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sweekune's reviews
342 reviews
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
4.25/5
A fluffy, light-hearted and self aware romance and just what I needed after a heavy time recently. Olive starts fake dating unapproachable and antagonistic professor Adam to convince her best friend she's over a guy.
- This romance made me laugh in all the right ways. It's super tropey and constantly points this out. It's ridiculous but in a very fun and enjoyable way. It's a break from reality but whilst also addressing reality.
- The grumpy/sunshine dynamic was in full force here with Olive and Adam and it was predictably cute to watch their relationship deepen. The side characters were fun too in their own ways. I also enjoyed how the narrative didn't dismiss asexuality as a thing and discussed it sensitively.
- Nothing in this book surprised me. The plot is super predictable and I saw every single plot point coming but it didn't really matter. What the book did is less important than how and how I came away feeling "You know, that was super cute and fun!"
I'm going to dig deeper into Hazelwood's works and see if anything else catches my eye. If you need a pick me up book to make you feel better, try this warm and humourous book.
A fluffy, light-hearted and self aware romance and just what I needed after a heavy time recently. Olive starts fake dating unapproachable and antagonistic professor Adam to convince her best friend she's over a guy.
- This romance made me laugh in all the right ways. It's super tropey and constantly points this out. It's ridiculous but in a very fun and enjoyable way. It's a break from reality but whilst also addressing reality.
- The grumpy/sunshine dynamic was in full force here with Olive and Adam and it was predictably cute to watch their relationship deepen. The side characters were fun too in their own ways. I also enjoyed how the narrative didn't dismiss asexuality as a thing and discussed it sensitively.
- Nothing in this book surprised me. The plot is super predictable and I saw every single plot point coming but it didn't really matter. What the book did is less important than how and how I came away feeling "You know, that was super cute and fun!"
I'm going to dig deeper into Hazelwood's works and see if anything else catches my eye. If you need a pick me up book to make you feel better, try this warm and humourous book.
Record of a Spaceborn Few by Becky Chambers
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
4/5
The third entry in the Wayfarer series and this time it's a slice of life look at the Fleet: the human colony ship that housed everyone who fled earth. We follow an archivist, a parent, a bored teenager, a caretaker (someone who cares for the dead) and someone moving to the Fleet for the first time.
- As always, the world-building is stunning. Chambers has thought about every small detail and macro facet of the ship, the society and its benefits and flaws. We learn how it was constructed, how people exchange goods, how everything (including bodies) are recycled and so much more. Chambers also talks about the social implications, culture and societal changes that these systems cause. I enjoyed learning about this new aspect of the world but occasionally it did come across as a bit of an infodump.
- The characters we follow are very human. Worrying that you're not the parent your kids need, not knowing where to go in life once you've achieved goals, feeling stuck and imprisoned, trying something new and starting over: these and so much more are explored extremely well.
- Possibly my favourite part of this book was the sense of history and completeness it imparted. It was easy to believe this could be a real place, a real society. If the reader turned left when the author turned right on the plot, you could believe that path would also be fleshed out, detailed and real. Not many books achieve this and it was really wonderful to feel.
Seriously, if you like immersive, believable sci-fi and stupidly detailed and thought-out worlds, give this series a go.
The third entry in the Wayfarer series and this time it's a slice of life look at the Fleet: the human colony ship that housed everyone who fled earth. We follow an archivist, a parent, a bored teenager, a caretaker (someone who cares for the dead) and someone moving to the Fleet for the first time.
- As always, the world-building is stunning. Chambers has thought about every small detail and macro facet of the ship, the society and its benefits and flaws. We learn how it was constructed, how people exchange goods, how everything (including bodies) are recycled and so much more. Chambers also talks about the social implications, culture and societal changes that these systems cause. I enjoyed learning about this new aspect of the world but occasionally it did come across as a bit of an infodump.
- The characters we follow are very human. Worrying that you're not the parent your kids need, not knowing where to go in life once you've achieved goals, feeling stuck and imprisoned, trying something new and starting over: these and so much more are explored extremely well.
- Possibly my favourite part of this book was the sense of history and completeness it imparted. It was easy to believe this could be a real place, a real society. If the reader turned left when the author turned right on the plot, you could believe that path would also be fleshed out, detailed and real. Not many books achieve this and it was really wonderful to feel.
Seriously, if you like immersive, believable sci-fi and stupidly detailed and thought-out worlds, give this series a go.
Flying Witch, Volume 1 by Chihiro Ishizuka
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
3/5
Kiki's Delivery Service meets Stardew Valley in northern Japan. Makoto, a young witch goes to live with relatives to continue her development.
- This is a very chill book. The pace is relaxed, the characters are kind. I would say it's almost a bit too chill as I took a month long break half way through but I think that's my own personal preference.
- I enjoyed the nature based bits and my favourite chapterincluded meeting the Harbinger of Spring.
- The artwork is cute, typical of a YA manga.
If you'd like a chill, nature and magic based manga then given this a go.
Kiki's Delivery Service meets Stardew Valley in northern Japan. Makoto, a young witch goes to live with relatives to continue her development.
- This is a very chill book. The pace is relaxed, the characters are kind. I would say it's almost a bit too chill as I took a month long break half way through but I think that's my own personal preference.
- I enjoyed the nature based bits and my favourite chapterincluded meeting the Harbinger of Spring.
- The artwork is cute, typical of a YA manga.
If you'd like a chill, nature and magic based manga then given this a go.
Ladyfish by Andrea Bramhall
dark
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
2/5
Audiobook narrated by Heather Wilds.
Finn leaves the UK to get away from her controlling father. She joins a diving instructor programme and meets Oz, her trainer. They grow closer as they discover the true reach of Finn's father.
- I actually really enjoyed the beginning of this book, the bits about the diving school and the "getting to know you" phase of the book. I think if there had been more focus on that side of things I may have enjoyed the book a lot more. Sadly the plot took more of an espionage/violence turn which I didn't really enjoy.
- The characters felt really flat. There are a bunch of military and mafia type characters who all felt like they'd come out of a cheesy parody. Oz and Finn were better rounded but I don't think Bramhall captured their full potential.
- So for most of the book, this was a cheesy and reasonably light book. (Spoilers) Then an important side character is shot, there's lots of violence and particularly I really disliked the sexual assault elements. The ending felt rushed and honestly, after a massively traumatic experience, I'm not sure my first instinct would be to have sex with my partner.
Started well but not my cup of tea. If you like a bit of grit and you're prepared to put up with slightly stereotypical mafia-esque villains then you may enjoy this more than I did.
Audiobook narrated by Heather Wilds.
Finn leaves the UK to get away from her controlling father. She joins a diving instructor programme and meets Oz, her trainer. They grow closer as they discover the true reach of Finn's father.
- I actually really enjoyed the beginning of this book, the bits about the diving school and the "getting to know you" phase of the book. I think if there had been more focus on that side of things I may have enjoyed the book a lot more. Sadly the plot took more of an espionage/violence turn which I didn't really enjoy.
- The characters felt really flat. There are a bunch of military and mafia type characters who all felt like they'd come out of a cheesy parody. Oz and Finn were better rounded but I don't think Bramhall captured their full potential.
- So for most of the book, this was a cheesy and reasonably light book. (Spoilers) Then an important side character is shot, there's lots of violence and particularly I really disliked the sexual assault elements. The ending felt rushed and honestly, after a massively traumatic experience, I'm not sure my first instinct would be to have sex with my partner.
Started well but not my cup of tea. If you like a bit of grit and you're prepared to put up with slightly stereotypical mafia-esque villains then you may enjoy this more than I did.
The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
medium-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? Yes
4.0
4/5
I tried Percy Jackson a while back and it was good but I never felt compelled to continue with the series. I saw this book from my library via Libby and as I have a much deeper interest in Norse mythology, decided to give it a go.
Magnus Chase dies on his sixteenth birthday and is transported to Valhalla, the afterlife for heroes. He's entwined in a prophecy involving his newly-found sword and the Fenris Wolf.
- I love this take on the old viking legends. All the main gods and entities are there and blended expertly with a modern world.
- The representation so far was great. We've got deaf representation that was really well embedded and considered normal to most characters. There's also homeless characters, hijab-wearing and a bunch of other things that made this book inclusive and well rounded.
- My favourite part was the found family aspect. I won't go too deep into it to save from spoilers but it was super heart-warming.
If you're into your Norse mythology or maybe you've enjoyed other mythology based stories, I'd definitely recommend giving Magnus Chase a go.
I tried Percy Jackson a while back and it was good but I never felt compelled to continue with the series. I saw this book from my library via Libby and as I have a much deeper interest in Norse mythology, decided to give it a go.
Magnus Chase dies on his sixteenth birthday and is transported to Valhalla, the afterlife for heroes. He's entwined in a prophecy involving his newly-found sword and the Fenris Wolf.
- I love this take on the old viking legends. All the main gods and entities are there and blended expertly with a modern world.
- The representation so far was great. We've got deaf representation that was really well embedded and considered normal to most characters. There's also homeless characters, hijab-wearing and a bunch of other things that made this book inclusive and well rounded.
- My favourite part was the found family aspect. I won't go too deep into it to save from spoilers but it was super heart-warming.
If you're into your Norse mythology or maybe you've enjoyed other mythology based stories, I'd definitely recommend giving Magnus Chase a go.
Mischief Acts by Zoe Gilbert
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
4/5
Audiobook narrated by James Goode, Jilly Bond, Kit Griffith's, Sean Barrett and Sharon Eckman.
A poetical collection of connected short stories centered around the legend of Herne the Hunter. Starting with an interpretation of the Herne myth, we go from the middle ages through to the near future, each story its own but showing the passage of time, change of attitude and the degradation and restoration of nature.
- Herne the hunter is a figure that has fascinated me for some time and I love how Gilbert has interpreted him and threaded him through these narratives. Sometimes he's an actual person, sometimes a whisper or a ghost, sometimes he's only there in spirit. But he's there and despite the changes that happen he exerts his influence on the Great North Wood.
- The prose, and interspersed songs and poems, was beautiful. Each chapter was told in a different style and voiced by a different narrator which gave lots of character and nuance. I really enjoyed how this was written, put together and performed.
- I loved the nature focused theme of the book and the various ways the woods and its inhabitants are described at different times and places.
For lovers of folklore, nature and beautiful writing and performance. A unique and magic experience.
Audiobook narrated by James Goode, Jilly Bond, Kit Griffith's, Sean Barrett and Sharon Eckman.
A poetical collection of connected short stories centered around the legend of Herne the Hunter. Starting with an interpretation of the Herne myth, we go from the middle ages through to the near future, each story its own but showing the passage of time, change of attitude and the degradation and restoration of nature.
- Herne the hunter is a figure that has fascinated me for some time and I love how Gilbert has interpreted him and threaded him through these narratives. Sometimes he's an actual person, sometimes a whisper or a ghost, sometimes he's only there in spirit. But he's there and despite the changes that happen he exerts his influence on the Great North Wood.
- The prose, and interspersed songs and poems, was beautiful. Each chapter was told in a different style and voiced by a different narrator which gave lots of character and nuance. I really enjoyed how this was written, put together and performed.
- I loved the nature focused theme of the book and the various ways the woods and its inhabitants are described at different times and places.
For lovers of folklore, nature and beautiful writing and performance. A unique and magic experience.
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
4.25/5
My mum is a huge Christie fan and actually has this book from when she was younger with its original title (note: that was the catalyst of my education on why some words aren't okay and how standards change over time). Somehow though, it took me until now to actually read the book. Ten people end up on an island off the coast of Devon. Someone is trying to kill them off following the pattern of a nursery rhyme. Will they figure it out before it's too late?
- The idea for this book is extremely interesting and my copy had a foreword by Christie explaining why she wrote it and her hopes for the book. On the whole I think she did a great job and the book is very tense and mysterious.
- The characters were interesting but I sometimes felt they were a little bit flat. There are reasons this could be: the book is reasonably short, overly detailed characters could have messed with the plot, intentionally not giving the reader a deep background so you feel the loss of that character's potential. Still, I did come away wishing I'd been able to explore them more.
- I enjoyed the island setting and how it added to the sense of fear and being trapped. The isolation and lack of help was definitely a driving factor and made the events all the juicier.
A very solid Christie book and one I would definitely recommend to mystery fans. Honestly though, Murder on the Orient Express is still my favourite.
My mum is a huge Christie fan and actually has this book from when she was younger with its original title (note: that was the catalyst of my education on why some words aren't okay and how standards change over time). Somehow though, it took me until now to actually read the book. Ten people end up on an island off the coast of Devon. Someone is trying to kill them off following the pattern of a nursery rhyme. Will they figure it out before it's too late?
- The idea for this book is extremely interesting and my copy had a foreword by Christie explaining why she wrote it and her hopes for the book. On the whole I think she did a great job and the book is very tense and mysterious.
- The characters were interesting but I sometimes felt they were a little bit flat. There are reasons this could be: the book is reasonably short, overly detailed characters could have messed with the plot, intentionally not giving the reader a deep background so you feel the loss of that character's potential. Still, I did come away wishing I'd been able to explore them more.
- I enjoyed the island setting and how it added to the sense of fear and being trapped. The isolation and lack of help was definitely a driving factor and made the events all the juicier.
A very solid Christie book and one I would definitely recommend to mystery fans. Honestly though, Murder on the Orient Express is still my favourite.
A Closed and Common Orbit by Becky Chambers
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
4.5/5
Less of a sequel and more of a world expansion, A Closed and Common Orbit takes a tangent from the first Wayfarer book and runs with it. AI Lovelace leaves the Wayfarer to spare its inhabitants further grief and begins life in an illegal body kit. With a new name and some guiding friends, she learns more about this strange world and her place within it.
- The world-building in this book was incredible, better than The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet. It's always in situ and never feels like an infodump.
- For some of the book we switch back to the history of one of the other characters which was heartbreaking but inspiring. I enjoyed how Chambers tied it all up.
- One of the characters is of a species where some individuals change sex on a regular basis. This comes complete with pronoun change and EVERYONE RESPECTS THIS!!! It was nice to linger in a world where fluidity is normal and accepted.
This book made me cry (in a good way) and I look forward to continuing the emotional assault in book three.
Less of a sequel and more of a world expansion, A Closed and Common Orbit takes a tangent from the first Wayfarer book and runs with it. AI Lovelace leaves the Wayfarer to spare its inhabitants further grief and begins life in an illegal body kit. With a new name and some guiding friends, she learns more about this strange world and her place within it.
- The world-building in this book was incredible, better than The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet. It's always in situ and never feels like an infodump.
- For some of the book we switch back to the history of one of the other characters which was heartbreaking but inspiring. I enjoyed how Chambers tied it all up.
- One of the characters is of a species where some individuals change sex on a regular basis. This comes complete with pronoun change and EVERYONE RESPECTS THIS!!! It was nice to linger in a world where fluidity is normal and accepted.
This book made me cry (in a good way) and I look forward to continuing the emotional assault in book three.
Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.5/5
E-ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
I read Legends & Lattes over the winter and adored it. So when the prequel became available in ARC form, how could I say no?! We follow a much younger Viv who has to convalescence in a sleepy seaside town following an injury. She finds friendship with the local bookseller and, as expected, chaos ensues.
- I loved seeing younger Viv who is fiesty and impatient and, even in the short period of time this book covers, watching her grow and learn.
- The side characters are all so fun and well suited to the setting. The town of Murk was so vivid in my mind and I love how Baldree has created this amazing setting. Also Potroast the Gryphet was so cute!
- This book is cosy but poignant. I love how the books Viv is given to read become more relevant and the last one... My heart! I wish these books were.real and I could read them.
A very worthy prequel. If you loved Legends & Lattes, you'll love this too.
E-ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange for a fair review.
I read Legends & Lattes over the winter and adored it. So when the prequel became available in ARC form, how could I say no?! We follow a much younger Viv who has to convalescence in a sleepy seaside town following an injury. She finds friendship with the local bookseller and, as expected, chaos ensues.
- I loved seeing younger Viv who is fiesty and impatient and, even in the short period of time this book covers, watching her grow and learn.
- The side characters are all so fun and well suited to the setting. The town of Murk was so vivid in my mind and I love how Baldree has created this amazing setting. Also Potroast the Gryphet was so cute!
- This book is cosy but poignant. I love how the books Viv is given to read become more relevant and the last one... My heart! I wish these books were.real and I could read them.
A very worthy prequel. If you loved Legends & Lattes, you'll love this too.
Turtle Bread: A Graphic Novel About Baking, Fitting In, and the Power of Friendship by Kim-Joy
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
4.5/5
Illustrated by Miralti Firmansyah.
Yan is struggling with self confidence. One day she joins a baking club and finds much more than bread and biscuits.
- The artwork is cute but the story is sincere and heartwarming. Anyone who's ever struggled with feeling good enough would relate to this story.
- Like many people, I came to know Kim-Joy through the Great British Bake Off. Turtle Bread gives off those comfy Bake Off vibes and makes for a nice cosy read.
- I love that the recipes for the bakes are included within the story itself. Fantastic idea.
Cosy, relatable and digging the Bake Off vibes.
Illustrated by Miralti Firmansyah.
Yan is struggling with self confidence. One day she joins a baking club and finds much more than bread and biscuits.
- The artwork is cute but the story is sincere and heartwarming. Anyone who's ever struggled with feeling good enough would relate to this story.
- Like many people, I came to know Kim-Joy through the Great British Bake Off. Turtle Bread gives off those comfy Bake Off vibes and makes for a nice cosy read.
- I love that the recipes for the bakes are included within the story itself. Fantastic idea.
Cosy, relatable and digging the Bake Off vibes.