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whisper88's reviews
330 reviews
Briarheart by Mercedes Lackey
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.
This is my third go at this and I still can't get into it. Tamora Pierce and Robin McKinley have already dominated the niche this book is trying to fill. I'm a mega ML fan, but this has none of her signature robust and lovable characters; here is minimal conflict- which is confusing.
I feel like ML was targeting middle-grade/YA readers, but this would probably have been more successful with illustrations and made into read-aloud/bedtime story series for elementary readers. Alternatively, it could have been just a little more gritty to be a true YA novel.
However, I still haven't made it half-way and didn't bother to peak at the ending, so I could (most likely) be completely wrong on all counts.
I feel like ML was targeting middle-grade/YA readers, but this would probably have been more successful with illustrations and made into read-aloud/bedtime story series for elementary readers. Alternatively, it could have been just a little more gritty to be a true YA novel.
However, I still haven't made it half-way and didn't bother to peak at the ending, so I could (most likely) be completely wrong on all counts.
Acorna's Quest by Margaret Ball, Anne McCaffrey
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Content Warnings
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-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
Moderate: Death of parent
Digital copy has significant formatting errors and typos 💩
Coming back to this series as an adult has been a treat. I still think this should be marketed to YA; the world/character building is beautiful but simple.
You can tell the authors chose to significantly pivot the storyline because there were some significant 'add-ons' that weren't in the first book.
It's a great pallet cleanser & quick read if you've been in a reading slump.
A Well-Behaved Woman: A Novel of the Vanderbilts by Therese Anne Fowler
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Content Warnings
informative
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I wasn't thrilled with this at first, and the protagonist was unlikable at times.
I thought doing some quick research of the family and era would help give perspective, but I ended up disliking the characters more.
The authors interview at the end clarified everything and made this book a hidden gem.
The whole point was that society painted the Vanderbilt women as a two dimensional, and historical evidence supported that.
Alva embodies term multifaceted. The 'ah-ha' moment for the reader made this book stand out and I can't get it out of my head
Can't wait to listen to the authors other books. Also, I believe there's a movie adaptation?🤷
I thought doing some quick research of the family and era would help give perspective, but I ended up disliking the characters more.
The authors interview at the end clarified everything and made this book a hidden gem.
The whole point was that society painted the Vanderbilt women as a two dimensional, and historical evidence supported that.
Alva embodies term multifaceted. The 'ah-ha' moment for the reader made this book stand out and I can't get it out of my head
Can't wait to listen to the authors other books. Also, I believe there's a movie adaptation?🤷
Graphic: Misogyny and Sexism
Moderate: Body shaming, Child death, and Infidelity
Acorna by Margaret Ball, Anne McCaffrey
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Content Warnings
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-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
2.75
Digital copy has significant formatting errors and typos 💩
It's a nostalgic read, I loved it as a young reader- unfortunately, it's lost some of it's shine. The middle and ending are a bit haphazard and the villains disappoint... But, it's still good 🤗 5 stars as a young reader-, 3 stars as a reread.
If someone remarketed this with a revamped cover specifically for YA, it'd have a good run🤔
It's a nostalgic read, I loved it as a young reader- unfortunately, it's lost some of it's shine. The middle and ending are a bit haphazard and the villains disappoint... But, it's still good 🤗 5 stars as a young reader-, 3 stars as a reread.
If someone remarketed this with a revamped cover specifically for YA, it'd have a good run🤔
Graphic: Pedophilia, Slavery, and Trafficking
Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan
Did not finish book. Stopped at 20%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 20%.
Though we'll written and engaging, I just don't find any interest or pleasure in the drama of being disgustingly wealthy.
The different culture and perspective were great. I picked this book up looking for more of it, but the Kardashians trope is too much of a turn off.
The different culture and perspective were great. I picked this book up looking for more of it, but the Kardashians trope is too much of a turn off.
The Romance Recipe by Ruby Barrett
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Content Warnings
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.75
Moderate: Death of parent
The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
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Content Warnings
sad
slow-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
2.5
Graphic: Sexism, Sexual assault, Religious bigotry, Stalking, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Miscarriage, Sexism, Medical content, Pregnancy, and Classism
Jackalope Wives and Other Stories by T. Kingfisher
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The Weary Blues (AmazonClassics Edition) by Langston Hughes
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Content Warnings
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
Moderate: Racism and Slavery