lostinabookishworld's reviews
328 reviews

A Power Unbound by Freya Marske

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adventurous mysterious 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

4.25

I very much enjoyed this. Loved finally getting a look into Jack's head after having him as a brooding, mean side character the last two books. I love the blend of historical fiction and magical realism and while I would get lost or not fully understand the rules of magic in the world at times I still had a lot of fun while reading. I think overall, this series is way underrated and love how original and inventive it is. 
Children of Fallen Gods by Carissa Broadbent

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adventurous dark emotional 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

I really enjoyed this - the audio was excellent, the story was fantastic if heart wrenching at times, and I just love Carissa's writing so much. 
Lights Out by Navessa Allen

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dark funny medium-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

4.5

It's ridiculous how much I enjoyed this book. I was not expecting there to be so much humor in such a dark book but holy heck did it work perfectly. The story was great, the character's were absolutely excellent, and while not everything was to my particular tastes if you will I thoroughly enjoyed all the spice. 
First-Time Caller by B.K. Borison

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective 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

I was almost nervous to start this book. I had such high - probably bordering on unrealistic - expectations and I was worried I'd be unintentionally let down. I should have known to trust B.K. Borison because she is clearly a wizard and puts magic into each and every one of her books. I LOVED THIS. Aiden and Lucie are absolutely everything. I adored their banter and chemistry. Every step of their friendship and relationship felt realistic and I just could not get enough of them. The growth each of these characters have throughout the story is really beautiful and heart-wrenching. I simply could not get enough. 
Do Your Worst by Rosie Danan

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funny lighthearted fast-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

3.75

This was really quick and cute. I like the story and thought that the main characters were fun and interesting. Some of the plot felt like it fell a bit off the rails at times but it genuinely didn't bother me. Overall, I had a good time while reading and would absolutely recommend for a fun, low stakes read. 
Murder Your Employer: The McMasters Guide to Homicide by Rupert Holmes

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dark funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This book was fascinating. I loved the premise and the way it was written - often breaking the fourth wall - was different and felt fresh. I really enjoyed the different characters the story concentrated on, I LOVED the Dulcie; she was brilliant and a bit more nefarious than the other characters, and had a fun time while reading the book. That said, the beginning was VERY slow - it took me awhile to get into the story and the best parts were absolutely after Cliff, Gemma, and Dulcie left the academy and went about their deletions but that doesn't happen until well into the story. 

Overall, I did like this one a lot and would recommend it, but it is slow to start. 
I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I'm Trapped in a Rom-Com by Kimberly Lemming

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adventurous funny lighthearted 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

4.0

This was absolutely absurd in the BEST way possible. It somehow had a plot that made complete sense and gave us aliens, talking owls, dinosaurs, giant frogs. It was funny, fast paced, more spicy than I thought it would be (a delightful surprise if we're being honest), and I just had such a fun time reading it. I think it's honestly best to go into this book without a ton of up-front information and just enjoy the ride. 
The Pumpkin Spice Café by Laurie Gilmore

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funny lighthearted fast-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

2.5

I wanted to like this so badly. I was fully in the mood for a cute, quirky, small town romance and thought this would fit the bill perfectly. Unfortunately, it just wasn't for me. The insta-love between the two main characters was too much, there were many moments where I could tell the author wanted it to read as quirky and fun but felt forced, the third act break up was entirely unnecessary, and the subsequent re-coupling was awkward and rushed. I completely understand why people may absolutely love this book but it sadly was not for me.  
Freaks, Gleeks, and Dawson's Creek: How Seven Teen Shows Transformed Television by Thea Glassman

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funny informative lighthearted medium-paced

4.0

I really enjoyed this one. I loved the majority of the shows covered here; Dawson's Creek, The O.C., Friday Night Lights, and Glee so it was interesting getting a deeper look into the show's beginnings and the impact they've had on pop culture. 
Bloodguard by Cecy Robson

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adventurous 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? No

2.5

This was unfortunately not for me and entirely forgettable. I wanted to like this - the overall premise seemed interesting but I just did not find the story believable (I get that it's a fantasy but what I mean here is that the plot/timeline of everything was wonky and there were a decent number of plot holes), the romance was incredibly rushed, and I unfortunately found myself skimming the majority of the ending.