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ddnreads's reviews
391 reviews
A Bright Heart by Kate Chenli
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
fast-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
4.5
I enjoy this more than I thought I would!!! Imo, this BOOK DESERVES MORE HYPE. WHY AREN'T MORE PEOPLE TALKING ABOUT THIS BOOK?!
It has such a gorgeous cover and the story inside lived up the expectation.
The story followed Shin'ra who died in her first life due to treachery. However, magic took over and she has given a second chance in life. Going back to her past two years prior, she tried to make it right at whatever it takes
Will she be able to alter her destiny? What will the consequences be of having such a great magical power? Will she be ever feel safe???
I love how fast paced and straightforward this book is. The plot is solid and the characters are well written.
I love the character's development also. I root the clever cunning FMC who knows what to do.
I didn't expect I will be swoon by the romance but oh man.... The ✨kisses✨are so well written and sweet and tender yet passionate.
I kinda need Kate Chenli adult fantasy lol 😭😭😭😭
If you're into kingdom fantasy, with black magic and spirit, princes and princesses, seizing throne, brothers who tried to outdo each other, romance, and kingdom politic ladden with betrayal, give this book a go
It has such a gorgeous cover and the story inside lived up the expectation.
The story followed Shin'ra who died in her first life due to treachery. However, magic took over and she has given a second chance in life. Going back to her past two years prior, she tried to make it right at whatever it takes
Will she be able to alter her destiny? What will the consequences be of having such a great magical power? Will she be ever feel safe???
I love how fast paced and straightforward this book is. The plot is solid and the characters are well written.
I love the character's development also. I root the clever cunning FMC who knows what to do.
I didn't expect I will be swoon by the romance but oh man.... The ✨kisses✨are so well written and sweet and tender yet passionate.
I kinda need Kate Chenli adult fantasy lol 😭😭😭😭
If you're into kingdom fantasy, with black magic and spirit, princes and princesses, seizing throne, brothers who tried to outdo each other, romance, and kingdom politic ladden with betrayal, give this book a go
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Murder
Minor: Torture
Things You May Find Hidden in My Ear: Poems from Gaza by Mosab Abu Toha
challenging
dark
reflective
sad
fast-paced
5.0
Angste level: 10/10
The writing: 10/10
💟
The writing: 10/10
💟
Like A Charm by Elle McNicoll
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I didn't put much expectations into this book but it turned out great!!! It's been a while since I enjoyed a middle grade book and the character portrayal isn't what I've used to read.
The story revolved around Ramya, a neurodivergent kid in Edinburgh. I like how the book justified her feelings and how we understand things through her lens. How her parents weren't always accommodating. I treasure the grandad and granddaughter bond🥺🫶🏽
The story was light and enjoyable, have enough depth to be meaningful, exactly what I want to see in a middle grade. It's about how Ramya found magic through her grandad mysterious book. How she got to know the Hidden Folk and the dangers lurking around. She had to get her courage up and fight the evil.
If you're into fantasy, magical beings in modern world, finding the Hidden Folk (vampire, kelpies, and sirens), with a pinch of family bond and drama, give this book a go 💖
The story revolved around Ramya, a neurodivergent kid in Edinburgh. I like how the book justified her feelings and how we understand things through her lens. How her parents weren't always accommodating. I treasure the grandad and granddaughter bond🥺🫶🏽
The story was light and enjoyable, have enough depth to be meaningful, exactly what I want to see in a middle grade. It's about how Ramya found magic through her grandad mysterious book. How she got to know the Hidden Folk and the dangers lurking around. She had to get her courage up and fight the evil.
If you're into fantasy, magical beings in modern world, finding the Hidden Folk (vampire, kelpies, and sirens), with a pinch of family bond and drama, give this book a go 💖
Lights by Brenna Thummler
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I love the Ghostly series with my whole heart 💖💖
Guardians of Dawn: Zhara by S. Jae-Jones
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
2,5 ⭐
My 14yo self might love this book, but the first two chapters (teens reading smut, etc) might contradict the idea.
First, I think the market was overclaim. I was sold by the mention of sailor moon and turned out the story is below my expectations.
The premise is pretty simple. Zhara is a young woman with magical ability in a land where magic was unacknowledged. Her magic turned out to be crucial and greater than what she can imagine. Suprise, turned out there are magicians everywhere. And where there are magicians, there are demons too. Zhara and her friend tried to fight the abomination. She found love and family and group where she belonged to. A light whismical romanfantasy for teens.
It doesn't really suit me.
I found the characters cringey and lack of depth. Xu was the most interesting one. Everyone else's felt one dimensional and typical. Don't get me started with good looking giggles or whatever that is.
The story telling isn't gripping enough to invest with the characters and the plot.
It has such a great potential with the setting and magical ability and the beasts and the abomination. Sadly, for me, it wasn't well executed. The world building is the most exciting idea of this book.
What really turned me off is at the end of this book, the author chose to portray, I believe, one of the KPop idol group. The author didn't even change the group name. I don't know if that's wise to include real life idols in a commercial book. And... I'm not a fan. The exaggerating description of how handsome and awesome was not selling. And Im confuse how in the end they suddenly have a big role toward the plot and follow Zhara's next journey like what's for. It's understandable if u want to put them in a plot as performers, but to include them all the way to the next adventure sounds very childish imo. Nope nope
Im giving this book a second chance bcs I'm still going to read Ami. But if I see those 7 boys out of nowhere I might dnf early.
My 14yo self might love this book, but the first two chapters (teens reading smut, etc) might contradict the idea.
First, I think the market was overclaim. I was sold by the mention of sailor moon and turned out the story is below my expectations.
The premise is pretty simple. Zhara is a young woman with magical ability in a land where magic was unacknowledged. Her magic turned out to be crucial and greater than what she can imagine. Suprise, turned out there are magicians everywhere. And where there are magicians, there are demons too. Zhara and her friend tried to fight the abomination. She found love and family and group where she belonged to. A light whismical romanfantasy for teens.
It doesn't really suit me.
I found the characters cringey and lack of depth. Xu was the most interesting one. Everyone else's felt one dimensional and typical. Don't get me started with good looking giggles or whatever that is.
The story telling isn't gripping enough to invest with the characters and the plot.
It has such a great potential with the setting and magical ability and the beasts and the abomination. Sadly, for me, it wasn't well executed. The world building is the most exciting idea of this book.
What really turned me off is at the end of this book, the author chose to portray, I believe, one of the KPop idol group. The author didn't even change the group name. I don't know if that's wise to include real life idols in a commercial book. And... I'm not a fan. The exaggerating description of how handsome and awesome was not selling. And Im confuse how in the end they suddenly have a big role toward the plot and follow Zhara's next journey like what's for. It's understandable if u want to put them in a plot as performers, but to include them all the way to the next adventure sounds very childish imo. Nope nope
Im giving this book a second chance bcs I'm still going to read Ami. But if I see those 7 boys out of nowhere I might dnf early.
Behind You Is the Sea by Susan Muaddi Darraj
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-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
5.0
Behind You is the Sea is an adult slice of life fiction revolving around Palestinian Americans community in Baltimore. It consists of short stories focusing on one character and the next, finding out as the pages revealed that they know each other. I love this kind of book. The satisfaction of realising who's who is its own sugary treat.
Plotwise, the story stands on its own. You don't have to read them in orderly form.
This debut turned out to be an enjoyable read. Exceeding any of my expectations (which I didn't put much). Definitely looking forward to Susan M. Darraj's future works.
The conflicts are mostly family drama. Some are hopeful, some are bitter, the others make me wonder bcs I want the stories to keep going. We get to see various generations of Palestinians' struggles weaving through their lifes abroad. The different concern is quite striking as we come to aware about the class gap within the community.
It's like peeking through the life of Palestinians as they are. Flaws and all.
I need y'all to read this book to remind that they should have a life as normal as what we're having. Fall in love the way we do. Having family close by to hold into.
I hate how US propaganda and israhell genoci e dehumanize them or forced them to be the perfect heroes. They didn't deserve it one bit. Please keep them in your prayers. Always. ✨
Plotwise, the story stands on its own. You don't have to read them in orderly form.
This debut turned out to be an enjoyable read. Exceeding any of my expectations (which I didn't put much). Definitely looking forward to Susan M. Darraj's future works.
The conflicts are mostly family drama. Some are hopeful, some are bitter, the others make me wonder bcs I want the stories to keep going. We get to see various generations of Palestinians' struggles weaving through their lifes abroad. The different concern is quite striking as we come to aware about the class gap within the community.
It's like peeking through the life of Palestinians as they are. Flaws and all.
I need y'all to read this book to remind that they should have a life as normal as what we're having. Fall in love the way we do. Having family close by to hold into.
I hate how US propaganda and israhell genoci e dehumanize them or forced them to be the perfect heroes. They didn't deserve it one bit. Please keep them in your prayers. Always. ✨
Minor Detail by Adania Shibli
dark
emotional
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
It left me utterly devastated. I'm desperate for the next page. I NEED the author's note. Anything.
If she didn't make it then why am I here.... The first POV didn't help. I'm left hollow and sorrowful.
But probably it portrayed the reality. We don't always get the hopeful ending we're so craving for. This is what happens daily there. This is what will happen to you once you cross the border and try to find the truth.
If she didn't make it then why am I here.... The first POV didn't help. I'm left hollow and sorrowful.
But probably it portrayed the reality. We don't always get the hopeful ending we're so craving for. This is what happens daily there. This is what will happen to you once you cross the border and try to find the truth.
What the River Knows by Isabel Ibañez
adventurous
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
I was so excited with all the marketings, cover, and timeline at the front of this book. However, the reading experience itself is such a let down.
I can't stand the FMC. She's far too naive and gullible. The MMC didn't impressive at all and there's no chemistry between them.
The history has a potential to be better written and make it more exciting. The whole vibe is flat and gloomy and I don't like to be in Inez's head much longer.
There are a lot of plot twists which for me personally, didn't work out. The sacrifice in the end was unnecessary and despite everything they've been through, come in just passing in the end.
Idk I don't understand the author's stand does it mean the characters in this story are another visitors digging up Egypt's rich history and jeweleries??? If indeed the author is with the Egyptians, it would be much better to include native Egyptians in the books, and I don't vibe with the book revolving Egypt mythology without Egyptian characters.
Oh, and the magic system!!!! It could be better written bcs it started off good but didn't really useful when needed in the crucial time.
The only thing I like is how Inez is excellent at drawing.
If you're into character driven story started in Egypt laced with murder mystery and plot twist, with a smallest hint of magic and strangers to lovers romance, you might want to give this book a go.
And please don't buy from Wednesday Books. We're still doing SMP boycott~ thankyou for the arc
I can't stand the FMC. She's far too naive and gullible. The MMC didn't impressive at all and there's no chemistry between them.
The history has a potential to be better written and make it more exciting. The whole vibe is flat and gloomy and I don't like to be in Inez's head much longer.
There are a lot of plot twists which for me personally, didn't work out. The sacrifice in the end was unnecessary and despite everything they've been through, come in just passing in the end.
Idk I don't understand the author's stand does it mean the characters in this story are another visitors digging up Egypt's rich history and jeweleries??? If indeed the author is with the Egyptians, it would be much better to include native Egyptians in the books, and I don't vibe with the book revolving Egypt mythology without Egyptian characters.
Oh, and the magic system!!!! It could be better written bcs it started off good but didn't really useful when needed in the crucial time.
The only thing I like is how Inez is excellent at drawing.
If you're into character driven story started in Egypt laced with murder mystery and plot twist, with a smallest hint of magic and strangers to lovers romance, you might want to give this book a go.
And please don't buy from Wednesday Books. We're still doing SMP boycott~ thankyou for the arc
Against the Loveless World by Susan Abulhawa
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-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
5.0
My heart ache for Nahr and Bilal 🥺🥺
But this book is much more than the love story of Nahr and Bilal (eventhough their love is extraordinarily tender and healing).
Unputdownable and sharp, Against the Loveless World told a life of a woman who tried to find her way among the generational trauma of colonialism, refugee, and occupation.
I love how the characters are flawed. How bare and jarring they told their lives. I love the raw honesty, the swearing, the curses.
This is a feminist book in its own way.
I wept for the love mothers share. Their toughness through the worst of conditions. They're the real world's strongest soldiers.
But this book is much more than the love story of Nahr and Bilal (eventhough their love is extraordinarily tender and healing).
Unputdownable and sharp, Against the Loveless World told a life of a woman who tried to find her way among the generational trauma of colonialism, refugee, and occupation.
I love how the characters are flawed. How bare and jarring they told their lives. I love the raw honesty, the swearing, the curses.
This is a feminist book in its own way.
I wept for the love mothers share. Their toughness through the worst of conditions. They're the real world's strongest soldiers.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Cursing, Deadnaming, Domestic abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Violence, Police brutality, Islamophobia, Grief, Murder, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, War, and Deportation
America is a Zoo by Andre Soares
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-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? It's complicated
3.75
America is A Zoo is a sharp satirical literary fiction mirroring the debauchery of United States. In short, under a secret operation, a special chemical turn the govt officials into animals. It personified each person with different animal and lead the country into progressive change. The politicians, combined with their beastly desires, delivered their sins one by one.
As the page turned, we've got to see the background and significant figure behind the operation. This book tackled the bad stereotypes and terrorism narratives placed upon Muslim and Black people.
Personally, I wouldn't say this book is a light read. It's that kind of food for thought and I think I need someone to discuss the content. Definitely not English beginning friendly. It will be much more compelling if you're following US political dynamics. I don't, but I get the whole message it tried to send through (I felt like it mirrored my own gov system lol)
The science was too good to be true, and sometimes I lost in the process of who's who.
Bottom line, I know that this is a well researched book. Still enjoyable despite the heavy theme.
The message was strong and well delivered.
What I don't really get is the self-insertion the author did . It didn't vibe well😅
If you like book about politic, secret operation agents, satirical work, give this book a go!!!!
Thank you Process Protocol LLC and netgalley for the arc. I had so much fun and can't wait to browse and dive further in America is a zoo dot com
As the page turned, we've got to see the background and significant figure behind the operation. This book tackled the bad stereotypes and terrorism narratives placed upon Muslim and Black people.
Personally, I wouldn't say this book is a light read. It's that kind of food for thought and I think I need someone to discuss the content. Definitely not English beginning friendly. It will be much more compelling if you're following US political dynamics. I don't, but I get the whole message it tried to send through (I felt like it mirrored my own gov system lol)
The science was too good to be true, and sometimes I lost in the process of who's who.
Bottom line, I know that this is a well researched book. Still enjoyable despite the heavy theme.
The message was strong and well delivered.
What I don't really get is the self-insertion the author did . It didn't vibe well😅
If you like book about politic, secret operation agents, satirical work, give this book a go!!!!
Thank you Process Protocol LLC and netgalley for the arc. I had so much fun and can't wait to browse and dive further in America is a zoo dot com
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Death, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Vomit, Murder, Colonisation, and Classism
Moderate: Rape and Xenophobia