Reading

An Insignificant Case – Phillip Margolin | A Book Review

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An Insignificant Case - Phillip Margolin

Title: An Insignificant Case

Author: Phillip Margolin

Genre: Mystery Thriller

About the book: It’s a standalone that follows Charlie Webb, an attorney appointed to defend an artist who was arrested for breaking into a restaurant and stealing back a painting he sold them, along with a flash drive from the owner’s safe. When the restaurant owner and her driver are arrested and charged with sex trafficking, the contents of the flash drive begin to threaten powerful figures. What starts as a minor theft case spirals into a double homicide, forcing Webb to face the most important and dangerous case of his life.

First impressions: The premise sounded interesting. I was curious to see how the plot would unfold. The beginning introduces the main characters and sets up the story.

Characters: I like Webb, and he grew on me over time. Some characters are interesting and unique but not the most realistic, so I found it harder to relate to them. There is character development, but I wanted more depth.

Quote:

“Sometimes a person does something that’s against the law that you can’t help feeling is justified.”

Writing: It’s a quick and entertaining read that’s about 320 pages long with short chapters. Some twists are easier to predict than others. The plot isn’t the most believable, so I had to suspend disbelief at times.

Final thoughts: The ending provides closure and wraps up loose ends. The story had potential, but it fell a little flat for me. If you’re a fan of legal thrillers with crime and courtroom scenes, you may like An Insignificant Case.

Reading

Middle of the Night – Riley Sager | A Book Review

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Middle of the Night - Riley Sager

Title: Middle of the Night

Author: Riley Sager

Genre: Mystery Thriller

About the book: It’s a standalone that follows Ethan Marsh who is dealing with the disappearance of his childhood best friend and the dark secrets of his picture-perfect neighbourhood. When he was ten years old, he fell asleep in a tent in his backyard beside Billy, only to wake up alone in the morning. Thirty years later, Ethan is still plagued by insomnia and bad dreams. He begins noticing strange things happening in the middle of the night. As Ethan investigates further, he realizes that the past has a way of haunting the present.

First impressions: I’ve heard good things about Sager’s books, so I was looking forward to reading one. The premise sounded intriguing to me. The beginning starts off slow, and it took me a while to get into the story.

Characters: I wasn’t that invested in the characters right away, but some of them grew on me over time. I wanted to like Ethan more, but he didn’t resonate with me as much as I hoped. I appreciated the diverse and different characters.

Quote:

“You don’t know what it’s like to have someone you love, someone you look up to, someone who was a constant presence in your life suddenly be gone.”

Writing: It’s about 365 pages with chapters alternating between the past and present. The pacing picks up as the plot unfolds. I found some parts repetitive, so I felt like the book could’ve been shorter. I predicted a few of the twists, but others surprised me.

Final thoughts: I enjoyed the ending. It provides closure and makes sense for the story. I would recommend Middle of the Night if you’re interested in reading a suspenseful thriller about ghosts, grief, and guilt.

Reading

Five Broken Blades – Mai Corland | A Book Review

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Five Broken Blades - Mai Corland

Title: Five Broken Blades

Author: Mai Corland

Genre: Fantasy Romance

About the book: It’s the first in the series that follows five dangerous liars who have been summoned to work together to kill the king. The killers have all tasted bitterness in their own lives and can’t resist revenge. They’re used to lying and deceiving, but they must find a way to trust each other to survive.

First impressions: The premise sounded interesting, and I was curious to see where the story would go. The beginning introduces the main characters and builds the world.

Characters: I enjoyed learning more about Royo, Euyn, Sora, Aeri, and Mikail. Royo is a hired hitman seeking atonement, Euyn is a banished prince, Sora is a poison maiden looking for freedom from indenture, Aeri is a clever thief, and Mikail is a royal spymaster. The novel also follows a nobleman named Tiyung. They’re likeable and flawed in different ways with unique backstories. Many of the relationships are based on common tropes such as grumpy/sunshine and enemies to lovers.

Quote:

“Sometimes revenge is a long game and, as much as you want a small win now, the larger victory needs time to manifest.”

Writing: The book is about 475 pages with short chapters alternating points of view in first person. Some of the content is more mature, violent, and graphic in nature. The pacing slows down at times, but it picks up near the end. I liked the twists and turns, secrets and surprises.

Final thoughts: I didn’t see the ending coming. It wraps up some storylines, and sets the stage for the rest of the series. I would recommend Five Broken Blades if you’re a fan of dark fantasy adventures full of magic, mystery, romance, and relationships.

Reading

Games Untold – Jennifer Lynn Barnes | A Book Review

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Games Untold - Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Title: Games Untold

Author: Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Genre: Mystery Thriller (Young Adult)

About the book: It’s a collection of short stories about love, loss, and life set in the world of the Inheritance Games series. The collection includes: That Night in Prague, The Same Backward as Forward, The Cowboy and the Goth, Five Times Xander Tackled Someone (and One Time He Didn’t), One Hawthorne Night, What Happens in the Treehouse, $3CR3T $@NT@, and Pain at the Right Gun.

First impressions: I’ve enjoyed the rest of the series, and I was excited to read this one. I think the cover is pretty and captures the essence of the book perfectly.

Characters: I like that each story features different characters. I loved learning more about the Hawthorne brothers: Nash, Grayson, Jameson, and Xander. I also appreciate how the author writes dynamic female characters like Avery, Hannah, Libby, and Max.

Quote:

“Sometimes, believeing the best in people who don’t deserve it, believing that they love you even if they don’t—sometimes, that’s all a person can do to survive.”

Writing: It’s about 430 pages with short chapters. I had fun trying to figure out the answers to the puzzles and riddles. The stories are about romance, relationships, family, friendships, and so much more. I thought that it was a nice touch to have beautiful illustrations at the start of every story.

Final thoughts: Overall, it’s an easy and entertaining read. I’d suggest reading the books in order to have a better understanding of the storylines and timelines. I would recommend Games Untold, especially if you like the Inheritance Games series and contemporary short stories.

Reading

Strangers in Time – David Baldacci | A Book Review

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Strangers in Time - David Baldacci

Title: Strangers in Time

Author: David Baldacci

Genre: Historical Fiction

About the book: It’s a standalone novel set in London in 1944 that follows fourteen-year-old Charlie Matters, fifteen-year-old Molly Wakefield, and bereaved bookstore owner Ignatius Oliver. Charlie’s illicit activities in the city haven’t gone unnoticed, someone has been following Molly, and Ignatius is hiding a personal secret of his own, which could have terrible consequences for all of them.

First impressions: I’m a big fan of Baldacci, so I was excited to read this book. I like how the beginning sets up the story, and I was curious to see how it would play out.

Characters: I enjoyed learning more about Charlie, Molly, and Oliver. I like them as individuals and their interactions with each other. It was interesting to watch them develop as the novel progressed.

Quote:

“That’s the point of dreams, of reaching for something so impossible, so impractical, often something so undeserved, that the act of wishing for it defines more about us than the actual dream does.”

Writing: It’s around 435 pages with short chapters. Some events are easier to predict, but one twist took me by complete surprise. The author does a great job interweaving multiple hard-hitting and heartbreaking storylines together.

Final thoughts: I didn’t expect the book to end the way it did, but I think the ending does justice to the story. Strangers in Time is different from Baldacci’s typical mystery thrillers, but I highly recommend it, especially if you’re interested in reading a World War II novel about friendship, hope, and love.

Reading

I Wanna Be Your Girl – Umi Takase | A Book Review

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I Wanna Be Your Girl - Umi Takase

Title: I Wanna Be Your Girl (Volume 1)

Author: Umi Takase

Genre: Manga (Young Adult)

About the book: It’s the first volume in the series that follows Hime and Akira who have been friends since they were kids. When Akira decides to openly live as a girl in high school, she is bullied for it, and Hime dresses as a boy in support of the friend she loves.

I received an advanced reader copy from Penguin Random House in exchange for an honest review.

First impressions: I used to read manga and graphic novels as a kid, so I was looking forward to picking this one up. I was curious to see how the premise would play out. The beginning introduces the characters and lays the foundation for the rest of the story.

Characters: Hime becomes more likeable as the manga progresses. There aren’t too many characters, and some of the secondary ones are interesting. I wish the plot focused more on Akira than Hime.

Quote:

“It’s what we refuse to give up that makes us who we are, right?”

Writing: The book is around 235 pages with short chapters, making for a quick and easy read. It explores different concepts such as gender, identity, and sexuality. I enjoyed the writing and the black-and-white illustrations.

Final thoughts: The ending wasn’t what I expected, but it provides some closure while also setting the stage for the next volume in the series. I would recommend I Wanna Be Your Girl, especially if you’re a young adult who wants to read a contemporary LGBT coming-of-age story.

Reading

The Prisoner’s Throne – Holly Black | A Book Review

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The Prisoner’s Throne - Holly Black

Title: The Prisoner’s Throne

Author: Holly Black

Genre: Fantasy Romance (Young Adult)

About the book: It’s the second book in the Stolen Heir duology about an imprisoned prince, a vengeful queen, and a battle that will determine the future of Elfhame. Prince Oak is imprisoned and bound to a new queen. When High King Cardan and High Queen Jude try to retrieve him, Oak has to decide whether he’ll regain the trust of Wren, the girl he loves, or remain loyal to Elfhane and end her reign as queen.

First impressions: I’ve read the Folk of the Air trilogy and the first book in this duology, so I was interested to see how it would conclude. The beginning starts off strong and sets up the rest of the story.

Characters: I enjoyed following Oak and his character development. I became more invested in Oak and Wren’s relationship as the novel progressed. It’s easier to follow along if you read the books in order, especially because there are a lot of secondary characters.

Quote:

“I know what it is to want something so much that you would rather have the shadow of it than nothing, even if that means you will never have the real thing.”

Writing: It’s about 350 pages long. The pacing slows down in the middle, but it picks up near the end. The author does a good job interweaving romance and magic throughout the book. I predicted some events, but I didn’t see some twists coming.

Final thoughts: I enjoyed the ending, and I think it does justice to the duology. If you’re looking for a fun and entertaining fantasy read to escape real life, I would recommend The Prisoner’s Throne.

Reading

How Could She – Lauren Mechling | A Book Review

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How Could She - Lauren Mechling

Title: How Could She

Author: Lauren Mechling

Genre: Contemporary Fiction

About the book: It’s a standalone about three old friends as they navigate careers, relationships, and friendships. Geraldine is struggling to get her life back on track in Toronto after breaking up with her fiancé. Sunny and Rachel are in New York, where they have good jobs and handsome husbands. But Sunny’s life as an artist isn’t nearly as glamorous as Geraldine thinks, while Rachel is trying to juggle her life as a writer, wife, and new mother. When Geraldine decides to move and join them, she has to find her footing in a new city.

First impressions: I was interested to see where the story would go. The beginning introduces some of the characters. The pacing is slower at the start.

Characters: The novel revolves around the lives of Geraldine, Rachel, and Sunny. They all have different flaws but become more unlikeable as the story goes on. There are a lot more secondary characters than I expected, so it took some effort to remember who everyone was.

Quote:

“Everybody needed something to love. Everybody needed something that would save them.”

Writing: It’s about 310 pages long with short chapters. The novel explores different types of media such as writing and podcasting. The story is more character-driven as there isn’t much of a plot.

Final thoughts: The ending wasn’t as satisfying as I wanted it to be. I think the premise had potential and some moments resonated with me, but the execution fell a little flat. If you’re interested in reading about the good, bad, and ugly of female friendships, you may like How Could She.