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girlreading's reviews
1448 reviews
Till Human Voices Wake Us by Rebecca Roque
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
A dark and twisted thriller, this was a rollercoaster of a read.
Although I figured out the ‘bad guy’ early on, at no point did I know where the story was going to take me and boy did it take me everywhere. Roque chucked everything at this book (maybe too much at times?) but, for the most part, it worked. While this could be read as a standalone (which I kind of wish it had been) the ending leaves the reader with unanswered questions and the set up for an equally jam-packed sequel.
All in all, this was incredibly addictive and action packed read, and definitely one for fans of Truly Devious and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.
Although I figured out the ‘bad guy’ early on, at no point did I know where the story was going to take me and boy did it take me everywhere. Roque chucked everything at this book (maybe too much at times?) but, for the most part, it worked. While this could be read as a standalone (which I kind of wish it had been) the ending leaves the reader with unanswered questions and the set up for an equally jam-packed sequel.
All in all, this was incredibly addictive and action packed read, and definitely one for fans of Truly Devious and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty
The Luis Ortega Survival Club by Sonora Reyes
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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? No
4.0
A heartwarming, devastating an d empowering story of friendship, neurodiversity, rape culture and the power of raising your voice and sharing your story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual harassment, and Ableism
Six Truths and a Lie by Ream Shukairy
emotional
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? No
4.0
A compelling, poignant and gripping thriller. This was a fantastically nuanced exploration of Islamophobia and the corruption of the ‘justice’ system, specifically when it comes to profiling, racism and prejudice towards Muslims. Shukairy did a great job at highlighting the varying ways each teen experienced both the world and Islamophobia, depending on their dress, background, gender and the colour of their skin.
Devastating, addictive and timely, this is a thriller that achieves so much than simply answering the question of ‘who done it’.
Devastating, addictive and timely, this is a thriller that achieves so much than simply answering the question of ‘who done it’.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Islamophobia
Cross the Line by Simone Soltani
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
CUTE.
the racing, the chronic pain rep, the 'we've known each other forever and hang on... you've always loved me? I think I love you' romance, the banter, the vulnerability, the dream perusal.
CUTE.
the racing, the chronic pain rep, the 'we've known each other forever and hang on... you've always loved me? I think I love you' romance, the banter, the vulnerability, the dream perusal.
CUTE.
Funny Story by Emily Henry
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
emhen has done it again with this heartfelt, wonderfully written, funny story.
Camp Prodigy by Caroline Palmer
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
A sweet and thoughtful story about friendship, self acceptance, coming out and the pressure to be perfect.
Five Broken Blades by Mai Corland
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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? No
4.5
I am so pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed this. It's not that I was expecting not to but I didn't expect to still be thinking about it days after finishing. This was fantastic!
Going into this thinking it was going to be a standalone was a blessing and a curse. A blessing because it means I get more and a curse because that ending??????? I need more asap.
Starring a cast brilliantly developed characters, all with distinct voices and a plot that had me totally hooked, this was a gripping fantasy that was easy to follow and filled with exciting twists, witty dialogue and intriguing relationship dynamics. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this one and can't wait for book two!
Going into this thinking it was going to be a standalone was a blessing and a curse. A blessing because it means I get more and a curse because that ending??????? I need more asap.
Starring a cast brilliantly developed characters, all with distinct voices and a plot that had me totally hooked, this was a gripping fantasy that was easy to follow and filled with exciting twists, witty dialogue and intriguing relationship dynamics. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with this one and can't wait for book two!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault and Trafficking
Love, Off the Record by Samantha Markum
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
With a charming cast of characters, witty dialogue and a moving rivals-to-lovers romance, this was a delight to read. The journalism investigation brought a surprisingly addictive mystery to the plot and the discussions surrounding body image and self worth were absolutely wonderful. I thought Samantha did such a beautiful job of exploring and discussing Wyn’s relationship with her size and body. It was sensitive, honest and empowering and the kind of narrative I wish my teen self could have read. All in all, had a lot of fun with this book (and can’t help but think it would make the best Netflix series???)
Content Warnings
Minor: Fatphobia
The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
An adorable and ridiculously fun best-friends-to-lovers romance. It's trope filled and cheesy and an all round good time. I kinda loved it.
Four Eids and a Funeral by Adiba Jaigirdar, Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Following two teens as they navigate their grief for the people, relationships and places they've lost, Four Eids and a Funeral is an emotional, witty and warmhearted rom-com that highlights familial, platonic and romantic love in equal measures. This is a gift for all the slow burn, friends-to-enemies-to lovers fans out there (myself included). Faridah and Adiba are truly a dream YA writing team and their fabulous humour and ability to approach 'tough' topics with nuance and care shined throughout this book. I devoured this in one day and cannot wait to read whatever this brilliant pair write next.