Scan barcode
just_an_avocado's reviews
265 reviews
Beartown by Fredrik Backman
challenging
emotional
sad
slow-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
5.0
The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
5.0
What an amazing book and what a fantastic series!!!
This book was definitely my favorite in the series! It was really heavy and intense (it took me around 2 weeks to read, as a result), but that heaviness is characteristic of a story such as this with its sense of transcendent wisdom and enormity. This book dropped major lore chapter after chapter and shocked me at every turn. And none of these plot bombshells felt forced or out of nowhere; they fell right into place with ease and poignant significance. The culmination of all the character arcs in this conclusion was incredibly satisfying. My heart was shattered and put back together about a thousand different ways throughout this whole trilogy, and my chest still aches with lingering grief mixed with hope after that resolution. I loved the philosophical dilemmas at the core of this series regarding faith, trust, hope, and power, and the resolution of these was artfully curated. I love the way every piece of this story, even the smallest details, held enormous significance. The outcome was a meticulously crafted masterpiece of fiction. It is transcendent of and revolutionary for the fantasy genre. Period. Anyone who enjoys fantasy MUST pick this up NOW. I will never be the same after having these characters and this series ingrained into my being. I am new and better for it. Now, I embark on the rest of this journey-into the Cosmere!
This book was definitely my favorite in the series! It was really heavy and intense (it took me around 2 weeks to read, as a result), but that heaviness is characteristic of a story such as this with its sense of transcendent wisdom and enormity. This book dropped major lore chapter after chapter and shocked me at every turn. And none of these plot bombshells felt forced or out of nowhere; they fell right into place with ease and poignant significance. The culmination of all the character arcs in this conclusion was incredibly satisfying. My heart was shattered and put back together about a thousand different ways throughout this whole trilogy, and my chest still aches with lingering grief mixed with hope after that resolution. I loved the philosophical dilemmas at the core of this series regarding faith, trust, hope, and power, and the resolution of these was artfully curated. I love the way every piece of this story, even the smallest details, held enormous significance. The outcome was a meticulously crafted masterpiece of fiction. It is transcendent of and revolutionary for the fantasy genre. Period. Anyone who enjoys fantasy MUST pick this up NOW. I will never be the same after having these characters and this series ingrained into my being. I am new and better for it. Now, I embark on the rest of this journey-into the Cosmere!
The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
slow-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? Yes
4.0
The first two thirds of the book had some pacing issues that bothered me but the last third was shocking, thrilling, tense, revelatory, MORE INTENSE AND POSITIVE ADJECTIVES!
So that first chunk was way too dragged out. The scene to scene pacing was just fine but the progression of the actual plot arc was tediously slow. It felt like we were at a standstill for the first half, Sanderson just buying time with random character interactions and relationship problems. However, in the last third, the pacing was back on track and we were propelled into a whirlwind of plot twists, action, political intrigue, philosophical dilemmas, DID I MENTION TWISTS, everything I expected after that first book and MORE! That last bit brought the book from a 3 to a 4 star for SURE. Everything that felt pointless in the midst of the pacing issues came together seamlessly in these last couple parts. It was in those final plot movements that I realized the enormity of this series, how it is utterly revolutionary for its genre. I am OBSESSED. Can’t wait to see what’s next because surely my mind can’t be more blown by a singular series? I have no room left in my brain for shocking revelations but I have a strong feeling Brandon Sanderson has some more tricks up his sleeve and I cannot WAIT to experience it
So that first chunk was way too dragged out. The scene to scene pacing was just fine but the progression of the actual plot arc was tediously slow. It felt like we were at a standstill for the first half, Sanderson just buying time with random character interactions and relationship problems. However, in the last third, the pacing was back on track and we were propelled into a whirlwind of plot twists, action, political intrigue, philosophical dilemmas, DID I MENTION TWISTS, everything I expected after that first book and MORE! That last bit brought the book from a 3 to a 4 star for SURE. Everything that felt pointless in the midst of the pacing issues came together seamlessly in these last couple parts. It was in those final plot movements that I realized the enormity of this series, how it is utterly revolutionary for its genre. I am OBSESSED. Can’t wait to see what’s next because surely my mind can’t be more blown by a singular series? I have no room left in my brain for shocking revelations but I have a strong feeling Brandon Sanderson has some more tricks up his sleeve and I cannot WAIT to experience it
Witch & Wizard by Gabrielle Charbonnet, James Patterson
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
I think I’m just growing out of this type of story, and it’s just so boringly written and the concept struggled (and failed) to hold my attention. Just not my thing.
The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
YES YES YES LOVED LOVED LOVED THIS!! It is so worth the hype! It absolutely deserves its reputation of being a classic, important, and fantastic fantasy! This is wholly satisfying as a singular book but there are so many unknowns yet to explore and so much potential for everything they’ve fought for to come crumbling down all over again, leaving room for an even more profound and epic fantasy world and story to unfold. The magic system is unique and thoughtfully designed. The plot is brimming with politics, action, intrigue, and heart. The characters are lovable, yet rugged and flawed. This found family is so secure and loving and loyal. I love them, I love the world, I love it all! I am so excited to read the rest of the trilogy! It stands on its own yet it deserves and almost necessitates sequels in order to fulfill its full potential as a fantasy epic. Can’t wait!!!
The Good Daughter by Karin Slaughter
Did not finish book. Stopped at 6%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 6%.
Only just got through the first chapter and it’s far too graphic for me. Very graphic torture/murder (and I’m not normally very squeamish but this is too much)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, Violence, Death of parent, and Murder
Cursed by Marissa Meyer
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
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? Yes
4.0
I really liked this! I love the characters, the world, the story. The ambience is giving “riding through the woods on my mighty steed with my hooded cloak trailing behind me, snowflakes gathering in my hair and the only sound the beating of hooves” and I’m obsessed!
My main complaint is the resolution was extremely rushed and it really felt like Marissa (yes I consider us to be on a first name basis, I’m obsessed with basically everything she writes, get over it) was grasping to fill those gaps and end up with something rather than fulfilling something planned (at least up until the very end, that felt like the perfect ending, but that was all so rushed, it lost any opportunity to be fulfilling)
It was a good book but as a sequel, I feel like it fell a bit flat sadly. A lot of answers we got were just thrown in so quickly and without fanfare, plus the time in the castle dragged when I feel like there was so much opportunity to explore the dynamic between Serilda and the Erlking that was only poked at.
Still recommend and enjoyed the experience, though! I adore you, Marissa Meyer, my dear! Please keep writing books!
My main complaint is the resolution was extremely rushed and it really felt like Marissa (yes I consider us to be on a first name basis, I’m obsessed with basically everything she writes, get over it) was grasping to fill those gaps and end up with something rather than fulfilling something planned (at least up until the very end, that felt like the perfect ending, but that was all so rushed, it lost any opportunity to be fulfilling)
It was a good book but as a sequel, I feel like it fell a bit flat sadly. A lot of answers we got were just thrown in so quickly and without fanfare, plus the time in the castle dragged when I feel like there was so much opportunity to explore the dynamic between Serilda and the Erlking that was only poked at.
Still recommend and enjoyed the experience, though! I adore you, Marissa Meyer, my dear! Please keep writing books!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Violence
Moderate: Slavery
Home Before Dark by Riley Sager
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Can I give this 6 out of 5 stars?? I LOVED this! I was skeptical picking this up because the premise sounds eerily similar to Haunting of Hill House which I love dearly. But it called to me. I was curious. And boy was I wrong about this. It is wholly original and takes the shadow of the concept created by Hill House and runs ever so far with it until it’s unrecognizable. This is not your traditional haunted house story. It took me by surprise at every turn and captivated me from start to finish. Whatever you’re expecting this book to be, you’re wrong. I guarantee it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
Moderate: Dementia and Death of parent
The Appeal by Janice Hallett
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved this!! I definitely recommend taking notes as the email format and large cast can make it difficult to follow the progression of the plot and keep track of all the clues. This is not a book to read idly but with full focus. GOSH this was FUN! I got super into the fun of the crime solving and also found the story itself to be riveting. I’m proud to say I partook in some rather successful sleuthing, though I didn’t necessarily have all the pieces in order in the end. But the resolution is perfect! Not a single hole and it’s so well executed! Had a such a blast and would absolutely read another book like this!
Nine Lives by Peter Swanson
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.0