akira_outofthegravity's reviews
173 reviews

My Wandering Warrior Existence by Nagata Kabi

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challenging inspiring sad fast-paced

4.0

Nagata Kabi are we the same person? I adore you. We are so similar, you give me hope for my future đź’›
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The Way of the Househusband, Vol. 3 by Kousuke Oono

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funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

It’s cute! What else can I say? Truly a great comfort read.
Twas the Nightshift Before Christmas by Adam Kay

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emotional funny reflective fast-paced

3.5

Honestly I forgot how much I enjoyed Adam Kay’s sense of humour. While not as emotional as the first book, it’s to be expected since this is essentially a novella.

Despite being a short read, this is a lovely snippet that contains heartache and laughter. Its short and sweet, for a better more fleshed out time read This Is Going To Hurt. 
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I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid

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dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I’m going to hesitantly give it a 4 star tho that may change. 

This is a really creepy book, I think if you’re looking for an atmospheric read that’s more about the emotions of fear than the feeling of understanding what on earth is going on- then this is a great book.

It feels a little too vague for me, but I still really enjoyed it. 
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The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson

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dark mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.25

Spooky! I really enjoyed parts of this book, and it’s very atmospheric. I would have liked it to be scarier, but I think that Eleanor’s descent into madness was done very well, and I felt as if I was going into that with her.

I wish there was answers, but alas, not every book gives answers
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Carmilla by J. Sheridan Le Fanu

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.75

It’s like Wuthering Heights and Dracula had a baby. 

I love it, it’s short, sweet, and simple. And while I’m certain that it’s meant to be read as a “ooo lesbianism bad turn to god!” I found it surprisingly romantic in parts. I think that it would make an incredible romance, as well as adapt nicely into modern day times. 

Honestly, this book convinced me that yes, vampires are sexy. More sapphic vampires please. Extra points if they’re vintage 👀
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Haunted by Chuck Palahniuk

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challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

If “And Then There Were None” had a cast of narcissistic assholes on meth. It’s wild, it’s a beautiful satire, but it’s not for everyone and I can appreciate that. 

It’s a series of short stories joined together by this mysterious “writers retreat”, and it’s more about the characters than what the retreat is actually about. 

I have to say this book shines politically- deconstructing TERF ideology as early as 2005. It beautifully satirises politics and politicians. It is absolutely abstract, so don’t look into a plot too hard, look into what it represents. I think this is a real work of art, and it clearly has Palanhuik’s personality all through it. I felt by the end I knew him, and I liked him.
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The Haunting of Aveline Jones by Phil Hickes

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

4.0

A really great kids book. I don’t know why more people aren’t talking about it because it’s got the same vibes as Coraline, and similar horror too. 

I really enjoyed it, Aveline is a lovely girl to read about and I enjoyed the other characters too. Especially Lilian as she becomes warmer towards everyone. 

Definitely spooky, and heartfelt, I cried a little at the end. The setting is great- though that might be because I live in a place similar to Malmouth. 

As a librarian I’m ecstatic to have something else to recommend to our younger readers! 
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How to Speak Dragonese by Cressida Cowell

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funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Another easy enjoyable read. Even as a 20 y/o reading these is so good, and I’m reminded of why I love these books every time I read them. The endings and epilogues always make me tear up.
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How to Be a Pirate by Cressida Cowell

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Great fun! An easy read that sets up nicely for the next story. 
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