Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Rose in Chains

I realized I won’t be able to attend book club due to work travel, so I let myself DNF this at 50%. I think I would’ve enjoyed this as fan fiction if I had not read Manacled. But I don’t think the characters or world had quite enough oompf for me outside of the pre-established details of the fanfic, and the premise just read too close to Manacled (which I adored.) I found the flashbacks tedious, the vibes felt kind of off in terms of the dark dystopia/romance balance, and the audiobook narration wasn’t my favorite, which might’ve also turned me off a little. I was curious to hear what the rest of the book club but apparently reviews were pretty mixed. (no rating from me.)

Ugh, man. The book club picks aren’t going so hot for me. I don’t think I’m cut out for this.

Thanks for reading!

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Audiobook Review – I Hope This Doesn’t Find You

Aww this was such a strong YA romance. The YA voice feels authentic here, and I was totally able to connect with Sadie’s struggle with image, perfectionism, & people-pleasing. She was easy to like, and I enjoyed her development throughout the book. The story does a wonderful job of balancing sincerity & humor, and I thought the relationship between the leads seemed to grow naturally over time. Though I had mixed feelings about Julius at the beginning, he won me over with the little ways that his feelings for Sadie would pop through, and his genuine-feeling exchanges with her.

Definitely recommend for anyone looking for a sweet academic rivals to lovers that reads authentically YA.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Absolutely adorable! Definitely recommend.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – The Otherwhere Post

What I liked:
– Beautiful writing.
– The world-building! I loved the idea of courier post between worlds.
– Loved the magic system beaded on calligraphy & ink
– Tristan & Nan! I loved how the side characters popped from the page
– A nice mystery that keeps you guessing

What I didn’t like:
– Maeve wasn’t my favorite protagonist. I didn’t dislike her, but I wished she’d played a more active role in events.
– Slower pace than I usually prefer (but keep in mind I like my books breakneck.)

Recommended for those looking for a fantasy that feels fresh with a sweet, slowburn romance subplot

⭐⭐⭐⭐½

I’m always here for a cool fantasy world and a unique magic system for it to run on.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – This Cruel Design (This Mortal Coil Book 2)

I really enjoyed book one, but book 2 wasn’t for me. I felt it was extremely plot driven, and I would’ve enjoyed more character and relationship development. I also felt like the post-apocalyptic virus/zombie vibes weren’t as strong here, and in general, I didn’t feel as invested in the story. Of course that’s just my subjective 2 cents, so if you loved the first one, I’d still give this a try. Though be warned, while I felt like the romance subplot was significant in book one, it is barely there in this one. (no rating.)

H

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – The Whipping Boy

We read this one for our 9-year-old book club, and honestly it was just a rollicking adventure— the boys and I loved it. Super short, fast paced, and with tons of voice. The character development along the way was awesome, and it definitely had some laughs too. Highly recommend!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Big thumbs up from me!

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Rules

I read this aloud to my 9yo and 7yo boys and all three of us loved it. Cath’s reactions and thoughts felt so authentically preteen, and the story brought up so much for us discuss. I loved how they connected to Jason and were able to grasp both how Jason’s wheelchair & a communication book were a part of him, making him who he is— just like David’s autism.

My kids and I read this book just the 3 of us as we waited for the other kids in their book club to catch up, but now they want the other kids to read it too so they can all talk about it. And I think it especially hits home as the author also has a daughter and an autistic son.

Highly, highly recommend — especially for read-aloud or a young readers’ book club.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Big thumbs up from me!

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Shield of Sparrows

I read this book for our local book club and it was very much not for me, so I won’t leave a star rating.

The last 25% is pretty solid, but the first 75% of this 20-hour audiobook were incredibly slow. The main twist was obvious to the reader (and the other twist extremely hinted/foreshadowed as well), which made the MC not knowing pretty frustrating. I sent quite a few frustrated texts to my friend on this one waffling about whether I would finish.

But I know others in the book club loved it, so if you don’t mind a romantasy that takes its time, this might be for you. (no rating)

Big no thanks for me on this one. Maybe I’m just not a romantasy fan? Maybe book club really isn’t for me? The jury’s out.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Say You’ll Remember Me

I love Abby Jimenez’s writing style, but this one didn’t work for me. I felt like Xavier was doing all the work and making all the sacrifices for their relationship, and some of their choices as a couple & family, I felt like weren’t very smart. I was a huge fan of the early Jimenez books that felt more rom-commy, but these are also a little heavy for me. Jimenez books used to be an auto-read for me, but I think I’ve got to take a break for now. Life’s Too Short remains my favorite of hers! (no star rating)

My friend loved this one, but sometimes a book just isn’t for me.

Thanks for reading!

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Audiobook Review – The Serpent & The Wings of Night

So this book reads like vampires + Hunger Games. I liked the characters, it kept my attention throughout, the narration is great, and the twists, while not totally unexpected, were executed well. Honestly, I finished this book approximately five seconds ago, and I’m processing on my keyboard here as I try to figure out why this wasn’t a five-star read for me. I feel like it should be, but maybe I’m just in a reading slump? I don’t know, but I probably won’t pick up the sequel. I can only assume I’ve been broken as a reader somehow. That said, if you like vampires, dystopia, dark magic, and a little spice, you’ll probably love this one.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I’ll call this one the self-portrait of a broken reader.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Mordacious

I absolutely adored the Until the End of the World Series, and I love the realism and practicality Fleming depicts a zombie apocalypse with, but I struggled with the pacing on this one. Though I always love her found family vibes, for the number of words, we didn’t make quite the progress I’d hoped. The audiobook narration was awesome, but if you’re looking for a zombie apocalypse book, I still recommend you read Until the End of the World first. I’m not sure I’ll continue on with these.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

And since I’m updating my blog from my kid’s karate practice, you get a self-doodle reaction instead of a selfie.

Thanks for reading!