Fiction: 4
Non-fiction: 0
Short stories: 0
Graphic novels: 0
Total: 4
Page count: 1 345
Average rating: 3.5
Favourite Cover:
- I Wish You All the Best
Favourite Book:
- I Wish You All the Best
3 Favourite Characters :
- Nathan (I Wish You All the Best)
- Ben (I Wish You All the Best)
- Warner (Shatter Me)
3 Favourite Relationships (Romantic):
- Ben & Nathan (I Wish You All the Best)
- Warner & Juliette (Shatter Me)
- Marianne & Philip (Edenbrooke)
3 Favourite Relationships (Platonic):
- Juliette & Kenji (Shatter Me)
- Ben & Hannah (I Wish You All the Best)
- Alex & the employees of Wonderland (Alex in Wonderland)
To Be Brief…
Defy Me (Shatter Me #5): Unfortunately, my general feelings toward this book are pretty meh. I enjoyed it because I’m still invested in the characters and the world, but in my opinion, it definitely suffers from “second book syndrome”. The plot was pretty weak, and while a lot were revealed, even the bigger plot twists felt underwhelming. I can usually appreciate one or two flashbacks to get a greater understanding of the characters, but this book was simply overflowing with them. Additionally, either my preferences or Mafi’s writing style has changed, because I used to love it in the original trilogy, and now…well, I’m not sure. So, overall, while Defy Me had its good parts, I’m quite unhappy with the direction this series has taken. But who knows? The last book might surprise me yet. 3/5 stars
“We’re going to find time for happiness. Because how can we stand against tyranny if we ourselves are filled with hate?”
I Wish You All the Best: YA contemporary that centers around non-binary teen Ben as they move in with their sister after being thrown out of their parents’ house. At their new school, Ben meets the charismatic Ethan, and despite their best efforts, feelings begin to develop. I Wish You All the Best was one of my most anticipated releases this summer, and while it didn’t quite live up to my high expectations, I still very much enjoyed it. I really liked the relationships Ben formed with the people around them, first and foremost Nathan and Hannah, their sister. The book had some pretty sweet moments, but it most certainly wasn’t all rainbows and butterflies. The coming-out scene actually made my stomach clench, which speaks well of Deaver’s writing skills. I’d also say they did a pretty good job of making the book educational without it taking over completely. I hope to see more from Deaver, as well as more non-binary characters in YA literature, in the future. 4/5 stars
“You always point out the problems with the paintings or the drawings. But what about the things you got right?”
“What about them?”
“Don’t they mean something?”Edenbrooke (Edenbrooke #1): Sometimes, a girl just wants to immerse herself in some nice and sweet goddamn romance with witty banter set in the 19th century, and in those moments, Julianne Donaldson is a pretty good choice. Much like Blackmoore, Edenbrooke isn’t exactly 100% historically accurate, but who cares, it’s fun and silly and entertaining. 3.75/5 stars
“I have discovered happiness in being true to who I am. I hope you will give that idea some consideration.”
Alex in Wonderland: A sort of funny, sort of cute contemporary that follows awkward teen boy Alex as he spends his summer working at a run-down amusement arcade known as Wonderland. I had a pretty decent time reading this book, and it had its moments. However, I didn’t care much for the mystery aspect of the plot, and the dialogue got pretty weird at times, which unfortunately reduced my enjoyment of it somewhat. 3.25/5 stars
“I was definitely a bit overexcited, but you must understand I’m incredibly easily pleased.”
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