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t0ast_and_t3a's reviews
400 reviews
I Fell in Love With Hope by Lancali
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Before you read the rest of this review, pleasepleaseplease check trigger warnings. This is a VERY heavy book, and I recommend being in the right headspace to read it. I would not recommend reading this if you are struggling with loss or depression—they are avid themes throughout.
That aside, this is a story of grief, loss, hope, and love. On the prose level, this is written beautifully—especially if you love metaphorical language and imagery. The characters are all unique and individualized, and you will never be the same after C and Neo (and if you are, well, lucky you not falling victim to emotional tragedy).
You will be confused at times when it comes to the narrator, and I can’t stress this enough—THAT IS THE POINT. Will you like the narrator by the end? Maybe not, but this isn’t just their story.
I listened to the audio version of this, and the fact that it was read by Lancali makes it that much more emotional. I knew very little about this book going in, but I couldn’t stop listening, even when I was left with more questions.
The structure isn’t perfect, and it messes with the pacing some, but the characters, themes, and language make up for that.
Again, check the trigger warnings. I am not joking when I say there is some parts where I had to pause and take a f*cking breath. This is set in a hospital with a few different sick characters who all have different relationships with others and themselves, so it is meant to be emotional.
I’ll list the main TW here (since I post the review on Goodreads as well).
Grief, child abuse (shown through bruises and injuries mostly, but there is a instance where there is some details), anorexia, self harm, child illnesses, abandonment, and one paragraph mention of rape (not graphic or detailed, just mentioned).
That aside, this is a story of grief, loss, hope, and love. On the prose level, this is written beautifully—especially if you love metaphorical language and imagery. The characters are all unique and individualized, and you will never be the same after C and Neo (and if you are, well, lucky you not falling victim to emotional tragedy).
You will be confused at times when it comes to the narrator, and I can’t stress this enough—THAT IS THE POINT. Will you like the narrator by the end? Maybe not, but this isn’t just their story.
I listened to the audio version of this, and the fact that it was read by Lancali makes it that much more emotional. I knew very little about this book going in, but I couldn’t stop listening, even when I was left with more questions.
The structure isn’t perfect, and it messes with the pacing some, but the characters, themes, and language make up for that.
Again, check the trigger warnings. I am not joking when I say there is some parts where I had to pause and take a f*cking breath. This is set in a hospital with a few different sick characters who all have different relationships with others and themselves, so it is meant to be emotional.
I’ll list the main TW here (since I post the review on Goodreads as well).
Grief, child abuse (shown through bruises and injuries mostly, but there is a instance where there is some details), anorexia, self harm, child illnesses, abandonment, and one paragraph mention of rape (not graphic or detailed, just mentioned).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Eating disorder, Self harm, Terminal illness, Grief, and Abandonment
Moderate: Mental illness and Suicide attempt
Minor: Rape
You: The Story: A Writer's Guide to Craft Through Memory by Ruta Sepetys
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Not so much a guide as an encouragement. Often, I feel these “on writing” books from authors are directive, but lack the story of how they came upon such direction. This one not only answers questions, but gives writers ideas on things they should be asking—their characters AND themselves.
I have drawn from my memory since I started writing, so perhaps this hits a bit closer to home for me than most. But it’s lines like “Sense of self comes from meetings with the mirror” (pg 59) that make me consider my character’s voice (how they take to themselves, how they let people talk to them). And “Do not ignore the failure in your story” (pg 66) that reminds me to keep going when I feel like every word is crap. And the line “Get your heart dirty” (pg 151) reminds me why I started writing in the first place.
Yes, sometimes it’s nice to be told what to do and how to do it. But other times, it’s better to be inspired. This book is that for me.
(Yes, I know my citations are not formatted correct, my dear MLA Format Police. Will I fix it? Nope.)
I have drawn from my memory since I started writing, so perhaps this hits a bit closer to home for me than most. But it’s lines like “Sense of self comes from meetings with the mirror” (pg 59) that make me consider my character’s voice (how they take to themselves, how they let people talk to them). And “Do not ignore the failure in your story” (pg 66) that reminds me to keep going when I feel like every word is crap. And the line “Get your heart dirty” (pg 151) reminds me why I started writing in the first place.
Yes, sometimes it’s nice to be told what to do and how to do it. But other times, it’s better to be inspired. This book is that for me.
(Yes, I know my citations are not formatted correct, my dear MLA Format Police. Will I fix it? Nope.)
Next of Kin by Hannah Bonam-Young
challenging
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
An emotional story of found family with two characters who have complicated views of trust and relationships. They each have trouble with trusting others, and it is shown in different ways. This may be viewed as a bit of a heavy subject for a romance, but this is more of a break the cycle book with a romance subplot.
I’ll list the major trigger warnings below, but there is a purpose to all the scenes. Even so, they may be intense to read (especially for those who have experience with CPS and neglectful parents).
TW: CPS, neglectful parents, minor scenes with detailed flashbacks/memories of neglect, child born with illness (due to neglectful parents).
I’ll list the major trigger warnings below, but there is a purpose to all the scenes. Even so, they may be intense to read (especially for those who have experience with CPS and neglectful parents).
TW: CPS, neglectful parents, minor scenes with detailed flashbacks/memories of neglect, child born with illness (due to neglectful parents).
Golden Son by Pierce Brown
adventurous
dark
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
The chokehold this one had on me! I can’t say much without spoiling, but from start to finish it is just WILD. There is so much character growth, so many stakes, so many twists. And that damn ending!
Once More With Feeling by Elissa Sussman
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
4.0
I love a good comeback story. I also love when the story is split up into the past and the present. It not only keeps the tension going throughout, but it makes the characters stronger.
1/5 🌶️
3/5♥️
4/5🌟
1/5 🌶️
3/5♥️
4/5🌟
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
emotional
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 can’t say as much as I want to without going into spoilers, but just to start off, this has one of the best romance plots I’ve read since The Cruel Prince. The tension, the chemistry, the evolution of it—it’s just crafted so damn well.
The characters will both charm you and make you want to fling the book across the room. There isn’t a character mentioned that doesn’t have a full story—no matter how limited they’re mentioned.
And the magic system appears so simple, but is far more complex than even the ones who wield it can understand. I even enjoyed how it tied in with the historical setting of the book—which I often find is difficult to accomplish for some stories.
I have read reviews of people not liking this, but I suspect a lot of people go in wanting the same thing from an author they experienced when they read whatever book of theirs first grabbed their attention. I truly admire writers who can give us a variety in their writing, all while not limiting their talent for storytelling. Some people love Leigh Bardugo because they read S&B first, and that’s justifiable—it’s a great series. But I was introduced to Bardugo through Ninth House, which is quite different from her Grishaverse. I don’t think it’s unfair to say this book is closer to her Ninth House style.
The characters will both charm you and make you want to fling the book across the room. There isn’t a character mentioned that doesn’t have a full story—no matter how limited they’re mentioned.
And the magic system appears so simple, but is far more complex than even the ones who wield it can understand. I even enjoyed how it tied in with the historical setting of the book—which I often find is difficult to accomplish for some stories.
I have read reviews of people not liking this, but I suspect a lot of people go in wanting the same thing from an author they experienced when they read whatever book of theirs first grabbed their attention. I truly admire writers who can give us a variety in their writing, all while not limiting their talent for storytelling. Some people love Leigh Bardugo because they read S&B first, and that’s justifiable—it’s a great series. But I was introduced to Bardugo through Ninth House, which is quite different from her Grishaverse. I don’t think it’s unfair to say this book is closer to her Ninth House style.
Stuck with You by Ali Hazelwood
emotional
funny
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I wanted this one to be longer. The characters were funny and their chemistry was well written. I cackled at all the giant man references (those who’ve read her books knows Hazelwood’s MMCs are all tall and thick😂). This FMC might be one of my favorites she written too—smart, sassy, witty.
Under One Roof by Ali Hazelwood
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A fun, quick read, with a funny FMC. Her voice is rich throughout the novella. I didn’t always understand the relationship dynamic between her and the MMC, but in retrospect I realize that may be the point—that love isn’t always what you expect.
Below Zero by Ali Hazelwood
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A short, to the point romance with a strong FMC lead. The pacing is quick, and even with the shorter storyline there’s a clear and steady arc.
Two Twisted Crowns by Rachel Gillig
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
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
4.5
The atmospheric language and setting persisted in this book. I didn’t think I could like the characters more, but here we are—me liking them more. Elm and Ione especially, given Ione’s character was my least favorite in the first book. Her arc was well planned, and I admire how the author made me understand her in the end.
I said it in the last review, but I think this magic system is incredibly unique, and I really enjoyed the wide range of users we got to experience with the Cards.
I am a sucker for a happy ending, too, and I especially love when the pacing is so balanced it didn't feel rushed.
Gillig, I dare say, has become one of my “must buy” authors.
I said it in the last review, but I think this magic system is incredibly unique, and I really enjoyed the wide range of users we got to experience with the Cards.
I am a sucker for a happy ending, too, and I especially love when the pacing is so balanced it didn't feel rushed.
Gillig, I dare say, has become one of my “must buy” authors.