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2treads's reviews
363 reviews
The Fox Wife by Yangsze Choo
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This was a good read. I tend to like the way Choo tells a story. Her style of writing is definitely understated and tends to focus in on her cultural history and always has a folkloric trend which I really enjoy. The Fox Wife is no different.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death
Womb City by Tlotlo Tsamaase
challenging
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Tsamaase has something here with this futurisric, dystopic-touched novel. But what fatigued me with this one was the bloated plot tgat tackled too many societal themes without giving me the satisfactionof querying and exploring them fully to be affected. Throuh what feels like diary entries more than intercations and converstaions we are shown a society that has essentially imprisoned women in surveillance-heavy relationships or just by existing.
The onus of violece and criminal behaviour has solely been placed at their feet and they have to undergo invasive mind sweeps every day as well as being profiled after a certain period to ascertain their level of commiting a criminal act. Here we are looking at body autonomy, violence, intimate partner surveillance, patriarcyy, state surveillance and overreach; all in the name of protecting the women and by extension their families.
Along the way we drip into sexual abuse, trafficking, sexual exploitation, forced sex work through mind control, brief mention of ancestral beliefs, rape, reproductive shaming, economic and political corruption all wrapping their tentacles around this plot, this strangling my enjoyment.
The onus of violece and criminal behaviour has solely been placed at their feet and they have to undergo invasive mind sweeps every day as well as being profiled after a certain period to ascertain their level of commiting a criminal act. Here we are looking at body autonomy, violence, intimate partner surveillance, patriarcyy, state surveillance and overreach; all in the name of protecting the women and by extension their families.
Along the way we drip into sexual abuse, trafficking, sexual exploitation, forced sex work through mind control, brief mention of ancestral beliefs, rape, reproductive shaming, economic and political corruption all wrapping their tentacles around this plot, this strangling my enjoyment.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Violence, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Gore, Rape, Grief, Misogyny, Lesbophobia, Trafficking, Gaslighting, Sexual violence, Sexism, Drug use, Injury/Injury detail, and Sexual assault
A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I had a really good time with this one. I love a heist story that revolves close knit friends whose loyalty is strong and where lessons are still to be learned.
There was good sexual tension between our FMC a vampire, and an assassin, with betrayals and romance adding another layer to enjoy.
There was good sexual tension between our FMC a vampire, and an assassin, with betrayals and romance adding another layer to enjoy.
The Dead Cat Tail Assassins by P. Djèlí Clark
dark
mysterious
fast-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
4.0
If it's one thing Clark does really well, it is telling a great story. With the Dead Cat Tail Assassin's, we are once again given characters to cheer for because they have such personality on page, the cultural context of mannerisms and interactions, and the magic of science and multiverses.
I gobbled this novella up, enjoying every deadly encounter and fight, the smarts and fleet of foot skills of Eveen and her tenacity. Serial murderers that get their comeuppance, Petty politicians and goddesses also added another layer of energy to the plot. I want more from this world and these characters because I believe this is the start of something really good.
I gobbled this novella up, enjoying every deadly encounter and fight, the smarts and fleet of foot skills of Eveen and her tenacity. Serial murderers that get their comeuppance, Petty politicians and goddesses also added another layer of energy to the plot. I want more from this world and these characters because I believe this is the start of something really good.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Child death, and Murder
The Black God's Drums by P. Djèlí Clark
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Just as rich as the first time I read it. Clark is a great storyteller and in such little time and pages gives us history and compelling characters.
Content Warnings
Minor: War, Gun violence, Slavery, Death, and Death of parent
You Dreamed of Empires by Álvaro Enrigue
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
This was a trip. I enjoyed being able to listen to the pronunciations of names of people and things. The narrator has a very thick accent and this lent certain umph.
You Dreamed of Empires by Álvaro Enrigue
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This was trippy. Even though it felt aimless at times, it delved into the ambitions and vulnerabilities of its main characters.
Mammoths at the Gates by Nghi Vo
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I love what Vo is doing with the Singing Hills Cycle. There is always a new story to record and more to discover about the people closest to us who we think we know. The Nation are always a fun time and never miss an opportunity to shine.
Who Lost, I Found: Stories by Eden Royce
mysterious
reflective
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? No
5.0
Absolutely amazing. Every story had me hooked. Royce has done brilliantly in crafting stories and characters that hold their own hoodoo and strength, even if they don't know or understand how, using her Gullah background and the rich ancestral history that will forever keep giving. From the soil to the sea, with spirits, life, and death indelibly intertwined, these stories are captivating and moving.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Grief, and Death
Shadows and Whispers by K.C. Mills
dark
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Didn't expect to loke this as much as I did. I think Mills did a good job of presenting bipolar disorder here with her character, how important it is for persons with mental illness to have supportive and understanding people in their corner. I liked the heat between Cress and Elias and I enjoyed the development of their relationship. Her banter with her best friend was also hilarious to me and I wanted more.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Mental illness, Death, and Drug use
Minor: Abortion