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kestrel_of_the_pages's reviews
114 reviews
The Seep by Chana Porter
challenging
emotional
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
WELL, that was a fever dream. (positive)
I'm not totally sure if it was a commentary on complacency, or hive mind, or the importance of "self", or individuality? Maybe on co-dependency? Maybe all of the above? I know not every lesson should be shouted at us, but a little focus on what exactly the point was would have been helpful for me.
It was weird and kind of stressful, but I really loved it.
I'm not totally sure if it was a commentary on complacency, or hive mind, or the importance of "self", or individuality? Maybe on co-dependency? Maybe all of the above? I know not every lesson should be shouted at us, but a little focus on what exactly the point was would have been helpful for me.
It was weird and kind of stressful, but I really loved it.
Your Driver Is Waiting by Priya Guns
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
tense
fast-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
I went into this not knowing too much, so the bait and switch reeeallly got me! That's all I'll say about the plot twist.
Horny, jaded, bi/pans and lesbians- this one's for you.
Great social commentary without being ham-fisted, the way Guns so tastefully puts it all on a platter and lets you look and listen to what's wrong with situations- chefs' kiss! I want to suggest this to any reading group who doesn't want to get "too political". Great opportunity here for discussions.
This novel stepped straight off a busy street and into the pages, the grunge, the smells, the descriptions of people and food are just perfect. It's real and earnest, the emotions and mental health scenarios are raw, the moments of character reveal are tense and anxiety inducing. I'm so mad it took me this long to read.
I listened to the audio, which Priya Guns narrates, and it was phenomenal. I love hearing authors vocally bring their stories to life, they know exactly how characters inflections and expressions sound, but Priya knows how to deliver too!
Horny, jaded, bi/pans and lesbians- this one's for you.
Great social commentary without being ham-fisted, the way Guns so tastefully puts it all on a platter and lets you look and listen to what's wrong with situations- chefs' kiss! I want to suggest this to any reading group who doesn't want to get "too political". Great opportunity here for discussions.
This novel stepped straight off a busy street and into the pages, the grunge, the smells, the descriptions of people and food are just perfect. It's real and earnest, the emotions and mental health scenarios are raw, the moments of character reveal are tense and anxiety inducing. I'm so mad it took me this long to read.
I listened to the audio, which Priya Guns narrates, and it was phenomenal. I love hearing authors vocally bring their stories to life, they know exactly how characters inflections and expressions sound, but Priya knows how to deliver too!
Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I think this would have been an easy 5 stars if the romance was different, or non existent. I really disliked Keishin and thought he was emotionally manipulative and painfully reductive, which would have been a really interesting point of conflict between the characters instead of developing into a toxic (imo) romance? Hana is headstrong and logical, I love how this is shown on page by her solving the clues and using her wits instead of just being said by the author. The world is so cool and feels so dreamy and dangerous at the same time. I loved the water travel!
The end did feel a little rushed and I really want to know what happened in the realm after some VERY key events to its' existence??
The end did feel a little rushed and I really want to know what happened in the realm after some VERY key events to its' existence??
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
I'll read the last two if I get free access to copies... Fourth Wing was fun and fresh, Iron Flame was frustrating, and Onyx Storm was weird and boring. Two more books? I don't have it in me.
Every. Single. Spice scene. had the characters growling MINE at each other in missionary. If that's your vibe, then go for it. There were around six scenes, vs just two in Fourth Wing, and I kid you not they were each the same (very lite alterations). People always rec this series as smut or spicy content... it's intro fantasy with some vanilla scenes, don't be fooled!
Yarros was still great with representation, no tokens or monoliths.
The story line is staying on track, and there was some good action, but the majority of this book was just boring. About a quarter of the way through I was checked out, but decided to stick it though while doing chores (audio book) and be able to give customers an honest review.
Some of the awkwardness maaay have been the narrator. I've loved how Rebecca Soler portrayed characters in the previous books, but she seemed different this time. Not sure if it was prompts from the script that were different than how I read/understood character tones or her own interpretation, but some key point lines were delivered... off.
Every. Single. Spice scene. had the characters growling MINE at each other in missionary. If that's your vibe, then go for it. There were around six scenes, vs just two in Fourth Wing, and I kid you not they were each the same (very lite alterations). People always rec this series as smut or spicy content... it's intro fantasy with some vanilla scenes, don't be fooled!
Yarros was still great with representation, no tokens or monoliths.
The story line is staying on track, and there was some good action, but the majority of this book was just boring. About a quarter of the way through I was checked out, but decided to stick it though while doing chores (audio book) and be able to give customers an honest review.
Some of the awkwardness maaay have been the narrator. I've loved how Rebecca Soler portrayed characters in the previous books, but she seemed different this time. Not sure if it was prompts from the script that were different than how I read/understood character tones or her own interpretation, but some key point lines were delivered... off.
Minor Detail by Adania Shibli
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Short but difficult read.
The first half follows the point of view from a commanding officer of the Israeli occupying army a year after the Nakba, 1949, and the second half takes place in what feels like early 2000's and follows a Palestinian reporter trying to solve a mystery caused by said CO.
The commanding officer is heinous. The deeds depicted are absolutely atrocious and true to what many Bedouin, Arab, Palestinian women of the time faced. I was physically ill through most of the two stories and the end had me in furious tears. It was so difficult to read knowing this is rooted in reality, the weight of the importance is tangible despite the size of this novella.
A relentlessly true story that is approachable enough to get people to read the daily reality Palestinians have been subjected to.
The first half follows the point of view from a commanding officer of the Israeli occupying army a year after the Nakba, 1949, and the second half takes place in what feels like early 2000's and follows a Palestinian reporter trying to solve a mystery caused by said CO.
The commanding officer is heinous. The deeds depicted are absolutely atrocious and true to what many Bedouin, Arab, Palestinian women of the time faced. I was physically ill through most of the two stories and the end had me in furious tears. It was so difficult to read knowing this is rooted in reality, the weight of the importance is tangible despite the size of this novella.
A relentlessly true story that is approachable enough to get people to read the daily reality Palestinians have been subjected to.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Genocide, Gun violence, Hate crime, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Police brutality, Islamophobia, Kidnapping, Murder, Sexual harassment, and Colonisation
The Deep Sky by Yume Kitasei
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
For some reason I thought this was listed somewhere as horror, and was upset at the lack of horror. I was wrong, it's a thriller- but equally disappointing in that genre as well. It felt more like a slice-of-life on a space station, with an undertone of political intrigue and a dash of unreliable narratorship.
I liked how the story jumped from "current" time on the ship to different portions of Asuka's life on earth previously, and the training school for the mission was really fledged out. I think the focus on these younger days, and the more immature interactions between crew members as adults made this feel more YA than I was supposed to. There was one part that picked up on the creepy factor and I was so ready for it to dive in, but seemed to resolve and mellow out super quick.
The narrator was really hard to listen to, I had to look up what the main charater's name was because it <i>sounded<i> like Ajuka? She also lent a super snotty tone to many of the characters that probably added to the YA feel, for me.
I'm glad I read this after The Stardust Grail- which was one of my top five (out of 100) reads of 2024.
Thank you Libro.fm for the ALC!
I liked how the story jumped from "current" time on the ship to different portions of Asuka's life on earth previously, and the training school for the mission was really fledged out. I think the focus on these younger days, and the more immature interactions between crew members as adults made this feel more YA than I was supposed to. There was one part that picked up on the creepy factor and I was so ready for it to dive in, but seemed to resolve and mellow out super quick.
The narrator was really hard to listen to, I had to look up what the main charater's name was because it <i>sounded<i> like Ajuka? She also lent a super snotty tone to many of the characters that probably added to the YA feel, for me.
I'm glad I read this after The Stardust Grail- which was one of my top five (out of 100) reads of 2024.
Thank you Libro.fm for the ALC!
A Darker Mischief by Derek Milman
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Dark academia, but make it DaVinci Code and Gay.
Writing was great, Milman does an excellent job of capturing the anxiety and claustrophobia of bording/prep schools, and also the microaggressions faced by queer teens (also outright aggressions). The overwhelmingness of first feelings was sweetly done too.
The outcome was super rushed and I actually read the last few chapters multiple times to make sure I understood what unfolded. I can't say without spoilers, but the final reveal was frustrating and underwhelming. Also, how tf does this school have so much unknown, underground, closed off spaces?? Is the East Coast really like that?
I think if I had read the physical it would have been more enjoyable. The audio narrator made the boys so... unlikable? Like, ultra angsty and btchy when the lines seemed more neutral or heartfelt. I know teens can be angsty, but good lord, it was too much.
Writing was great, Milman does an excellent job of capturing the anxiety and claustrophobia of bording/prep schools, and also the microaggressions faced by queer teens (also outright aggressions). The overwhelmingness of first feelings was sweetly done too.
The outcome was super rushed and I actually read the last few chapters multiple times to make sure I understood what unfolded. I can't say without spoilers, but the final reveal was frustrating and underwhelming. Also, how tf does this school have so much unknown, underground, closed off spaces?? Is the East Coast really like that?
I think if I had read the physical it would have been more enjoyable. The audio narrator made the boys so... unlikable? Like, ultra angsty and btchy when the lines seemed more neutral or heartfelt. I know teens can be angsty, but good lord, it was too much.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Mental illness, Sexual content, Blood, Kidnapping, Toxic friendship, and Classism
Moderate: Drug use and Alcohol
Minor: Terminal illness and Religious bigotry
Rental House by Weike Wang
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-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
3.5
I can see the appeal, and this is an important topic for those who don't really consider to think of hurdles in multicultural or multiracial marriages.
Maybe it hit too close to home, my being white with southern roots and partner of Chinese-Hawaiian diaspora, but I reaaaallly hated the husband and his family. The thought of not standing up to the racism and somehow still being in a loving relationship is like, boggling. You cannot fully love if you do not protect and fight for your loved ones safety?? Idk, really irked my personal beliefs and ethics, but I can see the importance and relevance despite my bias. The writing style was a little slow for me, not bad writing, just not super grabby. As someone else said, telling vs showing was prominent and i felt it lent to the coldness on both sides of the family.
Thank you Libro.fm for the ALC!
Maybe it hit too close to home, my being white with southern roots and partner of Chinese-Hawaiian diaspora, but I reaaaallly hated the husband and his family. The thought of not standing up to the racism and somehow still being in a loving relationship is like, boggling. You cannot fully love if you do not protect and fight for your loved ones safety?? Idk, really irked my personal beliefs and ethics, but I can see the importance and relevance despite my bias. The writing style was a little slow for me, not bad writing, just not super grabby. As someone else said, telling vs showing was prominent and i felt it lent to the coldness on both sides of the family.
Thank you Libro.fm for the ALC!
We Could Be Rats by Emily Austin
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Ableism, Addiction, Bullying, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Homophobia, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Grief, Car accident, Suicide attempt, and Alcohol
Minor: Rape and Sexual content