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corabookworm's reviews
236 reviews
Taste of Marrow by Sarah Gailey
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book was amazing! In some ways, it was much better than River of Teeth, because there was a bigger focus on the characters and their relationships. But this was also hindered by the first book's lack of focus on it; Houndstooth's obsession with Hero, for example, felt out of place after their short and undeveloped romance in Book #1. The characters were also separated in Taste of Marrow, which meant less banter and bickering. It was cool to see different people forced to work together, though, and watch some new relationships bloom.
Altogether, though this book wasn't perfect, it was playful and adventurous and brimming with emotion, and I enjoyed listening to it. I love the hippos so much. <3
Altogether, though this book wasn't perfect, it was playful and adventurous and brimming with emotion, and I enjoyed listening to it. I love the hippos so much. <3
River of Teeth by Sarah Gailey
adventurous
funny
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.75
Very rarely when I read short stories/novellas do I wish they’d been longer. But this is one of those rare occasions where I can say, without hesitation, that this book would’ve been so much better as a full-length novel. Not just because I want to see more of the characters and hippo lore (though that is one of the reasons), but also because it would’ve allowed for so many plot points and emotions to get the page time they deserve. The romance storylines, the betrayals, the deaths, and even the action sequences were far too short and rushed for my taste. Sarah Gailey easily could’ve expanded this, turning it from a delightful short story to a tense, action-packed heist novel.
All that being said, however, this story was delightful. I loved the characters and the hippos and the way the story unraveled. I just also wanted more.
All that being said, however, this story was delightful. I loved the characters and the hippos and the way the story unraveled. I just also wanted more.
Spear by Nicola Griffith
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Once again, I am starsruck by Nicola Griffith’s gorgeous writing, strong characters, and vivid worldbuilding. This retelling might be short, but it packs plenty of action, romance, and mystery between its pages. I absolutely loved it. <3
Hild by Nicola Griffith
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I want to start by saying, this is a dense book. There's a lot going on, and especially in the first half, it was difficult to track the dozens of names and places being referenced. (Especially because most of these names are in Old English or Old Irish—I don't even want to try pronouncing most of them!) Seventh-century Britain is a complex place, with kings rising and falling, religions dying, and wars brewing. As readers, we see this world through the eyes of a child, and hence have a limited view of it for a while. As Hild grows and gains a better understanding of the land and story, so do we.
Oh, Hild. As a character, she holds a special place in my heart. She is so wild and strong and clever, and watching her grow through these pages was captivating. I also adored her companions, Begu and Gwladus and all her men. They were so brilliantly crafted, especially Begu and Gwladus, and I loved seeing such deep female relationships in a historical novel.
The story picks up pace and starts making more sense around halfway through this story. The plot gets easier to understand, and the places and people a bit easier to track. To be honest, though, to fully enjoy this book I had to accept that I wasn't going to fully understand it and just settle in for the ride. And what a ride it was! I loved seeing the different conflicts—the rise of Christianity, the bloody wars, the subtle political maneuvers, and Hild's constant fight for safety and power. Nicola Griffith is a master at weaving these conflicts together and slowly letting Hild untangle them, and her unique writing style brings wild, ancient Britain to vivid life. I absolutely loved this book.
If you like historical fiction, or even fantasy books like Game of Thrones or Priory of the Orange Tree, you will undoubtedly like this book. Hild is a complex story brimming with bright characters, rich writing, and a tense, well-woven plot. I cannot wait to see Hild's fight continue in the sequel, Menewood.
Oh, Hild. As a character, she holds a special place in my heart. She is so wild and strong and clever, and watching her grow through these pages was captivating. I also adored her companions, Begu and Gwladus and all her men. They were so brilliantly crafted, especially Begu and Gwladus, and I loved seeing such deep female relationships in a historical novel.
The story picks up pace and starts making more sense around halfway through this story. The plot gets easier to understand, and the places and people a bit easier to track. To be honest, though, to fully enjoy this book I had to accept that I wasn't going to fully understand it and just settle in for the ride. And what a ride it was! I loved seeing the different conflicts—the rise of Christianity, the bloody wars, the subtle political maneuvers, and Hild's constant fight for safety and power. Nicola Griffith is a master at weaving these conflicts together and slowly letting Hild untangle them, and her unique writing style brings wild, ancient Britain to vivid life. I absolutely loved this book.
If you like historical fiction, or even fantasy books like Game of Thrones or Priory of the Orange Tree, you will undoubtedly like this book. Hild is a complex story brimming with bright characters, rich writing, and a tense, well-woven plot. I cannot wait to see Hild's fight continue in the sequel, Menewood.
Artemis Made Me Do It by Trista Mateer
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
4.75
I have to stop reading poetry about girlhood and greek goddesses at 1 am i’m going to cry <//3
Content Warnings
Minor: Body shaming, Fatphobia, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Grief, Stalking, and Sexual harassment
The Genesis of Misery by Neon Yang
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I loved this book. Neon Yang has such a unique writing style, and the story, characters, and world were like nothing I've ever seen before. Absolutely stunning.
Longer review coming soon. <3
Longer review coming soon. <3
World War Z: An Oral History of the Zombie War by Max Brooks
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Self harm, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Medical trauma, Murder, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Gwen and Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
4.75
Digital copy provided by Netgalley and St. Martin's Press in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Gwen & Art is a completely brilliant and unique story that I absolutely adored.
Lex Croucher's new book is a contemporary historical fiction, with a focus on an alternate, Arthurian-inspired history and queer romance. I call it "contemporary historical" and "Arthurian-inspired" because it's worth emphasizing: this book is NOT a retelling of King Arthur's story, or a dense, historically-accurate novel. Rather, it takes place in a version of medieval Europe in which King Arthur, Morgana, Merlin, and the Knights were REAL people. At the time of this story, some people, referred to as "cultists", worship these historical figures and their magic. The religious conflict between these cultists and Christians is one of the many surprisingly complex plots woven through the romantic storyline.
In case you haven't heard of this book: The story follows the princess of England, Gwen, and her betrothed, Arthur. Though the two despise each other, they decide to "cover for each other" after she discovers Arthur kissing a boy and he unearths proof of Gwen's crush on the lady knight Bridget Leclair. The result? 300 pages of witty banter, high emotions, cute queer romance, and a heartwarming found family. Also lots of bullying and betrayal and political drama--but that's more of an impressive side plot.
This book and I got off to a rough start. I wasn't sure I'd enjoy the "romcom" meets "historical fiction" genre, and it seemed full of run-on sentences and childish characters. However, Lex Croucher develops their voice and writing style quickly as they settle into the pace of the story, and it became much more enjoyable to read.
The characters also grew on me. The focus on their flaws, though sometimes annoying, made them feel much more real. Their dynamics, from the sibling bonds to the friendships to the romantic relationships, killed me with cuteness. I laughed out loud at the banter, kicked my feet and giggled at the love confessions, and held my breath during the drama.
While Gwen & Art is very different from the books I normally read and didn't hook me right away, it won me over with its complex characters, worldbuilding, and plotlines. If you're looking for something lighthearted but still adventurous, I cannot recommend this book enough times.
Gwen & Art is a completely brilliant and unique story that I absolutely adored.
Lex Croucher's new book is a contemporary historical fiction, with a focus on an alternate, Arthurian-inspired history and queer romance. I call it "contemporary historical" and "Arthurian-inspired" because it's worth emphasizing: this book is NOT a retelling of King Arthur's story, or a dense, historically-accurate novel. Rather, it takes place in a version of medieval Europe in which King Arthur, Morgana, Merlin, and the Knights were REAL people. At the time of this story, some people, referred to as "cultists", worship these historical figures and their magic. The religious conflict between these cultists and Christians is one of the many surprisingly complex plots woven through the romantic storyline.
In case you haven't heard of this book: The story follows the princess of England, Gwen, and her betrothed, Arthur. Though the two despise each other, they decide to "cover for each other" after she discovers Arthur kissing a boy and he unearths proof of Gwen's crush on the lady knight Bridget Leclair. The result? 300 pages of witty banter, high emotions, cute queer romance, and a heartwarming found family. Also lots of bullying and betrayal and political drama--but that's more of an impressive side plot.
This book and I got off to a rough start. I wasn't sure I'd enjoy the "romcom" meets "historical fiction" genre, and it seemed full of run-on sentences and childish characters. However, Lex Croucher develops their voice and writing style quickly as they settle into the pace of the story, and it became much more enjoyable to read.
The characters also grew on me. The focus on their flaws, though sometimes annoying, made them feel much more real. Their dynamics, from the sibling bonds to the friendships to the romantic relationships, killed me with cuteness. I laughed out loud at the banter, kicked my feet and giggled at the love confessions, and held my breath during the drama.
While Gwen & Art is very different from the books I normally read and didn't hook me right away, it won me over with its complex characters, worldbuilding, and plotlines. If you're looking for something lighthearted but still adventurous, I cannot recommend this book enough times.
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Iron Widow was even more incredible the second time around. This masterpiece of a book takes place in a world where boys pilot Chrysalises (giant robots fueled by their life force) against robotic aliens. They do this with the help of concubine-pilots, girls that are often used as sacrifices in battle. Zetian is determined to become one of these concubine-pilots—not to die serving Huaxia, but to find and kill the pilot that murdered her sister.
The story itself is absolutely incredible. Iron Widow starts with a little bit of groundwork, then jumps straight into action-packed vengeance that sets the pace for the rest of the book. It is full of giant robot fights, assassination attempts, political maneuvers, and romantic tension that will leave your heart pounding. The story was enhanced beyond words by the audiobook narrator, Rong Fu. She managed to perfectly capture Zetian's voice and emphasize every emotion. Absolutely fantastic.
The most remarkable part of this book, however, is definitely the characters. Xiran Jay Zhao has created a cast of complex characters brimming with rage, intelligence, and determination. Zetian, especially, is such a powerful main character, and every bit of her thoughts and dialogue is so well-written. I adore her confidence and her capability, and watching her corruption arc was so satisfying. (Also, Xiran Jay Zhao has perfected the "love triangle" trope. Zetian, Yizhi and Shimin own my heart. (Which has been absolutely shattered.))
If you enjoy fast-paced books and powerful women tearing down systems of oppression, please please please read this one.
The story itself is absolutely incredible. Iron Widow starts with a little bit of groundwork, then jumps straight into action-packed vengeance that sets the pace for the rest of the book. It is full of giant robot fights, assassination attempts, political maneuvers, and romantic tension that will leave your heart pounding. The story was enhanced beyond words by the audiobook narrator, Rong Fu. She managed to perfectly capture Zetian's voice and emphasize every emotion. Absolutely fantastic.
The most remarkable part of this book, however, is definitely the characters. Xiran Jay Zhao has created a cast of complex characters brimming with rage, intelligence, and determination. Zetian, especially, is such a powerful main character, and every bit of her thoughts and dialogue is so well-written. I adore her confidence and her capability, and watching her corruption arc was so satisfying. (Also, Xiran Jay Zhao has perfected the "love triangle" trope. Zetian, Yizhi and Shimin own my heart. (Which has been absolutely shattered.))
If you enjoy fast-paced books and powerful women tearing down systems of oppression, please please please read this one.
Shadow Coven by S. Isabelle
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
The first book in the Witchery duology was magical and mysterious, and Shadow Coven was no different.
This story picks off not long after the end of The Witchery, with both our beloved Red Coven and their Hammersmitt boys recovering from the dramatic events of last school year and trying to enjoy a normal summer. But witches are going missing, old family and friends are reappearing, and something is stirring in the Swamp.
I loved every single plot line in this book, and the way they overlapped without being confusing. New developments in the witches' powers made the magic system even more interesting, and the further exploration of characters' backstories was super exciting. Watching all of them grow more comfortable with their magic and with each other was especially cool. The friendships, sisterhood, and romance in this series is simply fantastic.
The only flaw within this book is the loose ends--some of the plot lines came to a rather rushed conclusion during the climax, and while there were definitely intentional open endings, there were also a couple things that just felt glossed over or forgotten about. Fingers crossed we get a third book so we can see these characters and stories continued!! Either way, I will definitely be reading whatever S. Isabelle writes next.
This story picks off not long after the end of The Witchery, with both our beloved Red Coven and their Hammersmitt boys recovering from the dramatic events of last school year and trying to enjoy a normal summer. But witches are going missing, old family and friends are reappearing, and something is stirring in the Swamp.
I loved every single plot line in this book, and the way they overlapped without being confusing. New developments in the witches' powers made the magic system even more interesting, and the further exploration of characters' backstories was super exciting. Watching all of them grow more comfortable with their magic and with each other was especially cool. The friendships, sisterhood, and romance in this series is simply fantastic.
The only flaw within this book is the loose ends--some of the plot lines came to a rather rushed conclusion during the climax, and while there were definitely intentional open endings, there were also a couple things that just felt glossed over or forgotten about. Fingers crossed we get a third book so we can see these characters and stories continued!! Either way, I will definitely be reading whatever S. Isabelle writes next.