Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – See You Yesterday

I’m a sucker for a time loop, and I liked Solomon’s Today, Tonight, Tomorrow, so I picked this one up. Overall, I think it was a satisfying new adult romance with slowburn type of romance, but I also thought it was on the slow side and kind of predictable. The audiobook was well-narrated, so if you’re looking for a college time loop story very similar to Palm Springs with sweet but awkward protagonists, give this one a try.

⭐⭐⭐½

Where are all my breakneck pace books at? I need you in my life.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – The Library at Mount Char

This was… a very weird book. My coworker begged me for months to read it so that we can talk about the end. So finally, here we are. First of all this book is very dark, so watch the content warnings, and I can honestly say that throughout, I had no idea where it was all going, but I thought the end suitably fit to complete the picture.

While I did appreciate how unique the premise and set up was of this world, my biggest issue was that I didn’t really care or connect with any of the characters, so I felt like I witnessed their bizarre, almost-trippy plight in a kind of detached way. And because of the way this is set up, I felt like the climax was extremely understated. That said, if you’re looking for a dark, strange tale of powerful Gods that feels a “out there,” this might be for you.

⭐⭐⭐½

Yes, you were right, coworker, that book was definitely weird.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – None of This is True

This is my second Lisa Jewell book, and it gave me a very similar feeling to the first one. (The Night She Disappeared.) Although it held my attention, I couldn’t quite connect with the characters and didn’t find the (not-so-happy) ending to be as satisfying as I would’ve hoped. However, if you like unreliable main characters and a domestic mystery that runs a bit on the grittier side, check this one out!

⭐⭐⭐½

Ehh… probably not for me, but this could be for you!

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Book Review – The Maiden Ship

Definitely enjoyed this heartwarming, magical adventure on the sea with its huge found family vibes, colorful cast, a sweet slow-burn romance, and old lore. Will definitely be reading book 2!

⭐⭐⭐⭐

I’m a sucker for an adventure on the high seas!

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Book Review – A Daughter of the Trolls

Beautiful writing with an imaginative and unique fairy-tale-like adventure in an atmospheric world both cozy and dark. Lovable characters, a sweet romance, and a few twists along the way. Definitely recommend and can’t wait to read book 2!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Heartwarming and creepy at the same time. I’m here for it!

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Only When It’s Us

What I liked:

  • The narration
  • Ryder was very sweet and overcomes a lot

What I didn’t like:

  • Willa. The mental gymnastics she does to convince herself that Ryder has wronged her and not to really communicate is super frustrating. Especially when she’s relatively aware she’s the problem, but continues to be the problem.
  • The “frenemies” thing here didn’t quite work for me, since I thought it was pretty clear they were friends/into each other from the start.

In general, there were lot of good elements here that just didn’t quite gel for me. If you’re looking for a new adult college romance with some spice though, you might want to give it a try.

⭐⭐⭐

Not for me, but if could be for you!

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Thornhedge

A interesting, quirky Sleeping Beauty retelling, but in the end I felt like this novella just needed a little more oomph to flesh the characters out. Recommended for those looking for quick read of an old tale that keeps the grim fairytale feel with a twist.

⭐⭐⭐¾

Definitely gets me itching for another fantasy though!

Thanks for reading!

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Audiobook Review – The Enemy at Home

Really liked the authentic-feeling WWII homefront setting of this one, and the whodunnit felt classic with some twists and turns to keep me guessing. But there were some elements that didn’t quite jive, and I found the ending to be too bittersweet for me. If you’re looking for a solid 1940s whodunnit without romance though, this might be for you!

⭐⭐⭐¾

A unique twist of genres that didn’t quite stick a satisfying conclusion for me.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Assistant to the Villain

Okay, this one is really tough for me to review, because this was one of those rare instances where the audiobook narration really bothered me. And in some cases, it was nearly impossible for me to tell whether it was the writing that was throwing me off or the weird cadence of the narrator.

What I liked:

  • The premise. Combining high fantasy with a workplace comedy a la The Office. YES.

What I didn’t like:

  • The characters didn’t connect for me, and I felt like we covered not a lot of ground for the length of this book, and the, (in what is a huge pet-peeve of mine) we got an abrupt cliffhanger in an ending that didn’t give much satisfaction.

So, I won’t be reading the sequel, but lots of people loved this book, so it could just be me! If the premise intrigues you, definitely check it out, but as much as I love audiobooks, I recommend you go print for this one.

⭐⭐⭐

Not for me, but it could be for you! (Just pass on the audiobook)

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Demon Copperhead

Loved the voice in this one, and it was a really interesting retelling David Copperfield and also a reflection on the early 2000s. However, I did find the second half to be a little slow, and the conclusion to be rushed in a way that didn’t feel super satisfying. But if you’re looking for a character-centered modern classic, this could definitely be for you! Also the audiobook narration was fantastic!

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Different than my usual read, but definitely enjoyed it!

Thanks for reading!