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fay_libris's reviews
94 reviews
Never Been Kissed by Timothy Janovsky
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
(I forgot to review this book, so it's been a while. Just some notes I wrote before and some things I added.)
A lovely, sweet summer Romance.
Friends to acquaintances to friends to lovers.
I do think that Wren was quite invasive and somewhat insensitive regarding Alice's life. In the beginning this rubbed me a bit wrong but it evolved to be more compassionate and turned out to be exactly what Alice needed.
Mateo sucked at his job and should have been fired earlier. Or at least have really had a talking to and not have the issues being ignored.
I loved the relationship and the portrayal of demi-ness.
Popcorn, movies, family, friends, belonging and future goals.
I really liked this book and can't wait to read more from his author!
A lovely, sweet summer Romance.
Friends to acquaintances to friends to lovers.
I do think that Wren was quite invasive and somewhat insensitive regarding Alice's life. In the beginning this rubbed me a bit wrong but it evolved to be more compassionate and turned out to be exactly what Alice needed.
Mateo sucked at his job and should have been fired earlier. Or at least have really had a talking to and not have the issues being ignored.
I loved the relationship and the portrayal of demi-ness.
Popcorn, movies, family, friends, belonging and future goals.
I really liked this book and can't wait to read more from his author!
You're a Mean One, Matthew Prince by Timothy Janovsky
emotional
funny
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? Yes
3.75
A pretentious rich boy with mental health problems meets a kind and smart guy with money problems.
(A tale as old as time)
The personal problems of our two guys really shone in front of the sparkly Christmas backdrop.
Feelings, family, money, friendships and community all play important roles in this story.
In the beginning, I really disliked Matthew (which is intended) but I liked to see him grow and change.
Hector also had some annoying aspects but was overall relatable.
I am not really into insta lust stories, but it was not too obnoxious in this one.
And I enjoyed seeing their feeling grow.
The second story from Janovsky which I enjoyed. Going to be reading more of his stories. :)
(A tale as old as time)
The personal problems of our two guys really shone in front of the sparkly Christmas backdrop.
Feelings, family, money, friendships and community all play important roles in this story.
In the beginning, I really disliked Matthew (which is intended) but I liked to see him grow and change.
Hector also had some annoying aspects but was overall relatable.
I am not really into insta lust stories, but it was not too obnoxious in this one.
And I enjoyed seeing their feeling grow.
The second story from Janovsky which I enjoyed. Going to be reading more of his stories. :)
The Master Key by Masako Togawa
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Japanese mysteries are quite hit or miss for me.
I struggled a bit with this one as there was a lot going on and some parts dragged out that there were a few times I nearly lost interest.
Because of this, even though it is a short book, it did take me a while.
There were a few mysteries you could think along but mostly we were just spectators of crimes.
It felt like there was so much without any reason, but most things connected in the end, which was good.
Some interesting glimpses into Japanese cults, women and history.
The epilogue was bad imo. The character talking to himself and explaining everything for his part of the story to explain that mystery in 2 pages.
I hate this type of ending.
Actually both the last chapter and the epilogue were just characters explaining and telling us what happened. Quite annoying.
But the last chapter was at least somewhat well written, compared to the epilogue.
Was about to give this 3.5, but changed my mind now. 3☆
I struggled a bit with this one as there was a lot going on and some parts dragged out that there were a few times I nearly lost interest.
Because of this, even though it is a short book, it did take me a while.
There were a few mysteries you could think along but mostly we were just spectators of crimes.
It felt like there was so much without any reason, but most things connected in the end, which was good.
Some interesting glimpses into Japanese cults, women and history.
The epilogue was bad imo. The character talking to himself and explaining everything for his part of the story to explain that mystery in 2 pages.
I hate this type of ending.
Actually both the last chapter and the epilogue were just characters explaining and telling us what happened. Quite annoying.
But the last chapter was at least somewhat well written, compared to the epilogue.
Was about to give this 3.5, but changed my mind now. 3☆
Anything But Fine by Tobias Madden
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
3.5
Fish Swimming in Dappled Sunlight by Riku Onda
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-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
3.0
This was an interesting story alright.
... is the only note I wrote but a few months later I barely remember anything about this story.
I do remember the conclusion being somewhat satisfying if unbelievable.
An interesting view into what being family/related means and childhood trauma, I guess.
It wasn't bad but also not that remarkable.
... is the only note I wrote but a few months later I barely remember anything about this story.
I do remember the conclusion being somewhat satisfying if unbelievable.
An interesting view into what being family/related means and childhood trauma, I guess.
It wasn't bad but also not that remarkable.
Dungeons and Drama by Kristy Boyce
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Musical theater, Dungeons and Dragons, strong friendships and romance. It's as if this book was written for me!
This book was absolutely lovely and I was honestly a bit surprised by how much I loved this. ❤️
I loved the friendships. Riley and Hoshiko really felt like best friends and the boys also had a great dynamic. I also really enjoyed when both groups crossed over. They felt real.
Paul and Sophia were annoying and detestable in a way that was well written. Both were infuriating and annoying in believable ways.
I loved to hate them.
The family dynamics were also very real and emotional. I loved the developments.
All in all, I just really enjoyed this story.
I laughed, I teared up and had a good time reading it.
This book was absolutely lovely and I was honestly a bit surprised by how much I loved this. ❤️
I loved the friendships. Riley and Hoshiko really felt like best friends and the boys also had a great dynamic. I also really enjoyed when both groups crossed over. They felt real.
Paul and Sophia were annoying and detestable in a way that was well written. Both were infuriating and annoying in believable ways.
I loved to hate them.
The family dynamics were also very real and emotional. I loved the developments.
All in all, I just really enjoyed this story.
I laughed, I teared up and had a good time reading it.
Nelson & MacIlwraith by K. Sterling
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
(Mostly just some thoughts and notes I took as it's been a while since I read this.)
A queer Murder Mystery with some magic/supernatural. What more can you want?
The beginning part was really great and sucked me right in.
Nelson is a good boy and the FBI are assholes.
The murder scene at the heart of this was beautifully NBC Hannibal-esque. Stunning.
I was really into the beginning but it lost me a bit over the course of the story. Not by much, mind you.
There were a few holes and story jumps I stumbled over. Especially in the last third of the book, which made the immersion and enjoyment a bit more difficult.
The relationship between the two main characters is interesting and I am excited to see how they develop more.
I normally enjoy a slow burn, and while this is not quite it, I still like them.
I am excited to continue this story and find out what will happen!
I hope we get to learn more about the Magick and lore of the world and get a few questions answered.
I do have a feeling that I will enjoy the following books even more!
A queer Murder Mystery with some magic/supernatural. What more can you want?
The beginning part was really great and sucked me right in.
Nelson is a good boy and the FBI are assholes.
The murder scene at the heart of this was beautifully NBC Hannibal-esque. Stunning.
I was really into the beginning but it lost me a bit over the course of the story. Not by much, mind you.
There were a few holes and story jumps I stumbled over. Especially in the last third of the book, which made the immersion and enjoyment a bit more difficult.
The relationship between the two main characters is interesting and I am excited to see how they develop more.
I normally enjoy a slow burn, and while this is not quite it, I still like them.
I am excited to continue this story and find out what will happen!
I hope we get to learn more about the Magick and lore of the world and get a few questions answered.
I do have a feeling that I will enjoy the following books even more!
The Mill House Murders by Yukito Ayatsuji
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I loved the Decagon House Murders, so I was really excited to get into this book.
I like that we are getting to see the stories are connected by the houses build by the same architect. You know you'll have some interesting buildings and layouts to look forward to.
While this story was interesting, but it felt quite different to Decagon.
I did enjoy the story being told in the two different timelines which switched every chapter. Towards the end the 'past' chapters became less interesting though.
Yurie is just a lamp standing in the room for most of this book and pretty much everyone's relationship to her is weird or uncomfortable.
Only three women appear in this story and they contribute very little except be there for looks, being a carer and/or being scared/dying.
I guessed quite a few points of the mystery early on, so I was not that surprised in the end. One half of the big twist/reveal, I did not expect.
After sitting with it for a while, I am unsure how to feel about the twist... It feels quite unbelievable.
The last chapter is pretty much a monolog about what exactly happened. I dislike this trope a lot.
Overall, this book just was not the right vibe for me but was interesting nonetheless.
I am looking forward to the third book and I am hoping, that it will give me the spark that Decagon did.
I like that we are getting to see the stories are connected by the houses build by the same architect. You know you'll have some interesting buildings and layouts to look forward to.
While this story was interesting, but it felt quite different to Decagon.
I did enjoy the story being told in the two different timelines which switched every chapter. Towards the end the 'past' chapters became less interesting though.
Yurie is just a lamp standing in the room for most of this book and pretty much everyone's relationship to her is weird or uncomfortable.
Only three women appear in this story and they contribute very little except be there for looks, being a carer and/or being scared/dying.
I guessed quite a few points of the mystery early on, so I was not that surprised in the end. One half of the big twist/reveal, I did not expect.
After sitting with it for a while, I am unsure how to feel about the twist... It feels quite unbelievable.
The last chapter is pretty much a monolog about what exactly happened. I dislike this trope a lot.
Overall, this book just was not the right vibe for me but was interesting nonetheless.
I am looking forward to the third book and I am hoping, that it will give me the spark that Decagon did.
Tokyo Express by Seichō Matsumoto
dark
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
A lover's suicide or murder?
What could have happened, and why?
This shows some questionable views and societal norms of Japan of the past (and some that still persist). The views on women, relationships, suicide and work hierarchy to name the most prominent.
Some in order to solve the mystery, but most are simpl there because the book is older and it used to be like this.
The mystery relies heavily on the trains being punctual. Couldn't happen here but is fascinating.
This did result in a lot of times and dates being continuously described, which made it a bit tedious to read at times.
The investigators were interesting, though I believe the way they went about the investigation would not be possible today. This does open an interesting view into the past.
I disliked the ending being a letter. It ook away from the Momentum and felt like the author just wanted to finish the book.
Overall an okay mystery with interesting views into past (and some still present) issues and aspects of the Japanese society. Also, into their train system.
-----
Downgraded to 2.5⭐️ after thinking back and realizing i didn't enjoy it.
Additionally to the negatives stated before, it was somewhat boring and a hassle to read due to all the times and dates. Especially in the later part.
What could have happened, and why?
This shows some questionable views and societal norms of Japan of the past (and some that still persist). The views on women, relationships, suicide and work hierarchy to name the most prominent.
Some in order to solve the mystery, but most are simpl there because the book is older and it used to be like this.
The mystery relies heavily on the trains being punctual. Couldn't happen here but is fascinating.
This did result in a lot of times and dates being continuously described, which made it a bit tedious to read at times.
The investigators were interesting, though I believe the way they went about the investigation would not be possible today. This does open an interesting view into the past.
I disliked the ending being a letter. It ook away from the Momentum and felt like the author just wanted to finish the book.
Overall an okay mystery with interesting views into past (and some still present) issues and aspects of the Japanese society. Also, into their train system.
-----
Downgraded to 2.5⭐️ after thinking back and realizing i didn't enjoy it.
Additionally to the negatives stated before, it was somewhat boring and a hassle to read due to all the times and dates. Especially in the later part.