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bookishandlegal's reviews
536 reviews
The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan
adventurous
inspiring
tense
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
The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This is my first time reading and I thoroughly enjoyed! If these had been out when I’d be in elementary school I would have absolutely loved them, but as an adult I still had a good time. A bit slow at some points and I didn’t always fully understand the Greek myth references but overall very good and excited to keep reading!
The Darkening by Sunya Mara
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.0
Going Bicoastal by Dahlia Adler
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Thanks to the author, publisher, and netgalley for an e-arc in exchange for an honest review.
Romance is not my preferred genre but I was looking for a cute book and this one seemed to fit the bill. It was super cute but I didn’t love it as much as I wanted too. The beginning was a touch confusing with switching between two alternate summers with each chapter but after a few chapters I got used to the switches and that was okay. Mostly, I was waiting for the LA/Adam chapters and would have loved a whole book just on that summer. There was something about Elly that bugged me (probably that she’s too into music and that’s just not something I’m into so I couldn’t relate) but I felt like I was slogging through her chapters. The Jewish and bi rep were both top notch and well done! If you’re into romance books and don’t mind them YA (no spice here) I definitely recommend checking this one out!
Romance is not my preferred genre but I was looking for a cute book and this one seemed to fit the bill. It was super cute but I didn’t love it as much as I wanted too. The beginning was a touch confusing with switching between two alternate summers with each chapter but after a few chapters I got used to the switches and that was okay. Mostly, I was waiting for the LA/Adam chapters and would have loved a whole book just on that summer. There was something about Elly that bugged me (probably that she’s too into music and that’s just not something I’m into so I couldn’t relate) but I felt like I was slogging through her chapters. The Jewish and bi rep were both top notch and well done! If you’re into romance books and don’t mind them YA (no spice here) I definitely recommend checking this one out!
Small Favors by Erin A. Craig
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
All the Dangerous Things by Stacy Willingham
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Jade War by Fonda Lee
challenging
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The Soulmate by Sally Hepworth
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I love a Sally Hepworth book! She does family drama and unique thrillers so well. We knew from the beginning that it wasn’t a suicide but seeing all the twists and turns to what actually happened on the cliff was a wild ride. The chapters alternating between Pippa and Amanda (the woman who died) and the time shift from present day to before worked really well. It could have been confusing but it really wasn’t and helped to slowly reveal information in a fun and creative way. If you’re looking for a fun, different kind of thriller I recommend this one (and any other Sally Hepworth!)
Afterlove by Tanya Byrne
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5