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gattolino_nn's reviews
569 reviews
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
dark
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? It's complicated
4.0
I really liked how this book focused on the lore of the world. I loved exploring the different aspects of the lore more than the interpersonal drama of Iron Flame.
The drama in this story felt less like going over trodden grounds and actually involved new perspectives and insights to the characters that we have grown to love. I think Riddock really shined in this book and I loved the character growth that we got to see with him. Rebecca made him more than just the comedic relief character and I appreciate that.
I thought was also really fast paced book and with the island hopping it made it feel like I was flying through the story.
I loved how diverse each island was to one another and how they brought their own characterisations and culture compared to the continent. Cannot wait to see more of it and hope that the next book in the series continues to grow the world and what we know about everyone.
The drama in this story felt less like going over trodden grounds and actually involved new perspectives and insights to the characters that we have grown to love. I think Riddock really shined in this book and I loved the character growth that we got to see with him. Rebecca made him more than just the comedic relief character and I appreciate that.
I thought was also really fast paced book and with the island hopping it made it feel like I was flying through the story.
I loved how diverse each island was to one another and how they brought their own characterisations and culture compared to the continent. Cannot wait to see more of it and hope that the next book in the series continues to grow the world and what we know about everyone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Murder
Drop Dead by Lily Chu
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I think this book cements the idea that I can't do enemies to lovers in a simple contemporary setting.
A lot kf the issues kind of stems from years of judgement and miscommunications so I found it really hard to root for Nadine and Wes to be together. In saying that, I do love both of them separately. I think they are really strong and compelling characters and I did enjoy how they worked together.
I did warm up to the idea of them romantically together but it did take most of the book but still not their biggest fan.
I do love the mystery that they are trying to uncover. I thought it was really well done and loved how Dot had set everything up as well as her personality and the house (which honestly sounded magical in its own way).
I saw how this was going to end and I'm not upset by the ending but I was almost expecting more after how the rest of the story went by.
In the end I did enjoy the story but it hasn't been my favourite of Lily Chu's work.
A lot kf the issues kind of stems from years of judgement and miscommunications so I found it really hard to root for Nadine and Wes to be together. In saying that, I do love both of them separately. I think they are really strong and compelling characters and I did enjoy how they worked together.
I did warm up to the idea of them romantically together but it did take most of the book but still not their biggest fan.
I do love the mystery that they are trying to uncover. I thought it was really well done and loved how Dot had set everything up as well as her personality and the house (which honestly sounded magical in its own way).
I saw how this was going to end and I'm not upset by the ending but I was almost expecting more after how the rest of the story went by.
In the end I did enjoy the story but it hasn't been my favourite of Lily Chu's work.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse
Moderate: Death, Racism, and Stalking
The Iron Daughter by Julie Kagawa
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-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? It's complicated
4.5
This series is always a fun read for me. It is lighthearted and fun but also serious and mature at times that I think really strikes a good balance for an older Young Adult read.
I ended up reading this is two days and didn't want to put it down. I have been slumping and this really helped with the feeling (now all I want to do is continue that series).
I really liked how this story is set out. There are two problems presented, and it feels like it should tackle both in this story but instead focuses solely on getting the specter back and what that entails. It really lets the problem have room to breathe and to be resolved before we focus on the bigger issue which will be book 3. The pacing of this decision felt really nice to read, there have been too many books that try to add some much into one and it could have been split up.
I really enjoyed the book, and I cannot to continue the series. I feel like this is one of those books that I loved when I was younger that still stands strong.
I ended up reading this is two days and didn't want to put it down. I have been slumping and this really helped with the feeling (now all I want to do is continue that series).
I really liked how this story is set out. There are two problems presented, and it feels like it should tackle both in this story but instead focuses solely on getting the specter back and what that entails. It really lets the problem have room to breathe and to be resolved before we focus on the bigger issue which will be book 3. The pacing of this decision felt really nice to read, there have been too many books that try to add some much into one and it could have been split up.
I really enjoyed the book, and I cannot to continue the series. I feel like this is one of those books that I loved when I was younger that still stands strong.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Violence
Moderate: Blood, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Goddess of Light by P.C. Cast
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
3.5
This is a reread for me from a series a read a few years ago and I think it is interesting. I thought the romance with Apollo and Pamela was good and had little issues with them or their romance. The plot and setting was also good but everything was just that, good. Being a reread and having read more romance books since the original read, and more recently published ones, I think there is something nice and simple about that really keeps it in this middle. Enjoyable and safe and there is nothing wrong with that.
Now I will say I did have some issues with how magic was used as it felt like it was used as times as almost a roofie or another drug. So with that in mind I did list drug abuse and sexual assault in the content warnings as it feels implied even it that was not meant to be the case. It does show gods abusing their magic and I think that was what they were trying to showcase but maybe didn't think of the implications.
Now I will say I did have some issues with how magic was used as it felt like it was used as times as almost a roofie or another drug. So with that in mind I did list drug abuse and sexual assault in the content warnings as it feels implied even it that was not meant to be the case. It does show gods abusing their magic and I think that was what they were trying to showcase but maybe didn't think of the implications.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Drug abuse
Minor: Sexual assault
Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
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
4.5
I thought this was a really good end to the duology. I loved listening to this world and how Iris and Kit traverse the situations they're in and what they will do to help each other. I think it really shows how much the two love each other and their intelligence too.
Without giving too much away I thought it was really interesting for the book to change between the war front and the city Oath settings. I think it really highlights how people are willing to ignore war until it is right on their front steps. I also did not think I would feel emotions towards a type writer but I did and those last few chapters also had my heart in pieces. Both are due to how was well everything was written and as such, my heart hurts now for everyone. I did like that it shows war has consequences, as I think a lot of people have the mentality that "it won't happen to me".
I really enjoyed this series and loved all the characters that were introduced over the two books.
Without giving too much away I thought it was really interesting for the book to change between the war front and the city Oath settings. I think it really highlights how people are willing to ignore war until it is right on their front steps. I also did not think I would feel emotions towards a type writer but I did and those last few chapters also had my heart in pieces. Both are due to how was well everything was written and as such, my heart hurts now for everyone. I did like that it shows war has consequences, as I think a lot of people have the mentality that "it won't happen to me".
I really enjoyed this series and loved all the characters that were introduced over the two books.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Blood
Moderate: Grief, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual content and Death of parent
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
challenging
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This book had me hooked from the beginning till end. I had seen snippets of the show from YouTube and since I can't really watch the show easily I thought I would give the book a go. I wasn't expecting to love it as much as I did. It was a great way to start the new year.
I thought Elizabeth Zort was a character that everyone could look up to. She is strong, confident and knows what she wants and what she is worth and won't let anyone say otherwise. She comes across a range of people through out the book that either want to help or hinder her. There are topics that are spoken about plainly and it can be confronting and engaging at times when reading but I think that's what made it a good book.
I thought there was a lot of love and thought put into the side characters, both the good and bad. There was also growth with them that I don't often seen focused on in a standalone but, but that I really liked. I personally don't think Elizabeth Zort went through a large amount of personal growth, but there was changes in her at the end that I think would reflect her more accurately. Her thinking and world experiences change her a little to see people and situations from a different point of view but it did not change her character and beliefs.
I loved this book and wish I could read it again for the first time.
I thought Elizabeth Zort was a character that everyone could look up to. She is strong, confident and knows what she wants and what she is worth and won't let anyone say otherwise. She comes across a range of people through out the book that either want to help or hinder her. There are topics that are spoken about plainly and it can be confronting and engaging at times when reading but I think that's what made it a good book.
I thought there was a lot of love and thought put into the side characters, both the good and bad. There was also growth with them that I don't often seen focused on in a standalone but, but that I really liked. I personally don't think Elizabeth Zort went through a large amount of personal growth, but there was changes in her at the end that I think would reflect her more accurately. Her thinking and world experiences change her a little to see people and situations from a different point of view but it did not change her character and beliefs.
I loved this book and wish I could read it again for the first time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual violence, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Rape, Toxic relationship, Grief, Car accident, and Pregnancy
Minor: Sexual content
Love & Rome by Jenna Lo Bianco
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Without spoiling anything this book gave me strong feelings. I was reading this on a bus and could not contain my rage or fist pumps of success. I'm sure it made for interesting passenger watching.
I didn't realise this had a slight love triangle when going into and got quite a surprise with how we got introduced to the love interest Vincent compared to Marco. It was also good to see how Stella reacts to both and that the reactions are not the same. The men are not the same people and I would have felt disappointed if we got "oh no they are both hot" which can sometimes happen with love triangles.
The love triangle did make for an interesting read, as mentioned earlier the men are quite differnet from one another. Marco who is just a cinnamon roll, compared to Vincent's strong personality, and this also plays a role in how they are with Stella. This made for a really dramatic and emotion filled, not always good, read.
Despite my love for Marco and my tolerance of Vincent (I am a first impressions matter kind of girl) I felt more invested in Stella's story and growth. That is something that I am loving with Jenna Lo Bianco's stories, the romance isn't the whole plot. Stella has goals, motivations and agency. I loved watching her grow through out the whole book and the ending was just brilliant in my opinion. It was great to see Stella in such a good and happy state with her work and herself. It is the type of ending that I hope everyone gets to in their life, but also see that sometimes it can be hard and the journey may feel impossible but we can get there.
I really liked the story and cannot wait to read Venetian Lessons in Love.
I didn't realise this had a slight love triangle when going into and got quite a surprise with how we got introduced to the love interest Vincent compared to Marco. It was also good to see how Stella reacts to both and that the reactions are not the same. The men are not the same people and I would have felt disappointed if we got "oh no they are both hot" which can sometimes happen with love triangles.
The love triangle did make for an interesting read, as mentioned earlier the men are quite differnet from one another. Marco who is just a cinnamon roll, compared to Vincent's strong personality, and this also plays a role in how they are with Stella. This made for a really dramatic and emotion filled, not always good, read.
Despite my love for Marco and my tolerance of Vincent (I am a first impressions matter kind of girl) I felt more invested in Stella's story and growth. That is something that I am loving with Jenna Lo Bianco's stories, the romance isn't the whole plot. Stella has goals, motivations and agency. I loved watching her grow through out the whole book and the ending was just brilliant in my opinion. It was great to see Stella in such a good and happy state with her work and herself. It is the type of ending that I hope everyone gets to in their life, but also see that sometimes it can be hard and the journey may feel impossible but we can get there.
I really liked the story and cannot wait to read Venetian Lessons in Love.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Toxic relationship, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Misogyny and Sexual content
Lore by Alexandra Bracken
adventurous
dark
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
4.5
I really loved the concept of this book. I thought having the Greek Gods become mortal for a time and sending humans to hunt them down to gain their immortality was a really cool concept.
I also liked how the different houses were all based on Greek myths, from more commonly known to lesser known.
All the characters were great in this story. For as much as the concept was really cool, Lore, Castor, Athena and the others were what made the story. From the Gods to the mortals everyone had flaws and there was a constant distrust that runs through everyone as the stakes are life and death. It makes for really good moments where the stress and emotions are at peak and everything comes to head.
This along with the amount of twists that this story has, had me devouring the book in three days over the Christmas period. It was addicting and really good entertainment. I would love to see this made into a movie or TV show.
I also liked how the different houses were all based on Greek myths, from more commonly known to lesser known.
All the characters were great in this story. For as much as the concept was really cool, Lore, Castor, Athena and the others were what made the story. From the Gods to the mortals everyone had flaws and there was a constant distrust that runs through everyone as the stakes are life and death. It makes for really good moments where the stress and emotions are at peak and everything comes to head.
This along with the amount of twists that this story has, had me devouring the book in three days over the Christmas period. It was addicting and really good entertainment. I would love to see this made into a movie or TV show.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual assault, Medical content, and Injury/Injury detail
Spellbound by Jessica Marting
adventurous
mysterious
medium-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
4.0
I do love a fun mystery/investigation story and nothing beats a good murder mystery.
I really liked Merritt and Ivy. I thought they made for a good couple and a strong team when it came to solving the murder of Ivy's husband.
I really liked that both were part of the paranormal community. For the past four books there has always been one human in the relationship so it was nice to see a change in that. I also liked that we got to see Elora and Ben (from the third book) a couple of times in this book. It makes the world feel alive.
The investigation was also good, it wasn't a shock of who did it of what happened but I don't think it was trying to be the best murder mystery out there. The fun and enjoyment came from figuring out how to expose what happened once they figured it out.
I have really enjoyed this series and would love to see another book to be added as I feel like there are many stories to tell still.
I really liked Merritt and Ivy. I thought they made for a good couple and a strong team when it came to solving the murder of Ivy's husband.
I really liked that both were part of the paranormal community. For the past four books there has always been one human in the relationship so it was nice to see a change in that. I also liked that we got to see Elora and Ben (from the third book) a couple of times in this book. It makes the world feel alive.
The investigation was also good, it wasn't a shock of who did it of what happened but I don't think it was trying to be the best murder mystery out there. The fun and enjoyment came from figuring out how to expose what happened once they figured it out.
I have really enjoyed this series and would love to see another book to be added as I feel like there are many stories to tell still.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Violence and Murder
Fox and Hound Issue 3 by N.S. Kane
adventurous
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This is really an unapologetic series and issue 3 is no exception.
Fox and Hound are still a lot of fun, and I like how we slowly get snippets of their history through different context clues in the art.
This issue is also were we start to see a bit about just who they are dealing with and who no doubt they will also be the main antagonists over the next three issues.
I am still really enjoying the series. It is colourful, fun, and very much NSFW.
Fox and Hound are still a lot of fun, and I like how we slowly get snippets of their history through different context clues in the art.
This issue is also were we start to see a bit about just who they are dealing with and who no doubt they will also be the main antagonists over the next three issues.
I am still really enjoying the series. It is colourful, fun, and very much NSFW.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Sexual content, and Murder