rdmoreland0801's reviews
258 reviews

Burning Crowns by Katherine Webber, Catherine Doyle

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adventurous emotional funny tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

I both laughed and cried many times throughout this book.  There is such a great cast of characters and I felt so connected to all of them.

Great banter, swoony romance, fun characters.  These books had it all.  Rose and Shen were so sweet, I’ve loved them from the beginning.  Alarik and Wren bickering was absolutely hilarious. 

The story is fast-paced and is really helped along by the switching of POVs.  I found myself reading even faster than normal and couldn’t put it down.  The story wrapped up very nicely in the end, which is a welcome occurrence as it’s not always guaranteed.
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen

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adventurous funny mysterious 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? It's complicated

4.5

This was so freaking cute.  I love a good enemies-to-lovers, even if those “enemies” just literally got off on the wrong foot and rolled with it for four years.  They do say there’s a thin line between love and hate.

Hart is your typical grump who doesn’t want to talk in love and takes his loneliness out on those around him.  Mercy is sunshine personified but such a strong soul.  They truly bring out the best in each other.

The cast of side characters was phenomenal.  Pen and Zeddie are adorable, Lil and Danny are so sweet, Alma and Diane are motherly, and Pop is so stubborn but such a rock for his family.  Also, Horatio and Bassareus are the perfect begrudging friend duo.

I’m excited for more of this world.  


For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten

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

3.75

I had been looking forward to this and was left feeling a little disappointed.

There were definitely aspects I enjoyed, but I found myself still confused by the magic of the forest by the end of the book.  I also really disliked the use of the phrase “growing things”.

With the second book being about Neve and the shadow land, I fear I won’t get much more explanation of the wilderwood powers.  I am still looking forward to learning more about the kings and why they are trapped in the first place.  I will be finishing the duology.
Call It What You Want by Brigid Kemmerer

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challenging emotional hopeful inspiring reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This was such a realistic portrayal of what it feels like to be shunned by your peers and trying to survive the day-to-day of your life.

Rob is now defined by his father’s actions.  In trying so hard to not be his father, he ends up making many wrong decisions and proving everyone right.

Maegan is an over-achiever who made one mistake and allowed it to define her.  She struggles with disappointing her parents and the judgement of her peers.

Maegan and Rob see each other for who they are underneath all of their perceived flaws.  They work tirelessly to show the other they are more than just one mistake.  It’s a touching, realistic, heart-wrenching portrayal of emotion and the promise of blossoming love.
Sense and Second-Degree Murder by Tirzah Price

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

I absolutely adored this book.  The loving sisterly bond displayed throughout the story is so sweet.

Marianne was an absolute spitfire, Elinor was remarkable in her own right, and Margaret was hilariously smart. 

The sisters investigate their father’s murder after their lives are turned upside down.  We get a story of secrets, deceit, naivety, and blossoming love.  With hijinks aplenty, the story keeps you locked in and wanting more.