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ddnreads's reviews
391 reviews
The Will of the Many by James Islington
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I'm so happy that the first book I read in 2024 is such a banger!!!!
I love LOVE well written characters and neat intriguing plot. I DON'T KNOW WHO TO TRUST THEY CAN GRAB THE OSCAR FOR ACTING istg. It's combined with deceptions, clever problem solution meet manipulative alibi and plot twist.
When ppl said it's Roman inspired dark academia fantasy, I couldn't agree more. It might quite hard to grasp at the beginning and the Roman terms didn't help either. HOWEVER, it gets so much better. The storytelling was solid and gripping. It took the time its need to properly develop sense for future plot. Action-packed and challenging.
The story follows Vis, an orphan with interesting background. He was adopted by a Quintus (several rank higher) after showing the understanding ability in ancient language. Vis is definitely "never boring". Throughout the book Vis excel his ability in every aspect matters to the Cantenan Academy. The said Academy was told in the second half of the book. It was the place where people of power in Canten prepare their children to go to work at the senate.
THIS IS WHERE THINGS GET EXTRA INTERESTING ๐ฅบ
The Academy was full of hidden agendas. Hidden places. It has bloody history and on going mystery.
I love how Vis manuever from one event to another. They way he covers up was great ๐
Ofc there's going to be rebellious group, greedy government, power hungry actors ๐
I love it. I need book 2 to release asap!!!!
I love LOVE well written characters and neat intriguing plot. I DON'T KNOW WHO TO TRUST THEY CAN GRAB THE OSCAR FOR ACTING istg. It's combined with deceptions, clever problem solution meet manipulative alibi and plot twist.
When ppl said it's Roman inspired dark academia fantasy, I couldn't agree more. It might quite hard to grasp at the beginning and the Roman terms didn't help either. HOWEVER, it gets so much better. The storytelling was solid and gripping. It took the time its need to properly develop sense for future plot. Action-packed and challenging.
The story follows Vis, an orphan with interesting background. He was adopted by a Quintus (several rank higher) after showing the understanding ability in ancient language. Vis is definitely "never boring". Throughout the book Vis excel his ability in every aspect matters to the Cantenan Academy. The said Academy was told in the second half of the book. It was the place where people of power in Canten prepare their children to go to work at the senate.
THIS IS WHERE THINGS GET EXTRA INTERESTING ๐ฅบ
The Academy was full of hidden agendas. Hidden places. It has bloody history and on going mystery.
I love how Vis manuever from one event to another. They way he covers up was great ๐
Ofc there's going to be rebellious group, greedy government, power hungry actors ๐
I love it. I need book 2 to release asap!!!!
Tales of the Celestial Kingdom by Sue Lynn Tan
adventurous
emotional
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
I LOVE IT!!!!
The spin off gave us closure of things happening during the duology of Celestial Kingdoms books. Consisting of different POVs, we glimpsed the feelings deeper of each character. It's nice to know the story of Chang'e and Houyi and the decision that led them to the start of this duology. We also got Liwei's, Whenzi's, and Shuxiao's POVs, as well as EPILOGUE!!!!
Please read this after you finish reading the duology, bcs there will be major spoilers if you hadn't.
The writing style is indeed admirable. It's comforting, warms and beautiful!!!
Thank you for the arc in exchange for honest review ๐ซถ๐ฝ
The spin off gave us closure of things happening during the duology of Celestial Kingdoms books. Consisting of different POVs, we glimpsed the feelings deeper of each character. It's nice to know the story of Chang'e and Houyi and the decision that led them to the start of this duology. We also got Liwei's, Whenzi's, and Shuxiao's POVs, as well as EPILOGUE!!!!
Please read this after you finish reading the duology, bcs there will be major spoilers if you hadn't.
The writing style is indeed admirable. It's comforting, warms and beautiful!!!
Thank you for the arc in exchange for honest review ๐ซถ๐ฝ
Others Were Emeralds by Lang Leav
emotional
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.5
I love the premise and this book exceeding my expectation. The story set in 90s Australia, following a high schooler named Ai.
I grow fond of this book gradually. I didn't put up much expectations on the beginning, as it revolved around the friendship and high school romance drama. However, it's getting more intriguing bcs the "drama" itself created huge misunderstanding and regrets later in the story. There are layers about fitting in, self actualisation, jealousy, and acceptances mixing in their high school life. The dynamics of somewhat complicated friendship is well written.
Ai and her family were Asian (Cambodia) who had to move to Australia to save their lives. There was a huge Asian immigrants and refugees taking shelter in Australia and how they face racism on daily basis. I wasn't aware of this issue before and this book gave me a glimpse on how bad it could be. Yes, it talked about racism, fighting the said racism, and surviving. The unfairness is heart breaking.
I love how this book takes its time to explore grief and loss. And regrets. And shattered dreams. I love how the closure wasn't rushed. It fits the pieces perfectly.
At the end, I grow fondly emotional with the characters and how their lifes turned out.
If you're into hard coming of age, exploring grief and friendship and love, and misunderstanding as well as facing racism, give this book a go.
Thanks so much for the arc ๐๐ซถ๐ฝ๐ซถ๐ฝ
I grow fond of this book gradually. I didn't put up much expectations on the beginning, as it revolved around the friendship and high school romance drama. However, it's getting more intriguing bcs the "drama" itself created huge misunderstanding and regrets later in the story. There are layers about fitting in, self actualisation, jealousy, and acceptances mixing in their high school life. The dynamics of somewhat complicated friendship is well written.
Ai and her family were Asian (Cambodia) who had to move to Australia to save their lives. There was a huge Asian immigrants and refugees taking shelter in Australia and how they face racism on daily basis. I wasn't aware of this issue before and this book gave me a glimpse on how bad it could be. Yes, it talked about racism, fighting the said racism, and surviving. The unfairness is heart breaking.
I love how this book takes its time to explore grief and loss. And regrets. And shattered dreams. I love how the closure wasn't rushed. It fits the pieces perfectly.
At the end, I grow fondly emotional with the characters and how their lifes turned out.
If you're into hard coming of age, exploring grief and friendship and love, and misunderstanding as well as facing racism, give this book a go.
Thanks so much for the arc ๐๐ซถ๐ฝ๐ซถ๐ฝ
The Misfits #1: A Royal Conundrum by Lisa Yee
adventurous
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
4.0
I adore this book. Very suitable for middle graders out there to find their places, bravery and acceptance.
This story follows Olive, who feel she didn't belong with everyone else in her school. Her super busy parents, then put her in RASCH. School for everyone where what matters is not your grade, but your creativity, attitude, teamwork. It's like no other school outside.
At RASCH, Olive gradually found her place and her people. And what's better? She was chosen as one of the elite groups to work undercover helping to solve the crime. When RASCH is on the brink of collapse and a notorious thief is out there, Olive and her team (Phil, Theo, James, Iggy,Modest, Monica) put into action and helped RASCH secure its place.
What I love:
- the school atmosphere, and their teachers!!!
- the characters were quite solid and well written.
- the plot was taking it easy to introduce everything. The pace was uite slow but not that bothering.
What I think could be written better:
- Phil and her unbelievable tools. It's way WAAAAYYY too convenient it's lessen the thrill๐
- the heist and how the dots were connected.
- the ending. I love it, but it just felt rushy the things with Olive parents turned out to be.
Overall, I enjoy the books a lot and children 9-14yo might feel the same way!!!
This story follows Olive, who feel she didn't belong with everyone else in her school. Her super busy parents, then put her in RASCH. School for everyone where what matters is not your grade, but your creativity, attitude, teamwork. It's like no other school outside.
At RASCH, Olive gradually found her place and her people. And what's better? She was chosen as one of the elite groups to work undercover helping to solve the crime. When RASCH is on the brink of collapse and a notorious thief is out there, Olive and her team (Phil, Theo, James, Iggy,Modest, Monica) put into action and helped RASCH secure its place.
What I love:
- the school atmosphere, and their teachers!!!
- the characters were quite solid and well written.
- the plot was taking it easy to introduce everything. The pace was uite slow but not that bothering.
What I think could be written better:
- Phil and her unbelievable tools. It's way WAAAAYYY too convenient it's lessen the thrill๐
- the heist and how the dots were connected.
- the ending. I love it, but it just felt rushy the things with Olive parents turned out to be.
Overall, I enjoy the books a lot and children 9-14yo might feel the same way!!!
The Kindness Booth by Laura K. Murray
funny
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
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
4.5
"Kindness tend to spread."
I love how heartwarming this book is.
It teaches young kids how to be kind and how it will affect your life.
Definitely a fan of the artsyle and color combination!!!!!
I love how heartwarming this book is.
It teaches young kids how to be kind and how it will affect your life.
Definitely a fan of the artsyle and color combination!!!!!
Heaven by Mieko Kawakami
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It took me 2 days to finish this book and 4 days later to write a review. What I can come up with is โจnggilaniโจ.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
The Sun and the Void by Gabriela Romero Lacruz
adventurous
dark
tense
slow-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
3.0
Wow there are a lot to unpack. I love the premise, but unfortunately I couldn't engage well with how the story goes. For me personally, the pace was way to slow and one of the prominent character came a bit late. The introduction (?) was just too long and there are too much info dumping. The number of characters and world building is overwhelming and idk some of it made me uncomfortable. I don't mind with unhingedness, but this one is just not it. It's a me problem. However, I don't miss its cleverness on giving one or two slaps about unfairness in society. If you're into a strong female MC who crawl her way and getting manipulated and still go on with her journey and sapphic, and warring gods, give this book a go. Powerful female as heroes and villain.
Thanks for giving me the arc in exchange for honest review ๐ซถ๐ฝ
Thanks for giving me the arc in exchange for honest review ๐ซถ๐ฝ
The Lightning Circle by Vikki VanSickle
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
I love this kind of book. Told in beautiful verses, The Lightning Circle is a soft coming of age story of girls in a summer camp. I wish I had one. As we flipped the pages, we got to know each camp better and resonate with them. It's a found family at its core. I love how these girls found home in eachother. I love how they perfectly safe and sound in the environment. If you've never been to Summer camp, this book might just convinced you to take a shot. I love how it was written. The verses are beautiful โค๏ธ
Cities of Women by Kathleen B. Jones
emotional
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.0
The premise was very promising, and the book turned out to be beautifully written.
It started with dual POV and dual timeline (which I don't mind). We're introduced to Verity, a historian who focused on women's contribution in medieval era.
I enjoy the dual POV so much especially diving into Beatrice's mind thousands years ago.
I admitted that the book is well researched. However, some ppl might not enjoy the info dumping (I don't mind).
The pace is quite inconsistent to my liking.
If the premise suits your taste, give it a go.
It started with dual POV and dual timeline (which I don't mind). We're introduced to Verity, a historian who focused on women's contribution in medieval era.
I enjoy the dual POV so much especially diving into Beatrice's mind thousands years ago.
I admitted that the book is well researched. However, some ppl might not enjoy the info dumping (I don't mind).
The pace is quite inconsistent to my liking.
If the premise suits your taste, give it a go.
What You Are Looking For Is in the Library by Michiko Aoyama
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I LOVE IT I FINISHED IT IN ONE DAY!!!
I didn't realise I would enjoy it as much as I felt right now. The story telling flew effortlessly and it was very heartwarming ๐ฅบ๐ฅบ๐ฅบ there are lessons on everyone's journey.
So, this book has 5 chapter. Each chapter has different pov BUT they connect one way or another. As an acquittance, friends, ex co workers, etc. What makes it more beautiful is that ALL OF THEM WENT TO THE LIBRARY AND THE SUBTLE LIFE CHANGING THEY EXPERIENCE IS PRICELESS.
I adore how the author manage to get me hooked from the 5 diff povs. We're seeing from the first person pov on every chapter. The distinctive characterization was clear. They all have solid personality. It got me care for them and happy once they get a betterment in any form.
As a 25+ reader, this slice of life book hits too close to home. I reflect soooo many things from these characters. It talked about works and dreams, and it opened a vast hopeful opportunity to still "live" your life as you grow older. Do not let age limit what you want and can do.
I'm not even 30, but I feel old already. I get anxious easily about the future and what if I can settle down the way other people are able to achieve. What if my work is not enough for me to live the old age. Not to mention the age limit to apply for a new job in my country in very very young (mostly 27yo). When I say this book is an eye opening, I'm not exaggerating. It warms me to be able to reflect that life goes on, and the playground is big. When you're forty, it could be you're about to start ๐๐ซถ๐ฝ
I love it so much!!!
I love the English translation, too. Turn out the translator is the same of Sweet Bean Paste (which I also happen to like)!!!
I didn't realise I would enjoy it as much as I felt right now. The story telling flew effortlessly and it was very heartwarming ๐ฅบ๐ฅบ๐ฅบ there are lessons on everyone's journey.
So, this book has 5 chapter. Each chapter has different pov BUT they connect one way or another. As an acquittance, friends, ex co workers, etc. What makes it more beautiful is that ALL OF THEM WENT TO THE LIBRARY AND THE SUBTLE LIFE CHANGING THEY EXPERIENCE IS PRICELESS.
I adore how the author manage to get me hooked from the 5 diff povs. We're seeing from the first person pov on every chapter. The distinctive characterization was clear. They all have solid personality. It got me care for them and happy once they get a betterment in any form.
As a 25+ reader, this slice of life book hits too close to home. I reflect soooo many things from these characters. It talked about works and dreams, and it opened a vast hopeful opportunity to still "live" your life as you grow older. Do not let age limit what you want and can do.
I'm not even 30, but I feel old already. I get anxious easily about the future and what if I can settle down the way other people are able to achieve. What if my work is not enough for me to live the old age. Not to mention the age limit to apply for a new job in my country in very very young (mostly 27yo). When I say this book is an eye opening, I'm not exaggerating. It warms me to be able to reflect that life goes on, and the playground is big. When you're forty, it could be you're about to start ๐๐ซถ๐ฝ
I love it so much!!!
I love the English translation, too. Turn out the translator is the same of Sweet Bean Paste (which I also happen to like)!!!