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tayahmarie's reviews
91 reviews
Survive the Night by Riley Sager
adventurous
dark
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I have come to the realization that I simply enjoy books that are usually hated or trashed by the majority and you know what… that’s ok! 😂
I was so skeptical and worried going into this because this book has received so many mixed reviews. However, I’m glad that I decided to just suspend any disbelief and read it because this has made it into my favorite books of the year pile. One thing about me is that I LOVE an unreliable narrator. I think trying to guess if what you’re reading/being told is real or not adds so much more spice to the story. Charlie’s ‘movies’ were so fascinating (yet really scary in the grand scheme of things!) to me. I personally liked her character and appreciated her passion for all things movies and film. I’m not a cinema buff myself, but I like reading/knowing about other people's interests and hobbies.
Now, I understand why folks couldn’t stand this story because there were so many questionable and downright stupid things that take place here. But, as I mentioned, you have to suspend disbelief - especially with thrillers. It’s a story and if the MC does the ‘right thing, then it would be over in a flash, lol.
Final Thoughts: I believe in the Riley Sager hype! I can’t wait to go through his backlog and read the rest of his books because I genuinely enjoyed this one. I thought the plot twists were great and I didn’t see any of them coming. The ending was…. weird and I’m not going to lie, I can’t shake Charlie and another characters’ questionable fate together like wtf was that?! Moving on though, I’m a sucker for nostalgia, so the ode to the 90s was everything to me. I also wanted to note that I typically don’t like when thrillers are written in 3rd person, but I liked the way Sager did it here.
I was so skeptical and worried going into this because this book has received so many mixed reviews. However, I’m glad that I decided to just suspend any disbelief and read it because this has made it into my favorite books of the year pile. One thing about me is that I LOVE an unreliable narrator. I think trying to guess if what you’re reading/being told is real or not adds so much more spice to the story. Charlie’s ‘movies’ were so fascinating (yet really scary in the grand scheme of things!) to me. I personally liked her character and appreciated her passion for all things movies and film. I’m not a cinema buff myself, but I like reading/knowing about other people's interests and hobbies.
Now, I understand why folks couldn’t stand this story because there were so many questionable and downright stupid things that take place here. But, as I mentioned, you have to suspend disbelief - especially with thrillers. It’s a story and if the MC does the ‘right thing, then it would be over in a flash, lol.
Final Thoughts: I believe in the Riley Sager hype! I can’t wait to go through his backlog and read the rest of his books because I genuinely enjoyed this one. I thought the plot twists were great and I didn’t see any of them coming. The ending was…. weird and I’m not going to lie, I can’t shake Charlie and another characters’ questionable fate together like wtf was that?! Moving on though, I’m a sucker for nostalgia, so the ode to the 90s was everything to me. I also wanted to note that I typically don’t like when thrillers are written in 3rd person, but I liked the way Sager did it here.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
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? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I had high expectations going into this since many of those in the #classicscommunity rave about this book. After reading it, I now understand why this is so highly rated and beloved because Oscar Wilde truly snapped!
From the very beginning, I was instantly intrigued with and connected to the characters. They were all entertaining, refreshing, and had so much to say about life, death, and everything in between. I had a genuine interest in all of the philosophical and religious elements incorporated throughout the story – which is something I was a bit nervous about since these older books tend to harp on them so much due to the time period. But all of that was definitely needed for the story.
The first half of the book was slow, but once we got to the middle, everything was *chef’s kiss*. It’s always so fascinating, yet heartbreaking to me to see someone go from being naïve, kind-hearted, and a ray of sunshine to someone who has hardened because they were introduced to the ‘real world’ (or in Wilde’s/society’s way of thinking; temptation) in some capacity. Every time Dorian did something ‘immoral’ I was constantly searching for his old self, hoping he’d snap out of it and see the harm he wasn’t just causing to others but also, himself.
I think everyone who reads this can take away so many lessons on vanity, what it means to age, living a double-life, immortality and so much more. It’s clear that there is a lot of social commentary in here. It was so cool to see how things operated in 19th century London, with certain modes of thinking that transcended to today’s time period.
This book is absolutely perfect to read in the Fall. From the horrifying, melancholic, and unsettling imagery Wilde painted to the crazy plot twist and even crazier ending solidified this as a must-read for the season.
From the very beginning, I was instantly intrigued with and connected to the characters. They were all entertaining, refreshing, and had so much to say about life, death, and everything in between. I had a genuine interest in all of the philosophical and religious elements incorporated throughout the story – which is something I was a bit nervous about since these older books tend to harp on them so much due to the time period. But all of that was definitely needed for the story.
The first half of the book was slow, but once we got to the middle, everything was *chef’s kiss*. It’s always so fascinating, yet heartbreaking to me to see someone go from being naïve, kind-hearted, and a ray of sunshine to someone who has hardened because they were introduced to the ‘real world’ (or in Wilde’s/society’s way of thinking; temptation) in some capacity. Every time Dorian did something ‘immoral’ I was constantly searching for his old self, hoping he’d snap out of it and see the harm he wasn’t just causing to others but also, himself.
I think everyone who reads this can take away so many lessons on vanity, what it means to age, living a double-life, immortality and so much more. It’s clear that there is a lot of social commentary in here. It was so cool to see how things operated in 19th century London, with certain modes of thinking that transcended to today’s time period.
This book is absolutely perfect to read in the Fall. From the horrifying, melancholic, and unsettling imagery Wilde painted to the crazy plot twist and even crazier ending solidified this as a must-read for the season.
The Long Walk by Stephen King, Richard Bachman
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Wow… just wow. Talk about a phenomenal, horrific, and heartbreaking story. I was physically and emotionally exhausted all the way from page one to the end. My legs and feet were actually aching, along with the characters’. Stephen King’s skill of turning the most mundane, everyday things into something so horrific that our minds have a hard time grasping them is just admirable. I never read any novels by SK nor have I really delved into the horror genre, I was always too scared (lol) or intimidated, but I came across this story and was instantly intrigued.
This put so many things into perspective for me. When I say this has scarred me for life, it definitely has. There are so many conversations about life, death, why do we put ourselves into certain (especially hellish) situations, and more. His writing is painfully real. Along with the aches, I truly felt the anxiety, fear, and mental anguish through it. You also felt like you were on this journey with the boys and gotten to know them… which made this even sadder. I know that this story is going to stick with me for a long time.
Now, I wish I could’ve given this a 5-star rating, but there were a few racist/offensive things said in here and it was… a lot, lmao. Moving on though, what stuck out to me the most is that there is no REAL winner of The Long Walk. You essentially die before you even make it to the finish line. Either you’re met with a tragic end along the way, or you’re forever trapped in a psychological prison of torment, trauma, and overwhelming grief if you do win. Which, in all truthfulness, is a lose-lose.
This put so many things into perspective for me. When I say this has scarred me for life, it definitely has. There are so many conversations about life, death, why do we put ourselves into certain (especially hellish) situations, and more. His writing is painfully real. Along with the aches, I truly felt the anxiety, fear, and mental anguish through it. You also felt like you were on this journey with the boys and gotten to know them… which made this even sadder. I know that this story is going to stick with me for a long time.
Now, I wish I could’ve given this a 5-star rating, but there were a few racist/offensive things said in here and it was… a lot, lmao. Moving on though, what stuck out to me the most is that there is no REAL winner of The Long Walk. You essentially die before you even make it to the finish line. Either you’re met with a tragic end along the way, or you’re forever trapped in a psychological prison of torment, trauma, and overwhelming grief if you do win. Which, in all truthfulness, is a lose-lose.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Mental illness, and Blood
And the Trees Crept In by Dawn Kurtagich
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
The Chain by Adrian McKinty
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
From the very beginning, I thought the plot was unique, fresh, and absolutely horrifying, I loved the direction this went in and I really appreciated how reminiscent this was of a Criminal Minds episode. I only saw one of the plot twists coming and didn’t figure out why or how The Chain was able to operate for as long as it did until we got closer to the end. I’m not a parent but my stomach churned the entire time imagining a child and their parents being put into this situation.
Besides the physical torture, The Chain prides itself on the psychological and mental breakdown of its victims. Ultimately, it turns victims into criminals. That said, there were a lot of philosophical references and theories that McKinty applied to the story (he studied Philosophy at Oxford so it makes sense). I noticed I’m becoming more interested in that subject and reflecting on how complex humankind is. It’s interesting how our survival instincts will kick in once we or the ones we love are in danger and if we’re stripped of any bit of control, access, and money we do have.
I already mentioned this, but if you like Criminal Minds I genuinely think you’ll enjoy this story. Also, the chapters are pretty short! The main thing that stopped this from being a solid 4 was the writing (really didn’t care for it - at all. I think the use of third-person wasn’t needed for this story and it should’ve only been written in 1st IMO), a lot of repetition (I found myself skipping chapters or skimming through certain ones), and the way the chapters were set up/formatted. BUT, I still think the overall plot was unique and interesting and for that, I would recommend giving it a try.
Besides the physical torture, The Chain prides itself on the psychological and mental breakdown of its victims. Ultimately, it turns victims into criminals. That said, there were a lot of philosophical references and theories that McKinty applied to the story (he studied Philosophy at Oxford so it makes sense). I noticed I’m becoming more interested in that subject and reflecting on how complex humankind is. It’s interesting how our survival instincts will kick in once we or the ones we love are in danger and if we’re stripped of any bit of control, access, and money we do have.
I already mentioned this, but if you like Criminal Minds I genuinely think you’ll enjoy this story. Also, the chapters are pretty short! The main thing that stopped this from being a solid 4 was the writing (really didn’t care for it - at all. I think the use of third-person wasn’t needed for this story and it should’ve only been written in 1st IMO), a lot of repetition (I found myself skipping chapters or skimming through certain ones), and the way the chapters were set up/formatted. BUT, I still think the overall plot was unique and interesting and for that, I would recommend giving it a try.
The Ivies by Alexa Donne
adventurous
dark
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
4.0
The White City by Karolina Ramqvist
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The story follows a new mom named Karin who is navigating motherhood on her own after losing her husband and assets - even more heartbreaking is that she’s doing it in complete isolation. Due to those factors, this quickly became an extremely unsettling, eerie, and bleak read.
I could genuinely feel Karin’s physical and mental pain as she was trying to keep it together for baby Dream’s sake. I felt so bad for her… and this once again makes you come face to face with the harsh truth that so many women deal with postpartum depression and don’t have the resources to effectively work through it.
Two elements that I really enjoyed were how short this was and Ramqvist’s writing. It’s absolutely beautiful. The imagery/atmospheric tone included in the plot can make the reader feel as though they’re actually outside in the brutal winter.
Despite understanding and appreciating the important topics such as motherhood, trying to overcome hardships, postpartum depression, and what that can do to one's psyche, I do think it was a bit hard to differentiate the characters when there was actual dialogue. Since isolation is a huge plot point, Dream can’t talk, and because we spend so much time in Karin’s head when we actually do get some form of dialogue taking place between Karin and someone else… it’s a little jarring. This is also told in the third person but instead of saying “x said” it’ll say “she said” for both characters. So a lot of the time I was like “wait, what?” Lol. This was my first translated read from Swedish to English and although I’m interested in reading more, this book was just not 100% for me.
I could genuinely feel Karin’s physical and mental pain as she was trying to keep it together for baby Dream’s sake. I felt so bad for her… and this once again makes you come face to face with the harsh truth that so many women deal with postpartum depression and don’t have the resources to effectively work through it.
Two elements that I really enjoyed were how short this was and Ramqvist’s writing. It’s absolutely beautiful. The imagery/atmospheric tone included in the plot can make the reader feel as though they’re actually outside in the brutal winter.
Despite understanding and appreciating the important topics such as motherhood, trying to overcome hardships, postpartum depression, and what that can do to one's psyche, I do think it was a bit hard to differentiate the characters when there was actual dialogue. Since isolation is a huge plot point, Dream can’t talk, and because we spend so much time in Karin’s head when we actually do get some form of dialogue taking place between Karin and someone else… it’s a little jarring. This is also told in the third person but instead of saying “x said” it’ll say “she said” for both characters. So a lot of the time I was like “wait, what?” Lol. This was my first translated read from Swedish to English and although I’m interested in reading more, this book was just not 100% for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement and Abandonment
No Exit by Taylor Adams
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
I don’t think I’ve ever read a book that had my heart racing from start to finish…until now. I definitely had to “inhale. count to five. exhale.” multiple times after closing this book. This was one of the most horrifying stories I’ve ever read. I should’ve known though - some of my greatest fears and phobias are woven through it almost perfectly. Stranded in the middle of nowhere in a BLIZZARD with no cell reception/no way out? No thank you!
I don’t want to give too much away, but I will say that Darby Thorne is one determined, brave and fearless character. I always appreciate it when a heroine shows up and shows tf out. I’m glad she didn’t fall into certain tired tropes and stereotypes that many women characters do who’re sometimes written by men.
Final Thoughts: Overall, I think the plot, pacing, and tone were just right and absolutely brilliant. I only saw one of the twists coming which did it for me! I was also satisfied with the ending after initially being confused and infuriated before I realized what just happened, lol. If they decide to turn this into a movie or a tv series, I’m here for it. But the fact that the most mundane, everyday things can take a sinister turn and all you can do is have faith that timing, luck, and a bit of hope are on your side is heart-dropping to the pit of your stomach scary. I’m definitely going to think twice before driving in the snow and stopping at any rest stop for the rest of my life now 🙃. The reason why I’m giving this 4 stars instead of 5 is due to the offensive/hateful slurs that were said in here to somehow help drive the point of how sick and evil the antagonist was? I don’t think any of that was needed because we can obviously deduce that they’re awful very early
I don’t want to give too much away, but I will say that Darby Thorne is one determined, brave and fearless character. I always appreciate it when a heroine shows up and shows tf out. I’m glad she didn’t fall into certain tired tropes and stereotypes that many women characters do who’re sometimes written by men.
Final Thoughts: Overall, I think the plot, pacing, and tone were just right and absolutely brilliant. I only saw one of the twists coming which did it for me! I was also satisfied with the ending after initially being confused and infuriated before I realized what just happened, lol. If they decide to turn this into a movie or a tv series, I’m here for it. But the fact that the most mundane, everyday things can take a sinister turn and all you can do is have faith that timing, luck, and a bit of hope are on your side is heart-dropping to the pit of your stomach scary. I’m definitely going to think twice before driving in the snow and stopping at any rest stop for the rest of my life now 🙃. The reason why I’m giving this 4 stars instead of 5 is due to the offensive/hateful slurs that were said in here to somehow help drive the point of how sick and evil the antagonist was? I don’t think any of that was needed because we can obviously deduce that they’re awful very early
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Terminal illness, and Murder
Rise to the Sun by Leah Johnson
adventurous
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence
Good Rich People by Eliza Jane Brazier
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
5.0
This is the most bizarre, outlandish, absurd, CAMP, and downright disturbing story I’ve ever read…and I loved every second of it. I genuinely believe that if The Hunger Games, Gossip Girl, and The Purge franchise somehow had a love child - it’d be this. From the theatrics of showing the absurd lives of the rich and elite and how far they are willing to go to cure their boredom, to incorporating a sinister twist that involved scheming, strategy, and survival between the classes was absolutely brilliant. I never read a story like this - every time I thought I had things figured out, it would take a completely different turn hitting me like a bus. Yes, a bus. I love psychological thrillers more than anything, especially when it keeps me on my toes and makes me crave more and more. Honestly, this gave me the feeling of when you’re looking at something and you know you should/want to look away but because it’s so effed up you just can’t.
I also love an unreliable narrator. I felt like I didn’t know who to trust and that made the story even more addicting to read.
Final Thoughts: This is not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but I think this is a very unique and engaging story. Honestly, I need the physical copy so I can continue to gush and remind folks why psychological thrillers continue to reign supreme lol. Brazier did an excellent job of showing how rich people may think everything, including life itself, is a game as well as exploring the themes of class, social status, old vs new money and how others will view/judge and possibly be suspicious of you, no matter how much money you have in your bank account - especially if you pulled yourself up by the bootstraps and earned it 🙃.
I also love an unreliable narrator. I felt like I didn’t know who to trust and that made the story even more addicting to read.
Final Thoughts: This is not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, but I think this is a very unique and engaging story. Honestly, I need the physical copy so I can continue to gush and remind folks why psychological thrillers continue to reign supreme lol. Brazier did an excellent job of showing how rich people may think everything, including life itself, is a game as well as exploring the themes of class, social status, old vs new money and how others will view/judge and possibly be suspicious of you, no matter how much money you have in your bank account - especially if you pulled yourself up by the bootstraps and earned it 🙃.