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grey_jayne's reviews
774 reviews
Brown Girl in the Ring by Nalo Hopkinson
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
The majority of this book takes place over one night and that's both really cool and hard for me to read, as I choose plot first, then character. Not much happens during the first third of the book and then once it starts unleashing its secrets, things move very quickly.
There's a lot of really interesting stuff, with Caribbean folklore and spirits and a post apocalyptic future. I would have liked a bit more sci-fi but when it gets into the fantasy elements, it goes and you need to roll with it. Really fun blend of genres.
I found it easier to listen to the audiobook and follow along with the ebook because I didn't know how to pronounce the main characters' names and it was really tripping me up. Also, the first third was challenging for me. Will definitely check out more from Nalo Hopkinson in the future.
There's a lot of really interesting stuff, with Caribbean folklore and spirits and a post apocalyptic future. I would have liked a bit more sci-fi but when it gets into the fantasy elements, it goes and you need to roll with it. Really fun blend of genres.
I found it easier to listen to the audiobook and follow along with the ebook because I didn't know how to pronounce the main characters' names and it was really tripping me up. Also, the first third was challenging for me. Will definitely check out more from Nalo Hopkinson in the future.
The Midnight Bargain by C.L. Polk
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
slow-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
4.5
I have now read all of C.L. Polk's books to date. The Midnight Bargain was a bit too slow for my own taste, but I'm sure that won't be a problem for others.
This is a blistering feminist tale, dark and dangerous when you stop to think about the society this is occurring in. The magic is really cool too, although much of its discussion and use is clandestine so you really feel the craft being held away from women by men.
Not my favorite Polk novel while still being better than most books. I jumped into the audiobook 2/3 of the way and that was well done.
This is a blistering feminist tale, dark and dangerous when you stop to think about the society this is occurring in. The magic is really cool too, although much of its discussion and use is clandestine so you really feel the craft being held away from women by men.
Not my favorite Polk novel while still being better than most books. I jumped into the audiobook 2/3 of the way and that was well done.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Sexism, Toxic relationship, and Classism
Damned by Chuck Palahniuk
dark
funny
hopeful
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
4.0
This was a reread and I was struggling with believing the narrator as a 13 year old girl so I listened along to Sophie Amoss on the audiobook while also reading my book. This really helped.
I do adore when Chuck Palahniuk leans into horror fantasy so this did still hook me after a while. Lurid creativity abounds with a thick layer of grime. You do need a steel stomach for these descriptions, as per usual.
Excited for the sequel now. Gonna get the print book and audiobook ready together soon.
I do adore when Chuck Palahniuk leans into horror fantasy so this did still hook me after a while. Lurid creativity abounds with a thick layer of grime. You do need a steel stomach for these descriptions, as per usual.
Excited for the sequel now. Gonna get the print book and audiobook ready together soon.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Body shaming, Child death, Death, Fatphobia, Gore, Racial slurs, Self harm, Suicide, Excrement, Vomit, and Abortion
How to Do Nothing: Resisting the Attention Economy by Jenny Odell
Did not finish book. Stopped at 28%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 28%.
This is my second time DNFing this book. The first time, I tried to read it myself and didn't get very far. This time, the audiobook got me a bit farther but it's so meandering without clearly describing its main points. I'd rather do nothing... instead of reading this book. So here we are.
Pageboy by Elliot Page
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
I listened to Elliot Page read this on audiobook and it was everything. The book is written well and the shared intimacy and authenticity are excellent. Another important Trans memoir and I hope there are many more to come.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Rape, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Transphobia
Goddess of Filth by V. Castro
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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? It's complicated
5.0
Goddess of Filth is excellent. A Bruja riff on The Craft that fully admits to and lovingly embraces that aspiration, while still being something very different. The Aztec focus of this novella was truly fascinating.
I will read anything V. Castro creates. Such a strong voice in horror. Badass!
I will read anything V. Castro creates. Such a strong voice in horror. Badass!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror
Minor: Vomit
In the Vanishers' Palace by Aliette de Bodard
Did not finish book. Stopped at 0%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 0%.
No fault of the book. May try some other time. I got the ebook from the library when I wasn't sure if I was getting my current read back...and then I did. Now I want to read something else.
The Year of the Witching by Alexis Henderson
dark
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.5
This novel is dark and tense, set in a puritanical fantasy land called Bethel as witch plagues start drawing people into the Darkwoods, where the witches live. It's really good, told modernly while echoing the religious patriarchal stranglehold humans have been in for ages now and the feminist rage from its mark on femmes.
I wasn't sure if this was going to be my thing and the narrative voice totally sold me. I'd recommend trying it if you are on the fence too because The Year of the Witching has plenty of surprises.
I wasn't sure if this was going to be my thing and the narrative voice totally sold me. I'd recommend trying it if you are on the fence too because The Year of the Witching has plenty of surprises.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Religious bigotry
Moderate: Pedophilia and Sexual assault
Even Though I Knew the End by C.L. Polk
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
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
I don't know how C.L. Polk manages to make dark and sometimes violent stories about institutional corruption so damn cozy and romantic but please don't stop. This book is brilliant.
The Inhuman Condition by Clive Barker
Did not finish book. Stopped at 22%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 22%.
Haven't returned to the book to read another story so DNF after the first story for now. Will pick it back up later.