kater07's reviews
721 reviews

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Did not finish book. Stopped at 17%.

I did not finish this book due to difficulties with the narration. While the story itself was engaging and the writing well-crafted, the first-person narrative often felt like a limited third-person perspective, which I found distracting. Each time the narrator shifted into a more traditional first-person voice, it disrupted the flow for me.

That said, the characters and overall writing quality deserve recognition, which is why I’m giving it 3 stars despite not finishing it. I believe many readers would enjoy this book; it just didn’t align with my personal preferences.

The Wren in the Holly Library by K.A. Linde

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dark emotional hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective sad 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

3.75

A Different Kind of Gone by Catherine Ryan Hyde

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

The Home Front by Dave Wickenden, David Wickenden

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dark emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

3.0

Donald Wilson’s story is a look at the lasting scars of war and the courage it takes to face down evil, even in the twilight of life. The premise of a 95-year-old WWII veteran confronting modern neo-Nazism is powerful and timely, but the execution falters at times. While Donald’s grit and pain are vividly portrayed, some aspects of the plot feel rushed or overly dramatic, detracting from the emotional weight of the story. I also found that some of the dialogue felt wrong for the characters. That said, the book shines in its exploration of trauma, resilience, and the enduring fight against hatred. A good read, but not without its flaws.”

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted tense medium-paced