arecordofki's reviews
189 reviews

Fake Dates and Mooncakes by Sher Lee

funny informative lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I love love love this story! The Singaporean references were so nostalgic to me and I liked that there was absolutely no room for misunderstanding in this story. Theo is so cute and forward and their dynamic as a couple is the worrier x the calm one. It is reminiscent of crazy rich Asians but make it YA and queer. I also loved the families in the book, especially Aunt Jade and his cousins.

ASAP by Axie Oh

funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing 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? No

5.0

I really liked how fun this book was.
It followed every facet of korean entertainment, the characters playing the game in a show similar to running man was my favourite, having cameos in kdramas, and award shows 
The Corset scene absolutely drove me crazy, I loved it!

I did wish that Nathaniel and Sori had spent more time in their situation before everything proceeded past that, it would have been nice to see more interactions with each other rather than with Sori and Haemi

A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske

adventurous funny 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

4.0

This book was initially hard to follow in the beginning but after a few chapters  everything did begin to fall into place. I can't say I understand the magic system EXTREMELY well, but I was able to get a general grasp of it. The main conflict is what I'm still a little confused about, because it isn't very clear if it is a "conflict" ?? (

magical assembly authorised this Last Contract project but the two mmcs are stopping it out of self-righteousness? So its technically a legal investigation?

)

I did adore the dynamics between Robin and Edwin, and my favourite was the relationship the Blyth siblings had with one another. It was a different type of fantasy to read and I enjoyed every moment!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying

Most Ardently: A Pride & Prejudice Remix by Gabe Cole Novoa

hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-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 learnt a lot about transgender identities through this book and it was very insightful to be placed in the shoes of someone who is forced to be closeted. I liked that not only was Oliver the main character with a queer identity, but that supporting characters like Charlotte were also introduced to be lesbian and Darcy as gay. 
Maybe because it followed the traditional pride and prejudice storyline, I did find some of the story a bit predictable, but i enjoyed how it slightly deviated from the original plotline.
I am kind of sad we didn't get to know more about Charlotte and Lou, as after Charlotte got married their story was buried immediately. 
It would have also been quite nice to see more of Oliver presenting himself in various situations rather than short little snippets, (like more adventures he had with Darcy would have been nice!)
Overall, it was a relaxing read and very comforting, I'm happy I got the chance to read this.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Deadnaming, Transphobia

Moderate: Misogyny

Dragonfruit by Makiia Lucier
Did not finish book. Stopped at 73%.

Found out a spoiler about the death of an animal companion and that was just way too distressing to read. The dragons being harmed in the book was painful to read/listen to

Sorcery of Thorns by Margaret Rogerson

adventurous challenging emotional funny inspiring mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Man this was so action packed in the most unexpected way ever, my heart was going crazy. Also man, why are women always getting brushed off all the time it infuriates me so much 

Evocation by S.T. Gibson

adventurous dark emotional hopeful lighthearted 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

4.75

I didn't know how the relationships would develop in this book and had heard so many good things about St. Gibson and was uncertain if they would be a favourite of mine. Was pleasantly surprised by how amazing the story and characters were in this book! I love love LOVED Moira and David's friendship the most 

Kiss Hard by Nalini Singh

funny inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

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

3.75

Nalini Singh is always an amazing writer but for some reason the story between Danny and Catie felt a bit bland for me, I wish we got more about their fake dating and just more building of their relationship. 

Rock Hard by Nalini Singh

emotional funny lighthearted relaxing 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

The Simple Wild by K.A. Tucker

emotional funny reflective sad 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

Surprisingly I quite enjoyed this book! It features a somewhat spoilt city girl vs a rugged alaskan pilot and what I wasn't ready for was the amount of indigenous references to the communities in Alaska! It was pleasant to read about and I loved the character growth as well

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Cancer, Grief, Death of parent

Minor: Medical content, Injury/Injury detail