ginalucia's reviews
504 reviews

Rebel Witch by Kristen Ciccarelli

adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.75

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

challenging dark emotional tense 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

5.0

Oof, my heart.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child death, Death, Gore, Violence, Grief, Medical trauma, Murder, Injury/Injury detail

Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Body horror, Emotional abuse, Blood, Death of parent, Classism

The Palace of Eros by Caro De Robertis

emotional reflective 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? No

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Misogyny, Sexual content, Transphobia, Sexual harassment

Moderate: Homophobia, Rape, Sexual assault

Minor: Domestic abuse, Pregnancy

The Ultimate RPG Game Master's Worldbuilding Guide: Prompts and Activities to Create and Customize Your Own Game World by James D'Amato

5.0

Shadowstitch by Cari Thomas

challenging dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.25

The Dark Becomes Her by Judy I. Lin
Did not finish book. Stopped at 20%.

Daughter of Chaos by A.S. Webb

adventurous tense medium-paced

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

4.0

The Hymn to Dionysus by Natasha Pulley

challenging emotional mysterious slow-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

4.5

 

Thank you Gollancz for my advanced reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review.

I had high expectations for The Hymn to Dionysus, but it still surprised me. Rather than a straight retelling, it’s more of a mythology-inspired story, blending ancient Greece with unexpected mechanical elements. It took a bit to adjust to, but it added an interesting layer to the world.

The characters are what really made the book for me. Phaidros, a soldier dealing with PTSD after years of war, is such a well-drawn, complex character. His struggle to adjust to life after battle - especially in a society that values control and discipline above all else - was really compelling. Then there’s Dionysus, who is the complete opposite: chaotic, otherworldly, and untamed. Their dynamic was fascinating to watch unfold, shifting from wary tension to something much more meaningful.

Pulley’s writing is fantastic. Though the book is on the slower side, it lingers on moments, giving the characters and world time to breathe, which makes the emotional beats feel earned. It won’t be for everyone, but I found it powerful.

This is definitely one that’s going to stick with me.

Wondering if this mythology book is for you? Here’s some at-a-glance info:

* Spice levels: More suggestive than anything.

* Fantasy levels: Magic features heavily.

* Rep: Disability rep, queer rep, and more.

* Trigger warnings: War, violence, slavery, and quite a lot more.

* The format I read it in: Physical.

 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Slavery, Violence, War

Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Trafficking

Becoming Baba Yaga: Trickster, Feminist, and Witch of the Woods by Kris Spisak

informative slow-paced

3.5

Ithaca by Claire North
Did not finish book. Stopped at 6%.

Writing style and perspective not working for me sadly.