irxren's reviews
93 reviews

Evie Porter's journey through different identities and secrets kept me on the edge of my seat. Right from the start, the lies and mysteries had me hooked, trying to piece it all together. While some twists were predictable, the story still had plenty of surprises that kept me guessing until the very end. The pacing of the story was spot on, with the past and present timelines revealing just enough to keep me intrigued without giving away the whole puzzle. It was fascinating to see into Evie's mind and understand her motivations as the story unfolded. I must admit, I had no idea where the story was heading, but I couldn't stop turning the pages to find out.

While most plot questions are answered, there's a small downside in not fully exploring Mr. Smith's background and motives. However, overall, this book is a well-crafted mystery that keeps me engaged from start to finish.

The Mysterious Benedict Society is back for their third escapade, and this time, they're facing off against the Whisperer, a sought-after machine that lands them in hot water with the government and the villainous Mr. Curtain. With Constance discovering her mental powers and making a daring escape, things get even more intense as they're left to fend for themselves against Curtain's Ten Men.

The storyline doesn't bring anything particularly fresh to the table because the characters are basically recycling the skills they picked up in the first two gigs, and voila, they're overcoming obstacles left and right. It's missing some of the heart-pounding excitement and brain-teasing puzzles from the earlier adventures.

Despite these drawbacks, I have a soft spot for this series. It's like revisiting old friends – comforting and familiar. Sure, it might lack the element of surprise, but watching the characters seamlessly deploy their honed abilities is a reassuring experience. Not the most mind-blowing chapter in the series, but it's a cozy read that hits the spot.

A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson kicks off a Young Adult mystery series featuring the sharp and determined Pippa Fitz-Amobi. As the story unfolds, Pip takes it upon herself to prove Salil Singh's innocence in the murder of Andie Bell. The book's writing style is captivating, with Pip playing detective by cross-examining people involved in the case. The story unfolds through interviews and documents, making it a fast-paced and fun read, like a popcorn flick.

However, my stars dropped off in a couple of places. The plot points sometimes feel a bit too lucky or far-fetched, and some moments in the story are a tad unrealistic. I get it's a teenager solving a murder, but threatening drug dealers and breaking into homes had me raising an eyebrow or two.

Another thing that struck me was the massive Pretty Little Liars vibes. Little Kilton felt eerily similar to Rosewood, especially with some later developments. The whole beloved victim turning out to be a bully, the victim's friends facing hidden bullying, Max Hastings, threatening texts, the emphasis on secrets, the shady older sister – it all felt a bit familiar. The similarities had me feeling like I've been down this road before.

I just finished this Japanese novel about a cafe where people can time travel, and I have to say, it had an interesting concept but didn't quite live up to my expectations. I was hoping for deep dives into the philosophical and emotional consequences of changing the past, but instead, the author focused too much on everyday details.

The repetitive lines about the time travel rules were driving me nuts. It felt like I was reading the same thing over and over again in each chapter. While the author tried to sprinkle in background stories for each time-traveling customer, it fell flat. It felt like going through the motions, just words on a page without any real feels. As for the characters – they were kind of meh. No depth, no growth, just stuck in one emotional state throughout. I wish the author had given them more complexity.

I had high hopes for this book, but unfortunately, it left me feeling disappointed. The focus on Dolly Alderton being hungover and self-absorbed in her 20s without much else going on wasn't my idea of a fun read. The random emails and recipes felt unnecessary and made the book feel unnecessarily long. The tone of the book, to me, felt like it came from a place of privilege without much self-awareness about it. While she might think the experiences she's writing about—like excessive drinking, drug use, Tinder dates, and one-night stands—are relatable, they didn't resonate with me.

This book nearly became a DNF for me, as I struggled through the beginning and even put it down to read something else before giving it another chance. While many praise it, I found myself on the opposite end of the spectrum, feeling a mix of anger, annoyance, and frustration upon finishing.

The narrative revolves around love, loss, and the complex dynamics among parents, children, and siblings, featuring four sisters reminiscent of the characters in Little Women. While some plot elements echo those of the beloved classic, certain characters' selfish choices elicited anger, and the stubbornness of others in denying themselves happiness grated on my nerves, especially considering the urgency of their situations. Ultimately, I settled on a rating of 2.5, though rounded up to a 3.

In a dystopian world, Thomas wakes up in the Glade, a walled sanctuary for boys with erased memories. The group faces monsters outside and a mysterious experiment. When the first girl, Teresa, arrives, she triggers a rebellion led by Thomas against the monsters and those controlling their fate, with the unknown outside world presenting additional challenges.

This book really left a mark on me—it's like a thrilling rollercoaster of adventure, mystery, and inspiration all rolled into one. The story is so well-crafted that you feel just as trapped in the maze as the characters. The first half is a wild ride with more twists and turns than you can imagine, leaving you with more questions than answers. However, my only gripe is that the latter half felt a bit rushed, throwing in random bits that didn't quite fit together seamlessly.

Carrie, a young girl grappling with life under her extremist religious mother and relentless school bullying, hides a dangerous secret: telekinetic powers that could unleash mass chaos at her prom. What stands out in this novel is the seamless blend of first-person narration with snippets from memoirs, articles, and other documents, unveiling the events leading up to the horrific incidents in Chamberlain, Maine.

The story forces us to reevaluate ourselves and those around us, revealing that we never truly know what happens behind closed doors. Heartbreaking, thought-provoking, and downright horrifying, this book prompts reflection on the complexities of human nature. The only drawback, a slightly slow pacing, is a deliberate choice that adds to the tension, ultimately leading to a gripping and dramatic conclusion. While not a flawless five-star read, it's an impactful journey through the darker facets of human existence.

This book centers on Camille, a journalist covering a tragic event in her hometown. While the investigation takes a back seat, the story delves deep into Camille's relationships, particularly with her mother and half-sister, Amma. I appreciated the psychological depth in this novel. Flynn skillfully portrays the different ways people cope with abuse, showing how it can manifest in self-destructive or harmful behaviors.

One aspect I enjoyed was the absence of a big twist. Instead, the story unfolds gradually, making the reader feel like they're uncovering the truth alongside Camille. However, I did find some parts overly descriptive. This made it hard to stay fully engaged.

If you enjoy psychological thrillers that delve into complex relationships and themes, this book is worth a read.

“That was love, wasn’t it? It wasn’t just a quick drop—it was falling, over and over again, for your person. It was falling as they became new people. It was learning how to exist with every new breath. It was uncertain and it was undeniably hard, and it wasn’t something you could plan for. Love was an invitation into the wild unknown, one step at a time together.”

This book surprised me because I don't typically enjoy romance novels, but it completely rekindled my love for the genre. The characters, the magical setting, and the overall whimsical feel of the story captivated me from start to finish. I was emotionally invested in both timelines, and the way their stories intertwined left me feeling happy yet a bit broken in the best way possible.

The dialogue between characters was a highlight for me, striking a perfect balance between wit, romance, humor, and intelligence. Beyond romance, this book delves into themes of loss, self-discovery, and embracing change and growth. It's so much more than just a love story; it's a journey of emotional depth and connection.