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elwirax's reviews
484 reviews
Carmilla by J. Sheridan Le Fanu
I truly expected the writing style to be more difficult but it was quite straightforward and enjoyable in that regard. I appreciate 'Carmilla' from a historical standpoint and as a classic in the vampire genre.
That being said, while progressive in it's depiction of female sexuality, it is a product of its time. The tale, very much associates Carmilla's vampirism with lesbian attraction and thereby suggesting that female sexuality is something to be feared. It portrayed a ' predatory, lesbian vampire corrupts an innocent girl' type of story rather than the sapphic romance it is heralded as.
There was some interesting political discussions like the abuses of the aristocracy and themes such as the fight between scientific rationalism and lingering superstitious beliefs. Unsurprisingly, there was also and instance of racism and many instances of classism that were unsavory.
Overall, an interesting wee book but (unsurprisingly) flawed in many ways.
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
'You must come with me, loving me, to death; or else hate me, and still come with me.'
' It was like the ardor of a lover; it embarrassed me; it was hateful and yet over-powering; and with gloating eyes she drew me to her, and her hot lips traveled along my cheek in kisses; and she would whisper, almost in sobs, "You are mine, you shall be mine, you and I are one for ever."'
I truly expected the writing style to be more difficult but it was quite straightforward and enjoyable in that regard. I appreciate 'Carmilla' from a historical standpoint and as a classic in the vampire genre.
That being said, while progressive in it's depiction of female sexuality, it is a product of its time. The tale, very much associates Carmilla's vampirism with lesbian attraction and thereby suggesting that female sexuality is something to be feared. It portrayed a ' predatory, lesbian vampire corrupts an innocent girl' type of story rather than the sapphic romance it is heralded as.
There was some interesting political discussions like the abuses of the aristocracy and themes such as the fight between scientific rationalism and lingering superstitious beliefs. Unsurprisingly, there was also and instance of racism and many instances of classism that were unsavory.
Overall, an interesting wee book but (unsurprisingly) flawed in many ways.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pedophilia
Moderate: Blood and Lesbophobia
His Black Tongue by Mitchell Lüthi
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? It's complicated
2.5
A phenomenal audiobook narration. Unfortunately, the stories were sort of weak and repetitive. A decent collection but nothing spectacular.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Violence, and War
Minor: Slavery
The Smoke Thieves by Sally Green
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.0
The writing seemed very juvenile to me and was more telling than showing. The characters were flat and uninteresting, it took too long for the plot to unravel and certain elements were far too convenient.
That being said, it had interesting themes such as the the oppression and strength of women, some decent political intrigue and good worldbuilding elements.
That being said, it had interesting themes such as the the oppression and strength of women, some decent political intrigue and good worldbuilding elements.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, Torture, and War
The Doll Factory by Elizabeth Macneal
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
What I didn't like:
Overall, none of this book was really surprising or mysterious and I think this is both a strength and a weakness. A strength in the sense that Rio weaved Shakespeare well into the story, and the plays acted as foreshadowing for what was to come. Yet, even as someone who has not read the plays referenced in 'If We Were Villains,' it was just too predictable to feel fully invested because the plays are so well known. That being said, I do think it paid a nice homage to Shakespeare's work.
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
This book sat on my shelves for years. I really wanted to love it, alas, it wasn't meant to be.
What I liked:
What I liked:
- I was really immersed in the performance of Macbeth and I really enjoyed seeing the play through the eyes of these characters. This was perhaps one of my favourite parts of the book, atmosphere wise and foreshadowing wise. Casting Richard as an apparition in the play and for him to later metaphorically haunt Oliver after his death was such an interesting bluring of lines between fiction and reality. Another scene I thought was well done was at the Christmas Masque and the Romeo and Juliet performance. This further illustrated the blurring of lines but also acknowledged the fate of Oliver and James' relationship.
What I didn't like:
- There wasn't much character development and they all ultimately personified the tropes they acted out on stage. I wanted to know more of Richard's character other than the fact he was an abusive brute. If they were all friends why the sudden change in his behaviour? Surely ego was not the only catalyst? In this sense the build up was weak.
- The pacing was also slightly off but as I am unfamiliar with Shakespeare's structure, it may well be an ode to the original. Nevertheless, I do think that my qualm with Richard's sudden behaviour change could have been better developed had the climax occurred later than the 2nd Act. This choice left the 3 acts after to be sort of meandering and the characterisation completely inconsistent. While this makes sense as they are actors (and ones who are trying to escape and mask their own actions), it was very difficult to like any of them.
- Meredith and Oliver's relationship felt unnecessary and the scene with his family and his sister's eating disorder (which Oliver belittles) felt very out of place. The family plot point was really just a springboard for the way Oliver finds the murder weapon and thus, the culprit. This could've been done in a more interesting way.
- I think the Queer representation wasn't very good and was only introduced as a tragic turning point for the plot which is not only cheap but overused.
- The use of language was also quite questionable in parts. The description of women (particularly Meredith) was particularly unsavoury. There were uses of phrases such as ' sitting like storybook Indians,' 'with the cold scrutiny of a slave trader at auction,' 'gyspy' and a strange transgender joke that felt out of place. I feel like these just weren't necessary and other descriptions could've been used.
Overall, none of this book was really surprising or mysterious and I think this is both a strength and a weakness. A strength in the sense that Rio weaved Shakespeare well into the story, and the plays acted as foreshadowing for what was to come. Yet, even as someone who has not read the plays referenced in 'If We Were Villains,' it was just too predictable to feel fully invested because the plays are so well known. That being said, I do think it paid a nice homage to Shakespeare's work.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Violence, and Murder
Minor: Eating disorder and Racial slurs
The Poppy War by R.F. Kuang
I know this book heavily draws on real historical events such as the Nanjing Massacre. By 'heavily draws' I mean, it is completely lifted from history and placed in a fantasty element. Therefore, it was very hard for me to reconcile these atrocities with a plot following drug-addled teenagers who made poor decisions. I understand they are meant to symbolise the fighting spirit of those who suffered and their deep resentment of those responsible for war crimes. However, the way this characterisation was portrayed just didn't work with the overall conflicts of the book nor did the real suffering of individuals any justice. I am aware this is not a history book but if you are to directly lift from history, it has to be done with a certain sensitivity and caution.
Aside from this, the pacing was awful and the jump from the slow (and arguably better) Part I to Part II was shocking to say the least. There was no real build up to the war described in Part II and really all the lessons the reader sat through in Part I were just an excuse for worldbuilding info dumping.
All the characters were deeply unlikeable and due to the considerable focus on world building, they felt undeveloped. I found it hard to care for their motives or their reasonings for committing atrocities themselves.
There was some good philosophical commentary but a lot of it was lost on the actual plot. In general, the writing didn't do much for me and I found the the use of phrases like 'tiger's tits' and 'great tortoise' quite juvenile (but that is really a nitpick).
Overall, unfortunately not my favourite. There were some interesting mythological elements and interesting themes (the horrors of war and addiction etc) but nothing else really worked for me. I have no intention to pick up the other books in this trilogy.
dark
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? Yes
2.0
They were monsters!" Rin shrieked. "They were not human!"
"Have you ever considered" he said slowly "that that was exactly what they thought of us?
War doesn't determine who's right. War determines who remains.
I know this book heavily draws on real historical events such as the Nanjing Massacre. By 'heavily draws' I mean, it is completely lifted from history and placed in a fantasty element. Therefore, it was very hard for me to reconcile these atrocities with a plot following drug-addled teenagers who made poor decisions. I understand they are meant to symbolise the fighting spirit of those who suffered and their deep resentment of those responsible for war crimes. However, the way this characterisation was portrayed just didn't work with the overall conflicts of the book nor did the real suffering of individuals any justice. I am aware this is not a history book but if you are to directly lift from history, it has to be done with a certain sensitivity and caution.
Aside from this, the pacing was awful and the jump from the slow (and arguably better) Part I to Part II was shocking to say the least. There was no real build up to the war described in Part II and really all the lessons the reader sat through in Part I were just an excuse for worldbuilding info dumping.
All the characters were deeply unlikeable and due to the considerable focus on world building, they felt undeveloped. I found it hard to care for their motives or their reasonings for committing atrocities themselves.
There was some good philosophical commentary but a lot of it was lost on the actual plot. In general, the writing didn't do much for me and I found the the use of phrases like 'tiger's tits' and 'great tortoise' quite juvenile (but that is really a nitpick).
Overall, unfortunately not my favourite. There were some interesting mythological elements and interesting themes (the horrors of war and addiction etc) but nothing else really worked for me. I have no intention to pick up the other books in this trilogy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Gore, Violence, Murder, and War
Moderate: Drug abuse, Misogyny, Rape, Forced institutionalization, and Colonisation
Minor: Self harm
Gwen and Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher
lighthearted
medium-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? Yes
3.0
This was a really fun book and of course, I can never say no to a Queer Arthurian re-telling.
The writing was really enjoyable, it didn't read too young but still had that lightness that is to be expected from YA contemporary fantasies. I also really liked the action in this book, it delivers everything one would expect from a medieval set story: jousting, secret societies, war, and a smidge of political intrigue.
While I love some quality banter, I think it could have been toned down in this book to move the plot along faster. A lot of the serious action took place in the last 20% of the book. Having the fluffier aspects shortened would have made for a smoother transition into the more high stakes action and made the political intrigue stronger. There was also a lot of info dumping at the beginning that considerably slowed down the pace of the book.
Character wise, I really liked Arthur and Sydney, their friendship and banter was very entertaining. Gwen and Gabriel were solid characters albeit a bit underdeveloped in certain areas. I wish we got Gabriel's POV for a more nuanced understanding of his character. Where I was most dissapointed was with Bridget's character. She wasn't very present and felt very secondary despite being Gwen's love interest. I think the romances in this book were very shallow in general and I didn't really feel any of the yearning being described.
The ending was rather abrupt and again, I think that if the the start was shortened the focus could've been shifted to develop the ending a bit more.
Overall, this was a fun book. Could have perhaps focused more on robust character building but I did like aspects of the world building and the banter.
The writing was really enjoyable, it didn't read too young but still had that lightness that is to be expected from YA contemporary fantasies. I also really liked the action in this book, it delivers everything one would expect from a medieval set story: jousting, secret societies, war, and a smidge of political intrigue.
While I love some quality banter, I think it could have been toned down in this book to move the plot along faster. A lot of the serious action took place in the last 20% of the book. Having the fluffier aspects shortened would have made for a smoother transition into the more high stakes action and made the political intrigue stronger. There was also a lot of info dumping at the beginning that considerably slowed down the pace of the book.
Character wise, I really liked Arthur and Sydney, their friendship and banter was very entertaining. Gwen and Gabriel were solid characters albeit a bit underdeveloped in certain areas. I wish we got Gabriel's POV for a more nuanced understanding of his character. Where I was most dissapointed was with Bridget's character. She wasn't very present and felt very secondary despite being Gwen's love interest. I think the romances in this book were very shallow in general and I didn't really feel any of the yearning being described.
The ending was rather abrupt and again, I think that if the the start was shortened the focus could've been shifted to develop the ending a bit more.
Overall, this was a fun book. Could have perhaps focused more on robust character building but I did like aspects of the world building and the banter.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and War
Moderate: Homophobia, Death of parent, and Alcohol
A Bánh Mì for Two by Trinity Nguyen
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
This was a sweet book. I'd say it's more of a love letter to Vietnam, it's culture and food rather than a fully developed romance but still enjoyable.
I do think that it read a little young (even for a YA book) and tried to tackle too many issues in a short amount of pages which made certain aspects seems slightly shallow. Nevertheless, a quick, sapphic read with some great Vietnamese representation.
I do think that it read a little young (even for a YA book) and tried to tackle too many issues in a short amount of pages which made certain aspects seems slightly shallow. Nevertheless, a quick, sapphic read with some great Vietnamese representation.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death of parent
Moderate: Colonisation
Minor: Racism, Blood, and War
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Before the Coffee gets Cold was an interesting blend of magical realism and at some points non-fiction. I really enjoyed the premise of this book and how each short story was connected to the last.
That being said, it's very clear that this was written by a man. Every story centred around smart women giving up their freedom in some regard to cater to mediocre men. Not once did a man choose to time travel, it was always the women going back to fix other people's problems.
The time traveling rules got repetitive and new rules kept being introduced in each story which made no sense. There were many contradictions and lazily presented exposition that didn't really go anywhere. I was left with many unanswered questions which made the book seem very shallow (e.g.what's the point of the ghost's curse if it has no real impact? How exactly does an individual get to a particular time or date? Etc etc)
The writing style also didn't do much for me. It was rather dry and matter of fact which made the characters seem very two-dimensional and rather uninteresting.
Overall, some good aspects and an interesting premise but hindered by its depiction of women and its dull writing.
That being said, it's very clear that this was written by a man. Every story centred around smart women giving up their freedom in some regard to cater to mediocre men. Not once did a man choose to time travel, it was always the women going back to fix other people's problems.
The time traveling rules got repetitive and new rules kept being introduced in each story which made no sense. There were many contradictions and lazily presented exposition that didn't really go anywhere. I was left with many unanswered questions which made the book seem very shallow (e.g.what's the point of the ghost's curse if it has no real impact? How exactly does an individual get to a particular time or date? Etc etc)
The writing style also didn't do much for me. It was rather dry and matter of fact which made the characters seem very two-dimensional and rather uninteresting.
Overall, some good aspects and an interesting premise but hindered by its depiction of women and its dull writing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexism and Dementia
Moderate: Car accident
Minor: Death of parent
White Nights by Fyodor Dostoevsky
Honestly, the narrator very much reminds me of the modern archetype for those 20-something year old males who post about how "the good guys always finish last" while ocassionally teetering into incel-adjascent content and thinking they're the next best thing 'cause they read some philosophy books.
I wouldn't really call this a love story, more so a story of a lonely man who gets attached and deluded by an idealised version of someone who has happened to converse with him. The narrator being 26 and Nastenka (his love interest) being 17 coupled with the love bombing and manipulation made for an uncomfortable reading experience.
That's not to say that the narrator was wholly unlikeable, many of his traits could be interpreted as endearing despite his inherent flaws. He wears his heart on his sleeve and this level of vulnerability is refreshing to see expressed so earnestly in a world where men in particular are emotionally guarded. The hopeless romanticism and vivid daydreaming will resonate with those who also long for deep and meaningful connections with others but who are often their own worst obstacles.
The writing in this short story was poetic and beautiful, albeit a bit long winded at some points.
Overall, there was much to like in terms of characterisation and writing. However, plot-wise, it was not the most engaging and sometimes came off a wee bit melodramatic. It required the reader to suspend their disbelief at the pace of this supposed "romance".
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
'You ask yourself: where are your dreams now? And you shake your head and say how swiftly the years fly by! And you ask yourself again: what have you done with your best years, then? Where have you buried the best days of your life? Have you lived or not?'
Honestly, the narrator very much reminds me of the modern archetype for those 20-something year old males who post about how "the good guys always finish last" while ocassionally teetering into incel-adjascent content and thinking they're the next best thing 'cause they read some philosophy books.
I wouldn't really call this a love story, more so a story of a lonely man who gets attached and deluded by an idealised version of someone who has happened to converse with him. The narrator being 26 and Nastenka (his love interest) being 17 coupled with the love bombing and manipulation made for an uncomfortable reading experience.
That's not to say that the narrator was wholly unlikeable, many of his traits could be interpreted as endearing despite his inherent flaws. He wears his heart on his sleeve and this level of vulnerability is refreshing to see expressed so earnestly in a world where men in particular are emotionally guarded. The hopeless romanticism and vivid daydreaming will resonate with those who also long for deep and meaningful connections with others but who are often their own worst obstacles.
The writing in this short story was poetic and beautiful, albeit a bit long winded at some points.
Overall, there was much to like in terms of characterisation and writing. However, plot-wise, it was not the most engaging and sometimes came off a wee bit melodramatic. It required the reader to suspend their disbelief at the pace of this supposed "romance".
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Toxic relationship, Stalking, and Gaslighting
Minor: Death of parent