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monarchbooks's reviews
493 reviews
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
dark
informative
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I could not put this book down. Seriously. I need to be writing my thesis right now but instead I dedicated nearly the entirety of the last 24 hours to obsessively reading this book. It was insane! I always thought a completely unsympathetic main character was impossible to write but R.F. Kuang managed to do it and that is absolutely a compliment. AND SHE DOESN'T LEARN ANYTHING! I can't figure out why this book is so good because it really shouldn't be, but it is.
I am a little concerned with how this will translate to a movie as much of the book is the narrators insidious internal thoughts, but I imagine it will be something like You, probably? Hopefully they don't try to make audiences like June.
I am a little concerned with how this will translate to a movie as much of the book is the narrators insidious internal thoughts, but I imagine it will be something like You, probably? Hopefully they don't try to make audiences like June.
Vera Wong's Unsolicited Advice for Murderers by Jesse Q. Sutanto
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
Oh the humor, the found family, the mystery, I loved it all. Did I guess the killer in the first 100 pages? Absolutely, but that is a good thing. I wanted to know why so badly, I barely wanted to set down the book. Checking myself into therapy bc of Chapter 36.
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
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? Yes
4.5
Definitely a bit creepier than the movie, but not as creepy as some people have made it out to be. Loved the tea party with her dolls.
The Blue Fairy Book by Andrew Lang
Did not finish book. Stopped at 36%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 36%.
I only read what was necessary for my class
Curse of Stolen Flame by Catarine Hancock
dark
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? Yes
5.0
I have followed Catarine Hancock for years, absolutely amazed by her poetry, and so when I saw that she was releasing a book, I was excited to say the least.
I will admit that I approached this book with caution - fantasy is not typically my genre of choice. However, from the very first page I was sucked in by the worldbuilding and detailed descriptions of magic and training that Catarine wrote. I could envision everything as it was happening.
The characters as well are extremely well thought out. Every character is so distinct that I rarely found myself confusing even the background characters.
The mystery and suspense in this book had me on the edge of my seat constantly, wishing that I did not need to put the book down, and the foreshadowing was very well done. There were times where I felt tense for seemingly no reason and I feel like that is a testament to Catarine's writing because it was as if I was in Kindra's shoes.
And the romance? Suffice to say, I found myself obsessed, particularly during a certain festival scene that for a moment felt straight out of Tangled.
Thank you to Catarine Hancock for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review (not paid).
I will admit that I approached this book with caution - fantasy is not typically my genre of choice. However, from the very first page I was sucked in by the worldbuilding and detailed descriptions of magic and training that Catarine wrote. I could envision everything as it was happening.
The characters as well are extremely well thought out. Every character is so distinct that I rarely found myself confusing even the background characters.
The mystery and suspense in this book had me on the edge of my seat constantly, wishing that I did not need to put the book down, and the foreshadowing was very well done. There were times where I felt tense for seemingly no reason and I feel like that is a testament to Catarine's writing because it was as if I was in Kindra's shoes.
And the romance? Suffice to say, I found myself obsessed, particularly during a certain festival scene that for a moment felt straight out of Tangled.
Thank you to Catarine Hancock for allowing me to read this in exchange for an honest review (not paid).
Jasmine Is Haunted by Mark Oshiro
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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? Yes
5.0
Y'all don't read this after tge death of a family member please it will mess you up
The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco: A Novel by Michelle Chouinard
Did not finish book. Stopped at 6%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 6%.
Lot less fun then I hoped
'Til Heist Do Us Part by Sara Desai
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? Yes
5.0
Please tell me there's another book coming out please I need it these books have been perfect
The Tasting Menu: A Short Story by Stuart MacBride
Did not finish book. Stopped at 15%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 15%.
Everytime I listened to this book I wanted to fall asleep. I think it could be an interesting story on page but the audiobook literally sucked energy out of me