jamieleepilk's reviews
622 reviews

The Vampyre; A Tale by John William Polidori

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated

3.5

Roaming by Jillian Tamaki, Mariko Tamaki

emotional funny reflective medium-paced

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

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Drug use and Alcohol

Minor: Sexual content

The Safekeep by Yael van der Wouden

emotional mysterious tense slow-paced

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

3.5

Faebound by Saara El-Arifi

adventurous emotional funny fast-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

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and War

An Education in Malice by S.T. Gibson

challenging dark emotional mysterious fast-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

Thank you so much @orbitbooks_uk for this proof. 
You really can't go wrong with S.T Gibson vampires 🩸❤️
 I adored 'A Dowry of Blood' and I loved this one too. 
S.T has such a trademark way of writing, this beautiful lyrical style that is addictive to read. She sucks you in (lol) and keeps you hooked with every page. 
This is a retelling of 'Carmilla' told from the perspective of Laura and Carmilla as their lives get entwined with each other and their college professor. I loved the blend of the vampire elements with the dark academia vibes. Between this release and 'Evocation' later in the year, S.T Gibson is going to have one hell of a 2024. 
UK Release - 15th February 🗓️ from @orbitbooks_uk 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail

Poor Things by Alasdair Gray

dark emotional funny medium-paced

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

4.0

The Beholders by Hester Musson

challenging dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

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

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Pedophilia, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, and Sexual harassment

The Spirit Bares Its Teeth by Andrew Joseph White

challenging dark emotional sad tense fast-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

5.0

Andrew Joseph White has done it again. His ability to create such horror but also the most powerful love and found family stories has me in a chokehold. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Animal death, Body horror, Child abuse, Deadnaming, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Transphobia, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Medical content, Murder, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail

Green Fuse Burning by Tiffany Morris

challenging dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

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

3.75

The Sandman Universe: Nightmare Country Vol. 1 by Lisandro Estherren, James Tynion IV

adventurous challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.75