Reviews | Readers Warehouse

Based on 4593 reviews
88%
(4021)
7%
(338)
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(109)
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(41)
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Behind The Curtain
Desiree Malapile (Pietermaritzburg, ZA)
Seeing Myself in Her Story: A 24-Year-Old’s sobriety Journey

For a 24-year-old navigating the complex and often painful path of recovery, Behind The Curtain is more than a memoir ,it’s a lifeline. This raw and honest account of a woman’s turbulent childhood and eventual descent into alcoholism is powerful not only for its vulnerability, but for its relentless message: no matter how many times you hit rock bottom, you are still worthy of getting back up.

The author’s journey through multiple lows, each deeper and darker than the last, reminds me that addiction is rarely a straight line. Relapse, shame, and regret are all part of her story, yet so is resilience. For someone in early recovery, especially at a young age, this book validates the struggle and shatters the illusion that healing is linear.

What stands out most is the way Behind The Curtain illustrates how addiction extends beyond the individual. The ripple effect of pain, disappointment, and broken trust touches everyone close, family, friends, and partners. The book does not sugarcoat this truth. Instead, it forces the reader to confront it, and with that comes an understanding: recovery isn’t just about sobriety, it’s about making amends and learning to carry the weight of the past without letting it define the future.

A particularly striking message is the idea that you will one day have to pay tolls on the bridges you’ve burned. This hard truth is something many in recovery wrestle with ,the guilt of who you were and what you've done. But the author also shows that owning your past is part of reclaiming your future.

Ultimately, Behind The Curtain is a story of redemption. It shows that survival is possible even after years of pain and damage and not only survival, but transformation. For anyone in recovery, especially a young adult facing the lifelong journey ahead, this memoir offers not just hope, but a mirror. You’ll see your pain reflected, but also your strength. Side Note:This is the Second time I'm reading this book,the first time I was in active addiction and 2 years later I am 8 months sober.

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Sunrise on the Reaping (UK Edition)
Celeste Toet (Johannesburg, ZA)
A great tie-in

The story flows well and ties in wonderfully with Ballad as well as the Huger Games Trillogy. Haymitch was always one of my favourite characters and to get to read his story was the cherry on top of this series for me. I’m sad that it’s over.

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Legacy
Suzette Momberg (Johannesburg, ZA)
Legacy by Nora Roberts

Nora Roberts, renowned for her compelling storytelling and richly developed characters, delivers another captivating novel with Legacy. Set against a backdrop of suspense and romance, this book showcases Roberts’s signature blend of emotional depth and intricate plotting.

Roberts's characters are multi-dimensional, with relatable struggles and compelling growth arcs. Her vivid descriptions and sharp dialogue breathe life into the story, making it both engaging and emotionally resonant. Legacy exemplifies her ability to craft stories that are as entertaining as they are meaningful.

Overall, Legacy is a testament to Nora Roberts’s storytelling prowess—an enthralling read that combines suspense, romance, and themes of familial connection. It’s a must-read for fans of Roberts and lovers of well-crafted contemporary fiction.

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Phantasma: A dark fantasy romance
Andrea (Port Elizabeth, ZA)
Amazing!!!

I loved this book! While a tad apprehensive to dabble in dark romance, this one certainly wasn't along the lines of some other dark romances I've heard about.

I would describe Phantasma as Dante's Inferno meets Squid Games, in a terrifying yet brilliantly sultry way.

The story follows our FMC, Ophelia Grimm, who assumes the role of the next Necromancer after the death of her mother.
When her sister Genevieve goes missing, her search path leads her to the manor gates of Phantasma, a game in which players traverse the nine circles of hell. There can only be one winner; the last person to leave Phantasma alive.

"𝑁𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑙 𝑏𝑎𝑑 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔; 𝑏𝑙𝑒𝑒𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑚𝑒𝑎𝑛𝑠 𝑦𝑜𝑢'𝑟𝑒 𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑣𝑒".

The rules are simple:
🥀 Stay alive
🥀 Don't fall in love

Our MMC, Blackwell, is one very alluring, very attractive Phantom trapped inside Phantasma whom with Ophelia makes a bargain.
The banter between these two is of the swoon-worthy and feet-kicking kind 😍!
Ultimately, love will either be a curse or a saviour.

"𝐼𝑛 𝑎 𝑑𝑖𝑓𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑓𝑒, 𝑖𝑛 𝑎 𝑓𝑎𝑖𝑟 𝑜𝑛𝑒, 𝐼 𝑤𝑜𝑢𝑙𝑑'𝑣𝑒 𝑘𝑒𝑝𝑡 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑢𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑙 𝑚𝑦 𝑒𝑡𝑒𝑟𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑠𝑜𝑢𝑙 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑑 𝑎𝑤𝑎𝑦 𝑡𝑜 𝑑𝑢𝑠𝑡."

For those who have a morbid fascination, this one is definitely for you!

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Sunrise on the Reaping (with Merch)
Collette Van Rensburg (Cape Town, ZA)
The best prequel you could ask for

This is an absolutely amazing read and is a definite must for any OG Hunger Games fan. In this book Suzanne pulls you heart first back into the world of Panem. Not only do we get to experience Haymitches games, but numerous characters from the original trilogy make an appearance. The depth of information we receive about each character is breathtaking. Suzanne ensured that anyone who takes a step into this world will be left in tears, and I for one am truly grateful for her.

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V2
Matt Roux (Cape Town, ZA)
Thrilling and brilliantly written.

Robert Harris has done it again! The writing transports you straight into World War 2. I loved it.

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Astro Girl
Ntakadzeni T (Pretoria, ZA)
Beautifully written book

My daughters aged 3 and 8 both love this brand book. It is not too lengthy, so they are both fully engaged from the beginning of the story to the end and the illustrations are beautiful.

Biff, Chip and Kipper

What a lovely, entertaining way to teach kids to read. My daughter enjoys them thoroughly.

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Necessary Evil
Ras Steyn (Durban, ZA)
First Class Psychological Terror: Necessary Evil

Shaun Hutson draws you into his twisted plot slowly, burning each character into place - and then the ride catapults you into darkness. It's not horror, it's monsters wearing respectable human skin. Every page builds on the psyche of a killer that absolutely will not stop. Hutson is pure darkness. Scary as Hell, but absolutely worth reading. (Ras Steyn MFA)

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Busy Baby
Smangele Mathebula (Johannesburg, ZA)
A lovely book worth the buy!

This is a great book for anyone looking to teach their baby basic signs for communication. The baby will definitely grow into this one and she already enjoys it!

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Sunrise on the Reaping (UK Edition)
Gerrard de Vos (Johannesburg, ZA)
Sunrise on the Reaping – A Triumphant Return to Panem

Sunrise on the Reaping is everything I hoped for as a long-time Hunger Games fan — a raw, emotional deep dive into Haymitch Abernathy’s backstory that adds heartbreaking layers to the character we thought we knew. Suzanne Collins masterfully brings the brutal 50th Hunger Games to life, showing not just the horrors of the arena but also the quiet cruelty of life under the Capitol’s control. Haymitch’s fight for survival feels intensely personal, and seeing the origins of his bitterness and strength makes the original trilogy hit even harder. It's gripping, tragic, and impossible to put down

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The Ragpicker King
K.Y. (Cape Town, ZA)
Amazing!

Enjoyed it even more than the first book!

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Percy Jackson Book Collection 5 Book Box Set
Ina Vercueil (Johannesburg, ZA)
Lovit!

My daughter absolutely loves these books. She devours them like candy 😆 Suitable for 11- 14 year olds.

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Americanah
Hennelie Abouchabki (Pretoria, ZA)
Americanah: A Tale to the Heart

This is something about 'Americanah' that is just... different from other novels. In its descriptions of people, and the places and situations they end up in, it doesn't merely inform, but entice.

That is really the best word I can think of. 'Amercanah' entices its readers with a tale of two lovers that is both personal to them and telling of a broader world. What I think works extremely well - and this is telling of Adichie's unique writing style - is how one can relate to the characters.

You can relate to Ifemelu's struggle to adapt to a strange new country and navigate deeply intimate relationships. Furthermore, you can relate to Obinze's drive to succeed, his despair when live throws at him a figurative grenade, and an unhappy social situation not born out of true love or marital bliss.

The wording is verbose without being meaningless, and gives the reader a clear understanding of the characters and settings. There are not many novels that make you 'feel' as deeply as 'Americanah'.

The fact that such a beautiful and talented young woman wrote this speaks volume of the pool of talent residing in Africa; talent capable of telling uniquely African stories that speak the truth on how the continent, and its endless diversity, perceive the world.

Go and read 'Americanah'. You will not regret it.

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One Night With You
Kammani Naidoo (Johannesburg, ZA)
A Chance Encounter That Changes Everything

One Night With You is a sweet, modern romance about two strangers, Ruby and Nic, who meet on one life-changing night in London. Ruby is leaving the city, and Nic is just arriving, but their instant connection sparks something unexpected.

The book is light, emotional, and full of charm. Laura Jane Williams writes with warmth and humour, and it's ultimately a feel-good tale about love, timing, and taking chances.

A great pick if you enjoy heartfelt, character-driven romances.

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The War Bride
Prenisha Naidoo (Johannesburg, ZA)
Romantic & Uplifting

Apart from the book coming in a perfect condition it was also an incredible story about love and redemption, healing old wounds, and finding a new beginning on the far side of the world. Would definitely recommend.

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The Power Of Five - Oblivion
Mikaila (Cape Town, ZA)
Greatest Gift

My sister was absolutely enthralled with this book

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Desk References Collection
Mikaila (Cape Town, ZA)
Perfect for budding writers

I'm impressed with the range of these books, as a writer it's helping me with the nitty gritty

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Sunrise on the Reaping (UK Edition)
Ashleigh Jacobs (Johannesburg, ZA)
I ran out of tissues

There’s something very strange about knowing the basic ending of something and reading it anyway. It was incredible. I was shocked at every turn!! 10/10. Brilliant book. Heartbreaking but brilliant.

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Sunrise on the Reaping (with Merch)
Peetabread12 (Benoni, ZA)
Great title

Absolutely amazing book and essential for any Hunger Games fan. Delivery was quicker than expected and arrived in good condition.

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Midnight Sun
Zelma Van Aswegen (Cape Town, ZA)
Midnight Sun awesome

Excellent seen from Edwards perception. If Bella just knew how close it was.

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The Complete Book of Self-Sufficiency
Pieter Louw (Cape Town, ZA)
Ultimate guide to surviving an apocalypse

Very informative book that introduces, and in some cases covers, all the topics for living a self sustainable life. A very good gift for someone interested in self help.

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The Napoleon Hill Collection 4 Books Box Set
Nousheen Denath (Johannesburg, ZA)

Books received is great condition. Delivery was earlier than expected.

I was not aware that this book set was available but the app recommended exactly what I needed.

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Hitchhickers Guide To The Galaxy 5 Book Pack
Nousheen Denath (Johannesburg, ZA)

Books received in great condition. Box set was cheapest at Readers Warehouse. Delivery was earlier than expected.

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First 100 Words
Jessie (Harare, ZW)
Good Quality

Loved the book. It's firm and the size is good for the little ones