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tiffanysmith's reviews
262 reviews
The Dark Prophecy by Rick Riordan
adventurous
challenging
funny
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
3.5
Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? Yes
5.0
Lord John and the Private Matter by Diana Gabaldon
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Beach Read by Emily Henry
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Sharp Objects by Gillian Flynn
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This novel is about Camille, a reporter from Chicago who is assigned to a murder case in her hometown of Wind Gap. As she investigates the case and reconnects with her family whom she hasn't spoken with in years, she finds more beneath the surface than she could have ever bargained for. I read this on a whim, never before having picked up a Gillian Flynn book. I didn't expect it to be so dark and psychological. The writing was fantastic, with a buildup to an unexpected twist. The character building was quite complex, peeling away the onion layers of Camille's past and how it affected her present. The only qualm I have is that the first half was a little slow to the hook. I personally thought the plot revolved more around the investigation, but once I discovered that it was so much more, the book captured my full attention. I'll admit, this read gave me some anxiety because it's dark. As the reader, you have to navigate Camille's emotions and thoughts with her, with a tendency toward the darker side of humanity. Some of the characters made me feel so uncomfortable and strange, and as you read on, you find that there is such a wild explanation for it all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Sexual content, Grief, Murder, and Alcohol
Moderate: Self harm, Toxic relationship, and Toxic friendship
Well written, but descriptive. I would recommend a trigger warning for this read. The main character has cut herself extensively in the past and has urges to do so throughout the book. There is also quite a bit of alcohol, drugs, and sex as Camille navigates her emotions and relationships throughout the book.
Dune: The Graphic Novel, Book 1 by Kevin J. Anderson, Frank Herbert, Brian Herbert
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
All Good People Here by Ashley Flowers
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
I’m a huge fan of Ashley Flowers and her podcasting. Crime Junkie was certainly my gateway into true crime podcasts.
I’ll admit, it was challenging finding a grip on this story. I felt a lack of immersion and the characters fell a bit flat for me. It definitely had some great potential, but was a little more predictable than I would have liked. Some of the plot’s twists came out of nowhere with a lack of build up to them. Also, the ending just…ended. Abruptly.
I did like the dynamics of the story, and the idea that nobody is who you think they were. Each character had a secret, which built a level of complexity to the mystery. There was a lot of telling and not showing with the writing, which I think was one of my biggest reasons of not being able to connect with the protagonist and the plot line.
I’ll admit, it was challenging finding a grip on this story. I felt a lack of immersion and the characters fell a bit flat for me. It definitely had some great potential, but was a little more predictable than I would have liked. Some of the plot’s twists came out of nowhere with a lack of build up to them. Also, the ending just…ended. Abruptly.
I did like the dynamics of the story, and the idea that nobody is who you think they were. Each character had a secret, which built a level of complexity to the mystery. There was a lot of telling and not showing with the writing, which I think was one of my biggest reasons of not being able to connect with the protagonist and the plot line.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing and Murder
Moderate: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Dementia, Grief, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Drug abuse, Drug use, Miscarriage, and Stalking
A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
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
4.75
A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
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? It's complicated
4.75