2025 Reading Challenge discussion
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Kate's 2018 Challenge of a Mystery Number of Books
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2 stars
I had higher hopes for the end of this series but was very disappointed. I lost interest in the love triangle, the plot and the characters. What started as an interesting premise really fell apart at the end.
3 stars
I'm torn about this series. It's not great by any means but it's entertaining (to listen to at least). Plus so many like it I feel like I need to read it just to be done and have an opinion.
4 stars
I enjoy this start to the series. Was a reread for me and the audiobook was great.
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5 stars
I love this book. I think this is my 3rd or 4th reread (listen this time). Trying to finally finish this series. I think I'm technically on book 5 but doing a reread.
4 stars
I love Neil Gaiman's writing. I haven't read Terry Pratchett before. I could definitely hear Neil's voice in this and now I think I need to read Pratchett.
4 stars
I found this to be not as fast moving as the first one, and it took the majority of the book for me to become as interested. The last quarter of the book was much better.
(view spoiler)
5 stars
I LOVED this book. Evelyn was a fantastic character and her life was wonderful to read about. The format of the book kept things interesting. Getting to learn more about Monique along the way was an added bonus. Everyone has been raving about this book and I was worried it wouldn't live up to the hype... IT DID!
Think I need to check out more from this author.
3 stars
Not sure if I was in the right mood for this book. Or maybe I should have read it instead of listened to the audiobook. I really liked the epistolary format once I got used to it. And the premise/individual stories were fascinating. But I did have a hard time keeping track of who was who for awhile. Might need to revisit this one eventually because a 3 star review seems wrong.
3 stars
The beginning was definitely a slow burn and really needed more world development. The characters slowly became less flat but I never felt like I could really understand the world. The dragons were fun/interesting and I loved the stories. Great premise but could definitely use improvements.
3 stars
I wanted to like this so much more than I did. I love Sherlock. Always have. But really felt off on this one. Maybe it's their treatment of John. Mary's perfection at everything. Sherlock's lack of something I can't quite put my finger on...
It was entertaining for sure. And I love Sherlock. I might continue listening to the series maybe. I'll have to give it a break and come back to it probably.
4 stars
I really enjoyed the court portion of this one. I disliked the drama around the baby. It just seemed unnecessary.
2 stars
This is my least favorite book so far. The cruise ship plotline seemed completely unrealistic and the resolution to it also felt over the top. The 'belly-bombs' weren't fleshed out. And no court scenes, which is why I read this series.
3 stars
This one seemed much slower paced. And even the more action packed spots were not quite as eventful. Now for the long wait at the library for the new one.
3.5 stars
Really I want to give this like 3.5 stars. I think I need another break but am loving the crime/suspense type novels to listen to right now. I wish there was more Clair.... I like her.
4 stars
The beginning was soooo slow. And some of the phrases Ward uses are overused which gets annoying. Glad I had a long break between books this time. But overall I did enjoy the story.
3 stars
The beginning of this one was so slow for me to get into. It was incredibly frustrating. But it got better. And doing audiobook definitely helped. I know I read this one before. Not sure if the next in the series is where I left off or not.
I won't say this will ever be my favorite series (or that I quite understand the crazy amount of hype for it) but it is an entertaining read/listen.
4 stars
The only Michael Connelly book I've read, and it was a good start. Great listen and I've been really into thriller/mystery/suspense/court-legal type novels.
4 stars
What a fun October read! It was great to read this classic as I hadn't before. Surprisingly enjoyed the diary style writing (usually I HATE this). It was interesting to see all of the known vampire myths incorporated from so long ago.
4 stars
Interesting story. Her writing really does get better book to book. Will and Tessa as characters were not my favorite. I find that I like Clare's 'side characters' a bit more than the main ones.
5 stars
I really enjoyed this book and it's been on my TBR for almost two years. It reminded me a little of Ender's Game. Interesting premise, fast moving, just what I needed. I was able to get the second one so hopefully I can continue soon (the ever present TBR is growing).
unrated
I was never a huge Gilmore Girls fan. Not that I dislike the show. I've just never really watched it. But I like Lauren Graham so it was interesting. Probably would have been better if I LOVED the show. I think I just am not the right audience.
4 stars
I've been really into lawyer/court novels lately. Don't know why. But Michael Connelly has been filling that urge perfectly. I never read any of the Harry Bosch Universe so thinking I might try to go back and read those before continuing.
5 stars
My second Agatha Christie and I flew through it! Really enjoyed this (and also wanted to watch the movie but didn't want spoiled). It was the perfect cozy mystery for a snowy weekend.
Kate wrote: "5 stars
My second Agatha Christie and I flew through it! Really enjoyed this (and also wanted to watch the movie but didn't want spoiled). It was t..."
Loved it too! :)
3 stars
I was in desperate need for a quick, light, fun read and this definitely hit the spot. I will say that the entire (view spoiler) really annoyed me. Too rushed, completely unrealistic and so... just annoying. That is the reason for the lower rating, honestly.
4 stars
Nice, light, entertaining. Really all I needed for this time of year. And something quick to make me feel accomplished during Tome Topple.
3 stars
It was ok. Entertaining but nothing great.
5 stars
Very much enjoyed this book. The writing style was beautiful and the narrator perspective was perfect. Likable characters surrounding a fascinating (but unlikable subject). It's been awhile since I read an WWII fiction (I think The Nightingale last year).
Kate wrote: "5 stars
Very much enjoyed this book. The writing style was beautiful and the narrator perspective was perfect. Likable characters surrounding a fascinating (but u..."
One of my favourites this year as well!
4 stars
I like how Moriarty weaves so many story lines together. I also like how her endings are always resolved but not in the way you expect. I wouldn't say this is my favorite of hers but still a fun read.
5 stars
Great second book to the series... And it only took me 8 months........ yikes ha. I did enjoy it for that whole time. The avalanche at the end was not near as bad as the first book.
3 stars
The story was poignant and it is important to tell it. I wish I had read this instead of listened to it. The narrator was not right for the solemnity of the story in my opinion. And her voice really annoyed me.
4 (3.5 stars)
I think this is closer to a 3.5 star read and one of those instances where the movie is better than the book. It was a great read in that if you've seen the movie, a lot of the phrasing is familiar and entertaining. But all the asides got to be distracting. The writing style was not my cup of tea at all. Just seemed too jumpy and scattered.
4 stars
So I'm not sure this lived up to the book world hype (and I know a lot of people really dislike Sarah J Maas) but a lot of people rave about this series. It was good and I will most likely continue on with the series. I wonder if I skimmed sections because some of the magic things are a bit unclear. The love triangle was eh. But I like the premise so far.
2 stars
I wish this book had been better. I think it had real potential. The premise was good but some things felt off. I don't quite understand why Wen needed a medical issue except diversity's sake. It didn't really add to the plot or storyline. The narrator on the audiobook was terrible. I ended up speeding it up just to get through it. And the ending was abysmal. I hate books that end like this. Disappointing at best.
4 stars
Very entertaining. Would definitely be a play that I would go see. I really enjoyed the audio.
4 stars
Cute light read. I like Crusie's entertaining, humorous plotlines. Not my favorite of hers but not a bad read by any means.
[bookcover:A Christmas Carol|53264 stars
A fun read for around the holidays. I'd never read it before so nice to see the inspiration for all the retellings.
2025 Reading Challenge
Books mentioned in this topic
Maybe This Time (other topics)The Importance of Being Earnest (other topics)
The Cabin at the End of the World (other topics)
Throne of Glass (other topics)
The Princess Bride (other topics)
More...
4 stars
The ending was a little predictable (view spoiler)[ you knew everything would turn out ok (hide spoiler)] but the story was fun. I will say the first book in the series was definitely the best but all in all a good read.