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firenza1605's reviews
1087 reviews
Flamefall by Rosaria Munda
Did not finish book. Stopped at 35%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 35%.
While others like it, it's unfortunately not for me. 😥 To continue to read it would be a disservice to myself and them. I already struggled with the first book. Ultimately, I think I'd like to see more philosophy-world building & deep reflection and less character exploration, even after taking time to return to it more level-headed. The character focus, as written, does not resonate with me, and it could just be an age/personality difference or writing style preference (from my non-expert vantage point: more telling than showing, subject-verb pattern vs clauses, less atmospheric/phonaesthetics). This is just a drop though in an ocean of takes and does not bear any comment on the quality of the series - a decent YA exploration of dragons, classism, feminism, and a revisit to Plato's Republic.
The Eternal Ones by Namina Forna
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
3.5
It wrapped up well, but wish the ideas I had caught in the second book had been expanded upon. For those that like character development, there's more of that for Deka in this one than the second book. There are many other side characters still and some new ones who weren't as explored as they could have been.
Babel by R.F. Kuang
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
To describe this book in any particular way would be a disservice, and yet here we are. What R. F. Kuang does in this book is phenomenal, a fantastical world on top of our own history, showcasing many of the societal injustices seen in the 1800s and still felt today. The characters have depth, and unfortunately, some of them follow all too known patterns. It is only of selfish interest that I wish that the magic had been more an element. I dearly hope that this work becomes a modern classic by which readers are led to understand the injustices in the world and to be emboldened to listen and seek to build a brighter, more fair world together.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Child abuse, Sexism, Cultural appropriation, and Colonisation
Minor: Sexual harassment
The Merciless Ones by Namina Forna
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Can't wait to read the 3rd one. Was really pleasantly surprised by the focus shift and increasing queer representation.
The Dead Cat Tail Assassins by P. Djèlà Clark
adventurous
funny
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.25
Like a Charm by Elle McNicoll
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Daughter of Smoke & Bone by Laini Taylor
adventurous
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
The Lost Bookshop by Evie Woods
dark
hopeful
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
3.0
Check various TWs. Both magic and characters could have been developed/focused on more - often things just happened because ... Also some TWs and healing from them didn't seem as explored as they could have been.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Moderate: Forced institutionalization
Minor: Alcoholism and Child death
A Sky of Emerald Stars by A.K. Mulford
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.75
Like the characters and diverse representation, but struggle with the execution, particularly the spice and heavier romance focus with most of the PoVs 😳