joyreads2024's reviews
93 reviews

Steel World by B.V. Larson

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

4.5

This is the first sci-fi book I’ve ever read and omfg it’s hilarious as a starting point. My favourite character was Centurion Graves because not only does he repeatedly sacrifice himself, but he can be so sassy/sneaky - love him for that. Harris and McGill are a close second in iconic with many McGill quotes highlighted in my kindle - but also, poor Carlos 🤣 the poor bugger is so annoying but also keeps getting dragged into virtual suicide missions - and normally ends up dying. This book’s themes of war in the understanding that it’s rare to experience perma death was so interesting, as was the aliens and how they operate. The portrayal of women in this book is somewhat lacking (probably because it’s meant for the male gaze) with the only notable women: Vivi (horny), Natasha (horny but  smart and becoming a tech), Anne Grant (a bio specialist who has her head on her shoulders), Primus Turov (hate that fucking bitch), Centurion Thompson (also hate that fucking bitch OMFG). I did like that the author put consenting statements in the book (the bar is in hell guys). Will be reading the second book sometime this year as it’s good for a laugh 🤣
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Picts, Gaels and Scots: Early Historic Scotland by Sally M. Foster

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informative medium-paced

4.0

Picts, Gaels and Scots is an interesting, informative, well-written and concise text on the archaeology of Early Historic Scotland. This book provides a broad summary of stone sculptures, artistry of Picts, the buildings and structures, Christian belief and military might of Early Historic Scotland. This was a very interesting read, however one that requires prior knowledge. 
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett

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adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Fake by Tate James

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3.5

Some items I loved this book, other times I didn’t
Heist Society by Ally Carter

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3.75

When the Moon Hatched by Sarah A. Parker

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3.0

Mid
Rock Addiction by Nalini Singh

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emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted slow-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

4.0

I love anything Nalini Singh writes, as a point. She is an amazing author.. BUT. This book was not her best. It’s like she attempted to write an Erotica but feel it with meaningful topics on para social relationships, the issue of fame, drug and alcohol addictions, and trauma. Now I love both eroticas and deep and meaningful books. But I found it so infuriating that everytime they tried to yarn, it was like SEX before, during and after. 

At the same time, the last chapter made me tear up so this book leaves me feeling slightly unsatisfied but happy anyway.
Custom Made by Chantal Fernando

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

3.75

This is my second Chantal Fernando novel, and while good, not as good as the first. This book deals with themes of grief, bisexuality, domestic violence and being a confident female and making your own choices. I adored Cam in this book, how she lived her truth. Orion on the other hand, was good for the first half of the book and irritating for the other half. I get why he did what he did but it still infuriated me. 

The background plots were there, somewhat not needed but also understandable. The second half of the book just didn’t grip me as much, but it was definitely a strong book. 
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Adventures of a Scottish Heiress by Cathy Maxwell

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 34%.
It was too cringy of a book and the writing made me uncomfortable not going to lie. Also the heroine was completely annoying 
The Longing of Lone Wolves: A Fantasy Romance by Lana Pecherczyk

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adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This book was a dodgy crossover between the Witcher, Wizard of Oz, and Beauty and the Beast. And what the duck was with that unexpected pregnancy after all the un sanctioned breeding talks?? Literally made me nearly DNF