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cryosphinx's reviews
141 reviews
Artificial Condition by Martha Wells
adventurous
emotional
reflective
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
5.0
Better than the first. The premise isn't exactly the same but it's the same in that it's a snippet into the character or Murderbot with a different cohesive plot and wraps up nicely. It really ends on a heart warming note which I didn't expect.
ART is a wonderful addition, if for no other reason than adding another facet that we can relate to Murderbot. Because we have all had to deal with an ART in our life.
ART is a wonderful addition, if for no other reason than adding another facet that we can relate to Murderbot. Because we have all had to deal with an ART in our life.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Murder, and Violence
All Systems Red by Martha Wells
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
Being a novella, it's hard to really get a good beginning, middle, end and make the story cohesive. All Systems Red aaaalmost does it but right at the climax, everything gets quickly resolved "off screen." It does set up the next one one though so it's good knowing there will be more. I didn't really get too attached or cared about of the other characters. This is about Murderbot after all but not a big deal but they seem mostly to serve as the shoulder devil vs. shoulder angel in regards for self awareness and how to treat Murderbot.
I love Murderbot character, but maybe because I relate as I too need to shut down and recharge after dealing with humans too much. I like the exploration of the humans including Murderbot and treating him with more humanity and him being absolutely baffled but it teaching him what it means to be self aware outside of "I hacked myself so I could watch soap operas" into "Hey, I might actually give a damn." Looking forward to continuing the series.
I love Murderbot character, but maybe because I relate as I too need to shut down and recharge after dealing with humans too much. I like the exploration of the humans including Murderbot and treating him with more humanity and him being absolutely baffled but it teaching him what it means to be self aware outside of "I hacked myself so I could watch soap operas" into "Hey, I might actually give a damn." Looking forward to continuing the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Murder
Moderate: Suicide attempt
The Stars are Dying by Chloe C. Peñaranda
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This had so much potential that I feel like the author didn't fully grasp at the beginning. The first half was meandering and oddly paced (and I caught some typos, ugh). It did finally find it's footing and the twist towards the end was fine and I do like call backs to puzzles, but it took half the book to get there. With editing, this book could have been 100 less pages and all the points could have gotten home all the same. The biggest bother was random one off paragraphs where Astraea would remember something about her past, trying to relate it to whatever was happening, and then would move on. There was no need and it kept happening.
I did enjoy Astraea and Nyte's banter though Astraea's motivations seemed off they she just accepted Nyte's tagging along without questioning anything and the whole first relationship was really confusing. She was TOO naive. They also didn't really "grow" and were the same in the beginning as the end. And Astraea gets ONE friend who does early on. We get a setup for a second on but clearly isn't as developed.
It seems like most of the care went into the physical art of the book, which is gorgeous. I'll probably read the next one because by the end I was definitely invested and the writing did improve, I just hope the next one is cleaner and we get some more character attention because I DO love the world and the magic concepts.
I did enjoy Astraea and Nyte's banter though Astraea's motivations seemed off they she just accepted Nyte's tagging along without questioning anything and the whole first relationship was really confusing. She was TOO naive. They also didn't really "grow" and were the same in the beginning as the end. And Astraea gets
It seems like most of the care went into the physical art of the book, which is gorgeous. I'll probably read the next one because by the end I was definitely invested and the writing did improve, I just hope the next one is cleaner and we get some more character attention because I DO love the world and the magic concepts.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gaslighting, Toxic relationship, Blood, Death, Sexual content, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
Moderate: Confinement and Drug use
Minor: War
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I read somewhere that someone described this as "great as long as you don't mind being confused until the end," which sums it up but it was a fantastical ride. The house itself is it's own character so I loved figuring out the mystery of the house along with Piranesi. He has a great fondness and love for the house and you can really feel it through the prose. I think having finished it, I might enjoy more on a re-read knowing what I know now. It was a bit slow at first but really amps up quickly since it is a short read. But I feel like Clarke accomplished a lovely beginning, middle, and end and it felt complete. Will definitely re-read it in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping and Gaslighting
Moderate: Confinement and Mental illness
Minor: Gun violence
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Trafficking, and Gun violence
Minor: Addiction, Torture, and Slavery
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins
adventurous
dark
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? Yes
4.0
The original Hunger Games trilogy is one of my favorite trilogies, so when I heard we were going back to Panem, I was super excited...until I learned it was about Snow. Boo. I bought it when it first came out but put it off until the movie was coming out before finally reading it.
And it was a good read. I love Lucy Gray and the Covey and it's nice to see Snow's fall from grace and the inner workings that made him a terrible person. This was very much a character driven book, the games themselves don't take up too much of the book since the focus is on Snow and Lucy Gray. There are so many little references that hint at what's to come that I loved.
Because of the games not being front and center, theres not a ton of "action" to drive the plot forward so it got a bit boring here and there, but I'll take anything in the world of Panem.
And it was a good read. I love Lucy Gray and the Covey and it's nice to see Snow's fall from grace and the inner workings that made him a terrible person. This was very much a character driven book, the games themselves don't take up too much of the book since the focus is on Snow and Lucy Gray. There are so many little references that hint at what's to come that I loved.
Because of the games not being front and center, theres not a ton of "action" to drive the plot forward so it got a bit boring here and there, but I'll take anything in the world of Panem.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Murder, and Violence
Moderate: Drug abuse and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Torture, War, and Cannibalism
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
4.5
You know how some people wait for an entire series to be released before they commit to reading it? Well, good for them, I have envy because now I have to wait who knows how long before the next one.
There's a lot going on here, which I expected being that the sequel is a lot longer, and the pacing gets a bit clunky at times but I'm glad we are at least going places outside of Basgiath. It's still a hell of a rollercoaster the whole time. I had several audible reaction to many scenes while reading.
I still love Xaden and some of the best swoon-eorthy dialogue happens but Violet got a annoyingly bratty at times. The dragons are still a hoot. The squad group is delightful.
Now give me Book 3, please and thank you.
There's a lot going on here, which I expected being that the sequel is a lot longer, and the pacing gets a bit clunky at times but I'm glad we are at least going places outside of Basgiath. It's still a hell of a rollercoaster the whole time. I had several audible reaction to many scenes while reading.
I still love Xaden and some of the best swoon-eorthy dialogue happens but Violet got a annoyingly bratty at times. The dragons are still a hoot. The squad group is delightful.
Now give me Book 3, please and thank you.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Sexual content, Murder, and War
Moderate: Chronic illness and Torture
Minor: Ableism
A Fire in the Flesh by Jennifer L. Armentrout
challenging
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A let down after how much I enjoyed ALITF. It was just very slow, and a bit repetative. And I love Sera and Nyktos and while I didn't think the they'd immediately find their way back to one another quickly, most of the book they're apart. But once they're back, hoooo boy.
Most of my reading journal notes involve Kolis and JLA does an amazingly good job at making him extremely unlikable. I think that's the point so good job. It gets triggering or at the very least uncomfy at times so don't go into this lightly.
I'm thankful that there will be another book since the connection between FBAA and FAF hasn't fully hit home yet, but this definitely could have been edited down. I didn't have a bad time reading it and did thoroughly enjoy parts, especially Sera being her bad ass self, but it was almost a filler book.
Most of my reading journal notes involve Kolis and
I'm thankful that there will be another book since the connection between FBAA and FAF hasn't fully hit home yet, but this definitely could have been edited down. I didn't have a bad time reading it and did thoroughly enjoy parts, especially Sera being her bad ass self, but it was almost a filler book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Murder, Torture, Sexual content, Confinement, and Violence
Moderate: Kidnapping and Gaslighting
Minor: Body shaming and Suicidal thoughts
A Twist of the Blade by S.M. Gaither
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
Moderate: Fire/Fire injury, War, Sexual content, and Murder
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
adventurous
mysterious
medium-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
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: War and Alcoholism
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Sexual content