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katieg's reviews
282 reviews
Ædnan by Linnea Axelsson
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
The Other Valley by Scott Alexander Howard
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Loved this book. Odile’s strong character voice and close perspective created such a strong tone of melancholy and longing and often regret. The concept was strongly executed without ever getting overrun with world building details. And the plot knew when to be propulsive and when to let character moments breathe. The last quarter of the book flew by even as its emotional stakes made me want to stop reading out of concern for the characters, not of which I consider good things!
Funeral Songs for Dying Girls by Cherie Dimaline
dark
reflective
sad
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
3.5
Very melancholic and melodramatic in a way I would’ve loved as a teen.
The Hunting Moon by Susan Dennard
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
I continued this series probably against my better judgement considering I didn’t like any of the world building or character writing in the first book, but the plot piked my curiosity enough to want to continue.
Unfortunately the parts of the first book which I enjoyed the most, mostly the action writing, were toned down here. Most of the plot is sleuthing in this one as well as some teen angst. Dennard’s writing felt more in my face with this entry too. Her metaphors often rely on pop culture references that are awkward and I know will quickly make the book feel dated. Winnie’s rushed inner monologue with her tendency for reciting also got on my nerves more than the first book. It succeeds in adding texture to the character I just personally find it annoying lol.
The world building, especially anything to do with Luminarie society, continues to make no sense. They hunt nightmares to protect the “Nons” but then are also biased against Nons? Maybe the final book will deal with overturning Luminarie society and their dumb naming conventions too but I think Winnie’s dad had the right idea by getting the hell out of dodge.
Didn’t love the audiobook either, the narrator uses this high breathy voice that I personally found irritating.
Unfortunately the parts of the first book which I enjoyed the most, mostly the action writing, were toned down here. Most of the plot is sleuthing in this one as well as some teen angst. Dennard’s writing felt more in my face with this entry too. Her metaphors often rely on pop culture references that are awkward and I know will quickly make the book feel dated. Winnie’s rushed inner monologue with her tendency for reciting also got on my nerves more than the first book. It succeeds in adding texture to the character I just personally find it annoying lol.
The world building, especially anything to do with Luminarie society, continues to make no sense. They hunt nightmares to protect the “Nons” but then are also biased against Nons? Maybe the final book will deal with overturning Luminarie society and their dumb naming conventions too but I think Winnie’s dad had the right idea by getting the hell out of dodge.
Didn’t love the audiobook either, the narrator uses this high breathy voice that I personally found irritating.
Getting Lost by Annie Ernaux
1.5
It's a journal so I'm not gonna critique it for its intense melodrama, but know that it is melodramatic. It felt personal and not really meant for public consumption, having not read the book she wrote based on her experiences described here this as a book didn't feel like it could stand on its own. I wasn't emphasizing or sympathetic to what she was feeling during this affair, it mostly confused me even as it fascinated me, but kinda in the way mold spores are confusing and fascinating.
The Luminaries by Susan Dennard
3.5
I remain as unconvinced of the romances written in today's YA books as I have for the past 2-3 years, and the worldbuilding in this world felt silly at some points, but the monsters were cool and the action was written well and I'm intrigued enough by the unanswered questions that I'll read the sequel.
We Ride Upon Sticks by Quan Barry
funny
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
3.5