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books_and_cream_cheese's reviews
154 reviews
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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? No
4.0
First half dragged a little, but once you're emersed in the world and the plot starts picking up, this book is FIRE. Great plot, lots of twists and turns that you don't see coming and good character development. I'm definitely going to read the second book!
I also have to applaude the "Shadow and Bone" series on Netflix - they managed to cleverly weave the characters and certain plot points of this book into the series - it works so well, even though it's a different storyline! I really enjoyed watching and reading side by side.
I also have to applaude the "Shadow and Bone" series on Netflix - they managed to cleverly weave the characters and certain plot points of this book into the series - it works so well, even though it's a different storyline! I really enjoyed watching and reading side by side.
The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
So much fun 🥳
A Magic Steeped in Poison by Judy I. Lin
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was surprisingly addicting 😅 if you love fantasy with magical elements, a tournament setting and plot- rather than emotion-driven stories, this might be perfect for you! However, I have 2x2 things to say...
Firstly, 2 things that weakened the overall story: The main character was annoyingly perfect at everything, first try. I noticed that the plot needed to repeatedly throw obstacles at her in order to "fix" that, but it doesn't allow much room for character growth. Secondly, there was too much happening overall, so there was no time to really develop other characters and friendships. I wanted to read more about the side characters, especially the other competitors.
Also, 2 things I personally didn't like (that don't influence my rating):
Too much royal aristocratic politics. I was there for the magic and the world building, that part bored me so much. Furthermore, I absolutely didn't vibe with the protagonist's character. She's a Katniss-Everdeen-kind of girl: more physical than emotional, headstrong, reserved. Just not my thing.
That being said... this was still great!
The unique magic system was so much fun, the pacing was great and THE FOOD DESCRIPTIONS omg... mouth watering.
Will definitely read the second book.
Firstly, 2 things that weakened the overall story: The main character was annoyingly perfect at everything, first try. I noticed that the plot needed to repeatedly throw obstacles at her in order to "fix" that, but it doesn't allow much room for character growth. Secondly, there was too much happening overall, so there was no time to really develop other characters and friendships. I wanted to read more about the side characters, especially the other competitors.
Also, 2 things I personally didn't like (that don't influence my rating):
Too much royal aristocratic politics. I was there for the magic and the world building, that part bored me so much. Furthermore, I absolutely didn't vibe with the protagonist's character. She's a Katniss-Everdeen-kind of girl: more physical than emotional, headstrong, reserved. Just not my thing.
That being said... this was still great!
The unique magic system was so much fun, the pacing was great and THE FOOD DESCRIPTIONS omg... mouth watering.
Will definitely read the second book.
Seven Days of Us by Francesca Hornak
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Solid entertainment for the holidays - the story has its flaws, but the characters are great. They're overdrawn and stereotypical, but believable in their own dramatic universe. For me personally, the book is a bit too long, but the short chapters keep you reading, so I didn't mind it much.
However, the ENDING?! No.
However, the ENDING?! No.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Vomit
Moderate: Cancer
Nettle & Bone by T. Kingfisher
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-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
4.5
It took a few pages to get into the story and the complex world building - and likewise, I needed a few days after finishing it to wrap my head around what I just read. This could have easily become a chunky 700-page book and I'm both glad that Kingfisher decided against that and astounded that the moving story and the rich and fantastical world could fit in such few pages.
This book impressed me very much - I'd love to spend more time in this world! Perfect for lovers of epic group-of-misfit-adventures and fairytales with a dark twist.
This book impressed me very much - I'd love to spend more time in this world! Perfect for lovers of epic group-of-misfit-adventures and fairytales with a dark twist.
An English Murder by Cyril Hare
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
A cozy mystery for Downton Abbey lovers.
What's I liked about this book: The English old manor vibes - the setting is impeccable, Lord Grantham would approve. The introduction of the characters and their little conflicts between each other was brilliant. There was tension even before the murder happend.
What I disliked about the book:
The whole second part. It was too rushed, too much potential left by the wayside. It felt like there were about 100 pages missing - we were told, not shown, and although the final reveal and motif is pretty cool, there was just too much chaos and too few hints to form a solid theory as a reader. I was quite disappointed with how much potential was wasted there.
Why I still liked the book overall:
It's so addicting, I can't explain it. I Just couldn't stop, I had to know who did it. It kept me reading - and that, in the end, is what matters.
What's I liked about this book: The English old manor vibes - the setting is impeccable, Lord Grantham would approve. The introduction of the characters and their little conflicts between each other was brilliant. There was tension even before the murder happend.
What I disliked about the book:
The whole second part. It was too rushed, too much potential left by the wayside. It felt like there were about 100 pages missing - we were told, not shown, and although the final reveal and motif is pretty cool, there was just too much chaos and too few hints to form a solid theory as a reader. I was quite disappointed with how much potential was wasted there.
Why I still liked the book overall:
It's so addicting, I can't explain it. I Just couldn't stop, I had to know who did it. It kept me reading - and that, in the end, is what matters.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Emotional abuse and Sexism
The Anthropocene Reviewed: Essays on a Human-Centered Planet by John Green
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
3.0
Mmh. I always thought I synced with John-Green-books but apparently I like the idea of them more than the actual thing. I mean, the concept is really cool and John Green seems to have a rich life story and fascinating thoughts to pull from but somehow... it just doesn't hit me, you know, the good way. I'm sorry, John. It's not you, it's me.
Stitches by David Small
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
I haven't stopped thinking about this book since I read it. I feel like I got a taste of a life that is so far removed from my own that... it somehow burned itself into my brain. Just because my and his memories of childhood are so incredibly different. Does that make sense?
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
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? No
5.0
As amazing as I remembered 🧙♂️
The Tea Dragon Festival by K. O'Neill
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Cute and cozy - but in comparison not as strong as the first one. The art style is whimsical, the story heartwarming, but something was just... missing. Still had a great time, though!