Sindhu K N
“2.5 stars”
Roshani Chokshi's The Last Tale of the Flower Bride is a gothic fantasy with dark romance. The story follows an unnamed man “the Bridegroom” and his wife, Indigo, as they return to her childhood home, the House of Dreams. Their marriage is threatened when the husband starts to uncover Indigo's secrets.
The book has its lush, fairy tale-inspired writing and its vivid depiction of toxic friendship. However, the beautifully written language often overshadows the plot, slowing the pace and making it difficult to engage fully with the story. While the atmospheric setting and intriguing premise initially captivate, they lack follow-through, with the House of Dreams serving more as a backdrop than an active element.
The writing in this book was beautiful and engaging. I didn't expect to love Liz as much as I did here. In the first book, she annoyed me, but this time she felt so relatable and practical. Lynn did such a great job with her character growth.
Wes, on the other hand, wasn't as lovable in this one. I still like him, but right now, I'm definitely Team Liz. Clark frustrated me the most, though. For someone who's supposed to be Liz's friend, the way he kept pushing her to go with Wes felt unnecessary and kind of unfair. Even with all that, the drama and tension between the main characters kept me hooked.
Karin Slaughter's The Good Daughter is an intense and deeply emotional thriller that blends dark crime with the complexities of family relationships. The story revolves around two sisters, Sam and Charlie, whose lives are shattered by a horrific act of violence in their childhood. Decades later, another tragedy—a school shooting—forces them to confront their past, their estranged relationship, and long-buried secrets.
What truly makes this book stand out is the depth of the characters. The bond between the sisters and their father, Rusty, is raw, messy, and unforgettable. Their interactions feel painfully real, making you invested in their journey even when the plot slows down. The portrayal of Sam as a disabled character is handled thoughtfully—she's smart, capable, and her struggles are a natural part of the story. The twists are clever, and the tension keeps you hooked, even when the action takes a backseat to conversation.
This book isn't just about crime—it's about trauma, survival, and the complicated ties that bind families together. It's dark and heart-breaking, but also leaves room for hope and redemption.
“I just mean, a story can be beautiful not because of the way it ends. But because of the way it's written.” and this was a beautifully written story. Every single person in the book evolves in ways that feel authentic and satisfying, like watching someone you know finally get their life together. By the end, you don't just feel for these characters—you feel like you are one of them, a reluctant but invested member of the wedding party. The humour is subtle yet effective, sprinkled throughout in ways that catch you off guard.
This was such a fun and clever read! With its layered plot, dark humour, and some truly unforgettable characters, I found myself completely hooked. It's a double locked-room mystery with an atmospheric setting and dual storylines spanning nearly a century, which made it feel fresh and unique.
The characters really stood out for me. They were lively, relatable, and, above all, fun to read about. Marlowe, the main character, was my absolute favourite. She's flawed but determined, and I loved following her as she pieced everything together. Johnson also nails how teens act and think—the mix of bravery, impulsiveness, and shaky logic felt so real, even to someone who's long past those teenage years!
The mystery itself was packed with twists, hidden clues, and rising tension that kept me guessing. The way the story jumped between timelines and perspectives made it more complex, but sometimes it slowed things down or felt a bit messy. Still, the writing was sharp and engaging—it felt like Marlowe was telling the story directly to me, which made it so easy to get drawn in.
While the book wasn't perfect, and I think the ending wrapped up a little too quickly, it was such a creative and entertaining mystery. Whether you're a teen or an adult, this one's worth picking up. I really hope we get to see more of Marlowe in the future!
The Cabin at the End of the World is an intense read that kept me hooked till the end. I had no idea what would happen next, which made it impossible to put down.
And the ending...wow. It was frustrating at first—I wasn't sure how I felt about it. But looking back, I realize it actually adds to the creepy, unsettling feel of the whole story. It's one of those endings that some people will probably hate, while others might find it fits perfectly with the story's dark vibe.
4.5 Stars
What a great start to the series! I'm really excited to dive into the next books. The characters are captivating, and the setting is rich, it's definitely got me hooked on Brandon Sanderson's work. The writing style is both simple and beautiful, making it accessible for beginners while still being engaging for seasoned readers.
2.5 Stars
I had mixed feelings about Little Monsters. It started off promising, but the plot became pretty predictable about 100 pages in. The ending felt rushed, and I was left wanting more. I had guessed pretty early on that Jade and Lauren were behind Bailey's death, and I kept hoping for a surprise twist that just didn't come.
If you're new to thrillers or just want something lighter, this might be a good pick. But if you're looking for a story with lots of twists and turns that keeps you guessing, this probably isn't the one.
I went into Better Than Movies hoping for a good enemies-to-lovers story, but that aspect fell flat for me. The tension between Lis and Wes felt half-hearted and never quite reached the level of real conflict or animosity that makes that trope so fun.
Lis, our leading lady, was a real piece of work. She's got that whole “I'm not arguing, I'm just explaining why I'm right” energy, and sometimes it was hard not to roll my eyes at her. But, honestly, I did get where she was coming from most of the time. Her stubbornness made her a bit irritating, but it also gave her a certain relatability, saving her from being a totally unbearable character.
Now, Wes? He was a total charmer. His sweetness really balanced out Lis's prickly side, and he's the kind of character you can't help but root for.
So while the book was still enjoyable in its own way, I couldn't help but wish the author had leaned harder into that trope. It could have added a lot more complexity and fun to their dynamic.
At this point, I'd consider myself a pro when it comes to Riley Sager's books, having read every single one. Unfortunately, the last few just haven't hit the mark for me, and this one was no different. It aimed to create a suspenseful, high-energy story—fast-paced and action-packed—but it just didn't land. The main character felt flat and unrelatable, and the plot stretched believability to its limits.
It started with promise, reminiscent of the clever, dark tones, but somewhere along the way, it lost its edge. The ending especially felt rushed and cobbled together, like Sager needed to pull a twist out of nowhere, and it didn't quite gel. And the whole “movies playing in her head” gimmick? It felt more like a distraction than an effective narrative device. I wanted something that dug deeper, but instead, I got a story that felt like it was playing pretend.
Avoid This Book at All Costs!
This book was an absolute disaster! The writing was atrocious, and the poems were cringeworthy. The author's obsession with shoes was baffling, and the characters were poorly developed. I can't believe the author thought this was publishable.
Don't waste your time on this torture. I'd be happy to recommend better books if you're looking for a good read. Trust me, you won't regret avoiding this horrible creation.
3.5 stars
I enjoyed the twists and turns and the ending was surprisingly unexpected. However, the book felt overlong and repetitive, which made it a chore to finish. I skimmed through the final chapters, as the same themes and plot points were rehashed multiple times.
While the writing was engaging, the pacing was uneven, and the story could have been condensed for a more impactful experience, the book wasn't bad by any means.
