emmaj_xo's reviews
72 reviews

To Have And To Hold: An Intimate History Of Collectors and Collecting by Philipp Blom

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slow-paced

2.0

Utterly dull, like reading a Wikipedia page. Took me over 3 weeks to read this relatively short book. Chapters of anecdotes about various collections and collectors but lacking a clear thesis. You’ll leave this having learnt little more than a few “fun facts.” At one point the author goes on a short tangent for a single paraphrase about Autism and hyperfixation in relation to collecting but after realising he doesn’t really know anything about it, drops the topic entirely. I understand the intent was this to be written in a more conversational style, but it’s moments like that that probably could have stayed in the first draft.
The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton

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emotional 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

5.0

I lost my breath. A mystery that teeters on the fantastical and an emotional centre that broke my heart. Written with beautiful, rich imagery throughout. The protagonist sometimes feels very modern for her seventeen-century setting, but it didn’t pull me out of it. Rather, the mild anachronism of her being felt like Burton had created a keyhole to allow the modern reader to peep through. To see and to understand this world, and these characters. It’s the pair of converse in Versailles, and it works. 
Perfume: The Story of a Murderer by Patrick Süskind

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

3.0

My expectations were high for this. A dark, erotic tale of murder set in mid-18th century France should have felt made for me. But I felt the more “disturbing” parts of the plot pushed too far into the realm of silly. That’s not to say the content wouldn’t be upsetting for some readers, just that the villainy is almost cartoonish.

An easy, well-paced read with some interestingly inventive description that kept me entertained throughout. And on that note I think the translater is deserving of praise. But overall not as impressed by the plot as I’d hoped I’d be.
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Harley Quinn: Breaking Glass by Mariko Tamaki

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adventurous hopeful 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? No

4.0

Perhaps the best of the DC YA line of books. Great entry point for young readers who want to get into comics, and introduces them to social issues in an accessible way. Love the art and the pops of colour throughout. Great cast of original characters and this young socially conscious Ivy is so spot-on to her character. Loved it.
The Final Girl Support Group by Grady Hendrix

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adventurous dark tense fast-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

The final girl trauma of the Halloween reboot with some Scream-like meta horror nods thrown in for good measure. 

The protagonist is a mess who consistently makes the wrong choices but I love a flawed final girl. 

Enjoyed the character work throughout and didn’t predict the ending. But, the third act let me down somewhat and wasn’t as thrilling as I’d hoped. 
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Joker/Harley: Criminal Sanity by Kami Garcia

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

4.0

This book is a master class in comic book art, fittingly so for an art obsessed killer. This is exactly what black label is all about for me; bringing together some of the best DC talent and letting them explore darker sides of the universe and the characters. Gorgeous book and a great AU story that portrays the Joker as I had always seen him; obsessive, psychopathic and irredeemable. The story was partially let down from what felt like an abrupt ending, and I’m never too interested in a Joker origin story. But a recommended read for fans who enjoy dark, grounded Gotham stories.
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Rose by Russell T. Davies

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

3.0

Enjoyed the expansion of the script - particularly the added insight into Clive’s life and his interest in the Doctor. Rose is one of my favourite characters of all time and I ate up the ninerose crumbs in here. The novelisation is pretty much just an expanded script thought. It give enough additional insight to make this an essential read. The illustrated edition is gorgeous though and I’d love to collect more if more of these stories are released as an illustrated edition in the future. 
Good Omens by Terry Pratchett, Neil Gaiman

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

3.0

Really wanted to enjoy this more knowing how well loved it is. I think it’s just my sense of humour because it didn’t get as many laughs from me but it’s well-constructed and there’s plenty of likeable characters. 
Pandora by Susan Stokes-Chapman

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

3.5

Enjoyed this historical light fantasy which leans into some unexpected body horror. Doesn’t feel 18th century at times but the anachronism didn’t detract from my enjoyment. It’s still well researched and I in particular enjoyed the inclusion of the Hamiltons in the roster of characters. 
The Woman in Me by Britney Spears

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informative inspiring sad fast-paced

4.0

There’s not much here that’s news to Britney fans but reading her story in her own voice is devastating at times. I hope the process has been healing for her, she deserves the world.