hardy314's reviews
40 reviews

Dead Until Dark by Charlaine Harris

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.0

This Is How You Lose the Time War by Max Gladstone, Amal El-Mohtar

adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated

5.0

Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi

challenging dark emotional sad slow-paced

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

3.0

The Lager Queen of Minnesota by J. Ryan Stradal

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Miscarriage, Death, Death of parent, Dementia, and Car accident

The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Trail of Lightning by Rebecca Roanhorse

adventurous dark funny fast-paced

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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Racism, and Gun violence

Fingersmith by Sarah Waters

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I truly adored this book. The characters had great chemistry, the central mystery and twists were interesting and enjoyable, and the ending is satisfying.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Forced institutionalization, Sexual content, and Confinement

Moderate: Addiction, Incest, and Drug use

A Short Stay in Hell by Steven L. Peck

challenging funny mysterious tense slow-paced

• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

One of the most interesting short stories I've read in a long time. It was challenging to deal with the immensity of the situation but it was an interesting thought experiment that I really loved. Also, it's wickedly funny.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Violence, and Torture

Moderate: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Rape

Minor: Alcoholism

Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

I really enjoyed my ride with this book. It isn't as deep as some books but I enjoyed the ways that Casiopea and Hune-Kame had to work through all the challenges as they brought things together. A lovely fairy tale.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Suicide

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

5.0

This book lives up to the hype. It was a difficult book to read at times but I loved the narrative. The mystery at the core was fascinating and I was always completely invested in the story. The setting of 1950s Mexico was one I had not read about before and helped create the stage for this gothic horror story. A must read!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Incest, Violence, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Sexism, Rape, Medical content, Infertility, and Gore