Madalina Mesrefoglu
The Theory of Dreaming book felt like a blur (see what I did there, blur/dream, yeah). The pacing felt uneven, where it was slow at the start, engaging towards the middle, but then rushed through the end. Some parts gave me the same Piranesi-like illusion—especially the sections that happened in the dream world. The strange architecture and eerie statues felt like they were taken from Piranesi, though that might just be because I finished both books very close to each other.
I wasn't satisfied with the plot twists and how some misunderstandings were taken care of. Everything felt too convenient, and so many things were left unexplained, in a way that just felt unfinished.
Even though the sequel leaned more into a “dark academia” setting by taking place at school, there was barely any school life, since neither of the characters attended classes that much. By the end, I didn't feel strongly connected to either of the main characters. Even the moment where Effy almost killed herself (and yes, I've dropped my jaw while listening to that section) felt unasked for. I just didn't care that much about what was happening. How did we even get here? It felt like the author wanted to add more complexity by having one of the main characters struggle with mental health, but I just didn't love how it was handled. Maybe if I'd taken my time and read the book slowly instead of listening to the audiobook, my experience might have been different. Still, I feel like this story was better left off as a standalone.
3.5/5 stars
Really entertaining and fast-paced, especially towards the end. Those last 50 pages flew by in an instant, which is what solidified my desire to continue the series. What lowered my rating, however, was that I didn't connect with the characters as much as I would have liked, and at times the story felt unrealistic. I know this story is about genius children, but some parts felt too exaggerated and less believable.
3.5/5 stars
This was such an unexpected read, in a good way. I wanted to try this, along with the Divine Comedy, so that I can read another book (if you know, you know). But while reading Piranesi, I found a new favorite. The pace is slow at first, until the reveals and mysteries begin to unravel, leading to a ‘What the heck is happening?' moment that makes you question your own reality. I wish I could experience reading this for the first time again.
4.5/5 stars
This was such a fun surprise compared to how I felt about Never Let Me Go by the same author. The story was heartwarming, filled with hope and metaphors about life. Even if the story starts off a little slow, it moves you in all the right places and makes you want to step outside, enjoy the little things, and care for the people you love before they are gone.
This book lacked something for me. I dragged it for too long, which made me feel detached from the characters even tho I enjoyed the story and I could see the deep layers the author created for them. It reminded me so much of Daisy Jones & The Six if it were written like a traditional fiction book with a lot of music metaphors.
Another book that fell a bit short of what it promised to be. It's a good mystery thriller; I loved the atmosphere and the creepy island vibes. However, I didn't really connect with Grady as a character. He felt unreliable and wasn't very likeable as a husband or a lover. I enjoyed the plot twist, but I was expecting something more from that ending. I recommend the audiobook, it really helps you feel like you're on that island and in the shoes of someone haunted by its past.
3/5 stars
Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this story as much as her other books. I'm not exactly sure why... it might have been the high expectations I had after reading The Conditions of Will by Jessa Hastings, or perhaps I didn't connect as much with our main characters. The story felt a bit too long, and even though it made me smile and chuckle at times, I still feel like I wanted something more.
4.25/5 stars
I picked this book up just to see if I would enjoy Jessa Hastings' writing, and now I'm officially hooked. It had everything from emotion and family dynamics to romance and even injustice. I loved how Georgia could read the emotions of others; it was such a smart plot point that made the story feel even more relatable. I only wish there were more content, but either way I know I get to revisit the same universe through the Magnolia Parks books. This is the first book that I was certain deserved to be a 6 star.
This book started with such an interesting premise, but it quickly became a little absurd. By the middle, the main character had become really unlikable, and everything in her life seemed to come to her far too easily. Even the big plot twists fell flat, which left the story feeling dragged out.
2.25/5 stars
I wish I've read this for another reason than just completing a Goodreads challenge, mostly because I think I would have enjoyed it more. It has such beautiful, poetic writing, rich world-building, and a blend of magic, a sprinkle of romance, fairytales, and enchanted rivers, all centered around grammar, language, and the bond between two sisters. It sounds like the perfect story for me, but as I said, I read it at the wrong time.
3.5/5 stars
I love Stephen King's storytelling, and of course he doesn't disappoint with this novella. Told through the eyes of a secondary character, it's a story about hope, justice and satisfying revenge. The audiobook completely hooked me, and the story stuck with me more than I expected. Really recommend if you're looking for a good place to start with Stephen King.
4.25/5 stars
Cute romcom that feels like the plot of a 2000s movie: girl dies, finds the love of her life, and gets a second chance to return to Earth and find him in 10 days. I listened to it on audiobook and absolutely loved the narrator, she brought the story to life with her accent and humor. I recommend this if you want a fast paced, good vibes only story.
3.75/5 stars
Even though it was entertaining, this book took me a long time to get through. The pacing was very slow at the beginning and felt uneven in places, with some sections dragging while others moved much faster. However, the final chapters flew by, and the buildup finally paid off. After reading the last lines, I had to start the last book right away to see what happens next. Overall, I had a mixed reading experience, but the story, world-building, magic system, and high stakes kept me invested. I'm really curious to see how the author wraps up this whole story.
4/5 stars
I had heard that Sally Rooney's writing isn't for everyone, and I was hesitant about the dialague being inside the text, mainly because I've read something in a similar style before that made the story harder to follow. But this book was so good. I adored the way it made me feel and how it helped me understand both characters and the cyclical nature of their relationship. The way these two people always seem to be drawn back to each other, just trying to act “normal” in the eyes of everybody else, was so compelling. I really need to see how this love story is portrayed in the TV series.
4.75/5 stars
