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corabookworm's reviews
236 reviews
Wordslut: A Feminist Guide to Taking Back the English Language by Amanda Montell
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Super super interesting and written in such a genuine (and funny!) voice. I loved it!
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
hopeful
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
On Writing: A Memoir of the Craft by Stephen King
funny
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Thoughts:
- I loved this book!
- Lots of witty comments, easy and fun to read
- His love for his wife is absolutely adorable I need a relationship like theirs
- Super interesting, lots of advice that's mostly "this is how i do things and why, it may or may not work for you" and "destroy it. kill your darlings. be mean but not too mean"
Might shape this into a real review later, but for now enjoy these bullet points.
- I loved this book!
- Lots of witty comments, easy and fun to read
- His love for his wife is absolutely adorable I need a relationship like theirs
- Super interesting, lots of advice that's mostly "this is how i do things and why, it may or may not work for you" and "destroy it. kill your darlings. be mean but not too mean"
Might shape this into a real review later, but for now enjoy these bullet points.
A Prayer for the Crown-Shy by Becky Chambers
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
A perfect sequel! We got to explore the world a little more and see the characters develop further. I still feel like the length is hindering this story: I would love to see some relationships explored more deeply, more exploration of the world, and a “conclusion” to the characters’ arcs. It still feels like they’re dealing with the same problems they have since the beginning of book one, and while they talk about it a lot, they haven’t come to any real revelations or changes. Which is, maybe, realistic? But I just want MORE from these books, which I can’t really get out of 150 pages :(
A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This book was such a soft, comforting, and colorful read. Becky Chambers created a bright, hopeful world and a sweet, emotional story, along with a lovely companionship between a wild robot and a nonbinary tea monk. (I adored them.) The only real problem with this book is the length: I want more! Especially of the worldbuilding and character emotions! It was there but it was so brief give me more! I'm looking forward to reading the sequel, and Psalm for the Wild-Built is now officially one of my comfort reads.
When Women Were Dragons by Kelly Barnhill
challenging
emotional
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
In 1955, in an event called the Mass Dragoning, thousands of women transformed into dragons and disappeared into the sky, leaving fire and destruction in their wake. Alex’s aunt was one of them. Shamed into silence, the girl struggles within the dynamics of her family and the oppressive world they live in.
When I read this book back in January, I expected exactly what the blurb pitched: a fiery feminist historical fantasy focused on female rage. Which I got. But (at least the first half of) this book was so much more. It covered complex themes of grief and motherhood and sisterhood and loss and love and shame and guilt and I devoured every single word. (And cried. Parts of this book struck close to home and OUCH.)
The concept itself is intriguing, and Barnhill’s execution is brilliant, packed with gorgeous prose and raw emotion. Parts of the story remain almost a mystery, unraveling through the passages between chapters and little clues scattered throughout the pages.
This book definitely has its flaws, as well. A few other reviewers have pointed out that this book views feminism through a very white and middle-class lens, which is a fair criticism and something to think about while reading. There’s some events that stretch reality a little (not including the whole turning-into-dragons thing) and it won’t be everyone’s cup of tea–it’s slow-paced, with lots of focus on characters and concepts.
However, if you enjoy literary fiction and historical fantasy, with a focus on the complexities of girlhood and female relationships, I’d check this one out! (Also there’s women. And dragons. <3)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Misogyny, Sexism, Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Homophobia and Lesbophobia
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders and Fire/Fire injury
This Wicked Fate by Kalynn Bayron
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Initial Thoughts:
Absolutely wonderful sequel, just as fast paced and interesting as the first book. Not quite as good, but I still loved it. <3
Series Review:
I absolutely adored this duology.
Absolutely wonderful sequel, just as fast paced and interesting as the first book. Not quite as good, but I still loved it. <3
Series Review:
I absolutely adored this duology.
Kalynn Bayron created an lively, diverse cast of characters and an intriguing story that I genuinely *enjoyed* reading. It covered some tougher topics while still being a fun read, filled with mythology and poison and goddesses and gardens. The concept was captivating, and Bayron executed it nearly perfectly.
I loved that the dialogue and character interactions felt very genuine, and the uniqueness of the magic. Though I had a rough idea of where the story was going, the plot twists still took me by surprise!
Also, the cliffhanger at the end of This Poison Heart convinced me to pick up the sequel IMMEDIATELY, and I was hooked right away. Bayron successfully avoided second-book-syndrome and created a vibrant, exciting adventure that took the ideas of the first book to a whole new level.
If you’re looking for a quick YA book with a contemporary setting, mythology, powerful women, and a sapphic romance, I highly recommend this series!
This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Initial Thoughts:
Absolutely LOVED this book. The magic/worldbuilding/history was fascinating, the characters were amazing, and the plot itself was a perfect mix of mystery and adventure. I need to read the sequel right now.
Series Review:
I absolutely adored this duology.
Absolutely LOVED this book. The magic/worldbuilding/history was fascinating, the characters were amazing, and the plot itself was a perfect mix of mystery and adventure. I need to read the sequel right now.
Series Review:
I absolutely adored this duology.
Kalynn Bayron created an lively, diverse cast of characters and an intriguing story that I genuinely *enjoyed* reading. It covered some tougher topics while still being a fun read, filled with mythology and poison and goddesses and gardens. The concept was captivating, and Bayron executed it nearly perfectly.
I loved that the dialogue and character interactions felt very genuine, and the uniqueness of the magic. Though I had a rough idea of where the story was going, the plot twists still took me by surprise!
Also, the cliffhanger at the end of This Poison Heart convinced me to pick up the sequel IMMEDIATELY, and I was hooked right away. Bayron successfully avoided second-book-syndrome and created a vibrant, exciting adventure that took the ideas of the first book to a whole new level.
If you’re looking for a quick YA book with a contemporary setting, mythology, powerful women, and a sapphic romance, I highly recommend this series!
The Invocations by Krystal Sutherland
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.75
Zara wants to raise her murdered sister from the dead. Jude is being slowly destroyed by the demons she cursed herself with. And Emer lives in the shadows, writing dangerous curses for desperate women. But those women are dying, brutally murdered and robbed of their magic. The three fierce girls, all connected to the occult in some way, unite to hunt down the killer.
The Invocations was delightfully disgusting and absolutely thrilling.
While Zara’s character felt a little flat to me at times, her love for her sister and her cleverness won me over. I also ADORED Jude and Emery. I was charmed by both Jude’s witty flirting and Emer’s feral fierceness. Reading the interactions between the three of them, and the side characters, made me laugh and cry and blush. (I have a soft spot for angry queer girls, I guess.)
The notes I wrote for myself after finishing this book included “ew but in a good way”, which accurately sums up Sutherland’s bloody body horror. This book definitely isn’t for the faint of heart—some of the descriptions had me shuddering, and the story itself is very dark. But the writing was absolutely delicious. If you enjoy horror books like Hell Followed With Us, you’ll absolutely devour this one.
In terms of plot, the concept was fantastic. A feminist, witchy mystery with demons and murder and sapphics? Yes please. I did predict the big plot twist, but enjoyed the story anyway. Sutherland constructed the mystery incredibly well, and slowly putting the puzzle pieces together was so fun. The slower-paced build-up was worth it for the action-packed climax, and the book had a satisfying conclusion.
Overall, The Invocations was absolutely incredible. Krystal Sutherland has once again created a haunting masterpiece packed full of vicious magic, furious women, and gorgeous writing. I loved it.
The Invocations was delightfully disgusting and absolutely thrilling.
While Zara’s character felt a little flat to me at times, her love for her sister and her cleverness won me over. I also ADORED Jude and Emery. I was charmed by both Jude’s witty flirting and Emer’s feral fierceness. Reading the interactions between the three of them, and the side characters, made me laugh and cry and blush. (I have a soft spot for angry queer girls, I guess.)
The notes I wrote for myself after finishing this book included “ew but in a good way”, which accurately sums up Sutherland’s bloody body horror. This book definitely isn’t for the faint of heart—some of the descriptions had me shuddering, and the story itself is very dark. But the writing was absolutely delicious. If you enjoy horror books like Hell Followed With Us, you’ll absolutely devour this one.
In terms of plot, the concept was fantastic. A feminist, witchy mystery with demons and murder and sapphics? Yes please. I did predict the big plot twist, but enjoyed the story anyway. Sutherland constructed the mystery incredibly well, and slowly putting the puzzle pieces together was so fun. The slower-paced build-up was worth it for the action-packed climax, and the book had a satisfying conclusion.
Overall, The Invocations was absolutely incredible. Krystal Sutherland has once again created a haunting masterpiece packed full of vicious magic, furious women, and gorgeous writing. I loved it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Lilith by Nikki Marmery
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
tense
slow-paced
4.5
Lilith by Nikki Marmey is the story of Adam’s first wife and her journey to rescue the Queen of Heaven and spread Her message of Wisdom across the world.
The story itself is very compelling. The first chapters are filled with the vibrant gardens of Paradise, Adam’s heart-wrenching betrayal, and the arrival of Eve. After Lilith’s exile, it turns to a fantastic historical fiction as she explores the ancient world—Lilith interacts with many religious and historical figures, from God and Adam and Eve to Noah and his family on their arc to the Queen of Ancient Israel, Queen Jezebel.
Nikki Marmey’s writing style is very “Madeline Miller,” with rich prose, amazing quotes, and beautiful descriptions. When I annotated it, I felt like I was underlining every sentence. It was STUNNING.
This book is also VERY feminist; the oppression/power of women is what drives the plot. I personally loved it, but the absorption in that theme and the prose-like writing definitely distracted from the characters’ emotions and made the story feel a little more artificial at times. That being said, if you’re interested in feminist literature, I HIGHLY recommend this book.
ALSO. It should’ve been sapphic. Sorry, I know I’m biased. But when books are all about female power and epic women and then she falls in love with an annoying, mediocre man, it breaks my heart. Lilith had a million times more chemistry with people like her “beloved” Jezebel than she did with her love interest. But I’ll look past it, just this once. :)
In conclusion, this book is a stunning work of art, with vibrant descriptions, a bold feminist plot, and many interesting historical and religious characters/stories. If you’re looking for a good historical fantasy, check this one out!
(NOTE: For best reading experience, listen to Hozier and/or Paris Paloma while reading)
The story itself is very compelling. The first chapters are filled with the vibrant gardens of Paradise, Adam’s heart-wrenching betrayal, and the arrival of Eve. After Lilith’s exile, it turns to a fantastic historical fiction as she explores the ancient world—Lilith interacts with many religious and historical figures, from God and Adam and Eve to Noah and his family on their arc to the Queen of Ancient Israel, Queen Jezebel.
Nikki Marmey’s writing style is very “Madeline Miller,” with rich prose, amazing quotes, and beautiful descriptions. When I annotated it, I felt like I was underlining every sentence. It was STUNNING.
This book is also VERY feminist; the oppression/power of women is what drives the plot. I personally loved it, but the absorption in that theme and the prose-like writing definitely distracted from the characters’ emotions and made the story feel a little more artificial at times. That being said, if you’re interested in feminist literature, I HIGHLY recommend this book.
ALSO. It should’ve been sapphic. Sorry, I know I’m biased. But when books are all about female power and epic women and then she falls in love with an annoying, mediocre man, it breaks my heart. Lilith had a million times more chemistry with people like her “beloved” Jezebel than she did with her love interest. But I’ll look past it, just this once. :)
In conclusion, this book is a stunning work of art, with vibrant descriptions, a bold feminist plot, and many interesting historical and religious characters/stories. If you’re looking for a good historical fantasy, check this one out!
(NOTE: For best reading experience, listen to Hozier and/or Paris Paloma while reading)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, and Grief
Moderate: Child death, Rape, Sexual content, Violence, Religious bigotry, and Murder
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Child death, Genocide, Homophobia, Incest, Miscarriage, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Suicide, Xenophobia, Medical content, Pregnancy, Alcohol, Colonisation, and War