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chloemakesbooks's reviews
687 reviews
The Dark Archive by Genevieve Cogman
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Honestly, I expect series to get worse over time. This one didn't start off very well- lots of unnecessary repetition and forced exposition for first time readers (seriously, what kind of psychopath reads the seventh book in a series first?) but the quality is fairly stable across the series despite that. Selected new characters help keep things fresh, for sure, although Catherine could have used more characterization (high hopes for the next installment). Good world building and internal logic were sustained. On to the next!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Interesting Facts About Space by Emily Austin
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Funny and relatable. Flimsy ending, but the book is not about plot. Was worried this was going to be yet another "quirky woman goes around with undiagnosed condition and shows no self awareness" story but mercifully not so. I like the fleshed out mom characters, and romance is secondary.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
Killers of a Certain Age by Deanna Raybourn
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Solid 3. Some of the characters weren't very distinct, but the feminine rage was palpable and useful. Wish the plot had been a little less transparent, but enjoyable. Needed more on Constance and Minka, but not engaging enough to make it a series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Blood
Moderate: Sexism
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
adventurous
emotional
funny
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? No
4.0
American Canopy: Trees, Forests, and the Making of a Nation by Eric Rutkow
informative
slow-paced
4.0
Took me over a year to finish; meticulous, oddly paced, sweeping, and important.
Witch King by Martha Wells
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Maybe slightly out of balance in terms of past v present- will be interested if there's a sequel. Mercifully little dystopian, mostly fantasy, heavy sci fi influence.
Butts: A Backstory by Heather Radke
informative
fast-paced
4.0
Well written, good for fans of Fish Don't Exist. Abso utely fantastic introduction. Overall pacing was off in a way that I can't quite put my finger on yet; possibly, not enough time with those voices reacting to the dominant culture being examined. Gems like fart clubs and man vs horse are worth reading for!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Medical content, and Colonisation
Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Garmus
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This won me over. A little too neat, but laugh-out-loud and tear-jerker moments included. Ending was abrupt.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Bullying, Sexism, and Rape
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Sexual content, and Suicide
Minor: Pregnancy, Alcoholism, and Pedophilia
Madame Restell: The Life, Death, and Resurrection of Old New York's Most Fabulous, Fearless, and Infamous Abortionist by Jennifer Wright
funny
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide and Sexism