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sannesbooks's reviews
235 reviews
Luster by Raven Leilani
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-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? Yes
4.0
Beautiful writing. The book is short and I liked the way it was written in short paragraphs which made it a easy, fast and engaging to read. It gets into some difficult topics but it also finds a way to make it funny and somewhat lighthearted which is impressive. It is also just a very cool and edgy book about a black woman figuring out life.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Classism
The Crimson Moth by Kristen Ciccarelli
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
4.75
This was freaking amazing! Got me hooked every moment of the book. Loved the characters and the plot twist. I liked the way it was written with a dual pov. In this way, we learned a lot about the main characters and their history and motives. The characters had depth to them and are morally grey. Everything comes together beautifully. Normally, I don't read a lot of fantasy romance or romances, but I also enjoyed the romance in this book!
It didn't feel as much as a YA story to me, more of NA, which I prefer. Definitely want to pick up the second book when it is out.
It didn't feel as much as a YA story to me, more of NA, which I prefer. Definitely want to pick up the second book when it is out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
The Crimson Fortress by Akshaya Raman
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
This was badly written, and there were too many characters. The characters weren't distinct enough to tell them apart from one another. And the switching between POVs were making it difficult to read. This made this book overall very confusing to listen to.
I didn't enjoy that the siblings were apart from eachother for most of the book. Also didn't like the romance. It felt really forced and I didn't feel chemistry between the characters. The plot was too unrealistic for it to be believed.
It was overall boring and confusing. Should have DNFd this book but loved the first book so wanted to see if it would have become better, unforturnately not...
I didn't enjoy that the siblings were apart from eachother for most of the book. Also didn't like the romance. It felt really forced and I didn't feel chemistry between the characters. The plot was too unrealistic for it to be believed.
It was overall boring and confusing. Should have DNFd this book but loved the first book so wanted to see if it would have become better, unforturnately not...
Open water by Caleb Azumah Nelson
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
A very poetic book. There were some really pretty quotes but overall i found the writing style overdramatic. This didn't connect with me, others might like this.
I also found it quite boring. It is a very slow moving story with very little interaction. The second person narration style was bothersome and it made me connect with the main character less.
This is a very pure and intimate story of a black man, and I think black people might connect more with this story than I did and could. There were also a few references of movies, music, etc. I didn't know about and if you would knew these regerences it would probably hit harder.
I also found it quite boring. It is a very slow moving story with very little interaction. The second person narration style was bothersome and it made me connect with the main character less.
This is a very pure and intimate story of a black man, and I think black people might connect more with this story than I did and could. There were also a few references of movies, music, etc. I didn't know about and if you would knew these regerences it would probably hit harder.
Under the Whispering Door by TJ Klune
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
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? Yes
4.25
Beautiful, whimsical, magical! This was such a delicate and cozy depiction of grief. Such a sweet story.
No Hard Feelings by Genevieve Novak
emotional
funny
medium-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? Yes
4.0
This is relateable as someone who has dealt with anxiety. Definitely see the fleabag vibes.
The Measure by Nikki Erlick
emotional
reflective
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
2.75
Great premise but failed in the execution. There were too many characters to be attached to them in my opinion. It had a great opportunity to go really in depth on this topic but it unfortunately remained shallow. It did not read like an adult book. Maybe it works better as YA.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Under A Dancing Star by Laura Wood
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
This book was boring for me. It was written very childlike, more middle grade like instead of young adult like. It also felt like the story took place in an earlier time period because of the writing. However, because of the politics and stuff we know it takes place in between WOI and WOII. I did like the mention of politics and it was overall a fast, summer read. I also liked the talks about art.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I was not familiar with this story before I read it, so I got into this with an open mind. I therefore can't compare it much to the original story.
I liked the characters but was not a big fan of the plot. I know the plot derives from the original story but it lowered my enjoyment while reading. Personally, I also don't usually like to read about war settings.
Again, I know this derives from the original story, but it did impact my enjoyment. You know from the start, from the prophecy, what is going to happen, and that took away from the impact it could have had on me emotionally.
The writing is beautiful and the characterisation is done well. Both Achilles and Patroclus, are interesting characters and you definitely feel the love between the two characters.
I liked the characters but was not a big fan of the plot. I know the plot derives from the original story but it lowered my enjoyment while reading. Personally, I also don't usually like to read about war settings.
Again, I know this derives from the original story, but it did impact my enjoyment. You know from the start, from the prophecy, what is going to happen, and that took away from the impact it could have had on me emotionally.
The writing is beautiful and the characterisation is done well. Both Achilles and Patroclus, are interesting characters and you definitely feel the love between the two characters.