glecharles's reviews
108 reviews

The Ballad of Perilous Graves by Alex Jennings

adventurous funny mysterious 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? It's complicated

5.0

One of the most creatively ambitious novels I've ever read, absolutely drenched in a love of all things NOLA. Urban fantasy? Magical realism? Literary fiction? All of the above? Jenkins says it started as a comic book, but I wouldn't trust any artist to match what he pulls off with words.

The Puerto Rican War by John Vasquez Mejias, John Vasquez Mejias

challenging informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

An impressive work of art, and inspiring introduction to an important bit of American and Puerto Rican history that doesn't typically get much attention.

Tuskeegee Heirs by Greg Burnham, Marcus Wiliams

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

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

3.5

It's been a while since I read a fun all ages comic, and this was an entertaining intro to a group of kids I'd love to see more of, and a setting I want to know more about.

Persona 3, Volume 2 by Atlus

adventurous fast-paced

2.5

Gave it one more try and... it actually got worse? The main character is oddly unappealing, the combat visuals are messy, and the time hopping doesn't help its pacing. Instead of what could be a deeper story, it's like a compi ation of key beats.

Persona 3, Volume 1 by Shuji Sogabe, Atlus

adventurous fast-paced

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

3.0

Not great, not terrible — but visually pales in comparison to the game. Not sure I'd have liked it at all if I hadn't played the game, and not sure I'll read more because I have. Glad I didn't buy it in print.

The Ballad of Black Tom by Victor LaValle

adventurous dark fast-paced

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

3.0

Solid short story, would have probably enjoyed a full novel more even though Lovecraft isn't really my thing.

Eisenhorn: The Omnibus by Dan Abnett

adventurous dark mysterious tense 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

4.0

An impressive series of adventures on the fringes of the grimdark universe of W40K, Eisenhorn is a formidable character whose compelling evolution is expertly crafted by Abnett. Loved all four novels, and the short stories are great bonus reads.

Religion for Atheists: A Non-Believer's Guide to the Uses of Religion by Alain de Botton

challenging informative reflective medium-paced

3.5

Thought-provoking and respectful, but fully aware of its limitations, de Botton offers great insights into important things organized religion does well, and how some of them can and should be replicated without needing a God to lean on. More of a survey than a guide, it left me wanting more.

Kaiju No. 8, Vol. 2 by Naoya Matsumoto

adventurous 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? Yes

4.0

Fun!

Kaiju No. 8, Vol. 1 by Naoya Matsumoto

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.0

Surprisingly entertaining and funny without feeling juvenile, with a great cliffhanger ending. More, please!