deb_prosp's reviews
47 reviews

Three Novels by Yuri Herrera

challenging dark emotional reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

Amazing collection of 'Three Novels'. It's clear that Yuri Herrera is a master of both language and storytelling. Like most critics, I agree: the second 'novel' here, 'Signs Preceding the End of the World' is the strongest story in the collection. It's a life-changing story with an Anglo-Latinx border represented like no other. This book, with all three stories translated by Lisa Dillman, also shows readers what can be gained with translation. Dillman's notes on the translation process at the end of this particular English edition is well worth the read. Learning about how she decided to translate medieval, Moorish Spanish words was absolutely fascinating. Highly recommend. 

The Age of Magical Overthinking: Notes on Modern Irrationality by Amanda Montell

funny informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

4.0

A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas

tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

Even for a fantasy novel, so many plot and character choices were so unbelievable that it threw off the narrative pacing.  
To top it all off, the final battle scenes have some major deux ex machina vibes that throw the reader off-kilter.

You expect me to believe that soooo many people die, but Rhys can die and then come back with the help of the other high lords? Like, okay then.

The Boy from the Mish by Gary Lonesborough

emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective fast-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

A lovely fast-paced read you can finish in one sitting. A wonderfully crafted queer, coming-of-age story that gives you hope for the future of Australian literature. 

A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Much better than the first book. Nice, escapist literature.

It's in His Kiss by Julia Quinn

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Just like every other Bridgerton novel, I enjoyed reading it at the time, but regretted it afterwards. At least reading this one means that I'm finally done with the whole series. Stoked for the Netflix show's third season.

Cold Enough for Snow by Jessica Au

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

Intimate Antipathies by Luke Carman

challenging dark emotional funny reflective slow-paced

4.75

Root and Branch: Essays on Inheritance by Eda Gunaydin

challenging emotional funny informative reflective slow-paced

4.75

Loved this essay collection so much. Gunaydin's thought process of teasing out the discomforts of being part of Australia's diasporic communities helped me process my own thoughts. 

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-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? No

5.0

Wonderful read. A critique of colonlialism, white supremacy, and worker exploitation in Latin America written out in a perfectly creepy prose. Good stuff, 10/10 would read again. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Incest

Moderate: Rape