goblingirlreads's reviews
789 reviews

The Poisons We Drink by Bethany Baptiste

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

3.0

A lot of strong ideas in this book, almost too many stuffed tightly together. I enjoyed it but ultimately, the pacing, and the high stress that builds between the characters didn't make it the most pleasant read for me. I think this author has so much potential and there were parts and sections that I loved - Tyrell was my favorite! I hope this book finds its audience for sure and can say that despite it's flaws it's still a solid read.

A Dead Djinn in Cairo by P. Djèlí Clark

adventurous lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.0

It was fun to be with Fatma and Siti again and I feel that Clark really shines in this shorter format! 

Peril at End House by Agatha Christie

3.0

The middle of most of Christie's mysteries drag for me but damn if she doesn't nail the ending.

Those Beyond the Wall by Micaiah Johnson

medium-paced

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

2.5

I don't know, guys. On the one hand Micaiah Johnson has a VOICE. I actually love her writing style and the way the language just punches you in the gut over and over. That said, this book was a bit of a mess for me. A lot of inconsistencies in plot, character, and world. By the end of the book I hated the choices of every single character. While the messaging is really clear in some parts, it's also morally icky in others. I'm stuck with how to think and feel with this one so I'm giving it an absolute middle of the road 2.5 review. I think this will be a very divisive one!

Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
Did not finish book. Stopped at 42%.

I do understand why this book is loved and I'm not just cold hearted and don't find it endearing which is what you're supposed to feel. I'm ok with this book being a good and important read for many people and just not for me.

Archangels of Funk by Andrea Hairston

Alright, I read a few other reviews and it appears I'm not alone: I am DNF-ing this at 5%. My biggest piece of wisdom is read the first chapter. This writing style is simply not for everyone.

The writing style is very unique and lyrical while being about a pretty complex science fiction environment. I simply could not compute all the details and poetry into understanding. My brain fought through every word. I think many people would find this exciting and beautiful. I really hope the people that it sings for, find it and love it. The themes and subject matter are compelling and I'm sorry I couldn't get my brain to the right frequency.

Thank you to Netgalley and TorDotCom for my review copy.

Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett

adventurous funny lighthearted tense fast-paced

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

5.0

I'm absolutely obsessed with Emily Wilde and loved every single second of this book. Can't wait to get my hands on the next volume. The countdown begins!!

Etta and Otto and Russell and James by Emma Hooper

adventurous reflective medium-paced

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

3.0

While I can say that I did enjoy myself from beginning to end, I can't say that this book is particularly memorable or a stand out for me. The story is very simply told. The characters and their motivations exist but are not super fleshed out in a way that gives you a big insight to who these folks are. It feels almost like a drawn out folktale and I definitely see many people connecting very deeply with the themes of coming or age and aging, and the journey of life. I enjoyed myself but ultimately I don't think this book is for me. 

A Dowry of Blood by S.T. Gibson

dark emotional reflective medium-paced

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

3.75

There's no denying that this book list lush and sexy. The vampirism in it is gruesome, yet beautiful. The bisexuality of everyone was perfect. Ultimately, the thing that brought it down for me was I didn't love Constanta, and she's our perspective character, so that's a bit tricky but I do see why this book is so loved and I did enjoy it. 

Morgana and Oz Volume One: A WEBTOON Unscrolled Graphic Novel by Miyuli

funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.5

Thanks to Netgalley and Webtoon Unscrolled for my copy. 

This book was FREAKING CUTE. It was very hard to read because every page had been watermarked but hopefully that won't be an issue in its final form and only bc it was an e-arc. I found everything about it so charming from the art style, to the concept of a witch and vampire clan that are enemies but it's hard to completely tell who's in the wrong, to our protagonist Morgana who is so loveably bad at magic. I didn't feel like I got to learn much about Oz in this first issue, but it is just that - a first volume. It also ends very abruptly and on a cliffhanger so it feels like more is needed to fully enjoy this story. Still, if you are a graphic novel person, this was lovely. Just be prepared to pick up the next books because this one does not resolve!