Book Confessions of an Ex-Ballerina

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Dark, brutal, and unapologetically extra. Jay Kristoff really said “what if vampires, but make it feral and poetic” and then turned every dial all the way up. The world is grim and gorgeous, soaked in blood, faith, and doomed hope. It’s heavy, intense, and absolutely not here to be gentle with the reader.

Gabriel de León continues to be a compellingly broken narrator. His voice is sharp, sarcastic, and laced with regret, which kept me hooked even during the slower stretches. That said, this book is dense. The pacing can feel relentless in some places and bogged down in others, and I occasionally needed a breather from the constant despair buffet.

Still, the stakes are massive, the lore is rich, and the emotional punches land hard. If you like your fantasy dark as midnight with a side of suffering, this one delivers. Not a flawless masterpiece for me, but an incredibly strong continuation that left me hungry for what comes next.

El Akkad’s writing is sharp, furious, and deeply reflective, blending memoir, political critique, and moral reckoning into something that feels both personal and uncomfortably universal. It’s the kind of book that doesn’t just ask questions, it corners you with them.

The author’s reflections on power, violence, and Western hypocrisy are incisive and often devastating. At times, though, the repetition of certain arguments made the pacing feel uneven, and some sections felt more like extended meditations than forward movement. I found myself pausing often, not because it was hard to read, but because it demanded to be processed.

Still, this is an important, challenging read that lingers long after the final page. It’s not always easy, and it’s not meant to be, but it’s thoughtful, urgent, and deeply human. A strong four star read that rewards readers willing to sit with discomfort.

Twisty, turny, and impossible to put down. Andrea Mara knows how to weave suspense in a way that keeps you guessing until the very last page. Every time you think you’ve figured it out… think again. The plot twists are sharp and frequent, giving the story a rollercoaster energy that I loved.

The characters are compelling, especially the MC, whose flaws and choices make her feel real and relatable even in high stakes situations. That said, a few twists felt a little predictable if you’ve read a lot of psychological thrillers, and some pacing hiccups slowed the momentum mid book.

Overall, it’s a gripping, entertaining read with enough surprises to keep fans of thrillers hooked. Definitely a four star experience that I’d recommend to anyone who loves suspense with a cunning, unpredictable edge.

This was a heavier read, but still an interesting and informative one. 107 Days offers a behind the scenes look at a pivotal and intense period, and it’s clear how much pressure, urgency, and responsibility were packed into such a short window of time. The perspective is thoughtful and personal, giving insight into decision making at the highest levels.

That said, parts of the book felt dense, especially when the narrative leaned heavily into process and detail. I found myself slowing down in those sections, even though the information itself was valuable and eye opening.

Overall, it’s a solid and engaging read for anyone interested in politics, leadership, or recent history. Not a light or breezy book by any means, but one that offers meaningful context and reflection. A strong four star read.

This one settles in quietly and then hits you right in the heart. Kristin Hannah does what she does best here, exploring family, loss, and resilience with a steady, emotional hand. The characters feel deeply human, flawed, and well intentioned, which made their choices and struggles easy to connect with.

The pacing is gentle and reflective, and while some parts felt a little predictable, the emotional payoff was strong. The themes of motherhood, second chances, and love in all its complicated forms were handled with a lot of care.

And yes… I admit it, I did shed a tear at the end. Overall, this was a touching, heartfelt read. Not my absolute favorite from Hannah, but still a meaningful story that lingers after the last page. A solid four star read.

This was hands down my favorite read of the week. It’s a beautifully written, emotionally rich story that blends personal loss with a powerful historical backdrop. The way Alward brings history to life feels intimate and human, making the past feel close instead of distant.

The characters are thoughtfully developed, and their grief, love, and resilience feel earned rather than overstated. What really stood out for me was the historical detail. It was woven in so naturally that I found myself wanting to learn more once I finished the book, which is always the mark of a strong historical read.

Overall, this was a moving, immersive novel that stayed with me well after the final page. A compelling, heartfelt four star read and one I’d absolutely recommend to fans of historical fiction.

Short, interesting, but ultimately nothing special. This collection offers some extra background and insight into the Maze Runner world, and it’s fun to dip back into the series if you’re already a fan. The added context helps fill in a few gaps and adds a bit more depth to the overall story.

That said, it feels more like bonus material than a must read. The information is intriguing, but it doesn’t significantly change how I felt about the main series, and the impact is fairly light. I finished it quickly and enjoyed it enough, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression.

Overall, a decent companion read for fans who want a little more, but not essential. A solid three star read.

Title: When the Moon Hatched

By: Sarah A. Parker

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 718

Release Date: November 24th, 2024

Rating: ★★★★☆

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