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davinareads's reviews
839 reviews
Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
sad
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? It's complicated
4.5
The growth. THE GROWTH. Seeing how much these characters—especially the children—have evolved since The House in the Cerulean Sea had me feeling all kinds of emotions. While I didn’t cry as much as I did in the first book, I still cried (because let’s be honest, it’s a TJ Klune book—tears are inevitable).
Somewhere Beyond the Sea delivers another heartwarming, emotional journey with its highs and lows, all wrapped in that same cozy atmosphere I loved from the first book. The pacing was strong, the details rich, and the themes were beautifully woven throughout. One of my favorites was the idea that even the smallest ripple can start a big movement. It’s such a simple yet powerful message.
And the ending was so sweet you might actually vomit. It was the kind of heartwarming, wholesome conclusion that makes you want to hug the book (or throw it across the room because of the overwhelming emotions).
While this was a fantastic follow-up, I have to admit that I liked The House in the Cerulean Sea just a little more. Maybe it’s because I sobbed harder during that one, or maybe it’s because it was my introduction to this world. Either way, Somewhere Beyond the Sea is still a must-read for anyone who loved the first book. This is a book for those who never felt like they belonged and it's a message to say that you do.
Somewhere Beyond the Sea delivers another heartwarming, emotional journey with its highs and lows, all wrapped in that same cozy atmosphere I loved from the first book. The pacing was strong, the details rich, and the themes were beautifully woven throughout. One of my favorites was the idea that even the smallest ripple can start a big movement. It’s such a simple yet powerful message.
And the ending was so sweet you might actually vomit. It was the kind of heartwarming, wholesome conclusion that makes you want to hug the book (or throw it across the room because of the overwhelming emotions).
While this was a fantastic follow-up, I have to admit that I liked The House in the Cerulean Sea just a little more. Maybe it’s because I sobbed harder during that one, or maybe it’s because it was my introduction to this world. Either way, Somewhere Beyond the Sea is still a must-read for anyone who loved the first book. This is a book for those who never felt like they belonged and it's a message to say that you do.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
5.0
TJ Klune, HOW DARE YOU MAKE ME CRY SO MUCH. This book wrecked my tear ducts. It wasn’t even sad—I’m just emotionally weak.
From the moment I started reading, The House in the Cerulean Sea, felt like being transported to an early 2000s animated movie—vivid, colorful, and full of heart. I can’t fully explain why, but I could absolutely see this playing out as a beautifully illustrated movie. It was so detailed.
Despite the somewhat bleak opening, there was a warmth woven into every page. It felt cozy, even when the story tackled heavier themes. And the cuteness? Overwhelming. Not just "oh, a single tear" cute—I mean full-on sobbing, snot included. I was disgusting. Nearing the end, I completely lost it and gave up trying to not cry.
The characters are EVERYTHING. They’re fictional, sure, but so incredibly well-written that they felt real. They had depth, heart, and a charm that made me want to protect them all. The found family theme was executed perfectly, and I will physically fight anyone who says otherwise.
This book is for those who love sweet, hopeful, feel-good stories. If you’re a sappy person, this will be your comfort read. If you’re someone who hates “fake hope” or ultra-wholesome narratives, this probably isn’t for you.
At its core, The House in the Cerulean Sea is a bright slice of light in an often dark world, and sometimes, that’s exactly what I need. Imagine X-Men, but instead of superheroes fighting battles, it’s a group of magical kids just trying to find a place to call home.
From the moment I started reading, The House in the Cerulean Sea, felt like being transported to an early 2000s animated movie—vivid, colorful, and full of heart. I can’t fully explain why, but I could absolutely see this playing out as a beautifully illustrated movie. It was so detailed.
Despite the somewhat bleak opening, there was a warmth woven into every page. It felt cozy, even when the story tackled heavier themes. And the cuteness? Overwhelming. Not just "oh, a single tear" cute—I mean full-on sobbing, snot included. I was disgusting. Nearing the end, I completely lost it and gave up trying to not cry.
The characters are EVERYTHING. They’re fictional, sure, but so incredibly well-written that they felt real. They had depth, heart, and a charm that made me want to protect them all. The found family theme was executed perfectly, and I will physically fight anyone who says otherwise.
This book is for those who love sweet, hopeful, feel-good stories. If you’re a sappy person, this will be your comfort read. If you’re someone who hates “fake hope” or ultra-wholesome narratives, this probably isn’t for you.
At its core, The House in the Cerulean Sea is a bright slice of light in an often dark world, and sometimes, that’s exactly what I need. Imagine X-Men, but instead of superheroes fighting battles, it’s a group of magical kids just trying to find a place to call home.
House of Leaves by Mark Z. Danielewski
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The story itself is a solid 4/5, but the way it's written—especially how the pages are laid out—exceeds 5 stars. This book takes creative writing to another level, and I applaud its ability to not only drag me through chaos but also surprise me with how intentional every detail is. I loved how the layout of the pages reflected the characters' mental and physical states, making the reading experience even more immersive.
If you're looking for a book that sends you down a rabbit hole for answers long after you've finished, this is it.
At its core, House of Leaves follows a young man named Johnny Truant, who discovers a manuscript written by a blind man named Zampanò. The manuscript analyzes a documentary called The Navidson Record, which follows a family who moves into a house that defies logic—the inside is larger than the outside, and endless, shifting hallways appear. As Johnny becomes obsessed with the manuscript, his own life spirals into madness, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.
As much as I admired the book’s ambition, there were moments where the narrator’s rambling became overwhelming. At times, it felt more distracting than immersive, pulling me away from the main story rather than adding depth. That said, it did reinforce how much Johnny was unraveling, which fits the book’s themes.
The footnotes, while an interesting touch that added to the book’s "academic analysis" feel, were hit-or-miss for me. Some enhanced the experience, but others felt unnecessary and slowed down the pacing.
At its core, this is a simple story told in an incredibly unique way. There are still a lot of unanswered questions by the end, but I think that’s part of its appeal—it builds a community of readers eager to piece things together long after the last page. The book is dark, suspenseful, and unsettling without being outright terrifying, and despite its complexity, I had a great time navigating its unconventional format.
What a fascinating read.
If you're looking for a book that sends you down a rabbit hole for answers long after you've finished, this is it.
At its core, House of Leaves follows a young man named Johnny Truant, who discovers a manuscript written by a blind man named Zampanò. The manuscript analyzes a documentary called The Navidson Record, which follows a family who moves into a house that defies logic—the inside is larger than the outside, and endless, shifting hallways appear. As Johnny becomes obsessed with the manuscript, his own life spirals into madness, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.
As much as I admired the book’s ambition, there were moments where the narrator’s rambling became overwhelming. At times, it felt more distracting than immersive, pulling me away from the main story rather than adding depth. That said, it did reinforce how much Johnny was unraveling, which fits the book’s themes.
The footnotes, while an interesting touch that added to the book’s "academic analysis" feel, were hit-or-miss for me. Some enhanced the experience, but others felt unnecessary and slowed down the pacing.
At its core, this is a simple story told in an incredibly unique way. There are still a lot of unanswered questions by the end, but I think that’s part of its appeal—it builds a community of readers eager to piece things together long after the last page. The book is dark, suspenseful, and unsettling without being outright terrifying, and despite its complexity, I had a great time navigating its unconventional format.
What a fascinating read.
We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer
dark
mysterious
tense
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
3.5
This book... it makes sense, and yet it doesn’t. We Used to Live Here left me teetering on the edge of like and dislike, and even after some thought, I find myself landing somewhere in the middle.
Having seen this book pop up everywhere last year, I finally got around to reading it, and I can see why it’s been so talked about. Marcus Kliewer has a real talent for creating unease—I genuinely felt scared at times, and was once again, scared of the dark. The writing is compelling, drawing you in and making you want to keep turning the pages, if only to figure out what is happening.
With our main character, I kept yelling at her and had to constantly reminding myself that her questionable decisions were what drove the story forward. Without them, there wouldn’t be a book. But still, it’s hard not to wish for a little more logic in her actions.
After such a strong build-up, I was left feeling unsatisfied with the ending. It’s one of those conclusions that leaves you wanting more—something to match the build up. It wasn’t my favorite.
Overall, We Used to Live Here is an atmospheric, well-written thriller that excels at building tension and unease. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy a good scare, or to those who enjoy conspiracy theories. You will be sucked into a dark hole after finishing this book to learn more about it.
Having seen this book pop up everywhere last year, I finally got around to reading it, and I can see why it’s been so talked about. Marcus Kliewer has a real talent for creating unease—I genuinely felt scared at times, and was once again, scared of the dark. The writing is compelling, drawing you in and making you want to keep turning the pages, if only to figure out what is happening.
With our main character, I kept yelling at her and had to constantly reminding myself that her questionable decisions were what drove the story forward. Without them, there wouldn’t be a book. But still, it’s hard not to wish for a little more logic in her actions.
After such a strong build-up, I was left feeling unsatisfied with the ending. It’s one of those conclusions that leaves you wanting more—something to match the build up. It wasn’t my favorite.
Overall, We Used to Live Here is an atmospheric, well-written thriller that excels at building tension and unease. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy a good scare, or to those who enjoy conspiracy theories. You will be sucked into a dark hole after finishing this book to learn more about it.
Homeseeking by Karissa Chen
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
5.0
Some books leave you breathless. Others leave you broken. Homeseeking somehow manages to do both, and I mean that in the best way possible.
From the very first page—starting with the dedication and the author’s note—I had a feeling this book would be something special. And it delivered. This is a story of love, loss, sacrifice, and survival, spanning six decades of history and hardship. We follow Haiwen and Suchi, two young Chinese children who meet in 1938, become teenage lovers, and are separated by war for over 60 years. When fate reunites them in 2008, their shared past and unresolved feelings come flooding back in a way that’s both devastating and beautiful.
The depth of this book is astonishing. The characters—Haiwen, Suchi, and even the supporting cast—are so vividly written, their desires, flaws, and sacrifices make them heartbreakingly real. Watching their lives unfold, from moments of hope to the cruel unfairness of war, felt like experiencing their joys and sorrows alongside them. The way the story balances the historical detail with such raw human emotion is masterful.
I cried. I suffered. And then I cried some more. This is a book that doesn’t just tug at your heartstrings—it yanks them out entirely. Yet, for all its pain, there’s a strange sense of healing and hope by the end.
I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s richly detailed, achingly emotional, and beautifully written. If I could, I’d throw my entire bookshelf at it. Homeseeking isn’t just a great read—it’s an unforgettable experience.
From the very first page—starting with the dedication and the author’s note—I had a feeling this book would be something special. And it delivered. This is a story of love, loss, sacrifice, and survival, spanning six decades of history and hardship. We follow Haiwen and Suchi, two young Chinese children who meet in 1938, become teenage lovers, and are separated by war for over 60 years. When fate reunites them in 2008, their shared past and unresolved feelings come flooding back in a way that’s both devastating and beautiful.
The depth of this book is astonishing. The characters—Haiwen, Suchi, and even the supporting cast—are so vividly written, their desires, flaws, and sacrifices make them heartbreakingly real. Watching their lives unfold, from moments of hope to the cruel unfairness of war, felt like experiencing their joys and sorrows alongside them. The way the story balances the historical detail with such raw human emotion is masterful.
I cried. I suffered. And then I cried some more. This is a book that doesn’t just tug at your heartstrings—it yanks them out entirely. Yet, for all its pain, there’s a strange sense of healing and hope by the end.
I can’t recommend this book enough. It’s richly detailed, achingly emotional, and beautifully written. If I could, I’d throw my entire bookshelf at it. Homeseeking isn’t just a great read—it’s an unforgettable experience.
Games Untold by Jennifer Lynn Barnes
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Did this book need to be written? Honestly, probably not. Did I still enjoy every bit of it? Absolutely!
Games Untold is a delightful collection of short stories featuring our favorite characters from The Inheritance Games series. If you’ve ever wanted a glimpse into the lives of the Hawthornes and their friends beyond the main plot, this is the book for you. While the high-stakes puzzles and intrigue are still present, the stories offer a lighter, more "mundane" take on their world—though let’s be real, nothing about the Hawthornes is truly mundane.
I couldn’t help but smile through a good chunk of this book. Jennifer Lynn Barnes does it again, weaving connections that remind you why these characters and their dynamics are so beloved. It’s a fun, breezy read that’s perfect for fans who simply can’t get enough of the series.
That said, the longest story—focusing on Hannah (the same backwards as forward) and Toby—felt repetitive and a bit unnecessary. It slowed the pace compared to the rest of the collection, which otherwise felt sharp and engaging.
Overall, Games Untold is the kind of book that doesn’t need to exist but still manages to make you glad it does. It’s a treat for fans who want more time with these characters and don’t mind trading some of the high-stakes drama for lighthearted, feel-good moments.
Games Untold is a delightful collection of short stories featuring our favorite characters from The Inheritance Games series. If you’ve ever wanted a glimpse into the lives of the Hawthornes and their friends beyond the main plot, this is the book for you. While the high-stakes puzzles and intrigue are still present, the stories offer a lighter, more "mundane" take on their world—though let’s be real, nothing about the Hawthornes is truly mundane.
I couldn’t help but smile through a good chunk of this book. Jennifer Lynn Barnes does it again, weaving connections that remind you why these characters and their dynamics are so beloved. It’s a fun, breezy read that’s perfect for fans who simply can’t get enough of the series.
That said, the longest story—focusing on Hannah (the same backwards as forward) and Toby—felt repetitive and a bit unnecessary. It slowed the pace compared to the rest of the collection, which otherwise felt sharp and engaging.
Overall, Games Untold is the kind of book that doesn’t need to exist but still manages to make you glad it does. It’s a treat for fans who want more time with these characters and don’t mind trading some of the high-stakes drama for lighthearted, feel-good moments.
Songs for the Brokenhearted by Ayelet Tsabari
emotional
informative
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? It's complicated
3.5
One of the most fascinating aspects of Songs for the Brokenhearted is how it immerses you in the vibrant culture of Yemeni Jews and Yemeni Israelis. From the rich descriptions of food and daily life to the deeply emotional storytelling, this book is both an educational journey and a heartfelt narrative.
The main character kept me on my toes throughout the story. At times, I wasn’t sure whether I liked or disliked her, but by the end, her tremendous character growth left a lasting impression. Watching her evolve felt both realistic and rewarding.
The cultural depth is a highlight of this book. While I found myself getting a bit lost in the historical details and the "who’s who" at times (likely because I’m not very familiar with this history), the richness of the setting and traditions more than made up for it. It’s a beautifully crafted portrait of a community that deserves to be explored.
That said, the pacing felt uneven in some sections, and there was a slight repetitiveness that slowed the momentum. However, the strong emotional undertones and the powerful themes kept me engaged throughout.
Overall, Songs for the Brokenhearted is a story that combines history, emotion, and character growth in a meaningful way. While it might resonate best with readers who enjoy exploring lesser-known histories or deeply cultural narratives, I think there’s something here for everyone—whether it’s the rich setting, the emotional depth, or the journey of self-discovery.
The main character kept me on my toes throughout the story. At times, I wasn’t sure whether I liked or disliked her, but by the end, her tremendous character growth left a lasting impression. Watching her evolve felt both realistic and rewarding.
The cultural depth is a highlight of this book. While I found myself getting a bit lost in the historical details and the "who’s who" at times (likely because I’m not very familiar with this history), the richness of the setting and traditions more than made up for it. It’s a beautifully crafted portrait of a community that deserves to be explored.
That said, the pacing felt uneven in some sections, and there was a slight repetitiveness that slowed the momentum. However, the strong emotional undertones and the powerful themes kept me engaged throughout.
Overall, Songs for the Brokenhearted is a story that combines history, emotion, and character growth in a meaningful way. While it might resonate best with readers who enjoy exploring lesser-known histories or deeply cultural narratives, I think there’s something here for everyone—whether it’s the rich setting, the emotional depth, or the journey of self-discovery.
She Waits for You Beyond the Dark by Kristen Simmons
adventurous
dark
funny
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
Here’s a draft for your review:
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She Waits for You Beyond the Dark by Kristen Simmons is a thrilling conclusion to the duology that began with Find Him Where You Left Him Dead, and I’m happy to say it left me feeling completely satisfied.
This second installment had much better pacing than the first, which made it even more enjoyable to read. The continuation of Japanese folklore was just as compelling, and the gruesome, chilling descriptions really brought the story to life. I especially loved how the characters felt so complex—some walked the line between good and bad, creating fascinating dynamics that kept me hooked. And the ending? It delivered exactly what I was hoping for. I’m always a sucker for a well-done ending, and this one hit the mark perfectly.
While I devoured the book and loved so much about it, there were a few parts that I felt could have been written or described a bit better. Nothing major, but it stood out enough to make me pause here and there.
Overall, She Waits for You Beyond the Dark is an intense, satisfying conclusion that ties up the duology beautifully. If you enjoyed the first book, you’ll love where this one takes you.
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She Waits for You Beyond the Dark by Kristen Simmons is a thrilling conclusion to the duology that began with Find Him Where You Left Him Dead, and I’m happy to say it left me feeling completely satisfied.
This second installment had much better pacing than the first, which made it even more enjoyable to read. The continuation of Japanese folklore was just as compelling, and the gruesome, chilling descriptions really brought the story to life. I especially loved how the characters felt so complex—some walked the line between good and bad, creating fascinating dynamics that kept me hooked. And the ending? It delivered exactly what I was hoping for. I’m always a sucker for a well-done ending, and this one hit the mark perfectly.
While I devoured the book and loved so much about it, there were a few parts that I felt could have been written or described a bit better. Nothing major, but it stood out enough to make me pause here and there.
Overall, She Waits for You Beyond the Dark is an intense, satisfying conclusion that ties up the duology beautifully. If you enjoyed the first book, you’ll love where this one takes you.
Find Him Where You Left Him Dead by Kristen Simmons
adventurous
dark
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? It's complicated
3.5
Find Him Where You Left Him Dead by Kristen Simmons is like Jumanji with a Japanese twist—a horror-filled adventure that hooks you right from the start.
The story throws you straight into the action, which I really appreciated. It wastes no time getting to the good stuff, and the mix of horror and Japanese folklore made for an intriguing and unique experience. I loved how the folklore elements were woven into the plot, with detailed explanations that made the world feel rich and authentic. Despite the fast pace, the characters were surprisingly well-developed, which is impressive given how much is happening. I’m definitely curious to see where this series goes next.
That said, the book wasn’t without its challenges. At times, the action was so fast-paced that I felt like I needed a breather to absorb everything. The multiple points of view, while ambitious, often left me confused about who was narrating at any given moment. I think the story would’ve been stronger with either fewer POVs or a bit more clarity in transitions.
Overall, Find Him Where You Left Him Dead is an exciting, fast-paced read that brings something fresh to the YA horror-adventure genre. If you’re into folklore and don’t mind a bit of chaos, it’s worth checking out.
The story throws you straight into the action, which I really appreciated. It wastes no time getting to the good stuff, and the mix of horror and Japanese folklore made for an intriguing and unique experience. I loved how the folklore elements were woven into the plot, with detailed explanations that made the world feel rich and authentic. Despite the fast pace, the characters were surprisingly well-developed, which is impressive given how much is happening. I’m definitely curious to see where this series goes next.
That said, the book wasn’t without its challenges. At times, the action was so fast-paced that I felt like I needed a breather to absorb everything. The multiple points of view, while ambitious, often left me confused about who was narrating at any given moment. I think the story would’ve been stronger with either fewer POVs or a bit more clarity in transitions.
Overall, Find Him Where You Left Him Dead is an exciting, fast-paced read that brings something fresh to the YA horror-adventure genre. If you’re into folklore and don’t mind a bit of chaos, it’s worth checking out.
The Tournament of Heirs by Amilea Perez
slow-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? No
2.0
One of the first things that caught my eye about this book was the incredible effort the author put into her PR boxes and artwork. They’re some of the most beautiful promotional materials I’ve seen, and they reflect the love and care she has for her story. It’s something to be proud of!
Aside from the stunning artwork and bookish goodies, let's talk about the story. This is where my opinion might differ from the majority.
The Tournament of Heirs is labeled as a New Adult Fantasy and marketed as The Hunger Games meets Aztec culture—essentially a dystopian tale with a cultural twist. Personally, I found the story closer to All of Us Villains than The Hunger Games, which might be a better comparison.
As a dystopian novel, it follows a storyline that will feel familiar to many readers, especially those who have read a few books in the genre. While the inclusion of Aztec culture added a unique and intriguing layer, I felt the story struggled to offer something truly fresh or unexpected.
At over 500 pages, the book felt longer than necessary. Some sections were repetitive and overexplained, which slowed the pacing and made it harder to stay fully engaged. With 63% of the book serving as an introduction, the buildup felt too drawn out. Although there were many events, they didn’t always feel like they moved the story forward meaningfully. Additionally, I would have loved more vivid descriptions in certain areas to enhance the setting.
That said, the cultural aspect was wonderful. I loved being immersed in the Aztec-inspired setting—it was vibrant and rich, though I wished for even more depth. The mythology was one of the most fascinating parts of the book and made for an engaging learning experience. I also really enjoyed the dynamics between the siblings, which stood out as one of the strongest elements of the story.
Overall, I think this book might resonate more with readers who are newer to the dystopian genre or those who enjoy a slower, more detailed narrative. Even if it wasn’t entirely for me, I admire how the author brought Aztec mythology to life and portrayed the sibling dynamics so well. All of this could make it a worthwhile read for the right audience.