arcadelove's reviews
55 reviews

I'll Take Everything You Have by James Klise

5.0

Heavenly Tyrant by Xiran Jay Zhao

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.25

Really struggled to rate this one. I was a HUGE fan of Iron Widow, had this one on pre-order and everything. It was quite a book to get through, very lengthy, a lot of things happening. (Trying to avoid spoilers here.) I felt as though some things had too much time spent on them, and others not enough.

But it was the last part that truly felt like a let down. I expected the twist, but

the way it sets up the future of the series is not wholly my cup of tea. It was such a jarring shift.

I will be reading book 3 when it releases.

Some spoilers:

Felt there were too many times that characters developed and then regressed. Many jarring moments that felt incredibly out of left field. I also feel like the Iron Widows that Zetian wanted to recruit were not utilized enough.

Overall, I wanted to love this book way more than I did.

I Think Our Son Is Gay, Vol. 05 by Okura

hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Homophobia

A few homophobic moments

but it ends happily.

I am Elijah Thrush by James Purdy
Did not finish book. Stopped at 33%.

Uncomfortable. Despite the main character/narrator being a black man, the author is white, and chose to use a slur (hard r) - the character speaking about himself.

Chef's Kiss by Jarrett Melendez

funny hopeful lighthearted 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 one of THE cutest graphic novels I've read in my life. The main characters were really easy to root for, even though they could be frustrating! Absolutely adorable.

Godslayers by Zoe Hana Mikuta

4.75

Night Sky with Exit Wounds by Ocean Vuong

challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

5.0

Beautiful collection. "Seventh Circle of Earth" in particular made me think a lot. It's haunting. Art is amazing.

Tomb Raider Volume 1: Season of the Witch by Gail Simone
Did not finish book. Stopped at 22%.

Gearbreakers by Zoe Hana Mikuta

adventurous dark emotional 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

5.0

Horror Movie by Paul Tremblay
Did not finish book. Stopped at 14%.

I can't tell if I don't like the main character or if it's just the narrator. Either way, very grating and bored sounding.