beccarettenberger's reviews
98 reviews

The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson

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adventurous emotional 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

4.5

Nestlings by Nat Cassidy

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dark emotional mysterious sad 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? It's complicated

4.0

Trigger warning: this book shouldn’t be read by anyone that has difficulty with child abuse/endangerment/infanticide

**The Nestlings by Nat Cassidy - A Haunting and Unforgettable Journey**

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Cassidy's *The Nestlings* is a gripping and atmospheric novel that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The story delves deep into the psychological terror of a young family as they move into a new home, only to find that something sinister lurks within its walls. Cassidy masterfully builds suspense, with every chapter pulling you further into a world where the line between reality and nightmare blurs.

The characters are well-developed, particularly the protagonist, whose descent into fear and paranoia is portrayed with chilling authenticity. The writing is evocative, bringing the eerie setting to life and making you feel every creak and shadow in the house. While the plot occasionally veers into familiar horror tropes, Cassidy's unique voice and fresh perspective keep the story engaging and unsettling.

Overall, *The Nestlings* is a must-read for fans of psychological horror. It’s a novel that will linger in your mind long after you’ve turned the last page. My only minor critique is that the pacing slows in a few places, but the overall experience is still thoroughly satisfying. Highly recommended for those who love a good scare with a strong emotional core.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
A Certain Hunger by Chelsea G. Summers

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dark slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Verbose. 
Poor Deer by Claire Oshetsky

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dark emotional sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book is so beautifully written and is an imaginative way to dissect how trauma and children’s brains interpret events and make up narratives to survive. Moving and so, so vivid. I adored this book and immediately wanted to reread it. 
The Pisces by Melissa Broder

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dark medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke by Eric LaRocca

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dark emotional sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

You'd Look Better as a Ghost by Joanna Wallace

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adventurous funny medium-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

A Good Happy Girl by Marissa Higgins

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dark slow-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

1.0

I feel grimy after reading this. The syntax felt lazy. 
Shark Heart: A Love Story by Emily Habeck

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emotional 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? Yes

5.0

Holy shit. I loved this book. Words can’t really describe how the second I finished it I wanted to reread it all over again.