karissabubble's reviews
64 reviews

Manga Classics: Dracula by Stacy King, Bram Stoker

challenging dark slow-paced

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

4.0

When I Arrived at the Castle by E.M. Carroll

dark fast-paced

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

3.0

I'm just a bit confused with the end. I feel like there was a suspenseful build-up but I'm still unsure about the overall purpose. It was a visually beautiful graphic novel but I wanted a bit more out of it in terms of the story and conclusion. 

Pumpkin Spice and Poltergeist by Ali K. Mulford, K. Elle Morrison

emotional funny mysterious fast-paced

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

5.0

This was such a cute book! It felt like a Halloween town sapphic romance with a little murder mystery. 
I loved Jordyn and Harlow's development and I kinda enjoyed Iris and Romona (which I wish we got to see a little more) but it was a fun and at time silly read. The audiobook is especially great. 

Ace of Spades by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé

dark emotional informative mysterious reflective sad tense slow-paced

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

4.0

Honestly, this was such a great book to read! I would have adored it so much in highschool specifically. I loved how it talked about performative allyship, mainly through Belle and how they all continued the racist "traditions" of the school as if they did not have a choice to end it or warn others. 
The book did start off slow, but that is the point and it adds into the questions. The only thing I feel like is missing (a small point) is what happened to Dre. I had sympathy for him, being in prison, and also having no one to turn to. I assume that Devon ends up helping him out or Dre's guys, but I guess that is up for us to assume. So many twists and turns that you must have the patience to stick through! 
(Also, I LOVED the author's thoughts/annotation section!)

Deep End: A Book of Poetry by Jennifer L. Armentrout

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing sad fast-paced

3.0

This was just a nice smooth poetry read. Even though it's short, I did like it ad a little reminder of sorts.

Monstress, Vol. 1: Awakening by Marjorie Liu

dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-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

4.0

I actually really like this so far. The information dump parts are a little off putting and I wish they would have just woven that into the story more and SHOWED it to me instead of occasional info pages. However, it's still very good for the first volume. 

The Customer Is Always Wrong: An Unhinged Guide to Everything That Sucks about Work by Scott Seiss

3.0

Loud: Accept Nothing Less Than the Life You Deserve by Drew Afualo

funny hopeful informative reflective medium-paced

4.0

Confessions of a Shy Baker, Volume 1 by Masaomi Ito

funny reflective relaxing medium-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

I was actually surprised by this one honestly! It seems really sweet and Hines so far while talking about LGBTQ+ experiences in life, along with making assumptions about them. It's very interesting to see Toshimitsu have to go through all these hoops in order to not accidentally come out, while also going through his own biases and questioning his beliefs too. Also very sweet how he bakes for his boyfriend's health. 

Lilith by Nikki Marmery

challenging dark sad tense slow-paced

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

2.5

I feel like this book is more about biblical criticism than Lilith. It's just Lilith is so much more than a biblical criticism, and it's okay to have this criticism I just wished Lilith was more in her prime. 
If anything this book felt like it just wanted to talk about God's wife (which probably would have been better). I did like the discussion of old gods BUT I wish we noted that not all the old gods were strictly male/female. 
I needed more from Lilith because she is way more than this.