whisper88's reviews
330 reviews

Briarheart by Mercedes Lackey

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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.

Acorna's Quest by Margaret Ball, Anne McCaffrey

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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


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A Well-Behaved Woman: A Novel of the Vanderbilts by Therese Anne Fowler

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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?🤷

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Acorna by Margaret Ball, Anne McCaffrey

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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🤔

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Crazy Rich Asians by Kevin Kwan

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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 Romance Recipe by Ruby Barrett

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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


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The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson

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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


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Jackalope Wives and Other Stories by T. Kingfisher

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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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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


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