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ppalimar's reviews
170 reviews
The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"The Inheritance Games" is an enthralling read that masterfully combines mystery, puzzles, and clever word games. From the moment I picked it up, I was captivated by the intricate challenges that kept me guessing at every turn. The dynamic between the young characters adds a fresh perspective, showcasing their wit and resourcefulness as they navigate unexpected twists in their quest for inheritance.
One of the standout features of this book is its emphasis on social change and philanthropy, making it not just a thrilling story but also a thought-provoking one. The cliffhanger at the end left me eager for more, ensuring that I'll be following this series closely. Overall, it's a delightful blend of intrigue and heart that appeals to both young adults and seasoned readers alike!
One of the standout features of this book is its emphasis on social change and philanthropy, making it not just a thrilling story but also a thought-provoking one. The cliffhanger at the end left me eager for more, ensuring that I'll be following this series closely. Overall, it's a delightful blend of intrigue and heart that appeals to both young adults and seasoned readers alike!
The Only One Left by Riley Sager
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"The Only One Left" is a gripping and incredibly interesting read that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. Riley Sager masterfully builds suspense, weaving a tale filled with intrigue and mystery that draws you in. The characters are well-developed, and the atmospheric setting adds to the overall tension.
However, I found the last 80 pages to be somewhat overwhelming. While I appreciate a good twist, there were so many twists and turns that it became difficult to follow at times, bordering on the unreasonable. Despite this, Sager’s storytelling prowess shines through, making it an enjoyable experience overall.
This was my first book by Riley Sager, and I’m definitely intrigued enough to explore more of his work in the future!
However, I found the last 80 pages to be somewhat overwhelming. While I appreciate a good twist, there were so many twists and turns that it became difficult to follow at times, bordering on the unreasonable. Despite this, Sager’s storytelling prowess shines through, making it an enjoyable experience overall.
This was my first book by Riley Sager, and I’m definitely intrigued enough to explore more of his work in the future!
Society of Lies by Lauren Ling Brown
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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
4.0
"Society of Lies" is a captivating read that masterfully intertwines two perspectives across three different timelines. Lauren Ling Brown's writing shines as she navigates the complexities of her characters and their intertwined fates, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.
The diversity in the cast is commendable, offering wonderful representation that adds depth to this popular narrative. It’s refreshing to see such varied backgrounds and experiences reflected in an Ivy League setting, making the story resonate with a broader audience.
Set against the intriguing backdrop of Princeton, the exploration of secret societies and elite social circles creates an addictive atmosphere. The tension and mystery surrounding these clandestine groups keep you turning pages, eager to uncover the secrets they hold. Overall, "Society of Lies" is a well-crafted novel that combines rich storytelling with relevant themes, making it a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction.
The diversity in the cast is commendable, offering wonderful representation that adds depth to this popular narrative. It’s refreshing to see such varied backgrounds and experiences reflected in an Ivy League setting, making the story resonate with a broader audience.
Set against the intriguing backdrop of Princeton, the exploration of secret societies and elite social circles creates an addictive atmosphere. The tension and mystery surrounding these clandestine groups keep you turning pages, eager to uncover the secrets they hold. Overall, "Society of Lies" is a well-crafted novel that combines rich storytelling with relevant themes, making it a must-read for fans of contemporary fiction.
The Dead Romantics by Ashley Poston
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
3.5
Ashley Poston’s "The Dead Romantics" offers a unique blend of romance and the paranormal, set against the unconventional backdrop of a funeral home. The author skillfully weaves humor into what could easily be a somber setting, creating an atmosphere that feels both lighthearted and poignant.
Poston's ability to infuse supernatural elements into the narrative is commendable; she crafts relatable characters who navigate their feelings amidst ghostly encounters whilst also having the female lead be a ghostwriter for a famous author! The humor interspersed throughout makes for an engaging read, allowing readers to embrace the quirky premise without feeling overwhelmed by the sad premise of a family who is grieving the loss of their beloved patriarch.
However, while the concept is refreshing, some aspects of character development felt underexplored, leaving me wanting more depth in their relationships. Overall, "The Dead Romantics" is an enjoyable read with a clever mix of love and laughter in unexpected circumstances, though it doesn’t quite reach the same level as Poston's subsequent novel, the Seven Year Slip which I thought was fabulous! You can see how the author added upon her amazing talents and grew with each novel. Looking forward to reading so many more of her stories!
Poston's ability to infuse supernatural elements into the narrative is commendable; she crafts relatable characters who navigate their feelings amidst ghostly encounters whilst also having the female lead be a ghostwriter for a famous author! The humor interspersed throughout makes for an engaging read, allowing readers to embrace the quirky premise without feeling overwhelmed by the sad premise of a family who is grieving the loss of their beloved patriarch.
However, while the concept is refreshing, some aspects of character development felt underexplored, leaving me wanting more depth in their relationships. Overall, "The Dead Romantics" is an enjoyable read with a clever mix of love and laughter in unexpected circumstances, though it doesn’t quite reach the same level as Poston's subsequent novel, the Seven Year Slip which I thought was fabulous! You can see how the author added upon her amazing talents and grew with each novel. Looking forward to reading so many more of her stories!
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
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
Curtis Sittenfeld’s "Romantic Comedy" is a delightful exploration of love, ambition, and the complexities of modern relationships. The story centers around a talented late-night sketch comedy writer who navigates her career while grappling with feelings for a charming but seemingly unattainable celebrity. The peek behind the curtain on how sketch comedy and the underbelly of Hollywood and "Your 15 minutes of Fame" are the social consciousness of capitalizing on the political climate was truly noteworthy.
Sittenfeld's sharp wit and keen observations shine throughout the narrative. Her characters are well-developed, each bringing their own quirks and depth to the story. The dialogue sparkles with humor, making it both engaging and relatable. Notably, the book deftly touches on pressing issues like the political climate, race relations, and sexism in the entertainment industry, addressing these topics with sharp wit without skimming over their complexities.
While the pacing was fast and the banter was endless, the book's last few chapters were slow in comparison as the love story coming to fruition...leading to some predictable moments. Sittenfeld’s writing remains captivating enough to keep readers invested and occasionally rolling with laughter. The ending wraps up beautifully, leaving a satisfying sense of hope.
Overall, "Romantic Comedy" is a smart and entertaining read that balances humor with heartfelt moments while tackling significant societal issues. It's perfect for anyone looking for a light yet thought-provoking romance that reflects contemporary life. Highly recommended!
Sittenfeld's sharp wit and keen observations shine throughout the narrative. Her characters are well-developed, each bringing their own quirks and depth to the story. The dialogue sparkles with humor, making it both engaging and relatable. Notably, the book deftly touches on pressing issues like the political climate, race relations, and sexism in the entertainment industry, addressing these topics with sharp wit without skimming over their complexities.
While the pacing was fast and the banter was endless, the book's last few chapters were slow in comparison as the love story coming to fruition...leading to some predictable moments. Sittenfeld’s writing remains captivating enough to keep readers invested and occasionally rolling with laughter. The ending wraps up beautifully, leaving a satisfying sense of hope.
Overall, "Romantic Comedy" is a smart and entertaining read that balances humor with heartfelt moments while tackling significant societal issues. It's perfect for anyone looking for a light yet thought-provoking romance that reflects contemporary life. Highly recommended!
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
funny
lighthearted
slow-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? Yes
3.0
I really wanted to love "The Unhoneymooners" by Christina Lauren, especially after enjoying "The Paradise Problem." Unfortunately, this one fell flat for me until about 60% into the audiobook. One of my main issues was the narrator; her voice felt robotic and didn't capture the essence of the character—a "curvy, vivacious, opinionated, down-on-her-luck, brilliant woman." This made it difficult to fully engage with the enemies-to-lovers trope, as she sounded unlovable, cold, and brash at times.
I genuinely think I would have enjoyed this book much more if I had read it myself instead of listening to the audiobook. However, I must say that the last 30% of the book is excellent and very entertaining. The love story unfolds beautifully, especially when everything seems poised for a happy ending but takes unexpected turns.
Overall, while there were significant pacing issues early on and a disconnect with the narration, the latter part of the book redeemed it somewhat. I'm still contemplating whether or not to continue with the series.
I genuinely think I would have enjoyed this book much more if I had read it myself instead of listening to the audiobook. However, I must say that the last 30% of the book is excellent and very entertaining. The love story unfolds beautifully, especially when everything seems poised for a happy ending but takes unexpected turns.
Overall, while there were significant pacing issues early on and a disconnect with the narration, the latter part of the book redeemed it somewhat. I'm still contemplating whether or not to continue with the series.
Life's Too Short by Abby Jimenez
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
"Life's Too Short" by Abby Jimenez offers a mix of humor and realism that keeps readers engaged. I loved the quick banter and sense of humor among the characters, which is a hallmark of Jimenez's writing. The novel tackles heavy themes like child abandonment, addiction, poor parenting, and ALS, presenting a complex narrative that feels very real.
While I appreciated the depth of the characters—especially the female lead’s life story and backstory—the love story felt somewhat drawn out. The protagonist's focus on her fears about disease and dying often overshadowed the romance, which made it hard to fully invest in their relationship at times.
That said, the book is incredibly entertaining and makes you want to turn the page. There’s so much to connect with here, especially with how previous main love stories from the series weave into this one. The crossover jokes and Easter eggs were delightful additions that made me smile.
I particularly resonated with quotes like "one-day syndrome," which struck a chord with me, as well as "if all you do is fixate on how it ends, then you're just living it twice." These insights added depth to an already engaging story.
Overall, while "Life's Too Short" has its pacing issues regarding the romance, it's still a solid read filled with relatable moments and memorable characters. I'm excited to see how everyone's journeys continue beyond this book if the author ever creates a novella to accompany the series!
While I appreciated the depth of the characters—especially the female lead’s life story and backstory—the love story felt somewhat drawn out. The protagonist's focus on her fears about disease and dying often overshadowed the romance, which made it hard to fully invest in their relationship at times.
That said, the book is incredibly entertaining and makes you want to turn the page. There’s so much to connect with here, especially with how previous main love stories from the series weave into this one. The crossover jokes and Easter eggs were delightful additions that made me smile.
I particularly resonated with quotes like "one-day syndrome," which struck a chord with me, as well as "if all you do is fixate on how it ends, then you're just living it twice." These insights added depth to an already engaging story.
Overall, while "Life's Too Short" has its pacing issues regarding the romance, it's still a solid read filled with relatable moments and memorable characters. I'm excited to see how everyone's journeys continue beyond this book if the author ever creates a novella to accompany the series!
The Happy Ever After Playlist by Abby Jimenez
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"The Happy Ever After Playlist" by Abby Jimenez is a charming and witty romantic comedy that beautifully explores love, loss, and healing. The story centers on Sloane, who is navigating her grief when she unexpectedly meets Jason, a brooding yet completely love-struck musician. Their chemistry is electric, making it easy to root for their relationship.
Jimenez’s cleverness shines through with lines like calling pregnancy a "sex injury," which adds a humorous touch to the narrative. The first half of the book is filled with laugh-out-loud moments, while the second half takes an emotional turn that is both heart-wrenching and uplifting. It’s beautiful to see Sloane's love story honored and expanded in such a meaningful way.
The crossover aspects from Jimenez's other works are delightful, enriching the reading experience for fans of the series. Additionally, the inclusion of a playlist before each chapter is an amazing touch; I found myself listening to the songs as I read, adding an unexpected layer of enjoyment to the story.
Overall, "The Happy Ever After Playlist" strikes a perfect balance between humor and heartfelt moments. If you’re looking for a sweet romance that will make you laugh and cry, this book is definitely worth picking up!
Jimenez’s cleverness shines through with lines like calling pregnancy a "sex injury," which adds a humorous touch to the narrative. The first half of the book is filled with laugh-out-loud moments, while the second half takes an emotional turn that is both heart-wrenching and uplifting. It’s beautiful to see Sloane's love story honored and expanded in such a meaningful way.
The crossover aspects from Jimenez's other works are delightful, enriching the reading experience for fans of the series. Additionally, the inclusion of a playlist before each chapter is an amazing touch; I found myself listening to the songs as I read, adding an unexpected layer of enjoyment to the story.
Overall, "The Happy Ever After Playlist" strikes a perfect balance between humor and heartfelt moments. If you’re looking for a sweet romance that will make you laugh and cry, this book is definitely worth picking up!