Sindhu K N
Snooze-Fest: “Sundown Motel” Falls Flat!
“Warning: if you're looking for a horror book that'll keep you up all night, trembling with fear, keep looking! ‘Sundown Motel' by Simone St. James is a ghostly disappointment that'll put you to sleep faster than a glass of warm milk.
The characters? Meh. The plot? Basic. But hey, at least the ghosts... wait, nope! They're just as boring as everything else in this book! I mean, what's the point of having ghosts if they're not going to do anything remotely spooky or interesting? It's like they're just there to decorate the pages with their eerie presence, but ultimately, they're about as scary as a kitten with a ball of yarn.
I was expecting a chilling tale of murder, mayhem, and supernatural shenanigans, but what I got was a snore-fest that failed to deliver on even the most basic horror elements. If you're a fan of predictable, unengaging stories with boring characters and ghostly no-shows, then ‘Sundown Motel' might be the book for you! But if you're looking for actual scares and excitement, keep searching. This one's a dud!”
” Ghachar Ghochar” is a masterpiece that will leave you spellbound and introspective. Vivek Shanbhag's writing is pure magic, weaving a narrative that is both poignant and humorous. The story of a Karnataka family's journey from humble beginnings to prosperity is a universal tale of human struggle, love, and self-discovery.
The characters are expertly crafted, with each one offering a unique perspective on identity, culture, and social hierarchy. The narrator's voice is both witty and wise, making this novel an absolute delight to read.
Shanbhag's prose is lyrical and evocative, transporting you to the bustling streets of Bengaluru and the quiet intimacy of family moments. The themes of identity, class, and social status are timely and thought-provoking, making this novel a must-read for anyone interested in contemporary Indian literature.
While reading the English translation was a wonderful experience, I must note that the essence of emotions in the original Kannada version was not fully captured in the translation. However, this in no way diminishes the impact of the story, and the translation still conveys the overall spirit of the novel.
‘Dark Matter' is a mind-bending masterpiece that left me breathless! Jason Dessen's journey through parallel universes is a wild ride, full of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
As Blake Crouch so eloquently puts it, “The universe is a pretty big place. If it's just us, it seems like an awful waste of space.” This quote resonated with me throughout the book, as Jason navigates the vastness of the multiverse.
I was thoroughly invested in Jason's story, but I did feel that Amanda's character deserved more resolution. As she says, “I'm not sure what's more frightening, the possibility that we're alone in the universe or that we're not.” Her story arc was left somewhat open-ended, and I wanted to see her journey come full circle.
I also craved a glimpse into Jason's life after the events of the book. As he says, “I've been given a second chance, and I'm not going to waste it.” An epilogue or a follow-up novel would be amazing to explore how he rebuilds his life and relationships.
Overall, ‘Dark Matter' is a must-read for anyone who loves sci-fi, thrillers, or just plain amazing storytelling. Trust me, you won't regret it!
3.5 Stars
“Final Gambit” was a delightful surprise! I went in with moderate expectations, but this book exceeded them. The puzzles were intriguing, and the ending was satisfying - not mind-blowing, but still fun!
As Xander would say, “The game is afoot!” And oh, was it ever! I loved the banter and wit, especially between Xander and Avery. Their dynamic was finally back on track!
Avery, the queen of self-obsession, still had her moments, but this time around, it didn't feel forced. She actually grew on me (a bit): “I'm not a hero, I'm just a girl who's trying to survive.” Same, Avery, same.
The Hawthorne brothers stole the show, as per usual. Jameson, Xander, and Grayson brought the charm and wit. Xander's sass and vulnerability made my heart skip a beat: “I'm not a hero, Avery. I'm just a guy who's trying to survive.
All in all, a solid 3.5 stars! Better than the second book, and a fun conclusion to the series. Not perfect, but a great way to wrap up the story.
“Sometimes the only way to win is to change the game.” Well played, Jennifer Lynn Barnes, well played.
I'm torn about “The Hawthorne Legacy”. On one hand, I adored the Hawthorne brothers - Jameson, Xander, and Grayson - and loved seeing more of their complexities and dynamics. Xander, in particular, stole the show for me!
On the other hand, I struggled with the protagonist, Avery. Her self-obsession and constant need for validation made it hard for me to connect with her. I found myself rolling my eyes more often than not.
Unfortunately, the supporting characters didn't get as much attention or development as they did in the first book, which was disappointing. It felt like they were relegated to the background, and I missed seeing more of their stories and growth.
Overall, it was an okay read, but my love for the Hawthorne brothers kept me invested. I hope the next book gives the supporting cast more love and balances out the character development.
Trigger warnings: Sexual abuse, trauma, and mental health. Reader discretion is advised.
I'm giving “My Dark Vanessa” 2 stars because, honestly, it was a painful read. I struggled to connect with the protagonist, Vanessa, and found myself feeling frustrated with her choices and actions at times. At the same time, I couldn't help but feel sorry for her - she's a complex and deeply flawed character who has been through unimaginable trauma.
The writing is haunting and evocative, and the author doesn't shy away from exploring the darker aspects of human experience. However, I found the pacing to be slow and the narrative often meandering. I had to push myself to finish the book, and even then, I felt like I was relieved it was over.
Overall, I would caution readers who are sensitive to triggering content to approach with care. While “My Dark Vanessa” is a thought-provoking and timely novel, it's not an easy read by any means.
“Finlay Donovan is Killing It” - and I'm not just talking about the bodies piling up around her! I'm giving this book 4 stars because it was a ridiculous, hilarious ride that had me giggling and snorting my way through.
Finlay herself? Not exactly relatable (I mean, who gets caught up in a murder plot and still manages to worry about their hair?). But reading about her misadventures was an absolute blast! As she says, “I was a hot mess, but I was a hot mess in a minivan, so I was still a responsible adult, right?”
I loved how the author leaned into the absurdity of it all, with Finlay's inner monologue providing some of the best laughs. Like when she's trying to sneak around a crime scene and thinks, “I was basically a ninja, if ninjas wore yoga pants and had a perpetual wine headache.”
The writing is witty, the pacing is quick, and the characters are quirky and fun. Even if Finlay's antics drive you crazy (and they will), you can't help but root for her. As she says, “I was a terrible person, but I was a terrible person with a good heart.”
Overall, “Finlay Donovan is Killing It” is a fun, lighthearted read perfect for when you need a laugh and a break from the seriousness of life. Just remember, if you're going to get caught up in a murder plot, make sure you're wearing clean pants. Priorities, people!
3.5 stars
It's slow paced gets better very late in the story, the characters are not really developed well, the magic system feels very confused at the beginning but the plot is really good if you keep going. I took my time to read this one and I'm glad I completed it. Already starting the second one...
Such a Melodramatic book! Avery is the queen of overthinking. I wanted her thoughts to just shut up so I can read the book peacefully. The book did not do justice to the plot which is also quite lacking in the mystery element. The games were the main fun element of the book and also the part that hooked you to the story.
