My Bottom 6 Reads of 2018

Last week I did a post about my favorite six reads from 2018, but now I want to introduce you to my least favorite six reads from last year.

S.T.A.G.S by M.A. Bennett
Read: 1/21

This book sounded like it was going to be exciting and suspenseful, but it just wasn’t. It was a huge letdown with dull characters, extreme foreshadowing to the point of ruining any suspense that may have been created, and an unbelievable plot. To be honest, I didn’t really care if anyone made it out alive.

My Review | Goodreads

In the Hope of Memories by Olivia Rivers
Read: 3/28

I like scavenger hunts, but this one was just so weird and seemed super difficult–like how did they figure out ANY of the clues? But honestly, the worst part was that each of the characters was so unlikable. From their POV chapters they were okay, but when they POV switched, they were back to being jerks again. Just not really enjoyable on any level.

My Review | Goodreads

#Murdertrending by Gretchen McNeil
Read: 7/21

I thought this book sounded so interesting at first. I’m in for any book about a reality show. Unfortunately, I didn’t feel like this book was executed very well. The premise was strong, but fell flat when the characters were introduced and the book finally got going. I think it would’ve been more interesting if the protag had actually been guilty or something. I just saw on Goodreads that there’s going to be a second book…HOW.

Goodreads

The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken
Read: 9/1

I think this one might be a case of reading a book too late. I think if I’d read this book right when it came out, I would have loved it. Unfortunately, I’ve read so many dystopian books about teens with special powers at this point, that this one was just extremely underwhelming. The romance was so bad and our main character is needlessly secretive imo. While I did like the secondary characters Chubs and Zume, they weren’t enough to save this book. I will not be continuing with the series (or watching the movie).

My Review | Goodreads

Love à la Mode by Stephanie Kate Strohm
Read: 12/6

So. Much. Fabricated. Drama. Let’s suspend my disbelief that Henry and Rosie’s families would ACTUALLY send them to Paris for culinary high school, there was just so much going on here that didn’t make sense. The book feels like it was written by a fan of Food Network–not someone who actually knows food. Also, I don’t appreciate a white author including a tiger mom type character to create more drama. Read my original review for more thoughts on that.

My Review | Goodreads

Sawkill Girls by Claire Legrand
Read: 12/30

I’m still mulling this one over. The beginning was delightfully mysterious and creepy with just a hint of magical realism and I was here. for. it. But then what was happening got more fully explained and it turned weird and sci-fi-y for a bit. In the end, I just feel like the book lost its way. If it had stuck with the magical realism, I think that could’ve really worked, but it didn’t, so here we are.

Goodreads