ivi_reads_books's reviews
302 reviews

All Systems Red by Martha Wells

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

All Systems Red is a masterclass in storytelling efficiency. It’s surprising how much the author packs into this short novella!

Murderbot is one of the most relatable protagonists I’ve encountered—a mix of dry humor, sense of duty, and a deep desire to just be left alone to binge its favorite shows.

The story dives into human-cyborg interactions and explores ethical questions about autonomy and consciousness in practice, all while delivering a gripping plot.

If you love sci-fi with heart and sharp wit, this one’s a must-read. 
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The Other March Sisters by Ally Malinenko, Linda Epstein, Liz Parker

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emotional 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? N/A

3.75

While Little Women centers on Jo’s perspective, this story shifts the focus to the three other March sisters, revealing their unique struggles and dreams. Each sister longs for a fulfilling life but feels held back by societal and financial pressures—or their own self-doubts.

Beth’s perspective was the most heartbreaking for me. Weakened by scarlet fever, which has permanently damaged her heart, she has no hope for a cure. Can she still find a way to live a meaningful life?

This is a quiet, introspective novel with little plot but rich character exploration. I especially loved the heartfelt letter writing between the sisters—it added such a personal and tender touch to their stories.

Thanks to Kensington for the advance review copy.
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Her Soul to Take by Harley Laroux

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dark mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

 A spicy, occult tale that weaves BDSM and demons together.

The demons are portrayed as oh-so-dangerous yet surprisingly soft at times. While the cult aspect might sound off-putting, it wasn’t as intense as expected—they weren’t out to convert anyone, just searching for their next human sacrifice (as one does).

Despite being 500 pages, it was a surprisingly quick read. 
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Theory of Bastards by Audrey Schulman

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challenging emotional informative sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

What a weird and fascinating book!

The story centers on bonobo research, diving deep into how they interact and procreate, while the main character draws parallels to human behavior. Set in an unspecified future, the world features advanced body-integrated technology, natural disasters, and a society that feels eerily plausible.

The main character has endometriosis and lives with daily pain—a stark reminder that even in this futuristic world, the disease remains as misunderstood as it is today. She’s morally grey, complex, and far from perfect, which makes her all the more compelling.

I almost skipped this one because I wasn’t a fan of the cover, but I’m so glad I gave it a chance. It’s unlike anything I’ve read before—thought-provoking, unsettling, and unforgettable. 
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On the Same Page by Haley Cass

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emotional slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

2.25

I know I’m in the minority here, but I didn’t enjoy this book. It follows one insecure, mean, and superficial (but business-savvy) woman who doesn’t want a relationship—yet secretly pines for her college roommate, who is equally insecure.

Why did I keep reading? Honestly, I thought that with so many glowing reviews, it had to get better at some point in the 16+ hours of the audiobook. Spoiler: it didn’t.

The audiobook narration didn’t help either. The vocal fry, elongated vowels, and fake deep voice were distracting and not for me.

The story is filled with flashbacks and focuses on a dynamic that just didn’t resonate with me. It’s not the kind of relationship I want to root for or witness.
Mona Acts Out by Mischa Berlinski

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emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Mona Acts Out by Mischa Berlinski introduces us to Mona, a character who initially comes off as a bit of a diva—constantly annoyed and seemingly unable to cope with the world around her. Through flashbacks and her interactions with friends, we uncover more about her life and struggles, though her diva-like tendencies remain hard to overlook.

The story touches on themes related to the #MeToo movement but doesn’t land on any definitive conclusions. If you're a Shakespeare aficionado, you’ll likely enjoy the numerous references woven throughout the narrative—though as someone who loves theater but isn’t a Shakespeare buff, some of these went over my head.

Thanks to Liveright for the ARC!
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Before You Knew My Name by Jacqueline Bublitz

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dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Before You Knew My Name by Jacqueline Bublitz is a hauntingly beautiful novel told through the voice of a murdered Jane Doe, who recounts her journey from a neglected, vulnerable child to a young adult struggling to survive in the overwhelming city of New York.

The story intertwines with a second narrator, an Australian woman fleeing from an affair, as their lives intersect in a tale of happenstance, connection, and self-discovery.

This is not just a murder mystery—it’s a poignant exploration of vulnerability, resilience, and the unexpected ways people leave a mark on each other’s lives. 
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The Truth According to Ember by Danica Nava

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 18%.
The work stuff seemed unrealistic. It's meant to be satirical according to the author but it didn't land with me
Touching Two Worlds: A Guide for Finding Hope in the Landscape of Loss by Sherry Walling

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dark emotional hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

5.0

Touching Two Worlds by Sherry Walling is a deeply moving exploration of grief and resilience. After losing her father to cancer and, just six months later, her brother to suicide, Walling offers practical tips for navigating profound loss.

The book captures the isolating nature of grief, while also shining a light on post-traumatic growth and the importance of finding joy with the people who are still here.

Walling’s insights are raw, relatable, and ultimately hopeful—a reminder that life, even after loss, can hold beauty and meaning. 
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Last Twilight in Paris by Pam Jenoff

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

A quiet story set against the backdrop of Paris, weaving together two timelines and a touch of mystery.

In Twilight in Paris, Louise, living in the 1950s in Britain, stumbles upon a necklace she last saw during WWII—shortly before her friend’s tragic death. Determined to uncover the truth, her investigation leads her to Helaine, a French Jewish woman whose story begins in the 1930s and unfolds through the war years.

Helaine, a sickly child, was isolated by her parents out of fear for her health, adding an extra layer of heartbreak to her story. As Louise pieces together the mystery behind the necklace, the lives of these two women intertwine across time. 

The dual timeline beautifully connects Louise and Helaine’s lives, blending mystery, resilience, and untold history. I especially appreciated learning about the Levitan store, a real WWII prison camp I’d never heard of before.

There’s also a memorable male side character who walks with a limp from a childhood injury, adding a layer of quiet resilience to the story.

While the ending felt a bit too neatly tied up for me, the journey there was heartfelt and thought-provoking. If you love historical fiction with emotional depth and a touch of mystery, this one’s worth picking up. 

Thank you to Park Row and NetGalley for the advance review copy.
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