4 Stars
The House of My Mother: A Daughter’s Quest for Freedom by Shari Franke is a difficult book to review, not because it lacks impact, but because it is rooted so deeply in lived experience rather than crafted fiction. It feels almost wrong to critique elements like writing style or narration when the voice telling the story belongs to the person who survived it.
That said, I was completely pulled in. Franke’s account is unsettling, heartbreaking, and often horrifying, yet impossible to look away from. The story unfolds with an emotional honesty that makes the reader feel like a witness rather than a spectator, and that closeness is what gives the book its power. The horrors described linger, not for shock value, but because they are real, and that reality weighs heavily on every page.
This isn’t an easy read, nor is it meant to be. It’s a story of endurance, control, and the painful, complicated journey toward freedom. While it’s hard to evaluate through a traditional literary lens, its impact is undeniable. For readers who can handle heavy, emotionally challenging material, this memoir is a compelling and sobering experience.
3 Stars
4 Stars
Mistborn: The Final Empire by Brandon Sanderson surprised me in the best way. I usually shy away from epic fantasy thanks to the intimidating page counts. I’m much more of a quick read, instant dopamine kind of reader. Still, I’ve heard so many great things about this series, and my past experiences with Sanderson made this one hard to ignore.
I’m glad I didn’t. The worldbuilding was clear, precise, and refreshingly purposeful. Instead of drowning the reader in endless lore, Sanderson builds the world alongside the story, making both feel equally important. The magic system is intriguing without being overwhelming, and the pacing never felt like it was stalling just to show off the setting.
What really worked for me was how plot driven the book was. The story moved with intention, and I never felt like I was slogging through pages just to get to the good parts. By the end, I was fully invested in the characters and the larger stakes of the world.
This was a solid start to the series, and it completely lived up to the hype for me. I’ll definitely be picking up the next book.
4 Stars
3 Stars
The Academy by Elin Hilderbrand just didn’t quite land for me. I found it to be very slow, and honestly, a bit boring. While the setup hinted at something far more intriguing, especially the mentions of what happened at the school the previous year, the story never truly dove into that mystery in a way I was hoping for.
Instead, much of the focus stayed on the current petty drama, which didn’t hold my interest or feel compelling enough to carry the book. I kept waiting for the narrative to shift toward the darker, more meaningful threads that were teased early on, but that payoff never really came.
This wasn’t necessarily a bad book, just not my cup of tea. Readers who enjoy character driven drama and slower pacing may enjoy it more, but it didn’t work for me.
5 Stars
Heir to the Empire by Timothy Zahn is one of those books that completely hijacks my attention the moment Thrawn steps onto the page. Every time he appears, I simply can’t put the book down. Zahn writes him with such precision and intelligence that he feels both chilling and fascinating, the kind of villain you can’t help but admire.
The story itself is classic Star Wars in the best way, expanding the universe while staying true to its core. The pacing is strong, the stakes are engaging, and the familiar characters are handled with care, never overshadowing the brilliance of Thrawn’s presence. Zahn’s storytelling makes the galaxy feel vast and alive, without losing focus on what matters most.
This was an absolute joy to read and a standout in the Star Wars universe. I loved every bit of it and am already eager to jump into the next book in the trilogy.
5 Stars
The Last Thing to Burn by Will Dean is one of those rare books that digs deep and refuses to let go. This is not a light or easy read, but once I started, I couldn’t put it down. The tension builds quietly, then relentlessly, pulling you further into the story with every page.
Dean’s writing creates an atmosphere that feels heavy and claustrophobic, perfectly matching the emotional weight of the story. The perspective is intimate and unsettling, making the reader feel trapped alongside the narrator. It’s the kind of book that demands your attention, not through shock alone, but through a steady, haunting sense of unease.
This was a powerful, thought provoking read that stayed with me long after I finished. Dark, intense, and incredibly compelling, it earns every one of its five stars.
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