Kelley > Recent Status Updates

This might be the only true execution of enemies to lovers I’ve seen this year. Impressive. Can’t wait to have my heart ripped out and stomped on…I know it’s coming.

When I saw people crying on tiktok after finishing manacled, I was morbidly intrigued. I would love a book to bring me to tears. And so, after a year of waiting, I finally have a version that is not associated with the hp fandom. Going in blind, wish me luck.

I don’t know how she does it. I would read anything Ann Liang writes. There’s something addictive about her books. I just fly through the pages, giggling and kicking my feet. What a treat!

:( Goodreads is forcing me to read a mystery/thriller and this is the only one I own. What a bummer! It’s only like the most popular book of 2024. And I will probably love it. Listen, if it’s over 400 pages, it triggers my fight or flight response, okay?

Didn’t know McClintock was a musician too! A multi-talented icon.

I saw this book at Cold Spring Harbor and knew I had to get it as a keepsake from my visit. I did a presentation on Barbara McClintock’s work once and took quotes from this book, but never got to read the whole thing. Now is my chance!

Not sure about this one. It makes me sad when I listen to it. The narrators are definitely bringing the story to life, but do I want this story brought to life??? I’m not used to reading about child neglect. There’s an unexpected twist of…magical realism I guess? Hearing animals thoughts? I like that part.

Every time I like a character, they leave after two chapters. Please let me get attached! Immortality is so lonely :’(

For once, I feel like an author is delivering on what the book was pitched as. It is sapphic in the best way. It’s real, it’s messy, it’s passionate and a little selfish. And the vampires are dangerous but also delightfully magical. Reminds me of Baldur’s Gate 3 (which I love)

Liking this more than I thought I would, considering that it leans toward historical fantasy.

Already loving this and I’ve only just started. High fantasy books always intimidate me but end up being my favorites somehow. All of the little details in this are *chefs kiss*

This is surprising me with how likable the characters are and how engaging the plot is, despite the predictable set up of a skilled assassin girl sent to kill people for a king she secretly hates. I really like the banter! And Katsa feels like a flawed but powerful character that can hold her own in a fight. Her real journey is to express herself and be vulnerable, I think.

The worldbuilding in this is delightful. It’s not too much at once. Just little details dropped here and there to help you understand the power structures, religions, and magic system naturally as the characters come upon them. The multi POV narrative really works here. Reminds me of game of thrones in that way.

Yayayayaaaa this book is so good why haven’t I heard anyone talking about it

This feels like when a little kid uses tracing paper to make a picture. It looks okay when it’s on top of the original piece, but once you peel the tracing paper away, it doesn’t hold up on its own. There’s a lack of depth in both characterization and world-building. And why is the MC getting handed all of her wins? Takes the fun out of trials to have someone else beat them for her.

So far, this reminds me of Handmaid’s Tale mixed with Horizon Zero Dawn. A fascinating combination! I like the narrators too. Each character’s voice is so distinct in sound and style.