janastange's reviews
348 reviews

I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense fast-paced

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

4.5

Evocation by S.T. Gibson

challenging dark emotional funny 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? No

4.25

Evocation, the first part of a series coming out in May 2024, is the second book by S. T. Gibson I have read, and it is the second time she has delivered the exact kind of story I didn't know I wanted and needed.

The story has an undeniably character-driven narrative that effortlessly drew me into an occult setting filled with captivating personalities. From the very first page, the characters leap off the page and left me longing to be a part of their world.

The plot, centering around the efforts to save David - a talented medium - from demon possession, occasionally takes a backseat to the exploration of the relationships between the three main characters - David, Rhys, and Moira. There were moments where the urgency of the plot seemed to wane, leaving me questioning the stakes. Despite this, the cast of characters, both main and side, left a lasting impression, and I eagerly anticipate their further development in future installments. The portrayal of a budding polyamorous relationship promises intriguing dynamics to come.

Gibson's writing is, as always, stunning, and it is evident that she has crafted the story she always wanted to read, and luckily I also wanted to read exactly this type of story. The premise - secret societies, witches, magick shops, demons, ghosts, etc., as well as the captivating characters, made this the kind of book I always longed to read. This is undoubtedly a great start to what promises to be an enthralling series.

Hex Appeal by Kate Johnson

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan

emotional hopeful inspiring tense fast-paced

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

4.0

Galatea by Madeline Miller

dark emotional tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Diverse cast of characters? No

4.25

Heartstopper Volume 5 by Alice Oseman

emotional hopeful lighthearted 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

5.0

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny hopeful 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? It's complicated

5.0

Belladonna by Adalyn Grace

adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious sad fast-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

4.0

That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon by Kimberly Lemming

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted 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

"That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon" is the whimsical introduction to the Mead Mishaps series by Kimberly Lemming. The book follows a spice-farming village dweller, Cinnamon, whose life takes an unexpected turn after a tipsy encounter with a demon, sending her on an adventure that makes her question the world she has known. 

Searching for something light, cozy, and perhaps a tad spicy to read after finishing a horror short story collection, this book not only met but exceeded my expectations. The protagonist, Cinnamon, or Cin, is a delightful mix of wit and charm, and her banter with Fallon, the rogue demon isn't just good; it's the kind that had me laughing out loud on numerous occasions. The spice level, both in terms of humor and sizzling moments, is perfectly balanced, earning it a solid 4 on the literary spice scale. (Be aware of trigger warnings!) 

Lemming weaves a compelling plot with well-developed characters. At its core, this is a fantasy adventure with a wonderfully sarcastic heroine and loveable side characters on an engaging quest that kept me hooked and definitely wanting more. Can't wait to dig into the rest of the series whenever I am in the mood for a lighthearted, spicy, and entertaining read. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

Moderate: Violence

Minor: Sexual violence

The Trees Grew Because I Bled There: Collected Stories by Eric LaRocca

challenging dark emotional reflective tense fast-paced

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

4.0