melc's reviews
1190 reviews

Luckenbooth by Jenni Fagan

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adventurous dark mysterious 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

Ben, In The World by Doris Lessing

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dark emotional reflective sad 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 a really satisfying conclusion to Ben's story and really thought-provoking.
I like the eerie, more threatening nature of Ben in The Fifth Child better, not to mention his crazy family.
But the sequel will stay with me just like the original novel and I'm sure it will keep me thinking.
Not surprised there was over a decade between the two books.
The Ravenswood Witch by Jenni Keer

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adventurous mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This was a fun gothic historical fiction with lots of atmosphere and spooky, witchy vibes. For me, there wasn't enough strength to the character development, plot and back story as the author spent so much time creating the chilling atmosphere. The novel lacked balance and I felt it was quite melodramatic. However, this was an easy fun read and if you like this genre definitely pick it up.
This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.
The Clocks by Agatha Christie

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mysterious tense slow-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

3.0

My Good Bright Wolf: A Memoir by Sarah Moss

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 32%.
After moving house I'm struggling to concentrate on reading and just don't think I can do this book justice right now.
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 25%.
I just found the storyline unoriginal and dull. The events could have been interesting but the writing was not engaging and there were too many side characters who didn't seem to do much other than act as filler.
We Have Always Lived in the Castle by Shirley Jackson

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Private Rites by Julia Armfield

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 48%.
Warrior Queens & Quiet Revolutionaries: How Women (Also) Built the World by Kate Mosse

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informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

The Glassmaker by Tracy Chevalier

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informative reflective 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? No

3.0

This is a book which pays homage to Venice and the craft of glass-making on the island of Murano. Chevalier writes beautifully and her research is impeccable. I really enjoyed the way this book gives a great swathe-like overview of time and history. However, I felt somewhat removed from the characters as we didn't spend enough time with their emotions. The plot didn't do much to draw me in either. But this is accomplished historical fiction all the same.
This honest review is given with thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this book.