Tammy
This book is a solid 3 out of 5 overall. Regarding the characters, I didn’t find many of them appealing. The story is told from the perspective of the main character, who doesn’t seem very bright. This seems to be a common pattern with Freida McFadden's characters. At the beginning, she makes some morally questionable choices that make it hard to like her. Although Frida tries to justify her actions, they still come across as somewhat off-putting. The male lead felt one dimensional, while a side character was much more intriguing. Overall, it wasn't horrible, but it was just an okay read.
The plot was similarly average. It was pretty basic, with nothing too surprising. However, it had a binge worthy quality that made me want to keep reading to find out what would happen next. I could see where the story was going and even guessed the twist at the end, but it’s still worth a read if you're into thrillers.
I felt that the book lacked a clear theme. It felt like just another moment in time story, and I’m not sure if there are any real lessons to be learned from this thriller. That said, I don't expect a thriller like this to teach me anything, so the theme was just okay.
Emotionally, I wasn't very invested in the characters. I did want the main female character to be okay and enjoyed her more than the others, but when challenges arose for any of the characters, I didn’t feel scared or sad for them. Again, this is a fast paced thriller, and I don’t think the intention is to create strong emotional bonds with the characters to better understand them and their motivations.
In terms of my enjoyment of the book, I did find it engaging, as I mentioned earlier. It was binge-worthy, and I felt compelled to find out how it would end. I know there are more books in the series, and while I may pick them up eventually, I’m not in a hurry to do so. This indicates how I feel about the book overall. I would recommend it to those who enjoy thrillers, like twisty plots, or are new to the genre, as it offers some surprises that you might not see coming.
I’d give this book a solid 3.75, rounding up to a 4-star read for me.
The plot is easily the strongest part. I was hooked right from the first page and stayed invested the whole way through. I really felt the main character’s dilemma weighing on her every step of the book, it made me stop and seriously ask myself, “What would I do if I were in her shoes?” As a mom, I know how impossible that kind of choice feels from both sides, and the story captured that tension so well. That emotional pull and the strength of the central conflict are the biggest reasons I rated it this high.
I really liked the characters, too. Everyone felt distinct, the author gave each one their own voice, so you could always tell who was speaking without needing a tag. Some characters you genuinely root for, while others are clearly there to move the story along, and that’s totally fine. The book is on the shorter side, so there’s not endless time to develop everyone, but I thought the author did a great job making even some of the side characters worth caring about. They support the mains beautifully, showing us who the protagonists really are and why they make the choices they do.
The writing itself was solid but not flashy. It’s clean, easy to read, and the pages flew by, which is a huge plus. Nothing jumped out as brilliantly poetic or anything, but nothing felt clunky or off-putting either. It just worked.
Pacing was mostly good, though there were a few spots where the main character circled back over the same dilemma and inner thoughts a little too much. I get why, it’s the heart of the story, but those repetitive recaps slowed things down just a touch for me. I could’ve done without a couple of them. There’s also some insta-love vibes that you kind of have to accept as a plot device rather than something super realistic. It’s necessary to keep the story moving toward a resolution, so I rolled with it.
This is a very emotionally heavy book. It dives deep into death, motherhood, losing someone you love, and the guilt that can come with it. The themes are powerful, and as a parent, it hit me hard in places. There were moments that tugged at my heartstrings and left me misty-eyed (one scene in the middle really got me when I put myself in her position). That said, it didn’t quite shift my perspective or make me see something in a brand-new way, which is something I love in books. It pulled on my emotions without fully changing how I think about the issues, but it definitely made me feel them.
The setting gave off a nice small-town vibe. You could picture the motel, the bar, the quiet streets, it felt lived in and atmospheric. Since it’s set in the modern U.S., the author didn’t have to build a whole new world, but she still set the stage perfectly and made the place feel real.
Overall, I enjoyed this one a lot. It kept me turning pages, guessing how it would end, and wondering what choices everyone would ultimately make. I never felt like it dragged or should’ve been shorter, in fact, I think it could’ve been a little longer and I still would’ve been happy. It’s a good, gripping story with real heart, and I’m glad I read it.
Overall, this book was a solid four-star read for me. It's a thriller about a girl who's attacked and left with only seven days to live, so she sets out to solve her own murder. I absolutely love that concept, and the idea of piecing together your own death kept me hooked.
Since it's set in the U.S., there isn't much worldbuilding needed, but the fall atmosphere came through beautifully. I could practically feel that crisp October breeze while reading.
The characters were strong and well thought out. The female main character is witty, sharp, and resilient. Her humor was a highlight, though at times it felt a little over the top, but even she recognizes this about herself, and that self-awareness really added to her growth. The male lead was also well done, and I appreciated how much intention went into shaping these characters. Their motivations were clear, and it was easy to see what made them who they are.
The plot was hands down the strongest part of the book. With the clock ticking, there's this constant sense of urgency that makes it hard to put down. I found myself racing through pages, eager to piece everything together. The twists were satisfying, at one point I guessed the attacker but forgot about it, only to still be surprised by the reveal at the end. Everything tied together neatly, without any noticeable plot holes.
Holly Jackson's writing style is incredibly easy to read, fast-paced, engaging, and with dialogue that feels true to each character. This is the second book I've read from her, and like the first, it just flies by. That said, I personally tend to love more descriptive, flowery writing, so while this was a breeze to get through, it didn't fully scratch that itch for me.
In terms of enjoyment, this book really delivered. I liked the characters, the plot, the writing, and the ending. It even got me a little emotional, I shed a tear toward the end. The author did a great job making me care deeply about certain characters, so by the conclusion I felt like I truly knew them.
I'd definitely recommend this one to fans of Holly Jackson or anyone who loves a good “whodunit.” Be prepared to suspect everyone, and be wrong most of the time. It's a fun, emotional ride that keeps you guessing until the end.
This book was just okay for me. I think it had so much potential, and I really loved the premise. The concept is fascinating, traveling between parallel worlds where you can only survive if you're not alive in that particular world. If another version of you exists there, your body begins to break down as soon as you cross over. Our main character has died in a lot of these alternate worlds, and when she travels to one where things aren't quite as they should be, chaos follows. I won't say more so I don't spoil any of the big twists.
When it comes to the worldbuilding, I felt like the author left a lot for readers to piece together on their own. I actually like when books drop you in and let you figure things out along the way, but this one leaned so heavily into confusion that I thought I might've missed something. By the end I was able to piece most of it together, but I still don't think I fully understand everything, I basically filled in the gaps with what I assumed to be true.
As for the characters, I really liked the main character. She's a strong female lead and capable of everything she takes on in this story. A few side characters stood out to me as well and helped balance the book, though there were others whose roles in the parallel worlds felt confusing. Still, the core characters were fleshed out enough that I could understand their motivations.
The plot itself was just okay, too. It started out intriguing and had me curious from the beginning, but by the end I was left with unanswered questions and wishing we'd seen more of the aftermath. I know there's a second book, and while it isn't necessary to read them in order, I imagine the sequel probably dives deeper into this world. I'm not sure yet if I'll pick it up, but I do think the writing might be stronger in the next installment.
Overall, I'd give this one a three-star rating. There were moments where I couldn't stop turning the pages, but there were also sections where I felt completely lost and just pushed through. It was definitely a roller coaster, some highs, some lows, but a really great concept at its core. I wouldn't recommend it to someone brand new to sci-fi since I think it would be too confusing and might reinforce the idea that the genre is hard to get into. But for seasoned sci-fi readers who don't mind filling in gaps, it could still be worth a try.
✨️ 3.75 ✨️
This book was definitely better than the first one. I'm rating it a solid 3.75.
The characters are mostly the same as last time, but we do get a new POV in this one, and honestly, it was much needed. That shift gave the story a little more depth and helped me see what's really going on in this kingdom from a totally different angle. Do I like this new character? I'm not sure yet. Time will tell. But their perspective added something that was missing before.
The setting is the same as the last book, very standard fantasy vibes, and not much changes there. I'm hoping the next book moves things around a bit more because I'd love to see the characters in different places and situations. I think we're headed in that direction, so I'm looking forward to that.
Plot-wise, it's still got that basic fantasy feel, nothing super new or groundbreaking. But I will say the author made it feel dynamic even though, realistically, the characters were kind of stuck in the same place the whole time. The pacing worked for me, and even though it was predictable, I still wanted to keep reading. Sometimes knowing what's coming can be comforting, and this had that feeling.
What really stood out to me this time were the themes. They hit way harder than in the first book. I really like the direction the main character is heading in, and I'm loving the side characters we're meeting. They all seem to have a purpose, and I'm starting to get a better sense of the bigger story. It finally feels like we're getting into the meat of the series.
Emotionally, this book left me feeling hopeful. Some tough stuff happens, but I think the characters needed it to grow. It changed how I felt about a few people from the first book, which I liked. I wouldn't say I felt sad at any point, but there were definitely moments that made me angry, and that still counts as feeling something. The setup is definitely there for revenge, love, and maybe even heartbreak in the next books, and I'm here for it.
Overall, I really did enjoy this second book. It was stronger than the first, and I can tell the author is finding their rhythm and voice. I'm excited to continue the series, but I'm not in a huge rush to pick up the next one right away. I think a little break will be good so I can actually miss this world and these characters. I can already tell the books are getting bigger and deeper, so I want to make time to really dive in when I'm ready.
Overall, this was a pretty good book, though it felt like a standard thriller. At first, I wasn't sure if it was meant to be a nod to Agatha Christie, but as I kept reading, it became clear that it was, and that definitely caught my attention. I've always wanted to read Agatha Christie and just haven't gotten around to it, so this was a fun introduction to that kind of storytelling.
As for the characters, none of them were particularly likable. There wasn't anyone I felt was truly innocent, and instead of evolving in a positive direction, most of the character growth made them seem even worse. That doesn't make the book bad, but it does mean there's no one you really want to root for. Depending on your preferences, that could be a downside or just part of the experience.
The plot itself was strong. There was a clear mystery driving the story, and the way it was told, non-linear, with events unfolding and then circling back to provide context, really worked for me. I liked that it felt like a story within a story, which gave it a unique structure and made it more engaging. I listened to this on audiobook, and that format worked especially well for this kind of layered narrative. In fact, I'd recommend it to anyone trying audiobooks for the first time.
When it comes to themes, I didn't feel like there was anything especially deep or meaningful being explored. It was more about human nature and how love can drive people to extremes. There weren't really any big takeaways or life lessons, but that's not a bad thing. Sometimes it's just fun to watch a chaotic story unfold and see the consequences of everyone's choices.
Emotionally, the book did grab me at times, mainly when the narrator opened up about their past. That moment gave some real insight into their character and helped explain why they are the way they are. The female lead had a similar backstory reveal, but it didn't hit quite as hard. Still, there were definite attempts to build empathy for the characters.
Overall, I really enjoyed the book. It was fast-paced and easy to get into, and I'd definitely recommend listening to it. If I had to compare it to The Silent Patient, I think I enjoyed that one just a bit more, but this book held its own and was enjoyable in its own right.
I gave this book a solid 4.25 stars.
As for the characters, I really enjoyed them. Since this is the second book in the series, we pick up right where we left off, and while there aren't a ton of new characters, the ones that are introduced play a really important role. One in particular stood out and added a lot to the overall storyline. They gave Vin some real opposition and pushed her to see things from a new angle, which helped with her character growth in a big way. We also get more depth from the returning characters—their motivations, their insecurities, and even some of their weaknesses come to light.
The setting stays in the same world, but we do get to explore it more. I liked seeing the characters move beyond their home base and into new places, it made the world feel more dynamic than in the first book. We also learn more about the magic system, specifically the metals and their effects. And let me just say, I have so many questions, but in a good way. I'm keeping it vague to avoid spoilers, but the expansion of the magic system was one of my favorite parts.
The plot was super strong. There was a clear mission from the start, and the book stays laser-focused on it, which kept the momentum going. There were some subplots that felt like they should've had more weight but kind of got pushed aside. I would've loved to see more development there. That said, I was genuinely invested in every plotline, which is rare. Every time the story shifted focus, I'd feel that little “ugh, I wanna stay with this character!” moment, but then I'd get pulled right into the next section just as easily.
The themes in this book hit in a way that sticks with you. Even after finishing, I found myself still thinking about them. I actually went down a little rabbit hole on YouTube to see what others were saying, and I'm still chewing on some of those ideas. Especially the ending, it really makes you pause and reflect. Any book that lingers in your brain like that has strong thematic weight.
Emotionally, this one got me a few times. There were definitely moments that hit hard, and while I did feel sad in places, I think I would've felt even more gutted if I had a stronger connection with certain characters. Some events were more shocking than devastating, but still emotionally impactful. Also, there were a lot of relatable moments around insecurity and self-doubt that made it feel really grounded, despite the fantasy setting.
All in all, I really enjoyed this second installment in the Mistborn series. It definitely has that “middle book” vibe in terms of setup, but it lays the groundwork for what I'm hoping will be an epic payoff in book three. There were enough twists and reveals to keep it interesting, but it still felt like a complete story on its own. The characters showed real growth, and nothing felt like a step backward. I can't wait to jump into the next one, I'll be picking it up right away.
The characters in Gild were solid. The main female lead was instantly likable, and her backstory unfolds gradually throughout the book, which makes you feel for her and what she's been through. There were moments when I questioned whether she could realistically escape the situation she was in, but I'm hopeful that her growth will become more evident in the books that follow.
The fantasy setting was one of the strongest aspects. The world-building was vivid and immersive. I was genuinely drawn in by the different kingdoms, their rulers, and the history of how they came into power. It was all explained in a way that felt believable and intriguing. I especially appreciated the inclusion of a map, which is always a plus in fantasy novels.
The plot was decent, though somewhat predictable. It didn't offer anything particularly new, but I'm giving it some grace knowing this is the start of a series and the plot will likely evolve. Even though it followed a fairly familiar structure, I still found myself curious about how the characters would navigate the obstacles thrown at them.
As for the themes, they didn't feel especially strong or developed yet. It seemed like the story was laying the groundwork for more meaningful exploration in future installments. Right now, the characters are at their lowest points. If there is any message to be found, it might come later, as they grow, gain power, and discover who they truly are. For that reason, the lack of deeper themes didn't bother me too much.
On an emotional level, I didn't feel deeply connected to the story. That said, I think this book was more about introductions, and future books will give us more time to bond with the characters. I did care about the main character's safety, but it felt like she had plot armor, so I never truly feared for her. Some of the scenes were harsh and difficult to read, but they helped paint the harsh reality of the world she lives in and set the stage for her journey.
Overall, I enjoyed Gild for what it was. It was a fast-paced, bingeable read that I finished in just a couple of sittings. The action keeps the momentum going, which makes it easy to get through. I'm curious to see how the story and characters evolve as the series progresses. I also hope to see more emotional depth in the writing as the author continues to develop her craft. While the writing was clear and accessible, I'm hoping for more nuance in future books.
Definitely check the trigger warnings at the beginning, as there are some dark and heavy moments throughout the book. There is a touch of spice, though perhaps not the kind readers often anticipate. I would recommend this to fans of long fantasy series and readers who enjoy retellings with a darker twist.
⭐ Rating: 3.5/5 ⭐
Overall, I enjoyed this book. The setting and themes stood out the most to me, and I appreciated how everything came together by the end. It was a satisfying, easy read.
The characters, while diverse in personality and struggles, weren't particularly complex. The main character felt relatable, she's going through something many people have experienced, and it was rewarding to see her growth and the choices she made by the conclusion. However, I wish we had spent more time with the side characters. They were interesting but underdeveloped, and it felt like we were only scratching the surface of their motivations. One of the key themes, offering grace to others, was embodied mostly by the main character, while others seemed unwilling to extend that same empathy. It tied in nicely with the broader message of the book.
The setting was a standout. Atmospheric and believable, it captured the vibe of a long wedding weekend perfectly. The activities and the location felt very real, and honestly, if I were in the main character's shoes, I'd want to escape to a place like that too.
Plot-wise, this leaned more into a “slice of life” style than a tightly structured, twisty narrative. That's not necessarily a negative, especially for readers who enjoy character-driven stories. But for me, I tend to prefer plot-heavy books where character development is deepened through conflict and change. Because the plot here was minimal, we didn't get to explore as many dimensions of the characters as I would have liked.
That said, the themes resonated. I appreciated the reminder that people deserve grace, and that being your true self around others who accept you is a powerful thing. It even made me reflect on the ways I sometimes adjust who I am depending on the company I keep, and whether that's really serving me.
Emotionally, I wasn't super attached to the characters or invested in how things turned out. There were dark moments, but nothing that brought me to tears or left me breathless. The ending worked fine, though I might've preferred something with a bit more emotional impact (no spoilers!).
Still, the pacing was steady and I never felt like the book dragged. It kept my attention, gave me a few laughs, and wrapped up neatly, maybe a little too neatly to feel true to life, but that's fiction for you. If you're looking for a light, fast read with thoughtful (though surface-level) themes, this could be a good pick. It doesn't go too deep or leave you emotionally wrecked, and honestly, not every book needs to.
✨ Rating: 4.75/5 ✨
Let's talk about this book, because wow, the characters are absolutely top tier. I found myself deeply invested in both the main character and the supporting cast. The story primarily follows George Amberson (aka Jake Epping), and it's crucial that you care about him, because his mission—and every difficult decision he faces, hinges on that emotional connection. Luckily, King makes that easy. Even the side characters, while not central to the plot, manage to work their way into your heart.
The setting, which takes place in the late '50s and early '60s, was one of my favorite elements. I read somewhere that the setting feels like a character itself, and I couldn't agree more. The detail, the atmosphere, it transported me. I wasn't alive during that era, but somehow, the book made it feel nostalgic.
Now the plot? That's the real star. The central mission is filled with high stakes, obstacles, and a looming sense of urgency that had me flipping pages non-stop. Despite its size (850+ pages!), the pacing is tight and fast, yet King still manages to pack in vivid, immersive descriptions. That balance is hard to pull off, and he nailed it.
Time travel stories can often fall apart under the weight of their own logic, but here? It was airtight. There was only one moment where I paused, expecting a plot hole, but Stephen King was one step ahead, and it was addressed seamlessly.
Thematically, the book dives deep into the idea of changing the past and how it ripples into the present and future. The consequences of those choices felt realistic and emotionally grounded. There were scenes that made me anxious, scared, and heartbroken, all because I genuinely cared what happened to these characters. Some moments are gritty and intense, but they serve the story well and mirror the emotional toll on the main character.
And the ending? Bittersweet, satisfying, and absolutely fitting for the message King was trying to deliver.
This book flew by. I never once felt bogged down by the length. I've caught myself thinking about the characters days after finishing, hoping, oddly enough, that they're doing okay, even though they're fictional. I read this for a book club and plan to watch the show adaptation soon—fingers crossed it does the book justice.
I'd highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys historical fiction, time travel, or stories involving the JFK assassination, or just a powerful, well-told story from Stephen King.
⭐ 3.75 ⭐
Let's start with what I loved about this book. The concept immediately pulled me in—reincarnation and soulmates destined to find each other in every lifetime? Yes, please. Add in the brutal twist of having to kill the one you love every 18 years, and you've got my full attention. The mystery of why they're doomed to repeat this cycle, and who they really are to one another, adds layers of intrigue that kept me flipping pages.
I really appreciated how the story unfolded, weaving between past lives and the present-day timeline in 2022. Each glimpse into the past offered more insight into the characters and slowly peeled back the layers of the curse they're caught in. I know some readers wanted more detail about how they fell in love in each life, but I didn't find that necessary. We're meant to accept that this love transcends time, and I was sold on that premise from the start. It's not a romance in the traditional sense—it's more about fate, heartbreak, and the emotional toll of eternal connection.
The writing stood out to me, especially the poetry scattered throughout. It felt heartfelt and vulnerable. The use of metaphors also made it easy to draw connections between the characters' struggles and the real-life complexities of love, pain, and identity.
That said, there were a few things that didn't land perfectly for me. The ending felt a bit muddled—there's a plot twist that, while clever, left me a little confused. I'll probably need to reread the final chapters to fully grasp it. And while the mystery kept me intrigued, I did feel like some loose ends were left hanging. Not major plot holes, but I would've loved a bit more closure for a few of the side characters.
Also, it's impossible not to draw comparisons to The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, which unfortunately works a bit against this book. While the stories are different, the themes and tone are similar enough that it's hard for this one to fully stand on its own.
Overall, I really enjoyed it. It's a young adult book with no spice, but plenty of emotional depth. The pacing kept me engaged, and I found myself needing to know what would happen next. If you're a fan of Addie LaRue or enjoy a blend of fantasy, mystery, and toxic love stories, this one's worth a read. Just don't expect a traditional romance—it's messier and more complex in the best way.
Book 2 in the Dungeon Crawler Carl series, and wow—I am officially hooked. I read the first and second books pretty close together, so some of the events blur a little, but that just goes to show how immersive this series is. It picks up right where Book 1 left off, and while I'll avoid spoilers for anyone just starting the series, I can say that this sequel expands the world in all the right ways.
In Book 2, we start diving deeper into the inner workings and politics of the deadly game Carl is trapped in. There's a noticeable shift toward uncovering the bigger picture—who's really behind all this, and why? You can tell the author is planting seeds for future plot twists, and I found myself paying closer attention to every offhand comment or side quest, wondering if it might be important later.
We also get more development for the main characters, which made me love them even more. Carl and Donut are such a compelling and unexpectedly hilarious duo. Their dynamic continues to shine here, with the perfect mix of sarcasm, heart, and absurdity. We meet some new characters too—some likable, some not so much—but all of them add depth and variety to the story.
The pacing is fast, maybe even faster than Book 1. The audiobook flew by, and I honestly couldn't believe it when it ended. I didn't want it to be over! The balance between humor, action, and darker undertones is still spot-on, and the world-building is both clever and chaotic in the best way.
This book didn't just keep me entertained—it made me excited for what's to come. I get the feeling we're being set up for something big, and I'm all in for the ride. If you liked Book 1, definitely keep going. The journey is just getting started.
How did I feel about this book?
Overall, I think it wrapped up the story beautifully. It tied up all the lingering threads from book one in a satisfying way. I especially loved diving deeper into the characters we were first introduced to—seeing their journeys unfold and learning more about their place in this world added real depth.
There was a lot of yearning in this book, and that emotional tension is what really made it shine. I gave it 3.5 stars because while there were moments that completely held my attention, there were also parts—especially toward the end—that started to drag. When a book feels long, it usually means the pacing could've been tighter.
I still preferred the first book, maybe because the world and characters felt fresh and new, but this sequel had its own strengths. The character growth was a highlight. I genuinely wanted them all to succeed, and by the end, I felt content with where everyone ended up.
There's one character in particular you'll hate with a passion—and that's a credit to the author's writing. Actually, there were quite a few characters I didn't love (intentionally, I'm sure), but that just made the ones I did connect with stand out even more. Some of them will definitely stick with me.
I'd absolutely recommend this book to anyone who enjoyed the first one. And if you're a fan of Belladonna or love stories with intriguing magic systems and emotional depth, this duology is worth checking out.
I think The Psychology of Money is a really insightful book that explores how we think about and interact with money—both as individuals and as a society. It helped me reflect on my own mindset and offered valuable advice and fresh perspectives.
This isn't a step-by-step guide to getting rich, but rather a thoughtful look at the behaviors, beliefs, and patterns that shape our financial decisions. I'm giving it four stars because I took my time with it, listening slowly and pausing to reflect on the ideas and research it presents.
I happened to be reading another book at the same time about the history of money, and pairing the two made for a powerful combination. There were a few terms in The Psychology of Money that I didn't fully understand at first, but the other book helped fill in those gaps. While this book isn't filled with technical jargon, there are some terms that might be unfamiliar to the average reader.
Overall, I'd definitely recommend this to almost anyone—it offers insights that I think would benefit everyone. Honestly, it's the kind of book that should be taught or at least discussed in schools.
I gave this book a 3 out of 5. It's a strong young adult novel, and I know I would've loved it when I was younger—probably even shed a few tears at certain moments. But reading it as an adult, I found myself wanting more depth.
Because it's a standalone, the story moves at a fast pace, which unfortunately means you lose out on some really rich opportunities for world-building and emotional connection. I would've loved to explore each of the girls more deeply and really feel for them. There was also potential to learn more about the poachers and their motivations, which could have added layers to the conflict. I won't go into further detail to avoid spoilers, but overall, the pacing made it feel a bit rushed, and I didn't fully feel the emotional weight of what was happening to each character. I wanted to care more, but I just didn't connect on that level.
That said, it's definitely not a bad book. It kept me turning the pages, eager to see what would happen next. I even found myself thinking, “What would I do in their situation?”—which speaks to the power of the premise. The bleak, no-win choices the characters face reminded me a lot of The Handmaid's Tale, which is a major compliment. It's also a super easy read that flies by.
I'd recommend this to readers just getting into fantasy or those who enjoy fast-paced young adult stories. If you liked Shatter Me, The Handmaid's Tale, or The Hunger Games, this might be a great pick for you.
I really enjoyed this book! I'd heard a lot of buzz around it, and several people recommended experiencing it through the audiobook—so I gave it a shot, and I'm so glad I did. I was completely hooked. The voice acting, sound effects, and immersive atmosphere brought the story to life in such a unique way. Even if you're someone who struggles with audiobooks, this is a fantastic one to try—it might just change your mind.
One of my favorite aspects was the gaming element. If you've ever played RPG-style video games, you'll feel right at home with all the talk of leveling up, attributes, stats, buffs, and debuffs. It really added to the fun. That said, if you're not a gamer, don't worry—the story is still super enjoyable, and you don't need to track every stat to follow along.
In the beginning, I wasn't sure where the plot was headed or how it could carry through multiple books—but as the story unfolded, I started to see the bigger picture. This first installment lays a strong foundation for the series and gives you time to connect with the characters. Their personalities are fleshed out in a way that feels meaningful, and you start to really care about them on another level, no pun intended.
There's also a political undertone involving aliens and inter-faction dynamics, so if that's not your thing, this might not hit the mark for you. Still, despite the audiobook being fairly long, it never dragged. In fact, it flew by—and when it ended, I was left wanting more.
I'm excited to continue the series, see how the characters grow, and follow their journey through new levels and challenges (while emotionally preparing myself for heartbreak, of course). I'd absolutely recommend this to fans of Ready Player One or anyone who loves a good game-inspired adventure.
⭐ 3.80 ⭐ Rounding up to a 4 star. Pretty fast-paced and compelling story. At every turn I wanted to know what was going to happen to the main character. I am assuming the writer wanted us to dislike the main character and if so she succeeded. Lots of social commentary but all very intriguing and worth a read. Makes me wonder if this book is about anyone or if this has happened to anyone before in the past. Hopefully not!
