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2treads's reviews
367 reviews
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
Sons of Darkness by Gourav Mohanty
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I was hooked! I love a layered fantasy with every increasing stakes: villains and heroes, who knows who is who; political maneuverings that always change, and cunning minds that move allies and enemies alike as chess pieces on a board. Looking forward to the next book.
The Princess of Thornwood Drive by Khalia Moreau
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I really enjoyed this debut featuring sisters. The twining of a contemporary world with a fantastical one was also well done, especially the disability rep.
In both worlds we see Laine struggle to take care of her sister who has been severely injured/cursed after their parents are taken. She barely has time for herself or romance and feels guilty for even thinking that she could find someone for her own. On the flip side, Alyssa is concerned about how her condition is hampering Laine and only wantsto be able to communicate both her love, appreciation, and fear.
The way Moreau uses the parallels of the contemporary and fantasy worked really well as readers are able to draw connections between the worlds. The infusion of her cultural folklore also made this read even more enjoyable.
In both worlds we see Laine struggle to take care of her sister who has been severely injured/cursed after their parents are taken. She barely has time for herself or romance and feels guilty for even thinking that she could find someone for her own. On the flip side, Alyssa is concerned about how her condition is hampering Laine and only wantsto be able to communicate both her love, appreciation, and fear.
The way Moreau uses the parallels of the contemporary and fantasy worked really well as readers are able to draw connections between the worlds. The infusion of her cultural folklore also made this read even more enjoyable.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Rape and Grief
Minor: Death and Death of parent
Sons of Darkness by Gourav Mohanty
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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
5.0
I was hooked! I love a layered fantasy with every increasing stakes: villains and heroes, who knows who is who; political maneuverings that always change, and cunning minds that move allies and enemies alike as chess pieces on a board. Looking forward to the next book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Death, Torture, Sexual violence, War, and Classism
Minor: Grief, Child death, Murder, Drug use, and Misogyny
The Sandman Vol. 3: Dream Country by Neil Gaiman
dark
fast-paced
2.25
Not my favourite so far even though it had interesting themes and commentary.
Like Thunder by Nnedi Okorafor
challenging
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I really enjoyed this one. Okorafor tends to draw me in with her younger characters. They are more sensitive and aware to me of their societal surroundings and tend to be more self-reflective. Even though the world building doesn't stand on its own here, it is the characters that make this story move, and I feel as if I could do with more Dikeogu and Ejii.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Slavery, and Xenophobia
Minor: Murder, Grief, Child death, Child abuse, Torture, Racism, and Racial slurs
The Hexologists by Josiah Bancroft
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I had a good time with this one. Bancroft writes with humour and a deep interest for the topic covered In his book. Iz and War work really well together and I love this type of relationship where each spouse knows their strength and is willing to support and protect each other in dangerous situations. The topics of the different types of magic and how they can be used was also very interesting and kept me going in this story.
The elements of the plot as they were revealed and understood weren't really new when it comes to the selfishness of nobility and royalty, but the surrounding building blocks of the story were really what pushed the pace and kept me hooked.
The elements of the plot as they were revealed and understood weren't really new when it comes to the selfishness of nobility and royalty, but the surrounding building blocks of the story were really what pushed the pace and kept me hooked.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death
Minor: War and Murder