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juan_adhd_reading's reviews
109 reviews
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Wow! I am completely speechless. I have no idea how would a person would even think of this book, how they could even find the language to construct this world. But they did! And it was fantastic, rich and dark. I’ll admit I had a hard time getting into this book, but I am really glad the author trusts their audience. Trying to understand what the heck was going on was half the fun. Then we have Gideon and Harrow, who were each hilarious and lovable in their own way and as a pair. The last bit of this book was nonstop action that kept me at the edge of my seat, and I seriously cannot believe what I just read! I’m really excited for the next book in the series.
I Feed Her to the Beast and the Beast Is Me by Jamison Shea
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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
4.0
So what if she’s the Devil? At least the Devil has a JOB. At least she’s ACTIVE in the COMMUNITY!
Seriously, this book had me stressed since before the supernatural things even started happening. This book was an excellent insight at the elitist and cutthroat world that is ballet. This book was filled with terrible characters and I LOVED IT!!! This was a villain origin story in which ambition may have gotten the best of Laure, desperate to climb to the top, to the point where she was willing to sacrifice her own soul (and even worse, her ability to dance!). I loved seeing everyone who was horrible to Laure get what they deserved, and watching Laure slowly become corrupted by her newfound powers. My only complaint would be the pacing, which was slow at times, but I’m really excited to see how the story escalates in the next book!
Seriously, this book had me stressed since before the supernatural things even started happening. This book was an excellent insight at the elitist and cutthroat world that is ballet. This book was filled with terrible characters and I LOVED IT!!! This was a villain origin story in which ambition may have gotten the best of Laure, desperate to climb to the top, to the point where she was willing to sacrifice her own soul (and even worse, her ability to dance!). I loved seeing everyone who was horrible to Laure get what they deserved, and watching Laure slowly become corrupted by her newfound powers. My only complaint would be the pacing, which was slow at times, but I’m really excited to see how the story escalates in the next book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, and Self harm
Moderate: Toxic friendship, Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Death, Classism, Body shaming, and Toxic relationship
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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 have never cried as much with any book as this one, and this is not hyperbole. This was such a lovely story; beautifully written; and it was fantastic, sad, epic, everything I expected it to be and still managed to surprise me. It is probably one of V.E. Schwab’s best works and the reason she will forever be my favorite author.
I have nothing else to say for now, as I just have finished the story. Will probably come back soon to write a full review, but for now I feel completely satisfied and very hopeful about the ending. Highly recommend!
I have nothing else to say for now, as I just have finished the story. Will probably come back soon to write a full review, but for now I feel completely satisfied and very hopeful about the ending. Highly recommend!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, War, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Alcoholism, Addiction, Toxic relationship, Physical abuse, Grief, and Abandonment
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Alcohol, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
Exit Strategy by Martha Wells
adventurous
emotional
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? Yes
5.0
I love this series so much!!! (Note: I will be using they / them pronouns for Murderbot in this review).
This particular book focuses on rescuing Dr. Mensah from book 1, after the actions from Murderbot inadvertently get her captured, with the rest of the crew members also making an appearance. It also focuses on Murderbot’s relationship with these humans, reflecting on why they escaped after book 1 in the first place, and what do they want their place in the world to be. Murderbot and Mensah’s relationship is very sweet, and it feels like they have a real family with her and the rest of the crew. The book was action packed, fast paced and full of Murderbot’s sarcastic dry humor we’ve come to love them for. One of my favorite books in the series for sure!
This particular book focuses on rescuing Dr. Mensah from book 1, after the actions from Murderbot inadvertently get her captured, with the rest of the crew members also making an appearance. It also focuses on Murderbot’s relationship with these humans, reflecting on why they escaped after book 1 in the first place, and what do they want their place in the world to be. Murderbot and Mensah’s relationship is very sweet, and it feels like they have a real family with her and the rest of the crew. The book was action packed, fast paced and full of Murderbot’s sarcastic dry humor we’ve come to love them for. One of my favorite books in the series for sure!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Gun violence, and Injury/Injury detail
My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I really enjoyed this book a lot! Such a quick read, and the chapters were so very short, but still managed to convey a compelling story. This story is in part a mystery-thriller, but more so is a story about family and relationships.
This story shows just how un breakable the bond between sisters is, and the length they will go to protect each other.
I don’t know how to talk about the characters in a way that won’t make the story off putting, because the reality is that there are no good characters here. Ayoola is a serial killer, after all, and Korede enables her. I think a lot could be said about how their father’s abuse plays into how they came to be like this, and especially why Korede goes to such great lengths to protect Ayoola. I did feel bad for Korede all throughout the book, because I really felt how trapped she is in this toxic relationship; how her bond with her sister might be too strong for her own good.
Dr. Tade might have been just another sympathetic victim of Ayoola, but in my opinion he was kind of an ass. (Long rant incoming.) Setting aside the fact that he never appreciated all that Korede did for him, and that he fell for Ayoola just because she’s pretty, he also blamed Korede for anything that Ayoola did. “Ayoola cheated on me because you’re not a good sister”, “Ayoola only seeks other men because you don’t love her enough”, “Ayoola would never hurt anyone! Why do you always villainize her!”, “You’re just jealous of Ayoola because you don’t have a man to love”… Korede told him very clearly that Ayoola would hurt him, she did all she could to warn him and make him break up the engagement (even if Ayoola wasn’t a killer, she knows she didn’t love him and wouldn’t want to marry him). But he just ignored his many years of friendship with Korede to still be with Ayoola, and he got what he got. Did he deserve all that? Probably not, but he had the chance to think and still chose to be horny instead 🫤.
Anyway, despite all that I really enjoyed reading this book, and would definitely recommend it. Especially if you’re in a reading slump.
This story shows just how un breakable the bond between sisters is, and the length they will go to protect each other.
I don’t know how to talk about the characters in a way that won’t make the story off putting, because the reality is that there are no good characters here. Ayoola is a serial killer, after all, and Korede enables her. I think a lot could be said about how their father’s abuse plays into how they came to be like this, and especially why Korede goes to such great lengths to protect Ayoola. I did feel bad for Korede all throughout the book, because I really felt how trapped she is in this toxic relationship; how her bond with her sister might be too strong for her own good.
Dr. Tade might have been just another sympathetic victim of Ayoola, but in my opinion he was kind of an ass. (Long rant incoming.)
Anyway, despite all that I really enjoyed reading this book, and would definitely recommend it. Especially if you’re in a reading slump.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Toxic relationship, Murder, and Physical abuse
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, and Police brutality
Loki: Agent of Asgard - The Complete Collection by Jason Aaron, Al Ewing
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.0
Wow! I didn’t expect to love this book SO MUCH!!! This comic is many things: it’s the exploration of Loki as a character, fighting to change or define who he is; it’s a story of redemption for a crime that cannot be redeemed; it’s an action packed story, fighting to prevent or cause the dire future that awaits; but above all it’s an ode, or maybe a love letter to storytelling itself.
This comic had a bit of everything! It made me laugh, and it almost made me cry; it made me angry, and reflective and it makes me want to be better. It’s got a heist, found family, gender bent Loki and Loki turning into a unicorn!
If you wanted to read more about Loki as a character, this comic is definitely for you! If you’re coming from the show (which apparently got inspiration from this comic) just know it’s a completely different story. Also know that there are some things that’ll be difficult to understand without context. I probably would’ve read Young Avengers (at the very least) before going into this comic. That being said, this IS considered a standalone arc, and there are enough context clues to understand what’s happening or happened in other comics.
Hope you enjoyed this as much as me! Happy readings!!!
This comic had a bit of everything! It made me laugh, and it almost made me cry; it made me angry, and reflective and it makes me want to be better. It’s got a heist, found family, gender bent Loki and Loki turning into a unicorn!
If you wanted to read more about Loki as a character, this comic is definitely for you! If you’re coming from the show (which apparently got inspiration from this comic) just know it’s a completely different story. Also know that there are some things that’ll be difficult to understand without context. I probably would’ve read Young Avengers (at the very least) before going into this comic. That being said, this IS considered a standalone arc, and there are enough context clues to understand what’s happening or happened in other comics.
Hope you enjoyed this as much as me! Happy readings!!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Fire/Fire injury, and Violence
Minor: Child death and Death of parent
The Sun and the Void by Gabriela Romero Lacruz
adventurous
dark
medium-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
3.5
There are a lot of things I want to say about this book, but I think they have all been said already and more eloquently by other people. Mainly, I would recommend @mynameismarines two-part review of the book on TikTok, as I share a lot of the same thoughts.
I hope this review won’t be too long, so I’ll start with the positive, which is Gabriela’s amazing world building skills. The world of Venazia and Fedria felt so vivid and it was incredibly detailed. The remarkable amount of effort she put in developing everything from politics, to mythology, to the familial and inter species relationships that we witnessed. You can just tell everything came from a place of love, and I greatly appreciate that. The fact that the world is latine inspired really helped me visualize everything, as it came really close to my own home. I would definitely read the second book in the series as the story was intriguing and original.
I also want to praise her realistic portrayal of colonization, and how its effects are felt even generations after “liberation”. Eva’s journey and perspective is really valuable, showing the efforts needed to decolonize one self, and the trauma it can carry.
My main issues with this book were the pacing and the characters. Firstly, the first third or I would even say half of this book can be really slow and challenging to read. This is because it focuses mainly on the world building and developing character’s relationships and goals, rather than advancing the plot. That being said, after it picks up, it does so wonderfully, as the rest of the book is full of action, adventure, tension, magic, and drama.
As for the characters, it was incredibly hard for me to love them. For the majority of the book, the goals of most of the characters are selfish, naive and stupid; their actions, despicable (sometimes even downright evil). However, the place from which they make these terrible decisions is one of desperation, lack of autonomy and grief. So while I don’t agree with their actions, most of the times I do understand them.
Here’s a rundown of what I think of each character:
Javier is by far the most unforgivable of all the main characters. To me, having him be possessed by a Tiniebla does feel like a cop-out to justify his terrible behavior. Only because of this, he’s not a downright villain, but still mostly irredeemable. I hope the story follows suit with the very well deserved punishments that await him.
Reina follows suit, and while I do agree her character is way more understandable and redeemable than Javier, she should’ve faced more consequences for her actions. It’s because of her that seven women were brutally murdered, and undoubtedly even more of the ones initially mistaken as Damas del Vacío, without even mentioning the countless infanticides. Yet she gets to be Ches’ hero, the one who stopped Ramaghut, so she doesn’t face any repercussions.
Eva didn’t do anything as dastardly, but she definitely had her flaws, including her incredible naïveté, and lack of action when it’s needed the most (think, when she didn’t defend Doña Rosa).
Maior is by far the most likable, lovable character of the bunch. Although it is acknowledged that initially she was racist to Reina (and called her a duskling, which would be a slur in this world) at the time she was also kidnapped by her, so... And it is pretty obvious that she grows by the end, and does not hold these views any longer (which were mostly forced on her by the hyper religious, racist culture of the Apartaderos).
I have nothing to say of Celeste, except the way she treated Reina with an air of superiority all the time, even when she calls her a friend, annoyed me to no end. I was really glad this was also acknowledged in the last chapter.
Though at the end all characters grew, it was definitely an effort to enjoy the story because of them. At the end of the book, I would say they are at a place where I would enjoy their continuing growth if I read the next book.
I hope this review won’t be too long, so I’ll start with the positive, which is Gabriela’s amazing world building skills. The world of Venazia and Fedria felt so vivid and it was incredibly detailed. The remarkable amount of effort she put in developing everything from politics, to mythology, to the familial and inter species relationships that we witnessed. You can just tell everything came from a place of love, and I greatly appreciate that. The fact that the world is latine inspired really helped me visualize everything, as it came really close to my own home. I would definitely read the second book in the series as the story was intriguing and original.
I also want to praise her realistic portrayal of colonization, and how its effects are felt even generations after “liberation”. Eva’s journey and perspective is really valuable, showing the efforts needed to decolonize one self, and the trauma it can carry.
My main issues with this book were the pacing and the characters. Firstly, the first third or I would even say half of this book can be really slow and challenging to read. This is because it focuses mainly on the world building and developing character’s relationships and goals, rather than advancing the plot. That being said, after it picks up, it does so wonderfully, as the rest of the book is full of action, adventure, tension, magic, and drama.
As for the characters, it was incredibly hard for me to love them. For the majority of the book, the goals of most of the characters are selfish, naive and stupid; their actions, despicable (sometimes even downright evil). However, the place from which they make these terrible decisions is one of desperation, lack of autonomy and grief. So while I don’t agree with their actions, most of the times I do understand them.
Here’s a rundown of what I think of each character:
Reina follows suit, and while I do agree her character is way more understandable and redeemable than Javier, she should’ve faced more consequences for her actions. It’s because of her that seven women were brutally murdered, and undoubtedly even more of the ones initially mistaken as Damas del Vacío, without even mentioning the countless infanticides. Yet she gets to be Ches’ hero, the one who stopped Ramaghut, so she doesn’t face any repercussions.
Eva didn’t do anything as dastardly, but she definitely had her flaws, including her incredible naïveté, and lack of action when it’s needed the most (think, when she didn’t defend Doña Rosa).
Maior is by far the most likable, lovable character of the bunch. Although it is acknowledged that initially she was racist to Reina (and called her a duskling, which would be a slur in this world) at the time she was also kidnapped by her, so... And it is pretty obvious that she grows by the end, and does not hold these views any longer (which were mostly forced on her by the hyper religious, racist culture of the Apartaderos).
I have nothing to say of Celeste, except the way she treated Reina with an air of superiority all the time, even when she calls her a friend, annoyed me to no end. I was really glad this was also acknowledged in the last chapter.
Though at the end all characters grew, it was definitely an effort to enjoy the story because of them. At the end of the book, I would say they are at a place where I would enjoy their continuing growth if I read the next book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Toxic relationship, Injury/Injury detail, Murder, Kidnapping, and Child death
Moderate: Religious bigotry, Racism, Colonisation, Ableism, Child abuse, Chronic illness, Car accident, Slavery, and Suicide
Minor: Emotional abuse, Incest, and Death of parent
The Fall of the House of Usher by Edgar Allan Poe
dark
mysterious
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
4.0
I’ll be honest in saying that I listened to this (and write this review) while in utmost sleep deprivation. So in truth, I did not really understand a lot of what was happening, but I did loved how it was happening.
Very atmospheric short story. I might come back to it once I have rested. I wanted to listed to it because of how intrigued and creeped out I felt reading T. Kingfisher’s “What Moves the Dead”. This story I found phenomenal, and if anyone reading this has not yet heard of it, I urge you to check it out!
Very atmospheric short story. I might come back to it once I have rested. I wanted to listed to it because of how intrigued and creeped out I felt reading T. Kingfisher’s “What Moves the Dead”. This story I found phenomenal, and if anyone reading this has not yet heard of it, I urge you to check it out!
Strange Academy Volume 3: Wish-Craft by Skottie Young
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
4.0
I can’t believe it ended on a cliffhanger! Gotta get the rest of the series ASAP.
I admit I was a little bit confused at some points, partly because I didn’t really remember the rest of the series before, and partly because I haven’t read Death of Dr. Strange yet.
It was still very fun! I really love Humberto Ramos’ expressive art style, and the action scenes were especially noteworthy! Regarding Scottie Young’s writing, I think his character work is fantastic. With so many characters, it can be difficult for each to have their own voice and their own role in the story, but he manages to do it masterfully.
I have mixed thoughts about the villain. I think his character design if amazing, but I’m not very clear about his intentions or why he is so dangerous. I guess that remains to be seen later in the series.
Overall, if you been enjoying Strange Academy so far, this arc will not disappoint!
I admit I was a little bit confused at some points, partly because I didn’t really remember the rest of the series before, and partly because I haven’t read Death of Dr. Strange yet.
It was still very fun! I really love Humberto Ramos’ expressive art style, and the action scenes were especially noteworthy! Regarding Scottie Young’s writing, I think his character work is fantastic. With so many characters, it can be difficult for each to have their own voice and their own role in the story, but he manages to do it masterfully.
I have mixed thoughts about the villain. I think his character design if amazing, but I’m not very clear about his intentions or why he is so dangerous. I guess that remains to be seen later in the series.
Overall, if you been enjoying Strange Academy so far, this arc will not disappoint!
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence
Gallant by V.E. Schwab
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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
5.0
As I struggle to write this review, I’m doubting if it really deserves 5 stars. Because the thing about a 5 star review is that it implies perfection, an exemplary book, a story that would be universally enjoyed. This book is not perfect and I don’t think everyone would enjoy it. But it was perfect for me; and so, it gets 5 stars.
The thing is, I just really love VE Schwab. I love how her prose can be both beautiful yet haunting: a shiny rose, vivid and colorful; its stem full of sharp thorns, tangling around a skeletal hand. This story was as dark, mysterious and fantastical as I hoped it would be. Though I wouldn’t describe it as fast paced, I was constantly kept at the edge of my seat, savoring the rich setting that is the Gallant manor along the way. The illustrations and the diary were beautiful, a perfect picture of Olivia’s parents’ relationship. This book, I think, will stay with me for a long time to come, and will probably remain one of my favorites of 2024.
The thing is, I just really love VE Schwab. I love how her prose can be both beautiful yet haunting: a shiny rose, vivid and colorful; its stem full of sharp thorns, tangling around a skeletal hand. This story was as dark, mysterious and fantastical as I hoped it would be. Though I wouldn’t describe it as fast paced, I was constantly kept at the edge of my seat, savoring the rich setting that is the Gallant manor along the way. The illustrations and the diary were beautiful, a perfect picture of Olivia’s parents’ relationship. This book, I think, will stay with me for a long time to come, and will probably remain one of my favorites of 2024.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Child death
Moderate: Ableism, Suicide, Self harm, and Death
Minor: Abandonment and Death of parent