Okay, I always love a good 'this thing could wipe out the entire planet and we have to stop it' story. When reading I would think I'd only read for 5 Okay, I always love a good 'this thing could wipe out the entire planet and we have to stop it' story. When reading I would think I'd only read for 5 minutes and look to see that I'd actually read 40+ pages. This wasn't the most thrilling story, but it was still a quick read. My biggest gripe is that I didn't like the complete glossing over of Teacake basically stalking Naomi. I get that they're in a bit of a situation when he lets it slip that he knows what her daughter looks like, but the fact he would follow her home, park in her parking lot and sit there for hours watching her is so creepy, not endearing. He sort of owns up to it, but this is a serious NO NO. ...more
3.5* This wasn't one of my favorites from SK. The last 10% or so was when it finally started to feel like an SK book to me, but at that point I was pre3.5* This wasn't one of my favorites from SK. The last 10% or so was when it finally started to feel like an SK book to me, but at that point I was pretty checked out. Tbf though, I don't think too many authors could write a bondage-gone-bad stuck with your thoughts for 28 hours into a super interesting book. I think I'd like to give this one a chance with the physical copy vs the audiobook I listened to, as I might get more enjoyment from it. Idk....more
A book where women fall asleep, wake up in a parallel world without men, and written by my favorite author. This should have been a slam dunk for me, A book where women fall asleep, wake up in a parallel world without men, and written by my favorite author. This should have been a slam dunk for me, but it wasn't. I still like the concept of it.. Like omg please let me fall asleep, have a nice little cocoon be woven around me, and then wake up in a world free of men, pls I'm begging. This book was just kind of.. boring. It felt like it took forever to get into the actual story. Could have easily cut 50 pages from the backstory as I don't feel like it served any purpose to the rest of the story. There were lots of characters so when the women started falling asleep and we then got into the alternate worlds, this only added to the confusion. Eventually I did get my sea legs under me, but it took far too long. (view spoiler)[Then when the women chose to leave that world and go back to the men.. EW. Ruined it. It helped a little that the men learned how much they needed women and started actually appreciating them (after men got to live out their violent fantasies of burning women while they were sleeping, might I add (hide spoiler)]...more
3/18: Officially received my ARC and I cannot wait to dive back into the life of Porter Beck! �
4/9: Thank you to Katie Layton and the team at Macmilla3/18: Officially received my ARC and I cannot wait to dive back into the life of Porter Beck! �
4/9: Thank you to Katie Layton and the team at Macmillan for the ARC.
4.5*
I think it was really fitting that we got a version of Beck that was a little less involved in the direct action. It went along with his anxiety about becoming a burden to Charlie and everyone else in his life when he eventually will go fully blind. I also enjoyed having a little more POV from Brinley, I think she's such an amazing character in this series and would love to continue to see more of her in future books.
I also like how Bruce manages to intertwine current/recent events into his books without it feeling overwhelming or like he's trying to push an agenda one way or the other. Personally, I find it jarring when authors write about the 2020/2021 years and ignore COVID or that things were drastically different during that time. It was a huge change for so many of us, and things were done differently.
I enjoyed this one and can't wait to see what happens next in the lives of the Beck clan....more
A unique little collection of stories that are connected, but at the same time not. I would greatly enjoy it if the author took a few of these and expaA unique little collection of stories that are connected, but at the same time not. I would greatly enjoy it if the author took a few of these and expanded them into an entire book.
Merged review:
A unique little collection of stories that are connected, but at the same time not. I would greatly enjoy it if the author took a few of these and expanded them into an entire book....more
This definitely wasn't my favorite. It takes forever before we get to any connection between Lyman and Pike, and by the time it arrived, I really didnThis definitely wasn't my favorite. It takes forever before we get to any connection between Lyman and Pike, and by the time it arrived, I really didn't care. I also felt at first like Lyman's POV was some alternate timeline, but it was happening at the same time as everything else. Everything felt so disjointed. I got into the ending a bit and felt like it ended on a good note, but getting there was rough....more
I had higher hopes for this one. Honestly, the first half was kind of boring. The family isn't likeable at all and it feels like they're in a contest I had higher hopes for this one. Honestly, the first half was kind of boring. The family isn't likeable at all and it feels like they're in a contest to see who the worst person can be. By the time we got into some of the "spooky scary" things, I wasn't invested anymore. It did make the last ~35% far more interesting than the first 65%, but it was a little too late. The family drama overshadowed anything that was 'haunting'. ...more
This book was not for me. It's not a 'bad' book, per se, but all the "horror" of this book was sexual in nature and just repulsive. I guess technicallThis book was not for me. It's not a 'bad' book, per se, but all the "horror" of this book was sexual in nature and just repulsive. I guess technically this fits the definition of "horror" as it was repulsive, but this is not my preferred genre of horror. I didn't realize over half the book was going to be vivid scenes of horrific r*pe and sexual torture. Not my thing. The other half was just Maeve being critical of everyone around her, which was boring and repetitive.
(view spoiler)[The ending was also terrible. Absolutely idiotic that Maeve wouldn't have realized Gideon actually meant he was like her. He was there when she was going to turn a curling iron on while it was inside that one girl.. Like be so for real. I also feel like there were plenty of other terrible things she did in front of him so it's absolutely bonkers that she didn't just 'know'. Her actions at the end were completely unbelievable. The fact he wasn't absolutely panicking and freaking out at the mere sight of everything down there should have been a clue.
It also doesn't make any sense that it says Gideon awakened this 'dangerous' side of her, when at the end it says that her grandmother taught her how to kill people when she was just a girl. (hide spoiler)]
Not a good start back after my reading slump the last 2 months....more
3.5* I think if I had read a really good book right before this one, I wouldn't have enjoyed this one as much. It's not bad, but there just isn't that 3.5* I think if I had read a really good book right before this one, I wouldn't have enjoyed this one as much. It's not bad, but there just isn't that wow factor to it. Once it is revealed why Kathryn has someone following her, its just kind of a letdown/boring reason. (view spoiler)[And the entirety of the story line that Drew was acting shady not because he was having an affair with Liz, who was conveniently all of a sudden gay, but because of money trouble, was annoying. I wish Kathryn would have asked him initially in the car because it would have saved half the book from having to hear him be shady about it. It was wayyy to ominous for what it turned out to be. Also, I liked Mike so felt bad for him at the end when he was left all to himself :( (hide spoiler)]
I love the cover. And I can completely relate to Kathryn's disdain for a particular month - November is that month for me. ...more
I was expecting this to be 'terrifying' and fast paced, due to the synopsis. It was neither.
It was far too slow that I couldn't get into the book at I was expecting this to be 'terrifying' and fast paced, due to the synopsis. It was neither.
It was far too slow that I couldn't get into the book at all. Didn't care about the boys really, or what happened to the counselors that made them so odd. By the time we learn the truth, I didn't care at all. The last 15% is the best part of the book because things actually happen.
The cover is absolutely beautiful though, probably the best part of the entire book, tbh....more
Sometimes it's amazing to me how an author can take a heavy/very emotional topic and create such a moving story that is geared towards young adults. TSometimes it's amazing to me how an author can take a heavy/very emotional topic and create such a moving story that is geared towards young adults. That's not to say that I think this book is only for young adults but also would encourage adults to read it, as it highlights the MMIWG2S crisis and the effects it has on communities. It can be a good introduction for someone who's not super familiar with the crisis to present valid information without it becoming super heavy. The writing was great, and the pacing was also consistent throughout. ...more
This one is pretty slow. Everyone seems to have loved this, but I was quite bored throughout. The timehops between the past and the present weren't suThis one is pretty slow. Everyone seems to have loved this, but I was quite bored throughout. The timehops between the past and the present weren't super clear in audio so I wasn't always sure at first which timeline I was in. The "mystery" was lackluster at best, and zero tension throughout. I also feel like I'm in a pretty big reading slump so nothing seems enjoyable or able to grasp my attention, so maybe this wasn't as slow as I'm thinking. Not sure. Either way, this isn't a book I'll be remembering weeks from now. ...more
OMG I was soooo angry but I have to hand it to McTiernan for absolutely reeling me in (view spoiler)[and making me think Simon was going to get away wOMG I was soooo angry but I have to hand it to McTiernan for absolutely reeling me in (view spoiler)[and making me think Simon was going to get away with it but then Simon AND his mom AND his dad are served their just desserts at the end and it was **chef's kiss**. As a mother; I understand the desire to protect your child, even if he turns out to be a murderer, but since Jamie had absolutely NO sympathy for the position LeeAnne was in over her missing daughter, I LOVED that LeeAnne shut the door in Jamie's face when she was in that same position when Simon was 'missing'. Absolute karma and I loved it. I also loved seeing a wealthy and powerful family crumble and that their wealth didn't 'save' them and allow them to know that Simon killed Nina and help him get away with it. It feels a little hypocritical to say that but then applaud LeeAnne and Andy for getting away with Simon; but since Jamie and Rory had no intention of ever letting LeeAnne and Andy know what happened to their daughter, and that Simon was abusive and intentionally let Nina fall and almost die (which I'm 100% sure that killing her on the crag had been his intention) then killed her when she tried to leave him, I don't feel so bad because they were all terrible people to begin with. We never get Simon's POV and besides the prologue, the entire book is told from the POV of the 4 parents. Never once, even upon discovering that Simon intentionally killed Nina, did Jamie or Rory feel bad for LeeAnne and Andy, they only cared about themselves and their killer son Simon. LeeAnne and Andy had their world destroyed by that entire family. (hide spoiler)]
I did get major Gabby Petito and BL (I refuse to say his name because he doesn't deserve the notoriety) vibes in the first 5 or so chapters. It results in being not the same story, but definitely maybe a piece of this book coming together. This was un-put-downable for me....more
I didn't understand the format of why this was told in the way of Tabatha telling us the story. The weird little editorial comments in there were jarrI didn't understand the format of why this was told in the way of Tabatha telling us the story. The weird little editorial comments in there were jarring and threw off the pacing. It would also make the narrative switch between first and third person constantly, which was also jarring. Also all the weird race references in the beginning were odd and felt forced; especially since it never really came up again after the first 15-20%. There is also a huge lack of character development; we really don't know anything about these characters or what makes them who they are. Tabatha never uses magic in the book, even though she's a sorcerer's apprentice...????? And all the going on and on about how her parents would find it dangerous and all that. Like, what? Too much just didn't make sense in this book....more
StoryGraph Reads the World 2025 Challenge: Australia
This one just didn't work for me the way it did for others.
The format of the narrator talking dirStoryGraph Reads the World 2025 Challenge: Australia
This one just didn't work for me the way it did for others.
The format of the narrator talking directly to the reader, then transitioning into telling what happened, has to be done right to work in a book, but this didn't work for me in this book. There is a fine line with it and the 'humor' and witty remarks by the narrator Ernest was just too over the top and grated on me, rather than the author's intended effect of humoring the reader. There's very few books I've read where I haven't minded that, and that's for sure personal preference. To me, it comes off like the author is trying too hard, and it's too jarring.
There were lots of leaps at the end when Ernest was explaining all the clues in the little family circle time; too many conclusions drawn that were flimsy at best.
The premise is good, but this just wasn't my cup of tea, but I can see why other people would greatly enjoy this books....more
The StoryGraph Reads the World 2025 Challenge: Egypt
Ancient Egypt is certainly a fascinating place. Its hard to believe that it's been 9 years since IThe StoryGraph Reads the World 2025 Challenge: Egypt
Ancient Egypt is certainly a fascinating place. Its hard to believe that it's been 9 years since I was in Hurghada and Cairo, and this book brought those memories fresh to my mind. I wish I had also gotten to go to Aswan, Luxor, and Alexandria while I was there to see more things. I guess that means I just have to go back some day. The pyramids are truly breathtaking, and I can only imagine the other temples and burial sites would also be breathtaking. This was an interesting look at the women who were rulers during ancient Egypt. Quite a bit is speculation since there's no documentation so there's still lots of mysteries and gaps with certain events, but the author does a good job making known when she's speculating and when she's talking about documented events. Personally, I'm fascinated by Egypt and have some personal ties there, so it's interesting to me; however, I can see that this could be quite dull and drab to someone else. This book can be dry in parts. Personally, I didn't mind the parallels that the author was drawing to modern day issues. I think her aim was to show that even though ancient Egypt and modern-day America are different culturally and government/ruling wise, there are still some of the same pervasive problems as far as being short-sighted and the patriarchy go. I took it more like showing that there can still be commonalities found in human behavior 4000 years apart. And while some of what she said may have been stereotypical, it is true that a majority of women rule differently than how a majority of men rule. I'm not sure why many were claiming that idea was sexist. Were some women more prone to war and violence? Yes. Were some men more reserved and nonviolent? Yes. That doesn't negate that while humans have been under a patriarchal society men in power tend to be more violent than women in power. She does note women like Kleopatra who were exceptions to that, so I guess maybe I didn't analyze it as deeply as other readers, idk....more
The StoryGraph Reads the World 2025 Challenge: Iceland
Three people going to a house on an island only accessible by boat in the middle of winter w3.5*
The StoryGraph Reads the World 2025 Challenge: Iceland
Three people going to a house on an island only accessible by boat in the middle of winter when the weather is bad and there's not a regular boat schedule and no cell service or electricity on the island and the previous owner of the house mysteriously died. What could possibly go wrong?
This book had a lot of great elements to make it creepy and a little scary. However, for me a lot of that was lost in trying to keep all of the story lines straight and make the connections between the two. There was a lot that went on and props to the author for tying two story lines together that seemingly had nothing to do with each other. TBF, I did only read this in the light because of all the reviews that made it seem like this is the scariest book ever, but I've definitely been more creeped out reading SK.
I was also left with some questions by the end of the book: (view spoiler)[1. Maybe I missed it, but I didn't understand why Bernodus didn't start haunting people until Benni was there. In my head, it seems like he needed a soul or something, but I didn't think the house was totally abandoned for the 60ish years between, so this part just confused me. This connection was never made for me. Bernodus had plenty of reason to haunt people, but Benni didn't, as his disappearance and death was just a freak accident, he wasn't relentlessly bullied like Bernodus.
2. Why would Freyr want to buy the house where his son died? I didn't quite understand the reason behind this as he is only very briefly at the house when he finds Benni's body. Otherwise, for 98% of the story, he isn't even on the island.
3. The school vandalisms are never really explained/connected to everything else besides happening at the same time. It seemingly has to have been Bernodus, but again, this just doesn't really make sense.
4. It wasn't super clear to me that Katrin was a ghost at the end, as the last we get from their POV is the fallout after Katrin finds out that Lif and Garðar have always been in love/were having an affair, etc. Then Freyr finds 'what is left of Lif', yet she's still alive? She dies shortly after, but like it's weird to have it described as what's left of her while still being alive. She was also pissed at Garðar for even buying this house, so I don't understand why her ghost would have some strong attachment to it.
5. The three characters at the house were all very stupid, and I get there's no story if they leave the house, but it's always frustrating that if, for example, you saw "Goodbye" written with seashells and you know for a fact nobody in your 3 person party did it, I'd be high tailing it the hell out of there. Oh, you're going to stay and keep fixing up the house with bloodstains everywhere? Play stupid games, win stupid prizes. (hide spoiler)]
Idk, I feel like seeing the top reviews saying this was the "scariest book ever" set a certain expectation for me that wasn't met and that's why I feel let down. Still a decent enough book, just a few too many questions left at the end to say it was a really good book....more
StoryGraph Reads the World 2025 Challenge: Malaysia
I try, and I try, but this whole 'romantasy' thing is just not for me. I have yet to find one whereStoryGraph Reads the World 2025 Challenge: Malaysia
I try, and I try, but this whole 'romantasy' thing is just not for me. I have yet to find one where I'm sucked in or have such strong visceral positive reactions the way other book girlies go crazy over ACOTAR / FW type series. They all feel so similar; just substitute some names and places and it's basically the same plot. The MC is always some girl who is 'super smart and cunning' but always does the dumbest shit or can never draw easy logical conclusions without a different character completely spelling it out for them. They also either cheat (looking at you Violet Sorrengail *major side eye*) in order to get ahead or have someone else do the brunt of the work/fighting and the MC just swoops in at the end. Yet despite all that, it is always the MC who is fully credited with everything and being a 'total bad ass defying the most danger' even though everyone else got her there. They're also put in 'harsh' conditions (war colleges, demon king concubine) but then don't seem to understand the conditions and are *shocked pikachu face* when they actually have to either go along or defy the conditions. And its absolutely infuriating that these MCs come off as the most incompetent person ever, yet always end up being the smartest, bravest, cleverest hero after spending 800 pages being a nincompoop.
The world building is also usually subpar as well. The different castes are pretty glossed over; humans, demons, paper, they're all mixed in with no clear understanding of why who belongs to what and how the hierarchy came to be. Lei is human/paper caste? but somehow manages to become a paper girl, even though later we are told that paper girls are specifically 'bred' but just because she has these golden eyes they make an exception for her. Idk, maybe I tune these details out if they are explained.. That's really the other half of the root problem of these books for me. We are supposed to be in a fantasy world that is different from our current realm; there's usually some sort of magic/powers, always multiple deities (it's always 'oh my gods' type things said), function totally different, yet none of this is ever really expanded on and it's always just 'that's just how it is' and then you find you're 60% of the way through the book and some crazy magic/power gets used or they are fighting with a wolf-like creature who is a most trusted advisor to the king and you're just supposed to accept all these out of left field things. I get there has to be a fine balance between too little detail and info dumping when it comes to world building, but lord have mercy.
Getting 2 stars instead of 1 solely for the lesssssbian relationship....more
The StoryGraph Reads the World 2025 Challenge: Mexico
I didn't enjoy this the way others did. The premise is super interesting, but it was just too sloThe StoryGraph Reads the World 2025 Challenge: Mexico
I didn't enjoy this the way others did. The premise is super interesting, but it was just too slow for me. I felt like the first half or so just slogged, then by the time we learn why all these crazy things are happening, I'd already checked out of the story. So many people loved this, so I was hoping to also be one of them. Unfortunately, this one just didn't work for me....more
The Storygraph Reads the World 2025 Challenge: Netherlands
4.75* rounded up
I'm not a super big hockey fan, so I wasn't sure how I was going to like thiThe Storygraph Reads the World 2025 Challenge: Netherlands
4.75* rounded up
I'm not a super big hockey fan, so I wasn't sure how I was going to like this book, but I was pretty sucked into this one. There's parts that feel repetitive and slow. Or the changing of POV was a little confusing at points. But other than that, this was a good book. Lots of heavy emotions though, so be prepared for that. Okay thought I missed something along the way since at the end I wasn't sure who each of the 4 were.. but turns out it was supposed to be that way, although you get a decent idea but it's vague enough that you're not actually sure. Definitely a big teaser to read the second book in this trilogy. ...more
Loading...
