2treads's reviews
489 reviews

The Murder of Mr. Ma by John Shen Yen Nee, S.J. Rozan

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

I quite enjoyed this novel. The authors did well to weave in the reality of racism faced by Chinese immigrants in England, as well as the lingering addiction to opium introduced in China by brits. A spate of deaths leads our 2 MCs on a path that will uncover the greed and unacknowledged jealousy of British men. For anyone who likes Sherlock Holmes and solving mysteries will enjoy this read.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Addiction and Racism

Breath of the Dragon by Shannon Lee, Fonda Lee

hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Enjoyed this a lot. The action scenes were great, described vividly and with detail, I like the character work done on our MC as he showed growth throughout his journey from training to tournament. The relationships he forms and harms are reflective of his teenage arrogance. There are however minor plot holes that I found that do nothing to hinder my engagement with the story. The political and military aspects are easy to understand and as this is a YA novel, I can't complain.

I would have appreciated if the perspective of his parents and brother had been shared but I can imagine that will come in the second book which I am looking forward to.

Bet On It by Jodie Slaughter

emotional medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I loved how the author handled the mental health rep that she chose to portray here. Two very different forms of anxiety and one combined with ptsd for her main characters was depicted really well. I love how Aja and Walker's relationship progressed and how they communicated about how they each deal with their mental health. Their spiciness level was also enjoyable.

Zeta Rodgers Needs to Relax by Elanna Moon

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Sugar, Baby by Celine Saintclare

medium-paced

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

2.0

This was so hard to get through 

The Last Warner Woman by Kei Miller

challenging reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

It is always a nostalgic pleasure reading Kei's books. His prose with its poetry and proverbs that are so inherently Jamaican bring his story to life.

#thelastwarnerwoman chronicles the birth, maturation, violation, and eventual restoration of Adamine Bustamante. I was drawn in by the vividness in which he renders this woman who followed the voice that called her to sing, dance, and set forth with warnings. Most Jamaicans are familiar with Revivalists and their practices, so Ada and her experiences will be recognizable.

The relationships formed and lost here feel real and the introduction of 'Once upon a time there was a leper colony in Jamaica' is not enough to prepare you for the emotional ride you will be taken on.

Born a Crime: Stories from a South African Childhood by Trevor Noah

medium-paced

4.0

I really had a good time with this one. What I liked the most is how Trevor handled the darker aspects of his childhood.

Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan

slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Even though I enjoyed this story, especially the 'twist', i do feel as if there were too many storylines. 

The Wood at Midwinter by Susanna Clarke

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Quick and interesting. Clarke has a magical storytelling voice.

New Nigeria County by Clare Brown

funny fast-paced

• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

This was over the top satire and I highly enjoyed it. Turning the dial on racial perceptions and profiling, gender roles and social standing, Brown pumps this short full of dark h7mour in an attempt to expose the ridiculousness of certain behaviours of yt people, especially yt women.