story_goblin's reviews
291 reviews

City of Ghosts by V.E. Schwab

adventurous dark funny mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

I picked this up thinking that it was going to be similar in feel to Gallant. Maybe audio was just the wrong choice for me in that regard. It was still pretty good!

The Eternal Ones by Namina Forna

adventurous emotional hopeful reflective 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? It's complicated

4.0

While reading, I was very immersed, but I had some trouble motivating myself to pick it up each time I went to continue reading. I’m not entirely sure why that is. I think maybe I should read all 3 back to back sometime, since I’ve been reading them as they come out.

Honor Among Thieves by Ann Aguirre, Rachel Caine

adventurous challenging dark funny hopeful mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

I am absolutely fascinated by this world & concept- the idea of sentient ships, the workings of how those ships would carry people, the confusing and strained relationship between this race of being and humans. The character development is also very strong. However, there are spots where the mechanics of the plot development are weak. I'm still interested in the next one, though. :)

The Sea at the End of Everything by Emily McCosh

challenging dark mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated

4.0

This was very different from what I normally read, but I'm glad I did. 

The Adventures of Amina Al-Sirafi by S.A. Chakraborty

adventurous dark emotional funny mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book is so immersive! Vivid, and expansive, characters who all feel so real, and an exciting plot. I’m very much looking forward to the next one.

Holes by Louis Sachar

adventurous challenging funny hopeful 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? It's complicated

5.0

Holes is always a favorite. It’s masterfully constructed and funny despite how serious some of the conflict is. 

To Shape a Dragon's Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful reflective sad tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Although a difficult (anger-inducing) read at times, I know this is a story that will stay with me. I especially loved the world-building. I am fascinated by this concept of Dragons/dragon’s breath. All the characters are so full and real. I want more set in this world.

Nell of Gumbling: My Extremely Normal Fairy-Tale Life by Emma Steinkellner

funny hopeful informative lighthearted mysterious 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? Yes

4.5

The Imposition of Unnecessary Obstacles by Malka Ann Older

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

So cute and sweet but also the mystery/danger is not trivialized. If you liked the first one, then you’ll like this one, too. 

The Angel's Game by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

adventurous challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

I know these books don’t have/aren’t about easy answers, but I found this one more confusing than Shadow of the Wind. I’m just not sure what to think or feel about it. But it was good! Zafon’s writing is extremely compelling and the mystery element was very intriguing. I liked the characters, and his world building is fascinating.