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athenathestorier's reviews
27 reviews
Outdrawn by Deanna Grey
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.75
I came in expecting a comfort read. And even though more serious topics were explored, that remained the case. In fact, I would say this is among the closest you can get to being fluff without actually being fluff. The climax wasn't overly dramatic, was eased into, and had the foundations for a quick but believable resolution.
As a character-driven reader, I loved the focus that the characters and their relationships got. I really feel like I got to know them. In fact, getting to know Sage felt like looking in a mirror at times - so much so that I wondered if I'd be able to finish the book during this read through. And I'm so glad I did. Because this is what a good relationship (of any type) does: support you, and give you the strength to support yourself as well. Seeing these women grow into more healthy versions of themselves - learning where to put boundaries, learning how to incorporate self-care, and more - made me so soft and happy.
Sage and Noah at first seem like opposites, something their rivalry also paints a picture of. But they're actually very similar. Their fire to pursue their dreams and find success may have different fuel, but they both blaze just as intense. And when put together, that fire ebbs and flares in a fun cycle of steamy, challenging, affectionate, and vulnerable - much as the two of them describe certain moments themselves.
This is an adult romance in way more than just spice. The maturity of these MCs and their relationship is truly goal-worthy. I would gladly recommend this book to anyone seeking a contemporary romance, and I cannot wait to have this standing proudly on my physical bookshelf.
As a character-driven reader, I loved the focus that the characters and their relationships got. I really feel like I got to know them. In fact, getting to know Sage felt like looking in a mirror at times - so much so that I wondered if I'd be able to finish the book during this read through. And I'm so glad I did. Because this is what a good relationship (of any type) does: support you, and give you the strength to support yourself as well. Seeing these women grow into more healthy versions of themselves - learning where to put boundaries, learning how to incorporate self-care, and more - made me so soft and happy.
Sage and Noah at first seem like opposites, something their rivalry also paints a picture of. But they're actually very similar. Their fire to pursue their dreams and find success may have different fuel, but they both blaze just as intense. And when put together, that fire ebbs and flares in a fun cycle of steamy, challenging, affectionate, and vulnerable - much as the two of them describe certain moments themselves.
This is an adult romance in way more than just spice. The maturity of these MCs and their relationship is truly goal-worthy. I would gladly recommend this book to anyone seeking a contemporary romance, and I cannot wait to have this standing proudly on my physical bookshelf.
Rep: Black FMCs, Lesbian FMC, Bisexual FMC, Black supporting characters, subtle gay romance in the background
Memorable Quotes:
Memorable Quotes:
“I am. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.” She gave me a knowing smile. This woman could be fun. Noah was still a bit stiff and had a lot of work to do in terms of her artistic confidence, but she could be fun.
“Once in a lifetime,” I agreed as I stared at her.
Noah tilted her head to the side. “Are you okay?”
“I’m fine. Just…realizing something.”
“That it’s going to be a long six months?”
I nodded. “Something like that.”
“Stop reading into it."
"I'm not reading into anything," I said, even though I was already on the tenth chapter, deep into the footnotes.
“Some of us have to claw our way through the real world, survive any way we can. Sometimes, that survival looks like quitting to the outside."
"I burned myself out. Every dollar I earned I saved because every day was a rainy day. Once you guys saw that, you didn't feel the need to pitch in. You felt safe, T. I was terrified, and you felt safe."
I dragged out her name in a playful tone. The syllables felt good on my tongue. Had her name always felt like this? Like something I could repeat and never get bored of?
“But I’ve always seen you as a human. No matter how good you are at what you do. You know why?” I shook my head, mesmerized by how her lips moved when she insulted me with, “You’re an asshole. Assholes are the most human of us all.”
“But not all those lines I draw are the right ones.”
“How can you tell the right ones from the wrong ones?”
“When you put them down and don’t feel anything,” I said without hesitation.
“I love your laugh.” I cupped her chin, pulling her close so our lips nearly touched. “And your growth. You don’t take shit from anyone. You never should have, especially from me.”
Noah nodded, eyes hooded with warmth and desire. “I know.”
“You’re so beautiful—your body and your determination. Thank you for telling me to fuck off,” I whispered.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Alcoholism, and Biphobia
Not Your Sidekick by C.B. Lee
Did not finish book.
Did not finish book.
There are so many reasons to love this story. The casual rep everywhere, of multiple kinds. The future setting. The superpower premise. The un-superpowered MC looking to find her own place in a family where superpowers and genius is the norm. The fact that it's a sapphic romance.
But unfortunately, I am a character-driven reader. The MC doesn't feel like she has a personality. She has an insecurity (not being good enough for her family), a hobby (watching old and banned US movies - remember, this takes place in the future), and a trait (being unobservant and letting everything brush off her shoulders). But not a personality. In scenes where she's clearly meant to be portraying personality, it feels too forced. I can't connect to her, or many of the other characters for that matter, enough to anchor into a story that should've otherwise ticked all the boxes for me.
I hear that the rest of the series gets better in that regard, so I might pick this up at a later point in time. But right now, I just can't stay immersed nor convince myself to keep going despite that.
But unfortunately, I am a character-driven reader. The MC doesn't feel like she has a personality. She has an insecurity (not being good enough for her family), a hobby (watching old and banned US movies - remember, this takes place in the future), and a trait (being unobservant and letting everything brush off her shoulders). But not a personality. In scenes where she's clearly meant to be portraying personality, it feels too forced. I can't connect to her, or many of the other characters for that matter, enough to anchor into a story that should've otherwise ticked all the boxes for me.
I hear that the rest of the series gets better in that regard, so I might pick this up at a later point in time. But right now, I just can't stay immersed nor convince myself to keep going despite that.
Teen Titans: Raven by Kami Garcia
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Homophobia, Stalking, and Death of parent
Fox 8 by George Saunders
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Violence
Blood Singer by Willow Asteria
Did not finish book. Stopped at 12%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 12%.
The idea was there. But the actual storytelling was too flat.
The Weaving Spider & Moth by Dal Cecil Runo
Did not finish book. Stopped at 33%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 33%.
(I received this book as an ARC in return for my honest review.)
I came in to this book expecting to love it, since I’m a big fan of dreamwalking and astral projection plots and I don’t come across them often. However, I was unable to keep reading this one. Perhaps I might try again, but I simply can not get over a few frustrations at this point in time.
First, a heads up. If you were expecting an adventurous mind-games story, that component is either not present or takes a while to get to. Because the beginning is very much an academia, bullying, and toxic home life novel. One that made me itching for escape alongside our characters, with no reprieve.
I think the first failing was that the book appears to have started off at the wrong point in the story. It kept momentum inconsistent and meandering, and made it hard to stay in the moment with the characters enough to connect with them.
Also, way too many characters, names, and terminology were thrown at me too quickly. I found myself having to cherry pick which things to remember, hoping that the rest will either weed themselves out or fill in as I progress through the story. That was not the case, as more characters and terms were introduced on top of them. And even the search function failed me, as realizing “H.O.D.” was some important distinction that warranted multiple mentions led me to try and figure out what it stands for. Apparently, the acronym is never mentioned alongside what the acronym stands for. So henceforth, they are Harbingers of Destruction.
Between the above frustrations and the frustrations with the main characters’ daily lives (which we are still exploring at 33%), i didn’t find enough pay off to keep me reading. The only 2 scenes that really stuck out to me and I enjoyed were when Tibor shapeshifted during class practices, and when he talked to the clairvoyant girl.
I came in to this book expecting to love it, since I’m a big fan of dreamwalking and astral projection plots and I don’t come across them often. However, I was unable to keep reading this one. Perhaps I might try again, but I simply can not get over a few frustrations at this point in time.
First, a heads up. If you were expecting an adventurous mind-games story, that component is either not present or takes a while to get to. Because the beginning is very much an academia, bullying, and toxic home life novel. One that made me itching for escape alongside our characters, with no reprieve.
I think the first failing was that the book appears to have started off at the wrong point in the story. It kept momentum inconsistent and meandering, and made it hard to stay in the moment with the characters enough to connect with them.
Also, way too many characters, names, and terminology were thrown at me too quickly. I found myself having to cherry pick which things to remember, hoping that the rest will either weed themselves out or fill in as I progress through the story. That was not the case, as more characters and terms were introduced on top of them. And even the search function failed me, as realizing “H.O.D.” was some important distinction that warranted multiple mentions led me to try and figure out what it stands for. Apparently, the acronym is never mentioned alongside what the acronym stands for. So henceforth, they are Harbingers of Destruction.
Between the above frustrations and the frustrations with the main characters’ daily lives (which we are still exploring at 33%), i didn’t find enough pay off to keep me reading. The only 2 scenes that really stuck out to me and I enjoyed were when Tibor shapeshifted during class practices, and when he talked to the clairvoyant girl.
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Body shaming, and Emotional abuse
voyage by Erin Hanson
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Self harm, Suicide, Suicidal thoughts, Emotional abuse, Domestic abuse, Sexual violence, Body shaming, and Misogyny
Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Córdova
adventurous
hopeful
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
4.25
How to describe my experience with Labyrinth Lost? I guess I would say that it had this sort of novelty that was both familiar and new. Much like my experience when I opened the Percy Jackson series for the first time (oof, the nostalgia). The way that myths I was familiar with changed shape and weaved together with myths I was not knowledgeable on and the author-created worldbuilding - it all came together in this vivid new world and carried a well-delivered message of family and belief.
In it, we see our main character Alex struggle with the expectations of her family - magical expectations that scare her to the core. And we notice that all the events that follow her attempt at escape are just as much the fault of her family's toxic positivity as her "selfish" fears. We find out that even though several of her family members have had experiences and feelings similar to our MC, none of them acknowledged it. They didn't address or acknowledge her fears, worries, and trauma. Instead, they dismissed them. "It's a gift," they say, tsking and shaking their heads as they go about their business. And I suppose that it is very fitting that it was the dead that acknowledged that failing, rather than the living who, at least according to the preview for book 2, still have a lot to learn about consequences being for more than just magic. After all, it was our MC's adventure and growth, not her family's.
I loved the worldbuilding and imagery perhaps most of all. I felt like I could see myself there with the characters, and that remained the case from start to finish. I also felt like I had a firm grasp on who all the characters were and what motivated their actions. Character and relationship dynamic writing are two things that tend to take a front seat when I consume stories, and so the fact that I can imaginatively throw our MC into a whole new scenario and feel like I have a firm grasp on what she would do and think is a great indicator of how well she was written to us readers.
And while the sapphic element was a truly extremely welcome surprise (I went in pretty blind) and I found it so very sweet, I felt it was poorly led up tofrom our MC's end . And Rishi didn't have much to her character besides her unwavering devotion to Alex.
Another unfortunate is the fact that the high-tension plot points all fell rather flat. I didn't come out of them like anything was actually done. Of course, perhaps that might have been purposeful - as the climax tension seemed more tied to family acceptance than the defeat of the villain, which I guess would align with the overall message of the book being about the value of family.
Quotes:
"They say El Corazon has two hearts: the black thing in his chest and the one he wears on his sleeve."
"I'm not the encantrix everyone thought I would be. Right now, I'm just a girl, and there is also magic in that."
In it, we see our main character Alex struggle with the expectations of her family - magical expectations that scare her to the core. And we notice that all the events that follow her attempt at escape are just as much the fault of her family's toxic positivity as her "selfish" fears. We find out that even though several of her family members have had experiences and feelings similar to our MC, none of them acknowledged it. They didn't address or acknowledge her fears, worries, and trauma. Instead, they dismissed them. "It's a gift," they say, tsking and shaking their heads as they go about their business. And I suppose that it is very fitting that it was the dead that acknowledged that failing, rather than the living who, at least according to the preview for book 2, still have a lot to learn about consequences being for more than just magic. After all, it was our MC's adventure and growth, not her family's.
I loved the worldbuilding and imagery perhaps most of all. I felt like I could see myself there with the characters, and that remained the case from start to finish. I also felt like I had a firm grasp on who all the characters were and what motivated their actions. Character and relationship dynamic writing are two things that tend to take a front seat when I consume stories, and so the fact that I can imaginatively throw our MC into a whole new scenario and feel like I have a firm grasp on what she would do and think is a great indicator of how well she was written to us readers.
And while the sapphic element was a truly extremely welcome surprise (I went in pretty blind) and I found it so very sweet, I felt it was poorly led up to
Another unfortunate is the fact that the high-tension plot points all fell rather flat. I didn't come out of them like anything was actually done. Of course, perhaps that might have been purposeful - as the climax tension seemed more tied to family acceptance than the defeat of the villain, which I guess would align with the overall message of the book being about the value of family.
Quotes:
"They say El Corazon has two hearts: the black thing in his chest and the one he wears on his sleeve."
"I'm not the encantrix everyone thought I would be. Right now, I'm just a girl, and there is also magic in that."
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Abandonment, Gore, Bullying, and Violence
Minor: Injury/Injury detail, Blood, Body horror, Self harm, and Panic attacks/disorders
Mer Made by S.T. Lynn
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
The story idea was great. I loved this twist on the Little Mermaid tale. Eric is Erika, a black trans woman finding a place of belonging. Ariel, a mermaid princess on a different type of deadline. And both in a sweet, uncomplicated sapphic romance full of straightforward communication.
But the world and plot development was too ambitious for this length. Everything felt too shallow and unorganized to really enjoy, despite the pretty prose and premise.
Quotable quotes:
“An act meant to sever her from the world she’d made for herself and force her back into a shell she couldn’t wear.”
“The steel kept her together when she couldn’t hold herself, an unflinching reminder of who she was.”
“Mute and human, her body wrong in a way she never felt before, now that she knew what the right one was like.”
But the world and plot development was too ambitious for this length. Everything felt too shallow and unorganized to really enjoy, despite the pretty prose and premise.
Quotable quotes:
“An act meant to sever her from the world she’d made for herself and force her back into a shell she couldn’t wear.”
“The steel kept her together when she couldn’t hold herself, an unflinching reminder of who she was.”
“Mute and human, her body wrong in a way she never felt before, now that she knew what the right one was like.”
Content Warnings
Moderate: Dysphoria
Minor: Grief, Sexism, Transphobia, and Death of parent