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ddnreads's reviews
391 reviews
Once Upon a Broken Heart by Stephanie Garber
adventurous
hopeful
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.0
I like the first 25% of the book. It was SOOOO atmospheric and magical. A romantasy at its core. I love the world building. The characterization is quite solid as it unfold the background of each throughout the book.
However, since there's only one pov, Eva, I got frustrated a lot nearing the end of the book π
She was just so naive and indecisive. I can't really connect with her idea of love of how she loves the idea of loving itself (?)
She trusted the wrong person all the time even if it's crystal clear what she should and shouldn't do. The magic system is unclear and oversimplified (with the potion and spells. U don't have to really master anything to do it)
I can't stand her. I said what I said.
If you're not familiar with fantasy, and would love to try reading one, this book is a perfect choice.
If you're into romance but you want it to be fantastical and whimsical, this one is highly recommended.
It's a romantasy at its core. Ball gowns, pretty girls and boys, simple magic system, princess, princes, kings, queens, kingdoms and exaggeratetion of love.
Give it a go if it suits your taste.
However, since there's only one pov, Eva, I got frustrated a lot nearing the end of the book π
She was just so naive and indecisive. I can't really connect with her idea of love of how she loves the idea of loving itself (?)
She trusted the wrong person all the time even if it's crystal clear what she should and shouldn't do. The magic system is unclear and oversimplified (with the potion and spells. U don't have to really master anything to do it)
I can't stand her. I said what I said.
If you're not familiar with fantasy, and would love to try reading one, this book is a perfect choice.
If you're into romance but you want it to be fantastical and whimsical, this one is highly recommended.
It's a romantasy at its core. Ball gowns, pretty girls and boys, simple magic system, princess, princes, kings, queens, kingdoms and exaggeratetion of love.
Give it a go if it suits your taste.
Continental Drifter by Kathy MacLeod
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
3.5
This is a love letter to Kathy's younger self. I have so much feelings rn after finishing this book. I love how the things she wrote make it true to the future (never beat an Asian mom).
I wanted to hug 11yo Kathy, Idk I feel sad for her π I understand her loneliness. This is a book about fitting in, be honest with your younger self even though it's hard. It made me realize that no family is perfect either:"
THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT (Jennie lives her American dream yay, and sorry about your dad:") AND THE PICTURES ARE SOOOO PRECIOUS ππ
I wanted to hug 11yo Kathy, Idk I feel sad for her π I understand her loneliness. This is a book about fitting in, be honest with your younger self even though it's hard. It made me realize that no family is perfect either:"
THE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT (Jennie lives her American dream yay, and sorry about your dad:") AND THE PICTURES ARE SOOOO PRECIOUS ππ
A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
5.0
I LOVE IT. I love it when the main character is a clever, cunning, morally grey woman. I love it when they have platonic love. I love it when there are layers of antagonizing colonialization and tackling one or two real life issues with the power houses. I love it when they have slow burn romance as the subplot (with other characters). It's a well-written fantasy of heist and found family.
Everyone has their own background and the main 5 characters are lovable, and the world building is nicely described. I need to visit Spindrift and order a cup or two. Yes, the writing is (typical Hafsah) very atmospheric.
The story plot itself is very gripping. From start to finish, layers upon layers of alibis and plot twists:))))
(I kinda need book 2 right now!!!)
This is a story about a society of thugs, aristocrat, and vampires running a country. It's a fight against powerhouse to keep on living from what they've built bricks to bricks. 5 creatures who didn't really trust one another securing an important evidence of savagery acts. It bleeds betrayal and tricks.
Heard that this book sit on B&N an WS front page? Well deserved indeedπ
It makes me want to re-read Sands of Arawiya duology :)))
And NO you don't have to read Sand of Arawiya first before diving into this story, but I bet you would want to read Sands of Arawiya duology after reading this π₯°π₯°π₯°
If you love beautiful writing with anti-hero main characters, clever plot, and Six of Crows, go read this book!!!!!!!
Everyone has their own background and the main 5 characters are lovable, and the world building is nicely described. I need to visit Spindrift and order a cup or two. Yes, the writing is (typical Hafsah) very atmospheric.
The story plot itself is very gripping. From start to finish, layers upon layers of alibis and plot twists:))))
(I kinda need book 2 right now!!!)
This is a story about a society of thugs, aristocrat, and vampires running a country. It's a fight against powerhouse to keep on living from what they've built bricks to bricks. 5 creatures who didn't really trust one another securing an important evidence of savagery acts. It bleeds betrayal and tricks.
Heard that this book sit on B&N an WS front page? Well deserved indeedπ
It makes me want to re-read Sands of Arawiya duology :)))
And NO you don't have to read Sand of Arawiya first before diving into this story, but I bet you would want to read Sands of Arawiya duology after reading this π₯°π₯°π₯°
If you love beautiful writing with anti-hero main characters, clever plot, and Six of Crows, go read this book!!!!!!!
Science Comics: Elephants: Living Large by Falynn Koch, Jason Viola
adventurous
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
I love it so muchhhππ«Άπ½ The art style, the colours, the concept. I learn a lot about elephants and I think they're massively impressive. I just know that they have such a rich community π₯Ί I love it I love it
The Scarlet Alchemist by Kylie Lee Baker
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I love it. It offered a perfect combination of action and pace. It didn't let you sleep.
The characters are well written. They have significant trait that's make it bearable throughout the story. A pinch of jokes and sassines here and there. OH THE EMPRESS. I love it when woman right, but I like it even more when woman wrong. Clever, sadistic, and ten steps ahead. AND THE PRINCE HIMBO!!!! π£π£π£
Go pick up this book if you like an alternate universe of Tang dynasty, dead bodies come to life, PLOT TWIST, gripping story telling, kingdom political intrigue, with thick lines of sibling love and romance. Historical trivias here and there. Highly recommended!!!
The characters are well written. They have significant trait that's make it bearable throughout the story. A pinch of jokes and sassines here and there. OH THE EMPRESS. I love it when woman right, but I like it even more when woman wrong. Clever, sadistic, and ten steps ahead. AND THE PRINCE HIMBO!!!! π£π£π£
Go pick up this book if you like an alternate universe of Tang dynasty, dead bodies come to life, PLOT TWIST, gripping story telling, kingdom political intrigue, with thick lines of sibling love and romance. Historical trivias here and there. Highly recommended!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Child death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Colonisation, and Classism
Minor: Torture
The Chalice of the Gods by Rick Riordan
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I LOVE IT WITH MY WHOLE ORGANS
This book is for every PARCABETH Stan out there!!!
I love it soooo soooooo muchhhh
When Percy got to do mundane things and being extremely sarcastic about it
Percy got to spend a normal dinner
Percy to get closer to his family
Percy being bucin to Annabeth
This book is for every PARCABETH Stan out there!!!
I love it soooo soooooo muchhhh
When Percy got to do mundane things and being extremely sarcastic about it
Percy got to spend a normal dinner
Percy to get closer to his family
Percy being bucin to Annabeth
Didn't See That Coming by Jesse Q. Sutanto
emotional
funny
inspiring
tense
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
4.5
POOR KIKI!!!!
OVERALL I LOVE IT
High school romance is definitely my jam. BUT high school romance in JAKARTA?! sign me up!!!
I love how this book managed to wove online gaming sexism, cyber bullying, school bullying, and mysoginistic into a still sweet tender love story. A story of becoming a woman. Of becoming unapologetically YOU. Of a girl stands up on herself and managed to find courage with her friends.
F*** the racist mysoginistic school that only want to SAVE FACE among other bullying problems. Sadly, it happened a lot in Indonesia, and it reflected clearly here. I love love how Kiki finally take "revenge" on this.
Oh my sweet green flag boyπ«Άπ½π«Άπ½π«Άπ½
Hope u rot in hell for those red flags boys yikes
If you're into gaming, high school romance, friends to lovers, and problematic school, give this book a go!!! ππππ
Ps. It's a standalone book. However, if you have read Well That Was Unexpected, you'll find one or two familiar names here. EVEN IF YOI HAVEN'T (bcs I haven't too), it's okay. The story is still very much understandable and enjoyable.
OVERALL I LOVE IT
High school romance is definitely my jam. BUT high school romance in JAKARTA?! sign me up!!!
I love how this book managed to wove online gaming sexism, cyber bullying, school bullying, and mysoginistic into a still sweet tender love story. A story of becoming a woman. Of becoming unapologetically YOU. Of a girl stands up on herself and managed to find courage with her friends.
F*** the racist mysoginistic school that only want to SAVE FACE among other bullying problems. Sadly, it happened a lot in Indonesia, and it reflected clearly here. I love love how Kiki finally take "revenge" on this.
Oh my sweet green flag boyπ«Άπ½π«Άπ½π«Άπ½
Hope u rot in hell for those red flags boys yikes
If you're into gaming, high school romance, friends to lovers, and problematic school, give this book a go!!! ππππ
Ps. It's a standalone book. However, if you have read Well That Was Unexpected, you'll find one or two familiar names here. EVEN IF YOI HAVEN'T (bcs I haven't too), it's okay. The story is still very much understandable and enjoyable.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Emotional abuse
The Spirit Glass by Roshani Chokshi
adventurous
funny
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
4.0
Things I love:
SASO!!!!!!
THE HOUSE!!!!
I always always admire Roshani Chokshi's way of stitching the words. She made them alive. It's funny, sassy, beautifully written and the concept with the spirit glass is good. The Filipino's folktale comes to lifeπ«Άπ½π«Άπ½
Middle graders out there will love this!!!
SASO!!!!!!
THE HOUSE!!!!
I always always admire Roshani Chokshi's way of stitching the words. She made them alive. It's funny, sassy, beautifully written and the concept with the spirit glass is good. The Filipino's folktale comes to lifeπ«Άπ½π«Άπ½
Middle graders out there will love this!!!
Penaka by Altami N.D.
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
An easy 5 β
PENAKA takes on the most unique perspectives on how to navigate a young marriage life. Building a family tears by tears.
But WHAT IF.... Something happened and you woke up as a...bottle water? This pinch of fantasy intrigued me so much and now I get all those well deserved hype!!!!
PENAKA is a roller coaster ride filled with self actualisation, sacrifices, and compromise. It's raw, sharp, and lovely. Salted with generational trauma, it revolved around how family works. It captured perfectly how frantic a mother's love is. How hard a father has to work. How parents were children once. The imperfection of it all matters.
A super fresh premise deliciously well executed. It made me clenched my teeth, giggling, blushing, and teary eyed. It played with my emotion. I LITERALLY COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN. Modern and super relatable. I can picture them perfectly as the couple next door.
Seamlessly woven plot, super page turner, realistic flawed characters, Penaka is definitely my best read on September πππ I LOVE IT!!!!
PENAKA takes on the most unique perspectives on how to navigate a young marriage life. Building a family tears by tears.
But WHAT IF.... Something happened and you woke up as a...bottle water? This pinch of fantasy intrigued me so much and now I get all those well deserved hype!!!!
PENAKA is a roller coaster ride filled with self actualisation, sacrifices, and compromise. It's raw, sharp, and lovely. Salted with generational trauma, it revolved around how family works. It captured perfectly how frantic a mother's love is. How hard a father has to work. How parents were children once. The imperfection of it all matters.
A super fresh premise deliciously well executed. It made me clenched my teeth, giggling, blushing, and teary eyed. It played with my emotion. I LITERALLY COULDN'T PUT IT DOWN. Modern and super relatable. I can picture them perfectly as the couple next door.
Seamlessly woven plot, super page turner, realistic flawed characters, Penaka is definitely my best read on September πππ I LOVE IT!!!!
Survival Takes a Wild Imagination by Fariha RΓ³isΓn
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
2.5
This work is soooo unhinged (affectionate)
It captured the pain of generational trauma, of being a daughter, of living in a colonized country.
It revolved around self discovery journey, and nature.
It's rich in culture and felt personal.
Honestly, it's hard to finish this poetry book πππ
It's heavy for me~
Thanks for the arc!!!
It captured the pain of generational trauma, of being a daughter, of living in a colonized country.
It revolved around self discovery journey, and nature.
It's rich in culture and felt personal.
Honestly, it's hard to finish this poetry book πππ
It's heavy for me~
Thanks for the arc!!!