Elani Spencer

WOW!

Reviewed: 05-22-22

I was recommended this book on Tik Tok several times, and I finally decided to give it a chance. This was the best decision I’ve ever made! There is trans and gay representation, which is hard to find that also has a compelling storyline. I love the high fantasy and how it’s based in Latino traditions and celebrations of Dia de Muertos! I didn’t know much about the holiday, so it was equally entertaining and an enjoyable learning experience. The characters were very well developed, and had a lot of layers that as a listener, I had to peel back throughout the book. It was nice getting to know these people as if they were new friends of mine, and I honestly feel lost now that I have been snatched out of the world. The little interview with the author at the end was a nice touch, and I would like to see that in other audio books as well. I think it ended on a nice note, and a sequel is probably not needed, but I will definitely be back for more of whatever Aiden Thomas writes next! :)

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AMAZING

Reviewed: 12-31-21

This book has been recommended to me multiple times, and I finally got around to reading it. Let me just say, this was the best decision of my life! Malinda Lo did a great job describing Lily’s (MC) world. I didn’t know much about 1950’s Chinatown, but Lo’s language was so vivid, I felt like I was transported to San Fransisco and sipping a martini at the Telegraph club with Tommy serenading me! Of course, I was drawn to this book because of the queer representation, but I stayed for the history! My favorite part was the timelines between chapters that gave the historical background. LGBTQIA+ history, especially the stories of queer POC is usually censored at school or completely ignored, so this book was really refreshing. I had a rollercoaster of emotions as Lily discovered her identity and developed her relationship with Cath. I had a indescribable connection to Lily because I’ve felt many of the feelings she had. The fear of coming out and the realization that your relationship with your family may never be the same. Lo did an amazing job developing Lily and Cath’s characters that I felt they were real. In addition, the narrator did a great job distinguishing the different characters voices so I knew who was talking. Each voice was unique and suited the characters personality. Overall, I would give this audiobook at 10/10! I will definitely be reading Lo’s other work.

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3 people found this helpful

WOW

Reviewed: 08-29-21

This book was recommended to me several times & I came into it with zero knowledge & no expectations & I was pleasantly surprised. I usually don’t write reviews but this book blew me away! Literally. I felt like V.E Schwab transported me to the bustling streets of Paris and the never ending playground of New York City. I wish the author delved deeper into the historical events & consequences of being a women during these time periods, but the parts that I did get, brought the story that much more alive. Some parts were slow but they were all important to the unfolding of the story & all the puzzle pieces came together in the end. I liked bouncing from past to present so the story wasn’t constant, but always growing. Schwab made beautiful, complex characters & I wished I could meet them. I have a soft spot for villains & Schwab did an excellent job of building this love/hate relationship between me and the darkness. At times, I rooted for him & others, he made me wanna scream! I enjoy characters who I can’t quite figure out, who are unpredictable, and I have to guess what they will do next. It makes me feel involved in the story, and makes it that much more enjoyable. The ending was unexpected and way better than I hoped and it makes me crave for a sequel even though it’s not needed. Besides the writing itself, the whole experience was just amazing. The narrator, Whelan brought each character alive, and each voice was unique & I never had to guess who was speaking at the time. And I thank them for not making the female characters voices high-pitched and annoying like many voice actors do.

Overall, I would give this audiobook a 10/10.

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WOW! This book is amazing!

Reviewed: 10-12-20

I can’t even explain how much I love this book. The way Marisa Calin did the different voices for each of the characters really brought out their personalities and made me fall in love with them even more! From the fight scenes to the enemies to lovers romance, had me on a rollercoaster of emotions. At times, I wasn’t sure if I should cry or laugh. I loved reading about a strong female protagonist who was equally classy and ruthless. And her all-women crew was ahead of their time for sure, destroying any idea that women can’t be great pirates. Little Rosalind was my favorite! To have so much spunk at that age amazes me. If there’s another book, I would love to see her all grown up.

I don’t know if any audio book on this app could top that!

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2 people found this helpful