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hobbithopeful's reviews
224 reviews
Forged by Blood by Ehigbor Okosun
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Incredibly disappointing, the only reason I pushed myself to finish this is because I kept hoping the writing of the beginning would come back. I was wrong.
The beginning sucked me in and I was absolutely in love with the story. Sadly it went downhill immediately. The plot was completely lost after the timeskip. The story changed numerous times, and at no point made any coherent sense or followed any sort of structure. I had absolutely no idea what any of the point was.
By the end Dèmi has become so ridiculously overpowered, and so many twists and reveals happen firmly establishing her a mary sue type character. So many plot events happen to the end that just make no sense and felt more and more outlandish as they occurred. Dèmi gets everything a main character could possibly want: adopted by forest spirits, fights the King, somehow avoids instant death because she's special, can use all the magic LIKE WHAT IS GOING ON HERE! Of course the reveal about her Father was just another moment in the long line of ridiculousness. The plot armor was plot armoring.
Seperate but a huge ick of mine, this happens towards the end by the time I had given up on liking the book.We need to discuss why BIPOC authors love writing love triangles that have the BIPOC fmc ending up with the white guy. Why does this always happen! Especially because they always have to be the son or nephew of some super racist guy. It's just, UGH. The chemistry Dèmi has with Collin and Jonas was fine? I rarely see a book do love triangles well, and this is no different. It's difficult to keep a serious tone when the fmc is waffling between two guys who really aren't that different or special.
All in all it felt like the book had no idea what it was supposed to be about. I liked the setting, the magic, and the different creatures, but everything in terms of plot made little to no sense. I did also enjoy the parallels with colonialism, and all of the food depictions. I did get quite hungry reading this.
I am not going to read the next book, and I don't know if I would read anything by Ehigbor Okosun anytime soon. Maybe further down the line with her next series.
I would personally NOT recommend this book.
Love the cover, the cover is so amazing. The book will likely do pretty well because it is a gorgeous piece of art, the perfect blend between composition and design. People will definitely pick this book up because of it, and truly it is likely the books saving grace.
The beginning sucked me in and I was absolutely in love with the story. Sadly it went downhill immediately. The plot was completely lost after the timeskip. The story changed numerous times, and at no point made any coherent sense or followed any sort of structure. I had absolutely no idea what any of the point was.
By the end Dèmi has become so ridiculously overpowered, and so many twists and reveals happen firmly establishing her a mary sue type character. So many plot events happen to the end that just make no sense and felt more and more outlandish as they occurred. Dèmi gets everything a main character could possibly want:
Seperate but a huge ick of mine, this happens towards the end by the time I had given up on liking the book.We need to discuss why BIPOC authors love writing love triangles that have the BIPOC fmc ending up with the
All in all it felt like the book had no idea what it was supposed to be about. I liked the setting, the magic, and the different creatures, but everything in terms of plot made little to no sense. I did also enjoy the parallels with colonialism, and all of the food depictions. I did get quite hungry reading this.
I am not going to read the next book, and I don't know if I would read anything by Ehigbor Okosun anytime soon. Maybe further down the line with her next series.
I would personally NOT recommend this book.
Love the cover, the cover is so amazing. The book will likely do pretty well because it is a gorgeous piece of art, the perfect blend between composition and design. People will definitely pick this book up because of it, and truly it is likely the books saving grace.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Murder, Racism, Sexism, Sexual harassment, Slavery, Racial slurs, Colonisation, and Blood
Minor: Rape, War, and Sexual assault
Dating Dr. Dil by Nisha Sharma
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
5.0
A sweet and spicy read, Dating Dr. Dil is perfect for fans of romcom, diverse stories, and just fantastic writing!
I absolutely adore this book, I am so happy my long journey on the library waitlist finally came to an end. Loveable characters, and great banter had me sucked into the story and I was so sad when I reached the end. BECAUSE IT'S FANTASTIC AND I WANT MORE!
Y'all the spice in this! The spice in this!? Prem knows how to dirty talk and he does it very well.
“Good little Indian girls don’t get finger fucked in the shed,” Someone fetch me a fan because it is getting hot in here! The chemistry between Prem and Kareena is off the charts! From the moment they lay eyes on each other, they truly are both smitten. I love how much they each learned and grew throughout the book. Plus again the spice? 10/10!
I think the concept of cultural identities being so closely intertwined with families is lost on so many people who aren't apart of such communities. I've seen a lot of readers miss the nuances of why Kareena isn't just cutting off her family, as toxic as they can be sometime.
“It’s hard to communicate the immigrant experience with those who don’t understand. We want to support and be with our families, and sometimes we sacrifice our mental health and our emotional well-being to do it.” People need to understand the especially with immigrant families, everything really revolves around and centers family. It is absolutely impossible to "cut" someone off or ghost them without having to do it to EVERYONE in the family. It's an all or nothing approach. If you do try to cut off just one person your phone is going to be ringing off the hook from every single relative and friend in that community. The only way Kareena could have cut them off was by losing her entire cultural identity, and everyone in that community as well. And for one that has tons of gossiping aunties, well you can see how impossible that would be for her to ever live or just exist. She instead does what so many of us do, we grin and bare it and quietly suffer. Maybe one day we have an explosive blow up and are forever regarded as a black sheep of the family, but typically it's more like a "love them because they are my family" situation.
I will say this book made me so hungry, and I am so grateful I live in a city where I can get my pani puri fix satisfied!
This is my first book by Nisha Sharma, and I am completely head over heels obsessed! I can't wait to read the next book, and y'all all need to read this too!
I absolutely adore this book, I am so happy my long journey on the library waitlist finally came to an end. Loveable characters, and great banter had me sucked into the story and I was so sad when I reached the end. BECAUSE IT'S FANTASTIC AND I WANT MORE!
Y'all the spice in this! The spice in this!? Prem knows how to dirty talk and he does it very well.
“Good little Indian girls don’t get finger fucked in the shed,” Someone fetch me a fan because it is getting hot in here! The chemistry between Prem and Kareena is off the charts! From the moment they lay eyes on each other, they truly are both smitten. I love how much they each learned and grew throughout the book. Plus again the spice? 10/10!
I think the concept of cultural identities being so closely intertwined with families is lost on so many people who aren't apart of such communities. I've seen a lot of readers miss the nuances of why Kareena isn't just cutting off her family, as toxic as they can be sometime.
“It’s hard to communicate the immigrant experience with those who don’t understand. We want to support and be with our families, and sometimes we sacrifice our mental health and our emotional well-being to do it.” People need to understand the especially with immigrant families, everything really revolves around and centers family. It is absolutely impossible to "cut" someone off or ghost them without having to do it to EVERYONE in the family. It's an all or nothing approach. If you do try to cut off just one person your phone is going to be ringing off the hook from every single relative and friend in that community. The only way Kareena could have cut them off was by losing her entire cultural identity, and everyone in that community as well. And for one that has tons of gossiping aunties, well you can see how impossible that would be for her to ever live or just exist. She instead does what so many of us do, we grin and bare it and quietly suffer. Maybe one day we have an explosive blow up and are forever regarded as a black sheep of the family, but typically it's more like a "love them because they are my family" situation.
I will say this book made me so hungry, and I am so grateful I live in a city where I can get my pani puri fix satisfied!
This is my first book by Nisha Sharma, and I am completely head over heels obsessed! I can't wait to read the next book, and y'all all need to read this too!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Sexism
Minor: Emotional abuse and Death of parent
Your Lonely Nights Are Over by Adam Sass
dark
funny
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.5
4.5 stars Thank you Penguin for this ARC
A fun and witty queer slasher, dead bodies run as high as the cutting jokes in Your Lonely Nights Are Over.
We follow besties Dearie and Cole, friends who are unabashedly themselves, and not afraid to call out anyone and everyone that annoys them. When members of the Queer Club start dropping like flies, fingers are quick to point to the two of them. But is it the retired never-been-caught serial killer Mr. Sandman? A copycat? Either way Dearie and Cole have to discover the killer, before they are killed, or arrested!
This is such a hilarious book, I don't think I've had such fun reading a horror book before. Their friendship is so nice to see, as well as reading them "read" others when they try to come for them gave me life. I alternated between laughing and then being scared at was about to happen. This really feels like an old school slasher movie in the best possible way.
Adam Sass shows it is not impossible to write books with great POC characters, even if you are a white author. I really love how Cole's characters is written, and how different the students treat him as a murder suspect vs Dearie. There is so much great racial microaggressions in this book, so innocuous to many, I love it so much. (See guys it's not impossible!)
Without spoiling anything, I also love how relationships are depicted. Be they healthy or not, sometimes you don't realize what's going on until much later, when your brain finally feels ready to process it. There is a lot of symbolism in YLNAO and it is very well done.
This book is also very sex positive, and the discussions and situations surrounding "acting gay" reminds me of Camp. There is no reason to police how you act, or change how you talk just to be more palatable to straights. Sass hit the nail on the head with every issue he tackled.
For me the only issues I really have are at the beginning with the pacing, and some of the structuring. We are introduced to the characters, then there is a time jump of two months. A lot of what happens in that time jump is referenced later, or we get a few flashbacks. I almost wish we got to see more of Dearie's relationship and really how isolated he became from Cole. It would have had a larger impact on later events in the book if we got see more from Dearie's relationship. After the two months, the characters quickly reunite again, but we haven't seen enough of them to really understand the importance and feel that emotional weight for this event.
All in all, I had an enjoyable time reading this, and it got my mind of life. (Which is always a plus!)
This is a must read book for horror fans, lovers of queer books, or anyone looking for a fun read! This is my first book of Adam Sass, and I am going to go look at what other books he's written, because I am now a fan!
This cover!?! Obsessed. Perfection. Wouldn't change a thing. From the colors to the composition, to even the illustration, this is a perfectly done cover. 10/10 wouldn't change a thing.
A fun and witty queer slasher, dead bodies run as high as the cutting jokes in Your Lonely Nights Are Over.
We follow besties Dearie and Cole, friends who are unabashedly themselves, and not afraid to call out anyone and everyone that annoys them. When members of the Queer Club start dropping like flies, fingers are quick to point to the two of them. But is it the retired never-been-caught serial killer Mr. Sandman? A copycat? Either way Dearie and Cole have to discover the killer, before they are killed, or arrested!
This is such a hilarious book, I don't think I've had such fun reading a horror book before. Their friendship is so nice to see, as well as reading them "read" others when they try to come for them gave me life. I alternated between laughing and then being scared at was about to happen. This really feels like an old school slasher movie in the best possible way.
Adam Sass shows it is not impossible to write books with great POC characters, even if you are a white author. I really love how Cole's characters is written, and how different the students treat him as a murder suspect vs Dearie. There is so much great racial microaggressions in this book, so innocuous to many, I love it so much. (See guys it's not impossible!)
Without spoiling anything, I also love how relationships are depicted. Be they healthy or not, sometimes you don't realize what's going on until much later, when your brain finally feels ready to process it. There is a lot of symbolism in YLNAO and it is very well done.
This book is also very sex positive, and the discussions and situations surrounding "acting gay" reminds me of Camp. There is no reason to police how you act, or change how you talk just to be more palatable to straights. Sass hit the nail on the head with every issue he tackled.
For me the only issues I really have are at the beginning with the pacing, and some of the structuring. We are introduced to the characters, then there is a time jump of two months. A lot of what happens in that time jump is referenced later, or we get a few flashbacks. I almost wish we got to see more of Dearie's relationship and really how isolated he became from Cole. It would have had a larger impact on later events in the book if we got see more from Dearie's relationship. After the two months, the characters quickly reunite again, but we haven't seen enough of them to really understand the importance and feel that emotional weight for this event.
All in all, I had an enjoyable time reading this, and it got my mind of life. (Which is always a plus!)
This is a must read book for horror fans, lovers of queer books, or anyone looking for a fun read! This is my first book of Adam Sass, and I am going to go look at what other books he's written, because I am now a fan!
This cover!?! Obsessed. Perfection. Wouldn't change a thing. From the colors to the composition, to even the illustration, this is a perfectly done cover. 10/10 wouldn't change a thing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Bullying, Racism, Blood, Murder, and Homophobia
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
medium-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? No
5.0
Books that are very popular like this fall into one of two categories, overhyped and undeserving, or absolutely not hyped enough. Divine Rivals is absolutely deserving of its popularity, and I am still reeling with just how fantastic it is.
I absolutely adored every second of reading, Ross does an excellent job at conveying war, characters, and yearning. This is everything I want from a rivals to lovers book, and the mystery of the gods still has me open jawed from the ending twist.
Some books can definitely feel "more YA" then others. While some can be enjoyed by all ages, some employ writing and vocabulary that make it difficult to get through for older readers. Divine Rivals does not read like one would expect from a traditional YA book, it dealt with heavy topics, complex characters, and an engaging writing style that I was sucked into from page one.
I can't wait to read the sequel!
A must read!
I absolutely adored every second of reading, Ross does an excellent job at conveying war, characters, and yearning. This is everything I want from a rivals to lovers book, and the mystery of the gods still has me open jawed from the ending twist.
Some books can definitely feel "more YA" then others. While some can be enjoyed by all ages, some employ writing and vocabulary that make it difficult to get through for older readers. Divine Rivals does not read like one would expect from a traditional YA book, it dealt with heavy topics, complex characters, and an engaging writing style that I was sucked into from page one.
I can't wait to read the sequel!
A must read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Blood, Gun violence, War, Violence, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, and Gore
The Shadow Cabinet by Juno Dawson
challenging
dark
emotional
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? Yes
5.0
Thank you Penguin for this ARC
This book tore my heart out and then served it back to me on a silver platter. What's worse is that I loved every second of it!
Dawson perfectly captures what's like to experience life as a woman, it feels like she reaches into my brain and puts my darkest experiences to page. Part of the reason this trilogy is so difficult to read is because how close to real life it is. All the hate, fear, and bitterness isn't fictional. The only thing fictional about this book is the magic and witchery. Everything else sadly, you can easily find anywhere in the world.
This is in no way shape or form a light and happy read. There is sisterhood, family, and love, but what they all go through and experience is difficult at best, depressing at worst. Definitely check your tws before reading because there is a lot of death, murder, homophobia, sexism and more fun stuff.
I was so ready to hate Ciara, everything we learned in the last book really had her painted as "evil" plain and simple. If there's anything I should have learned from Dawson's writing, is that people are messy, complex, floundering creatures. There is no good or evil, only the choices we make, and we can always come back from it. ‘No. There’s always a way back,’ he said, trying to convince them both. ‘You just . . . turn around and go the way you came.’
My favorite pov is from Leonie, she is such a badass and I loved her adventure. On the flip side I always have such a hard time enjoying reading Elle's chapters. She just really annoys me and the way she behaves would drive me to therapy if I were her child. I didn't expect Luke's plotline to take him where it did, I enjoyed it, but it almost feels like too much out of left field.
Another MUST READ from Juno Dawson, this is shaping up to be one of my favorite series! Please I need the final book! DAWSON LOVES CLIFFHANGERS TOO MUCH!!
This book tore my heart out and then served it back to me on a silver platter. What's worse is that I loved every second of it!
Dawson perfectly captures what's like to experience life as a woman, it feels like she reaches into my brain and puts my darkest experiences to page. Part of the reason this trilogy is so difficult to read is because how close to real life it is. All the hate, fear, and bitterness isn't fictional. The only thing fictional about this book is the magic and witchery. Everything else sadly, you can easily find anywhere in the world.
This is in no way shape or form a light and happy read. There is sisterhood, family, and love, but what they all go through and experience is difficult at best, depressing at worst. Definitely check your tws before reading because there is a lot of death, murder, homophobia, sexism and more fun stuff.
I was so ready to hate Ciara, everything we learned in the last book really had her painted as "evil" plain and simple. If there's anything I should have learned from Dawson's writing, is that people are messy, complex, floundering creatures. There is no good or evil, only the choices we make, and we can always come back from it. ‘No. There’s always a way back,’ he said, trying to convince them both. ‘You just . . . turn around and go the way you came.’
My favorite pov is from Leonie, she is such a badass and I loved her adventure. On the flip side I always have such a hard time enjoying reading Elle's chapters. She just really annoys me and the way she behaves would drive me to therapy if I were her child. I didn't expect Luke's plotline to take him where it did, I enjoyed it, but it almost feels like too much out of left field.
Another MUST READ from Juno Dawson, this is shaping up to be one of my favorite series! Please I need the final book! DAWSON LOVES CLIFFHANGERS TOO MUCH!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Infidelity, Injury/Injury detail, Mental illness, Murder, Sexism, Animal death, Animal cruelty, Grief, Gore, Homophobia, Sexual harassment, Toxic relationship, Blood, Death of parent, Misogyny, Death, Kidnapping, Physical abuse, Racism, and Drug abuse
The Dawnhounds by Sascha Stronach
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
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
A truly outstanding and stand out biopunk queer read, The Dawnhounds has some of the best worldbuilding I've ever seen, diverse characters, and a story that will make you cry one page and feel hopeful the next.
It's a toss-up between what I love more, the eclectic characters, or the world they live in. Wajet is my favorite character in this, I don't care that Yat didn't like him he's so damn charming. The whole premise of using plant life to live and build instead of steel or other materials is so fascinating. The mushroom houses are alive and feed off the sweat and dead skin cells of their inhabitants. My mind is just blown thinking about it.
The whole concept of immortality and losing yourself bit by bit is a trope I want to read more of. It is so well done in The Dawnhounds. The different Gods and myths meddling, there is so much symbolism and foreshadowing I want to reread it again to see what I missed.
Stronach's writing feels almost dreamlike and ethereal in certain moments. It's not so much you feel like you are transported into the world, but more so as different characters lose their minds you feel just as lost and trapped too. It is truly a book with so much heart and hope, no matter how tough it gets and how dire the situation seems, Yat never gives up.
There's also a cat in this book, so that's such a bonus.
This is a rare moment where I feel like the blurb didn't do the book justice at all. It is quite a dark and heavy book, I wish it mentioned that. (Also it's just freaking fantastic!) Yat is a drug addict, and has lost faith in literally everything, she is just basically on autopilot.
The inclusion of so many powerful queer characters is one of my favorite parts of this, called a "degeneracy" by so many, it is just so emotional. It's not often I see bisexuality depicted as well as Stronach does here.
I almost wish I had read the audiobook instead, only because I felt like I was butchering so many words in my head because I didn't know how to pronounce anything.
This is definitely not a shut-your-brain-off-and-read book. If anything with science fiction books like this you really have to pay attention to what's going on otherwise you'll get lost in descriptions, names, and people. I also put off reading this because Yat is a cop, and I was nervous it was going to be copaganda. I wish I had read it sooner.
Check your tws! There is a LOT of body horror, gore, blood, death, drugs, corruption, and homophobia!
I have so many theories for the next book! I need to discuss this for hours just to share all my theories, questions, and love for it.
I absolutely 10000% recommend this book, perfect for people who loves books you can sink your teeth into! I can't wait for the sequel to come out next year! MOSTLY BECAUSE I WANT TO MEET WAJET'SHUSBAND!
I actually like this cover better than some of the other editions. It is really cool to see what the houses look like, and it gives it such a great otherworldly scifi vibe.
It's a toss-up between what I love more, the eclectic characters, or the world they live in. Wajet is my favorite character in this, I don't care that Yat didn't like him he's so damn charming. The whole premise of using plant life to live and build instead of steel or other materials is so fascinating. The mushroom houses are alive and feed off the sweat and dead skin cells of their inhabitants. My mind is just blown thinking about it.
The whole concept of immortality and losing yourself bit by bit is a trope I want to read more of. It is so well done in The Dawnhounds. The different Gods and myths meddling, there is so much symbolism and foreshadowing I want to reread it again to see what I missed.
Stronach's writing feels almost dreamlike and ethereal in certain moments. It's not so much you feel like you are transported into the world, but more so as different characters lose their minds you feel just as lost and trapped too. It is truly a book with so much heart and hope, no matter how tough it gets and how dire the situation seems, Yat never gives up.
There's also a cat in this book, so that's such a bonus.
This is a rare moment where I feel like the blurb didn't do the book justice at all. It is quite a dark and heavy book, I wish it mentioned that. (Also it's just freaking fantastic!) Yat is a drug addict, and has lost faith in literally everything, she is just basically on autopilot.
The inclusion of so many powerful queer characters is one of my favorite parts of this, called a "degeneracy" by so many, it is just so emotional. It's not often I see bisexuality depicted as well as Stronach does here.
I almost wish I had read the audiobook instead, only because I felt like I was butchering so many words in my head because I didn't know how to pronounce anything.
This is definitely not a shut-your-brain-off-and-read book. If anything with science fiction books like this you really have to pay attention to what's going on otherwise you'll get lost in descriptions, names, and people. I also put off reading this because Yat is a cop, and I was nervous it was going to be copaganda. I wish I had read it sooner.
Check your tws! There is a LOT of body horror, gore, blood, death, drugs, corruption, and homophobia!
I have so many theories for the next book! I need to discuss this for hours just to share all my theories, questions, and love for it.
I absolutely 10000% recommend this book, perfect for people who loves books you can sink your teeth into! I can't wait for the sequel to come out next year! MOSTLY BECAUSE I WANT TO MEET WAJET'S
I actually like this cover better than some of the other editions. It is really cool to see what the houses look like, and it gives it such a great otherworldly scifi vibe.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Vomit, Stalking, Gaslighting, Death, Classism, Animal cruelty, Blood, Bullying, Drug use, Body horror, Violence, Murder, Misogyny, Injury/Injury detail, Drug abuse, Cursing, Grief, Alcohol, Biphobia, Homophobia, Kidnapping, Sexism, Medical content, and Gore
Minor: Death of parent
Suddenly a Murder by Lauren Muñoz
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Thank you Penguin for this arc
You put enough rich kids in a room with a scholarship kid, there's going to be a murder. It's a basic bookish fact at this point.
Suddenly a Murder follows the tried and true premise of a group of rich friends (and one not so rich) going on a getaway to celebrate graduation. Lies, betrayal, and infidelity threaten the group dynamic, but when one of them is murdered everything comes to light.
Diversity in books is always a treat to read, one of the reasons I was excited to read Suddenly a Murder is that BIPOC authors typically can be counted on to have a great cast of characters with BIPOC voices. Izzy's experience with race, her Father's deportation, and how she views herself is one aspect that I loved the most during reading.
The beginning is a bit clunky to get through, the writing at times just felt awkward. I did consider DNF-ing the book with how much I was struggling with it, but I am glad I stuck with it because it improved. The more I kept reading the more I enjoyed it, with the final chunk of the book having the strongest writing and most immersive reading experience.
There are a lot of different characters and at times they blend together with how similar they are in terms of "rich, privileged, spoiled". I do believe the plot would have been stronger with less voices.
I would have liked to have seen the whole book, or at least a pov or two from Pilar. She is easily the most interesting and engaging character, to the point where she was outshining the "main characters". I would sooner read and enjoy a book following her adventures, her character is just so much more fleshed out then others.
The flashbacks account for about half of the book, and felt jarring with the shifting of going from first person in the present to third in the past. I wish there were less flashbacks or less people.I don't think a book should rely so heavily on flashbacks to set the tension and reveals as much as it does in this one.
I have mixed feelings about the romance. I don't think there is enough chemistry between the characters for it to have felt real.
The reveal wasn't a surprise, though other secrets that are uncovered are a huge shock. The question I want to pose is as follows: Were there enough bread crumbs leading to the big secret, or was it so out of left field with no evidence to support it that it feels cheap and out of nowhere?
While I don't love this book, I did have a mostly enjoyable experience. I say if the premise intrigues you, give it a try and see what you think! This is Lauren Muñoz's debut novel, and I would read further books from her.
The cover is very poor, it feels very dated in terms of design and composition. I do not like it, nor would I pick it up if I saw it in a bookstore.
You put enough rich kids in a room with a scholarship kid, there's going to be a murder. It's a basic bookish fact at this point.
Suddenly a Murder follows the tried and true premise of a group of rich friends (and one not so rich) going on a getaway to celebrate graduation. Lies, betrayal, and infidelity threaten the group dynamic, but when one of them is murdered everything comes to light.
Diversity in books is always a treat to read, one of the reasons I was excited to read Suddenly a Murder is that BIPOC authors typically can be counted on to have a great cast of characters with BIPOC voices. Izzy's experience with race, her Father's deportation, and how she views herself is one aspect that I loved the most during reading.
The beginning is a bit clunky to get through, the writing at times just felt awkward. I did consider DNF-ing the book with how much I was struggling with it, but I am glad I stuck with it because it improved. The more I kept reading the more I enjoyed it, with the final chunk of the book having the strongest writing and most immersive reading experience.
There are a lot of different characters and at times they blend together with how similar they are in terms of "rich, privileged, spoiled". I do believe the plot would have been stronger with less voices.
I would have liked to have seen the whole book, or at least a pov or two from Pilar. She is easily the most interesting and engaging character, to the point where she was outshining the "main characters". I would sooner read and enjoy a book following her adventures, her character is just so much more fleshed out then others.
The flashbacks account for about half of the book, and felt jarring with the shifting of going from first person in the present to third in the past. I wish there were less flashbacks or less people.I don't think a book should rely so heavily on flashbacks to set the tension and reveals as much as it does in this one.
I have mixed feelings about the romance. I don't think there is enough chemistry between the characters for it to have felt real.
The reveal wasn't a surprise, though other secrets that are uncovered are a huge shock. The question I want to pose is as follows: Were there enough bread crumbs leading to the big secret, or was it so out of left field with no evidence to support it that it feels cheap and out of nowhere?
While I don't love this book, I did have a mostly enjoyable experience. I say if the premise intrigues you, give it a try and see what you think! This is Lauren Muñoz's debut novel, and I would read further books from her.
The cover is very poor, it feels very dated in terms of design and composition. I do not like it, nor would I pick it up if I saw it in a bookstore.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity
Moderate: Death, Abandonment, Deportation, and Bullying
Minor: Death of parent, Adult/minor relationship, and Murder
Together We Rot by Skyla Arndt
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-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
Thank you Penguin for this ARC
As breathtakingly beautiful as it is horrifyingly creepy, Together We Rotis now my favorite horror romance of all time.
Wil is fruitlessly searching for her missing Mother, much to the chagrin of the small town she lives in. She is convinced the local pastor is involved, but the local police would rather stuff their face with donuts then listen to her. Elwood is her ex-best friend and the pastor's son, forced to play a role he doesn't want. When Elwood realizes he isn't being groomed to take over for his Father, but instead is going to be sacrificed on his 18th birthday, he flees. Straight into Wil.
My favorite part of the story is the imagery, and just the way that Arndt writes. In just one sentence the mood shifts from light-hearted, to creepy. A few well placed words have you scratching at your skin, and making sure the light is on. Her ability to choose the most chilling words is just incredibly impressive. The tonal shifts she conveys within a page are some of the best I've ever seen in a book.
Horror romance as a genre is so difficult to nail down, books tend to favor one or other and it's rare that I see it done this well. The relationship between Wil and Elwood doesn't feel rushed, or fast-paced. It feels incredibly natural and in a way, aching. There are several characters in this but I never felt lost or confused. I know there are people who probably don't like the characters, but I think it's important to remember people don't act level headed when they are grieving. I personally love Wil's fiery personality, and her stubbornness.
If I truly had to nitpick and find something I didn't enjoy, I do wish it is a bit longer. I would have liked to have learned more about the town and the history. I will say I might have had a different opinion about the book had I not been warned by a mutual of mine about some of the content.
Be kind to yourself when you read this there are a lot of triggers. I read this as an arc so I hope the finished publication has content warnings because there are a lot of heavy topics. Some of them include: child abuse, body horror, INSECTS. (No really, all the insects!) I strongly encourage anyone who is wanting to read this to check out story graph for the full list. I didn't go into a book slump or found it on the level that books like Ever Since are trigger wise.
You know when you read a debut novel for the first time, and you're just like...woah. That is the feeling Together We Rot gives me. Skyla Arndt is a name to watch out for. I just know she is going to be big.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book, and I need Skyla Arndt to write another book IMMEDIATELY please! (Y'all she is one of my new favorite authors now!)
This is 100% my new favorite book cover for the year. I just where do I even start! The vines that are embedded under the skin like veins, the moths circling around, the SYMBOLISM! This is truly a work of art. Marcela Bolivar always kills it and I continue to be in awe of her talent. The cover not only captures the horror and creepiness of the book, but also the romance.
As breathtakingly beautiful as it is horrifyingly creepy, Together We Rotis now my favorite horror romance of all time.
Wil is fruitlessly searching for her missing Mother, much to the chagrin of the small town she lives in. She is convinced the local pastor is involved, but the local police would rather stuff their face with donuts then listen to her. Elwood is her ex-best friend and the pastor's son, forced to play a role he doesn't want. When Elwood realizes he isn't being groomed to take over for his Father, but instead is going to be sacrificed on his 18th birthday, he flees. Straight into Wil.
My favorite part of the story is the imagery, and just the way that Arndt writes. In just one sentence the mood shifts from light-hearted, to creepy. A few well placed words have you scratching at your skin, and making sure the light is on. Her ability to choose the most chilling words is just incredibly impressive. The tonal shifts she conveys within a page are some of the best I've ever seen in a book.
Horror romance as a genre is so difficult to nail down, books tend to favor one or other and it's rare that I see it done this well. The relationship between Wil and Elwood doesn't feel rushed, or fast-paced. It feels incredibly natural and in a way, aching. There are several characters in this but I never felt lost or confused. I know there are people who probably don't like the characters, but I think it's important to remember people don't act level headed when they are grieving. I personally love Wil's fiery personality, and her stubbornness.
If I truly had to nitpick and find something I didn't enjoy, I do wish it is a bit longer. I would have liked to have learned more about the town and the history. I will say I might have had a different opinion about the book had I not been warned by a mutual of mine about some of the content.
Be kind to yourself when you read this there are a lot of triggers. I read this as an arc so I hope the finished publication has content warnings because there are a lot of heavy topics. Some of them include: child abuse, body horror, INSECTS. (No really, all the insects!) I strongly encourage anyone who is wanting to read this to check out story graph for the full list. I didn't go into a book slump or found it on the level that books like Ever Since are trigger wise.
You know when you read a debut novel for the first time, and you're just like...woah. That is the feeling Together We Rot gives me. Skyla Arndt is a name to watch out for. I just know she is going to be big.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book, and I need Skyla Arndt to write another book IMMEDIATELY please! (Y'all she is one of my new favorite authors now!)
This is 100% my new favorite book cover for the year. I just where do I even start! The vines that are embedded under the skin like veins, the moths circling around, the SYMBOLISM! This is truly a work of art. Marcela Bolivar always kills it and I continue to be in awe of her talent. The cover not only captures the horror and creepiness of the book, but also the romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Injury/Injury detail, Child abuse, Physical abuse, Kidnapping, Vomit, Gore, Emotional abuse, Body horror, and Blood
Moderate: Animal death and Animal cruelty
Strange Unearthly Things by Kelly Creagh
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Thank you Penguin for this ARC
Don't read this book, it's not worth it.
I was intrigued by the premise, and the beginning started off strong and my interest was hooked. The moment Jane reached the manor everything went downhill and my regret came swiftly and grew as I slugged through the remainder.
Let me tell you what to expect from this book.
Characters that are very stereotypical, and many could not have been included for how little they matter to the plot, or how much attention is given to their development.
Some of the worst dialogue I've seen in a book, I had to stop frequently to send quotes to my friends it was so bad. Such lines* such as "My heart riffs Metallica. His thunders against my cheek, like the storm we escaped has found refuge within him." and "His scent is everywhere-in my bloodstream, mixed up with the tatters of my own shredded soul." are frequent and in certain chapters happen LITERALLY EVERY OTHER PARAGRAPH. Maybe they would have hit harder or been more swoony worthy if the characters actually had a developed relationship or cringey lines like that weren't happening every page.
Insta-love romance that makes no sense at the time, with such groundbreaking realizations such as Jane resisting everyone telling her she loves him, multiple times! MISS GIRL YOU'VE KNOWN HIM 3 DAYS!
A mc that falls into the "all the men want her trope". I don't know what it is about her but everyone wants to (and does) kiss her. More attention is given to Jane's drawings then the character herself, I had no investment in any of them at any moment in time.
Mostly angsty romance and less paranormal stuff happening. I just don't understand how any of them are even paranormal investigators considered they really can't do much with it. (You get tarot cards, and feelings, and drawings, but no way to actually truly fight the paranormal. The climax scene at the end physically pained me with how plot-holey it is.)
This is supposed to be a reimagining of Jane Eyre, I've never read the book myself so I did some research. According to Goodreads Jane Eyre is "a passionate depiction of a woman's search for equality and freedom". There is NOTHING remotely close to that in Strange Unearthly Things. It's not that it isn't even in the same ballpark, it's playing an entirely separate game! SUT focuses on an insta-love romance, and is incredibly one dimensional in its depiction of its characters. The only parallels that can be drawn between both books are the names. It is a very, very loose reimagining, and I highly doubt anyone would ever draw comparison between the two had it not been for the marketing blurb. (Quite frankly it is like saying Twilight is a reimagining of Great Expectations. (Though I think we all feel a nostalgia for the former at least)
When the ending and climax happened I think I was supposed to cry or feel sad, but instead I felt such relief that I was finally nearing the end and could stop reading. There is no attachment to the characters, so it's hard to care what happens to them. Because the romance is so immediately "omg I love you!" it's hard to even care what happens to either one in the relationship. Plus, I do think the (view spoiler)
In the epilogue Jane gives major pick me vibes, and I don't think I would ever want to be her friend. The way she thinks of Giovanni's new relationship is such a red flag. In her mind she (view spoiler)
Retellings/reimaginings are honestly so hit or miss. It sets high expectations for the story, and the fine line between original writing and copying the plot is really hard to walk. It's important to make the story your own, while at the same time if you're marketing it so heavily as a reimagining, making sure it actually is one.
I would NOT recommend this book! This is my first Kelly Creagh book, and at this point I don't think I would read another.
I can't even say the cover is a saving grace for the book, because I really think it has poor composition and design. If I saw it on a shelf my eyes would glaze over and I would probably just complain about how it looks.
*This is an ARC I read, so writing is subject to change and does not reflect the finished copy.
Don't read this book, it's not worth it.
I was intrigued by the premise, and the beginning started off strong and my interest was hooked. The moment Jane reached the manor everything went downhill and my regret came swiftly and grew as I slugged through the remainder.
Let me tell you what to expect from this book.
Characters that are very stereotypical, and many could not have been included for how little they matter to the plot, or how much attention is given to their development.
Some of the worst dialogue I've seen in a book, I had to stop frequently to send quotes to my friends it was so bad. Such lines* such as "My heart riffs Metallica. His thunders against my cheek, like the storm we escaped has found refuge within him." and "His scent is everywhere-in my bloodstream, mixed up with the tatters of my own shredded soul." are frequent and in certain chapters happen LITERALLY EVERY OTHER PARAGRAPH. Maybe they would have hit harder or been more swoony worthy if the characters actually had a developed relationship or cringey lines like that weren't happening every page.
Insta-love romance that makes no sense at the time, with such groundbreaking realizations such as Jane resisting everyone telling her she loves him, multiple times! MISS GIRL YOU'VE KNOWN HIM 3 DAYS!
A mc that falls into the "all the men want her trope". I don't know what it is about her but everyone wants to (and does) kiss her. More attention is given to Jane's drawings then the character herself, I had no investment in any of them at any moment in time.
Mostly angsty romance and less paranormal stuff happening. I just don't understand how any of them are even paranormal investigators considered they really can't do much with it. (You get tarot cards, and feelings, and drawings, but no way to actually truly fight the paranormal. The climax scene at the end physically pained me with how plot-holey it is.)
This is supposed to be a reimagining of Jane Eyre, I've never read the book myself so I did some research. According to Goodreads Jane Eyre is "a passionate depiction of a woman's search for equality and freedom". There is NOTHING remotely close to that in Strange Unearthly Things. It's not that it isn't even in the same ballpark, it's playing an entirely separate game! SUT focuses on an insta-love romance, and is incredibly one dimensional in its depiction of its characters. The only parallels that can be drawn between both books are the names. It is a very, very loose reimagining, and I highly doubt anyone would ever draw comparison between the two had it not been for the marketing blurb. (Quite frankly it is like saying Twilight is a reimagining of Great Expectations. (Though I think we all feel a nostalgia for the former at least)
When the ending and climax happened I think I was supposed to cry or feel sad, but instead I felt such relief that I was finally nearing the end and could stop reading. There is no attachment to the characters, so it's hard to care what happens to them. Because the romance is so immediately "omg I love you!" it's hard to even care what happens to either one in the relationship. Plus, I do think the (view spoiler)
In the epilogue Jane gives major pick me vibes, and I don't think I would ever want to be her friend. The way she thinks of Giovanni's new relationship is such a red flag. In her mind she (view spoiler)
Retellings/reimaginings are honestly so hit or miss. It sets high expectations for the story, and the fine line between original writing and copying the plot is really hard to walk. It's important to make the story your own, while at the same time if you're marketing it so heavily as a reimagining, making sure it actually is one.
I would NOT recommend this book! This is my first Kelly Creagh book, and at this point I don't think I would read another.
I can't even say the cover is a saving grace for the book, because I really think it has poor composition and design. If I saw it on a shelf my eyes would glaze over and I would probably just complain about how it looks.
*This is an ARC I read, so writing is subject to change and does not reflect the finished copy.
She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen
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
5.0
A sweet sapphic romance with the best tropes; fake dating and enemies to lovers, set in an idyllic town gives She Drives Me Crazy a campy 90s romance vibe that I love.
Scottie is still dealing with a bad break-up when a fender bender with head cheerleader Irene forces them to carpool. Desperate to bring more attention to the girls basketball team, Scottie makes a deal with Irene to pretend to date, and bring the cheerleaders to their games. (Of course chaos ensues!)
Fun characters, messy moments, and a sweet romance all add up to a fantastic experience. I love how supportive Scottie's family and friends are. The banter her and Irene had was top notch, and such a great enemies to lovers relationship. (Listen enemies to lovers doesn't work unless they hate each other okay!)
This was just such a sweet, campy, fun read. It's not a "omg 5 stars literary masterpiece", but it is a book that I had such a fun time reading.
If you are looking for a sapphic sports romance, this is perfect for you! I will definitely be checking out other books by the author.
Scottie is still dealing with a bad break-up when a fender bender with head cheerleader Irene forces them to carpool. Desperate to bring more attention to the girls basketball team, Scottie makes a deal with Irene to pretend to date, and bring the cheerleaders to their games. (Of course chaos ensues!)
Fun characters, messy moments, and a sweet romance all add up to a fantastic experience. I love how supportive Scottie's family and friends are. The banter her and Irene had was top notch, and such a great enemies to lovers relationship. (Listen enemies to lovers doesn't work unless they hate each other okay!)
This was just such a sweet, campy, fun read. It's not a "omg 5 stars literary masterpiece", but it is a book that I had such a fun time reading.
If you are looking for a sapphic sports romance, this is perfect for you! I will definitely be checking out other books by the author.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Lesbophobia
Moderate: Toxic relationship