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sofieinthestacks's reviews
138 reviews
The Girl With No Soul by Morgan Owen
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
The plot and general story idea had so much going for it, but I feel like it fell a little flat. (Of course, this is my perception of the book; a different reader may have had a different experience, but I, personally, did not enjoy it.)
To start with, the little teaser on the cover: "How do you find your soulmate when you don't have a soul?" drew me in; I was like "Ooh, soulmate AU? Count me in!" It was not a soulmate AU (which I did adapt my mindset to consider). While there was romance, it was very minimal, and even could've just stayed a friendship and nothing would've changed.
Additionally, the title is deceptive. Iris isn't a "girl with no soul," but rather "a girl with a missing soul."
In the end, I wasn't emotionally connected to the characters in any way whatsoever. The main couple got together, characters died, their lives were endangered: I didn't care through any of it.
To start with, the little teaser on the cover: "How do you find your soulmate when you don't have a soul?" drew me in; I was like "Ooh, soulmate AU? Count me in!" It was not a soulmate AU (which I did adapt my mindset to consider). While there was romance, it was very minimal, and even could've just stayed a friendship and nothing would've changed.
Additionally, the title is deceptive. Iris isn't a "girl with no soul," but rather "a girl with a missing soul."
In the end, I wasn't emotionally connected to the characters in any way whatsoever. The main couple got together, characters died, their lives were endangered: I didn't care through any of it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
The First to Die at the End by Adam Silvera
challenging
emotional
inspiring
sad
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
5.0
When I finished They Both Die at the End, I didn't think there could be a sadder book. Then I read this one.
Orion and Valentino's relationship was so very hauntingly beautiful. Gloria's relationship with Frankie was devastating. The way all the stories were so interconnected pulled at my heart like a game of tug-of-war.
Orion and Valentino's relationship was so very hauntingly beautiful. Gloria's relationship with Frankie was devastating. The way all the stories were so interconnected pulled at my heart like a game of tug-of-war.
There were even moments where Mateo and Rufus (from They Both Die at the End) made appearances as children, and I just wanted to cry, knowing their fates.
The way Silvera wrote Orion's grief (both of his parents and of Valentino ) was enchantingly and heart-wrenchingly tragic — I wanted to cry oceans; I wanted to hug Orion; I wanted to shield Orion from any other tragedy that might strike.
And the way Silvera wrote Valentino's relationship with his parents... It reminded me of my relationship with my parents, and it broke my heart...
All in all, this book was amazing, and a beautiful story.
The way Silvera wrote Orion's grief (
And the way Silvera wrote Valentino's relationship with his parents... It reminded me of my relationship with my parents, and it broke my heart...
All in all, this book was amazing, and a beautiful story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Death of parent
They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
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
5.0
I loved it. I loved it so much. But, damn, I was not ready for it to emotionally destroy me like it did... Sure, I knew it would be sad; hell, the title literally tells you they die! But this was a whole new level. This book hit me like an emotional wrecking ball, and shook my world...
I want to read it again for the first time a million times over. I loved the characters, the concept, the writing. But most of all, I loved the story of grief and walking around with death looming over you.
I want to read it again for the first time a million times over. I loved the characters, the concept, the writing. But most of all, I loved the story of grief and walking around with death looming over you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Violence and Death of parent
Minor: Gun violence
Spell Bound by F.T. Lukens
adventurous
funny
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? Yes
5.0
I absolutely loved this book. While I did take a (very brief) break from reading it, I kept finding my thoughts returning to it while I was out. Rook and Sun's relationship development had me smiling 'til my cheeks hurt. The world was facinating, and the magic was developed in an interesting way.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death and Death of parent
So This Is Ever After by F.T. Lukens
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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
4.75
I loved this book. I laughed; I (almost) cried; I yelled into the oblivion. I loved how so kuch queer representation was written in a totally normal way; casual mentions of same-sex relationships and using the proper gender-neutral pronouns.
There was a constant thread of a lack of communication, which annoyed me, but I accepted it as I considered the characters' personalities and situations. (Still, miscommunication is annoying, but, unfortunately, common in regular living.)
All in all, it was a pretty good book.
There was a constant thread of a lack of communication, which annoyed me, but I accepted it as I considered the characters' personalities and situations. (Still, miscommunication is annoying, but, unfortunately, common in regular living.)
All in all, it was a pretty good book.
Always Isn't Forever by J.C. Cervantes
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
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
3.75
I loved the characters, and the atmosphere of the story was so sweet. I went into the story knowing romance isn't my usual genre, and I recognize that likely attributed to my enjoyment of the story.
I really liked how Cervantes wrote Ruby's grief(though it did sometimes feel like Ruby was using Jameson to cope with her grief, which made me a little uncomfortable)
I really liked how Cervantes wrote Ruby's grief
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
Minor: Death of parent
Eldest by Christopher Paolini
adventurous
hopeful
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? Yes
4.5
Please note: I took a break partway through this book because I'd gotten acutely bored (and coursework got overwhelming).
The characters are compelling, and Paolini's revelation as to why the elves (and riders) don't eat meat (unless absolutely necessary) was well-written, portraying Eragon's internal dilemma up to the realization. While Eragon's training (which was about 1/3 of the book, I think...) was well thought-through, it was a little dull at times, focusing on explaing the mechanisms of magic and histories.
The characters are compelling, and Paolini's revelation as to why the elves (and riders) don't eat meat (unless absolutely necessary) was well-written, portraying Eragon's internal dilemma up to the realization. While Eragon's training (which was about 1/3 of the book, I think...) was well thought-through, it was a little dull at times, focusing on explaing the mechanisms of magic and histories.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and War
Minor: Child abuse
Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn
adventurous
emotional
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
4.75
I LOVED this books. Like, I literally could not stop listening. The characters were well-written with reasonable motivations. Like, even the way Deonn wrote the villain characters was good. They were all fleshed-out with reasonable actions for their beliefs and veviewpoints. The plot was well-thought-through and reasonable for the characters — neither were forced onto the other. All the character's actions where for the progression of the plot.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Racism
Minor: Sexual assault and Slavery
Eragon by Christopher Paolini
adventurous
emotional
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
4.0
The characters were well-written, with reasonable responses and motivations for this histories, and the setting was thoroughly developed — though crossing the desert was a little underwhelming after all the talk of how expansive it was... The setting also reminds me a little of Middle Earth... The actual plot was interesting: simple, but well-thought-through, and (mostly) was successful.at keeping my attention, however, the first third (?) was a little slow, and there didn't seem to be much of a mission (other than training and revenge, which got a tad repetitive).
All in all, I enjoyed this book a lot!
All in all, I enjoyed this book a lot!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Torture
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
adventurous
emotional
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
4.5
I'd read Legendborn when it first came out, and decided it was time for a reread.
I loved this book. The characters are all well fleshed-out and have reasonable motivations and goals, and I felt like I was a part of the story, experiencing every little thing with the characters. (Just ask literally anyone I was around; they can testify to all my reactions xD.) The plot was facinating, and whenever I wasn't listening, I yearned to experience more of the story. There were some unexpected twists (some that I didn't even see coming my second read-through, which annoyed me a little). The suspense of Bree's quest to learn more about her mother's death, and Bree's exploration into the worlds of magic certainly helped in making me want more and more. All in all, it's a great book! Go read it!
I loved this book. The characters are all well fleshed-out and have reasonable motivations and goals, and I felt like I was a part of the story, experiencing every little thing with the characters. (Just ask literally anyone I was around; they can testify to all my reactions xD.) The plot was facinating, and whenever I wasn't listening, I yearned to experience more of the story. There were some unexpected twists (some that I didn't even see coming my second read-through, which annoyed me a little). The suspense of Bree's quest to learn more about her mother's death, and Bree's exploration into the worlds of magic certainly helped in making me want more and more. All in all, it's a great book! Go read it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Racism and Slavery
Minor: Sexual assault