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daniwantsalibrary's Reviews (1.17k)

The Maiden and Her Monster

DID NOT FINISH: 25%

I desperately wanted to love this book, but 25% in and I still feel nothing for the main character. She’s petulant and not very likable. Even the introduction of the titular monster fell flat for me, as it only served to bring out more of Malka’s worse qualities.

You Weren't Meant to Be Human

Andrew Joseph White

5.0

dark tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

You Weren’t Meant to Be Human is an unsettling descent into queer horror that thrives on atmosphere and creeping dread. The writing isn’t flowery or ornamental, it’s sharp, punchy, and deliberately abrasive in a way that mirrors the book’s themes of alienation and transformation.

What struck me most was the way the characters lingered long after I put the book down. Nearly everyone felt uncanny, off-kilter, or dangerous and that sense of unease felt intentional and vital, as though the novel demanded that I sit with my discomfort rather than look away. The pacing is a slow burn, but not in a meandering sense. Instead, White builds dread with precision, letting tension coil tighter and tighter until it becomes almost unbearable. By the time the story reaches its most intense moments, the groundwork of unease has already settled deep into your bones.

Reading this left me unsettled, and hungry for more. I’d recommend You Weren’t Meant to Be Human to readers who crave horror that makes you squirm, especially those drawn to stories of queer rage and identity that refuse to compromise for comfort.

Pantomime

L.R. Lam

5.0

adventurous mysterious 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: No

Pantomime is a beautifully written story that blends magic, mystery, and identity in a way that feels fresh and compelling.

Micah's struggle with not fitting into society’s mold is something that feels universal, and it gave the story a strong emotional core. The theme of belonging runs throughout the book, and I found myself really connecting with it. Lam’s writing style is lyrical and infinitely readable, one of those books you can just sink into. The dual timelines worked well, weaving together the past and present in a way that kept me engaged without ever feeling confusing.

The circus setting is wonderfully vivid and easy to picture. It felt alive, colorful, and just the right amount of strange. While I do wish Ellada as a whole had been fleshed out a little more, the circus more than made up for it as the main backdrop.

I'm so, so glad Lam was able to revisit this story. I can't wait to read more in Micha's tale!