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briannagates's reviews
72 reviews
A Dumb Birds Field Guide to the Worst Birds Ever by Matt Kracht
funny
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
4.0
If you have a love/hate relationship with birds, you're going to love this hilarious field guide. I was cracking up at so many points throughout this book, and I also learned somethings along the way too. Example: I had no idea there were so many types of creepy-looking bird feet.
Each ID page has an associated drawing of the bird and some other perfectly-illustrated graphics throughout. Overall, such a fun book about dumb birds. What more could you ask for.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advance copy of this title.
Each ID page has an associated drawing of the bird and some other perfectly-illustrated graphics throughout. Overall, such a fun book about dumb birds. What more could you ask for.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advance copy of this title.
A Killing Cold by Kate Alice Marshall
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Story: 3/5
Pretty quick, enjoyable thriller. But honestly, nothing to write home about I'm afraid. I personally find the drip feeding / amnesia trope a little annoying, so that's what caused my somewhat sour taste for this book. BUT the audiobook version of this seriously kept me engaged because the narrator is straight up perfection.
Audiobook & Narration: 5/5
I LOVED Karissa Vacker's narration from beginning to end! I attribute finishing this book to her exceptional way of keeping me engaged with the story. It felt as if I was sitting down to coffee and listening to Theo tell her story. Exceptional use of different voices for the characters too. If you have a choice, I would highhhhhhly recommend listening to the audiobook instead of reading a physical copy.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advance copy of this title.
Pretty quick, enjoyable thriller. But honestly, nothing to write home about I'm afraid. I personally find the drip feeding / amnesia trope a little annoying, so that's what caused my somewhat sour taste for this book. BUT the audiobook version of this seriously kept me engaged because the narrator is straight up perfection.
Audiobook & Narration: 5/5
I LOVED Karissa Vacker's narration from beginning to end! I attribute finishing this book to her exceptional way of keeping me engaged with the story. It felt as if I was sitting down to coffee and listening to Theo tell her story. Exceptional use of different voices for the characters too. If you have a choice, I would highhhhhhly recommend listening to the audiobook instead of reading a physical copy.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advance copy of this title.
The Monsters in our Shadows by Edward J. Cembal
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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? It's complicated
4.0
Ever thought about what would happen if shadows could eat you alive? No? Me either, until I started reading this book. This was such a great dystopian horror novel about these creepy, bloodthirsty shadow monsters called Shivers.
The author paints such a enchantingly grim, sad world that had me sucked in for the entire ride. The beginning was paced a little on the slow side, but I enjoyed the melancholy that it created. By the time we get to the last 10% of the book, the pace was zooming by and so many things happened that my head was spinning. I do wish that the ending would have been a bit more drawn out and detailed in all honesty, because I felt some whiplash from the pace change.
Overall, it was a wonderfully-done horror with the perfect amount of creepiness, body horror, and mystery to keep me on the edge of my seat. I find myself thinking back to this book often, so that's a sign of a great book for me.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this book.
The author paints such a enchantingly grim, sad world that had me sucked in for the entire ride. The beginning was paced a little on the slow side, but I enjoyed the melancholy that it created. By the time we get to the last 10% of the book, the pace was zooming by and so many things happened that my head was spinning. I do wish that the ending would have been a bit more drawn out and detailed in all honesty, because I felt some whiplash from the pace change.
Overall, it was a wonderfully-done horror with the perfect amount of creepiness, body horror, and mystery to keep me on the edge of my seat. I find myself thinking back to this book often, so that's a sign of a great book for me.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for a copy of this book.
Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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? No
5.0
I loved this book SO MUCH! I feel like I went on this dark, deliciously twisted journey right alongside Kidan, and I loved every single second.
Story: 5/5
For practically the entire book, I was on the edge of my seat and not knowing where to turn next. This is a dark vampire fantasy that is rich in lore. A large portion of the book takes place at a hidden university, and we get to essentially go through an entire semester with these characters. I absolutely love dark academia books that actually let the reader sit in on the classes, and this book executed it flawlessly.
But the true strength of this novel is found within the complexity of the characters. Each person (and vampire) we meet has a deeply complex past that shapes them. Their motives are often fueled by rage, pain, and grief. Girma crafted such intricate histories and complex, difficult relationships that I often found myself loving a character in one moment and then hating them the next. The fact that Girma had me absolutely wrapped around her finger for all 400+ pages is the mark of an exceptional book for me.
Audiobook & Narration: 5/5
I am so so glad I listened to the audiobook because it was such an incredibly immersive journey. Jordan Cobb truly brings each character to life in their own unique way and infuses pain, passion, and grit at the perfect times.
Thank you to Hachette Audio and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this audiobook.
Story: 5/5
For practically the entire book, I was on the edge of my seat and not knowing where to turn next. This is a dark vampire fantasy that is rich in lore. A large portion of the book takes place at a hidden university, and we get to essentially go through an entire semester with these characters. I absolutely love dark academia books that actually let the reader sit in on the classes, and this book executed it flawlessly.
But the true strength of this novel is found within the complexity of the characters. Each person (and vampire) we meet has a deeply complex past that shapes them. Their motives are often fueled by rage, pain, and grief. Girma crafted such intricate histories and complex, difficult relationships that I often found myself loving a character in one moment and then hating them the next. The fact that Girma had me absolutely wrapped around her finger for all 400+ pages is the mark of an exceptional book for me.
Audiobook & Narration: 5/5
I am so so glad I listened to the audiobook because it was such an incredibly immersive journey. Jordan Cobb truly brings each character to life in their own unique way and infuses pain, passion, and grit at the perfect times.
Thank you to Hachette Audio and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this audiobook.
We Called Them Giants by Kieron Gillen
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? No
4.0
Overall: 4/5 because the artwork is breathtaking and the story was refreshingly endearing despite its apocalyptic setting.
Story: 3.5/5
Cataclysmic, survive-or-perish stories are usually some of my favorites, so I was super hopeful for this story. However, I felt like I was left with too many questions because the story moved far too fast. Despite this being a graphic novel, I felt like I was being <i>told</i> rather than <i>showed</i> in many instances. I wish this was about double the page length so we could get a solid grasp on the world and be able to fall in love with the characters more.
Artwork: 5/5
Woah, this was one of the most beautiful uses of color and imagery I've seen. Absolutely gorgeous from start to finish. The stunning artwork really immerses you into the brutal, yet beautiful apocalyptic world that Gillen created.
Thank you to Image Comics and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this graphic novel.
Story: 3.5/5
Cataclysmic, survive-or-perish stories are usually some of my favorites, so I was super hopeful for this story. However, I felt like I was left with too many questions because the story moved far too fast. Despite this being a graphic novel, I felt like I was being <i>told</i> rather than <i>showed</i> in many instances. I wish this was about double the page length so we could get a solid grasp on the world and be able to fall in love with the characters more.
Artwork: 5/5
Woah, this was one of the most beautiful uses of color and imagery I've seen. Absolutely gorgeous from start to finish. The stunning artwork really immerses you into the brutal, yet beautiful apocalyptic world that Gillen created.
Thank you to Image Comics and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this graphic novel.
The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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? Yes
4.75
This was at the top of my most anticipated reads of the year, and it didn't disappoint! Leong created such a cozy, inviting fantasy world where we follow the adventures of a travelling fortune teller named Tao. Initially, I was drawn to the book because of the beauuuutiful cover, and the story holds the same exact vibes inside!
The story was crafted with the perfect blend of warm, feel-good vibes and meaningful subjects. I have found that a lot of "cozy" books have either too much coziness or too high of stakes, so it was refreshing to find that this book balanced the two seamlessly. We also meet some incredibly sweet and imperfectly perfect characters along the way that warm your heart. It's a beautiful story full of magic, fantastical adventures, found family, and growth.
Thank you to Netgalley and Ace Books for the advanced copy of this book.
The story was crafted with the perfect blend of warm, feel-good vibes and meaningful subjects. I have found that a lot of "cozy" books have either too much coziness or too high of stakes, so it was refreshing to find that this book balanced the two seamlessly. We also meet some incredibly sweet and imperfectly perfect characters along the way that warm your heart. It's a beautiful story full of magic, fantastical adventures, found family, and growth.
Thank you to Netgalley and Ace Books for the advanced copy of this book.
Rewitched by Lucy Jane Wood
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-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
4.25
Such a cozy, witchy fantasy that was just plain fun to read. The world that the author created is so lush and comforting! The book does start off a little slow, but it allowed me to feel immersed into Belle's life and daily struggles. Once the story picked up around 30% in, I ate it up! Such a heartwarming story filled with cozy magic and personal growth/self-love!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.