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tayahmarie's reviews
91 reviews
The Last Flight by Julie Clark
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
I’ve been thinking about this book ever since I finished it. The amount of dread, anxiety, and genuine interest/curiosity that I had while reading cannot be understated.
I felt for both Claire and Eva and hated the cards they were dealt. Two women who couldn’t be any more different, but both enduring their own personal hell, ending up on this collision course. Ugh. As the reader, you could truly sense the desperation and the need for survival (by any means necessary) through Clark’s immersive and reflective writing.
I wanted to note that I really liked Claire’s demeanor. She was dealing with a lot of sh*t that was high stakes, but she recovered quickly and tried to figure out her next move as best as she could when her plans didn’t go the way she expected them to. I doubt I’d be able to do what she did and do it well! 😭
Final Thoughts: Overall, I recommend! I really enjoyed this fresh storyline, the dual POVs and of course, how everything came together in the end. The ending was bittersweet; heartbreaking even, but both women did get the things they wanted most: freedom and liberation.
I felt for both Claire and Eva and hated the cards they were dealt. Two women who couldn’t be any more different, but both enduring their own personal hell, ending up on this collision course. Ugh. As the reader, you could truly sense the desperation and the need for survival (by any means necessary) through Clark’s immersive and reflective writing.
I wanted to note that I really liked Claire’s demeanor. She was dealing with a lot of sh*t that was high stakes, but she recovered quickly and tried to figure out her next move as best as she could when her plans didn’t go the way she expected them to. I doubt I’d be able to do what she did and do it well! 😭
Final Thoughts: Overall, I recommend! I really enjoyed this fresh storyline, the dual POVs and of course, how everything came together in the end. The ending was bittersweet; heartbreaking even, but both women did get the things they wanted most: freedom and liberation.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-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
5.0
I haven’t stopped thinking about this epic tale since I finished the last chapter. I’ve never been a huge fan or reader of Greek Mythology, to the point where I haven’t even read Homer, The Odyssey or The Iliad (I know, wtf is going on? 😭) but this one right here? Oh, this is IT. I could tell from the first chapter that I was going to enjoy this story, but didn’t realize how much I would come to adore it, as well as Achilles and Patroclus.
As many people have noted, Miller’s writing is absolutely stunning. I’ve never read a book with such beautiful and intoxicating prose such as this; I found myself falling in love with the words as much as the storytelling.
More on Achilles and Patroclus though, I loved both of them individually and collectively. Talk about the definition of the Grumpy/Sunshine trope! I liked how Miller allowed us to see the many flaws of both characters, but also their strong points. Furthermore, I have to talk about how this was as star-crossed lovers as you can get. One thing about me? I love a good STC lovers trope, with Titanic being one of my favorite movies ever. I understand how tragic the trope is, knowing that two characters can never be together, like the actual universe, fate, and the prophecy are keeping them a part, but I love how passionate and in love they are. It makes their bond appear more deep, meaningful, and intense. It’s beautifully tragic and THAT is Art, people. This book embodies art.
Final Thoughts: If you still somehow haven’t picked up this book yet, then what are you waiting for? You don’t have to be a Greek Mythology expert to follow along. It really does boil down to a beautiful, yet tragic love story between two amazing characters who deserve so much better. I’m looking forward to reading Circe next!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Medical content, Medical trauma, Abandonment, War, and Classism
Never Saw Me Coming by Vera Kurian
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Seven Days in June by Tia Williams
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
tense
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
4.5
The first thing I wanted to say is that I can’t recall a time where I read a book that had chronic illnesses at the forefront, but this opened my eyes so much. Williams’ writing style was so immersive that I could reall feel Eva’s pain through the pages. I can’t imagine how debilitating that must be and I hated that she felt like she had to hide it from the world because of ableism and so much more. This part of the story has made me realize that I need to be a bit more observant and truly accommodate people who’re suffering to make them feel as comfortable as possible.
Moving onto the cast of characters, I pretty much loved reading about everyone! Eva’s entire family was a trip. I wouldn’t mind a short stories collection about Lizette and the other women Eva hailed from because they all and had the most unique backgrounds, lol. Audre was a queen in the making, and she made a Beyoncé reference so you know I had to stan 😂.
As for Eva and Shane, I loved them. Yes, they were flawed, broken even, but that’s life and I’m glad that they both took the time they knew they needed to get back on track.
Final Thoughts: Overall, I definitely recommend. One aspect of the book that I LOVED was how Black it is. The dialogue, the emotions, the topics and everything in between made me feel seen and reiterated how critical representation is.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Chronic illness, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Mental illness, Racism, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, and Gaslighting
Something Like Love by Beverly Jenkins
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
tense
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Racism, and Gaslighting
Night Song by Beverly Jenkins
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
tense
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Hate crime, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Racism, and Kidnapping
Reckless Girls by Rachel Hawkins
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Ok, I had to sit on this book/review for a minute because I couldn’t find the right words! However, I found them, and I will say that this was one of the campiest, unhinged and chaotically funny books I’ve ever read?! I don’t think I’ve ever experienced something quite like this when reading a Thriller but I had a lot of fun nonetheless, especially when I encountered all of the explosive plot twists.
I think Hawkins did a great job on the atmospheric tone. Like truly spot on. I’m a summer baby and love the beach, so this made me want to book a flight to my dream vacay spots like St. Lucia or Aruba or something because wow! I could feel the sweltering, thick heat, envision the crystal blue waters, the stark white sand, and the dangerous jungle. As for the characters, most of them were unlikable in my eyes, but I really liked Lux and absolutely hated Nico, lmao.
As for the plot, I thought it was solid. But this definitely felt more character-driven, so if you’re not into that then you might not care for this one. I felt like we didn’t get any real action until the last 30% of the book, so this is a true slow burn. But I enjoyed it! I liked getting invested in the characters to a degree, as well as learning more about Meroe Island and all of the spooky(?) lore wrapped up into it. The ending did throw me off a bit, and there were some plot holes that I would love answers to, but I know we’re not going to get them so 🙃
Final Thoughts: Overall, this was fun! It won’t be for everyone, but if you ever wondered what a Love Island season from hell would look like mixed with Lord of the Flies, The Bling Ring, and S*icide Forest elements, naturally as one does then this is the book for you!
I think Hawkins did a great job on the atmospheric tone. Like truly spot on. I’m a summer baby and love the beach, so this made me want to book a flight to my dream vacay spots like St. Lucia or Aruba or something because wow! I could feel the sweltering, thick heat, envision the crystal blue waters, the stark white sand, and the dangerous jungle. As for the characters, most of them were unlikable in my eyes, but I really liked Lux and absolutely hated Nico, lmao.
As for the plot, I thought it was solid. But this definitely felt more character-driven, so if you’re not into that then you might not care for this one. I felt like we didn’t get any real action until the last 30% of the book, so this is a true slow burn. But I enjoyed it! I liked getting invested in the characters to a degree, as well as learning more about Meroe Island and all of the spooky(?) lore wrapped up into it. The ending did throw me off a bit, and there were some plot holes that I would love answers to, but I know we’re not going to get them so 🙃
Final Thoughts: Overall, this was fun! It won’t be for everyone, but if you ever wondered what a Love Island season from hell would look like mixed with Lord of the Flies, The Bling Ring, and S*icide Forest elements, naturally as one does then this is the book for you!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
You've Reached Sam by Dustin Thao
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
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
Holy sh*t. This book emotionally destroyed me, yet it means everything to me now. I have never, in my life, full blown sobbed while reading a story before. Dustin Thao’s way of stirring up real and raw emotions in the reader cannot be understated; Julie and Sam’s story was heartbreakingly beautiful.
Starting with Julie, I loved her character. I know a few people didn’t care for her because of the way she dealt with grief, as well as living up to certain expectations, but Thao showed that grief isn’t a one size fits all approach; we need to be more sensitive and understanding of others - just because we wouldn’t or wouldn’t think to do certain things out of grief, doesn’t mean it’s the same for everyone. I also liked how Julie was a planner (I’m the same way) and the discussions of enjoying the moment/what you have now and not letting life pass you by were emphasized to her and therefore, to me. As for Sam, he was SO sweet and loved Julie to the ends of the earth. It really showed. I just kept thinking about how young he was and how much of his life he’s going to miss out on. This reiterated the fact that it’s devastating when anyone dies, but especially a young person.
I also wanted to say that this story posed so many thought provoking questions. Specifically, what would you do if you had the opportunity to speak with your deceased loved one on the phone consistently? You can see the pros and cons this had on Julie and her life, as well as Sam and it made me think twice… that’s all I’ll say.
Final Thoughts: This is easily one of my favorite books of 2022. Drop what you’re doing and read this if you can handle the content. The exploration of grief, heartache, acceptance/rejection, yearning, and not wanting to let go of the past is brilliant. Dustin Thao, I need another book ASAP because this was incredible, lol. Thanks for making me ugly cry! Especially during that ending/epilogue.
Starting with Julie, I loved her character. I know a few people didn’t care for her because of the way she dealt with grief, as well as living up to certain expectations, but Thao showed that grief isn’t a one size fits all approach; we need to be more sensitive and understanding of others - just because we wouldn’t or wouldn’t think to do certain things out of grief, doesn’t mean it’s the same for everyone. I also liked how Julie was a planner (I’m the same way) and the discussions of enjoying the moment/what you have now and not letting life pass you by were emphasized to her and therefore, to me. As for Sam, he was SO sweet and loved Julie to the ends of the earth. It really showed. I just kept thinking about how young he was and how much of his life he’s going to miss out on. This reiterated the fact that it’s devastating when anyone dies, but especially a young person.
I also wanted to say that this story posed so many thought provoking questions. Specifically, what would you do if you had the opportunity to speak with your deceased loved one on the phone consistently? You can see the pros and cons this had on Julie and her life, as well as Sam and it made me think twice… that’s all I’ll say.
Final Thoughts: This is easily one of my favorite books of 2022. Drop what you’re doing and read this if you can handle the content. The exploration of grief, heartache, acceptance/rejection, yearning, and not wanting to let go of the past is brilliant. Dustin Thao, I need another book ASAP because this was incredible, lol. Thanks for making me ugly cry! Especially during that ending/epilogue.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Grief
Sweethand by N.G. Peltier
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
4.5
This is one of the many books that I planned on reading before 2022 is over and I’m happy to be able to cross this one off the list.
This book was so adorable, relatable, and on brand of being very sweet! Starting with Cherisse, her graceful introduction (lol) in Chapter 1 solidified her as one of my favorite characters. To me, her dialogue felt authentic, as if she were speaking like an actual person. I liked her unfiltered, no nonsense/BS attitude. I also thought her passion for baking and upholding her title as ‘Sugar Queen’ was fun to read about. I’m always a sucker for baking tropes in my romances so I knew that this book would be right up my alley. As for Kerian, I’m not going to lie, it took me a minute to root for his character because of all the messed up things he said to and about Cherisse! Not saying that Cherisse was 100% innocent, but he really messed up at one point in the story and it pissed me off, lmao. However, his redemption arc was solid and I felt his and Cherisse’s angsty chemistry and tension from the jump.
This story is also set in Trinidad, and I don’t read many books that are set there, so I loved reading about the island/the culture. I also wanted to note that Peltier included topics/discussions between the characters as it relates to LGBTQ+ representation, sexism, misogyny, harassment, and expecting women to live up to societal norms and expectations throughout this story. I enjoyed those parts especially, and always look forward to getting these types of themes in my romances from time to time.
The only thing that I would’ve liked is if the ending was a bit more tied up or if we were given an epilogue. It’s definitely left up to your imagination which tends to frustrate me in my romance books, lol.
Final Thoughts: Overall, I really enjoyed this one and definitely recommend! This is a series and book 2 is out but it looks like it’s only available on Kindle, (ugh!) so hopefully I’ll be able to get a physical copy soon because I liked reading about all of the characters.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Misogyny, and Sexism
Confessions by Kanae Minato
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
What a wild, and oftentimes, disgusting ride this was! I honestly didn’t know what to expect when going into this story, but I’ll say that I definitely got more than what I could’ve imagined!
Minato’s way of keeping the reader on their toes until the very end was phenomenal; I couldn’t put this book down. I loved how everything slowly started to come together, like a puzzle, as the chapters went on. You jump from different perspectives and collect new tidbits of information that heightens the stakes and the story itself. All of the characters, whether they realized it or not, were all pawns in a sinister game of chess.
I also really enjoyed the engaging writing style! I’ve always said that Japanese and Korean authors are fantastic at storytelling. I felt as though I was actually immersed in the classroom, actively listening to Ms. Moriguchi’s maniacal plot of revenge, and honestly? I’ll never look at a carton/cup of milk the same way ever again 🤢 - if you know, you know!
Final Thoughts: Overall, I really enjoyed this! The social commentary in here was very clear and much appreciated. I will say that one of the true natures/reveal of the insane plot twists we learned early on was a bit of a let down (as sick as it sounds 😭) because yes, while it was evil and downright disgusting in every way possibly, you have to admit, it was also kind of genius!? The ending however, made up for it because mostly everyone got what they deserved.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Murder, and Toxic friendship