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valeria_balzan's reviews
152 reviews
The Witch's Hand by Nathan Page
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The story was good, but it wasn't something crazy innovative. The art style was very cute.
I wish we had seen more of the witch, she seemed like a cool character who could potentially help the twins with their newfound magic powers.
Don't Breathe a Word by Jordyn Taylor
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
What I loved the most about this book is the dual timeline it occurs in. It it's so interesting how the puzzle starts coming together as a cool mystery novel, which I really enjoyed.
It was mostly the atmosphere the book created that made it so interesting. I also found myself wanting to know more of this society, I wanted to be part of the Fives(yikes!) and I think the way the author represented that longing of wanting to be part of a group very well, especially in what you're willing to do to belong.
As I said in the beginning of reading this book, I disliked the long chapters and the heavy explanations that where setting up the story. It was a little tiring to read but as the second half kicks in it accelerates in a way that the chapters were shorter and more manageable, which was an improvement.
And also, in the acknowledgements the author explains a little of her writing process and how certain portions of the books were brainstormed with her friends and came from real life experiences and it made me realize how this book was made with so much love and it makes me appreciate it even more.
It was mostly the atmosphere the book created that made it so interesting. I also found myself wanting to know more of this society, I wanted to be part of the Fives
As I said in the beginning of reading this book, I disliked the long chapters and the heavy explanations that where setting up the story. It was a little tiring to read but as the second half kicks in it accelerates in a way that the chapters were shorter and more manageable, which was an improvement.
And also, in the acknowledgements the author explains a little of her writing process and how certain portions of the books were brainstormed with her friends and came from real life experiences and it made me realize how this book was made with so much love and it makes me appreciate it even more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This book is great as background noice, whether I was doing chores or falling asleep, I loved listening and critiquing Olive's reckless decisions and reacting to the consequences of said decisions. You could say it was predictable and all, but I still was eager to pick it up every time.
I found that the romance definitely lacks some chemistry on the beginning, but was they build more trust and get to know eachother, towards second half, it definitely gets better. and the sex was good, ngl
I feel like this book had great potential to go into the trouble of women getting into STEM programs and profesional education (PhD's), but it just barely dipped it's toes in it. I felt like it would have added such a deep dimension to the whole story; especially since we see Olive get sexually harassed by Tom Belton, (and how he plans to steal her life's work!)
I found that the romance definitely lacks some chemistry on the beginning, but was they build more trust and get to know eachother, towards second half, it definitely gets better.
I feel like this book had great potential to go into the trouble of women getting into STEM programs and profesional education (PhD's), but it just barely dipped it's toes in it. I felt like it would have added such a deep dimension to the whole story; especially since
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism and Sexual harassment
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
4.5
One Last Stop is different from other books not only because of its characters and themes, but because of they way those are written. Casey McQuiston perfectly balances humor and relatability with existential dread and angst.
It, ironically, feels like travelling on the Net York subway, surrounded by all different kinds of people, from different backgrounds and different stories, that all come together under love, whether that is romantic or simply friendship.
The love story of Jane and August is like no other, and it's uniqueness makes it perfect.
Now, something that I did not enjoy about the book much was the long chapters and the slow pacing of the story. Helen Hoang says it should be savoured slowly, but sometimes it's too much, although it could be compesated with the great quotes and beautiful writting.
It, ironically, feels like travelling on the Net York subway, surrounded by all different kinds of people, from different backgrounds and different stories, that all come together under love, whether that is romantic or simply friendship.
The love story of Jane and August is like no other, and it's uniqueness makes it perfect.
Now, something that I did not enjoy about the book much was the long chapters and the slow pacing of the story. Helen Hoang says it should be savoured slowly, but sometimes it's too much, although it could be compesated with the great quotes and beautiful writting.
The Dark Prophecy by Rick Riordan
adventurous
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Yet again, this book feels like a lot of introductions and setting up. It took me so long to finish because it felt like three quests in one (which it was, kind of).
One thing to note is that I love the way Apollo/Lester's character is growing. He doesn't feel as eccentric or godly as the first book but he still maintains his charm. His relationship with Meg has also grown, which melts my heart since now he is willing to sacrifice his life for hers. Adorable.
The chapter titles are so funny in this one. And that last chapter I did not see coming. The return of an old friend.
The chapter titles are so funny in this one. And that last chapter I did not see coming. The return of an old friend.
Majesty by Katharine McGee
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book definitely comes to close some loose ends from the previous one but it added a new layer to those. Turning the drama up an notch (if that's even possible). I loved the introduction of the new characters and also giving the old ones more depth. Overall it was very entertaining, especially the layer half.
As we know, Beatrice is my favorite character, and reading her assume the throne and dealing with all of the things her father left has definitely had an impact on her life. I loved the new angle on Samantha, it made me look at her in another way other than the rebel silbling. Nina was great, I love that she stepped back and out her priorities first. And Daphne's character arc? I expected it but I didn't realize it would hurt me as it did.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism
What Unbreakable Looks Like by Kate McLaughlin
informative
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I loved the author's way of writing her characters. Especially Lex. Even when she is talking about the horrors of human trafficking, she still keep her teenage voice. Her friends are also act like teenagers (which is the bare minimum but it was done well).
My biggest critique is that the book feels never ending. There is multiple plotlines that start after the other ends which makes it hard to make up what the main storyline is.
Back to the characters, they are so well written. This story is about them, and only them. Krys and Jamal have my whole heart. And Zack too, and Elsa, and of course, Lex.
My biggest critique is that the book feels never ending. There is multiple plotlines that start after the other ends which makes it hard to make up what the main storyline is.
Back to the characters, they are so well written. This story is about them, and only them. Krys and Jamal have my whole heart. And Zack too, and Elsa, and of course, Lex.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Drug abuse, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Violence, Kidnapping, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Miscarriage and Medical content
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
It Ends with Us by Colleen Hoover
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
At the beginning of the book I didn't know what the hype around this book was around, but it was a well-crafted heartbreaking story. The set up at the beginning was so efficiently made that it contributes to the main reason of why the book is so good. At the beginning you think there is no plot, but it's always been there it just so natural that it doesn't feel like it.
And the author's note? The best thing about the book it pieced everything together so nicely.
Yo estaba gritando "AMIGA, DATE CUENTA" desde el principio pero incluso en algunos momentos si me dolió mi corazoncito </3
And the author's note? The best thing about the book it pieced everything together so nicely.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Pregnancy, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Alcoholism
Yes No Maybe So by Becky Albertalli, Aisha Saeed
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
4.0
This book mixed well the coming of age story with the politics and religious themes. I loved both of the characters, especially the different narrators, and how they got along.
It has a great storytelling and I loved the small conflicts throughout the book.
It has a great storytelling and I loved the small conflicts throughout the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Antisemitism and Islamophobia
Moderate: Gaslighting