sarahsreading started reading...
What Happens in Amsterdam
Rachel Lynn Solomon
sarahsreading finished reading and left a rating...
sarahsreading started reading...
Once Upon An Apple: A Cozy Fantasy Snow White Retelling (The Galamere Chronicles)
Gabrielle Landi
sarahsreading commented on a post from the Pagebound Club forum
I feel like I used to be able to rely on reviews and book recommendations SO much more than I can now. I joined Goodreads in 2012, and back then, when a book had a 4+ star rating, there was an almost guarantee that I would at least like the book enough to finish it. Nowadays, I feel it's a 50/50 shot at best. I don't know if BookTok or the obsession with books that primarily focus on smut rather than substance has anything to do with it (don't get me wrong, I do like my smut from time to time), but I'm curious if anyone else feels similarly. One of the main reasons I love PageBound is that the platform isn't completely saturated with the same kinds of readers, and there is an opportunity to rate books on more than one aspect. I think it's great to be able to rate how much you enjoyed a book separately from its quality (which I know quality is also going to be based on opinion, but at least there is an opportunity to separate the two a little).
sarahsreading finished reading and wrote a review...
This is easily a favorite read of the year for me so far. Everything about this book from the atmosphere to the characters to the whimsical, minimally-magical artifacts was simply delightful. I cared so much for Certainty, Aurelia, and the people of Shpelling. I laughed out loud and chuckled often. I loved the overall message Leong conveyed through this story that we do not need to earn our worth as human beings. It was just such a beautiful book, and I cannot wait for more from this author. ***I received a complimentary copy via NetGalley || all opinions are my own***
Post from the The Keeper of Magical Things forum
sarahsreading commented on a post from the Pagebound Club forum
I feel like I used to be able to rely on reviews and book recommendations SO much more than I can now. I joined Goodreads in 2012, and back then, when a book had a 4+ star rating, there was an almost guarantee that I would at least like the book enough to finish it. Nowadays, I feel it's a 50/50 shot at best. I don't know if BookTok or the obsession with books that primarily focus on smut rather than substance has anything to do with it (don't get me wrong, I do like my smut from time to time), but I'm curious if anyone else feels similarly. One of the main reasons I love PageBound is that the platform isn't completely saturated with the same kinds of readers, and there is an opportunity to rate books on more than one aspect. I think it's great to be able to rate how much you enjoyed a book separately from its quality (which I know quality is also going to be based on opinion, but at least there is an opportunity to separate the two a little).
sarahsreading commented on a post from the Pagebound Club forum
I just wanted to say that I have really, really, REALLY been loving Pagebound and the community within. I have always read for myself; most of my friends aren't big readers etc. I feel like I've made pals here, and it's made me actually excited to continue with books, write about it, and interact with everyone! On social media, I'm not typically one for interacting with people/pages but it's different here. I'm still relatively new here but I just appreciate this so much. ā„ļøā„ļø
sarahsreading started reading...
When He Was Wicked: Bridgerton: Francesca's Story (Bridgertons, 6)
Julia Quinn
sarahsreading started reading...
The Keeper of Magical Things
Julie Leong
sarahsreading DNF'd a book
Shield of Sparrows
Devney Perry
Post from the Shield of Sparrows forum
I tried. It held so much promise at the beginning of the book but then the pacing started to feel clunky, and of course the way Odessa's internal thoughts were often formed as questions...it's just not for me.
Post from the Shield of Sparrows forum
If I'm being honest, the internal monologue is burying me alive. The plot is fine, but this writing...? I find myself reading and mentally editing as I go. Is this how people felt about Fourth Wing? š
sarahsreading finished reading and wrote a review...
I have very mixed feelings about Sir Phillip and his development as both a father and love interest. I had to keep reminding myself that this was the 1800s because there were so many things he did and said that made my eyes widen or roll. I adored Eloise's character and I actually loved the twins as well. There were moments that made me actually laugh.
Post from the To Sir Phillip, with Love: Bridgerton: Eloise's Story (Bridgertons, 5) forum
I love Eloise's character in the show. I love it in the book too. I'm still warming to Phillip though. I have to remind myself the setting is in the early 1800s š«
sarahsreading started reading...
To Sir Phillip, with Love: Bridgerton: Eloise's Story (Bridgertons, 5)
Julia Quinn
sarahsreading finished reading and wrote a review...
I loved the premise and the setting of The Amalfi Curse. I loved the mystery surrounding Li Galli and the women of Positano. I loved the treasure hunting aspect of the story. I was invested in the characters and their fates, however, I felt there were a couple of people whose conflicts and resolutions weren't fully fleshed out. I would have loved a little more from those characters. Overall, I had a great time reading it and can't wait to read more from Sarah Penner.
Post from the Shield of Sparrows forum
Well that escalated quickly š¬ I am so glad that even though there's quite a bit of information in the first seven chapters, I don't feel overwhelmed (looking at you, Crescent City). I love that the chapters are pretty short, but it's also dangerous because I could easily see myself saying, "Just one more chapter!" with this one. I'm curious to see how this plays out. So far, this is not like anything I've read before as far as the world building goes.
sarahsreading commented on a post
I don't know how this is all going to wrap up. Who's going to survive this, how the three groups will reunite either. Got a busy weekend so might not start this right away but can't wait to see how this concludes. I'm excited to wrap up this series though, and kinda sad too because it's been so good!