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bkwrm1317's reviews
206 reviews
Angels Before Man by Rafael Nicolás
Did not finish book. Stopped at 71%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 71%.
Was reading this book for Indie Ink 2023-24 for the "Writing the Future We Need: Latinx/e Representation by a Latine/x Author." At 71% of the way through the novel, there were exceedingly brief mentions of skin color, and one reference to drinking yerba mate (the only direct reference to Latinidad to that point in the novel). Otherwise, there were no real references to Latinidad/Latine identity, so this book did not feel a good fit for this category.
At nearly 3/4 of the way through the novel, I preferred to spend my time for Indie Ink on other novels that needed additional readers and might fit the category better.
At nearly 3/4 of the way through the novel, I preferred to spend my time for Indie Ink on other novels that needed additional readers and might fit the category better.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Self harm, and Violence
Minor: Animal cruelty and Animal death
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Solid middle of the line read for me.
I really enjoyed some of the twists and turns of Addie's story, her history with Luc, and Henry's involvement in her story. The insight we get into Luc with Henry's story is also really interesting.
That said, this one didn't knock my socks off, as most really hyped up books end up being for me, but it's still worth the read for folks who enjoy Schwab, and who enjoy tropes of strong femme protags, women bucking the expectations of their times in historical fiction/fantasy, etc.
I really enjoyed some of the twists and turns of Addie's story, her history with Luc, and Henry's involvement in her story. The insight we get into Luc with Henry's story is also really interesting.
That said, this one didn't knock my socks off, as most really hyped up books end up being for me, but it's still worth the read for folks who enjoy Schwab, and who enjoy tropes of strong femme protags, women bucking the expectations of their times in historical fiction/fantasy, etc.
Goliath by Tochi Onyebuchi
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Bit of a challenging read - very dystopian. I am interested in the content itself, the concepts that Onyebuchi is tackling, etc. But this particular approach to the topic was hard for me. The slow pacing was something I didn't pay enough attention to ahead of reading it either, so this one was one I had to pick up and put down a few times since I so often struggle with slow-paced novels.
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Things got a little bit dragged out in this second book in the series, in my opinion, but I still enjoyed. Writing was solid. Loved our protagonist coming more into herself/her abilities in this novel.
Unfortunately, I felt that the protagonist's relationship was a bit toxic/started to feel a little toxic.
Unfortunately, I felt that the protagonist's relationship was a bit toxic/started to feel a little toxic.
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Okay this author better not be problematic or messed up because THIS BOOK.
I can get behind an enemies to lovers trope but this one was such a good slow little burn for the first chunk of the book while we got to know Violet. Xaden is HOT so I’m also glad this is a series. I felt like no way this could be a standalone. Definitely need to know what happens to them all, and more about this conspiracy VI’s dad apparently tried to warn her about. Whewwww!
I can get behind an enemies to lovers trope but this one was such a good slow little burn for the first chunk of the book while we got to know Violet. Xaden is HOT so I’m also glad this is a series. I felt like no way this could be a standalone. Definitely need to know what happens to them all, and more about this conspiracy VI’s dad apparently tried to warn her about. Whewwww!
The Goblin Emperor by Katherine Addison
emotional
funny
hopeful
sad
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
4.5
Really solid read. I’m glad I dug this one out from the innards of my TBR.
Some of the Elvin/Goblin names and
honorifics are a bit challenging (guide at the end of the book), especially at first, but context clues will provide most of the needed information.
Sweet half-goblin Maia, youngest son of the emperor, unexpectedly has to take the throne after the death of his father and elder brothers. What ensues is full of politicking, class difference, xenophobia, and other adventures as Maia gets acquainted with court.
While not a traditional coming of age tale, Maia does come into himself in his time at court, and becomes much more confident in his knowledge and abilities.
Re: racism and xenophobia - these are directed negatively towards Goblins in the novels due to Elvin racism and sense of racial superiority.
Some of the Elvin/Goblin names and
honorifics are a bit challenging (guide at the end of the book), especially at first, but context clues will provide most of the needed information.
Sweet half-goblin Maia, youngest son of the emperor, unexpectedly has to take the throne after the death of his father and elder brothers. What ensues is full of politicking, class difference, xenophobia, and other adventures as Maia gets acquainted with court.
While not a traditional coming of age tale, Maia does come into himself in his time at court, and becomes much more confident in his knowledge and abilities.
Re: racism and xenophobia - these are directed negatively towards Goblins in the novels due to Elvin racism and sense of racial superiority.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Racism, and Xenophobia
Dark Matter by Blake Crouch
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Wow. This one hit me like a ton of bricks. I think a lot due to the quantum entanglement-ness of our protagonist and his wife as he goes on one of the strangest journeys a character could engage in, but also because it makes one think (as all the best SF does) not only on the human experience externally, but also introspectively.
His love for his wife and dedication to finding her again made me miss my own love, wherever he may be among the stars.
"...I remember how the wine had stained your lips. I've always known, on a purely intellectual level, that our separateness and isolation are an illusion. We're all made of the same thing--the blown-out pieces of matter formed in the fires of dead stars. I've just never felt that knowledge in my bones until that moment, there, with you. And it's because of you.
Yes, maybe I just want to get laid, but I also wonder if this sense of entanglement might be evidence of something deeper. This line of thinking I wisely keep to myself..." p 245
"...Being with Daniela isn't like being home.
It defines home.
I remember thinking that the first time I made love to her fifteen years ago. Thinking that I'd found something I didn't even know I'd been searching for.
It holds even more true tonight as the hardwood floor groans softly beneath us and the moonlight steals between the break in the curtains just enough to light her face as her mouth opens and her head tilts back and she whispers, so urgently, my name."
His love for his wife and dedication to finding her again made me miss my own love, wherever he may be among the stars.
Yes, maybe I just want to get laid, but I also wonder if this sense of entanglement might be evidence of something deeper. This line of thinking I wisely keep to myself..." p 245
"...Being with Daniela isn't like being home.
It defines home.
I remember thinking that the first time I made love to her fifteen years ago. Thinking that I'd found something I didn't even know I'd been searching for.
It holds even more true tonight as the hardwood floor groans softly beneath us and the moonlight steals between the break in the curtains just enough to light her face as her mouth opens and her head tilts back and she whispers, so urgently, my name."
An Unreliable Magic by Rin Chupeco
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
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? No
4.0
Solidly enjoyable read by Chupeco. It’s been years since I read the first book in this series but glad to be back to it now. Intrigued to see where book 3 will take Tala and the whole crew.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Homophobia
Sorrowland by Rivers Solomon
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I really enjoyed Sorrowland. It is dark and haunting, and will stretch your mind a la body horror and science fiction.
Sorrowland follows Vern, a young woman many months pregnant by the leader of the religious community where she grew up. She escapes to the woods, where she creates a life for herself and her two infants as they grow into young children.
Vern's body begins to shift and morph, as she becomes ill, and she must leave the forest to determine what the illness is. In leaving the woods, Vern's two children quickly learn of the world outside of the woods, and bring her into contact with new found family. Vern learns of the secrets of the compound where she was raised and their connection to her health condition. What unfolds next is a journey of self-discovery, love, and found family.
Sorrowland follows Vern, a young woman many months pregnant by the leader of the religious community where she grew up. She escapes to the woods, where she creates a life for herself and her two infants as they grow into young children.
Vern's body begins to shift and morph, as she becomes ill, and she must leave the forest to determine what the illness is. In leaving the woods, Vern's two children quickly learn of the world outside of the woods, and bring her into contact with new found family. Vern learns of the secrets of the compound where she was raised and their connection to her health condition. What unfolds next is a journey of self-discovery, love, and found family.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Homophobia, and Violence
How to Sell a Haunted House by Grady Hendrix
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
When two siblings parents die in a car crash, it turns out there’s some weird family secrets and puppets that were connected.
Bit funny, fairly compelling, but a bit more disjointed than I’d have liked. Decent comedy horror.
Bit funny, fairly compelling, but a bit more disjointed than I’d have liked. Decent comedy horror.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore, Violence, and Blood
Minor: Car accident and Death of parent