paperbackportals's reviews
697 reviews

What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez

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adventurous slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No

3.0

I'm Afraid You've Got Dragons by Peter S. Beagle

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adventurous lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Review: I’m Afraid You’ve Got Dragons by Peter S. Beagle 

Are you looking for a dragon-filled adventure? I’m Afraid You’ve Got Dragons may very well be the book for you. With quirky characters, quest-like adventures, twists on common archetypes, and a bit of silliness, this story feels similar to Princess Bride or Hobbit style adventure. I enjoyed this read and devoured the book in about three days. 

I did find it reminded me a bit of The Paper Bag Princess by Robert Munch, but a lengthened and slightly more complicated version. The story does deal with princesses, dragons, and a prince, but also a dragon slayer and a wizard and friends. The theme of bravery is approached in several different ways and contrasted with heroism, so while a fun romp in a dragon infested medieval world, it touches on some topics in careful ways. 

Overall, I enjoyed this story and hope you do too. Thank you to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this story. All opinions are my own. 
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

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adventurous lighthearted 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

This was the perfect read for me right now. It’s a cozy, low stakes fantasy with a cast of quirky, lovable characters, coffee, and found family. Doesn’t get much better than that. This book is definitely huggable. So, if you’re looking for a hug, pick his up with hug in a cup (coffee).
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

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mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

Review: The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

The Ministry of Time will appeal to science fiction / literary fiction readers. It delves into the question “what if we could travel through time?” And, in a labyrinthian way, explores the problems of time travel, overlapping time lines, and the erosion of self. The story also explores colonialism and racism. 

I, personally, found the story a bit long and the protagonist confusing at times. In an effort to not spoil anything, I will say little else, but the character and story development was difficult for me to follow and immerse in. That being said, the complexity would appeal to many other readers of science fiction.
Ninth House by Leigh Bardugo

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adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This is a bit darker than I usually go for, but the mystery was irresistible. In the end, I enjoyed the adventure into dark academia even if I could have done without some of the more sordid parts. I will likely read the next one!
Those Pink Mountain Nights by Jen Ferguson

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adventurous emotional mysterious 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

3.5

Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews

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mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Review: Summers at the Saint by Mary Kay Andrews

Summers at the Saint will be a perfect beachside mystery this summer. It all starts with the dream of a little girl about visiting the castle-like Saint Cecilia Resort, but when dream becomes a reality for her as a teen, and later an adult, cracks begin to form in the perfect exterior of The Saint. 

I personally found the sheer amount of character POVs a bit overwhelming at first, but was able to flow with the story and switches the further I read. I also found the pacing a bit slower than I’d like and occasionally repetitive. However, if you like mysteries with an Agatha Christie amount of quirky characters, Summers at the Saint will take you on a sweltering summer sojourn into the luxurious and unscrupulous halls of The Saint. 
One Native Life by Richard Wagamese

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inspiring reflective medium-paced

5.0