kindleroy's reviews
245 reviews

Carnality by Lina Wolff

mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

the format felt all over the place to the point that I gave up trying to figure out where it was going. honestly by the end I was like, ok I get it. that setup was a lot to take in, but it was super interesting how connected everything is.

Compound Fracture by Andrew Joseph White

dark 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

4.5

what a fast-paced book for such heavy content. I felt that the writing and pacing did well for a YA novel delivering complex topics. it’s entirely possible that an autistic trans teenager living in appalachia may be reading about socialism & gender identity, but there is no way they’re delivering that back to the reader with the same level of subtle theorizing & academic rhetoric (and for that I am thankful). 

Georgie, All Along by Kate Clayborn

emotional funny medium-paced

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

3.75

I felt very neutral about this book. I was so drawn into the “I’m lost in my career, I don’t know what to do with my life” plot, but everything felt so rushed I couldn’t fully grasp the characters & relationships before they moved onto the next thing. 

Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver

dark medium-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? Yes

3.5

I was expecting this to go beyond what was introduced in butcher & blackbird. part of why I enjoyed it was because it was so funny & shocking, so book #2 was surprisingly boring & slow. 

I still enjoyed the characters & the marriage of convenience. I added .25 stars just for the last chapter. 

Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman

emotional medium-paced

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

5.0

the anticipation of learning eleanor’s childhood trauma was so strong. although her presence is so uncomfortable it’s impossible to look away, I dreaded what was going to happen next on each page. parts where I thought it would go one direction, but truly was surprised at each introduction of those repressed human emotions. 

Astrid Parker Doesn't Fail by Ashley Herring Blake

emotional lighthearted 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? Yes

4.0

I loved the astrid/jordan dynamic, but individually I had a hard time fully rooting for them. I can only take so many internal monologues drilling into the mc’s flaws ok. 

Interesting Facts About Space by Emily Austin

emotional funny 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? Yes

5.0

this was the most calm, wild ride. I wish I could put into words how great this book is! emily austin’s writing is quintessential absurd, anxiety-induced stream of consciousness & witty, unassuming dialogue.

I am obsessed with the main character’s ability to jump to so many conclusions prematurely. 

Boy Parts by Eliza Clark

dark tense medium-paced

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

5.0

irina has a void that she tries desperately to fill through any means necessary. it’s a hunger that will never ever be satisfied. her work, the people around her, herself, there is no fix that is good enough for her.

the stream of consciousness, first person pov, unreliable narrator really dragged me in. when she questioned her own thinking, I was left here like “well don’t look at me girl, as if I know what’s going on??”

the progression of this story, like any irredeemable main character in a piece of horror fiction, is shocking and disturbing. I was not prepared for any of it. I can’t get over how well it was written. 

Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati

dark emotional 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? No

5.0

girlboss clytemnestra.

Camp Damascus by Chuck Tingle

dark tense 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

4.75

what a wild read, start to finish this had me hooked. I’ve learned I prefer abrupt endings instead of a drawn out wrap up or epilogue, the story settles so much better & keeps me thinking. 

I don’t know if it’s my fault for reading this after bury your gays, but if there had just been a little more gory action!! honestly I take that back these poor people have been through enough trauma.