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kba76's reviews
3157 reviews
Emily Wilde's Compendium of Lost Tales by Heather Fawcett
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Thanks to NetGalley for providing me with the opportunity to read and review this prior to publication. The third instalment in the series draws things to a close, leaving Wendell and Emily in an unusual predicament. It felt slow at times, and the dramatic moments of the story fell a little flat as things were conveniently sorted out.
Having found their way back to Wendell’s kingdom it is now incumbent upon them to remove the threat to the throne and to try and restore the kingdom. Emily uses her scholarly research to help with key details, and we get the opportunity to see Wendell in what could best be described as his natural environment.
There’s the expected drama, but they always seem to manage to find a way to resolve issues before things become too awkward.
Having found their way back to Wendell’s kingdom it is now incumbent upon them to remove the threat to the throne and to try and restore the kingdom. Emily uses her scholarly research to help with key details, and we get the opportunity to see Wendell in what could best be described as his natural environment.
There’s the expected drama, but they always seem to manage to find a way to resolve issues before things become too awkward.
Trigger by C.G. Moore
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Jay wakes up in a park. He has no memory of the night before. He has been beaten and there is blood in his underpants. When a stranger asks if he’s okay, he bursts into tears.
Jay learns he has been assaulted.
We are given some details of the police role into investigating the crime, the impact on Jay and his friends/family and the steps given to support Jay as he tries to live with what happened.
Told in verse this is emotionally hard. Through Jay’s
eyes we see the aftermath of the attack and some of the steps taken to try and live with events.
Jay learns he has been assaulted.
We are given some details of the police role into investigating the crime, the impact on Jay and his friends/family and the steps given to support Jay as he tries to live with what happened.
Told in verse this is emotionally hard. Through Jay’s
eyes we see the aftermath of the attack and some of the steps taken to try and live with events.
DallerGut Dream Department Store by Miye Lee
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
A mysterious town where, tucked away, is a store that sells dreams. Our main character Penny starts work at the store and we follow her as she observes events and customers that frequent the place.
I selected to read this as part of the PopSugar challenge, and it is not likely to have been a book I’d have picked up otherwise.
The concept was intriguing and there were some interesting elements. I live the idea of people’s dreams being something that can be developed or altered in some way. However, the whole thing felt rather like it was trying too hard to be cute. I’m not sure it was particularly memorable.
I selected to read this as part of the PopSugar challenge, and it is not likely to have been a book I’d have picked up otherwise.
The concept was intriguing and there were some interesting elements. I live the idea of people’s dreams being something that can be developed or altered in some way. However, the whole thing felt rather like it was trying too hard to be cute. I’m not sure it was particularly memorable.
Under the Same Stars by Libba Bray
challenging
emotional
informative
mysterious
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
4.0
Three stories interwoven to tell a story of love and betrayal. Key to the story is the small town of Kleinwald, and best friends Hanna and Sophie who regularly visit the Bridegroom’s Oak to deliver letters they hope will find them love. However, Hanna is also making use of the tree to send letters of a different nature.
In 1980’s Germany we follow young American Jenny who finds herself and her passion when she meets fiery punk Lena. Jenny gets caught up in the excitement of playing in an all-girl punk band, but when their friendship is used as a cover to try and get a family member out of East Berlin Jenny comes to see she has to look out for herself.
Also part of the story are best friends Miles and Chloe in New York at the start of COVID and lockdown. An unexpected package from Chloe’s grandmother begins their investigation into the case of two missing teenagers in 1930s Germany.
Seeing the various strands unfurl and seeing how they link was fascinating, though it took a little while to firmly establish the key characters. Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this before publication.
In 1980’s Germany we follow young American Jenny who finds herself and her passion when she meets fiery punk Lena. Jenny gets caught up in the excitement of playing in an all-girl punk band, but when their friendship is used as a cover to try and get a family member out of East Berlin Jenny comes to see she has to look out for herself.
Also part of the story are best friends Miles and Chloe in New York at the start of COVID and lockdown. An unexpected package from Chloe’s grandmother begins their investigation into the case of two missing teenagers in 1930s Germany.
Seeing the various strands unfurl and seeing how they link was fascinating, though it took a little while to firmly establish the key characters. Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this before publication.
Shy Creatures: The New Novel from the Author of Small Pleasures by Clare Chambers
emotional
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-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
5.0
Shy Creatures did not release its pleasure willingly. It took some time to get going, but it felt all the better for being made to wait. A tender portrayal of love that was beautiful in its depiction of character.
The story begins with us following Helen, an art therapist, as she begins her new job at Westbury Park, a psychiatric hospital. She befriends the charismatic Gil, a relative through marriage, and begins an affair. This felt slow going at first, but then a call is received that sets up an intriguing premise.
Neighbours at a run-down home near Helen report a disturbance. What is discovered shocks those who are sent out…a thirty-seven year old man who nobody knew existed living with his elderly aunt. William appears mute, but he is a talented artist so Helen attempts to find ways to communicate with him.
Going above and beyond what might be reasonably expected, Helen determines to find out more about William. At the same time we are privy to details of his past that help us to understand how he comes to be in the situation he is.
I’m so happy I stuck with this because William’s story burrows its way into your heart. Based on real events this was a fascinating exploration of the individual and the ties that bind us. Not all the details are palatable, but there’s a clear sense of people trying their best in the circumstances.
The story begins with us following Helen, an art therapist, as she begins her new job at Westbury Park, a psychiatric hospital. She befriends the charismatic Gil, a relative through marriage, and begins an affair. This felt slow going at first, but then a call is received that sets up an intriguing premise.
Neighbours at a run-down home near Helen report a disturbance. What is discovered shocks those who are sent out…a thirty-seven year old man who nobody knew existed living with his elderly aunt. William appears mute, but he is a talented artist so Helen attempts to find ways to communicate with him.
Going above and beyond what might be reasonably expected, Helen determines to find out more about William. At the same time we are privy to details of his past that help us to understand how he comes to be in the situation he is.
I’m so happy I stuck with this because William’s story burrows its way into your heart. Based on real events this was a fascinating exploration of the individual and the ties that bind us. Not all the details are palatable, but there’s a clear sense of people trying their best in the circumstances.
The Girl You Know by Elle Gonzalez Rose
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Girl You Know tells an all too familiar story, but the approach is anything but common.
Our main character, Luna, is deeply upset by the unexpected death of her sister, Solina. She is convinced someone in Solina’s life knew more than they’d told anyone, and determines to take her sister’s place at the exclusive Kingswood Academy that her sister was so keen to leave.
Upon arrival Luna finds herself caught up in the pretence that she is her sister. She quickly realises that her sister was keeping a lot from her, and that someone in her circle may have been instrumental in her death.
Like Ace of Spades we see a system geared to letting those already benefitting from many social advantages continue to thrive. We see just how far those who want to succeed are prepared to go in order to guarantee success. A rather depressing read in many ways, but definitely a story worth reading.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this prior to publication.
Our main character, Luna, is deeply upset by the unexpected death of her sister, Solina. She is convinced someone in Solina’s life knew more than they’d told anyone, and determines to take her sister’s place at the exclusive Kingswood Academy that her sister was so keen to leave.
Upon arrival Luna finds herself caught up in the pretence that she is her sister. She quickly realises that her sister was keeping a lot from her, and that someone in her circle may have been instrumental in her death.
Like Ace of Spades we see a system geared to letting those already benefitting from many social advantages continue to thrive. We see just how far those who want to succeed are prepared to go in order to guarantee success. A rather depressing read in many ways, but definitely a story worth reading.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this prior to publication.
No Place Left to Hide by Megan Lally
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
No Place Left to Hide is an explosive YA thriller. Our main character is Brooke, ultimate Queen Bee, and the focus is on events surrounding the death of a former classmate.
From early on we are given a clear picture of how driven Brooke is. Determined to get into Yale she’s on every committee and part of every activity possible. Her mother is the school principal and her father is in the running for the role of a district judge. The whole family are high fliers, but we’re also privy to the harassment Brooke is receiving.
Much of our focus is on the party Brooke is persuaded to attend by her best friend Jena. A beach-side farewell to high school, where Brooke thinks she may finally get a chance with the boy she’s liked from afar. Similar to the party they all attended where Brooke’s ex-best friend Claire ended up dead. As this draws to a close Brooke feels positive about her future…until she’s tailed on the way home.
While the behaviour of the characters makes little sense, it’s the kind of crazy scenario that makes for dramatic reading. Naturally, Brooke hasn’t been entirely honest about events and someone wants her to pay.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this before publication.
From early on we are given a clear picture of how driven Brooke is. Determined to get into Yale she’s on every committee and part of every activity possible. Her mother is the school principal and her father is in the running for the role of a district judge. The whole family are high fliers, but we’re also privy to the harassment Brooke is receiving.
Much of our focus is on the party Brooke is persuaded to attend by her best friend Jena. A beach-side farewell to high school, where Brooke thinks she may finally get a chance with the boy she’s liked from afar. Similar to the party they all attended where Brooke’s ex-best friend Claire ended up dead. As this draws to a close Brooke feels positive about her future…until she’s tailed on the way home.
While the behaviour of the characters makes little sense, it’s the kind of crazy scenario that makes for dramatic reading. Naturally, Brooke hasn’t been entirely honest about events and someone wants her to pay.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the chance to read and review this before publication.
The Vipers: The dazzling new thriller from the Sunday Times bestselling author of The Cloisters by Katy Hays
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A slow start, and a deeply unappealing group of characters, but The Vipers was an absorbing story.
Our primary focus is the wealthy Lingate family and what happens on their annual retreat to Capri. While the story is exploring the disappearance of the family’s assistant, Lorna, integral to the plot is the much earlier mystery surrounding the suspicious death of Sarah Lingate.
It’s safe to say that nobody is quite what they first appear to be. Secrets aplenty, and some truly treacherous behaviour. We do, eventually, get answers to the many mysteries permeating the novel. It might not be to everyone’s tastes, but it will have its share of fans.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this prior to publication.
Our primary focus is the wealthy Lingate family and what happens on their annual retreat to Capri. While the story is exploring the disappearance of the family’s assistant, Lorna, integral to the plot is the much earlier mystery surrounding the suspicious death of Sarah Lingate.
It’s safe to say that nobody is quite what they first appear to be. Secrets aplenty, and some truly treacherous behaviour. We do, eventually, get answers to the many mysteries permeating the novel. It might not be to everyone’s tastes, but it will have its share of fans.
Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this prior to publication.
The Boy from the Sea by Garrett Carr
emotional
mysterious
reflective
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
4.0
Family and community are key in The Boy from the Sea. A lyrical debut, painting a vivid picture of a close-knit community and its inhabitants. Thanks to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review it prior to publication.
The opening reminded me of Heaney’s poem ‘Storm on the Island’ with its focus on the depiction of a small group. It draws you in and it’s hard not to become absorbed in the tale that unfolds in front of us.
When a baby is found washed up on the beach he is, eventually, taken in by fisherman Ambrose Bonnar. We follow the Bonnar family through their lives. We are privy to the observations of many of the villagers as they watch Ambrose and his family go about their business.
A strange set-up, and a large part of the novel focuses on the changes in the community as the fishing industry comes under threat. The family suffer their own trials and tribulations, and though there is a sense of claustrophobia throughout it was fascinating to see the interactions of the characters.
The opening reminded me of Heaney’s poem ‘Storm on the Island’ with its focus on the depiction of a small group. It draws you in and it’s hard not to become absorbed in the tale that unfolds in front of us.
When a baby is found washed up on the beach he is, eventually, taken in by fisherman Ambrose Bonnar. We follow the Bonnar family through their lives. We are privy to the observations of many of the villagers as they watch Ambrose and his family go about their business.
A strange set-up, and a large part of the novel focuses on the changes in the community as the fishing industry comes under threat. The family suffer their own trials and tribulations, and though there is a sense of claustrophobia throughout it was fascinating to see the interactions of the characters.
Jay's Gay Agenda by Jason June
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Jay has got used to being seen as the gay guy in his remote country town. As he approaches senior year he finds himself increasingly the third wheel to his best friend Lu and her boyfriend. When his mum gets a big promotion it means a move to Seattle where Jay gets caught up in trying to find out who he is.
Jay’s Gay Agenda is a means of Jay getting to experience all the things he’s missed out on. With the help of some new friends Jay begins to tackle his list of hitherto unknown experiences. Unfortunately, along the way, he starts to forget who he is.
Some cute moments. Jay makes some silly decisions and people are ridiculously quick to forgive and forget. However, there was a lot to like about this.
Jay’s Gay Agenda is a means of Jay getting to experience all the things he’s missed out on. With the help of some new friends Jay begins to tackle his list of hitherto unknown experiences. Unfortunately, along the way, he starts to forget who he is.
Some cute moments. Jay makes some silly decisions and people are ridiculously quick to forgive and forget. However, there was a lot to like about this.