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ddnreads's reviews
397 reviews
Paola Santiago and the Sanctuary of Shadows by Tehlor Kay Mejia
Well, this third installment of Paola Santiago series makes me feel a lot of things.
Packed not only with thrilling actions but also roller coaster EMOTIONS.
It explored the nightmare itself. The pain and despair. Despite the name, El Cucuy, the monster under your bed wasn't a laughing tale at all. Pao need not only her wits to win, but also a strong heart in which she won't be succumbed to fight her worst nightmare. For a 13yo girl, she was brave beyond reasons.
What I like:
Things I guess could be better:
All and all, I like it a lot. I love the series, and I dont think I'd be able to shut up about this book in the near future
💜💜💜
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
Good is what you do, not who you are.
Well, this third installment of Paola Santiago series makes me feel a lot of things.
Packed not only with thrilling actions but also roller coaster EMOTIONS.
It explored the nightmare itself. The pain and despair. Despite the name, El Cucuy, the monster under your bed wasn't a laughing tale at all. Pao need not only her wits to win, but also a strong heart in which she won't be succumbed to fight her worst nightmare. For a 13yo girl, she was brave beyond reasons.
What I like:
- The feelings described and how Pao dealt with them. Her character development. She grows without really losing herself (if that make sense). Still quick witted and stubborn, Pao waved her way throughout this adventure with a bunch of more emotions and feelings.
- The appearance of Emma and the open-minded gangs, The Rogue, was a nice additional touch.
- Pao and Dante's dynamics. I love how it ended between them. The fraternity which was built since book 1 paid off. Their interaction was always intense, and that's what make it good.
- The community value 💜 we call them 'gotong royong' here. Checkin on with your neighbour, friends, and move as a team.
Things I guess could be better:
- I always love how Pao and Emma friendship works. However, the chemistry was lacking if you put them in a romantic feeling. It was just so sudden, and I saw that this book tried very hard to made it believable(?)
- DANTE. I'd love to see his POV really. For someone with that complicated characteristic, for everything he had to endure, the traumas, and his past. Everything. Even after what happened in the book, I guess that could be more.
- The ending felt a bit rush and there are so much to take in. I dont understand how the magic worked for that particular occurance.
All and all, I like it a lot. I love the series, and I dont think I'd be able to shut up about this book in the near future
💜💜💜
Sea Prayer by Khaled Hosseini
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
sad
4.75
Finished in one sitting and everything's about this book is mesmerizing🥺
Lingering on spectacular illustration and powerful words. A worthy collection💜
And yes I wish it was longer:" so goooooodddd
Lingering on spectacular illustration and powerful words. A worthy collection💜
And yes I wish it was longer:" so goooooodddd
Instant Karma by Marissa Meyer
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.75
Oh my gosh the book's so good. It has strong and solid characteristic. An over-achiever girl vs passionate easy going friendly boy who loves wildlife photography. Blending in the animal rescue centre, business, and social sanction, the dynamic was just perfect. The train of thought, and slow burn. The love's building inch by inch and OMG THEY'RE SO CUTE WKWKWWK if you love My Mechanical Romance, I think you'll love this.
The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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? No
5.0
I used to overlook TLH since I like SoN much better. But then, when I reread, I savoured every interactions and clues. I highlighted Jason, Piper, Leo dynamic more. I admired their personalities and the jokes Leo threw here and there.
OH, and I searched the place references in real life. So much fun!!!
OH, and I searched the place references in real life. So much fun!!!
Sweet Bean Paste by Durian Sukegawa
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.5
An evocative, heartwarming book with well written characters.
It revolved around the meaning of life told in smooth unpatronizing tone. There are lots of connotations and proverbs, a beautiful work.
It also discussed the Hanshen's disease, a used to be taboo topic in Japan, due to its historical conflict.
Light yet deep and meaningful💓
It revolved around the meaning of life told in smooth unpatronizing tone. There are lots of connotations and proverbs, a beautiful work.
It also discussed the Hanshen's disease, a used to be taboo topic in Japan, due to its historical conflict.
Light yet deep and meaningful💓
Spin the Dawn by Elizabeth Lim
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
I read this after I finished Six Crimson Cranes duology. It has similar universe, but in much much future timeline. You dont have to read SCC first, but it would be better if you do.
The story was beautifully written. Mulan inspired but the obsession is to become the imperial tailor. Laced with magic and spellwork, court intrigue, BEAUTIFUL DRESSES, and great love dynamic. Oh, DEMONS AND BITTERSWEET END.
I love Edan. I love Maia. I love how Maia loves her family. Her courage.
It was atmospheric. Fast paced, and super enjoyable. The language used were quite poetic. The world building never fails me. Actions packed you wont be bored.
If you're looking for Asian inspired romance fantasy, with strong courageous female MC, and great characters dynamic, this book is perfect for you💓
The story was beautifully written. Mulan inspired but the obsession is to become the imperial tailor. Laced with magic and spellwork, court intrigue, BEAUTIFUL DRESSES, and great love dynamic. Oh, DEMONS AND BITTERSWEET END.
I love Edan. I love Maia. I love how Maia loves her family. Her courage.
It was atmospheric. Fast paced, and super enjoyable. The language used were quite poetic. The world building never fails me. Actions packed you wont be bored.
If you're looking for Asian inspired romance fantasy, with strong courageous female MC, and great characters dynamic, this book is perfect for you💓
The Vegetarian by Han Kang
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I just don't get it. Guess this is not my cup of tea. It is intriguing and talks a lot about social pressure, starting from family. Eating disorder. Unstable mental condition. Sisterhood and the shoulder as a first child. Traumatic experience. I'm just unable to process them through.
The Lost Hero: The Graphic Novel by Robert Venditti, Rick Riordan
adventurous
challenging
funny
lighthearted
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? No
4.75
I love the illustration so much. It sums up the story pretty well 😍
Aru Shah and the End of Time (The Graphic Novel) by Roshani Chokshi, Anu Chouhan
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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? N/A
5.0
Our Women on the Ground: Essays by Arab Women Reporting from the Arab World by Zahra Hankir
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
I love this so much. Hooked since the very first essay. This is my first attempt of reading a nonfict after many months, and I didnt regret it one bit to give it a try.
These essays are admiring. The struggle of these women journalists faced were acutely heart wrenching. But they keep striving. Even if it's hard. Even if it's one breath away from the death. They keep on going.
The part about loss and love were the hardest to finish. The resilience ones were my personal favorite.
Im lucky to have read this book. It's eye opening for me, and push me to do more. To do better.
Syukron ukhti💓💓💓
These essays are admiring. The struggle of these women journalists faced were acutely heart wrenching. But they keep striving. Even if it's hard. Even if it's one breath away from the death. They keep on going.
The part about loss and love were the hardest to finish. The resilience ones were my personal favorite.
Im lucky to have read this book. It's eye opening for me, and push me to do more. To do better.
Syukron ukhti💓💓💓