Reviews tagging 'Homophobia'

A Curse of Roses by Diana Pinguicha

24 reviews

hramona's review against another edition

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.75

This feels like a brutal rating to give but honestly, the almost but not quite Christianity-apologist (as in, INTENSE CHRISTIAN) nature, the absolute wealth of homophobia and self-hatred that came along with it was just too sad. I get that the author wanted to make this statement, to go into the depths of how harmful these anti-gay religions can be, but when we already live in that reality every day, to have a fictional book that goes just as hard and heavy is tiring. This couldn't be classed as 'bury your gays' trope, but it feels a bit like, 'throw acid on your gays', so they're sticky and painful and scarred. 
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xoxlululuxox's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful informative mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

A Curse of Roses is based on the Portuguese "miracle of roses", which is well explained and depecited with historical accuracy before the story begins. 

Princess Ysabel is cursed so that all the food she touches becomes flowers. In order to remove this curse she finds Fatyan, who has the power and ability to help her. In the time they spend together Ysabel learns more about her curse, how it can help her people who are stuck in a famine, and also about love.

While this story takes a while to get into, it is full of enchantment and realist elements despite all the magic. 

Ysabel starts her journey weak and sickly, almost unable to assert her opinion. After she and Fatyan learn more about her curse and deepen their relationship, she becomes not only physically stronger but emotionally too. Ysabel was a very believable character. Unbelievably kind to others, but so harsh toward herself. Especially when it came to following her religion. 

I truly enjoyed the F/F representation this book provided, it was so realistic.
 
Ysabel has a moment where she wants to be Fatyan, only to later find out all she wants is to be with her
 

I loved this book, with the way it described a 13th Century Portugal and tried to avoid using modern terms to describe things, instead opting for more traditional methods. There is elements of self harm, eating disorders and religious trauma, but if you aren't too bothered or triggered by that, I highly recommend giving this book a try.
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beldaran1224's review against another edition

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dark emotional medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This is a very enjoyable bit of historical fantasy. The plot carries you along, the characters are engaging, and the base material (a Portuguese Saint) fresh.

If you like your historical fantasy faithful to the past, you probably won't enjoy this, as the author unapologetically injects modern religious perspective and social/personal values into the story (and does so rather well, I might add). I enjoyed this.

The main flaw of the book is the villain's reveal and the conclusion, neither of which had the drama or tension I anticipated.
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tahsintries's review against another edition

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4.5

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sandy_21's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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yvonne_cl's review against another edition

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dark reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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clovelatte's review against another edition

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dark emotional mysterious sad tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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anastasiaf's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

I loved that it was a very gay story and that the characters felt different and interspersing.

It was mostly good, however the middle really lagged and could do with an edit. However, I love what the book did and I am so happy to have read it.
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ergaich's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

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candidceillie's review against another edition

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5.0

This is the most ace-affirming non-ace romance I have ever read. TAKE CWS SERIOUSLY IT DOES NOT PULL ITS PUNCHES. 
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