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dianathebookish's reviews
381 reviews
A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
''Where is your sense of wonder? Sometimes I think you would sooner let a cyanometer tell you what color the sky is, rather than simply looking up.''
I realize I'm in the minority here, as many readers have loved this book, but it just didn't resonate with me as much as I hoped it would. In theory, “A Dark and Drowning Tide” by the blurb alone is my gem but the more I read this story the more I wanted to scream. However, what perplexed me is that I finished the entire book despite not liking a single character. I couldn't bring myself to care about any of them. In fact, I should gift Lorelei an extra signet ring as a congratulations, because she is the first main character I've disliked after just a few sentences.
Some minuses first so I can finish with something positive afterwards. The slow-burn romance gave me no emotions. Characters were either dull or irritating. What is even communication? We don't know her. On the positive side, I appreciated the themes of academic rivalry, the murder-mystery aspect, and the intriguing lore surrounding myths, creatures, and legends. But, alas, when everything was put together—plot and characters—it just didn't work for me. I know this story will find it's target audience, but again, I'm sadly not one of them.
Thank you NetGalley and Daphne Press for providing for providing me with an ARC of this book!
p.s. This cover should be framed 🖤
I realize I'm in the minority here, as many readers have loved this book, but it just didn't resonate with me as much as I hoped it would. In theory, “A Dark and Drowning Tide” by the blurb alone is my gem but the more I read this story the more I wanted to scream. However, what perplexed me is that I finished the entire book despite not liking a single character. I couldn't bring myself to care about any of them. In fact, I should gift Lorelei an extra signet ring as a congratulations, because she is the first main character I've disliked after just a few sentences.
Some minuses first so I can finish with something positive afterwards. The slow-burn romance gave me no emotions. Characters were either dull or irritating. What is even communication? We don't know her. On the positive side, I appreciated the themes of academic rivalry, the murder-mystery aspect, and the intriguing lore surrounding myths, creatures, and legends. But, alas, when everything was put together—plot and characters—it just didn't work for me. I know this story will find it's target audience, but again, I'm sadly not one of them.
Thank you NetGalley and Daphne Press for providing for providing me with an ARC of this book!
p.s. This cover should be framed 🖤
I See Your Face, Turned Away, Vol. 1 by Rumi Ichinohe
1.5
Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha Comics, for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts are my own and left voluntarily.
One might call Hikari extraordinarily ordinary. One day, she takes up a new hobby--imagining what a romance would be like between her pretty friend Mari and the cute guy in their class, Ohtani. It's all in harmless fun, until the roles start to get tangled in Hikari's mind. Does she really have to be just the best friend in this love story? And just who is on Ohtani's mind when his eyes drift away...?
Now, blurb sounded interesting enough and I saw couple reviews that gave me an idea that I would probably enjoy it. But, alas, I was not one of those readers. For the life of me, I could not be interested in this story. Aside from the cute art and switching pov, this manga felt bit all over the place. Jokes didn't land with me, some scenes were unnecessary and some text was repeated? Either misprint or I really just didn't get the idea behind it. Vibe was there, potential was there but well.. I guess this was not for me.
If you like short story about seemingly ordinary life around high schoolers - this is for you!
One might call Hikari extraordinarily ordinary. One day, she takes up a new hobby--imagining what a romance would be like between her pretty friend Mari and the cute guy in their class, Ohtani. It's all in harmless fun, until the roles start to get tangled in Hikari's mind. Does she really have to be just the best friend in this love story? And just who is on Ohtani's mind when his eyes drift away...?
Now, blurb sounded interesting enough and I saw couple reviews that gave me an idea that I would probably enjoy it. But, alas, I was not one of those readers. For the life of me, I could not be interested in this story. Aside from the cute art and switching pov, this manga felt bit all over the place. Jokes didn't land with me, some scenes were unnecessary and some text was repeated? Either misprint or I really just didn't get the idea behind it. Vibe was there, potential was there but well.. I guess this was not for me.
If you like short story about seemingly ordinary life around high schoolers - this is for you!
The Yearning Fox Lies in Wait by Nmura
3.0
Short, lovely and beautiful manga!
It could be a standalone but by the looks of it, it will have more volumes (or at least 1?). Was not sure about it. Either way, if there will be another volum I will pick it up.
This story of Kyo and Ozaki is more of a feeling as it does not focus on plot. Art is absolutely wonderful and I'm very glad to see Taisho - era here.
The pacing and chemistry could be better though. If truly this is the first volume, then I guess it will be better later but if not - it's not satisfactory somehow. This story is overall nice - nothing crazy or complicated. I wish I was more enourmed by their relationship but I am not. Either way - if you want a quick and cute read, this is it!
Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha Comics, for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts are my own and left voluntarily.
It could be a standalone but by the looks of it, it will have more volumes (or at least 1?). Was not sure about it. Either way, if there will be another volum I will pick it up.
This story of Kyo and Ozaki is more of a feeling as it does not focus on plot. Art is absolutely wonderful and I'm very glad to see Taisho - era here.
The pacing and chemistry could be better though. If truly this is the first volume, then I guess it will be better later but if not - it's not satisfactory somehow. This story is overall nice - nothing crazy or complicated. I wish I was more enourmed by their relationship but I am not. Either way - if you want a quick and cute read, this is it!
Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha Comics, for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts are my own and left voluntarily.
Blue Lock, Vol. 1 by Muneyuki Kaneshiro
3.5
Thank you NetGalley and Kodansha Comics, for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts are my own and left voluntarily.
Even though I have seen all available Blue Lock episodes on Crunchyroll - I also wanted to start manga at some point. In my opinion, Blue Lock is somewhat psychological sports story, where instead of strengthening overall teamwork, the main focus is on individual character development. Be selfish, be hungry! This manga serves as a great introduction for those unfamiliar with Japanese manga or the sport it portrays, as author explains the concept in a straightforward manner, ensuring readers don’t feel overwhelmed or confused. Some cringy dialogues aside, even if you are not a hardcore sports fan - I think everyone will enjoy this quite unrealistic but eye catching manga series. Also, Isagi is so relatable in regards of overthinking and semi-spacing out haha
Even though I have seen all available Blue Lock episodes on Crunchyroll - I also wanted to start manga at some point. In my opinion, Blue Lock is somewhat psychological sports story, where instead of strengthening overall teamwork, the main focus is on individual character development. Be selfish, be hungry! This manga serves as a great introduction for those unfamiliar with Japanese manga or the sport it portrays, as author explains the concept in a straightforward manner, ensuring readers don’t feel overwhelmed or confused. Some cringy dialogues aside, even if you are not a hardcore sports fan - I think everyone will enjoy this quite unrealistic but eye catching manga series. Also, Isagi is so relatable in regards of overthinking and semi-spacing out haha
The Dawn of the Cursed Queen by Amber V. Nicole
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
''You found me.''
''I'll always find you.''
Their love is so strong it shattered my glasses 🫠
I will keep this short and sweet, and no spoilers will be here because you have to inject this book into your bloodstream in order to experience various emotions like I did!
This book was a journey in the best way!! For nearly 800 pages long book, I never felt that I wanted to take a pause. Better yet - give me 800 more :) My nose was between the lines from A to Z. I don't know what crack Amber uses and I hope her magic reserve does not deplete. Like ever. She nails the balance of action, plot, character development, danger, and romance effortlessly. Third book had plenty of pov's, but not in the amount that would make you tired. God, I need book 4 like yesterday 🥲 Also, bless you for a recap from *redacted*: “Kabitch—sorry, my pen slipped—Kaden” haha
Thank you Amber Nicole and Rose & Star Publishing, for gifting me an eARC in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts are my own and left voluntarily.
The Book of Azrael: 5⭐
The Throne of Broken Gods: 5⭐
The Dawn of the Cursed Queen: 5⭐
@elizianna.the.one
@palinlineart
@falloutbryan
''I'll always find you.''
Their love is so strong it shattered my glasses 🫠
I will keep this short and sweet, and no spoilers will be here because you have to inject this book into your bloodstream in order to experience various emotions like I did!
This book was a journey in the best way!! For nearly 800 pages long book, I never felt that I wanted to take a pause. Better yet - give me 800 more :) My nose was between the lines from A to Z. I don't know what crack Amber uses and I hope her magic reserve does not deplete. Like ever. She nails the balance of action, plot, character development, danger, and romance effortlessly. Third book had plenty of pov's, but not in the amount that would make you tired. God, I need book 4 like yesterday 🥲 Also, bless you for a recap from *redacted*: “Kabitch—sorry, my pen slipped—Kaden” haha
Thank you Amber Nicole and Rose & Star Publishing, for gifting me an eARC in exchange for an honest review! All thoughts are my own and left voluntarily.
The Book of Azrael: 5⭐
The Throne of Broken Gods: 5⭐
The Dawn of the Cursed Queen: 5⭐
@elizianna.the.one
@palinlineart
@falloutbryan
Restless Stars by Susanne Valenti, Caroline Peckham
Death couldn’t have me now or ever, because I belonged to her. I would lay in no grave until our life was well-worn and her smile had brightened thousands of glorious days. We were meant to rise with tomorrow’s sun, and I would see that dawn in with my love by my side come what fucking may.
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
It's a bittersweet feeling to let these characters go but at the same time - it's time :)
As much as I enjoyed this crazy series and memorable characters - this book should have been shorter. And I think I'm not alone when I say - we didn't need again unnecessary pov's, like please. It's better than ZA8, but still. I don't care about Mildred for f* sake, or * and * and *... What also threw me off was pacing/plot - good balance, then dragging out without a clear idea what will happen, then amazing chapters, then again something unnecessary, then action scenes and hilarious moments, then rinse & repeat. And how the lame lizard was dealt with - I was waiting for more 🗡️ People who suffered by him deserved their revenge in tenfold!! I also felt that Tori and Darius got way more scenes and povs (I'm not actually counting as I'm lazy lol) than Darcy and Lance. THE AUDACITY! 🥲
That all aside, what saved this book for me was *dun dun duuun - my forever loves Blue Lance + everything/-one around moon theme haha (and epilogue ofc)✨ Ch. 16, 57 and 118 soothed my soul. There were many moments, interactions that I would like to spotlight, but I will re-visit this review sometime in the future, because I wish for you to experience them for yourself.
If you ask me - if ZA series are worth reading? Yes. The characters are worth your time. It will be crazy, hilarious, stupid, painful, dramatic, romantic, and all between, time- but I absolutely don't regret picking this up. As I have already read Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac series next on my list would be Darkmore Penitentiary 😌
The Awakening #1- 4⭐
Ruthless Fae #2- 4⭐
The Reckoning #3- 4.5⭐
Shadow Princess #4- 4⭐
Cursed Fates #5- 4⭐
Fated Throne #6- 5⭐
Heartless Sky #7- 5⭐
Sorrow and Starlight #8- 4⭐
Beyond the Veil #8.5 - 3⭐
Restless Stars #9 - 3.5⭐
The following illustrations are from @jemlin_c for Reading Portal shop (check out their webpage):
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Actual rating: 3.5 stars
It's a bittersweet feeling to let these characters go but at the same time - it's time :)
As much as I enjoyed this crazy series and memorable characters - this book should have been shorter. And I think I'm not alone when I say - we didn't need again unnecessary pov's, like please. It's better than ZA8, but still. I don't care about Mildred for f* sake, or * and * and *... What also threw me off was pacing/plot - good balance, then dragging out without a clear idea what will happen, then amazing chapters, then again something unnecessary, then action scenes and hilarious moments, then rinse & repeat. And how the lame lizard was dealt with - I was waiting for more 🗡️ People who suffered by him deserved their revenge in tenfold!! I also felt that Tori and Darius got way more scenes and povs (I'm not actually counting as I'm lazy lol) than Darcy and Lance. THE AUDACITY! 🥲
That all aside, what saved this book for me was *dun dun duuun - my forever loves Blue Lance + everything/-one around moon theme haha (and epilogue ofc)✨ Ch. 16, 57 and 118 soothed my soul. There were many moments, interactions that I would like to spotlight, but I will re-visit this review sometime in the future, because I wish for you to experience them for yourself.
If you ask me - if ZA series are worth reading? Yes. The characters are worth your time. It will be crazy, hilarious, stupid, painful, dramatic, romantic, and all between, time- but I absolutely don't regret picking this up. As I have already read Ruthless Boys of the Zodiac series next on my list would be Darkmore Penitentiary 😌
The Awakening #1- 4⭐
Ruthless Fae #2- 4⭐
The Reckoning #3- 4.5⭐
Shadow Princess #4- 4⭐
Cursed Fates #5- 4⭐
Fated Throne #6- 5⭐
Heartless Sky #7- 5⭐
Sorrow and Starlight #8- 4⭐
Beyond the Veil #8.5 - 3⭐
Restless Stars #9 - 3.5⭐
The following illustrations are from @jemlin_c for Reading Portal shop (check out their webpage):
Little Mushroom: Revelations by Shisi
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Lu Feng 🤝 Breeding Kink ☠️😂
From manhua (like, look at this majestic man😍)
“Between an Arbiter trusting a xenogenic or a xenogenic trusting an Arbiter, it was hard to say which was more absurd—no matter what reason they had. Perhaps the day they met was the beginning of the world's most absurd story. But in the darkness, neither of them could clearly see the other's face. In this place that was isolated from the world, in this moment that nobody knew of, it seemed as though regardless of what one did, it would not matter. Everything would be forgotten, and everything would be tacitly agreed to. While listening to An Zhe's soft breathing, Lu Feng closed his eyes.”
Little Mushroom: Judgment Day Review + art
Folks, I don't know what to write - I enjoyed it. I was bit emotional. I was kicking my feet up, then I was angry. And ofc confused lol. But either way - I enjoyed this story :)
For the love of shrooms, I tried to find artists for the credit but I could not find them. If you know - please let me know and I will add their names 😊
From manhua (like, look at this majestic man😍)
“Between an Arbiter trusting a xenogenic or a xenogenic trusting an Arbiter, it was hard to say which was more absurd—no matter what reason they had. Perhaps the day they met was the beginning of the world's most absurd story. But in the darkness, neither of them could clearly see the other's face. In this place that was isolated from the world, in this moment that nobody knew of, it seemed as though regardless of what one did, it would not matter. Everything would be forgotten, and everything would be tacitly agreed to. While listening to An Zhe's soft breathing, Lu Feng closed his eyes.”
Little Mushroom: Judgment Day Review + art
Folks, I don't know what to write - I enjoyed it. I was bit emotional. I was kicking my feet up, then I was angry. And ofc confused lol. But either way - I enjoyed this story :)
For the love of shrooms, I tried to find artists for the credit but I could not find them. If you know - please let me know and I will add their names 😊
Little Mushroom: Judgment Day by Shisi
From manhua
Little Mushroom: Judgment Day is set in a post apocalyptic dystopian world in the year 2020, when Earth’s magnetic poles vanished, and cosmic radiation nearly eradicated humankind. Over the next century, creatures mutated and preyed upon each other, while the remaining humans clung to their man-made shelters. In the Abyss, home to the mutated xenogenics, there lived a sentient little mushroom. Nourished by the blood and flesh of the deceased human An Ze (blood contamination), it assumed a similar human form and a name: An Zhe.
Due to unknown human who harvested his spore (protecting its spore is a mushroom's sole purpose in life), An Zhe is now determined to retrieve it so he ventures to the human base. Left and right - people are dying and/or getting infected. An Zhe is faced with constant peril as he needs to keep his non-human nature hidden from the Judges (tasked with identifying and eliminating Xenogenics) and find his stolen spore. Amon the Judges, there is Colonel Lu Feng - the most astute and merciless executioner. Yet An Zhe’s mutation eluded Lu Feng’s scrutiny, setting the stage for a gripping tale of humans and Xenogenics..
The cover may fool you with its cutie patootie illustration as the story is nothing but pain.
Cover: 🥰✨😇 / Inside: ☠️🩸💀
I haven't read anything like this before. The world-building and writing is amazing! Even though I'm not a science person, I couldn’t put this novel down. An Zhe is such a lovely, adorable, soft yet in his own way strong and determined character. He doesn't truly grasp human emotions, motives and unwavering drive to survive. He's basically a spectator. Yet, throughout his journey he unexpectedly forms attachments towards some humans. Especially towards our ML - Lu Feng. His burden as Colonel, is anything but light. His predecessors, worn down by the weight of their responsibilities, succumbed to madness or worse. Yet he persists. Tirelessly safeguarding humanity.. But once he meets An Zhe, things start to change. Perception shifts.. (also, he likes to tease An Zhe hehe).
Ugh, this is very dark yet angsty and cute ✨balance✨
p.s. now I understand why this work was nominated for the Chinese Nebula Awards ^_^
From manhua
Artist: 灼忘
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
From manhua
Little Mushroom: Judgment Day is set in a post apocalyptic dystopian world in the year 2020, when Earth’s magnetic poles vanished, and cosmic radiation nearly eradicated humankind. Over the next century, creatures mutated and preyed upon each other, while the remaining humans clung to their man-made shelters. In the Abyss, home to the mutated xenogenics, there lived a sentient little mushroom. Nourished by the blood and flesh of the deceased human An Ze (blood contamination), it assumed a similar human form and a name: An Zhe.
Due to unknown human who harvested his spore (protecting its spore is a mushroom's sole purpose in life), An Zhe is now determined to retrieve it so he ventures to the human base. Left and right - people are dying and/or getting infected. An Zhe is faced with constant peril as he needs to keep his non-human nature hidden from the Judges (tasked with identifying and eliminating Xenogenics) and find his stolen spore. Amon the Judges, there is Colonel Lu Feng - the most astute and merciless executioner. Yet An Zhe’s mutation eluded Lu Feng’s scrutiny, setting the stage for a gripping tale of humans and Xenogenics..
The cover may fool you with its cutie patootie illustration as the story is nothing but pain.
Cover: 🥰✨😇 / Inside: ☠️🩸💀
I haven't read anything like this before. The world-building and writing is amazing! Even though I'm not a science person, I couldn’t put this novel down. An Zhe is such a lovely, adorable, soft yet in his own way strong and determined character. He doesn't truly grasp human emotions, motives and unwavering drive to survive. He's basically a spectator. Yet, throughout his journey he unexpectedly forms attachments towards some humans. Especially towards our ML - Lu Feng. His burden as Colonel, is anything but light. His predecessors, worn down by the weight of their responsibilities, succumbed to madness or worse. Yet he persists. Tirelessly safeguarding humanity.. But once he meets An Zhe, things start to change. Perception shifts.. (also, he likes to tease An Zhe hehe).
Ugh, this is very dark yet angsty and cute ✨balance✨
p.s. now I understand why this work was nominated for the Chinese Nebula Awards ^_^
From manhua
Artist: 灼忘
The Stolen Heir by Holly Black
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
That One Night by Emily Rath
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0