ashleymcberger's reviews
40 reviews

The Davenports by Krystal Marquis

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emotional hopeful informative 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? Yes
This is the first book in a series about a wealthy black family in Chicago.

I got sucked in right away at the drama of romance and how it intertwined with politics and class. 

It was very enjoyable and it had me rooting for certain characters at times and hoping for the downfall of others. 

You'll like this book if you like a nuanced approach to black historical romance and characters discovering who they are in the process. 
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Wrapped Up in You by Talia Hibbert

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funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Enjoyed this light read. I have enjoyed all books by this author that I've picked up.

Great if you're looking for friends to lovers and chosen family vibes. 
Chlorine by Jade Song

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dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
This book was interesting to read and had me wondering what Ren was going to do in the end.

I enjoyed the story getting to that point and think this book is good for those who like angst, suppressed queer emotions, and knowledge about swimming. 
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How to Find a Princess by Alyssa Cole

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 42%.
Pace was moving slower then I was interested in the book.

Good writing and concept but I have other books I was feeling an urge to continue over this one. 

The book has great representation for a character who is on the spectrum and rom com elements. 
Know Your Station by Sarah Gailey, Liana Kangas

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adventurous dark tense fast-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
This book was a fun ride. The pictures of the dead were more graphic then I cared for but I liked the plot. I was also proud of myself for guessing the ending.

This graphic novel is great for those who like horror/suspense, mysteries, and taking down billionaires.
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Patternmaster by Octavia E. Butler

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adventurous tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I really enjoyed this book and it picked up after chapter one for me. I'm planning on reading the rest of the series in publishing order since I this is technically the last book in the series. 

I struggled with liking the main characters and some of their choices but quickly became a fan of Amber. Everyone else was meh. 

This book is great for those who like fantasy caste systems/hierarchy, family drama, and action. 
Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 38%.
Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King by William Joyce, Laura Geringer

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adventurous lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No
This is a good book that I picked up for a reading challenge.

It was an easy read and is marketed as middle grade. I think it'll be great for kids who are into magic and adventure. 
Cloud Cuckoo Land by Anthony Doerr

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adventurous dark reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
I loved this book and read it pretty quickly for the length of it.

My favorite character was definitely Konstance. 

I think you should pick this up if you like coming of age stories, Greek language, and historical fiction combined with science fiction. 
We Were Eight Years in Power: An American Tragedy by Ta-Nehisi Coates

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 17%.
Will not be finishing the audiobook but will try and pick up a print edition next year to annotate.

May times while listening I would want to write something down or make some notes, which is what I normally do with nonfiction. 

Well written but not my cup of tea in just audio format.