saoreads's reviews
141 reviews

Untethered by KayLynn Flanders

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad 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? Yes

5.0

This definitely surprised me, seeing two points of view of characters for the story as it unfolded, different angles aside from book one. The word usage, details, and thought processes following through are well-versed, but seeing the contrast in personalities of both characters, filled with wit, humor, and fierceness, makes you eager to look forward to what awaits their journey. Book One was so good, and this one is even so much better. The slow-burn romance, the plot twists, and the denouement truly tug at the heartstrings. It kept you on your toes with the climax part of the story that seemed to meander hopelessly. The anxiety felt like grasping for slivers of hope. How would they get over the struggle? I absolutely loved that it included lots of laughter this time, as Halendi's newly crowned king uses humor as a coping mechanism or just naturally is one.
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Shielded by KayLynn Flanders

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective sad 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? Yes

5.0

On first impression, the heroine had a childish demeanor through the way she expressed herself. I'm hoping for some character development of what the outside country awaits for her. A medium-paced novel it was, as the flow of the story is detailed and with its subtle remarks leads readers to easily predict what comes next. I'm enjoying this book more than I'd ever imagined. There were scenes that were unexpected or that the readers could anticipate, and it makes me so happy every time. The world-building within the novel is really enchanting. The main characters are honed well, even with the villains that make you root for them. This book definitely adds up to another reason why I love duologies so much.
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Sky in the Deep by Adrienne Young

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful reflective sad tense 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

3.5

For the most part, the heroine cried a lot in numerous chapters, and it captured the scene of overwhelming grief when it came to familial love. The novel is packed with action, from fighting to clan wars. The contrast of living in a war rife with emotions demonstrates how loved ones were taken away for making sacrifices based on their own principles and beliefs. It was easy to understand the world building throughout the plot, with its definitive descriptions. I thought it'd be lacking in character buildup and relationship dynamics, but it worked out well considering the novel was short-lived.
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Bunny by Mona Awad

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dark funny mysterious sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

It made you laugh and confused all at the same time. Just that. The strangeness enveloping the novel was enticing at first, but it was all over the place from the cultish, thrilling, and fairytale-like embodiment, which didn't seem to bode well. There were those random scenes that only left questions. The novel felt incomplete and just somehow on a gauge to end a certain timeline. Though it was pretty imaginative, it really dived deep into creativity. There is definitely a strange attraction which makes you want to read it further, so kudos to the writer. 
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Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful mysterious reflective sad tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

The loneliness was truly enveloping and seemed to hum a tune. I was ecstatic to read the book as soon as I saw the novel release of the film adaptation, as I'd been hearing good things about it from various people. When it came to the storytelling, the indication of how nature complements humans in their way of life was a striking part. In the character's mind, her security was more important than anything else than being left alone for all she knew, and rather than living in fear, she displayed that instance of survival instincts display that could be observed in the nature of animals. Poetry, knowledge, art, relationship dynamics, failures, and true and deep familial love—this novel will serve as a reminder.
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We Free the Stars by Hafsah Faizal

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny inspiring mysterious reflective sad 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? Yes

5.0

Kifah and Zafira, with all of their lines so deeply etched with the titles to a meaning, there are times when you find a story specifically mentioning its title and think it's a cliché, but this one was beautifully done. It's striking how the author honed the characters and their development. This deep understanding of feelings and emotions allows readers to relate to and identify with them. Reading this felt complete, and it is unquestionably endowed with perfection.
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We Hunt the Flame by Hafsah Faizal

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adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious sad 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? Yes

5.0

I guess there were too many negative biases and notions I had before reading this duology, seeing book reviews of it specifically, which is a folly because it's a different story when you read it yourself to get the experience. The novel's high fantasy emergence did not scare you into thinking it was a bore; there was this kind of indulgence and mystique with the way the author weaved storytelling; it made readers patient, allowing it to unfold as it does, and waiting to see how it will come about. It flowed with realistic aspects in relationship dynamics which didn't follow a typical one. There were no words needed to express how true this was within the Arawiya lands. You waited for it and just as you thought, it's a relief both calm and sorrowful with how it ended out. I can't wait to read more about what happens when the Zumra journeys back away from Sharr, though it's a question if they really did in the next book.
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The Girl Who Drank the Moon by Kelly Barnhill

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adventurous challenging emotional funny inspiring reflective sad 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

5.0

It was truly reassuring and warming to read. The vivid storytelling from various characters, from heroine to villain (was there ever one?) or perhaps someone who mourned in the dark. I can't tell you how much I adore this book. It's full of affection and a slew of emotions ranging from love to understanding to longing. I loved Fyrian, the tiny sweet dragon who was as lovable as ever with his enormous warm heart. He was my favorite character. The novel itself was worth reading because of its elements of warmth, familial love, principles, thrill, and even parts where sorrow is given a persona that flowed to bring the plot to life. It's a witch's story, and it's a heartwarming one with a lovely dash of poetry.
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The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad 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? Yes

5.0

Mystical, all-consuming, and a marvel to read. The plot and character development were beautifully geared toward a lesson on how it takes a brave heart to change things. You either let fate decide for you or let fate chase after you. The world-building was easy to comprehend and imagine with the straightforward details it let on. I just loved it, especially that it didn't have unnecessary content and was very straight to the point considering it is a standalone novel. And you just can't help falling in love with the characters brimming with emotions. The tales being told felt nostalgic and brought back childhood memories. I've added it to my list of books to reread.
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The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood

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emotional funny inspiring reflective 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? Yes

5.0

I just absolutely loved it! I find the hypothetical witty phrases before starting a chapter so adorable because it opens up the idea for the readers of what they're about to get lost in. I half-convinced myself I would read this book, especially moderately, but I think this book considers moderation nonexistent in its vocabulary. It was too all-consuming. I simply can't get enough of it. 
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