Blagica Jankuloska

Darling Doors

Rarely do I encounter a book that leaves me yearning to dive back into its pages immediately upon finishing. Gareth Brown's “The Book of Doors” falls squarely into that exceptional category. As someone still navigating the realms of fantasy literature, time-travel narratives often prove hit or miss for me. However, from the moment I laid eyes on the title, I found myself inexorably drawn into Brown's enchanting world.

At the heart of the story lies Cassie, a character who resonated deeply with me, reflecting facets of my own journey. Witnessing her evolution and resilience throughout the narrative filled me with an immense sense of pride. Her dynamic relationship with Izzy, characterized by their stark differences yet undeniable synergy, added layers of depth to the story. Similarly, the subtle yet electrifying chemistry between Cassie and Drummond enriched the narrative without overshadowing its essence.

What truly sets “The Book of Doors” apart is its meticulous world-building, anchored by a sophisticated magic system revolving around mystical tomes. Brown's modern setting seamlessly integrates with the intricacies of this magical realm, captivating readers with its immersive detail. Each character possesses a distinct voice and personality, contributing to the narrative's richness and authenticity.

Throughout the book, I found myself enraptured by the relentless action and unexpected plot twists. Moments of clarity illuminated the storyline, while others left me reeling, necessitating moments of quiet reflection to absorb the magnitude of what I had just read. In my eyes, “The Book of Doors” stands as a masterpiece of the time-travel genre, showcasing Brown's remarkable storytelling prowess.

As a debut novel, “The Book of Doors” heralds the arrival of a formidable literary talent. I eagerly await Brown's future endeavors, eager to see where his boundless imagination leads. This book has left an indelible mark on me, its impact destined to linger in my thoughts for years to come.

Double the Formats, Double the Chills

You know you’ve found a winner when you’re dual-wielding formats: Kindle in one hand and the audiobook playing in your ears. This "immersion mode" was exactly what I needed to shake off a long week and a lackluster weekend. It’s becoming a core truth for me that Alex Finlay simply cannot write a bad thriller; this was the perfect world to get lost in.

The story centers on Quinn and Jules, who strike up an unlikely bond during study hall. She’s the quintessential popular girl, and he’s decidedly not. Despite their social gap, they find common ground in a shared obsession with an upcoming concert on May 1st. Jules is secretly hoping Quinn shows up, and he’s feeling the same, even though she’s already "taken." But the night of the concert goes off the rails, triggering a decade-long ripple effect. For the next ten years, we catch up with them only on May 1st. The catch? A serial killer has claimed that date as their own, striking every year with a precision that has left the police completely baffled.

The "one day a year" snapshot approach is a brilliant mechanical choice. It keeps the narrative lean and prevents the plot from getting bogged down in mundane details. Instead, you get these high-impact glimpses into how their paths consistently—and sometimes tragically—zigzag back together. Admittedly, the trade-off for this relentless forward motion is a slight loss in character depth. Because we only see them once a year, they function primarily through the lens of their role in the mystery rather than as fully fleshed-out people. However, in a fast-paced thriller like this, that’s a sacrifice that works; they serve their purpose perfectly within the puzzle Finlay has constructed.

The finale was easily my favorite segment. As a seasoned reader of the genre, I’ve developed a bit of a "sixth sense" for twists, and while I predicted some of the beats, the rest caught me completely off guard. A special shout-out to the dual narration on the audiobook—the performances are stunning and add an extra layer of tension that really elevates the experience. I believe there’s only one book left in Finlay’s backlist that I haven't tackled yet, and I’m looking forward to diving into that while I wait for whatever twisted story he comes up with next.

A Slower Burn

The Perfect Marriage by Jeneva Rose had all the right elements to be a gripping psychological thriller, but ultimately, it didn't quite deliver in the way I hoped. I was expecting something similar in terms of intensity to Home is Where the Bodies Are, which I enjoyed for its fast pace and unexpected twists. Unfortunately, The Perfect Marriage unfolds at a slower pace, and while there are some twists along the way, they don't hit with the same force or urgency.

The story centers around a seemingly perfect couple whose lives are upended by a shocking crime. The premise is strong, and the potential for suspense is evident. However, the pacing feels deliberate, which may not appeal to readers who prefer a faster-paced thriller. While I appreciate the author's attempt to develop the characters and their motivations, I found myself wishing for more momentum as the story progressed.

That said, The Perfect Marriage is still an engaging read with enough intrigue to keep me interested. The character development, especially of the central figures, is well-done, and I enjoyed the exploration of moral complexities. The ending, with its surprising twist, was a welcome change of pace. However, by that point, I had already started to anticipate a twist, which slightly diminished its impact.

In conclusion, while The Perfect Marriage has its strengths and will likely appeal to those who enjoy slower, character-driven thrillers, it didn't quite meet my expectations in terms of pacing and excitement. I'm giving it 3 stars—it was good, but not great. I wanted more of the heart-pounding suspense that I found in Home is Where the Bodies Are, but this book, while satisfying in some ways, didn't quite deliver on that front.

Come for the Chaos, Stay for the Donuts

I should be a walking billboard for this series—or is it a wheeling billboard, since I’m in a wheelchair?—with as much as I have recommended it to my clients, friends, and fellow bookworms.

Carl’s Doomsday Scenario picks up immediately where the first book ended. Carl and Princess Donut have left the training levels of the first two dungeons behind, entering the third level with a marked increase in their contestant ratings and views. It seems the audience across billions of alien worlds just can’t get enough of this twosome, but they must work even harder just to survive.

This time, Carl and Princess Donut are introduced to Over City, a once-thriving metropolis devastated by a mysterious calamity involving an active volcano. Along with their dangerous pet, Mongo, and their new game manager, Mordecai, they find themselves facing off against an undead circus troupe and NPC elites starring in their own crossover show. Between trying to solve the mystery of murdered prostitutes falling from the sky and battling an ancient magical enemy working on a definitive elimination spell, the stakes have never been higher.

I want to be careful not to say too much more; going in blind is the best way to immerse yourself in this incredibly far-fetched, sarcastic take on society, norms, beliefs, and the lengths we are willing to go to survive. At approximately 380 pages, it is a fast, easy, and thoroughly enjoyable read—as long as you don't take it too seriously. (Note: This is an adult-oriented novel with plenty of violence and swearing, so keep that in mind if it's a dealbreaker for you!)

In my opinion, this book takes the brilliant worldbuilding introduced in the first installment and expands on it in several excellent ways. Matt Dinniman has officially established his footing, direction, and style; from here on out, it’s full speed ahead. He masterfully weaves together complex political and governmental layers among the various alien races, keeping you hooked with crazy plot twists.

He also pulls off an incredible feat: genuine, laugh-out-loud humor. It is notoriously difficult to deliver laughs in a book format, but my hat is off to Dinniman, who makes it look entirely effortless. His straightforward, natural writing style helps the reader easily dive into a chaotic world of mayhem.

What surprised me most, however, was the character development. Carl, Princess Donut, and Mongo quietly endear themselves to you in ways you just don’t see coming. Dinniman balances a fast-paced plot with intimate insight into the characters' thoughts and motivations. It’s hard for a writer to achieve both strong character growth and tight plotting in the same story, but Dinniman magically blends them into an unforgettable recipe of conflict and drama. By the end of this book, I realized I am completely emotionally invested in these characters. Their outcomes matter dearly to me.

Overall, Carl’s Doomsday Scenario is another stellar escape from reality and a wonderful, unique reading experience. It’s like witnessing the ultimate train wreck: you think you want to look away, but you're utterly pulled in. My advice? Grab a drink and a snack, curl up on the couch, and enjoy the ride.

This was a ridiculous, fun journey and another easy 5-star read for me. I’ve already gifted the graphic novel of book one to my favorite human, bought a copy for myself, and am officially a super-fan. I've already started book three! As a non-video-game player, I am just as caught off-guard by how much I love this LitRPG series as you probably are.

Come to the dark side... we have cookies, not Donuts! =) I cannot wait to see this adaptation on TV.

Such Promise

I’ve been sitting with my thoughts for over an hour after finishing this book, and I’m still not sure how to feel. To say I wanted to love it is an understatement. This was one of my most anticipated reads of 2025. With its stunning cover and compelling premise, I was expecting a five-star experience. Sadly, it landed closer to a three.

For those who did love it, I’m honestly a little envious.

Now, here’s what worked for me. The book unfolds in alternating timelines—historical chapters woven between the present day. It’s a love story stretched across centuries, where Evelyn and Arden are destined to find each other again and again, only to die together before turning eighteen each time. In the modern timeline, Evelyn is racing against time to stay alive long enough to save her sister, who needs a bone marrow transplant to survive cancer.

The historical chapters were the most intriguing part for me. They added texture and context to the characters' bond, and I appreciated the ambition behind the structure. But the execution didn’t quite land. The constant back-and-forth felt choppy, and it disrupted the pacing just enough to keep me from getting fully immersed.

More than that, I struggled to feel the connection between Evelyn and Arden. I wanted to fall into an epic, time-crossed romance—but I never quite believed in their chemistry. The love story felt more told than felt, and I never reached that emotional payoff I was hoping for.

There’s a twist near the end that genuinely surprised me, and I appreciated that. I just wish the resolution had been given more space. The ending felt rushed, and with a few more pages, it could’ve hit harder.

In the end, the book had strong ideas and emotional stakes, but the execution fell short of the promise. I don’t regret reading it, but I do wish I had connected with it more deeply.