Room by Emma Donoghue Review

Room by Emma Donoghue
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I'm not really sure what to say about this book. I know it was a huge deal when they adapted it to film, but I honestly didn't know much about the book or the movie. It's told from a five-year-old's point of view, which makes it a little tedious to get into. I 100% understand why she wrote it this way, but it did throw me off- it's difficult to focus on the story when you're constantly trying to figure out what is going on with the characters. Yes, it is a good way to get the reader into Jack's shoes, and there is a certain mood that is set because we are living vicariously through him. I just didn't think it was completely necessary for the entire story to be told from that particular point of view. That being said, I did enjoy the story as a whole. It just isn't something I see myself re-reading it anytime soon.

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Book of Shadows by Cate Tiernan Review

Book of Shadows by Cate Tiernan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I discovered this series after watching Jean's (Bookishthoughts on YouTube) Three Book Recommendations for witchy books. She raved about this series, saying she loved it as a teenager, and still enjoys re-reading them as a woman in her mid-twenties. I'm super interested in anything witchy/ Pagan/ Wiccan-related, so this seemed like a logical choice for me. I didn't love it as much as I wish I had, mostly because it's written simply. Jean did mention this in her video, so I wasn't completely shocked at the level. Even though it is SIMPLE, that doesn't mean it wasn't written WELL. Cate Tiernan knows how to develop her characters, and make them seem like individuals (even though they are all intertwined in one way or another). The plot is pretty basic, but there are some plot twists thrown in at various points in the book. I'm looking foward to continuing this series, especially since I need some quick reads for the Fall. Highly recommended- and the timing is perfect!

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Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo

Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I didn't want this series to end! I love how dynamic the characters are, and the fact that they are all distinctly different from one another. The amount of dialogue is spot on (Bardugo didn't go overboard, like modern young adult authors sometimes tend to do), the plot is logical, yet mostly unpredictable, and all three books flow together nicely. I do wish there were more books with these particular characters, but it makes complete sense that it ended when it did. I'm looking forward to checking out Six of Crows, Bardugo's other series set in the same world. I'm pretty sure it takes place after the end of this series, but I'm not 100% sure at this point.

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Siege and Storm Book by Leigh Bardugo Review

Siege and Storm by Leigh Bardugo
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

3.5

Ok, this one just wasn't nearly as good as the first one (for me). The plot was tedious and moved way too slowly, but there was a lot of character change/ development happening. I like that we see more characters (and new characters!) throughout the story. I'm not as attached to them as I thought I would be, but I am excited to see where the story goes from here. This isn't my favorite series of all time, but I would definitely recommend it to my YA loving friends.

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