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jess_esa's reviews
512 reviews
Biography of X by Catherine Lacey
challenging
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A compelling deep dive into the mind of a narcissist and the havoc one person can have on so many lives.
The dystopian setting was one of my favourite things about the book. It made for a very intriguing origin story for a truly complex character.
The novel definitely slows down, it could have done with being a bit shorter and can start to feel repetitive.
Still, it’s one of the most interesting books I’ve read in a while and a must if you’re looking for some challenging sapphic literature.
The dystopian setting was one of my favourite things about the book. It made for a very intriguing origin story for a truly complex character.
The novel definitely slows down, it could have done with being a bit shorter and can start to feel repetitive.
Still, it’s one of the most interesting books I’ve read in a while and a must if you’re looking for some challenging sapphic literature.
Carry On by Rainbow Rowell
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
Getting to read a HP Drary fic and getting all those Hogwarts vibes without reading HP was really lovely I have to say.
Baz also being half egyptian and pale as hell like me was pretty funny. Pale biracial representation haha. Ok, he’s a vampire but whatever.
Just a cute and fluffy read with loveable characters. The gay romance was just lovely too. And I liked how Simon isn’t sure he’s gay but just really likes Baz. That just felt very real tbh considering he’s had no time to consider his own sexuality etc.
Baz also being half egyptian and pale as hell like me was pretty funny. Pale biracial representation haha. Ok, he’s a vampire but whatever.
Just a cute and fluffy read with loveable characters. The gay romance was just lovely too. And I liked how Simon isn’t sure he’s gay but just really likes Baz. That just felt very real tbh considering he’s had no time to consider his own sexuality etc.
Mrs S by K. Patrick
challenging
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
Honestly I nearly gave up on it half way through. It absolutely picks up in the second half but not much happens until that point.
The unique writing style really lent itself towards the faster pace of the second half and actively makes the first half feel slower. It’s definitely not for everyone with its short sentences and lack of quotation marks. The style really suited the character but it’s definitely something to be aware of. That being said, there’s some really stunning prose in this book, I often found myself wanting to underline sentences.
The spicy scenes in the second half were really well-done and incredibly hot. Some of the best I’ve read, honestly. And the main character’s gender dysphoria was really well done and relatable. I also really enjoyed the relationship between the house mistress and the protagonist.
There’s a lot to love about this book but overall the slow start made it a real struggle and the ending was somewhat unsatisfying.
The unique writing style really lent itself towards the faster pace of the second half and actively makes the first half feel slower. It’s definitely not for everyone with its short sentences and lack of quotation marks. The style really suited the character but it’s definitely something to be aware of. That being said, there’s some really stunning prose in this book, I often found myself wanting to underline sentences.
The spicy scenes in the second half were really well-done and incredibly hot. Some of the best I’ve read, honestly. And the main character’s gender dysphoria was really well done and relatable. I also really enjoyed the relationship between the house mistress and the protagonist.
There’s a lot to love about this book but overall the slow start made it a real struggle and the ending was somewhat unsatisfying.
The Cybernetic Tea Shop by Meredith Katz
medium-paced
2.0
Really lovely concept but unfortunately lacked depth and was very rushed. There’s so much that’s right about this little book but ultimately I was pretty bored and basically forgot what I’d already read every time I put it down.
I’m always down for an asexual romance, I’m also always down for a cozy fantasy about AI but this missed the mark for me unfortunately.
I’m always down for an asexual romance, I’m also always down for a cozy fantasy about AI but this missed the mark for me unfortunately.
If We Were Villains by M.L. Rio
dark
emotional
sad
slow-paced
4.0
This was a really fun and enjoyable read, but there are definitely some pacing issues in the second half that made it more of a slog to get through at points.
Strong character work, they’re very frustrating and very real people and I loved that.
I definitely have some issues with the plot and the ending but overall it was a great dark academia book and I’m always happy to be immersed in Shakespeare and the theatre world.
*Oliver unironically describing himself as rusted and fading and withered when he’s in his early thirties was SO funny and I could not stop laughing.
Strong character work, they’re very frustrating and very real people and I loved that.
I definitely have some issues with the plot and the ending but overall it was a great dark academia book and I’m always happy to be immersed in Shakespeare and the theatre world.
*Oliver unironically describing himself as rusted and fading and withered when he’s in his early thirties was SO funny and I could not stop laughing.
A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare
Every time I come back to this play I appreciate something new. This time was the real humour of Bottom and Quince which had me laughing out loud, which was a real first.
Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Miki ❤️😭
Murderbot has the most endearing droids ever created. This wasn’t my favourite, the pacing was a bit off so I found it dragging more than the books so far. Miki was really the star of this book.
Murderbot has the most endearing droids ever created. This wasn’t my favourite, the pacing was a bit off so I found it dragging more than the books so far. Miki was really the star of this book.
Artificial Condition by Martha Wells
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I loved this one even more. BIG fan of ART 💜