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dnietoperafan's reviews
194 reviews
Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
A Day of Fallen Night by Samantha Shannon
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
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
4.5
Shannon is an amazing fantasy writer. Priory of the Orange Tree was one of my favourite books I read last year, so I definitely had to pick up the prequel! In this review I want to talk about two particular points, a negative and a positive.
Let me start with the positive. In an interview with Paste Magazine, Shannon mentioned that the main theme she wanted to explore in A Day of Fallen Night was motherhood. I would say she was extremely successful at completing her goal. I was halfway through this novel when I read that interview, and it completely shifted my view on the text. Shannon's characters, their choices, the spaces they were placed in... it started meaning more than just another fantasy plot. Motherhood is celebrated and viewed from many different perspectives, diversity has never lacked in this fictional universe.
Characters are extremely likable and human. They are so well developed that you could predict what they'd say in a conversation, you would know how they'd react in a certain environment, or what sort of stances they would hold in modern politics. Shannon really shines when creating these amazing fictional humans. Additionally, the world-building is incredible. I liked how Shannon tackled exposition in Priory more than in Fallen Night, but the magic system, politics, and history of this world are awe-provocking.
Now, the negative. Priory and Fallen Night are individual stories in the same world; Shannon intended for readers to be able to pick them up in any order. I think this goal was achieved, but at the detriment of the quality of Fallen Night. Exposition, as I said before, felt very boring in this novel; whilst in Priory it felt organic. Characters often tell each other the history of their respective lands, histories that have been already explained and fleshed out in Priory organically. I felt a bit sorry for the people that decided to pick up this book before reading Priory. Which is why I would HIGHLY recommend reading this series in release order.
I absolutely adored this book and I CAN NOT wait for the next installment coming later this year. It would have been a 5-star rating, but because of the cluncky-ness of the exposition, I've given it 4.5 stars.
Let me start with the positive. In an interview with Paste Magazine, Shannon mentioned that the main theme she wanted to explore in A Day of Fallen Night was motherhood. I would say she was extremely successful at completing her goal. I was halfway through this novel when I read that interview, and it completely shifted my view on the text. Shannon's characters, their choices, the spaces they were placed in... it started meaning more than just another fantasy plot. Motherhood is celebrated and viewed from many different perspectives, diversity has never lacked in this fictional universe.
Characters are extremely likable and human. They are so well developed that you could predict what they'd say in a conversation, you would know how they'd react in a certain environment, or what sort of stances they would hold in modern politics. Shannon really shines when creating these amazing fictional humans. Additionally, the world-building is incredible. I liked how Shannon tackled exposition in Priory more than in Fallen Night, but the magic system, politics, and history of this world are awe-provocking.
Now, the negative. Priory and Fallen Night are individual stories in the same world; Shannon intended for readers to be able to pick them up in any order. I think this goal was achieved, but at the detriment of the quality of Fallen Night. Exposition, as I said before, felt very boring in this novel; whilst in Priory it felt organic. Characters often tell each other the history of their respective lands, histories that have been already explained and fleshed out in Priory organically. I felt a bit sorry for the people that decided to pick up this book before reading Priory. Which is why I would HIGHLY recommend reading this series in release order.
I absolutely adored this book and I CAN NOT wait for the next installment coming later this year. It would have been a 5-star rating, but because of the cluncky-ness of the exposition, I've given it 4.5 stars.
El infierno by Dante Alighieri
adventurous
challenging
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Decidí leer El infierno port Dante en verso y en español, ya que sería la manera más cercana a el poema original (que yo pudiera entender). La verdad, sí me pareció bastante difícil. Usé los resumenes y análisis de SparkNotes mientras leía como una ayuda extra.
Se me hizo muy interesante ver que pecados Dante escogió y en que orden los organizó. Pude ver como la época en la que vivió influenció sus creencias; como ficcionalizó sus gustos literarios, su punto de vista político, y su religión.
Creo que sin el contexto político de Florencia durante la época de Dante, sería bastante difícil entender este poema. Así que definitivamente recomendaría a futuros lectores tener resumenes de los Cantos mientras leen esta obra.
Se me hizo muy interesante ver que pecados Dante escogió y en que orden los organizó. Pude ver como la época en la que vivió influenció sus creencias; como ficcionalizó sus gustos literarios, su punto de vista político, y su religión.
Creo que sin el contexto político de Florencia durante la época de Dante, sería bastante difícil entender este poema. Así que definitivamente recomendaría a futuros lectores tener resumenes de los Cantos mientras leen esta obra.
Children of Dune by Frank Herbert
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Children of Dune was definitely a fun book to read. Unlike Dune Messiah, I found Leto and Ghanima's story more interesting to dig into. It didn't quite meet Dune's level, but I did have fun reading it.
The themes explored by Herbert, specially the collective knowledge heritage can provide, were very interesting to discuss with my friends and colleagues. I found some scenes with the twins very weird in a thought-provocking way, when exploring that heritage theme.
Additionally, I felt for Alia during this book. The collective knowledge almost taking over her, it was creepy but very interesting to imagine.
The reason I gave this book a 3-star review is mainly personal. I have found Herberts writing a bit long to read, but as said before, very thought-provocking. I guess the newness of Dune's story and descriptions gave me a sense of grandiose awe that has been somewhat lost in these next titles. But it's mainly just a personal preference.
The themes explored by Herbert, specially the collective knowledge heritage can provide, were very interesting to discuss with my friends and colleagues. I found some scenes with the twins very weird in a thought-provocking way, when exploring that heritage theme.
Additionally, I felt for Alia during this book. The collective knowledge almost taking over her, it was creepy but very interesting to imagine.
The reason I gave this book a 3-star review is mainly personal. I have found Herberts writing a bit long to read, but as said before, very thought-provocking. I guess the newness of Dune's story and descriptions gave me a sense of grandiose awe that has been somewhat lost in these next titles. But it's mainly just a personal preference.
La perra (Edición Ilustrada) / The Bitch (Illustrated Edition) by Pilar Quintana
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
La perra me la recomendó un amigo de mi mamá. Le conté que quería leer más autoras Colombianas (ya que soy una Colombiana viviendo en el exterior), y él me recomendó Pilar Quintana.
Esta novela comenzó atrapándome en la costa. Las descripciones son hermosamente reales. La prosa de Quintana es definitivamente una de sus fortalezas. La naturaleza es despiadada, y la audiencia puede sentirlo solo concentrandosé en la manera en que Quintana escribe. Esta novela fue un placer de leer.
Por el otro lado, la trama me dejó queriendo más. Me parecio simple y efectiva (no todas las historias tienen que ser épicas), pero el final fue anticlimático en mi opinion. No me dio el espacio para analizar más a fondo los temas principales de la historia.
Me gustaría leer más libros de Quintana, y explorar su prosa con otras tramas.
Esta novela comenzó atrapándome en la costa. Las descripciones son hermosamente reales. La prosa de Quintana es definitivamente una de sus fortalezas. La naturaleza es despiadada, y la audiencia puede sentirlo solo concentrandosé en la manera en que Quintana escribe. Esta novela fue un placer de leer.
Por el otro lado, la trama me dejó queriendo más. Me parecio simple y efectiva (no todas las historias tienen que ser épicas), pero el final fue anticlimático en mi opinion. No me dio el espacio para analizar más a fondo los temas principales de la historia.
Me gustaría leer más libros de Quintana, y explorar su prosa con otras tramas.
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
Actually, I wasn't planning on reading this book. One of my best friends, who doesn't read for pleasure, decided to pick up this book. She begged me to read it with her, so how could I say no? I had obviously heard all the BookTok creators recommend it, but I knew it wouldn't be the book for me. I was right.
The writing was very basic. The first chapter did not hook me at all, and the story actually takes way too long to begin. Additionally, the story itself has no 'umph'. Maas only focuses on the 'love story' and completely forgets to flesh out side charcters, the world, and the magic system.
I completely get that not everybody wants to read heavy fantasy, but I've read light romantasy that is A LOT better than this book. So I know it can be done.
The 'love story' is also too bland for me. There isn't really a realistic pay-off when the main characters finally say 'I love you'. Plus, it's all too convenient; the plot armour is painfully evident. You are never scared for the wellbeing of the characters, and you always know they are going to end up together.
In this case, Maas just wrote a boring book. And I actually hope my friend doesn't pick up the next book in the series.
The writing was very basic. The first chapter did not hook me at all, and the story actually takes way too long to begin. Additionally, the story itself has no 'umph'. Maas only focuses on the 'love story' and completely forgets to flesh out side charcters, the world, and the magic system.
I completely get that not everybody wants to read heavy fantasy, but I've read light romantasy that is A LOT better than this book. So I know it can be done.
The 'love story' is also too bland for me. There isn't really a realistic pay-off when the main characters finally say 'I love you'. Plus, it's all too convenient; the plot armour is painfully evident. You are never scared for the wellbeing of the characters, and you always know they are going to end up together.
In this case, Maas just wrote a boring book. And I actually hope my friend doesn't pick up the next book in the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Las indignas by Agustina Bazterrica
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
5.0
Como muchas otras personas, mi introducción a Agustina Bazterrica fue leyendo Cadáver exquisito. Desde entonces he esperado con ansias su siguiente novela. Así que cuando escuché que Las indignas acababa de ser publicado, corrí a comprarlo.
Esta novela me dejó loca. La manera en que Bazterrica me atrapó en una sola sentada fue violenta. Como esperado, sus descripciones gráficas son horribles (de la mejor manera), y sus personajes son tan humanos que duele.
La crueldad humana toma protagonismo, pero Bazterrica se asegura que el amor y la sensibilidad contrasten a este protagonista. La personaje principal tiene todas estas características, lo que la hace una personaje demasiado interestante de seguir. En unos capítulos la amas, en otros la odias.
El mundo que Bazterrica creó también se siente muy real. Los misterios que lentamente son explicados durante la novela hacen que este mundo crezca. Se me hizo demasiado divertido tratar de adivinar los porques antes de que fueran revelados en la historia.
En resumen, amé esta novela. Junta perfectamente el género post-apocalíptico y una trama centrada en un culto religioso. Es mi nueva novela favorita de Bazterrica y se la recomiendo a todos los que le gustaron Cadáver exquisito.
Esta novela me dejó loca. La manera en que Bazterrica me atrapó en una sola sentada fue violenta. Como esperado, sus descripciones gráficas son horribles (de la mejor manera), y sus personajes son tan humanos que duele.
La crueldad humana toma protagonismo, pero Bazterrica se asegura que el amor y la sensibilidad contrasten a este protagonista. La personaje principal tiene todas estas características, lo que la hace una personaje demasiado interestante de seguir. En unos capítulos la amas, en otros la odias.
El mundo que Bazterrica creó también se siente muy real. Los misterios que lentamente son explicados durante la novela hacen que este mundo crezca. Se me hizo demasiado divertido tratar de adivinar los porques antes de que fueran revelados en la historia.
En resumen, amé esta novela. Junta perfectamente el género post-apocalíptico y una trama centrada en un culto religioso. Es mi nueva novela favorita de Bazterrica y se la recomiendo a todos los que le gustaron Cadáver exquisito.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Grief, Murder, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child death, Death of parent, and Pandemic/Epidemic
The Priory of the Orange Tree by Samantha Shannon
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
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
5.0
This novel has been sitting on my TBR for a little. Not going to lie, its size was definitely the reason why it took me time to crack it open. But I must say, I am so glad I finally did!
Shannon is an absolutely amazing author. Her writing is hooking, funny, vibrant, and so creative. Her characters feel incredibly real; there is literally no flat character in this book. Plus, her world building is so intriguing and dense, yet accessible. Shannon does high fantasy in a non-misoginistic way, which I feel is really needed nowadays.
I absolutely loved the way the book slowly builds up and connects all the characters in an epic finale. That first half of the book gave me the dense world building I craved, and then the second half was just pay-off after pay-off. This is the type of book that will make you verbally cheer for certain characters. It is also the type of book that you'll want to inhale in as few sittings as you can.
I am very excited to read the prequel Shannon has already released. I want to read more of her writing.
Shannon is an absolutely amazing author. Her writing is hooking, funny, vibrant, and so creative. Her characters feel incredibly real; there is literally no flat character in this book. Plus, her world building is so intriguing and dense, yet accessible. Shannon does high fantasy in a non-misoginistic way, which I feel is really needed nowadays.
I absolutely loved the way the book slowly builds up and connects all the characters in an epic finale. That first half of the book gave me the dense world building I craved, and then the second half was just pay-off after pay-off. This is the type of book that will make you verbally cheer for certain characters. It is also the type of book that you'll want to inhale in as few sittings as you can.
I am very excited to read the prequel Shannon has already released. I want to read more of her writing.
Women Living Deliciously by Florence Given
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
3.5
Women Don't Owe You Pretty was my feminist awakening. So OF COURSE I was mega excited for Florence Given's second non-fiction title. I got my chunky signed copy on pre-order and waited. When my book finally arrived, it was stunning. The illustrations, the page layouts; the whole book was colourful, delightful. Then, I started reading...
Given touches on some very interesting points. I absolutely loved the 'Mind the Gap' chapter. Heavily related to the section that talks about cringing. As an autistic women myself, it made me feel incredibly understood. Women Living Deliciously raised a lot of points that I will 100% start applying on my day to day. Given definitely has a way of making her content highly accessible to the masses, which I really look up to. She takes somewhat complex themes, and writes about them in a very relatable manner.
Whilst reading though, I kept stopping and making mental notes: This 'tip' is not really accessible to all women. This point is (personally) not really in touch with intersectional feminism. Don't get me wrong, as I said before, there is A LOT of content in this book that is invaluable; but I definitely got incresingly annoyed when Given's tips or chapter themes felt very out-of-touch.
Essentially, even though I felt like her first book was my feminist awakening, her recent content still feel quite Feminism 101 for me. I really wanted to love Women Living Deliciously, but it ended giving me the same feeling I had with the recent Barbie film. It feels as if I've outgrown this foundational level of feminism.
Would I recommend this book? ABSOLUTELY. Even though it didn't satisfy me, I know there will be women out there that will have their feminist awakening with this title. Florence Given should be incredibly proud of the community she has grown and the countless women she has helped. I really love her way of seeing the world, and I'm eternally grateful she paved the way for me to read other feminist texts. I'm heartbroken I feel I've outgrown her content, but I'll still be a fan of what she stands for: Women being able to Live Deliciously.
Given touches on some very interesting points. I absolutely loved the 'Mind the Gap' chapter. Heavily related to the section that talks about cringing. As an autistic women myself, it made me feel incredibly understood. Women Living Deliciously raised a lot of points that I will 100% start applying on my day to day. Given definitely has a way of making her content highly accessible to the masses, which I really look up to. She takes somewhat complex themes, and writes about them in a very relatable manner.
Whilst reading though, I kept stopping and making mental notes: This 'tip' is not really accessible to all women. This point is (personally) not really in touch with intersectional feminism. Don't get me wrong, as I said before, there is A LOT of content in this book that is invaluable; but I definitely got incresingly annoyed when Given's tips or chapter themes felt very out-of-touch.
Essentially, even though I felt like her first book was my feminist awakening, her recent content still feel quite Feminism 101 for me. I really wanted to love Women Living Deliciously, but it ended giving me the same feeling I had with the recent Barbie film. It feels as if I've outgrown this foundational level of feminism.
Would I recommend this book? ABSOLUTELY. Even though it didn't satisfy me, I know there will be women out there that will have their feminist awakening with this title. Florence Given should be incredibly proud of the community she has grown and the countless women she has helped. I really love her way of seeing the world, and I'm eternally grateful she paved the way for me to read other feminist texts. I'm heartbroken I feel I've outgrown her content, but I'll still be a fan of what she stands for: Women being able to Live Deliciously.