The Immortals: A Book Review

The Immortals is a remarkable book about the sinking of the Dorchester during World War II and the men who sacrificed and the men who survived. Just when I think we don't need another WWII book, one comes along and proves me wrong. This is a story that needed to be told, especially about Charles Water David Jr., a black man whose story was lost for decades. 

I will say that this book is quite slow. The entire first half of the book sets up what is to come and gives detailed background stories on significant people aboard the Dorchester. But once on the ship, the story becomes gripping. Steven T. Collis has obviously researched a great deal to make this story as accurate as it can be, and he also suggests interesting connections and ideas about loving and accepting people who believe differently than you. I do feel like this book could have been a bit more inspirational, but I still very much enjoyed reading it and learning about the four brave chaplains and Charles. I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves learning about WWII.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Shadow Mountain, for the ARC!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

Sky Breaker: A Book Review

Let me start out by saying I really enjoyed the first book, Night Spinner. I loved the idea of a gender-bent Hunchback of Notre Dame retelling in a fantasy world with magic and warring kingdoms. Unfortunately, Sky Breaker didn't live up to the first book for me. Here are a few reasons why. 

First, Enebish started to get on my nerves with how little she trusted everyone and her generally negative attitude throughout the book. Subsequently, I didn't really care about the plot that much. Second, I didn't love Ghoa in this book. I didn't love being in her head and her ending in the book (no spoilers from me). Third, the ending overall was just a bit weird. I didn't love the sudden focus and reality of religion. It's my pet peeve when authors mix omnipotent gods with humans in the plot. 

Anyways, this book just didn't do it for me, but I do like Addie Thorley's writing. I'll be sure to visit her future books, and I'm interested to see what she does next. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 2
Character Development: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you, Page Street Publishing, for the ARC!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

Isabelle and Alexander: A Book Review

Isabelle and Alexander is a bit of an unconventional romance, but I absolutely loved it. I think it's best described as a Victorian version of Me Before You, with elements from North and South. So if you love these two books/movies, be sure to give this one a try! 

I adored the main character, Isabelle. She is the perfect mix of patience and kindness, yet she stands up for what she believes. I loved watching her navigate her relationship with Alexander.

I think my favorite part of this book is that it starts with Isabelle and Alexander already married. So often in period romances, the book ends with marriage. So it was very interesting and entertaining to read a romance starting with marriage. This book is definitely a slow burn romance, and I thought the plot was interesting and captivating. The only think I didn't like in this book was Alexander's character growth. He did have growth, but it didn't have a clear path to me. Because of this, the ending felt a little rushed and too convenient for me to really believe. But Isabelle and Alexander have such a sweet story, and I really enjoyed it all the way through. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Shadow Mountain, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

Mercurial: A Book Review

Mercurial had me hooked from the beginning with its Avatar-esque cover and magic system, interesting plot with oaths and revenge, and the enemies to lovers trope. I was hooked most of the way through, and I truly enjoy Naomi Hughes's writing. However, this book didn't live up to my expectations. First, there wasn't enough room in this book to do the world/politics/magic justice. Second, the enemies to lovers trope rapidly turned into instalove. Third, everything at the end resolved rather quickly and easily. Fourth, I was missing some key character development from the main characters. This book was 412 pages, yet I felt like I needed soooo much more from almost every aspect of the book: characters (main and side), plot, romance, magic, and world building. Because of this, I'd be very interested in seeing more books written in this world. I really did enjoy reading this for the most part. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 3
Overall: 3

Thank you, NetGalley and Naomi Hughes, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

A Captain for Caroline Gray: A Book Review

I liked this book! I especially liked Caroline and her love of learning and knowledge even if it made her unpopular among society. I also loved the enemies-to-lovers romance between Caroline and Captain Scott. It felt pretty believable to me. 

Throughout this book, I felt sure that this book would get five stars from me. I loved the ship setting, the romance, India, and Caroline's character. But then the ending happened. A lot of stuff didn't make sense, the pacing felt off, and it wrapped up way too quickly and easily. It was not satisfying, and it was definitely disappointing. But all in all, I still mostly enjoyed the book and think it deserves four stars.

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 3
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Shadow Mountain, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

Real: A Book Review

This book is so powerful and important that I feel insignificant writing a review for it. Real touched my heart in many ways. I loved learning about Charity, who has nonverbal autism, and her journey to find a voice and help others like her. Her story is utterly inspiring and brought me to tears many times through this book. I couldn't help but love all the kind, patient, and believing adults who helped her throughout. This book reminded me of all the sadness and horrible things these kids go through in this harsh world, but it also reminded me that there are kindhearted heroes who can help them, and that each of these kids has a voice and a place in our world. And I loved that it was based on a true story. I think everyone would benefit from reading this book. 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 5
Plot/Movement: 5
Character Development: 5
Overall: 5

Thank you, Shadow Mountain, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here! 

Georgana's Secret: A Book Review

This regency romance is incredibly cute, and it has a different twist to it with Georgana disguised as a boy on her father's ship. I enjoyed the ship and sea setting, the romance, and especially Georgana's character growth. She has a difficult and traumatizing past, and I liked seeing how that plays a role in her growth. There's plenty of tension, action, and secrets that kept me turning pages too. I'd highly recommend it for those who love regency romances! 

Writing Aesthetic/Style: 4
Plot/Movement: 4
Character Development: 4
Overall: 4

Thank you, Shadow Mountain, for the review copy!

For more ratings and reviews and to see what I'm currently reading, visit my Goodreads page here!