booknallnight's reviews
1718 reviews

Prelude of Fire by Christine E. Schulze

adventurous dark emotional inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

OK...just wow.  What a refreshing and invigorating journey! It has been a while since I have been honored to read and review a book like this.  I was captivated from beginning to end, and completely engrossed in the characters and the story.

The best part? The concentration on the characters, their growth as individuals and as a whole, and the the journey they share. I haven't read such a well-rounded book in a long time. I love that I not only got to travel along with the characters, but also got to share in their hurts, triumphs, grief and victories.

This was like sitting down with The Lord of the Rings, while drinking in some Narnia and adding just a splash of Harry Potter. My inner YA was definitely a happy camper.

I read all across the spectrum, but sometimes a break from romance-centered fantasy is needed. This definitely fits the bill for those who want the same, and want a story where the characters' journey, in all aspects, are the focal point.

I highly recommend this one, especially for readers who love action, adventure, found families, character growth and a darker undertone. Be ready for some tears too. There are a couple of parts ... let's just say my heart hurt and I needed tissue ... lots of tissue.

Thank you, thank you, thank you to the author for reaching out and sharing this amazing journey with me. These opinions are strictly my own and have not been influenced in any way.

I'm Afraid You've Got Dragons by Peter S. Beagle

5.0

I love The Last Unicorn, although it's been years since I have actually read that. I also love the movie adaptation and have seen that many, many times. When I was invited to read an early copy of I'm Afraid You've Got Dragons, I jumped at the chance. I am glad I did, as this was an absolutely fun and charming read. 

Some of the aspects in this one are on the darker side, and I enjoyed that part of it. The characters are wonderful, the writing is engaging, and the story is fun. This gave me The Princess Bride feels which was an added bonus. 

I am so very thankful to Lavender Public Relations, and the publisher for the review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Every Time I Go on Vacation, Someone Dies by Catherine Mack

5.0

This was a really fun read! I haven't enjoyed a mystery like this in a while. I love the author's humor, style of writing, and characters. While they were fun in the beginning, the footnotes did get a little tedious after a while. I'm just not a big fan of footnotes but I will admit these were very fun little add-ons. 

While reading this one, it was reminiscent of Clue, at least for me. That was an added joy on top of everything else. This is definitely a good one for people who enjoy mysteries, but like a little humor and romance thrown in. Adding this one to my 2024 favorites.2024 favorites.

I sincerely appreciate Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the review copy. All opinions expressed are my own.

Falling Down by Guillermo del Toro

4.0

Love this format.  Easy to pick up and finish while enjoying my morning coffee. The story is good too and has me engaged.  Interested to see where this goes.

Broken Bayou by Jennifer Moorhead

3.5

This isn't bad for a debut. Really more of a 3.5. Broken Bayou was easy to get lost in, and I really enjoyed the narrator which made this a pretty quick listen.

I will say that for me, I didn't like the main character all that much. For who she was professionally and who she was personally...I suppose I expected different behaviors but not THAT different. It didn't vibe for me. I also knew where this was going and who the killer would be. Despite all that, the story wasn't bad and I did enjoy how it played out. I would definitely pick up another book by this author.

Overall, I enjoyed the audiobook in it's entirety and would recommend this for fans of the genre. Thank you to Books Forward for the review copy.  All opinions are my own.

The Mystery Writer by Sulari Gentill

4.0

Well this was not what I expected at all! Highly unbelievable BUT what a really fun read. This is why I enjoy fiction. Books like this allow me to get lost in a story of mystery, murder and good writing.

I was hooked after the first couple of chapters. Loved the characters and the flow. Easy to read and hard to put down. Highly recommend this one.

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley! This was enjoyable and I am glad I got the chance to read and review this one.

Sinner by Carol James Marshall

fast-paced

4.0

This was a dark and enjoyable read. The ending leaves you on the hook and invested to continue the series. Really good one for Spooktober. Love the writing and the story. Fans who enjoy mild horror and darker read will enjoy this one.

I appreciate Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this one. All opinions are my own.

Everyone Who Can Forgive Me Is Dead by Jenny Hollander

fast-paced

3.0

This was a very quick and easy read. While it is a quick one, I wouldn't classify this as a thriller. It felt more like a high school drama with cat fights and scenes of hissing and raised hunches. While not a bad read, it wasn't great either.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this one. All opinions are my own.

The Housemaid by Freida McFadden

fast-paced

4.0

Predictable but definitely a fun read. Just what I needed. 

You Shouldn't Have Come Here by Jeneva Rose

3.5

The story was predictable, but fun. Made for an easy and enjoyable read.