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hobbithopeful's reviews
227 reviews
The Love Hypothesis by Ali Hazelwood
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
DON'T ASK ME WHY I CONTINUE TO EAT THESE BOOKS UP OKAY!
I love them and will not take no complaints or questions!
I love them and will not take no complaints or questions!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexual content, Sexual harassment
Tastes Like Shakkar by Nisha Sharma
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
4.5
4.5 stars
Another sweet and spicy read from Nisha Sharma, thoroughly enjoyable and oh so comforting.
May I just say Benjamin owns ropes and he knows how to use them! Seriously adore how Sharma writes spicy scenes, I always know when I read one of her books I'll be laughing one page, and blushing the next!
I continue to adore how relatable the stories and characters are, I just see so much of myself and my experiences in every book Sharma writes.
I love that we get a plus sized fmc, and done so well! She is confident and a badass, and I love how she stands up for herself and takes no crap from anyone.
The Aunties never fail to crack me up, they truly are master sleuths, and master meddlers.
I didn't quite enjoy this as much as the first one, I do feel like their relationship is pretty fast-paced and goes from zero to 100. But it is such a negligible amount it's hardly worth mentioning.
Another must read from Nisha Sharma, I adore her books!
Another sweet and spicy read from Nisha Sharma, thoroughly enjoyable and oh so comforting.
May I just say Benjamin owns ropes and he knows how to use them! Seriously adore how Sharma writes spicy scenes, I always know when I read one of her books I'll be laughing one page, and blushing the next!
I continue to adore how relatable the stories and characters are, I just see so much of myself and my experiences in every book Sharma writes.
I love that we get a plus sized fmc, and done so well! She is confident and a badass, and I love how she stands up for herself and takes no crap from anyone.
The Aunties never fail to crack me up, they truly are master sleuths, and master meddlers.
I didn't quite enjoy this as much as the first one, I do feel like their relationship is pretty fast-paced and goes from zero to 100. But it is such a negligible amount it's hardly worth mentioning.
Another must read from Nisha Sharma, I adore her books!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia, Misogyny, Sexual content
Hunted by Jaylee Fields
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Thank you to the author for this ARC
Spicy, sweet, and did I mention SPICY?!!
Hunted is an erotic novella that is such a TREAT to read!
Listen we all know why we're here, it's for some good good smut. And my oh my did Jaylee Fields deliver! I love the relationship between Wendell and Emerald, it is a testament to the quality of the writing that we are able to see so much of their relationship and chemistry in such a short story. PLUS ALL THE SPICY SCENES 10000000/10!! Do NOT read this in public because your face will be tomato red, and you'll be giggling kicking your feet.
Truly over all too soon, my only complaint is I want more of them immediately! Give me a whole series because I want to know everything about their backstories, lore, and the world they inhabit.
I love the content warnings at the beginning, I believe every reader should always be able to make an informed decision before reading, without requiring an internet deep dive. I've read a lot of smutty books, and even dom/sub ones. This is the first one I've read where the more dominant in the pair is actually the younger one, and may I just say I'm HOOKED. I did also like how the author referenced and gave books for MM romance by own voices, I've never seen an author do that before. I do think no author should ever feel the need to have to "come out" or be clear about their sexuality on page in order to justify their writing.
I read a lot of books, too many some might say. (You guys I'm literally vitamin D deficient because I don't go outside enough!) It is very easy to tell when an author "has it" or not. You can tell from the very first chapter (really the first page!) if you are going to have a new favorite or not. I can easily say Jaylee Fields is now on my list of authors to watch out for, and I can't wait to read what she writes next.
Highly recommend, especially if you're looking for SMUTTY books!
Spicy, sweet, and did I mention SPICY?!!
Hunted is an erotic novella that is such a TREAT to read!
Listen we all know why we're here, it's for some good good smut. And my oh my did Jaylee Fields deliver! I love the relationship between Wendell and Emerald, it is a testament to the quality of the writing that we are able to see so much of their relationship and chemistry in such a short story. PLUS ALL THE SPICY SCENES 10000000/10!! Do NOT read this in public because your face will be tomato red, and you'll be giggling kicking your feet.
Truly over all too soon, my only complaint is I want more of them immediately! Give me a whole series because I want to know everything about their backstories, lore, and the world they inhabit.
I love the content warnings at the beginning, I believe every reader should always be able to make an informed decision before reading, without requiring an internet deep dive. I've read a lot of smutty books, and even dom/sub ones. This is the first one I've read where the more dominant in the pair is actually the younger one, and may I just say I'm HOOKED. I did also like how the author referenced and gave books for MM romance by own voices, I've never seen an author do that before. I do think no author should ever feel the need to have to "come out" or be clear about their sexuality on page in order to justify their writing.
I read a lot of books, too many some might say. (You guys I'm literally vitamin D deficient because I don't go outside enough!) It is very easy to tell when an author "has it" or not. You can tell from the very first chapter (really the first page!) if you are going to have a new favorite or not. I can easily say Jaylee Fields is now on my list of authors to watch out for, and I can't wait to read what she writes next.
Highly recommend, especially if you're looking for SMUTTY books!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Thieves' Gambit by Kayvion Lewis
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
4.5
4.5 stars
Thank you Penguin for this ARC
Heist books are always so fun to read and this was no exception. Every heist, plan, and sneaky thief move had my heart pounding, and was just so exciting to read.
Ross and her Mom regularly perform heists, while they are very good at it, it is a lonely life. Ross's Mom constantly hammers into her brain the importance of never trusting anyone, and as a result Ross is incredibly lonely. Her plan to get away and make some friends is quickly botched when her Mom ends up getting kidnapped. Her only solution to get one billion dollars for the ransom is to enter in a cut throat competition between thieves.
This is a really enjoyable book, and truly is such a fun read. I would never have made it past round 0, I would definitely have failed and gotten stuck in the first room. It is so fascinating to see how different characters came up with different plans and ways to steal and lie. I would never have been able to think of a quarter of what they came up with!
There is of course a bit of romance, and while it did feel a bit fast-paced, I enjoyed their chemistry. Devroe is very persistent. I almost thought there was going to be a sapphic romance between Ross and Noelia because of the chemistry the two of them had, and their past.
I absolutely adored how diverse this book is, it's so rare to see this type of genre have this set of characters. Everyone felt so fleshed out and actually read as BIPOC.
Bad parents continue to be one of my favorite elements for books to have, I love that we are getting to see more morally grey or just truly sucky parents in books. (Seriously guys, I hate the trope of parents being infallible)
At times it did read more like it was made for a movie, then if it was made for a book. (This is odd, but does this make sense) I almost think it might make certain scenes easier to follow along when watching then when reading.
The ending was a bit of a let down, it was one twist then another. With two back to back twists it was hard to be invested and still find care for how everything went down. I also was a bit confused by some of the later events in the big just plot wise, there were a few holes. (Like the fact Ross has never worn an evening dress or similar attire but can walk in heels easily) The ending definitely felt a bit abrupt, I still have tons of questions.
I can't wait for the next book, and I would definitely read more of Kayvion Lewis's writing.
Highly recommend, perfect for fans of heist books similar to Ocean's Eleven.
Thank you Penguin for this ARC
Heist books are always so fun to read and this was no exception. Every heist, plan, and sneaky thief move had my heart pounding, and was just so exciting to read.
Ross and her Mom regularly perform heists, while they are very good at it, it is a lonely life. Ross's Mom constantly hammers into her brain the importance of never trusting anyone, and as a result Ross is incredibly lonely. Her plan to get away and make some friends is quickly botched when her Mom ends up getting kidnapped. Her only solution to get one billion dollars for the ransom is to enter in a cut throat competition between thieves.
This is a really enjoyable book, and truly is such a fun read. I would never have made it past round 0, I would definitely have failed and gotten stuck in the first room. It is so fascinating to see how different characters came up with different plans and ways to steal and lie. I would never have been able to think of a quarter of what they came up with!
There is of course a bit of romance, and while it did feel a bit fast-paced, I enjoyed their chemistry. Devroe is very persistent. I almost thought there was going to be a sapphic romance between Ross and Noelia because of the chemistry the two of them had, and their past.
I absolutely adored how diverse this book is, it's so rare to see this type of genre have this set of characters. Everyone felt so fleshed out and actually read as BIPOC.
Bad parents continue to be one of my favorite elements for books to have, I love that we are getting to see more morally grey or just truly sucky parents in books. (Seriously guys, I hate the trope of parents being infallible)
At times it did read more like it was made for a movie, then if it was made for a book. (This is odd, but does this make sense) I almost think it might make certain scenes easier to follow along when watching then when reading.
The ending was a bit of a let down, it was one twist then another. With two back to back twists it was hard to be invested and still find care for how everything went down. I also was a bit confused by some of the later events in the big just plot wise, there were a few holes. (Like the fact Ross has never worn an evening dress or similar attire but can walk in heels easily) The ending definitely felt a bit abrupt, I still have tons of questions.
I can't wait for the next book, and I would definitely read more of Kayvion Lewis's writing.
Highly recommend, perfect for fans of heist books similar to Ocean's Eleven.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Gaslighting
Minor: Racism, Violence
This Is Why They Hate Us by Aaron H. Aceves
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.5
The best way to get over someone, is to get under someone else...right?
Enrique (Quique) is trying to get over a one-sided crush on his friend Saleem by having a hot slut summer. Quique's parents don't know that he is bisexual, and he has zero dating skills but that doesn't stop him from pursuing 3 different guys. All with very different results.
I love how sex positive this book is, people who don't like those elements always confuse me. Let's think back to when we were all teenagers okay? Hormones and horniness doesn't magically appear when you become an adult!
One of my biggest issues with reading YA books is sometimes the teenagers don't read like teenagers. This was not the case here, Quique is messy and just trying to figure himself out. I love the friendship he has with Fabiola, and how supportive his parents try to be with his mental health.
I am so grateful that Quique didn't end up with the white guy! I never know why so many BIPOC authors love having their characters have multiple love interests and then always end up with that specific person. MAJOR props to Aceves for actually writing the white character how a white person...well you'll see when you read it.
I've had this book on my tbr for a long time, I put off reading it because I was afraid the content was going to be too heavy for me. There are discussions around mental health, and biphobia, but nothing at all what I thought it might be about. I wish I had read it sooner.
The only reason this isn't 5 stars for me, I did have a few problems with some of the pacing at time, I felt like I kept waiting for the plot to move forward. I also had trouble caring about some of Quique's love interests.
All in all I really I enjoyed this book, I always love reading stories by chicano authors.
Highly recommend, perfect for fans of queer diverse stories with messy main characters! This is my first book by Aaron H. Aceves, and I will definitely read more of his writing.
Enrique (Quique) is trying to get over a one-sided crush on his friend Saleem by having a hot slut summer. Quique's parents don't know that he is bisexual, and he has zero dating skills but that doesn't stop him from pursuing 3 different guys. All with very different results.
I love how sex positive this book is, people who don't like those elements always confuse me. Let's think back to when we were all teenagers okay? Hormones and horniness doesn't magically appear when you become an adult!
One of my biggest issues with reading YA books is sometimes the teenagers don't read like teenagers. This was not the case here, Quique is messy and just trying to figure himself out. I love the friendship he has with Fabiola, and how supportive his parents try to be with his mental health.
I am so grateful that Quique didn't
I've had this book on my tbr for a long time, I put off reading it because I was afraid the content was going to be too heavy for me. There are discussions around mental health, and biphobia, but nothing at all what I thought it might be about. I wish I had read it sooner.
The only reason this isn't 5 stars for me, I did have a few problems with some of the pacing at time, I felt like I kept waiting for the plot to move forward. I also had trouble caring about some of Quique's love interests.
All in all I really I enjoyed this book, I always love reading stories by chicano authors.
Highly recommend, perfect for fans of queer diverse stories with messy main characters! This is my first book by Aaron H. Aceves, and I will definitely read more of his writing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Mental illness
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Homophobia, Racism
The Name-Bearer by Natalia Hernandez
adventurous
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? No
4.25
Magic, fantasy, badass ladies, and oh so queer, The Name-Bearer has been on my tbr forever, and I am so happy I finally got to read it.
A LATINX FANTASY! Take all my money! I feel like I am so incredibly biased because I was so excited to read a book with such inclusion of culture and diversity. Reading a book that includes your own culture always just feels so special and comforting. The rich food descriptions and detailed clothing made it feel like I was stepping into the world and experiencing everything that the name-bearer did. My favorite part of the book is when she is training with her friends and finally having that family she's always wanted. I like how everyone has their own strengths, and she isn't just immediately the best at everything.
I think the biggest issue for me is the writing. There is so much telling going on rather than showing, it made it hard at times to stay engaged with the plot and the writing. It is a big bookish peeve of mine that I have to read summaries of events instead of actually reading the event itself. There are also so many times in every chapter where a character will do something and then it will explain itself further. For example:
"The wizard brought a long,tapered finger to his lips to indicate that she should be silent". The reader can easily deduce the fact he wants her to be silent because of him just putting his finger to his mouth, explaining it further is just redundant and unnecessary. However I know this is an indie book, and I always take into consideration the resources available to indie authors when they self publish.
The viewpoint that Hernandez writes from primarily focuses on the name-bearer, but at certain moments when she interacts with other characters it will focus on their inner monologue, or further explain their actions. The ending is very unexpected, it kinda felt like it came out of nowhere.
I enjoyed this book, it has a rich environment, and incredible lore. I am excited to read the next one!
I would recommend this book!
The book cover is absolutely gorgeous and I am so obsessed with it.
A LATINX FANTASY! Take all my money! I feel like I am so incredibly biased because I was so excited to read a book with such inclusion of culture and diversity. Reading a book that includes your own culture always just feels so special and comforting. The rich food descriptions and detailed clothing made it feel like I was stepping into the world and experiencing everything that the name-bearer did. My favorite part of the book is when she is training with her friends and finally having that family she's always wanted. I like how everyone has their own strengths, and she isn't just immediately the best at everything.
I think the biggest issue for me is the writing. There is so much telling going on rather than showing, it made it hard at times to stay engaged with the plot and the writing. It is a big bookish peeve of mine that I have to read summaries of events instead of actually reading the event itself. There are also so many times in every chapter where a character will do something and then it will explain itself further. For example:
"The wizard brought a long,tapered finger to his lips to indicate that she should be silent". The reader can easily deduce the fact he wants her to be silent because of him just putting his finger to his mouth, explaining it further is just redundant and unnecessary. However I know this is an indie book, and I always take into consideration the resources available to indie authors when they self publish.
The viewpoint that Hernandez writes from primarily focuses on the name-bearer, but at certain moments when she interacts with other characters it will focus on their inner monologue, or further explain their actions. The ending is very unexpected, it kinda felt like it came out of nowhere.
I enjoyed this book, it has a rich environment, and incredible lore. I am excited to read the next one!
I would recommend this book!
The book cover is absolutely gorgeous and I am so obsessed with it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood
Minor: Sexual harassment, War
The Kraken's Prize by Luna Joya
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Sweet, steamy, and over all too soon, The Kraken's Prize is a must for any fans of tentacle based romance.
We follow Ava, she has an overbearing mother because of her TBI, and all she wants to do is explore the world. Seb is a feared kraken pirate captain, who will stop at nothing to find the sea witch who cursed him and his crew. Of course his plans get a bit derailed when he has to save Ava's life..
This is the second book in the series, and I actually liked this more than the first! Any hang-ups or nitpicky issues I had with the first one, are non existent here. I wish it was longer because I was enjoying the characters, the story, and the relationship between Seb and Ava.
I really like the illustration inclusion at the end of all the "adorable" guardians that the girls have bonded with so far! (And a sneak peek at upcoming cuties!) I especially enjoy the new "found family" Ava has with the crew, and how they all make pictures for her to help remember. As a proud member of the cute journals and pens community, it was cool to see that included as one of her hobbies.
It is so rare to see romance, especially monster romance with disability rep, and The Kraken's Prize shows how masterfully it can be done. Seb never infantalizes her, but provides support and care, understanding that she is perfectly capable of knowing her needs and wants.
Of course there is some lovely tension between Ava and Seb, let's just say he has tentacles and knows how to use them! There's something about reading fated mates that is always so comforting, maybe the fact the person is going to stand by you no matter what. There's a reason I always save monster romance for when I'm feeling particularly down, they just always cheer me up and are so fun to read.
Perfect for fans of tentacles, monster romance, or just good books in general, I definitely recommend this book! I am so excited that with each book that comes out they keep getting better and better, I can't wait to read what Luna Joya writes next.
Thank you to the author for this ARC
We follow Ava, she has an overbearing mother because of her TBI, and all she wants to do is explore the world. Seb is a feared kraken pirate captain, who will stop at nothing to find the sea witch who cursed him and his crew. Of course his plans get a bit derailed when he has to save Ava's life..
This is the second book in the series, and I actually liked this more than the first! Any hang-ups or nitpicky issues I had with the first one, are non existent here. I wish it was longer because I was enjoying the characters, the story, and the relationship between Seb and Ava.
I really like the illustration inclusion at the end of all the "adorable" guardians that the girls have bonded with so far! (And a sneak peek at upcoming cuties!) I especially enjoy the new "found family" Ava has with the crew, and how they all make pictures for her to help remember. As a proud member of the cute journals and pens community, it was cool to see that included as one of her hobbies.
It is so rare to see romance, especially monster romance with disability rep, and The Kraken's Prize shows how masterfully it can be done. Seb never infantalizes her, but provides support and care, understanding that she is perfectly capable of knowing her needs and wants.
Of course there is some lovely tension between Ava and Seb, let's just say he has tentacles and knows how to use them! There's something about reading fated mates that is always so comforting, maybe the fact the person is going to stand by you no matter what. There's a reason I always save monster romance for when I'm feeling particularly down, they just always cheer me up and are so fun to read.
Perfect for fans of tentacles, monster romance, or just good books in general, I definitely recommend this book! I am so excited that with each book that comes out they keep getting better and better, I can't wait to read what Luna Joya writes next.
Thank you to the author for this ARC
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Ableism
Minor: Toxic relationship, Violence
When We Make It by Elisabet Velasquez
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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
5.0
Powerful and moving, When We Make It follows Sarai and her experience growing up. The book follows her struggles with identity, family, and what's it like to grow up moving from place to place because of housing insecurity.
I very much enjoyed reading this, though it is very heavy. I would caution anyone wanting to check it out to look at content warnings first. Everything from domestic abuse, to sexual assault, to racism, this books dives into some very real and very hard topics. I would probably have waited to read it had I known how prevalent the sexual assault was, and the reaction of others to it.
If you like The Poet X, you'll love this.
I highly recommend! This is my first book by Elisabet Velasquez, and I can't wait to read more.
I very much enjoyed reading this, though it is very heavy. I would caution anyone wanting to check it out to look at content warnings first. Everything from domestic abuse, to sexual assault, to racism, this books dives into some very real and very hard topics. I would probably have waited to read it had I known how prevalent the sexual assault was, and the reaction of others to it.
If you like The Poet X, you'll love this.
I highly recommend! This is my first book by Elisabet Velasquez, and I can't wait to read more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Pregnancy
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Sexual assault, Alcohol, Sexual harassment
Minor: Death, Gun violence, Racism
Nightbreaker by Coco Ma
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Thank you Penguin for this ARC
You know those books you can't put down? The ones you stay up all night reading because you're so immersed in the story you can't wait till the next day to find out what happens next? This is one of those books.
Rei has trained her entire life to hunt Deathlings, grotesque creatures that take over Manhattan at night, and have irrevocably changed the city. Her only dream is to become a Maverick, the elite task force that has no equal for their strength and kill count. To do so she must win a tournament and prove herself, no easy task when one of her opponents is her ex boyfriend. (Plus, not everyone survives the tournament!)
This is one of the best fantasy novels I've read in a hot minute. I love the characters, and how diverse the story is. The world building and lore is so engaging and there were no plot holes to be found. Every little question I had regarding the story is masterfully executed and explained. A pitfall of fantasy stories can often be how much exposition is thrown at you in an attempt to explain the world and how everything works. That is not in a problem in Nightbreaker! This story does not shy away from a body count either, I genuinely didn't know who was going to survive, or make it through in one piece.
One of my favorite aspects of this is the technology and all the different artifacts. There are so many different items that all grant different powers, and I can't wait to find out more.
Rei is a badass, she can fight and knows how to hold her own. She isn't that stereotypical "perfect" fantasy heroine either. She has lots of faults, and shows great character growth through the story.
There is a little bit of romance, coming at you by way of Kieran, Rei's ex boyfriend. I really enjoyed their chemistry, plus I love when badass fmc have a supportive love interest. (I hate the trope that modern media is shifting to that you to be independent means no partner!) Also the ending, oh my gosh guys the ending! Quick y'all read this so we can discuss please.
It's very, very, rare that I say this, but I would LOVE to see a movie or tv show made out of this book.
I love this book so much, I want to own a physical copy, and I can't wait for the next book in the series! I HIGHLY recommend this especially if you LOVE fantasy books! This is the first book by Coco Ma I have read, I am now going to go request all her books!
You know those books you can't put down? The ones you stay up all night reading because you're so immersed in the story you can't wait till the next day to find out what happens next? This is one of those books.
Rei has trained her entire life to hunt Deathlings, grotesque creatures that take over Manhattan at night, and have irrevocably changed the city. Her only dream is to become a Maverick, the elite task force that has no equal for their strength and kill count. To do so she must win a tournament and prove herself, no easy task when one of her opponents is her ex boyfriend. (Plus, not everyone survives the tournament!)
This is one of the best fantasy novels I've read in a hot minute. I love the characters, and how diverse the story is. The world building and lore is so engaging and there were no plot holes to be found. Every little question I had regarding the story is masterfully executed and explained. A pitfall of fantasy stories can often be how much exposition is thrown at you in an attempt to explain the world and how everything works. That is not in a problem in Nightbreaker! This story does not shy away from a body count either, I genuinely didn't know who was going to survive, or make it through in one piece.
One of my favorite aspects of this is the technology and all the different artifacts. There are so many different items that all grant different powers, and I can't wait to find out more.
Rei is a badass, she can fight and knows how to hold her own. She isn't that stereotypical "perfect" fantasy heroine either. She has lots of faults, and shows great character growth through the story.
There is a little bit of romance, coming at you by way of Kieran, Rei's ex boyfriend. I really enjoyed their chemistry, plus I love when badass fmc have a supportive love interest. (I hate the trope that modern media is shifting to that you to be independent means no partner!) Also the ending, oh my gosh guys the ending! Quick y'all read this so we can discuss please.
It's very, very, rare that I say this, but I would LOVE to see a movie or tv show made out of this book.
I love this book so much, I want to own a physical copy, and I can't wait for the next book in the series! I HIGHLY recommend this especially if you LOVE fantasy books! This is the first book by Coco Ma I have read, I am now going to go request all her books!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Murder
Minor: Death of parent
The Last Girls Standing by Jennifer Dugan
challenging
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Thank you Penguin for this ARC
A sapphic horror novel that depicts trauma in one of the worst lights I've ever seen in a book, with a depressing end message.
Sloan and Cherry are the lone survivors of a summer camp massacre. Deeply traumatized they find solace in each other, but Sloan has holes in her memories, and begins to question what really happened.
I honestly have no idea what I just read. And not in a "wow that was so fantastic and different, but in a I had no idea where any of this story was going".
I do think the premise is interesting, as well as the writing. Just like Sloan, I felt completely lost and unsure of who to trust. There are a lot of great tense moments, and so much gaslighting. I was ready to point fingers at literally everyone in this book.
I don't know Dugan's background, I don't know if she has experienced trauma and CPTSD such as Sloan has. I'm not sure if writing this in a way was cathartic for her. For me someone who suffers from CPTSD, I found this book to be an inaccurate and quite frankly offensive depiction of trauma. There is so much wrong in how this book depicts what it is like to go through trauma therapy, and how the characters react to trauma.The end message of the story seems to be one of "you'll never recover from your trauma and instead spiral and continue hurting others". So that was great to read. Sloan just ends up cracking and killing Cherry, to what end? To show that we can't heal? To show that we will continue hurting others?
I do think the ambiguous ending hurt the book, and just further leaned into the "you won't heal from trauma" stereotype.
If you decide to read this, please check your triggers/content warnings.
Personally I didn't have a good time reading this, and wouldn't personally recommend it.
A sapphic horror novel that depicts trauma in one of the worst lights I've ever seen in a book, with a depressing end message.
Sloan and Cherry are the lone survivors of a summer camp massacre. Deeply traumatized they find solace in each other, but Sloan has holes in her memories, and begins to question what really happened.
I honestly have no idea what I just read. And not in a "wow that was so fantastic and different, but in a I had no idea where any of this story was going".
I do think the premise is interesting, as well as the writing. Just like Sloan, I felt completely lost and unsure of who to trust. There are a lot of great tense moments, and so much gaslighting. I was ready to point fingers at literally everyone in this book.
I don't know Dugan's background, I don't know if she has experienced trauma and CPTSD such as Sloan has. I'm not sure if writing this in a way was cathartic for her. For me someone who suffers from CPTSD, I found this book to be an inaccurate and quite frankly offensive depiction of trauma. There is so much wrong in how this book depicts what it is like to go through trauma therapy, and how the characters react to trauma.
I do think the ambiguous ending hurt the book, and just further leaned into the "you won't heal from trauma" stereotype.
If you decide to read this, please check your triggers/content warnings.
Personally I didn't have a good time reading this, and wouldn't personally recommend it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Blood, Murder, Gaslighting, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death of parent