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fangirljeanne's reviews
1174 reviews
Fables & Other Lies by Claire Contreras
Did not finish book. Stopped at 0%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 0%.
I didn’t like the audiobook. Will try reading the ebook instead.
The Coven by Harper L. Woods
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Read for research.
I have a personal problem with overwhelming themes of Christianity in witch stories. This story is steeped in a heavily contemporary Christian interpretation of Satanism and witchcraft. Which makes it feel less witchy and more of a dark messiah story, that in execution isn’t nearly as interesting as it sounds.
The world building was very interesting, lots of potential. But didn’t really exist beyond info dumpy plot points that gracelessly forced the story forward. The romance felt insta-lust to insta-love with little actually relationship development. The FMC is a passive pawn in trying very hard to act like a “strong female character.” She’s reactionary, and her primary motivation isn’t actually her own. She’s less a reluctant hero and more of a super powered dog toy being pushed and pulled between the various powers that be in the story.
The MMC is equally hollow. Yes, he does evil and thinks sexy thoughts. But much of her actions are justified by plot machinations that are later revealed in a rush. Thus he’s just a horny teacher who act like a teenage boy, and less like an ageless immortal demon with some grand evil plan.
The sex scenes are okay, but are overshadowed by some really gross puritanical ideas about virginity and sin, which feels weirdly out of place for a witch who’s powers are grounded in nature. Making sex less about enjoyment or emotional intimacy and more about vulnerability and power.
Overall this is books just fails to be anything more than a string of shocking twists and sex scenes with little real plot or a developed story.
The internalized misogyny is heavy in this one. Fending figures of power are either dead, antagonist, or the FMC.
Meh
I have a personal problem with overwhelming themes of Christianity in witch stories. This story is steeped in a heavily contemporary Christian interpretation of Satanism and witchcraft. Which makes it feel less witchy and more of a dark messiah story, that in execution isn’t nearly as interesting as it sounds.
The world building was very interesting, lots of potential. But didn’t really exist beyond info dumpy plot points that gracelessly forced the story forward. The romance felt insta-lust to insta-love with little actually relationship development. The FMC is a passive pawn in trying very hard to act like a “strong female character.” She’s reactionary, and her primary motivation isn’t actually her own. She’s less a reluctant hero and more of a super powered dog toy being pushed and pulled between the various powers that be in the story.
The MMC is equally hollow. Yes, he does evil and thinks sexy thoughts. But much of her actions are justified by plot machinations that are later revealed in a rush. Thus he’s just a horny teacher who act like a teenage boy, and less like an ageless immortal demon with some grand evil plan.
The sex scenes are okay, but are overshadowed by some really gross puritanical ideas about virginity and sin, which feels weirdly out of place for a witch who’s powers are grounded in nature. Making sex less about enjoyment or emotional intimacy and more about vulnerability and power.
Overall this is books just fails to be anything more than a string of shocking twists and sex scenes with little real plot or a developed story.
The internalized misogyny is heavy in this one. Fending figures of power are either dead, antagonist, or the FMC.
Meh
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Death of parent, Kidnapping, Mental illness, Self harm, Torture, Animal death, Child abuse, Child death, Stalking, Violence, Abandonment, Blood, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Gore, Grief, Misogyny, Sexual harassment, and Toxic relationship
Dirty Wicked Prince by Eden O'Neill
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Read this for research. The writing is competent. The sex scenes are decent. The plot is bit of a convoluted mess that vilifies a survivor of intimate partner abuse, by framing her as a sexual predator. It’s pretty repugnant choice, imo.
The bully scenario is excused away by a misunderstanding and the FMC being “too aggressive.” Which is also a strike for me, as her fearlessness in the face of threats is a big part of what I like about her.
In the end, it was informative read that helped me deconstruct the tenants of this subgenre. But can’t recommend it, especially to survivors of intimate partner abuse. The internalized misogyny is thick in this one.
The bully scenario is excused away by a misunderstanding and the FMC being “too aggressive.” Which is also a strike for me, as her fearlessness in the face of threats is a big part of what I like about her.
In the end, it was informative read that helped me deconstruct the tenants of this subgenre. But can’t recommend it, especially to survivors of intimate partner abuse. The internalized misogyny is thick in this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Physical abuse, Confinement, Infidelity, Emotional abuse, Drug use, Death, Cursing, Classism, Gun violence, Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, Violence, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Abandonment, Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Bullying, Sexism, Murder, Kidnapping, Grief, and Drug abuse
The Pool Boy by Nikki Sloane
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The Dare by Harley Laroux
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Bait by Jade West
challenging
dark
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Suicide attempt, Sexual violence, Grief, Cursing, Mental illness, Violence, Death, Alcoholism, Miscarriage, Stalking, Kidnapping, Infertility, Fire/Fire injury, Confinement, Rape, and Sexual assault
The story centers on CNC (Consensual Non-Consent).
Anguished by T.L. Smith
dark
tense
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? Yes
2.5
I would’ve enjoyed this more if it weren’t chocked full of misogyny.
Wright with Benefits by K.A. Linde
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Because You're Mine by Claire Contreras
dark
hopeful
fast-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
2.75
Meh
Insta lust to insta love. Too many plot twists, barely any plot used to string together okay sex scenes.
Lots of coded racism in how the characters talk about “gangs” verse “organized crime.”
Insta lust to insta love. Too many plot twists, barely any plot used to string together okay sex scenes.
Lots of coded racism in how the characters talk about “gangs” verse “organized crime.”
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, Death of parent, and Abortion
Sinner by Sierra Simone
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75