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alicia_ann_reads's reviews
483 reviews
Disintegrate/Dissociate by Arielle Twist
challenging
dark
slow-paced
I can't really rate poetry because I read it from the perspective of someone who has absolutely no idea what would constitute good poetry.
I chose this book for the poetry prompt in a diverse and trans author challenge I am in.
I can tell that there is a lot of raw emotion in these words. Many of them were hard to read.
TW: Graphic sexual depictions, both positive and negative.
I chose this book for the poetry prompt in a diverse and trans author challenge I am in.
I can tell that there is a lot of raw emotion in these words. Many of them were hard to read.
TW: Graphic sexual depictions, both positive and negative.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Sexual harassment
Good Omens: The Nice and Accurate Prophecies of Agnes Nutter, Witch by Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
This review is purely for the full cast audiobook.
I first read this book 20 years ago? I loved it then, such a hilariously written book with a pretty decent theme.
This production really brought it to life, and I laughed so much. I mean as far as content goes, it hasn't aged the best, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it might be.
All in all a good trip down memory lane!
I first read this book 20 years ago? I loved it then, such a hilariously written book with a pretty decent theme.
This production really brought it to life, and I laughed so much. I mean as far as content goes, it hasn't aged the best, but it wasn't as bad as I thought it might be.
All in all a good trip down memory lane!
Evocation by S.T. Gibson
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
4.25
I absolutely loved the characters, and the relationship dynamic and how it was built up slowly was done really well.
I seriously appreciated how the dynamic worked. And I loved how the magical elements played in it.
On the magical elements, the atmosphere was dark and moody and I loved the use of occult, and ultimately how the story played out with the demon/devil.
I will say though that the devil aspect is what started out in the story and then there was a big chunk in the middle where more attention and focus was put on the relationship that I kind of forgot about it for awhile.
I felt like there could have been a greater sense of urgency in that regard, and it's speaking of the times between character interactions where "weeks went by" and they each worked hard/got lost at their jobs... And there were several like this.
Aside from that issue it was really enjoyable!
Thank you to Angry Robot for the advanced copy!
I seriously appreciated how the dynamic worked. And I loved how the magical elements played in it.
On the magical elements, the atmosphere was dark and moody and I loved the use of occult, and ultimately how the story played out with the demon/devil.
I will say though that the devil aspect is what started out in the story and then there was a big chunk in the middle where more attention and focus was put on the relationship that I kind of forgot about it for awhile.
I felt like there could have been a greater sense of urgency in that regard, and it's speaking of the times between character interactions where "weeks went by" and they each worked hard/got lost at their jobs... And there were several like this.
Aside from that issue it was really enjoyable!
Thank you to Angry Robot for the advanced copy!
Into the Bright Open: A Secret Garden Remix by Cherie Dimaline
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.25
This was such a sweet story! A Sapphic Indigenous retelling of the Secret Garden! l'd say it's more middle grade than YA, especially considering the MCs have both been incredibly sheltered. Listened via audiobook and the narration helped keep the story going and the narrator did the different voices/ accents well which really helped.
The Free People's Village by Sim Kern
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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
5.0
This is such an excellent book. Especially as a white woman learning activism, and being an ally.
This book parallels the human rights and political struggles we face today, and takes a real look at the ripple effect your actions can have, both positive and negative.
The characters are all flawed, just as we are in life, and they don't win every battle, but through this story you can take away a little piece of hope.
TW: Drugs and alcohol abuse, sexual assault, racism, death of a loved one, incarceration.
This book parallels the human rights and political struggles we face today, and takes a real look at the ripple effect your actions can have, both positive and negative.
The characters are all flawed, just as we are in life, and they don't win every battle, but through this story you can take away a little piece of hope.
TW: Drugs and alcohol abuse, sexual assault, racism, death of a loved one, incarceration.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Racism
Moderate: Sexual assault
A Woman Is No Man by Etaf Rum
challenging
emotional
sad
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? Yes
5.0
This author did a phenomenal job navigating cyclical daily trauma and domestic violence. The book is written from 3 POVs and generations of Palestinian-Americans in the 70's and mid-late 2000's.
The audiobook narrators were incredibly compelling and sucked you right in.
Disclaimer: This is one author drawing on their personal experience and is not a reflection of all Arab families. As you read this book, keep that in mind.
The audiobook narrators were incredibly compelling and sucked you right in.
Disclaimer: This is one author drawing on their personal experience and is not a reflection of all Arab families. As you read this book, keep that in mind.
All the Stars and Teeth by Adalyn Grace
adventurous
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
3.75
I enjoyed this one! Had a bit of a slow start, and the main character was full of herself but she did have some good growth.
I enjoyed the magic system, and where the plot went.
I enjoyed the magic system, and where the plot went.
Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology by Shane Hawk, Theodore C. Van Alst Jr.
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
This was a fantastic anthology!
4.5 Actual rating, there was one I couldn't read as it felt like one run on sentence and my mind could not make sense of it.
There were definitely stories in here I found very hard to read because of the content, or gore but that doesn't make them not good. I just don't usually read that kind of stuff.
4.5 Actual rating, there was one I couldn't read as it felt like one run on sentence and my mind could not make sense of it.
There were definitely stories in here I found very hard to read because of the content, or gore but that doesn't make them not good. I just don't usually read that kind of stuff.
Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert
funny
lighthearted
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
Read via audiobook.
I loved this! Not Christmasy, but it's been on my TBR for awhile. Cute Rom Com with amazing diverse, plus size and disability rep.
There was something about it that didn't make it 5 stars but I can't quite name it, but it was enough not to derail anything and I laughed a lot!
I loved this! Not Christmasy, but it's been on my TBR for awhile. Cute Rom Com with amazing diverse, plus size and disability rep.
There was something about it that didn't make it 5 stars but I can't quite name it, but it was enough not to derail anything and I laughed a lot!
Midnight in Everwood by M.A. Kuzniar
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
I really enjoyed the atmosphere of this book, and it's play on the Nutcracker (from what I remember of it)
Some parts though felt rushed.. there was a lot of build up, but then the story Arc.. well actually both of the face offs with the bad guys seemed.. too easy? I dunno.
I didn't really believe the underlying love story, and the random fade to black at the end didn't go.
But the vibes were good.
Some parts though felt rushed.. there was a lot of build up, but then the story Arc.. well actually both of the face offs with the bad guys seemed.. too easy? I dunno.
I didn't really believe the underlying love story, and the random fade to black at the end didn't go.
But the vibes were good.