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btwnprintedpgs's reviews
1302 reviews
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Sexism, and Classism
Moderate: Bullying, Child death, Death, Sexual content, Torture, Violence, Blood, Murder, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Homophobia, Rape, Transphobia, and Kidnapping
All My Rage by Sabaa Tahir
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Bullying, Racism, Islamophobia, and Death of parent
Moderate: Addiction, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Physical abuse, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Pregnancy
The Boy You Always Wanted by Michelle Quach
challenging
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
The classic story of the MMC learning empathy, and the FMC being told by everyone, including the MMC, that she's too much and too weird.
I really liked Francine - despite her inability to stay out of people's business, she always meant well with her efforts to help others. She definitely felt neuro-divergent coded, especially when it came to social cues and context, but she was always well-intentioned and generally kind.
Ollie, however, was not. For the first 30% of the book, from his POV, he's always saying how weird she is, how he wants to avoid her at all cost. Even as he starts to fall for her, he laments on his general instinct to run when she starts in his direction. It's just not giving green flag boyfriend. One could say that it's his own familial problems that lend themself to this attitude, but no - it's 100% him. His familial problems gave him a toxic view of what it means to be a man, but it didn't tell him to be mean to the girl who tries to be nice to him. I was 0% on board with their relationship and the speed at which it progressed.
I liked the overall story - how it talked about breaking down some of the long held, sexist beliefs of this family (and the majority like them), as well as sharing Vietnamese food culture and history. I understand why Ollie and Francine's POVs were both shown - Ollie with more of the "we don't talk" and "men can't show emotions" kind of family, while Francine had a more, "our door is always open to the community" and "family helps family" kind of family. I think both were important to show, I just don't know if this was the story to show it.
One thing I loved a lot was how involved Jiya and Rollo were in their friendships with Francine and Ollie respectively. I liked that they had their own little thing going on the side too, especially with Jiya's art.
All in all, there was a lot I liked, but a lot I didn't (mainly Ollie's lack of story arc, and the fact that a few key conversations seemed to be missing). I'm not sure who the target audience would be for this, as I feel the message isn't really as strong as it could've been for either side. That being said, this could be a great read for someone who carries too much on their shoulders, as they may identify well with Francine.
TW: sexism, bullying, cancer, pig dissection for biology class; mentions death of a parent
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 3/5
World Building: 3/5
Writing: 4/5
Pacing: 3/5
Overall: 3/5
eARC gifted via Edelweiss by Katherine Tegen Books via HarperCollins Canada in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked Francine - despite her inability to stay out of people's business, she always meant well with her efforts to help others. She definitely felt neuro-divergent coded, especially when it came to social cues and context, but she was always well-intentioned and generally kind.
Ollie, however, was not. For the first 30% of the book, from his POV, he's always saying how weird she is, how he wants to avoid her at all cost. Even as he starts to fall for her, he laments on his general instinct to run when she starts in his direction. It's just not giving green flag boyfriend. One could say that it's his own familial problems that lend themself to this attitude, but no - it's 100% him. His familial problems gave him a toxic view of what it means to be a man, but it didn't tell him to be mean to the girl who tries to be nice to him. I was 0% on board with their relationship and the speed at which it progressed.
I liked the overall story - how it talked about breaking down some of the long held, sexist beliefs of this family (and the majority like them), as well as sharing Vietnamese food culture and history. I understand why Ollie and Francine's POVs were both shown - Ollie with more of the "we don't talk" and "men can't show emotions" kind of family, while Francine had a more, "our door is always open to the community" and "family helps family" kind of family. I think both were important to show, I just don't know if this was the story to show it.
One thing I loved a lot was how involved Jiya and Rollo were in their friendships with Francine and Ollie respectively. I liked that they had their own little thing going on the side too, especially with Jiya's art.
All in all, there was a lot I liked, but a lot I didn't (mainly Ollie's lack of story arc, and the fact that a few key conversations seemed to be missing). I'm not sure who the target audience would be for this, as I feel the message isn't really as strong as it could've been for either side. That being said, this could be a great read for someone who carries too much on their shoulders, as they may identify well with Francine.
TW: sexism, bullying, cancer, pig dissection for biology class; mentions death of a parent
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 3/5
World Building: 3/5
Writing: 4/5
Pacing: 3/5
Overall: 3/5
eARC gifted via Edelweiss by Katherine Tegen Books via HarperCollins Canada in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Sexism
Moderate: Animal death and Cancer
Minor: Death of parent
The Mirror Season by Anna-Marie McLemore
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
5.0
My heart hurts so much omg. I'll review this after I stop crying.
---
This was my first Anna-Marie McLemore book, and I am officially a fan. I own two of their other books and I'm so excited to pick them up now.
The Mirror Season is heavy - it begins with our MC Ciela bringing an unknown-to-her boy to the hospital after he was drugged and they were both sexual assaulted in separate rooms. From there, we see how the system fails minorities and the poor; how keeping traumatic events to yourself slice into you slowly and begin to affect who you are; and how you build guards around yourself, both physically and mentally, in the aftermath. Everything about this book is so raw and heartbreaking, and knowing that it's a story that was born from personal experience makes it that much more valuable and important.
As the past unravels itself to us, and as Ciela opens up to more people, we see how her support systems lift her up. I loved her relationship with her family, and Lock's with his, and how they help these two kids navigate the worst the world has the offer. I know this isn't true for all, but I hope this book helps at least a few victims of sexual assault and rape open up to those they trust to help them.
Her and Lock's relationship, with all it's complications, was so amazing too. How they helped to build each other back up, the areas of conflict and how they manage it, and the healing they bring to each other. It was all so thoughtfully written and with such care. I want to give them both a hug.
This book is healing and hopeful and my heart hurts just thinking about it. One of my favourite books of the year, for sure.
Rep: Latina MC and family
TW: rape, sexual assault, sexual violence, lesbophobia, panphobia, racism, bullying, injury detail, blood
---
This was my first Anna-Marie McLemore book, and I am officially a fan. I own two of their other books and I'm so excited to pick them up now.
The Mirror Season is heavy - it begins with our MC Ciela bringing an unknown-to-her boy to the hospital after he was drugged and they were both sexual assaulted in separate rooms. From there, we see how the system fails minorities and the poor; how keeping traumatic events to yourself slice into you slowly and begin to affect who you are; and how you build guards around yourself, both physically and mentally, in the aftermath. Everything about this book is so raw and heartbreaking, and knowing that it's a story that was born from personal experience makes it that much more valuable and important.
As the past unravels itself to us, and as Ciela opens up to more people, we see how her support systems lift her up. I loved her relationship with her family, and Lock's with his, and how they help these two kids navigate the worst the world has the offer. I know this isn't true for all, but I hope this book helps at least a few victims of sexual assault and rape open up to those they trust to help them.
Her and Lock's relationship, with all it's complications, was so amazing too. How they helped to build each other back up, the areas of conflict and how they manage it, and the healing they bring to each other. It was all so thoughtfully written and with such care. I want to give them both a hug.
This book is healing and hopeful and my heart hurts just thinking about it. One of my favourite books of the year, for sure.
Rep: Latina MC and family
TW: rape, sexual assault, sexual violence, lesbophobia, panphobia, racism, bullying, injury detail, blood
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Lesbophobia
Moderate: Bullying, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
The Mindf*ck Series by S.T. Abby
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
fast-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? No
4.5
Chaotic dark fun. I was so invested in this series, and I'm so happy I finally jumped in. It wasn't perfect, but it was a darn good time.
Some of the expounding about souls was a bit too much in places, and I didn't love his reaction in the cabin cause wow what a terrible move, but otherwise, this series was addictive, fast-paced, and a wild ride. I was giving her a standing ovation everytime a man was murdered, because what the actual f is wrong with that town, holy heck.
Cathartic story supporting women's wrongs. Loved it.
TW: gore, body horror, death, murder, injury detail, violence, torture, blood, vomit, sexual assault, sexual harassment, rape, child abuse, physical abuse, pedophilia, child/adult relationship, castration, homophobia, religious trauma, misogyny, death of a parent, gun violence, stalking; mentions domestic abuse, alcohol, car accident, fire/fire injury, emotional abuse
Some of the expounding about souls was a bit too much in places, and I didn't love his reaction in the cabin cause wow what a terrible move, but otherwise, this series was addictive, fast-paced, and a wild ride. I was giving her a standing ovation everytime a man was murdered, because what the actual f is wrong with that town, holy heck.
Cathartic story supporting women's wrongs. Loved it.
TW: gore, body horror, death, murder, injury detail, violence, torture, blood, vomit, sexual assault, sexual harassment, rape, child abuse, physical abuse, pedophilia, child/adult relationship, castration, homophobia, religious trauma, misogyny, death of a parent, gun violence, stalking; mentions domestic abuse, alcohol, car accident, fire/fire injury, emotional abuse
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Death, Gore, Homophobia, Misogyny, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Religious bigotry, Murder, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Gun violence, Pedophilia, Stalking, and Death of parent
Minor: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Suicide, Car accident, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol
A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
A Study in Drowning is an impeccable study in world building - the writing is atmospheric and full, while also filling you full of dread. It was definitely one of those books where you think, "I'm not happy to be here, but I'm intrigued. Proceed." The uncomfy feeling that sat on my chest through this story made it harder to read, but the writing made it hard to look away. It was an interesting reading experience for sure.
While I loved the premise of the story and the tidbits of magic and horror that we get, I feel like much of the problems the characters run into are solved too easily. Need to find proof of something? Go from point A to point B and tada - it's right there waiting for them. A lot of things felt too convenient which often pulled me out of the story.
Additionally, the romance felt too quick. Effy is so rude to Preston when he, objectively, has done nothing to actually offend her. They weren't rivals, really, Effy was just a classist B who needed someone to yell at since everyone else was a misogynistic a-hole. I didn't like her a lot because of that, and their declarations of feelings came much too fast when that was the base of their relationship. It was not for me, honestly.
I did love the overall message. It didn't feel preachy - in fact, it felt magical and I loved that. The way Ava Reid weaved together the story and connected all the dots at the end was absolutely brilliant and I almost wish we could've scrapped the whole romance plot for more depth into the magic of the world.
All in all, this was a solid read, but the stakes for the obstacles they faced (other than a few obvious big ones) felt so low and too easy. I wish there was a bit more meat to those aspects, but enjoyed the book as a whole.
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 3.5/5
World Building: 5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Pacing: 3/5
Overall: 3.5/5
TW: misogyny, sexism, sexual harassment, sexual assault, grief, injury detail, PTSD, mental illness, emotional abuse, blood; mentions death of a parent, abandonment, adult/minor relationship, xenophobia
eARC gifted via NetGalley by HarperTeen in exchange for an honest review.
While I loved the premise of the story and the tidbits of magic and horror that we get, I feel like much of the problems the characters run into are solved too easily. Need to find proof of something? Go from point A to point B and tada - it's right there waiting for them. A lot of things felt too convenient which often pulled me out of the story.
Additionally, the romance felt too quick. Effy is so rude to Preston when he, objectively, has done nothing to actually offend her. They weren't rivals, really, Effy was just a classist B who needed someone to yell at since everyone else was a misogynistic a-hole. I didn't like her a lot because of that, and their declarations of feelings came much too fast when that was the base of their relationship. It was not for me, honestly.
I did love the overall message. It didn't feel preachy - in fact, it felt magical and I loved that. The way Ava Reid weaved together the story and connected all the dots at the end was absolutely brilliant and I almost wish we could've scrapped the whole romance plot for more depth into the magic of the world.
All in all, this was a solid read, but the stakes for the obstacles they faced (other than a few obvious big ones) felt so low and too easy. I wish there was a bit more meat to those aspects, but enjoyed the book as a whole.
Plot: 3/5
Characters: 3.5/5
World Building: 5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Pacing: 3/5
Overall: 3.5/5
TW: misogyny, sexism, sexual harassment, sexual assault, grief, injury detail, PTSD, mental illness, emotional abuse, blood; mentions death of a parent, abandonment, adult/minor relationship, xenophobia
eARC gifted via NetGalley by HarperTeen in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual assault, Grief, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Death of parent, and Abandonment
The Fortunes of Jaded Women: A Novel by Carolyn Huynh
challenging
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
What an amazing depiction of generational trauma. I don't think I've seen it so well presented before, but this book nails it. Between well meaning mothers, fractured relationships, and quotes and experiences that haunt them and dictate their actions, these characters had a lot to overcome.
There were a lot of characters to keep track of - one grandmother, four sisters, and eight grown children - and while at time it was a bit disorienting keeping track of them all, the author did a great job reiterating who they were and how they fit out in the family, as well as showing their personality and dreams during their chapters. I loved how each one took away something different from their mothers, their lives influenced by moments or parents quotes that haunt them - it really showed how the past really does affect present mentality. It made it easy to understand why they were the way they were and how they were trying to get themselves out of the cycle and break it. I loved everyone's growth through the novel, and I found it amazing that we got to see them all grow and change in such a short time, but also in such a (mostly, helped by a bit of myth and magic) realistic way.
I also love the dynamics within the community - the gossiping, the meddling, the overlapping yelling, but also the "we protect out own" mentality. I adored the little twists and turns of characters surprising us, as well as the absolute chaos of family as they talk over each other and try to one-up on another. Even when everyone was mad, there was always an undercurrent of love and warmth that really sold them as a family.
There is one relationship I wish we had had more closure with, mostly cause it gave me some magical jeebies. IYKYK. Otherwise, I love how all the threads came together in the end and we get to see the fruits of the characters' love for each other and their family as they forge a new story for themselves.
This is definitely one of my favourite reads of the year. Absolutely amazing.
TW: death of a parent, pregnancy, infidelity, racism, micro-agressions, body shaming, fatphobia (Asian-style), medical content, sexual harassment; mentions miscarriage, HP references
There were a lot of characters to keep track of - one grandmother, four sisters, and eight grown children - and while at time it was a bit disorienting keeping track of them all, the author did a great job reiterating who they were and how they fit out in the family, as well as showing their personality and dreams during their chapters. I loved how each one took away something different from their mothers, their lives influenced by moments or parents quotes that haunt them - it really showed how the past really does affect present mentality. It made it easy to understand why they were the way they were and how they were trying to get themselves out of the cycle and break it. I loved everyone's growth through the novel, and I found it amazing that we got to see them all grow and change in such a short time, but also in such a (mostly, helped by a bit of myth and magic) realistic way.
I also love the dynamics within the community - the gossiping, the meddling, the overlapping yelling, but also the "we protect out own" mentality. I adored the little twists and turns of characters surprising us, as well as the absolute chaos of family as they talk over each other and try to one-up on another. Even when everyone was mad, there was always an undercurrent of love and warmth that really sold them as a family.
There is one relationship I wish we had had more closure with, mostly cause it gave me some magical jeebies. IYKYK. Otherwise, I love how all the threads came together in the end and we get to see the fruits of the characters' love for each other and their family as they forge a new story for themselves.
This is definitely one of my favourite reads of the year. Absolutely amazing.
TW: death of a parent, pregnancy, infidelity, racism, micro-agressions, body shaming, fatphobia (Asian-style), medical content, sexual harassment; mentions miscarriage, HP references
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Body shaming, Fatphobia, Racism, Medical content, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Miscarriage
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
hopeful
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Gore, Violence, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Death
The Infinity Particle by Wendy Xu
adventurous
hopeful
informative
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? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse
Minor: Child death
The Scarlet Alchemist by Kylie Lee Baker
challenging
dark
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? No
3.5
The world building in The Scarlet Alchemist is immaculate. The magic system, Death road, the harsh contrast between the poor and the rich - everything had such detail that the world and everything in it felt real. The necromantic alchemy was so interesting and played such a pivotal role through the story that I must note that the descriptions of the dead are equally, if not more, vivid and specific which gave the scenes life (ha!), but also a goriness and level of body horror I hadn't expected, but thoroughly enjoyed.
The overarching plot also really propelled the story. Though the book started slow, it builds the world well before launching into a plot that is all go-go-go after the 25% mark. Then there's no stopping. Watching Zilan do her exams especially was so interesting - again, digging into the world building and seeing what's possible through the magic system - and everything beyond it kept my interest piqued. While I don't know how I feel about the end of this installment, I'm so curious to see what book 2 has in store for us.
And that brings me to the characters. Until her exams, I honestly felt like I didn't get to know Zilan, let alone her siblings. It was like all the effort went into the world, and the characters got what was left. Yufei and Wenshu kind of just remain the same through the book - Yufei is a stubborn, pretty girl who loves to eat; Wenshu is a nerdy scholar, who protects his siblings. That's all they are for the whole book, even to the very end, and that was kind of sad, especially given the stakes. I couldn't buy into the ending because I didn't feel like I cared and knew them in the same way Zilan clearly did.
In contrast, I feel like Zilan, after she leaves for her exams, starts to find herself away from her cousins. We get to understand her motivations and see her personality start to shine. Even Hong we get to know slightly better than her cousins, though he's also kind of one-note. Their relationship is a bit insta-lovey, but I appreciated Hong's constant concern around consent and ensuring he doesn't abuse his princely power over her, as well as their move from strangers, to friends, to partners in crime, to possibly maybe lovers. Even though the declarations were a bit grand by the end, I understood the admiration they had for each other.
All in all, this book was an adventure. Full of magic and Zilan's gritty determination, The Scarlet Alchemist sets the stakes high and leaves you wanting more. I'm definitely not done with the world that was created here, so that's the biggest draw for me to come back for book 2. I'm so curious as to the heights Zilan will take her alchemy to next!
TW: death, gore, blood, murder, sexism, fire/fire injury, injury detail, racism, sexual harassment, self-harm (for ritual purposes), classism, bullying, animal death (not dog); mentions death of a parent, death of a child, vomit, kidnapping
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 3/5
World Building: 5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Pacing: 3/5
Overall: 3.5/5
eARC gifted via NetGalley by Inkyard Press in exchange for an honest review.
The overarching plot also really propelled the story. Though the book started slow, it builds the world well before launching into a plot that is all go-go-go after the 25% mark. Then there's no stopping. Watching Zilan do her exams especially was so interesting - again, digging into the world building and seeing what's possible through the magic system - and everything beyond it kept my interest piqued. While I don't know how I feel about the end of this installment, I'm so curious to see what book 2 has in store for us.
And that brings me to the characters. Until her exams, I honestly felt like I didn't get to know Zilan, let alone her siblings. It was like all the effort went into the world, and the characters got what was left. Yufei and Wenshu kind of just remain the same through the book - Yufei is a stubborn, pretty girl who loves to eat; Wenshu is a nerdy scholar, who protects his siblings. That's all they are for the whole book, even to the very end, and that was kind of sad, especially given the stakes. I couldn't buy into the ending because I didn't feel like I cared and knew them in the same way Zilan clearly did.
In contrast, I feel like Zilan, after she leaves for her exams, starts to find herself away from her cousins. We get to understand her motivations and see her personality start to shine. Even Hong we get to know slightly better than her cousins, though he's also kind of one-note. Their relationship is a bit insta-lovey, but I appreciated Hong's constant concern around consent and ensuring he doesn't abuse his princely power over her, as well as their move from strangers, to friends, to partners in crime, to possibly maybe lovers. Even though the declarations were a bit grand by the end, I understood the admiration they had for each other.
All in all, this book was an adventure. Full of magic and Zilan's gritty determination, The Scarlet Alchemist sets the stakes high and leaves you wanting more. I'm definitely not done with the world that was created here, so that's the biggest draw for me to come back for book 2. I'm so curious as to the heights Zilan will take her alchemy to next!
TW: death, gore, blood, murder, sexism, fire/fire injury, injury detail, racism, sexual harassment, self-harm (for ritual purposes), classism, bullying, animal death (not dog); mentions death of a parent, death of a child, vomit, kidnapping
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 3/5
World Building: 5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Pacing: 3/5
Overall: 3.5/5
eARC gifted via NetGalley by Inkyard Press in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Racism, Sexism, Blood, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal death, Bullying, Self harm, Sexual harassment, and Classism
Minor: Child death, Vomit, Kidnapping, and Death of parent