benji_dw's reviews
31 reviews

Heartstopper Volume 2 by Alice Oseman

emotional funny hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character

5.0

Heartstopper Volume 1 by Alice Oseman

emotional funny hopeful 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? It's complicated

5.0

The 99% Invisible City: A Field Guide to the Hidden World of Everyday Design by Roman Mars, Kurt Kohlstedt

informative relaxing fast-paced

4.5

Does what you want a non-fiction to do -- takes everyday things and tells you great stories about them. 

How to Become a Planet by Nicole Melleby

emotional reflective sad 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

Powerful coming of age story about a neuro-divergent young person.

Children of Ruin by Adrian Tchaikovsky

informative mysterious reflective medium-paced

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

3.5

Solid sequel. Doesn't capture the lightning in a bottle that is Children of Time. A book I had to get through and didn't go on to recommend.

Children of Time by Adrian Tchaikovsky

informative mysterious reflective 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? It's complicated

4.5

Great science fiction for a man to have written. Fun idea at the heart of the plot carried to an epic conclusion. This book stands on its own if you don't want to read the entire series.

A Desolation Called Peace by Arkady Martine

adventurous challenging hopeful informative inspiring mysterious 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? It's complicated

5.0

Epic conclusion to the doulogy Arkady Martine began with A Memory called Empire. 

Really cool how threads from the first book come to matter as the futuristic Mayan Empire in space confronts an enemy it can't communicate with. 

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Content Warnings

Minor: Xenophobia

The World We Make by N.K. Jemisin

adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective 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

Brilliant sequel that brings this doulogy home. I respect and love a sequel that could have been a trilogy but the author has restraint and keeps the story where it should be.

If you loved The City We Became this story goes deep into the mythos and brings everyone to an epic conclusion.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Police brutality and Violence

Minor: Drug abuse

The City We Became by N.K. Jemisin

adventurous emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring mysterious reflective 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? It's complicated

5.0

Incredible start to a doulogy. Hilarious but profound modern fantasy. I recommend it to everyone.

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Content Warnings

Minor: Police brutality, Drug use, Addiction, and Racism

The Deluge by Stephen Markley

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective 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? It's complicated

5.0

Amazing book blending sci-fi and climate change realities. Their journey is beautifully orchestrated. It brings you in and takes you on an epic journey.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Suicide attempt, Mass/school shootings, Drug abuse, Sexual assault, Cancer, Suicide, Forced institutionalization, Domestic abuse, Drug use, and Sexual violence