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katiemack's reviews
1288 reviews
Lone Women by Victor LaValle
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-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 received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is a solidly creepy Western horror, but I would have cut 50-100 pages of the random characters and alternate POVs (which didn't add much for me) and added some more details about Adelaide's experience on her land and what her surroundings looked like. I'm glad I went in not knowing anything about the mysterious contents of the trunk, though; it made the events that unfolded that much more scary.
This is a solidly creepy Western horror, but I would have cut 50-100 pages of the random characters and alternate POVs (which didn't add much for me) and added some more details about Adelaide's experience on her land and what her surroundings looked like. I'm glad I went in not knowing anything about the mysterious contents of the trunk, though; it made the events that unfolded that much more scary.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Blood and Murder
With the Fire on High by Elizabeth Acevedo
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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? It's complicated
4.75
I'm so glad I chose to listen to the audiobook to hear the author read her own words with so much love and passion. (My only regret is that I don't have easy access to the recipes Emoni describes--they sound delicious.)
This could have easily been a book mired in pain and bogged down by angst, but there's a strong current of hope throughout. Emoni is a strong young woman and mother and has responsibilities that are clearly outlined, but she's also clearly a teenager who enjoys teen things and all the joy that comes with that without ignoring the other aspects of her life. I found myself admiring her strength and liking her as a person, which is a tough balance to strike.
If you're looking for a YA audiobook to listen to that features diverse voices, pick this one up.
This could have easily been a book mired in pain and bogged down by angst, but there's a strong current of hope throughout. Emoni is a strong young woman and mother and has responsibilities that are clearly outlined, but she's also clearly a teenager who enjoys teen things and all the joy that comes with that without ignoring the other aspects of her life. I found myself admiring her strength and liking her as a person, which is a tough balance to strike.
If you're looking for a YA audiobook to listen to that features diverse voices, pick this one up.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Death of parent and Pregnancy
Solomon's Crown by Natasha Siegel
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
At the beginning and end of the book, Natasha Siegel is upfront about how little historical influence is involved in this book. Unfortunately, I found the reimagined history (aside from the long battle scenes, which I don't like to read in most books) to be the most interesting part of the story, which is probably because of Siegel's beautiful, descriptive writing. The actual romance between Richard the Lionheart and Philip II of France is...fine. There are a few moments of vulnerability between them, but they go from strangers to lovers quickly without much in the way of banter or emotional intimacy, so it was tough for me to be invested in their relationship. There's also a lack of tension that makes the narrative drive stall.
Again, the prose itself is lovely, but for a romance this isn't very...romantic.
At the beginning and end of the book, Natasha Siegel is upfront about how little historical influence is involved in this book. Unfortunately, I found the reimagined history (aside from the long battle scenes, which I don't like to read in most books) to be the most interesting part of the story, which is probably because of Siegel's beautiful, descriptive writing. The actual romance between Richard the Lionheart and Philip II of France is...fine. There are a few moments of vulnerability between them, but they go from strangers to lovers quickly without much in the way of banter or emotional intimacy, so it was tough for me to be invested in their relationship. There's also a lack of tension that makes the narrative drive stall.
Again, the prose itself is lovely, but for a romance this isn't very...romantic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War
Moderate: Death
Minor: Sexual content
Play the Fool by Lina Chern
funny
mysterious
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? Yes
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I requested this one because I'm trying to read more thrillers and mysteries and because it's set near Chicago. (Also, that cover is amazing.) This is more of a cozy mystery than the thriller the marketing suggests, but I still found some moments a little terrifying. The actual unraveling of the mystery of who killed Marley and why is genuinely compelling; the twist at the end genuinely surprised me too. Protagonist Katie is stubborn, which I liked most of the time but makes her frustrating during parts of the investigation. I also wished some of the side characters had been fleshed out more. (I appreciate that Owen's neurodivergence isn't TOTALLY stereotypical, but even more nuance here would have been great.) I don't feel like a sequel is necessary, but I'm sure Lina Chern will write one to further explore Katie's relationship with Jamie.
I requested this one because I'm trying to read more thrillers and mysteries and because it's set near Chicago. (Also, that cover is amazing.) This is more of a cozy mystery than the thriller the marketing suggests, but I still found some moments a little terrifying. The actual unraveling of the mystery of who killed Marley and why is genuinely compelling; the twist at the end genuinely surprised me too. Protagonist Katie is stubborn, which I liked most of the time but makes her frustrating during parts of the investigation. I also wished some of the side characters had been fleshed out more. (I appreciate that Owen's neurodivergence isn't TOTALLY stereotypical, but even more nuance here would have been great.) I don't feel like a sequel is necessary, but I'm sure Lina Chern will write one to further explore Katie's relationship with Jamie.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence and Violence
Moderate: Blood and Murder
Minor: Death and Suicide
The Bodyguard by Katherine Center
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I went into this thinking it would be a 5-star book for me, but it lacks that unique element/oomph I was searching for during my read. To its credit, the plot is unique--smaller, tough woman becomes bodyguard for movie-star dude with emotional baggage--and the main and side characters are charming and often hilarious; I especially loved Hannah's officemates and boss for how they ragged on her ex Robby. But I wanted to feel more...excited about what was happening? The relationship between Jack and Hannah is sweet and develops organically despite their situation, and his family is wonderful, but I didn't feel compelled to read it in one go. Even the climactic scene feels, well, anticlimactic. Overall, though, if you're looking for a fun popcorn romance, this is an entertaining and solid choice.
Tombs: Junji Ito Story Collection by Junji Ito
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
At this point I'll devour any Junji Ito collection I can access, so this was a treat. While I would have liked more from a couple of the stories, it's a well-balanced set of body horror and psychological torment, and the art and plotlines all thoroughly creeped me out and/or made me recoil slowly as I turned the pages. Standout stories for me include "Tombs," "The Strange Tale of the Tunnel," and "The Bloody Story of Shirosuna."
At this point I'll devour any Junji Ito collection I can access, so this was a treat. While I would have liked more from a couple of the stories, it's a well-balanced set of body horror and psychological torment, and the art and plotlines all thoroughly creeped me out and/or made me recoil slowly as I turned the pages. Standout stories for me include "Tombs," "The Strange Tale of the Tunnel," and "The Bloody Story of Shirosuna."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Violence, and Blood
Hotel of Secrets by Diana Biller
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I don't read much historical fiction (or romances) set in nineteenth-century Vienna, so this felt like a unique opportunity to learn something about that era. There's a lot more drama, steam, and mystery than historical accuracy (and the mystery takes a backseat to the steam after a while), but it's still a charming read with appealing characters. I particularly loved Maria, who runs a hotel with a firm hand and despite the interventions of her mother, Elisabeth (who's flighty in a particularly annoying way), and other "accidents" that damage the building. Spy/love interest Eli is a well-balanced mix of highly competent and shy, so if you enjoy that then this will work well for you. It feels a little long, but it's entertaining enough and worth a read, especially if you enjoy historical romance.
I don't read much historical fiction (or romances) set in nineteenth-century Vienna, so this felt like a unique opportunity to learn something about that era. There's a lot more drama, steam, and mystery than historical accuracy (and the mystery takes a backseat to the steam after a while), but it's still a charming read with appealing characters. I particularly loved Maria, who runs a hotel with a firm hand and despite the interventions of her mother, Elisabeth (who's flighty in a particularly annoying way), and other "accidents" that damage the building. Spy/love interest Eli is a well-balanced mix of highly competent and shy, so if you enjoy that then this will work well for you. It feels a little long, but it's entertaining enough and worth a read, especially if you enjoy historical romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Violence
Loyalty by Lisa Scottoline
adventurous
dark
informative
medium-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
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I love historical fiction set in Italy, so I'm definitely the target audience for this book. I also don't know much about the origins of the Mafia, so it was fun to see Lisa Scottoline's interpretation of how the group was formed in nineteenth-century Sicily against the backdrop of its plentiful lemon groves. There are many storylines and characters to keep track of, some of whom are more compelling than others, but their inclusion fleshes out the setting nicely and kept me invested in the book. Don't skip the author's note at the end; it provides some historical context and gives the reader insight into Scottoline's research process, which is compelling.
I love historical fiction set in Italy, so I'm definitely the target audience for this book. I also don't know much about the origins of the Mafia, so it was fun to see Lisa Scottoline's interpretation of how the group was formed in nineteenth-century Sicily against the backdrop of its plentiful lemon groves. There are many storylines and characters to keep track of, some of whom are more compelling than others, but their inclusion fleshes out the setting nicely and kept me invested in the book. Don't skip the author's note at the end; it provides some historical context and gives the reader insight into Scottoline's research process, which is compelling.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Murder
The Witch's Heart by Genevieve Gornichec
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-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? Yes
3.5
The first twenty or so pages are tough to get through, and some of the dialogue is clumsy at best. (I actually ended up abandoning the physical book to listen to the audiobook, which I'd highly recommend for the fun accents. I also think the dialogue works better when listening to rather than reading this.) I wasn't expecting Angrboda's cave to feel like such a warm gathering place--at least, in the first part of the book--and I was pleasantly surprised by the coziness of it all. Readers who know more about Norse mythology might take issue with the way the characters are depicted, but I enjoyed learning more about the lore in an accessible way; this made me want to read more about the subject.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Pregnancy
Minor: Sexual content
Jane & Edward: A Modern Reimagining of Jane Eyre by Melodie Edwards
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I'm a little wary of Jane Eyre retellings because my English grad program forever ruined the book for me. (Try reading Wide Sargasso Sea and tell me you don't feel the same!) This one doesn't handle the secret wife theme any better than its source material. (The deus ex machina of it all made me roll my eyes.) Aside from this, though, I found it to be a compelling read; Jane's sense of agency is strong, and Edward is actually sweet and likeable. The banter is a little odd, but somehow it works really well (at least for me). I also enjoyed the fact that the book isn't solely about their relationship but, rather, about Jane getting what she deserves. (I'm being intentionally cryptic here.)
Four stars is probably generous, but if you enjoy Brontë retellings give this one a try!
I'm a little wary of Jane Eyre retellings because my English grad program forever ruined the book for me. (Try reading Wide Sargasso Sea and tell me you don't feel the same!) This one doesn't handle the secret wife theme any better than its source material. (The deus ex machina of it all made me roll my eyes.) Aside from this, though, I found it to be a compelling read; Jane's sense of agency is strong, and Edward is actually sweet and likeable. The banter is a little odd, but somehow it works really well (at least for me). I also enjoyed the fact that the book isn't solely about their relationship but, rather, about Jane getting what she deserves. (I'm being intentionally cryptic here.)
Four stars is probably generous, but if you enjoy Brontë retellings give this one a try!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent