling. The reveal at the end that I proudly predicted will be the main thing that keeps me going through the series. I would say this is an okay read, and perhaps good for fans of thick “hard fantasy” novels with lots of descriptions.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Drug use, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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 loved this book! The writing and word choice was beautiful. The character development impressive. The worldbuilding involves creating whole new myths and stories and studies which I always find impressive. I’m in love with Preston. But above all, I love the extended metaphor of what it’s like to be a trauma survivor and what is required to survive; especially for women who survive violence against them at the hands of men. This was absolutely beautiful. Full review on my blog to come tomorrow.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Bullying, Cursing, Death, Mental illness, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, Abandonment, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Ready Player Two by Ernest Cline
adventurous
informative
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
Unfortunately, this sequel did not live up to the greatness that was Ready Player One. While I enjoyed learning new things and the plot is a great idea for a D&D campaign, I didn’t think the book was well written. I thought it focused too much on referencing outside pop culture sources, even more so than the first book, which left me occasionally feeling a little lost. There was also a heavy focus on worldbuilding still without much look at character development. The ending frustrated me because it felt like the characters still didn’t learn anything. And in general, I just found the story to be boring. I wanted to see more characterization!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Addiction, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Drug use, Sexism, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, Alcohol, and Classism
Crown of Midnight by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
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
4.0
Two years after reading Throne of Glass, I finally read the sequel, Crown of Midnight.
If you somehow haven't heard of the author, Sarah J Maas, she also wrote the A Court of Thorns and Roses series and the Crescent City series.
Crown of Midnight, the second book in the Throne of Glass series, was published by Bloomsbury YA. Throne of Glass is a YA fantasy series targeted to older teenagers (though adults can still enjoy them!)
Crown of Midnight continues with Celaena's story after she becomes the King's Champion as to be his personal assassin. Meanwhile, she is trying to figure out what all the secret passageways and riddles she finds in the castle means, and would they have any answers to stopping the king's thirst for power as he continues to dominate other countries.
I really enjoyed this book--even more than the first one. I'd give it 4 stars out of 5 on the rating scale system because I did enjoy reading it, but there were a few hiccups with the book.
Part of me loved seeing the intricacies of Chaol's, Dorian's, and Celaena's friendship. I loved the character development that happens--particularly with Dorian, though Celaena grew the most as the main character. I didn't like the jealousy trope being played with both Chaol and Dorian. It just seemed a bit childish and annoying.
I also enjoyed the plot and there were many twists and turns, even if I did ultimately guess the big twist at the end. There were a lot of other reveals I didn't see coming. The plot also included a lot of fight scenes, so I was never left too wanting for action. That being said, the first half of the book did move a lot more slowly. I wish the romance in the book didn't come and go so quickly, too.
If you somehow haven't heard of the author, Sarah J Maas, she also wrote the A Court of Thorns and Roses series and the Crescent City series.
Crown of Midnight, the second book in the Throne of Glass series, was published by Bloomsbury YA. Throne of Glass is a YA fantasy series targeted to older teenagers (though adults can still enjoy them!)
Crown of Midnight continues with Celaena's story after she becomes the King's Champion as to be his personal assassin. Meanwhile, she is trying to figure out what all the secret passageways and riddles she finds in the castle means, and would they have any answers to stopping the king's thirst for power as he continues to dominate other countries.
I really enjoyed this book--even more than the first one. I'd give it 4 stars out of 5 on the rating scale system because I did enjoy reading it, but there were a few hiccups with the book.
Part of me loved seeing the intricacies of Chaol's, Dorian's, and Celaena's friendship. I loved the character development that happens--particularly with Dorian, though Celaena grew the most as the main character. I didn't like the jealousy trope being played with both Chaol and Dorian. It just seemed a bit childish and annoying.
I also enjoyed the plot and there were many twists and turns, even if I did ultimately guess the big twist at the end. There were a lot of other reveals I didn't see coming. The plot also included a lot of fight scenes, so I was never left too wanting for action. That being said, the first half of the book did move a lot more slowly. I wish the romance in the book didn't come and go so quickly, too.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Colonisation, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Sexual content, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Vomit, and Stalking
Lady Tan's Circle of Women by Lisa See
emotional
reflective
slow-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
5.0
Lady Tan’s Circle of Women was a beautiful historical fiction novel inspired by a real woman during 15th century China who learned medicine and treated other women despite society’s ill regard of women doing so. I loved watching Yunxian learn all the rules of society and then disregard them when she could, struggling with what she believed was right and what was expected of her. This novel isn’t just about that, though. At its core, it is a novel about friendship, and how, no matter how many things try to pull two friends apart, they wouldn’t let their friendship crack. The novel made me cry and angry at parts (like how women were treated in the 1400s) but that shows how much of an emotional tie I had to these characters. There was also so political intrigue in the book and that definitely kept me on my toes. Just a note though: not a book to read if you’re squeamish, as there is an emphasis on childbirth, smallpox, and foot binding that is a bit graphic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Body shaming, Bullying, Cancer, Child death, Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Infertility, Infidelity, Miscarriage, Sexism, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Medical trauma, Abortion, Death of parent, Murder, Pregnancy, Abandonment, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Sorry For Your Loss by Jessie Ann Foley
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-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
3.0
I didn’t hate this book but I didn’t love this book. I had a really hard time getting into it. I appreciate that this was a family’s journey of healing from great loss and how the main character, Pup, found his own healing through photography. However, the last bit was more glazed over as it focused on his brother’s addiction. I would have to loved to see Pup explore his grief through the camera lens more than we did, and I think that would’ve added more. Also his relationship with his best friend seemed to just completely be forgotten about by the time we were halfway through the book, and I’d like to have seen more of that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Bullying, Cancer, Child death, Cursing, Death, Grief, Abandonment, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
So This Is Love by Elizabeth Lim
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
In general, I have trouble getting into the writing of the Disney twisted tales series, but this one was one of the better ones. I like how it wasn’t just a love story but also involved political intrigue and scheming. The ending was definitely a whirlwind. I still think things happened to fast but they do in the original Cinderella, too, so there’s only so much to work with. I loved Cinderella’s friendship with Louisa as well!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Confinement, Grief, Death of parent, and Classism
Dark and Shallow Lies by Ginny Myers Sain
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-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? No
4.0
I’m not much of a thriller reader but this YA thriller with magical elements kept me on my toes. In it, Grey returns to a small Louisiana town known for its psychic powers. But this is the first summer since her best friend’s disappearance and she’s determined to know what happened. I loved the beautiful descriptions in this book. If you ever wanted Southern Gothic with a touch of magical realism, this is it. I especially loved how the place of this town was a character in itself, showing how there was rot under even what was pretty, just like the festering secrets people kept. The twists were also satisfying. I was only partially correct in my original guess of who the killer was. I also liked the portrayal of grief and how trauma can affect mental health and the way a character interacts with others. I do agree that the characters acted stupid and selfish often—though they are teenagers so that could be realistic. I also agree that the pace was a bit slower than it needed to be. Still, I really enjoyed this book and if you like gothic fiction and thrillers, this is the perfect mix. But beware of trigger warnings: murder, domestic violence, death of children, alcohol.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Cursing, Death, Physical abuse, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail