litandleslie's reviews
195 reviews

The Book of Candlelight by Ellery Adams

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emotional hopeful lighthearted mysterious 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

4.25

Girl of Flesh and Metal by Alicia Ellis

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

3.5

I thought "Girl of Flesh and Metal" by Alicia Ellis was especially intriguing and certainly gave Black Mirror vibes. It also had a thought-provoking exploration of technology's impact on health and science. Part mystery, part Sci-Fi, with a touch of romantic interest made it an overall enjoyable read. However, the portrayal of the main character's animosity towards her artificial arm raises concerns about potential negative stereotypes or stigmatization of individuals using prosthetics in real life. A solid 3.5 but not quite a 4 star rating from me. I think the continuation of the series is very interesting and worth a read as well. 
Homicide and Halo-Halo by Mia P. Manansala

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emotional funny mysterious 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? It's complicated

4.0

Murder in G Major by Alexia Gordon

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dark funny mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Fit for Murder by Terrie Farley Moran, Jessica Fletcher

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dark lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

4.0

Killer Kung Pao by Vivien Chien

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lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

Arsenic and Adobo by Mia P. Manansala

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lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

I absolutely loved 'Arsenic and Adobo'! A delightful cozy mystery with diverse characters, a captivating plot, a budding romance, delicious food, and an exploration of real issues. Unlike older, dated cozy mysteries, this one is really refreshing. The author's skillful use of red herrings adds an extra layer of intrigue, keeping readers hooked. I am planning to dive into the entire series.
Can't Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 17%.
Nothing wrong with the book. But, I might pick up where I left off at a later time. It’s just a little too slow paced for me at the moment. 
She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan

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challenging emotional tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

The Lighthouse Witches by C.J. Cooke

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dark emotional mysterious reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

"The Lighthouse Witches" by C.J. Cooke is an enthralling journey that captivated me from start to finish. The storytelling is so immersive that I found it difficult to put the book down. The blend of gripping, dark, and magical elements, coupled with the fascinating history of Scottish witches, created a truly mesmerizing experience. The seamless weaving of time and multiple points of view added a layer of complexity that enhanced the overall richness of the narrative. An absolute must-read for those who appreciate a spellbinding tale."