Books I DNFed in 2023
Rosewater
by Tade Thompson
Science Fiction | Horror
432 Pages
Released February 2017
DNF Point: 35%
Rating at DNF Point: ★★★ 1/2
Goodreads
Content Warnings
Let’s start with the good. The characters are diverse, well-defined, and intriguing and the setting is in Nigeria which is a really interesting take for a sci-fi novel. (Also can we talk about the gorgeous cover?!) The problem with this one is that I went into it thinking it was going to be a first-contact novel. And it is, kind of. What I wasn’t expecting is that this book leans more into horror than the synopsis lets on. There are parts that are extremely dark and gritty and that really caught me off guard. It’s strange because I’ve read my fair share of horror but for some reason, this one was a little too gritty for me. It doesn’t shy away from depicting violence and unfortunately it wasn't something I was interested in reading at the time. I also did not realize this book was part of a trilogy and for how heavy it reads, I wasn’t up for the challenge. I may revisit one down the road though, should the right mood strike.
Fourth Wing
by Rebecca Yarros
Fantasy | New Adult
432 Pages
Released May 2023
DNF Point: 10%
Rating at DNF Point: ★
Goodreads
Content Warnings
This book is everywhere right now so I got curious and picked it up from my local library. Unfortunately, I realized pretty quickly it wasn’t for me. One of my biggest dislikes is when information is presented in an unrealistic/inorganic way - such as when characters “remind” each other or themselves of information they should already know, purely to inform the reader. This book does that a lot. The story also seems to set the stage for a love triangle (quadrangle?!) quite early and I also found the main character to be immediately grating. (You know the type. She’s described as being “weak” when in reality she’s hyper perceptive, immediately makes friends, and is super knowledgeable and witty.) This one reads just too juvenile and shallow for me, but younger readers may enjoy this.
The London Seance Society
by Sarah Penner
Historical Fiction | Mystery | Fiction
352 Pages
Released March 2023
DNF Point: 10%
Rating at DNF Point: ★★
Goodreads
Content Warnings
This book was an experiment of sorts. I was not a huge fan of The Lost Apothecary but the writing was ok enough that I decided I would pick up Penner’s next book and decide once and for all if I wanted to continue her work. (Spoiler: it’s just not for me). This book is another historical fiction that I found to be just as “meh” as the first. That said, I know I’m not the biggest historical fiction fan to begin with so if you enjoyed her first novel, you may want to consider this one as well.