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fruitbatwoman's reviews
597 reviews
P.T.: A Video Game Ghost Story by Joel Couture
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
3.5
I read this book as part of a buddy read/reading challenge.
I am one of the nerds who kept my old Playstation 4 with the P.T. demo still installed, although I never finished the short game because I got too scared... This book detailing not only what happens in the demo, but also why the different horror elements are so effective, a surface analysis of why horror games appeal to people, lots of background information about the halted development of Silent Hills (for which P.T. is a demo), and how gamers worked together to solve the horrifying puzzles of P.T. was a great read for me. As a (former?) horror gamer I found a lot of interesting points, although the author got a bit repetitive and rambling at times. Another minus point were the many spelling and grammar errors - the book would have benefitted from another pass by an editor.
A short read for a very niche group of people who are interested in horror games, game development, and nonfiction texts about video games.
I am one of the nerds who kept my old Playstation 4 with the P.T. demo still installed, although I never finished the short game because I got too scared... This book detailing not only what happens in the demo, but also why the different horror elements are so effective, a surface analysis of why horror games appeal to people, lots of background information about the halted development of Silent Hills (for which P.T. is a demo), and how gamers worked together to solve the horrifying puzzles of P.T. was a great read for me. As a (former?) horror gamer I found a lot of interesting points, although the author got a bit repetitive and rambling at times. Another minus point were the many spelling and grammar errors - the book would have benefitted from another pass by an editor.
A short read for a very niche group of people who are interested in horror games, game development, and nonfiction texts about video games.
Into the Riverlands by Nghi Vo
adventurous
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
I adore the Singing Hills Cycle novellas, although I find Into the Riverlands to be the weakest book of in series so far.
The story seems to be set earlier than the others, at a time when cleric Chih hasn't been traveling for long and is still learning the ropes. The books contrasts the physical force of martial arts with the power of storytelling in wonderful way, but I couldn't quite warm up to the characters besides Chih and their winged companion Almost Brilliant.
This was nonetheless another delightful and beautiful story of the Singing Hills Cycle - always a perfect escape from reality.
The story seems to be set earlier than the others, at a time when cleric Chih hasn't been traveling for long and is still learning the ropes. The books contrasts the physical force of martial arts with the power of storytelling in wonderful way, but I couldn't quite warm up to the characters besides Chih and their winged companion Almost Brilliant.
This was nonetheless another delightful and beautiful story of the Singing Hills Cycle - always a perfect escape from reality.
Critical Role: Bells Hells — What Doesn't Break by Cassandra Khaw
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Another great book to expand the Critical Role universe, this time giving us an in-depth look at Laudna's backstory and inner workings.
This story was much darker than the other CR books, and fit the "fun scary" nature of Laudna very well. I am not sure how it would hold up for readers who are not fans of Critical Role, especially as there is not much in terms of plot - I would class this more as a reminiscing slice of life character backstory. That said, I loved the interactions between Laudna and the voice in her head and her childlike innocence, even as a scary undead creature. The things she comes up with to fight her boredom and isolation are bittersweet (and slightly creepy), like Paté, her talking, dead rat. The book had a lot of serious undertones as well, like the notion that a woman is either "a maiden, a mother, or a crone", and touched on archetypical roles and feminism.
The writing style was beautiful and the audiobook was amazingly performed by parts of the cast of Critical Role, as usual. Especially Laura Bailey as "the voice" will give me nightmares. Once again, a must-read for "Critters", otherwise a beautifully written fantasy/horror book somewhat light on plot.
This story was much darker than the other CR books, and fit the "fun scary" nature of Laudna very well. I am not sure how it would hold up for readers who are not fans of Critical Role, especially as there is not much in terms of plot - I would class this more as a reminiscing slice of life character backstory. That said, I loved the interactions between Laudna and the voice in her head and her childlike innocence, even as a scary undead creature. The things she comes up with to fight her boredom and isolation are bittersweet (and slightly creepy), like Paté, her talking, dead rat. The book had a lot of serious undertones as well, like the notion that a woman is either "a maiden, a mother, or a crone", and touched on archetypical roles and feminism.
The writing style was beautiful and the audiobook was amazingly performed by parts of the cast of Critical Role, as usual. Especially Laura Bailey as "the voice" will give me nightmares. Once again, a must-read for "Critters", otherwise a beautifully written fantasy/horror book somewhat light on plot.
Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell
adventurous
dark
funny
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? Yes
4.0
This book was recommended to me and I knew very little going in, except that it is a horror-romance-monster-fantasy-story. It was all that, and more!
The story is about a monster, Shesheshen, who terrorizes the area she lives in, and is in turn terrorized by the humans living there. She is a sort of "shapeless shapeshifter", wo absorbs pieces of the beings she consumes to create her own body - which is as weird and sometimes gruesome as it sounds. After being rescued by a human woman, Homily, she falls in love and has to re-examine who and what she wants to be: does she want to continue being "a monster", especially since her species has a rather invasive form of reproduction, or protect her romantic interest from the dangers of the world, her abusive family - and especially from herself. The underlying topic was powerful and explored sexuality and asexuality in a new and gentle manner. In the end, it was of course also about who the real monsters are.
For all its seriousness and gore, the book was also funny and macabre throughout. I loved Shesheshen's struggle to "pass" as human, and some things I could eerily relate to on bad days. Her way of speaking and her inner thoughts were hilarious and well done, and the witty writing style made for a fast and entertaining read.
Some of the body horror gave me the shivers, mostly because I am not a fan of body horror descriptions, but it didn't lessen my enjoyment. A few twists were predictable, others weren't, and I loved how the stakes were so high that it was never clear what to expect. One other minor complaint were the many mentions of Homily's size, which on one hand were fitting for Shesheshen's perceptions of bodies and her focus on body mass specifically, but after the first dozen mentions I could have done without it.
Overall a great read for everyone looking for a different kind of fantasy-romance, as long as you don't shy away from horror.
The story is about a monster, Shesheshen, who terrorizes the area she lives in, and is in turn terrorized by the humans living there. She is a sort of "shapeless shapeshifter", wo absorbs pieces of the beings she consumes to create her own body - which is as weird and sometimes gruesome as it sounds. After being rescued by a human woman, Homily, she falls in love and has to re-examine who and what she wants to be: does she want to continue being "a monster", especially since her species has a rather invasive form of reproduction, or protect her romantic interest from the dangers of the world, her abusive family - and especially from herself. The underlying topic was powerful and explored sexuality and asexuality in a new and gentle manner. In the end, it was of course also about who the real monsters are.
For all its seriousness and gore, the book was also funny and macabre throughout. I loved Shesheshen's struggle to "pass" as human, and some things I could eerily relate to on bad days. Her way of speaking and her inner thoughts were hilarious and well done, and the witty writing style made for a fast and entertaining read.
Some of the body horror gave me the shivers, mostly because I am not a fan of body horror descriptions, but it didn't lessen my enjoyment. A few twists were predictable, others weren't, and I loved how the stakes were so high that it was never clear what to expect. One other minor complaint were the many mentions of Homily's size, which on one hand were fitting for Shesheshen's perceptions of bodies and her focus on body mass specifically, but after the first dozen mentions I could have done without it.
Overall a great read for everyone looking for a different kind of fantasy-romance, as long as you don't shy away from horror.
Mammoths at the Gates by Nghi Vo
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Another fantastic novella in the Singing Hills Cycle.
This time we accompany cleric Chih back to their home, to the singing hills abbey itself. I loved the new insight on the clerics and the archive, and especially the complex hoopoe community (talking birds who memorize everything they ever saw and heard).
The story itself was more melancholy than usual, dealing with different forms of grief for a loved one, and the many different ways a person can live on through stories. The burial rite of the abbey added to the overall wonderful world building for these novellas, along with the tender writing style.
A bittersweet and somewhat more serious book in the series.
This time we accompany cleric Chih back to their home, to the singing hills abbey itself. I loved the new insight on the clerics and the archive, and especially the complex hoopoe community (talking birds who memorize everything they ever saw and heard).
The story itself was more melancholy than usual, dealing with different forms of grief for a loved one, and the many different ways a person can live on through stories. The burial rite of the abbey added to the overall wonderful world building for these novellas, along with the tender writing style.
A bittersweet and somewhat more serious book in the series.
The Fox Maidens by Robin Ha
adventurous
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
As a fan of the mythology around the Korean "gumiho" and the Japanese "kitsune", I couldn't wait to read this graphic novel.
It was a good mix of Korean mythology and family drama, with lots of insight into the Joseon period in Korea. The strong feminist topics added weight to the fairytale part, and I loved the elements of horror as well.
Only the pacing was off at times, some parts were dragged out, others (especially the ending) were wrapped up a bit too quickly. Overall I really enjoyed the story, and although I wasn't convinced about the art style at first, it grew on me after a few pages.
It was a good mix of Korean mythology and family drama, with lots of insight into the Joseon period in Korea. The strong feminist topics added weight to the fairytale part, and I loved the elements of horror as well.
Only the pacing was off at times, some parts were dragged out, others (especially the ending) were wrapped up a bit too quickly. Overall I really enjoyed the story, and although I wasn't convinced about the art style at first, it grew on me after a few pages.
The Seven Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
4.0
I didn't know anything about this book when I started reading, only that it was recommended to me as a "mystery novel" - and I think this is the best way to enjoy it!
Thus I also won't go into story details in my review, as finding out what is going on is the best part. I would describe it as a "weird, mindbender murder mystery" with many twists and turns. Only the middle part got a bit tedious before the next big twist got revealed, and I sometimes had trouble keeping all the different characters apart, or remember who was who.
Other than that I really enjoyed the read, and recommend it to mystery fans who don't mind tapping in the dark and not connecting all the dots until the end of the story.
Thus I also won't go into story details in my review, as finding out what is going on is the best part. I would describe it as a "weird, mindbender murder mystery" with many twists and turns. Only the middle part got a bit tedious before the next big twist got revealed, and I sometimes had trouble keeping all the different characters apart, or remember who was who.
Other than that I really enjoyed the read, and recommend it to mystery fans who don't mind tapping in the dark and not connecting all the dots until the end of the story.
The Legend of Vox Machina: The Whitestone Chronicles Volume 1--Ripley by Marieke Nijkamp, Critical Role
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
4.0
How To Solve Your Own Murder by Kristen Perrin
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
I haven't read any cozy mysteries before this book, and found the premise captivating. The story alternates between the present time and the past (in form of diary entries), which makes for unexpected twists and turns. The mystery was kept until the very end, and the big reveal was satisfying.
The only letdown for me was the main character, Frances, who seems too overly competent in one moment, and absolutely incapable the next. She also felt pretentious and self-conscious at the same time - almost as if she adapted her personality to whatever was going on in the story.
Other than that, the mystery is a cozy and quick read and kept me turning pages to reveal the murderer.
The only letdown for me was the main character, Frances, who seems too overly competent in one moment, and absolutely incapable the next. She also felt pretentious and self-conscious at the same time - almost as if she adapted her personality to whatever was going on in the story.
Other than that, the mystery is a cozy and quick read and kept me turning pages to reveal the murderer.