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Compelling exploration of vulnerability

Total
4 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
3 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 02-18-25

In The Swimmer, Loreth Anne White introduces us to Chloe Cooper—a protagonist whose awkwardness and limited social skills set the stage for a deeply human, if sometimes painful, journey. Early in the narrative, we see Chloe navigating everyday interactions with an acute observational ability; her internal monologue reveals a sharp awareness of subtle manipulations and mistreatment, even as she remains blissfully aware of the full extent of those around her. This duality is brilliantly accentuated by the alternating "before" and "after" timelines, which not only build suspense but also gradually expose the consequences of her earlier naivety.

A standout moment is the tender portrayal of Chloe's relationship with Brodie, her elderly dog. In one particularly moving scene, as Chloe takes Brodie on a quiet walk, the bond between them is laid bare—reminding us of the unconditional comfort pets can provide during turbulent times. This emotional anchor contrasts sharply with scenes where Chloe's vulnerability is exploited, such as during a tense family gathering that highlights her isolation despite her sharp insights.

However, not every element lands perfectly. Some dramatic sequences, intended to heighten the thriller-esque tension, come off as exaggerated and lead to predictable outcomes, leaving a few secondary characters feeling more like clichés than fully realized individuals. While these moments may have been an intentional stylistic choice, they sometimes detract from the otherwise engaging narrative.

Overall, The Swimmer is a compelling exploration of vulnerability and resilience. Its shifting timelines and intimate character study pull you into Chloe's world, even if a few overly dramatic beats and one-dimensional figures occasionally break the spell.

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Good premise & plot, but execution missed the mark

Total
2 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
4 out of 5 stars
Historia
2 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 02-06-25

At first, the dual timelines and straightforward plot—a missing man, a grieving newlywed wife, and a thorough investigation—seemed like the perfect recipe for a compelling story. Unfortunately, a twist at the end not only made no sense but also unraveled the narrative, which was already burdened by strong inconsistencies in the main character's inner monologue and a middle section that felt stale and repetitive. The rushed climax left much to be desired, ultimately derailing what could have been a promising thriller.

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Twisty popcorn thriller with basic plot line

Total
3 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
4 out of 5 stars
Historia
3 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 02-04-25

This was a popcorn thriller at its finest—a mostly engaging, quick read with a basic plot line and a twisty ending. The premise, especially appealing for an avid audiobook listener, showed promise; however, the characters often felt one-dimensional, and the protagonist's persistent "woe is me" attitude grew tiresome quickly. While the twisty ending provided some excitement, it ultimately felt rushed and farfetched. Overall, it wasn't a bad story, but it left me wishing for stronger character development and a more grounded conclusion to truly make a memorable impact.

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Dark, gritty, gripping, nightmarish and chilling

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
4 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 01-29-25

Noelle W. Ihli delivers another gut-wrenching thriller that grips you and refuses to let go. Much like "Ask for Andrea", I went into this blind, and what unfolded was a dark, gritty, and intense ride—one that comes with an entire page of trigger warnings for good reason. While the beginning starts at a slower pace to establish Miley's backstory, once the tension escalates, it becomes utterly unputdownable. The twists were unexpected, the stakes were terrifyingly real, and the depiction of Stockholm syndrome was disturbingly authentic. Knowing this is loosely based on a true story only amplifies the chilling, nightmarish nature of the narrative.

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Fascinating premise & intricate political intrigue

Total
4 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
4 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 01-29-25

While the plot and political intrigue of The Collapsing Empire were compelling, I often struggled with the characters, as many lacked a distinctive voice. That said, the premise was gripping right from the start, and the multiple perspectives added depth to the world-building. Despite my reservations, I'll be continuing the series—not only because John Scalzi is a favorite author of mine, but also because the overarching narrative and intricate political dynamics kept me engaged. With stronger character development, this could have been an exceptional read.

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Stunning continuation of the Empyrean world!

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 01-28-25

I absolutely adored Onyx Storm. It's a masterful continuation of the epic world-building and character development that Rebecca Yarros is known for. The sheer emotional depth was both jarring and beautiful, making this book an unforgettable experience—this book seriously just about broke me a handful of times.

On par with Fourth Wing in my opinion, this installment delivered everything I crave in a romantasy: intricate politics, action-packed scenes, and meaningful moments with main and side characters alike. I loved the continued development of main characters and seeing more moments with beloved side characters. This was coupled with flawless pacing, and the dramatic, earth-shattering cliffhanger that was even more jaw-dropping than the last—something I sincerely didn't believe was possible!

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Incredibly beautiful, immersive and original story

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 08-11-24

In “The Way Back” by Hannah Rae, I quickly found myself immersed in a story that felt both original and captivating. The concept of a chance encounter between two people creating such a significant impact was genuinely intriguing. This novella moves at a brisk pace, offering a quick read without sacrificing its depth.

One aspect I truly appreciated was the author’s skillful weaving of several side stories, each serving as a puzzle piece that contributed to the overall narrative. These side stories not only enriched the main plot but also gave us a deeper insight into the characters and their backgrounds in an organic manner.

I was also particularly charmed by how music played a significant yet elegant role in the narrative—it added a lovely touch that enhanced the immersive experience tenfold. The characters themselves were incredibly relatable, making it even more enjoyable to follow their respective journeys.

That said, there were a few little things that didn’t quite sit right with me. I found Johnny’s treatment of his girlfriend, Alex, particularly troubling. It felt like a real disservice to their relationship for him not to be honest, especially since he came across as such a decent and wholesome person otherwise. This dishonesty just didn’t seem to fit with his character and left me feeling unsettled.

Additionally, while the story was undeniably beautiful, engaging, and exceptionally original, it lacked that final “wow” factor that could have elevated it to the next level. Despite these minor drawbacks, I’m incredibly glad I read “The Way Back,” and I think others will appreciate its unique charm as well.

I was provided a complimentary free copy of this book from author (Hannah Rae) @heyheyhannahrae in exchange for providing my honest review. All opinions expressed are voluntary and my own.


For additional book reviews and book-related content, please consider following me on Instagram and TikTok @readaholicliv

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Wasn't as gripping as I'd hope for, but was okay

Total
3 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
3 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 07-24-24

When I started reading “Six of Crows” by Leigh Bardugo, I was really excited to explore the intricate world she created and had high hopes due to its widespread acclaim. Overall, I found the characters and their relationships to be interesting. The conflicts between certain characters added a lot of depth to the story, keeping me engaged in their interactions.

I loved Nina and Inej, who really stood out to me. They had notable flaws, growth, and complexity throughout the narrative that I found very compelling. Their development was a strong aspect, as both characters went through meaningful changes that resonated within the story.

While I did like the book, I didn’t feel completely drawn in or profoundly moved by it. I still plan on reading the sequel to see the conclusion of the duology, but this book didn’t evoke an immediate sense of urgency to do so. One challenge for me was that I didn’t feel fully immersed in the story or the heist revolving around the narrative. Although there were parts that caught my attention, it didn’t hold me as much as I hoped. It could just be a matter of personal preference, but I was hoping for a more gripping and captivating read.

Despite the ending leaving me on a bit of a cliffhanger, I found it somewhat lacking overall. Some parts felt rushed, while others felt a bit forced. The pacing of the story was a bit inconsistent, switching between slower moments—possibly due to the multiple viewpoints—and fast-paced, action-packed sequences. It could be a bit overwhelming to keep up with at times.

Some members of the main group of the “six” lacked sufficient development or relied too heavily on another character for their relevance in the story. Without these key characters, the book might have felt a hit shallow and uninspired. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel like the book quite lived up to the hype surrounding it. This was especially disappointing considering how much I have enjoyed Leigh Bardugo’s other works.

In the end, while “Six of Crows” has its strengths in character growth and engaging relationships, it didn’t fully meet my expectations. The uneven pacing and underdeveloped characters took away from my overall enjoyment. Nevertheless, I am curious to see how the story continues in the sequel, and I hope that it addresses some of the issues I have encountered.


For additional book reviews and book-related content, please consider following me on Instagram and TikTok @readaholicliv

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Fantastic world-building and character development

Total
4 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
4 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 07-23-24

This book impressed me with its well-crafted world building and intricate character development. While there were some aspects to the narrative that gave me pause, they were not significant enough to deter me from continuing with the series or diminish my overall admiration for the novel.

One character that stood out to me was Nehemia, whose depth and cultural richness added a unique layer to the narrative. I found her character progression to be captivating, and I look forward to hopefully learning more about her background and the Eyllwe culture in future books. Additionally, the subplot involving “the evil” was seamlessly woven into the main storyline, adding depth and intrigue.

The progression of Celaena’s character development was a notable aspect, illustrating her path towards overcoming past hurtles and personal growth. Nonetheless, there seemed to be an overwhelming emphasis on romantic themes that occasionally overshadowed her resilience and self-assurance, leading to a portrayal of vulnerability and a façade of confidence.

Additionally, I found the emphasis on Celaena’s appearance and male attention to be somewhat distracting. As Adarlan’s top assassin, I expected her character to exude more power and self-assurance, rather than being preoccupied and hindered by romantic interests. While I can appreciate the dynamics of a change in setting and wardrobe, the constant need for male approval seemed to weaken her image as a formidable assassin, making her feel more like a kitten in a dinosaur costume—cute, but not fearsome.

Furthermore, a more balanced approach to the romantic elements would have enhanced the overall storytelling, as they occasionally overshadowed the main plot. While I enjoy elements of romance in storytelling, I believe a more subtle and refined approach would have better complimented the main narrative in this case.

In conclusion, author Sarah J. Maas has laid a solid foundation for future installments with her intricate world-building and compelling character development. I believe that some adjustments to the romantic elements could have strengthened the impact of the narrative, but overall, I look forward to seeing how the series develops.

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Magic realism at its best!

Total
5 out of 5 stars
Ejecución
5 out of 5 stars
Historia
5 out of 5 stars

Revisado: 07-03-24

This book was wonderfully engaging to the point where it held my attention for nearly three hours straight, but I felt as if only fifteen minutes had passed. The story unfolds gradually, beginning with Julius meeting and falling in love with Charlotte in a believable and well-depicted romance.

The immersive quality of the book was enhanced by the realistic historical elements woven throughout the narrative. It’s told from a first-person perspective, offering a unique take on the world of magic and the paranormal alike by doing so without the typical magical beings slinging magic around right and left.

Both the primary and secondary characters in the book demonstrated significant depth and character development, providing a comprehensive portrayal that kept me hooked throughout. While the book didn’t focus heavily on action in the paranormal universe, it served as a strong foundation for more future installments in the series. I anticipate that subsequent books will feature more intense and action-packed scenes as the storyline advances.

Presently, the only challenge I’m encountering is my overwhelming anticipation for the release of the next book, which is not out yet! I eagerly await its arrival and fully plan to delve into it immediately upon release. Nevertheless, if you’re seeking a realistic magic and paranormal series where magic spell slinging isn’t the forefront of the story, I would highly recommend this one for you!

I received a free copy of this audiobook from M.A. McNease, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

╵╏~Recommended if you like...~╏╵
✨ Magic realism
❤️ Moderate burn romance
🪹 Growing up & leaving the nest
👪 Family is important
🧙‍♂️ You’re a warlock, Julius
🩹 Emotional

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