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katerzjoy's reviews
150 reviews
Thistlefoot by GennaRose Nethercott
adventurous
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Really enjoyed! The Baba Yaga lore and pogrom history was well done. Interesting narratives and great perspectives. A lot of themes and commentary relating to now
A Curse of Breath and Blood by K.W. Foster
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
A redemption arc without the failure part. A fantasy tale travelling through lands with varied races to save the day.
Though the characters share a deep background there’s very little history/depth provided. While I’m glad that the side characters declaring their deep friendship and platonic love weren’t killed off after said declarations it felt like they were made to reinforce a history unseen. This book felt like it was the second or third in a series rather than the first one.
Good chemistry between interests and friends and side relationships. Some great dialogue and healthy relationships. Difficult topics aren’t skimmed over or dismissed or used for plot device. The lore is slowly building to a grand story in the next book. A plot hole which we’ll ignore or we can’t save the day (or be saved) and be in two places.
Overall a good book which was exciting to read and close to those iconic romantasies just a little darker but needs some more developing. I also said that of ACOTAR and it’s become my personality. Would give the next book a chance
Thank you Aetheon Books through NetGalley for an advanced reader copy for an honest and voluntary review
Though the characters share a deep background there’s very little history/depth provided. While I’m glad that the side characters declaring their deep friendship and platonic love weren’t killed off after said declarations it felt like they were made to reinforce a history unseen. This book felt like it was the second or third in a series rather than the first one.
Good chemistry between interests and friends and side relationships. Some great dialogue and healthy relationships. Difficult topics aren’t skimmed over or dismissed or used for plot device. The lore is slowly building to a grand story in the next book. A plot hole which we’ll ignore or we can’t save the day (or be saved) and be in two places.
Overall a good book which was exciting to read and close to those iconic romantasies just a little darker but needs some more developing. I also said that of ACOTAR and it’s become my personality. Would give the next book a chance
Thank you Aetheon Books through NetGalley for an advanced reader copy for an honest and voluntary review
A Wolf in Stone by Jane Fletcher
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Wonderful sequel wrapping up the questions of love vs duty. Murder mystery with well thought out plot. The plot moved quickly with a flow that didn’t waste time or skimp. Cultural examinations as both an outsider and citizen. Both provided explanations, criticisms and significance. Normally I don’t enjoy reading books from a series if I haven’t read the rest but while I would like to enjoy the rest I was able to fill in gaps.
Thank you Bold Strokes Books Inc via NetGalley for the advanced reader copy for a voluntary and honest review
Thank you Bold Strokes Books Inc via NetGalley for the advanced reader copy for a voluntary and honest review
Charting Stars by Micheline Ryckman
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Canadian only child gets the vacation we all want in the middle of winter. Away from a codependent mother and to find friends of her own. An insta love that shows people are more than their origins and that kindness can do more than fighting. Representation for those with anxiety (people pleasers and cleaners) and neurospice (fidget sticks and missing social cues). Asides from the warm and positive message this has the best cat representation/accuracy. A cat can do great things but chooses not to.
That being said I did struggle reading this at time despite being a quick read. The FMC was both wise beyond her years (and not in the old soul way but the raise an eyebrow way) and frustratingly naive/young. She was also caught up on an ex well over halfway through comparing him to new men but we’re supposed to believe there’s chemistry. The MMC was a miss on my part. There’s supposed to be a big sad backstory that never hit the feels. The feelings that he is so abhorrent about. Throughout the book the narrator would tell you how they felt; not make you feel it which as an emotional reader misses the mark for me. The insta loves were lacking in chemistry.
Overall a lovely book but not the one for me
That being said I did struggle reading this at time despite being a quick read. The FMC was both wise beyond her years (and not in the old soul way but the raise an eyebrow way) and frustratingly naive/young. She was also caught up on an ex well over halfway through comparing him to new men but we’re supposed to believe there’s chemistry. The MMC was a miss on my part. There’s supposed to be a big sad backstory that never hit the feels. The feelings that he is so abhorrent about. Throughout the book the narrator would tell you how they felt; not make you feel it which as an emotional reader misses the mark for me. The insta loves were lacking in chemistry.
Overall a lovely book but not the one for me
Wolf Gone Wild by Juliette Cross
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Helfyre by Mariel Pomeroy
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Innovative world and creatures and dynamics. While the story did not strongly keep it was interesting and well paced. Will read the next one when released, mid priority
Scotland: A Journey through Scottish History, Battles, Clans, Highlanders, Myths, Legends & More by History Brought Alive
informative
medium-paced
3.0
The contents and synopsis wildly differ. Discussion of myths and legends are non existent. Content is frequently reiterated without further development. To keep factual there is no background or rationale provided. It reads as a well wrote history project, this happened and then that happened.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Black Tide Son by H.M. Long
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
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
4.75
This is one of those rare cases where the second book is better than the first. The balance of adventure, challenge and plot was perfect. The flow was great and felt like the plot both wrapped up loose ends and continuously moved forward. The dialogue and characters were perfect. The relationships honest and real. Also I ship Ben and Grant.
The only negative thing I can say is that there was quite a bit of grammatical errors but likely will be corrected when it’s published
Thank you Titan Books via NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review
The only negative thing I can say is that there was quite a bit of grammatical errors but likely will be corrected when it’s published
Thank you Titan Books via NetGalley for the advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review
Don't Hex and Drive by Juliette Cross
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
The perfect read for me. I was kicking my heels in glee and holding my breath and 🥵🥵 a fun rom com with perfect characters. I’ve added the other books on my Kinde
Perilous Times by Thomas D. Lee
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
A TBR scratch off courtesy of Keehan. I really enjoyed the book! Characters were interesting, funny dialogue, great development and moral of the story. It was fun and interesting. It would score higher but who kills off the dog?!?!