daniellestarredpages's reviews
158 reviews
Abeni's Song, by P. Djèlí Clark
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Review to come
Dick Fight Island, Vol. 1, by Reibun Ike
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I read this as a crack read, and it delivered. This is straight-up comedy
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
A Botanist's Guide to Flowers and Fatality, by Kate Khavari
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
When I requested this ARC, I wasn't aware that this was a sequel. I read it anyway as the book was readable without reading the first book. I found the MCs to be enjoyable to read about, though the side characters could've been fleshed out a bit more. I originally thought Saffron and Lee would play a bigger part in the overall investigation, I enjoyed the things they did do anyway. I hoped there would be a bit more romantic development between Saffron and Lee, as there was a good amount of tension but it ultimately went nowhere (technically). However, the overall reading experience was great
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide, Addiction, Murder, Death, Death of parent, Blood, Drug abuse, Drug use, and Violence
Minor: Child death and Sexual harassment
How You Grow Wings, by Rimma Onoseta
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
In the description of this book, there was no mention that this was mostly a fan-written prequel to an H.P. Lovecraft story. The book itself was short but then we account for the fact that about 10 pages were used to insert the actual Lovecraft story.
I personally was not a fan of the art style. Most of the art was in a black-and-white sketch style with vivid colours used for the creatures that only the caretaker could see. I didn't like how the humans in the story looked but the magical creatures were nice enough to look at. However, that didn't make up for the fact that I did not enjoy the story.
There was a lot going on with the characters but it gave me no enjoyment as I didn't actually know or care about the characters.
I personally was not a fan of the art style. Most of the art was in a black-and-white sketch style with vivid colours used for the creatures that only the caretaker could see. I didn't like how the humans in the story looked but the magical creatures were nice enough to look at. However, that didn't make up for the fact that I did not enjoy the story.
There was a lot going on with the characters but it gave me no enjoyment as I didn't actually know or care about the characters.
The Monstrous Dreams of Mr. Providence, by Daria Schmitt
1.0
In the description of this book, there was no mention that this was mostly a fan-written prequel to an H.P. Lovecraft story. The book itself was short but then we account for the fact that about 10 pages were used to insert the actual Lovecraft story.
I personally was not a fan of the art style. Most of the art was in a black-and-white sketch style with vivid colours used for the creatures that only the caretaker could see. I didn't like how the humans in the story looked but the magical creatures were nice enough to look at. However, that didn't make up for the fact that I did not enjoy the story.
There was a lot going on with the characters but it gave me no enjoyment as I didn't actually know or care about the characters.
I personally was not a fan of the art style. Most of the art was in a black-and-white sketch style with vivid colours used for the creatures that only the caretaker could see. I didn't like how the humans in the story looked but the magical creatures were nice enough to look at. However, that didn't make up for the fact that I did not enjoy the story.
There was a lot going on with the characters but it gave me no enjoyment as I didn't actually know or care about the characters.
Check, Please! Book 1: #Hockey, by Ngozi Ukazu
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
There are some things in this book that could be explained away with the fact that this is a graphic novel. But I still think there was more room for development in a lot of areas.
The pacing or structure of this book was one issue for me. The author frequently did this thing where they ended a chapter on a type of cliffhanger or tense seen and then never addressed it. In the very next scene, it's a whole new plot point, and there is never any resolution mentioned.
I also didn't really see any romantic development between Jack and Bitty. There were some scenes that I could say were a hint to romance between the characters, but on their own, they do nothing to make a romantic relationship between the characters believeable.
Other than those issues, the book was a fun read. Bitty and the other characters were endearing, and the art style was nice to look at.
The pacing or structure of this book was one issue for me. The author frequently did this thing where they ended a chapter on a type of cliffhanger or tense seen and then never addressed it. In the very next scene, it's a whole new plot point, and there is never any resolution mentioned.
I also didn't really see any romantic development between Jack and Bitty. There were some scenes that I could say were a hint to romance between the characters, but on their own, they do nothing to make a romantic relationship between the characters believeable.
Other than those issues, the book was a fun read. Bitty and the other characters were endearing, and the art style was nice to look at.