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janae's reviews
391 reviews
Cinnamon Rolls and Villainy by Chanté A. Campbell
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
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? Yes
4.5
I enjoyed every single second of this book. I finished it in two days, which rarely happens for me!
Keep in mind I read a beta version of this book and originally gave it 4.25 but the issues I had were fixed bringing it up to a 4.5. Frankly the only reason it isn’t a 5 is because N. K. Jemisin broke the bar for a five for me 😭 it’s N.K. Jemisin or literal tears which is a high damn bar. I think for a lot of folks this would be a five and for enjoyment this is 100% a five for me.
I love our main character!! He’s one of my new top favorites!! So funny, sweet, charming and resourceful. I also love many of the side characters and (as a villain only!) even the villain. I loved that the cast was diverse in sexuality, ability, and gender! I loved that the villains represented real horrors children and queer folks face in the world. The challenges and triumphs really spoke to me emotionally.
AND THE WORLD! So full of whimsy, mystery, magic, and history. I loved the structure and diversity, a wonderful world I can’t wait to return to.
I recommend this for anyone who loves fantasy adventures, romance, whimsy, and a queer Flynn Rider😆
Keep in mind I read a beta version of this book and originally gave it 4.25 but the issues I had were fixed bringing it up to a 4.5. Frankly the only reason it isn’t a 5 is because N. K. Jemisin broke the bar for a five for me 😭 it’s N.K. Jemisin or literal tears which is a high damn bar. I think for a lot of folks this would be a five and for enjoyment this is 100% a five for me.
I love our main character!! He’s one of my new top favorites!! So funny, sweet, charming and resourceful. I also love many of the side characters and (as a villain only!) even the villain. I loved that the cast was diverse in sexuality, ability, and gender! I loved that the villains represented real horrors children and queer folks face in the world. The challenges and triumphs really spoke to me emotionally.
AND THE WORLD! So full of whimsy, mystery, magic, and history. I loved the structure and diversity, a wonderful world I can’t wait to return to.
I recommend this for anyone who loves fantasy adventures, romance, whimsy, and a queer Flynn Rider😆
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Violence
The Absinthe Underground by Jamie Pacton
adventurous
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
There's so much to say about this book! I'll start with the numbers and get into the whys of them.
Although my overall rating is a 3.75, that has to do with personal prefences related to character and craft. For pure enjoyment this was definitely a four! The first half wasn't my taste but I loved the second half.
from 1-10 I would give the book overall a 6, the writing a 7, characters a 5, world-building an 8, and plot another 8.
Overall this book is joyful, lighthearted, a fun magical romp, and filled with historical and fantastical ambiance. You will enjoy this is you love lighthearted fantasy, fun YA stories, and two friends in love with each other but in need of an adventure to push them closer. If you're interested in queer history or historical artists movements the first half should definitely spark your interest, along with the authors notes at the end.
I would say this book is not for folks looking for something character driven, a slow burn, or high/epic fantasy.
Book covers are magical. They pull you in and spark your interest, but sometimes it's not for the story you're actually getting. I interpreted the cover as something with a more magical main character and darker themes. But that isn't a fault of the book or the gorgeous cover, simply another way that expectations can affect the reading process. So I would caution anyone who has similar expectations that it's actually more lighthearted and the fantastical stuff doesn't start until the halfway mark.
For me personally in the first half I didn't learn as much about the characters as I wanted and didn't have a deep feel for who they were by the time I closed the book. At the same time, I enjoyed their story and I was rooting for them to make it. I would definitely be interested in a sequel going into the story of Chloe and Hyacinth, Lucien, and the ins and outs of the fae world.
Lastly, regarding diversity, of course our two main characters were queer. However it seemed like every character from "our world" was a white person. Two people were explicitly stated as white people, but no one was ever explicitly stated to be another race. I believe 'deep' was used for someone's skin tone, but there was no more information about them (culturally, etc) that gave us a clue to their background. One of the main characters, Esme, could conceivably be argued to be a person of color - this is definitely my head-canon - but at no point in the book is that explicitly laid out to make it clear to the reader. There was no other representation that I was aware of. For that reason I would hesitate to call this a diverse book.
Overall it was very enjoyable with only a few missteps along the way. I'd recommend this to anyone who wants a fun, lighthearted magical adventure.
Although my overall rating is a 3.75, that has to do with personal prefences related to character and craft. For pure enjoyment this was definitely a four! The first half wasn't my taste but I loved the second half.
from 1-10 I would give the book overall a 6, the writing a 7, characters a 5, world-building an 8, and plot another 8.
Overall this book is joyful, lighthearted, a fun magical romp, and filled with historical and fantastical ambiance. You will enjoy this is you love lighthearted fantasy, fun YA stories, and two friends in love with each other but in need of an adventure to push them closer. If you're interested in queer history or historical artists movements the first half should definitely spark your interest, along with the authors notes at the end.
I would say this book is not for folks looking for something character driven, a slow burn, or high/epic fantasy.
Book covers are magical. They pull you in and spark your interest, but sometimes it's not for the story you're actually getting. I interpreted the cover as something with a more magical main character and darker themes. But that isn't a fault of the book or the gorgeous cover, simply another way that expectations can affect the reading process. So I would caution anyone who has similar expectations that it's actually more lighthearted and the fantastical stuff doesn't start until the halfway mark.
For me personally in the first half I didn't learn as much about the characters as I wanted and didn't have a deep feel for who they were by the time I closed the book. At the same time, I enjoyed their story and I was rooting for them to make it. I would definitely be interested in a sequel going into the story of Chloe and Hyacinth, Lucien, and the ins and outs of the fae world.
Lastly, regarding diversity, of course our two main characters were queer. However it seemed like every character from "our world" was a white person. Two people were explicitly stated as white people, but no one was ever explicitly stated to be another race. I believe 'deep' was used for someone's skin tone, but there was no more information about them (culturally, etc) that gave us a clue to their background. One of the main characters, Esme, could conceivably be argued to be a person of color - this is definitely my head-canon - but at no point in the book is that explicitly laid out to make it clear to the reader. There was no other representation that I was aware of. For that reason I would hesitate to call this a diverse book.
Overall it was very enjoyable with only a few missteps along the way. I'd recommend this to anyone who wants a fun, lighthearted magical adventure.
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
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? Yes
4.5
So it took me two library turns in two months to read this book because my anxiety was going to freaking crazy. I was gobsmacked by the ending but at the same time it felt so deserved and it was the opposite of what I wanted but I was oddly satisfied with it. It truly earned the “what’s going on” tag. I found this book from a booktok video where a person was talking about books where you have no clue what this woman is on about and they were RIGHT these women are women’s wrongs on so many levels and I’m losing my mind about it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Physical abuse, and Murder
The Little Book of Confidence: Cool. Calm. Collected by Tiddy Rowan
Did not finish book. Stopped at 8%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 8%.
Advice I don’t find very useful
The Fall That Saved Us by Tamara Jerée
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
I am just crying. Every moment of this book was perfect. It was so sweet and cozy and emotional and sexy and I just wanted to curl up in this world and never leave. Every time I read a page I just wanted to stop reading and savor it.
Definitely go into this expecting sapphic paranormal romance with great world building but not a fantasy epic. The focus is very much the romance and character development. Very subcategory paranormal women’s fiction ya know? A lot about recovering from abuse and trauma that I found really lovely and healing. This book touched me deeply, made me feel seen and held and gave me hope. A new favorite.
Definitely go into this expecting sapphic paranormal romance with great world building but not a fantasy epic. The focus is very much the romance and character development. Very subcategory paranormal women’s fiction ya know? A lot about recovering from abuse and trauma that I found really lovely and healing. This book touched me deeply, made me feel seen and held and gave me hope. A new favorite.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Blood
Jawbone by Mónica Ojeda
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Hmmmm as a horror newbie it's hard for me to know how to judge. For writing I give it 5 stars, and a solid 4 stars for story. For the horror element it was definitely unsettling. A lot of talk about teenage sexuality and genitals, very unsettling and uncomfortable So for horror I would give it a 3-4, I def had the heebeejeebies.
Overall, I recommend this to any woman/woman aligned or perceived person who has been in a toxic ass friendship with another woman, especially as a teenager. That shit was a little too relatable! Also all the horror around the mother-daughter relationship made me want to nevvver have a kid.
Overall, I recommend this to any woman/woman aligned or perceived person who has been in a toxic ass friendship with another woman, especially as a teenager. That shit was a little too relatable! Also all the horror around the mother-daughter relationship made me want to nevvver have a kid.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Violence, and Kidnapping
Moderate: Bullying and Gun violence
The Sorcerer of the Wildeeps by Kai Ashante Wilson
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
slow-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
I absolutely CANNOT give this less than five stars. I was absolutely sucked into a different world from the very first page. This book is slow, like thick grits, you can't just suck it all down. You have to take your time. I would re-read every paragraph two or three times, not even intentionally. Just out of pure reflex. Sometimes I didn't understand, but other times I just needed to take it in a few times.
For a lover of black queer fantasy, this was rain on dry soil.
The ending left me devastated and sad, but I can't say unsatisfied. Just full of emotions.
I recommend this for anyone who loves fantasy, black books, lovable characters, complex relationships, queerness, magic, and gods.
For a lover of black queer fantasy, this was rain on dry soil.
The ending left me devastated and sad, but I can't say unsatisfied. Just full of emotions.
I recommend this for anyone who loves fantasy, black books, lovable characters, complex relationships, queerness, magic, and gods.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore and Violence
Moderate: Homophobia
Payback's a Witch by Lana Harper
lighthearted
relaxing
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? Yes
4.75
I loved this story! The whimsical fluffy fantasy set in modern times, the adorable queer romance, and the main character growing into who she truly is and wants to be. I also loved the magic system, the magical trials, and the sweet relationships the characters had. The writing was poetic and sweet, with only a few missteps that are barely noticeable. The only reason this isn’t a five for me is because my enjoyment didn’t quite reach the level I normally require. But overall it was wonderful and I recommend to fans of romance, light fantasy, and cozy vibes.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Huda F Are You? by Huda Fahmy
4.5
A lovely story! It really hit me emotionally towards the end. It’s beautiful to see someone write to their teenaged self and see that hurting kids come out on the other side. Beautiful!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Islamophobia