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leahrosereads's reviews
1019 reviews
Ghost Radio by Leopoldo Gout
dark
mysterious
tense
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
Dude!! I get that this isn't going to be for everyone, but I fucking loved it! Especially that ending, oh buddy. It ended up going the way I thought it would, and still don't know what's what, which I love even more.
The nonlinear aspect of this book was one of my favorites. It was bizarre and hard to follow at times, but when I was able to get something, that made it so much more satisfying.
I thoroughly enjoyed the narration Pedro Pascal did and while I normally am not the biggest listener of books, this was a perfect one to listen to. It was the best kind of ghost story told at a campfire. Winding, haunting, and captivating.
The nonlinear aspect of this book was one of my favorites. It was bizarre and hard to follow at times, but when I was able to get something, that made it so much more satisfying.
I thoroughly enjoyed the narration Pedro Pascal did and while I normally am not the biggest listener of books, this was a perfect one to listen to. It was the best kind of ghost story told at a campfire. Winding, haunting, and captivating.
Reggie and Delilah's Year of Falling by Elise Bryant
hopeful
inspiring
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 picked this book up immediately after reading It's Elementary by the author. I wanted more of her writing and this didn't disappoint at all. Even though it's YA, I could easily put myself in both Delilah and Reggie's shoes. Both had elements that brought back so many memories when I was younger and discovering myself.
No matter what anyone may say, it's really hard to be authentically yourself. It was when I was in HS, and with how much social media has evolved since then, it can't be easier.
I may have been screaming at Reggie often while reading this, I love the arc Delilah and he went through. He needed to grow to match Delilah's and when it happened, it was perfect!
No matter what anyone may say, it's really hard to be authentically yourself. It was when I was in HS, and with how much social media has evolved since then, it can't be easier.
I may have been screaming at Reggie often while reading this, I love the arc Delilah and he went through. He needed to grow to match Delilah's and when it happened, it was perfect!
It's Elementary by Elise Bryant
mysterious
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
This was exactly the book I was wanting to read! It was a cozier mystery with a lot of lighter elements interspersed with social commentary around diversity, equity, and inclusion, white folks centering themselves, microaggressions, and free forced labor and education by Black and Brown folks.
There's been quite a few folks in the bookish community who like to say reading isn't political, but this story showcases exactly how all books are inherently political - past, present, and future.
There's been quite a few folks in the bookish community who like to say reading isn't political, but this story showcases exactly how all books are inherently political - past, present, and future.
Cruel Angels Past Sundown by Hailey Piper
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I'm not usually one for westerns, but I knew Hailey Piper would bring something uniquely hers to the genre, and I wasn't wrong!
Or disappointed.
This book was an absolute fever dre-...err nightmare that kept me so completely enthralled.
The characters were so completely flawed, but that's why I was rooting for them. Annette's anger was something dark and deep, and so very recognizable.
This was the perfect book to start October with! Gruesome, gory, and filled with feminine rage. Let's fucking go!
Or disappointed.
This book was an absolute fever dre-...err nightmare that kept me so completely enthralled.
The characters were so completely flawed, but that's why I was rooting for them. Annette's anger was something dark and deep, and so very recognizable.
This was the perfect book to start October with! Gruesome, gory, and filled with feminine rage. Let's fucking go!
Mammoths at the Gates by Nghi Vo
emotional
hopeful
fast-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
Spectacular addition to this series. This may have been my favorite yet. Cleric Chih is home, reunited with Almost Brilliant, and gets to meet Almost Brilliant's daughter, while saying goodbye to their mentor.
Mammoths at the Gate reminds readers the importance of storytelling. If stories get told, they get remembered, and through that, they outlive us all.
Mammoths at the Gate reminds readers the importance of storytelling. If stories get told, they get remembered, and through that, they outlive us all.
Mislaid in Parts Half-Known by Seanan McGuire
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-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've missed these characters and worlds and McGuire's storytelling. This was phenomenal and heart-achingly beautiful. I love seeing the character arcs between each book, and how they're all interwoven with each other.
Thistlefoot by GennaRose Nethercott
emotional
hopeful
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
The Yagas could be my neighbors, my ancestors, my friends. Too often we forget the history that led us to our present and brings us into what's next.
This story was everything. And it was important. We cannot forget our history and we cannot allow it to become someone's present.
All eyes on Gaza. Never again means never again for all of us. To Palestine, this Jewish person will always bear witness.
This story was everything. And it was important. We cannot forget our history and we cannot allow it to become someone's present.
All eyes on Gaza. Never again means never again for all of us. To Palestine, this Jewish person will always bear witness.
Mind of My Mind by Octavia E. Butler
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I thought the first book was horrifying but this one took the meat of Wild Seed and expanded it to such brutal lengths. I'm very interested in what's next.
This felt more disjointed than book one but I think with Mary's character, not only did it make sense, but it felt intentional.
Butler's continued conversations around eugenics, slavery, and power were just as impactful as Wild Seed, and I think again, about how timely this story still is almost 50 years later.
This felt more disjointed than book one but I think with Mary's character, not only did it make sense, but it felt intentional.
Butler's continued conversations around eugenics, slavery, and power were just as impactful as Wild Seed, and I think again, about how timely this story still is almost 50 years later.
Natural Beauty by Ling Ling Huang
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
What an incredible, thought-provoking, and horrific novel. The writing and narrator had me completely sucked in. For this to be a debut novel!? I can't wait to see what this author writes next.
She's immediately an auto-buy for me now.
This won't be everyone's cup of tea, but the commentary around identity, beauty standards, and the lengths we go to be seen will stick with me for a long time.
She's immediately an auto-buy for me now.
This won't be everyone's cup of tea, but the commentary around identity, beauty standards, and the lengths we go to be seen will stick with me for a long time.
Wild Seed by Octavia E. Butler
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
When stories span centuries, much like this one did, there's going to be some disjointed parts, and some areas that just can't be as fleshed out as others.
That said, Wild Seed, was so good. It must have been totally revolutionary for its time. The plot, topics around privilege, slavery, and eugenics, and the dichotomy of Anyanwu and Doro were stellar. It was tough seeing the gentle and kind be killed, but I think that was also a part of the topic that Ms. Butler wanted to explore. I think I'll see more of that in the future stories.
While Anyanwu is the healer to Doro's killing nature, both have a sense of immortal entitlement that I think Anyanwu doesn't believe she has. She's young in her immortality compared to Doro, and I'm not sure if that means she'll overcome her immortal nature or become more like Doro than she ever could imagine.
Only time and continuing the series will give me the answers. I'm on this journey now to the end.
That said, Wild Seed, was so good. It must have been totally revolutionary for its time. The plot, topics around privilege, slavery, and eugenics, and the dichotomy of Anyanwu and Doro were stellar. It was tough seeing the gentle and kind be killed, but I think that was also a part of the topic that Ms. Butler wanted to explore. I think I'll see more of that in the future stories.
While Anyanwu is the healer to Doro's killing nature, both have a sense of immortal entitlement that I think Anyanwu doesn't believe she has. She's young in her immortality compared to Doro, and I'm not sure if that means she'll overcome her immortal nature or become more like Doro than she ever could imagine.
Only time and continuing the series will give me the answers. I'm on this journey now to the end.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, Sexism, Sexual violence, Slavery, Toxic relationship, and Violence