Take a photo of a barcode or cover
aksmith92's reviews
173 reviews
Little Rot by Akwaeke Emezi
**
challenging
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Setup: Akwaeke Emezi's Little Rot is a gripping novel that delves into the complexities of human relationships, societal corruption, and the pursuit of self-discovery within the fictional Nigerian metropolis of New Lagos. The narrative unfolds over a tumultuous 36-hour period. It primarily focuses on Aima and Kalu, a couple whose recent breakup sets off a chain of events plunging them into the city's dark underbelly. Aima, torn between her rekindled Christian faith and personal desires, seeks solace with her friend Ijendu, leading to unexpected and intimate encounters. Meanwhile, Kalu's attempt to distract himself at a sex party hosted by his friend Ahmed exposes him to disturbing realities, forcing him into morally challenging situations. The lives of Ola and Souraya, two Nigerian sex workers visiting from Kuala Lumpur, became intertwined with Ahmed and Kalu's, further entangling the characters in a web of deceit, power struggles, and survival.
What I Loved: "Loved" is a tricky word. I didn't love it. This book exposed much of humanity's worst, even with characters who seemed pretty reasonable. Regardless, Emezi's storytelling was fast-paced and immersive, capturing the reader's attention as the characters navigated a world rife with moral ambiguity and danger. I felt the second half was much more fast paced than the first, hence I was more engrossed in the second 50%. However, the novel's thriller-like pacing kept me engaged, propelling me through a narrative filled with twists, turns, and connections. The characters were fleshed out - and again, you're likely not going to love them by any means, but you felt them. It showcased how fantastic of a writer Emezi was (is). Their writing truly did blow me away.
Why Not 5 Stars? While Little Rot unfolds throughout a single weekend and shifts between multiple points of view, its rapid pacing and condensed timeframe surprisingly never felt like a hindrance. Though some readers may find these constraints limiting, I found it impressive how Emezi infused such nuance into the characters within such a short span. However, where the novel faltered for me was in its pacing in the first half, which lagged at times, and its overwhelming emphasis on sex. Hear me out because, generally, I don't mind this: given that the novel revolves around a sex party, the abundance of erotic encounters makes sense within the narrative. Yet, at times, the sheer volume of these scenes felt excessive, diluting the novel's more incisive societal critiques. Emezi's intent to depict a raw and brutal world is clear, and while the explicit nature of the book plays a role in that vision, its saturation occasionally overshadowed the deeper themes at play.
Overall, though, Little Rot offered a compelling exploration of the intersections between personal desires, societal expectations, and the pervasive influence of corruption. Emezi crafted a thrilling and thought-provoking narrative, inviting readers to reflect on the complexities of morality, power, and identity within a vividly depicted urban landscape. I will leave you with this quote from Emezi (in the acknowledgments), which I think captures the essence of reading this book:
What I Loved: "Loved" is a tricky word. I didn't love it. This book exposed much of humanity's worst, even with characters who seemed pretty reasonable. Regardless, Emezi's storytelling was fast-paced and immersive, capturing the reader's attention as the characters navigated a world rife with moral ambiguity and danger. I felt the second half was much more fast paced than the first, hence I was more engrossed in the second 50%. However, the novel's thriller-like pacing kept me engaged, propelling me through a narrative filled with twists, turns, and connections. The characters were fleshed out - and again, you're likely not going to love them by any means, but you felt them. It showcased how fantastic of a writer Emezi was (is). Their writing truly did blow me away.
Why Not 5 Stars? While Little Rot unfolds throughout a single weekend and shifts between multiple points of view, its rapid pacing and condensed timeframe surprisingly never felt like a hindrance. Though some readers may find these constraints limiting, I found it impressive how Emezi infused such nuance into the characters within such a short span. However, where the novel faltered for me was in its pacing in the first half, which lagged at times, and its overwhelming emphasis on sex. Hear me out because, generally, I don't mind this: given that the novel revolves around a sex party, the abundance of erotic encounters makes sense within the narrative. Yet, at times, the sheer volume of these scenes felt excessive, diluting the novel's more incisive societal critiques. Emezi's intent to depict a raw and brutal world is clear, and while the explicit nature of the book plays a role in that vision, its saturation occasionally overshadowed the deeper themes at play.
Overall, though, Little Rot offered a compelling exploration of the intersections between personal desires, societal expectations, and the pervasive influence of corruption. Emezi crafted a thrilling and thought-provoking narrative, inviting readers to reflect on the complexities of morality, power, and identity within a vividly depicted urban landscape. I will leave you with this quote from Emezi (in the acknowledgments), which I think captures the essence of reading this book:
This book might be difficult to witness but my hope is that it gives us some courage to witness the difficult things in our lives, to understand how close they can brush to our skin, and to move accordingly.
**
Maybe he'd thought she would go back to the edges and give him back the space to do whatever he wanted on his own time, but that's the problem with pressing yourself down too much, folding and folding when you're not really made of material that's suitable for those kinds of creases. At some point, you just spring back up when you can't take another bending, not a single pleat more. And upon that, you spring back with force, and your momentum can be quite upsetting to people who didn't expect you to claim your space.
There are some places that you swear you'll never go back to because the space itself has become inseparable from the time; the there is the same as the then and you don't know how to deal with the space if it's inside a different slot of time.
He knew he sounded defensive, but he couldn't help how easily the irritation was slipping off his tongue. It wasn't her assumption that annoyed him, it was the way she was continuing with it, looking at him as if he was a child trying to get away with a blatant lie, as if she knew him better than his own words were claiming. It felt like a violation, like she was reaching deep inside him and holding something and saying, this is you; you are only this, when his own voice had never even gone there. He wanted her to back down.
Warm tears dripped off her hands onto the bedsheets. She kept praying and whispering, letting the words turn into a semiconscious stream pouring out of her mouth while her mind spun in multiple directions, looking for a sign, a clue that could lead her back to some form of righteousness. There had to be a point to what she had just gone through, what she had put herself through. This had to be rock bottom. It tasted like it, rich with despair and shame and hopelessness, like a cloak she was dragging over herself.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Police brutality, Trafficking, Murder, Toxic friendship, Alcohol
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Abandonment, Classism
Minor: Vomit
Rape and sexual violence is more undertoned than blatant, so nothing it heavily depicted on page, but if you critically think it's there. So, regardless, take care.
Precious Metal #4 by Ian Bertram, Darcy Van Poelgeest
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The Setup: In Precious Metal Issue #4, writer Poelgeest and artist Bertram propel the narrative into a climactic confrontation. Max returns from a world beyond his own, finding himself in the heart of a rebel encampment as they race against time to thwart Bishop's mission to "cleanse" New Empire of modified beings.
What I Liked: Honestly, we are finally picking up the pace of this series—it was intense and good storytelling. There was a palpable sense of life and urgency driving the story forward. As always, Bertram's artwork continued to showcase intricate detail and atmospheric depth, effectively immersing readers into the dystopian setting.
What Didn't Hit the Mark: I'm still so confused! The writing is getting better in terms of pacing. However, there are so many questions I feel like being thrown out and never getting answered. I think the story arc for Max was interesting in this one, and the plot is essentially building out. However, there are characters thrown in here that make little sense or are confusing. I'm trying to stay on track, but it doesn't always work.
Regardless, it is a compelling chapter in the series, blending intense narrative progression with stunning visual artistry. It sets the stage for the forthcoming issues, likely leaving readers eager to see how the story unfolds.
**
What I Liked: Honestly, we are finally picking up the pace of this series—it was intense and good storytelling. There was a palpable sense of life and urgency driving the story forward. As always, Bertram's artwork continued to showcase intricate detail and atmospheric depth, effectively immersing readers into the dystopian setting.
What Didn't Hit the Mark: I'm still so confused! The writing is getting better in terms of pacing. However, there are so many questions I feel like being thrown out and never getting answered. I think the story arc for Max was interesting in this one, and the plot is essentially building out. However, there are characters thrown in here that make little sense or are confusing. I'm trying to stay on track, but it doesn't always work.
Regardless, it is a compelling chapter in the series, blending intense narrative progression with stunning visual artistry. It sets the stage for the forthcoming issues, likely leaving readers eager to see how the story unfolds.
**
And yet being somethin' to someone, when you never had that yourself...it's not easy. Like if you get too close to their happiness...you might just break it. So you start thinkin' that the best gift you could really give them...is the gift of absence.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Murder
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Grief, Religious bigotry
Minor: Death of parent, Abandonment
Precious Metal #3 by Darcy Van Poelgeest
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Setup: Precious Metal Issue #3 continues Max Weaver's dystopian saga. This installment delves deeper into Max's tumultuous journey as he faces betrayal from someone close to him. Concurrently, the Disciples of Twelve intensify their mission to eradicate the "old flesh," compelling Max to revisit the enigmatic Temple of Twelve and confront the unknown.
What I Liked: This Issue was my favorite so far. It had a good twist, a compelling narrative, and, as always, phenomenal art. Truly, this work had intricate detail and atmospheric depth. I can't get over how beautiful it was! Additionally, I think this issue finally picked up the pace and immersed me in the story. I felt the connection between the plot and the series' commitment to exploring complex themes within a richly crafted world.
Why Not Five Stars? I am still a tad confused, especially with the Disciples of Twelve. I also felt like I still needed more answers to the plethora of questions this series has posed in previous issues.
Regardless, this narrative has depth, and I am curious about its progression in forthcoming issues!
**
What I Liked: This Issue was my favorite so far. It had a good twist, a compelling narrative, and, as always, phenomenal art. Truly, this work had intricate detail and atmospheric depth. I can't get over how beautiful it was! Additionally, I think this issue finally picked up the pace and immersed me in the story. I felt the connection between the plot and the series' commitment to exploring complex themes within a richly crafted world.
Why Not Five Stars? I am still a tad confused, especially with the Disciples of Twelve. I also felt like I still needed more answers to the plethora of questions this series has posed in previous issues.
Regardless, this narrative has depth, and I am curious about its progression in forthcoming issues!
**
But Jelly...he was right about one thing. Every time I'd left Naomi without sayin' goodbye. Every time I can back again and said things would be different. I chipped away a piece of her...until nothin' was left of us.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Murder, Abandonment
Moderate: Mental illness, Grief, Religious bigotry, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Emotional abuse, Death of parent
Poison Ivy Vol. 2: Unethical Consumption by G. Willow Wilson, Arif Prianto, Marcio Takara
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
The Setup: In Poison Ivy, Volume 2, Wilson continues Ivy's morally complex journey as she grapples with her evolving powers, fractured relationships, and the ethics of her environmental crusade. After her murderous fungal rampage in Volume 1, The Virtuous Cycle, Ivy attempts to reintegrate into the world while still reckoning with her radical beliefs. As she navigates new threats, corporate corruption, and personal struggles, her relationship with Harley Quinn becomes more central, offering moments of tenderness amid the chaos. Meanwhile, introducing new antagonists and ethical dilemmas forces Ivy to question how far she will go for her cause.
What I Loved: The art! Always the art! Just like the first volume, this one was thought-provoking and visually striking. I think Wilson's writing also shined in its ability to balance psychological depth with social commentary, making Ivy a compelling antiheroine rather than a straightforward villain. The narrative explored themes of environmental destruction (which I love), corporate greed, and personal redemption, all wrapped in a lush, eerie aesthetic. As already mentioned, but I WILL mention it again: the art elevated the storytelling, bringing Ivy's botanical horror to life with stunningly grotesque and beautiful visuals.
What Missed the Mark: While I liked how the series continued to develop Ivy's character, parts of the plot did feel somewhat repetitive, occasionally retreading the same moral questions without pushing Ivy's arc significantly forward. The pacing was slightly uneven, with introspective moments sometimes overshadowing the action.
Overall, though, it was a great read, and I look forward to continuing the series!
**
What I Loved: The art! Always the art! Just like the first volume, this one was thought-provoking and visually striking. I think Wilson's writing also shined in its ability to balance psychological depth with social commentary, making Ivy a compelling antiheroine rather than a straightforward villain. The narrative explored themes of environmental destruction (which I love), corporate greed, and personal redemption, all wrapped in a lush, eerie aesthetic. As already mentioned, but I WILL mention it again: the art elevated the storytelling, bringing Ivy's botanical horror to life with stunningly grotesque and beautiful visuals.
What Missed the Mark: While I liked how the series continued to develop Ivy's character, parts of the plot did feel somewhat repetitive, occasionally retreading the same moral questions without pushing Ivy's arc significantly forward. The pacing was slightly uneven, with introspective moments sometimes overshadowing the action.
Overall, though, it was a great read, and I look forward to continuing the series!
**
But there are other kinds of evil that are harder to spot. Evil that convinces you it's working for the greater good. Evil that sells you solutions to the very problems it causes. Evil that bullies you into thinking you're required to support it. THose are the bad guys you have to watch out for, even if you think you're hard to fool.
What is life it not a bunch of great plans gone horribly sideways?
I can't blame Janet. We want the solution to be easy. We want to be able to save the planet by drinking smoothies and recycling. Because the disruption required to create real change is too frightening.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Murder, Injury/Injury detail, Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Cursing, Sexual content
Bloodmarked by Tracy Deonn
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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? Yes
3.5
The Setup: Bloodmarked, the sequel to Legendborn, continues Bree Matthews' journey as she grapples with the revelations about her ancestry, the power she has inherited, and her place in the secretive Order of the Round Table. Now the designated Scion of King Arthur, Bree is thrust into a world of danger and politics as the Regents of the Order become more complicated than once thought. Nick is a bit MIA, and Bree's abilities are still poorly understood and unpredictable; Bree is forced to rely on unlikely allies, including the ever-complicated Selwyn Kane. As the battle between tradition and revolution intensifies, Bree must navigate a world never meant for her while uncovering more profound truths about her lineage, grief, and destiny.
What I Liked: I promise I still like this series a lot, even after rating it slightly lower than the first one. First and foremost, Deonn expanded the worldbuilding and mythology in Bloodmarked, deepening the Arthurian elements while weaving in even richer themes of systemic oppression, power, and identity. The fantasy elements were simply *chef's kiss*. I absolutely loved it. At its core, the novel continues to make Bree a compelling protagonist, torn between her desires and the weight of expectations placed upon her. Deonn also continued to explore Bree's struggles with grief and rage, making her journey feel raw and deeply personal. I also liked that Sel's character received much more depth, adding complexity to his motivations and interactions with Bree. I'm indifferent to the love triangle trope; you must know that this novel continues to have it. I don't always love it, but I think Deonn does it well here, and I don't mind. I still think I'm past the point where I enjoy when a boy is mean to everyone and everything and still part of the love triangle, but I did like Sel better in this novel, slightly.
I was still utterly engrossed in this book, unable to put it down. Deonn is a master of throwing in some plot twists that I don't see coming, and I loved that in this book. The ending helped pull me from the "eh" feeling I had around the 50-75% mark. Near the end, we saw Bree develop, and we also got left with quite a cliffhanger that I'm looking forward to reading in the next book. Lastly, Deonn is a fantastic writer; I'm in the book with these characters.
What Missed the Mark: This book suffered from pacing issues (for me). Some sections were drawn out, while the end was slightly rushed. I felt the narrative momentum waver regularly. I also think the book suffered the infamous middle book in the series syndrome; i.e., to build out more of the plot and characters, the book lacks some finesse versus the first book (and likely later books) because Deonn was continuing to set things up for us. It was palatable here and drew me out of the story a bit.
Additionally, I know this is a young adult novel, and Bree celebrates her 17th birthday in this book. But there were so many moments where I was like, why is Bree not doing this, or did Bree not learn the lesson literally from a minute ago not to do that again? I know that Bree is supposed to be a teenage girl who has a ton of weight on her shoulders. I know that Bree was battling so much grief, intergenerational trauma, and just a lot of stuff in this book/series. I know. Yet, I was still annoyed at many of her choices because I felt like 95% of the book was her making the same decisions repeatedly, which I think ties neatly into my critique about the pacing issues. I tried not to let this waver my review too much because Deonn made a 17-year-old-girl the main character, and maybe it's because I'm 32 and can't relate so much anymore to teenage life, but I would be lying if I didn't say it impacted my reading experience.
Despite these minor critiques, and even though it isn't the highest rating I've ever given to fantasy, Bloodmarked delivered an engaging and emotional continuation of Bree's story, offering a satisfying blend of action, magic, and social commentary. I appreciated the expansion of the series' lore, and the book sets up even more intriguing developments for the next installment, which I am ready to read!
**
What I Liked: I promise I still like this series a lot, even after rating it slightly lower than the first one. First and foremost, Deonn expanded the worldbuilding and mythology in Bloodmarked, deepening the Arthurian elements while weaving in even richer themes of systemic oppression, power, and identity. The fantasy elements were simply *chef's kiss*. I absolutely loved it. At its core, the novel continues to make Bree a compelling protagonist, torn between her desires and the weight of expectations placed upon her. Deonn also continued to explore Bree's struggles with grief and rage, making her journey feel raw and deeply personal. I also liked that Sel's character received much more depth, adding complexity to his motivations and interactions with Bree. I'm indifferent to the love triangle trope; you must know that this novel continues to have it. I don't always love it, but I think Deonn does it well here, and I don't mind. I still think I'm past the point where I enjoy when a boy is mean to everyone and everything and still part of the love triangle, but I did like Sel better in this novel, slightly.
I was still utterly engrossed in this book, unable to put it down. Deonn is a master of throwing in some plot twists that I don't see coming, and I loved that in this book. The ending helped pull me from the "eh" feeling I had around the 50-75% mark. Near the end, we saw Bree develop, and we also got left with quite a cliffhanger that I'm looking forward to reading in the next book. Lastly, Deonn is a fantastic writer; I'm in the book with these characters.
What Missed the Mark: This book suffered from pacing issues (for me). Some sections were drawn out, while the end was slightly rushed. I felt the narrative momentum waver regularly. I also think the book suffered the infamous middle book in the series syndrome; i.e., to build out more of the plot and characters, the book lacks some finesse versus the first book (and likely later books) because Deonn was continuing to set things up for us. It was palatable here and drew me out of the story a bit.
Additionally, I know this is a young adult novel, and Bree celebrates her 17th birthday in this book. But there were so many moments where I was like, why is Bree not doing this, or did Bree not learn the lesson literally from a minute ago not to do that again? I know that Bree is supposed to be a teenage girl who has a ton of weight on her shoulders. I know that Bree was battling so much grief, intergenerational trauma, and just a lot of stuff in this book/series. I know. Yet, I was still annoyed at many of her choices because I felt like 95% of the book was her making the same decisions repeatedly, which I think ties neatly into my critique about the pacing issues. I tried not to let this waver my review too much because Deonn made a 17-year-old-girl the main character, and maybe it's because I'm 32 and can't relate so much anymore to teenage life, but I would be lying if I didn't say it impacted my reading experience.
Despite these minor critiques, and even though it isn't the highest rating I've ever given to fantasy, Bloodmarked delivered an engaging and emotional continuation of Bree's story, offering a satisfying blend of action, magic, and social commentary. I appreciated the expansion of the series' lore, and the book sets up even more intriguing developments for the next installment, which I am ready to read!
**
The unsaid thing about funerals is that directly after the communal mourning for someone you love, after everyone is gone and the connected grief dispersed, comes a solitude beyond imagining. A great, gaping nothing where a whole person and life and future used to be. The other side of a funeral is abyss.
I could respond that I do, I do have an idea. But grief isn't a competition. It's not an identical pain that we all meet one day when death finds us. It's a monster, personalized by our love and memories to devour us just so. Grief is suffering, tailored.
You invoke grief now so that death will never surprise you again. You imagine how it could happen, so that you can imagine how it cannot. You wish to destroy it before it destroys you. Is this the right of it?
"Intention isn't want. Intention isn't even need." She looks up out at the yard, taps her pointer finger to her chest, then tips it outward. "Intention is the bare bones of desire, but it requires fuel. That fuel is your will."
Consider that chaos favors imbalance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Racism, Slavery, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child death, Cursing, Torture, Medical content, Alcohol
Minor: Death of parent
Precious Metal #2 by Darcy Van Poelgeest
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The Setup: Precious Metal Issue 2 continues expanding the richly textured universe introduced in Issue 1. Set 35 years before the original series, Little Bird, this Issue delves deeper into the dystopian landscape where factions vie for control over a genetically modified child, believed to hold the key to significant power.
The narrative follows Max Weaver, a seasoned bounty hunter on a relentless quest to uncover truths about his enigmatic past. His journey leads him to confront the Disciples of the Twelve, a fanatical cult whose grotesque machinations reveal the darker facets of the world. As Max navigates these challenges, he is compelled to face memories, propelling him toward a disturbing moment of self-discovery.
What I Liked: This Issue contained immersive storytelling, and it continued to showcase intricate and beautiful artwork. This series has so many odd but compelling illustrations, and I simply love it. I am transported into a colorful yet intense world in this series. I find it to be extremely unique. In this Issue, I also found delivering a compelling narrative that seamlessly blends profound themes, especially of past decisions now circulating to the present with new consequences. I liked that we learned more about Max because I was greatly confused about everything in the first Issue.
What Missed the Mark: Well, I am still confused. The story bopped from one timeline to another, and I still can't quite get used to the characters. Too many pieces are still missing for me to engross myself in the story and plot. I'm hoping that each Issue gets a bit clearer.
Regardless, this has stunning visuals and an innovative concept and plot. I'm looking forward to continuing the series.
***
The narrative follows Max Weaver, a seasoned bounty hunter on a relentless quest to uncover truths about his enigmatic past. His journey leads him to confront the Disciples of the Twelve, a fanatical cult whose grotesque machinations reveal the darker facets of the world. As Max navigates these challenges, he is compelled to face memories, propelling him toward a disturbing moment of self-discovery.
What I Liked: This Issue contained immersive storytelling, and it continued to showcase intricate and beautiful artwork. This series has so many odd but compelling illustrations, and I simply love it. I am transported into a colorful yet intense world in this series. I find it to be extremely unique. In this Issue, I also found delivering a compelling narrative that seamlessly blends profound themes, especially of past decisions now circulating to the present with new consequences. I liked that we learned more about Max because I was greatly confused about everything in the first Issue.
What Missed the Mark: Well, I am still confused. The story bopped from one timeline to another, and I still can't quite get used to the characters. Too many pieces are still missing for me to engross myself in the story and plot. I'm hoping that each Issue gets a bit clearer.
Regardless, this has stunning visuals and an innovative concept and plot. I'm looking forward to continuing the series.
***
"Who was that?" "Someone I was trying to help...but not everyone can be saved."
And all I could think was...I should've told her the truth. I should've told her that day on the beach - that I'm every bit the unrelenting ocean...as I am the one who escaped it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Religious bigotry, Murder, Abandonment
Catalina by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The Setup: Catalina is a novel that delves into the complexities of identity, privilege, and the immigrant experience within the elite corridors of American academia. The narrative centers on Catalina Ituralde, an undocumented immigrant from Ecuador on the brink of graduating from Harvard University. Despite her academic achievements, Catalina grapples with the limitations imposed by her immigration status, which curtail her post-graduation opportunities. As she maneuvers through the university's privileged circles, securing a boyfriend and potential job prospects through his influential father, her life takes a tumultuous turn when her grandfather faces deportation. The crisis forces Catalina to confront the stark realities of her precarious position within an institution emblematic of privilege and exclusion.
What I Liked: Villavicencio's portrayal of Catalina's journey offered a sharp critique of America's immigration policies and an incisive examination of campus life, particularly at one of America's most prestigious universities. I think this novel sheds light on the often-overlooked struggles of undocumented students, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll of living in constant uncertainty. Through Catalina's eyes, readers gain insight into the duality of existing in prestigious spaces while marginalized by systemic inequities. I genuinely think that impact - being in a space of such privilege while still experiencing marginalization - showed brilliantly in this novel, mainly in how Catalina acted and made decisions.
Additionally, this was engaging storytelling with profound social commentary. That said, it was essentially one big stream of consciousness from Catalina, with no chapters, just a few parts based on her semester at Harvard. I didn't mind this, as I thought Villavicencio's writing was both poignant and unflinching, but I think you should go into knowing that it essentially reads like one big brain dump.
What Missed the Mark: Honestly, no part of me was invested in Catalina's journey, likely because I didn't enjoy her. I don't think you were supposed to. I believe Villavicencio intended for Catalina to be a bit insufferable because she had to be to make it into a world of Harvard elites. However, Catalina came across as rude, dysfunctional, and chaotic, without ever having additional growth to justify any of that. Honestly, this book was about an incredibly raw and challenging topic of being undocumented and a family facing deportation. While Catalina cared about her family and suffered from this subject, she also jumped from moving cars, obsessed over boys, and tried oh-so-very-hard to be artsy to the point where she was annoying. She stated, as if it was a character trait, that she didn't have many friends, and then told us about numerous friendships.
My challenge's root wasn't disliking Catalina and her choices. While that annoyed me, I've certainly read books that I love where there were unreliable narrators and dislikeable characters. However, given the subject matter, the plot lacked the depth expected. Catalina's unlikeableness may have been realistic, but it wasn't engaging, and it didn't help me feel connected to anything in the book, including the deportation piece, which felt very odd.
I've already noted the stream-of-consciousness style, which I didn't mind. It added a layer of complexity (in a good way) to the story. However, I do think where it may have fallen flat was a lack of overall cohesion in the narrative. It did not coalesce effectively to support the protagonist's compelling life circumstances.
It ended up being a very middle-of-the-road read for me. While not bad by any means, it did not fully capture the intensity of its themes and made me feel disengaged from Catalina and everyone else. I still think I'll read more from this author in the future; she is clearly a good writer!
***
What I Liked: Villavicencio's portrayal of Catalina's journey offered a sharp critique of America's immigration policies and an incisive examination of campus life, particularly at one of America's most prestigious universities. I think this novel sheds light on the often-overlooked struggles of undocumented students, highlighting the emotional and psychological toll of living in constant uncertainty. Through Catalina's eyes, readers gain insight into the duality of existing in prestigious spaces while marginalized by systemic inequities. I genuinely think that impact - being in a space of such privilege while still experiencing marginalization - showed brilliantly in this novel, mainly in how Catalina acted and made decisions.
Additionally, this was engaging storytelling with profound social commentary. That said, it was essentially one big stream of consciousness from Catalina, with no chapters, just a few parts based on her semester at Harvard. I didn't mind this, as I thought Villavicencio's writing was both poignant and unflinching, but I think you should go into knowing that it essentially reads like one big brain dump.
What Missed the Mark: Honestly, no part of me was invested in Catalina's journey, likely because I didn't enjoy her. I don't think you were supposed to. I believe Villavicencio intended for Catalina to be a bit insufferable because she had to be to make it into a world of Harvard elites. However, Catalina came across as rude, dysfunctional, and chaotic, without ever having additional growth to justify any of that. Honestly, this book was about an incredibly raw and challenging topic of being undocumented and a family facing deportation. While Catalina cared about her family and suffered from this subject, she also jumped from moving cars, obsessed over boys, and tried oh-so-very-hard to be artsy to the point where she was annoying. She stated, as if it was a character trait, that she didn't have many friends, and then told us about numerous friendships.
My challenge's root wasn't disliking Catalina and her choices. While that annoyed me, I've certainly read books that I love where there were unreliable narrators and dislikeable characters. However, given the subject matter, the plot lacked the depth expected. Catalina's unlikeableness may have been realistic, but it wasn't engaging, and it didn't help me feel connected to anything in the book, including the deportation piece, which felt very odd.
I've already noted the stream-of-consciousness style, which I didn't mind. It added a layer of complexity (in a good way) to the story. However, I do think where it may have fallen flat was a lack of overall cohesion in the narrative. It did not coalesce effectively to support the protagonist's compelling life circumstances.
It ended up being a very middle-of-the-road read for me. While not bad by any means, it did not fully capture the intensity of its themes and made me feel disengaged from Catalina and everyone else. I still think I'll read more from this author in the future; she is clearly a good writer!
***
I knew it was only a matter of time before a boy in a band wrote a song about me, but that would require patience and I suspected the song would not be very good. Once again, I would have to rely on my own scruples to make things happen. I would have to become a writer myself.
The notion that writers might be actual people was as distant and existentially confusing to me as theconcept of an infinite universe - definitely real, definitely there, but not something I could ascertain for myself or otherwise materially experience. There is magic in that. Writers were like the Greek gods, stories and problematic, and their corresponding mythologies fascinated me and kept me company.
My grandmother was spectacularly sensitive. She always needed to create a different world for herself because what was before her wouldn't do. When I arrived, she created new worlds for me, too.
My grandfather and Harvard anthropologists tag-teamed my education on the Americas and the truth is they agreed on the basic story. First came the Spaniards, and with them the church, then came petroleum, then came cocaine, then came NAFTA, and now we are all fucked.
I ate so well when I was in college. I still sometimes think about how well I ate. I had an ice cream float at almost every dinner. I microwaved brownies and ate them warm with vanilla ice cream. I tried macaroni & cheese and meatloaf for the first time. I can't say that I liked the flavor, but I don't really think American cuisine is about flavor, it's like a stand against communism.
He could not protect. He could not provide. Emasculation at the hands of the state is a very cunning thing for the state to do because men will never see it coming from the state. They'll blame the subjects in their own kingdoms, the women and children to whom they are lords. The only people to whom they are lords.
The problem with being an object of beauty, a beautiful object, is that you exist only when you're looked at and thus to remain alive you must be constantly looked at, the way some sharks need to be in motion to breathe. It feels like a soul death when their eyes are off of you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Racism, Car accident, Death of parent, Classism, Deportation
Moderate: Mental illness, Toxic relationship, Alcohol
Minor: Sexual content
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The Setup: The Silent Patient is a psychological thriller that thrives on suspense, unreliable narration, and a slow (kind of) burning mystery. The novel follows Theo Faber, a psychotherapist determined to uncover the truth behind Alicia Berenson, a famous painter who shot her husband five times in the face and hasn't spoken a word since. As Theo digs deeper into Alicia's past, he unearths a complex web of trauma, deception, and obsession, leading to a twist that reshapes everything the reader believes to be true.
What I Liked: Soooooooooooooo, I am not going to lie - this was compulsively readable. Michaelides crafts a tightly woven mystery that keeps readers turning pages, eager to unlock Alicia's silence. The interplay between psychological insight and narrative tension was well-executed. Additionally, using Alicia's diary as a storytelling device adds depth, allowing readers to piece together her perspective alongside Theo's. I didn't fully guess the twist 100% accurately, but I had it mostly right by the end. Your boy Theo was CLEARLY unwell starting on page 10 - I know an unreliable narrator when I see one and KNEW his character would do some weird stuff. With that said, I somewhat enjoyed the ride to getting to the end. There was a lot of uproar about this book's ending and how it all came together, and while I most certainly have read better, I think this was wrapped up relatively well; I oddly don't have many complaints about it.
What I Didn't Like: My biggest complaint was that the characters, while somewhat intriguing, often felt one-dimensional rather than fully fleshed-out individuals. Outside of Theo and Alicia, the characters were such a snore. I don't want to give any spoilers because I think you should read this book without knowing much about it, but I tended to overthink the plot because I assumed Michaelides would go deeper with character development. I was wrong! Much of this was surface-level writing, which isn't bad, but it made me less connected and invested. That was also my reasoning for rating this in the middle of the road - I didn't care what happened to anyone, and so it ended up feeling more flat than anything else.
While it wasn't the best book in the world, it was like true popcorn reading - I couldn't look away. I'd somewhat recommend it for a super quick mystery read, although prepare yourself for some pretty unlikeable characters and possibly forgetting about this novel quite quickly after you read it.
What I Liked: Soooooooooooooo, I am not going to lie - this was compulsively readable. Michaelides crafts a tightly woven mystery that keeps readers turning pages, eager to unlock Alicia's silence. The interplay between psychological insight and narrative tension was well-executed. Additionally, using Alicia's diary as a storytelling device adds depth, allowing readers to piece together her perspective alongside Theo's. I didn't fully guess the twist 100% accurately, but I had it mostly right by the end.
What I Didn't Like: My biggest complaint was that the characters, while somewhat intriguing, often felt one-dimensional rather than fully fleshed-out individuals. Outside of Theo and Alicia, the characters were such a snore. I don't want to give any spoilers because I think you should read this book without knowing much about it, but I tended to overthink the plot because I assumed Michaelides would go deeper with character development. I was wrong! Much of this was surface-level writing, which isn't bad, but it made me less connected and invested. That was also my reasoning for rating this in the middle of the road - I didn't care what happened to anyone, and so it ended up feeling more flat than anything else.
While it wasn't the best book in the world, it was like true popcorn reading - I couldn't look away. I'd somewhat recommend it for a super quick mystery read, although prepare yourself for some pretty unlikeable characters and possibly forgetting about this novel quite quickly after you read it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Infidelity, Mental illness, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Toxic friendship
Moderate: Alcohol
Minor: Sexual content
Legendborn by Tracy Deonn
Overall, I still thought this was a standout in the YA fantasy genre, blending classic myth with modern themes in a way that feels both timely and timeless. Deonn delivered a powerful, thought-provoking novel. The novel's emotional depth, cultural richness, and gripping plot make it a must-read. I'm looking forward to reading the next one in the series!
***
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.0
The Setup: Legendborn by Tracy Deonn is a thrilling blend of Arthurian myth, Southern Black heritage, and contemporary fantasy, delivering an emotionally charged and action-packed story that stands out in the YA fantasy genre. This novel, the first in The Legendborn Cycle, introduces readers to Bree Matthews, a fiercely resilient protagonist whose journey is as much about grief and identity as it is about magic and secret societies.
After the sudden death of her mother, 16-year-old Bree escapes to a prestigious (yet fictitious for this book, by the way) early college program at UNC-Chapel, hoping for a fresh start. However, her plans are upended when she witnesses a magical attack on campus, leading her to the secretive Legendborn society, those descendants from Arthurian knights tasked with battling supernatural threats.
Bree quickly realizes that there is more to her mother's death than she was led to believe, and her investigation into the Legendborn reveals deep-rooted secrets about her own ancestry and power. As she navigates the rigid traditions of society, one filled with privilege, elitism, and prejudice, she begins to unearth an alternative, hidden history of Black magic and rootcraft, a system of power tied to her maternal lineage. Torn between the Legendborn's rigid hierarchy, and of course a cute boy (duh, it's YA), and the ancestral magic calling to her, Bree must decide where she belongs, all while preparing for an imminent war that could change everything.
What I Loved: First and foremost, Deonn did a phenomenal job deconstructing the Arthurian legend's often whitewashed legacy, introducing a fresh and necessary perspective. On top of the deconstruction, because it wasn't unwoven completely, she also fantastically immersed us in other history, folklore, and contemporary social themes with striking precision. Bree's journey was as much about reclaiming her own narrative as it was about unraveling the mysteries of the Legendborn society.
Secondly, the world-building was intricate and engaging. Though the magic system, especially the Legendborn's hierarchy, could sometimes feel overwhelming with its many rules, ranks, and lore, I still enjoyed it (especially as a high fantasy reader). The world-building complexity ultimately served the novel's themes, reinforcing the exclusivity and gatekeeping that Bree navigated - it was almost as if Bree was learning and possibly getting slightly confused about it all, and we were too, which I appreciated.
Lastly, while I slightly counter this point below, one of the novel's greatest strengths was Bree herself. She was an incredibly well-developed protagonist (almost too much for a 16-year-old). She was sharp, angry, vulnerable, and determined. Her grief over her mother's death was palpable, and Deonn never shied away from showing the messy, complicated ways that loss manifests. The exploration of generational trauma and the way history was rewritten to erase Black voices added layers of intense importance to the story. Everything flowed together, keeping me absolutely hooked from about the 35-50 percent mark.
Why Not Five Stars? While fitting for a 16-year-old protagonist, the romance subplot leaned into familiar YA tropes, including a predictable love triangle. Additionally, I’ve outgrown the “grumpy boy” love interest - being mean isn’t endearing, and I hope Selwyn gets more depth in future books. On the other hand, Nick was refreshingly kind, which some found boring, but I appreciated.
After the sudden death of her mother, 16-year-old Bree escapes to a prestigious (yet fictitious for this book, by the way) early college program at UNC-Chapel, hoping for a fresh start. However, her plans are upended when she witnesses a magical attack on campus, leading her to the secretive Legendborn society, those descendants from Arthurian knights tasked with battling supernatural threats.
Bree quickly realizes that there is more to her mother's death than she was led to believe, and her investigation into the Legendborn reveals deep-rooted secrets about her own ancestry and power. As she navigates the rigid traditions of society, one filled with privilege, elitism, and prejudice, she begins to unearth an alternative, hidden history of Black magic and rootcraft, a system of power tied to her maternal lineage. Torn between the Legendborn's rigid hierarchy, and of course a cute boy (duh, it's YA), and the ancestral magic calling to her, Bree must decide where she belongs, all while preparing for an imminent war that could change everything.
What I Loved: First and foremost, Deonn did a phenomenal job deconstructing the Arthurian legend's often whitewashed legacy, introducing a fresh and necessary perspective. On top of the deconstruction, because it wasn't unwoven completely, she also fantastically immersed us in other history, folklore, and contemporary social themes with striking precision. Bree's journey was as much about reclaiming her own narrative as it was about unraveling the mysteries of the Legendborn society.
Secondly, the world-building was intricate and engaging. Though the magic system, especially the Legendborn's hierarchy, could sometimes feel overwhelming with its many rules, ranks, and lore, I still enjoyed it (especially as a high fantasy reader). The world-building complexity ultimately served the novel's themes, reinforcing the exclusivity and gatekeeping that Bree navigated - it was almost as if Bree was learning and possibly getting slightly confused about it all, and we were too, which I appreciated.
Lastly, while I slightly counter this point below, one of the novel's greatest strengths was Bree herself. She was an incredibly well-developed protagonist (almost too much for a 16-year-old). She was sharp, angry, vulnerable, and determined. Her grief over her mother's death was palpable, and Deonn never shied away from showing the messy, complicated ways that loss manifests. The exploration of generational trauma and the way history was rewritten to erase Black voices added layers of intense importance to the story. Everything flowed together, keeping me absolutely hooked from about the 35-50 percent mark.
Why Not Five Stars? While fitting for a 16-year-old protagonist, the romance subplot leaned into familiar YA tropes, including a predictable love triangle. Additionally, I’ve outgrown the “grumpy boy” love interest - being mean isn’t endearing, and I hope Selwyn gets more depth in future books. On the other hand, Nick was refreshingly kind, which some found boring, but I appreciated.
The book's first quarter felt overwhelmingly YA, heavy on telling rather than showing, and I was initially hesitant. As a 32-year-old reader, I’m picky with YA, and while Bree's youthful impulsiveness occasionally grated on me, I did recognize it’s part of the genre and her journey through grief.
Finally, the ending felt somewhat rushed - not in the action itself, but in the setup. The idea of convincing a group of 16- to 20-year-olds to go against much of what they've been taught stretched believability (vague, because no spoilers!). Despite these flaws, the book remained compelling and kept me hooked.
Overall, I still thought this was a standout in the YA fantasy genre, blending classic myth with modern themes in a way that feels both timely and timeless. Deonn delivered a powerful, thought-provoking novel. The novel's emotional depth, cultural richness, and gripping plot make it a must-read. I'm looking forward to reading the next one in the series!
***
No one wants to hear the real answers. What the Sorry for Your Loss Crowd wants is to feel good about asking the questions.
Some truths only tragedy can teach. The first one I learned is that when people acknowledge your pain, they want your pain to acknowledge them back. They need to witness it in real time, or else you're not doing your part.
She eyes me as if gauging my mood. "'I hate tiny parties - they force one into constant exertion.'" I squint, searching my memories for the familiar words. "Did you - did you just Jane Austen me?"
"The Unsung Founders Memorial. Carolina's way of acknowledging the ensalved and the servants who built this place," she says, her voice wavering between pride and disdain. "We get this memorial, and it's something, I suppose. It was a class gift. Not unimportant. But how can I be at peace when I look down and see that they're still working? You know?" I do know what she means. This type of knowing is an expensive toll to pay. I can't forget the knowledge just because the price is high. And yet, sometimes we have to tuck the reminders away today in order to grow power against them tomorrow.
He was foolish to think that was ever possible. For bigots, it doesn't matter how or why I'm truly here; the fact that I'm here at all is wrong enough.
"Everything has two histories. Especially in the South."
He reaches across the table to take both of my hands in his. "Don't make your life about the loss. Make it about the love."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Mental illness, Racism, Slavery, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Body horror, Rape, Violence, Blood, Car accident, Colonisation, War
Minor: Cursing, Vomit
Rape is implied but not depicted on page. It is brief, but a pivotal point to the story.
The Power Fantasy #1 by Kieron Gillen
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
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? Yes
4.0
The Setup: The Power Fantasy is an ambitious, thought-provoking dive into the nature of power, identity, and the superhero genre itself. This comic crafts a narrative that powerfully explores pop culture's relationship with power.
The story introduces us to an unnamed protagonist who wakes up in a world where he suddenly has absolute power, a type of power superheroes in comics often wield without question. But rather than following the traditional arc of a hero discovering their identity, Gillen takes a darker, more cerebral route. This isn't about saving the day; it's about what happens when power is limitless and when morality becomes blurred, especially when someone realizes they can reshape reality itself.
The narrative leans into philosophical dilemmas as the protagonist wrestles with his newfound omnipotence. What does it mean to have power with no checks or balances? Is power inherently corrupting? Does power reveal the truth of who we are? These questions simmer beneath the surface as the protagonist makes choices that feel both inevitable and deeply unsettling.
What I Loved: Well, to start, visually speaking, the book was striking. The illustrations were dynamic and fluid, bringing an almost cinematic quality to the panels. However, it was also straightforward; nothing is over-glamorized or overwhelming. The comic's design sensibilities added an extra layer of depth, ensuring that each page is intellectually engaging.
Additionally, I always enjoy a comic that poses ethical and moral questions at the very start. This first issue raised profound questions and left readers on the edge, eager to see where the authors and illustrators take their deconstruction of power next. I found it profoundly layered and almost unsettling, as these characters seemed to think the world's destruction is innate because of their powers. I already felt a deep character development.
Why Not Five Stars? This happens in comic issues, so bear with me. While the first issue laid a strong foundation, it posed more questions than answers. It may be essential to develop the story, but I was also very confused. The first issue offered no summary in the beginning to better understand what we're looking at. I think it's almost intentional to go into this without much knowledge about its plot. With that said, I believe a plot here needed to be introduced more. While it didn't sway my review since it was just the first issue, I would have appreciated a bit more of a spelled-out plot to hook me.
Overall, though, I think this is a must-read because it is bold, subversive, and deeply relevant in an age where power, in all its forms, is more scrutinized than ever (and maybe, as it should be).
***
The story introduces us to an unnamed protagonist who wakes up in a world where he suddenly has absolute power, a type of power superheroes in comics often wield without question. But rather than following the traditional arc of a hero discovering their identity, Gillen takes a darker, more cerebral route. This isn't about saving the day; it's about what happens when power is limitless and when morality becomes blurred, especially when someone realizes they can reshape reality itself.
The narrative leans into philosophical dilemmas as the protagonist wrestles with his newfound omnipotence. What does it mean to have power with no checks or balances? Is power inherently corrupting? Does power reveal the truth of who we are? These questions simmer beneath the surface as the protagonist makes choices that feel both inevitable and deeply unsettling.
What I Loved: Well, to start, visually speaking, the book was striking. The illustrations were dynamic and fluid, bringing an almost cinematic quality to the panels. However, it was also straightforward; nothing is over-glamorized or overwhelming. The comic's design sensibilities added an extra layer of depth, ensuring that each page is intellectually engaging.
Additionally, I always enjoy a comic that poses ethical and moral questions at the very start. This first issue raised profound questions and left readers on the edge, eager to see where the authors and illustrators take their deconstruction of power next. I found it profoundly layered and almost unsettling, as these characters seemed to think the world's destruction is innate because of their powers. I already felt a deep character development.
Why Not Five Stars? This happens in comic issues, so bear with me. While the first issue laid a strong foundation, it posed more questions than answers. It may be essential to develop the story, but I was also very confused. The first issue offered no summary in the beginning to better understand what we're looking at. I think it's almost intentional to go into this without much knowledge about its plot. With that said, I believe a plot here needed to be introduced more. While it didn't sway my review since it was just the first issue, I would have appreciated a bit more of a spelled-out plot to hook me.
Overall, though, I think this is a must-read because it is bold, subversive, and deeply relevant in an age where power, in all its forms, is more scrutinized than ever (and maybe, as it should be).
***
Of course, the ethical thing to do is take over the world.
Humanity has always longed for an all-loving god. They've never had it.
Afterwards, we rule as a benevolent duopoly until we work out something better - some kind of psychic quasi-democractic model perhaps?
"I want to tell every Atomic down there to look up and know the truth. That we're here and we love them." "And to tell everyone who isn't: 'We're above you.'"