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clockworkstars's reviews
557 reviews
On a Sunbeam by Tillie Walden
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
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
Somehow this comic ended up being everything I wanted it to be, and the bar was high as I had a lot of expectations about it. I had several friends and mutuals telling me that this book was good, so I *knew* that it was going to be great, but it ended up being everything, and I think that I should have seen that coming because now I am obsessed with them.
Firstly, we enter this book so easily. Tillie Walden manages to take our hand and take us to her universe, and once we are there well, we do not really want to leave any more. It was really immersive, and this universe is absolutely fascinating and full of details. I struggled to put the book down, I didn't want to leave those pages for even an hour. We are welcomed in this book with splendid art and gorgeous colours, Walden's style being so beautiful that it plays a huge role in keeping us trapped in her book.
For some reason, I was not aware that this book had a found family, but I think that if I had had that detail before, I think that I would have read it years ago. I am a sucker for this trope, and here it was so well done. Found family living in space in a big spaceship who looks like a fish and working to restore old space buildings, all that in a world with no men and only queer women and emby people? Yeah, I'm totally in.
Story-wise this was amazing, I loved following two timelines and switching between them (that is something that I often like in media) and even though the first half was a bit slow, I found the pacing just perfect (which is rare enough than to be noted!). And the characters!! Elliot is probably my favourite one, but we all know that I loved every one of them. In fact, I cannot think of a single thing I didn't like in this book, it was just… perfect. So I definitely recommend it, especially if you like space, found family and gorgeous art styles.
Firstly, we enter this book so easily. Tillie Walden manages to take our hand and take us to her universe, and once we are there well, we do not really want to leave any more. It was really immersive, and this universe is absolutely fascinating and full of details. I struggled to put the book down, I didn't want to leave those pages for even an hour. We are welcomed in this book with splendid art and gorgeous colours, Walden's style being so beautiful that it plays a huge role in keeping us trapped in her book.
For some reason, I was not aware that this book had a found family, but I think that if I had had that detail before, I think that I would have read it years ago. I am a sucker for this trope, and here it was so well done. Found family living in space in a big spaceship who looks like a fish and working to restore old space buildings, all that in a world with no men and only queer women and emby people? Yeah, I'm totally in.
Story-wise this was amazing, I loved following two timelines and switching between them (that is something that I often like in media) and even though the first half was a bit slow, I found the pacing just perfect (which is rare enough than to be noted!). And the characters!! Elliot is probably my favourite one, but we all know that I loved every one of them. In fact, I cannot think of a single thing I didn't like in this book, it was just… perfect. So I definitely recommend it, especially if you like space, found family and gorgeous art styles.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Death of parent
The Wedding People by Alison Espach
Did not finish book. Stopped at 15%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 15%.
It is not my type of book and I have found it to be way too slow.
TW (so far): suicidal thoughts, adultery, miscarriage.
TW (so far): suicidal thoughts, adultery, miscarriage.
The Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic School by Sonora Reyes
emotional
hopeful
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? N/A
5.0
When ending this one I just wanted to burst into tears, as the only words that made it to my brain were "This was everything". But I wanted to cry in a good way. This is an incredible depiction of being queer but also Latinx, of growing up in a catholic setting as a kid who's different. This was everything I have ever wanted it to be, and it came from someone who discovered this book before it even went out and then just delayed its reading.
This was so poignant and absolutely gorgeous. It makes us live so many emotions, and thus in quite intense ways. Reading this, we cry, but most of all we laugh, we smile, we live. The writing was incredible, I really like the author's style and how they immersed us into Yami's thoughts but still managed to make us feel the other characters' point of view, what they were living, feeling even. I am not the biggest fan of 1st POV but here it just works and it was wonderful to follow Yami across this whole book. I liked the writing style so much that I am most probably gonna check out the author's other books.
However if the story was undoubtedly nice and the writing incredible, my favourite thing will forever be the characters! Yamilet was hilarious and extraordinary, I love Bo with my entire heart and don't even get me started on Cesar, Yami's younger brother because I *will* yap and cry. I adore this boy, in a "must protect" type of way. And listen, I very obviously love the romance here because it was so sweet but the sibling relationship? Their relationship with their mom? Took my heart. Destroyed it before putting it back together, better than before. It was remarkable the way Sonora Reyes depicted their relationships, turning this book into a pure wonder.
So if this was not clear yet: I adored Sonora Reye's debut and totally believe that everyone should read it because it was everything. And I can only hope that I will love their next ones as much as this one, as this one is probably gonna be in my top 10 of the year (and we have only lived one month).
This was so poignant and absolutely gorgeous. It makes us live so many emotions, and thus in quite intense ways. Reading this, we cry, but most of all we laugh, we smile, we live. The writing was incredible, I really like the author's style and how they immersed us into Yami's thoughts but still managed to make us feel the other characters' point of view, what they were living, feeling even. I am not the biggest fan of 1st POV but here it just works and it was wonderful to follow Yami across this whole book. I liked the writing style so much that I am most probably gonna check out the author's other books.
However if the story was undoubtedly nice and the writing incredible, my favourite thing will forever be the characters! Yamilet was hilarious and extraordinary, I love Bo with my entire heart and don't even get me started on Cesar, Yami's younger brother because I *will* yap and cry. I adore this boy, in a "must protect" type of way. And listen, I very obviously love the romance here because it was so sweet but the sibling relationship? Their relationship with their mom? Took my heart. Destroyed it before putting it back together, better than before. It was remarkable the way Sonora Reyes depicted their relationships, turning this book into a pure wonder.
So if this was not clear yet: I adored Sonora Reye's debut and totally believe that everyone should read it because it was everything. And I can only hope that I will love their next ones as much as this one, as this one is probably gonna be in my top 10 of the year (and we have only lived one month).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Religious bigotry, and Lesbophobia
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, and Outing
French Pressed Love by M.C. Hutson
funny
fast-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? Yes
3.5
Warning: Minor reference to Harry Potter. I warned the author and it is going to be taken away from the e-book. If you'd like to see the reference of the author's answer just send me a text on Instagram
3.5☆|5
And the more messy book award goes to… Okay, but seriously, this book was really messy. Not that it is a bad thing, but it's something worth mentioning. We follow here Jordan, a Canadian barista who desperately needs a flatmate, who writes a lesbian graphic novel, and whose life is a mess. And we meet Noémie. Noémie who is, well, a lot. She makes a fuss every time she enters the coffee shop; she seems somehow egocentric, and Jordan can't stand her. But then Noémie's dad cuts her off. And she needs to work with Jordan. Oh, and Jordan's gonna live with her. Wonderful, isn't it?
This is more about a really messy and toxic-ish relationship than it was about a romance. Really, it was really toxic, and I am begging them to learn the word communication. Because it is apparently not in their vocabulary. But you know what? That was fun. A breath of fresh air in my day, and I don't ask for more.
I was not a fan of the writing (maybe a bit too much of tell and lacking some show?) and I won't lie and say that I adored the side characters. But I liked Noémie. She's a nightmare, but she was fun. And Jordan (Jay) was nice. Overall, I sort of liked this book, even if it's not a romance to my eyes (not that I was especially looking for one, so we're all good). However, I won't post about this book on my social media due to the fact that there's a Harry Potter reference (that is totally useless and avoidable) in it. I had a chat with the author about it on Instagram, and she told me that she was gonna remove it from the e-book, but I do not want to expose people reading my reviews and trusting them to a hurtful reference to a book written by a TERF.
TW: homophobia; mention of the death of a family member; reference to SA (off-page); mention of racism; mentions of drug use and abuse; explicit sex scenes.
TW: homophobia; mention of the death of a family member; reference to SA (off-page); mention of racism; mentions of drug use and abuse; explicit sex scenes.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Sexual content
Minor: Death, Drug use, Sexual assault, and Death of parent
Motheater by Linda H. Codega
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.25
“And then, under her hand, Bennie felt Kire breathe.”
3.25☆|5
Sometimes there are books out there that you want to read so much and that look really nice, and full of potential. So you try and try, but for some reason, it just doesn’t entirely make it. I fear that Motheater by Linda H. Codega might fall into that category for me.
I wouldn't say that I have disliked it, but let's say that I was expecting to love it and that instead I simply liked it. However, I don't have big issues with this book; if anything, I have positive things to say.
First, I really, really liked the setting and the story ideas. The themes of nature and witches were interesting, and it was really nice to read! Likewise, I really liked some characters. I had some troubles with Bennie at some point — she seemed a bit… inconsistent somehow? — but I have ended up liking her as well. And Motheater, oh dear gods. I adore her. She was bewitching, lacking better terms, and I think the flashbacks were my favourite parts of the novel. Also, for some unknown reasons, I really liked Jasper; he seemed nice!
The point that is responsible for the fact that this hasn't done it for me was probably the pacing. The author had everything. A charming plot idea; good characters; their writing is fascinating and makes you want to go deep down into the book, but it seemed to me that the main problem was the pacing. The first half was… a bit slow? It took me a really long time to get into this book, and it's a shame because the potential was there! I really got into it for the 2nd half, and yet, I have found some parts to go too fast. But it was mostly the slowness that broke it for me, preventing me from fully entering the plot.
But also, I do think that this is Codega's debut novel, therefore I am still looking forward to their next one, as I really liked their writing style and the way they constructed their plot. I do believe that some people can and will enjoy this book. In fact, I did enjoy it, just less than I thought I would. So I would still recommend it, somehow. Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC, this one goes out on January 21st!
3.25☆|5
Sometimes there are books out there that you want to read so much and that look really nice, and full of potential. So you try and try, but for some reason, it just doesn’t entirely make it. I fear that Motheater by Linda H. Codega might fall into that category for me.
I wouldn't say that I have disliked it, but let's say that I was expecting to love it and that instead I simply liked it. However, I don't have big issues with this book; if anything, I have positive things to say.
First, I really, really liked the setting and the story ideas. The themes of nature and witches were interesting, and it was really nice to read! Likewise, I really liked some characters. I had some troubles with Bennie at some point — she seemed a bit… inconsistent somehow? — but I have ended up liking her as well. And Motheater, oh dear gods. I adore her. She was bewitching, lacking better terms, and I think the flashbacks were my favourite parts of the novel. Also, for some unknown reasons, I really liked Jasper; he seemed nice!
The point that is responsible for the fact that this hasn't done it for me was probably the pacing. The author had everything. A charming plot idea; good characters; their writing is fascinating and makes you want to go deep down into the book, but it seemed to me that the main problem was the pacing. The first half was… a bit slow? It took me a really long time to get into this book, and it's a shame because the potential was there! I really got into it for the 2nd half, and yet, I have found some parts to go too fast. But it was mostly the slowness that broke it for me, preventing me from fully entering the plot.
But also, I do think that this is Codega's debut novel, therefore I am still looking forward to their next one, as I really liked their writing style and the way they constructed their plot. I do believe that some people can and will enjoy this book. In fact, I did enjoy it, just less than I thought I would. So I would still recommend it, somehow. Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC, this one goes out on January 21st!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death
Moderate: Death
Minor: Racism, Religious bigotry, and Classism
All Boys Aren't Blue by George M. Johnson
"American history is truly the greatest fable ever written"
I don't read memoir very often, in fact I do not remember when is the last time that I have read an actual memoir. But now, just having closed George M. Johnson's book, I wish that I read some more often.
Here, the author talks to us about queerness, gender, blackness. Not as independant identities but as a whole, where every part influences the other one, where they are all tied. And it was *so* interesting to read. This book had me on the edge of my seat for most of the chapters, each one giving me more interest or informations into a life that I didn’t know.
Strangely enough, I think that my favorite chapter is the last one, the same way that it's probably the one that made me cry the most. But in reality? I loved each one of them, each one of those pages. This book was a pleasure to read and if I'd listen to myself my review will be 2 line long and includes the words "just read it".
By a pure coincidence, I have ended up reading this book mostly during the banned book week (which I didn’t know about until I had reached half the book). And the author talks about books ban in the introduction of this, they talk about how this book is one of the most banned. They tell us that they have "come to realize that when you're making history, you're rarely doing so because you are choosing to make it.". Because that's what this book did, it made history. So don't let governement silence it, silence you. Read banned books, all day, every day. Talk about it. Because, as the author says (I assure you it's the last quote in this review, promise) "And when they ban books, they are banning Black history. Ain't no American history without Black history. They are banning the portrayal of LGBTQIAP+ people and history. Ain't no America without queer people."
I don't read memoir very often, in fact I do not remember when is the last time that I have read an actual memoir. But now, just having closed George M. Johnson's book, I wish that I read some more often.
Here, the author talks to us about queerness, gender, blackness. Not as independant identities but as a whole, where every part influences the other one, where they are all tied. And it was *so* interesting to read. This book had me on the edge of my seat for most of the chapters, each one giving me more interest or informations into a life that I didn’t know.
Strangely enough, I think that my favorite chapter is the last one, the same way that it's probably the one that made me cry the most. But in reality? I loved each one of them, each one of those pages. This book was a pleasure to read and if I'd listen to myself my review will be 2 line long and includes the words "just read it".
By a pure coincidence, I have ended up reading this book mostly during the banned book week (which I didn’t know about until I had reached half the book). And the author talks about books ban in the introduction of this, they talk about how this book is one of the most banned. They tell us that they have "come to realize that when you're making history, you're rarely doing so because you are choosing to make it.". Because that's what this book did, it made history. So don't let governement silence it, silence you. Read banned books, all day, every day. Talk about it. Because, as the author says (I assure you it's the last quote in this review, promise) "And when they ban books, they are banning Black history. Ain't no American history without Black history. They are banning the portrayal of LGBTQIAP+ people and history. Ain't no America without queer people."
The New Teen Titans, Vol. 6 by Marv Wolfman
4.0
Got one of my favorite comics issues (#38, who is Donna Troy?) so it deserves all those stars