_mhd_'s Reviews (141)

Polysecure: Attachment, Trauma and Consensual Nonmonogamy

Jessica Fern

5.0

hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

Landlocked in Foreign Skin

Drew Huff

4.0

dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

Sunburn

Chloe Michelle Howarth

4.0

emotional reflective sad slow-paced

This novel has some of the most breathtaking prose that I have ever read. I almost never take a pen to a novel, but I absolutely had to this time because there are so many lines that I would love to return to throughout time. This novel had remarkable character work and development that was very thoughtful and introspective. It was well on its way to my favorites list until the last 70 or so pages. I thought that the pacing in the last segment could have been tightened, and I was somewhat disappointed by the direction the narrative went in. It was realistic, but with the earlier religious themes that were implemented and subverted, a more radical narrative choice might have been more satisfying and well suited. Nonetheless, I did really enjoy Sunburn and am eager to read more from Howarth. What a showstopping debut!

Razorblade Tears

S.A. Cosby

DID NOT FINISH: 28%

Very compelling premise that had a lot of literary potential. The execution leaned heavily crime/action fiction, though, with heavy-handed social commentary, which did not appeal to me personally. Could have been strengthened from an editorial level as well.

Witch Hat Atelier, Volume 10

Kamome Shirahama

4.5

adventurous emotional fast-paced

The Employees

Olga Ravn

DID NOT FINISH: 32%

I really enjoyed the entry styles and the concept but found it slightly too abstract for me to meaningfully follow along. Short speculative fiction that is largely abstract or artistic is likely just not for me, so I could see why this novella would appeal to other readers.

Don't Let the Forest In

C.G. Drews

DID NOT FINISH: 14%

I loved the atmosphere and was intrigued by the mystery elements that were presented. It wasn’t working for me stylistically, though. I found the horror/fairy tale elements somewhat disjointed thematically and everyone’s non-stop cruelty difficult to believe and uncomplicated.

The Heiress

Rachel Hawkins

DID NOT FINISH: 38%

The letters and newspaper clippings in this novel are interesting. However, the characters, the narrative, and the style aren’t pulling me in. I would have preferred if there was more depth and focus.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse

Charlie Mackesy

5.0

hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

I can see why this book is considered such a classic! Its narrative is heartwarming and hopeful, following characters that are complicated, lovable, and well illustrated. A noteworthy book to return to at any age to remind oneself of the importance of compassion, kindness, and love.

Bury Your Gays

Chuck Tingle

4.0

dark funny hopeful medium-paced

This was my first novel from Tingle, and I'll definitely be reading more in the future! Misha had such a compelling narrative with commentary on queer representation that was nuanced, important, and well done. The premise hooked me, although I was taken aback by the transition from horror to science fiction and thought the pacing could have been improved upon in the middle. Nonetheless, this novel was very engaging and had some of the most beautiful closing lines I have read in sometime—very well worth the journey!

More...