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illtakethenightshiftx's reviews
194 reviews
Friday Volume 2: On a Cold Winter's Night by Ed Brubaker
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
What Feasts at Night by T. Kingfisher
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
I Keep My Exoskeletons to Myself by Marisa Crane
dark
emotional
reflective
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
5.0
Broken Horses by Brandi Carlile
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
review on the way
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Homophobia, Religious bigotry
Moderate: Drug abuse, Suicide
My Darling Dreadful Thing by Johanna van Veen
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review!
I don’t think I’ve met a gothic horror story that I didn’t like, and My Darling Dreadful Thing is no exception. I was immediately drawn in by the cover, the blurb is what sold me, and I was so surprised and excited when I found out my request was approved!!
My Darling Dreadful Thing is dark, unrelenting, mysterious, and heartbreaking. I absolutely loved van Veen’s prose and her characters. They are so tragic and deeply flawed, but I also wanted to sweep some of them up in a hug and give them some love, especially Roos, Ruth, and Agnes. I really enjoyed how the majority of the book was told in first person through Roos’s eyes, which is something I never thought I’d say. Roos’s internal monologue broke my heart and watching her learn and grow through her eyes as the story passed made it feel like I was an active participant in the story.
Stripped down to its core, My Darling Dreadful Thing is a love story and love (of all kinds!) is the throughline that connects all of the characters, for better or for worse.
There were some spots where the pacing could’ve been a bit tighter, but when there was action, it was page-turning and I couldn’t read fast enough! (There was a scene that reminded me a bit of the topiary animals scene in The Shining which made my heart RACE!!)
My Darling Dreadful Thing was a fantastic read and I can’t recommend it enough if you’re a fan of queer gothic horror!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Chronic illness, Confinement, Death, Eating disorder, Self harm
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Incest, Injury/Injury detail
Scorched Grace by Margot Douaihy
funny
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
3.75
I don’t usually read crime/mystery books, but I really enjoyed this! Sister Holiday is a compelling character and I really liked being in her head throughout the investigation.
At times, the story felt like it meandered with flashbacks, but I think they were helpful in setting up the investigation narrative.
I will absolutely be picking up the next one!
At times, the story felt like it meandered with flashbacks, but I think they were helpful in setting up the investigation narrative.
I will absolutely be picking up the next one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Chronic illness, Suicide
The Fixed Stars by Molly Wizenberg
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
review to come
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Pregnancy
Moderate: Chronic illness
Minor: Biphobia
Sexed Up: How Society Sexualizes Us, and How We Can Fight Back by Julia Serano
Did not finish book. Stopped at 22%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 22%.
Audio format isn’t working for me :/ will be finding a print copy asap bc this is so interesting!
Briefly, A Delicious Life by Nell Stevens
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Looking for a Portrait of a Lady on Fire read-alike? Then look no further! I really loved this novel, the prose, the characters, and the storytelling structure. I loved seeing the world through Blanca’s eyes and learning about her life and the lives of George, Chopin, and the children. It’s definitely a minimal plot kind of story
Also the YEARNING and how imperfect/human the characters are?! *chef’s kiss*
Also the YEARNING and how imperfect/human the characters are?! *chef’s kiss*
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Death, Pregnancy
Moderate: Rape
Minor: Child death