When it comes to reading, I usually read what I want, when I want (and am known to go for long periods of no reading at all). I don't usually read for any particular purpose, other than to keep my mind occupied. I often find myself drawn to books with engaging stories and interesting characters. My favorite way to relax and escape from reality is to read.
All in all, reading is an enjoyable and calming activity for me, one that I indulge in whenever I feel like it.
Thrilled when two new boys in Shadyside begin vying for her attentions, the usually boyfriendless …
Review of 'First date' on 'Goodreads'
1 star
This book has a lot of problematic content and is very dated. A constant body shaming, slut-shaming, and misogyny tone weighs this story down, spoiling the already obvious twist halfway through. As a result, the entire book feels more like a waiting game than a thriller or horror.
To begin with, this book is a mess. The twist is easy to pick up on despite not being revealed until very early on. If someone is a killer, we must choose between a bad boy and a seemingly nice guy. There will always be the nice guy, and the bad boy will have more to offer than he appears. Is it an overused trope? It can work in some cases, for sure. Does it apply here? Not sure.
I believe this book has a lot of potential for being fun. Despite a quick …
This book has a lot of problematic content and is very dated. A constant body shaming, slut-shaming, and misogyny tone weighs this story down, spoiling the already obvious twist halfway through. As a result, the entire book feels more like a waiting game than a thriller or horror.
To begin with, this book is a mess. The twist is easy to pick up on despite not being revealed until very early on. If someone is a killer, we must choose between a bad boy and a seemingly nice guy. There will always be the nice guy, and the bad boy will have more to offer than he appears. Is it an overused trope? It can work in some cases, for sure. Does it apply here? Not sure.
I believe this book has a lot of potential for being fun. Despite a quick read and an interesting premiere, this book is heavily dated. It is mind-blowing how much body shaming, slut-shaming, and misogyny there is in this book.
The book revolves around Chelsea, a band geek new to Shadyside who hasn't been out on a date (gasp!). Despite the book's emphasis on her being an outsider, I don't know many fifteen-year-olds being on actual dates, so the obsession seems odd to me. Aside from that, all guys seem to be itching to do just that - despite her mother's constant advice that she lose weight and wear makeup.
Let's introduce Will and Tim. Good boy, bad body. Both creeps and someone who refuses to accept no as an answer. Did I mention Will is twenty years older than Chelsea? The gag.
It's revealed about halfway through the book that Will is a serial killer who hates women because his mother left him with his abusive father. That's probably one of the more realistic and serious reasons someone would become a murderer in Fear Street, but as I said before, the twist early in the book ruins it.
Overall, while the book has some engaging elements, its dated and problematic tropes make it difficult to recommend.
"A high quality contemporary fantasy novel that will appeal to a wide range of readers …
Classical mythology reimagined
2 stars
While this book began with promise and had many positive things to say, it fell hard at its finish line. I have to dock it to a two-star. I was disappointed because this book really raised my hopes.
Something was infuriating about the portrayal of Selene, aka Artemis. Using ancient Greek mythology's most potent female icon, the writer turned her into a sexually frustrated woman. She was constantly going between irrationally angry and shamefully horny emotions.
The writer turned mythology into a self-inflicted punishment by changing Artemis' chastity from being a punishment to an intentional decision. Artemis' virginity seemed to be more critical to the writer than her other attributes. A Greek god was transformed into a whiny friend who obsesses and complains about never having a boyfriend.
Another main character in this novel is a bit more likable than the overly irritable and sexually frustrated Selene. Soon, Theo became …
While this book began with promise and had many positive things to say, it fell hard at its finish line. I have to dock it to a two-star. I was disappointed because this book really raised my hopes.
Something was infuriating about the portrayal of Selene, aka Artemis. Using ancient Greek mythology's most potent female icon, the writer turned her into a sexually frustrated woman. She was constantly going between irrationally angry and shamefully horny emotions.
The writer turned mythology into a self-inflicted punishment by changing Artemis' chastity from being a punishment to an intentional decision. Artemis' virginity seemed to be more critical to the writer than her other attributes. A Greek god was transformed into a whiny friend who obsesses and complains about never having a boyfriend.
Another main character in this novel is a bit more likable than the overly irritable and sexually frustrated Selene. Soon, Theo became a caricature, spouting ancient mythology with unrealistic ease and declaring ride-or-die love for a woman he hadn't known for a week.
Even though I figured out the killer within the first five chapters, I enjoyed the sleuthing and learning about ancient Greek history. Characters and insta-love were what made me lose interest in the story. I dislike Insta-love, especially when it involves people who profess their love within a few days of meeting each other.
Would I continue the series? No, the lack of character development and the unrealistic portrayal of relationships overshadowed the otherwise intriguing plot. I prefer stories with more depth and authenticity.
A sizzling story of a woman who risks her life and her heart to find …
An opportunity wasted on a bad romance.
1 star
I have never read a Maya Banks book before, and if her other books are as good as this one, I won't read anymore. The storyline is rushed and full of plot holes, and the characters are predictable, annoying, and way too dramatic.
The novel is told from the perspectives of two characters: Caleb and Ramie. As a reader, I found these characters extremely problematic because they made the story even worse. Caleb is a very controlling and annoying individual.
On the other hand, Ramie is one of the characters the author works hard to vilify. She's supposed to be strong, independent, and brave. Instead, Ramie is allowing Caleb to continue smothering her and enabling him by acting like a damsel in distress despite being the one who caused certain situations in the first place.
There is no logic to the romance in Keep Me Safe. It's unclear why Caleb …
I have never read a Maya Banks book before, and if her other books are as good as this one, I won't read anymore. The storyline is rushed and full of plot holes, and the characters are predictable, annoying, and way too dramatic.
The novel is told from the perspectives of two characters: Caleb and Ramie. As a reader, I found these characters extremely problematic because they made the story even worse. Caleb is a very controlling and annoying individual.
On the other hand, Ramie is one of the characters the author works hard to vilify. She's supposed to be strong, independent, and brave. Instead, Ramie is allowing Caleb to continue smothering her and enabling him by acting like a damsel in distress despite being the one who caused certain situations in the first place.
There is no logic to the romance in Keep Me Safe. It's unclear why Caleb likes Ramie other than she is a martyr who needs protection. Caleb was more concerned with protecting Ramie than with liking her personally. An unbelievable love story unfolds without the reader understanding why he is obsessed with her.
I skimmed most of this book. As I kept skimming for the good parts, I finally realized none. The lack of genuine connection between the characters made it difficult to invest in their relationship. The story failed to provide a compelling reason for their supposed love, leaving me unsatisfied and disengaged.