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leonidskies's reviews
142 reviews
Hell Followed with Us by Andrew Joseph White
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I've read all three of Andrew Joseph White's books this year. This is the one he's best known for, I think, and is my least favourite of the three but still utterly fantastic.
This book is vulnerable, messy, and tangled in the weight of its limbs - in the best way, of course. I adored Benji and Nick (I maintain that AJW's greatest strength is the writing of his autistic characters. I was obsessed with Nick), and Theo's complexity was also fascinating. I enjoyed the supporting characters even if a few were a little one-note, but what they built was a hopeful landscape in a near-hopeless setting (which was also fantastically pieced together).
The thing that really blew me away about Hell Followed With Us was its empathy. Normally, there's a predictable response to what is functionally the zombies of a zombie apocalypse, and the different approach taken to the Graces was both surprising and did a lot for making this book as unique as it was. Characters in this book do terrible things for reasons that make sense in their own way, and the understanding of that was really heartfelt.
Some of the religious elements of HFWU were uncomfortable - I have no kind of evangelical background, so the strongest association for most of the religious framing was Christianity's worst kind of bigotry. Most of the stuff in this book is intentionally worse, though, and I know it was meant to make me uncomfortable so. Success!
The only place this book ever really falls down is the ending, which - while satisfying - felt rushed. I got the impression a few times while reading that this used to be a longer novel that had to be edited down in the first and final quarters, and would have liked a little more breathing room at the end. Otherwise, this was an incredible piece of work and I can't wait for the movie AND everything else that White writes next.
This book is vulnerable, messy, and tangled in the weight of its limbs - in the best way, of course. I adored Benji and Nick (I maintain that AJW's greatest strength is the writing of his autistic characters. I was obsessed with Nick), and Theo's complexity was also fascinating. I enjoyed the supporting characters even if a few were a little one-note, but what they built was a hopeful landscape in a near-hopeless setting (which was also fantastically pieced together).
The thing that really blew me away about Hell Followed With Us was its empathy. Normally, there's a predictable response to what is functionally the zombies of a zombie apocalypse, and the different approach taken to the Graces was both surprising and did a lot for making this book as unique as it was. Characters in this book do terrible things for reasons that make sense in their own way, and the understanding of that was really heartfelt.
Some of the religious elements of HFWU were uncomfortable - I have no kind of evangelical background, so the strongest association for most of the religious framing was Christianity's worst kind of bigotry. Most of the stuff in this book is intentionally worse, though, and I know it was meant to make me uncomfortable so. Success!
The only place this book ever really falls down is the ending, which - while satisfying - felt rushed. I got the impression a few times while reading that this used to be a longer novel that had to be edited down in the first and final quarters, and would have liked a little more breathing room at the end. Otherwise, this was an incredible piece of work and I can't wait for the movie AND everything else that White writes next.
Binding Bricks by Ami Spencer
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I received an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for my review.
Truly, this is a really lovely book. It's really sweet and portrays a very touching, heartfelt story of a second chance romance in the wake of an emotionally abusive relationship. Equally wonderful is the plot relating to the young son of one of the main characters, which was the highlight of the book for me.
The only real issue I had with this book, I think, was that it just wasn't to my tastes. It didn't really grip me at any point, and there was little sense of place or much materially going on beyond the romance. That's not necessarily a bad thing, it just isn't my thing! I was also a little put off by how the prose was occasionally repetitive, had a few basic editing errors, and particularly mixed up pronouns for the nonbinary character. However, I read an advance copy, so it's possible these errors have been or will be fixed in future.
All in all, this is a very nice story, just not for me and a little under polished in the state I read it in. If you don't mind that, then this would be a great read for anyone really craving an f/nb romance or a romance that really speaks to and makes every effort to include parents of neurodivergent kids.
Truly, this is a really lovely book. It's really sweet and portrays a very touching, heartfelt story of a second chance romance in the wake of an emotionally abusive relationship. Equally wonderful is the plot relating to the young son of one of the main characters, which was the highlight of the book for me.
The only real issue I had with this book, I think, was that it just wasn't to my tastes. It didn't really grip me at any point, and there was little sense of place or much materially going on beyond the romance. That's not necessarily a bad thing, it just isn't my thing! I was also a little put off by how the prose was occasionally repetitive, had a few basic editing errors, and particularly mixed up pronouns for the nonbinary character. However, I read an advance copy, so it's possible these errors have been or will be fixed in future.
All in all, this is a very nice story, just not for me and a little under polished in the state I read it in. If you don't mind that, then this would be a great read for anyone really craving an f/nb romance or a romance that really speaks to and makes every effort to include parents of neurodivergent kids.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Moderate: Ableism, Child abuse, Infidelity, and Transphobia
Nine Perfect Strangers by Liane Moriarty
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
I wanted this book to prove me wrong about my initial assumptions, truly. I picked it up thinking I was going to hate it (it was selected for my office book club), so at least I was wrong about that.
I'll start with the good: there are lots of interesting, nuanced characters in this book. Genuinely, the strength of those characters carries this book past its weak opening (it takes a little while for the characters to break past their initial shallow first impressions, which I imagine is entirely intentional) to its ending. This is helped by its very readable prose.
The plot left a lot to be desired - it was entirely predictable pretty much from start to finish and nothing really of interest happened; there was certainly no real suspense. The character work was really the only attraction, but not enough of one for me to actively enjoy reading. I also often felt condescended to as a reader by elements of the tone - there's a section at about the 50% mark which specifically complains about fiction readers in a way that's unambiguously addressed to the reader, which killed my willingness to give other misgivings I had with the novel any kind of chance.
The ending was unsatisfying and included one of my least favourite (but ultra specific, so I won't go into detail) tropes. There was a lot going on, so I liked some of it, but it definitely felt rushed. That I'm giving this book this rating at all is entirely due to the fact that the characters are genuinely varied and interestingly crafted, and I probably wouldn't recommend it for any other attribute.
I'll start with the good: there are lots of interesting, nuanced characters in this book. Genuinely, the strength of those characters carries this book past its weak opening (it takes a little while for the characters to break past their initial shallow first impressions, which I imagine is entirely intentional) to its ending. This is helped by its very readable prose.
The plot left a lot to be desired - it was entirely predictable pretty much from start to finish and nothing really of interest happened; there was certainly no real suspense. The character work was really the only attraction, but not enough of one for me to actively enjoy reading. I also often felt condescended to as a reader by elements of the tone - there's a section at about the 50% mark which specifically complains about fiction readers in a way that's unambiguously addressed to the reader, which killed my willingness to give other misgivings I had with the novel any kind of chance.
The ending was unsatisfying and included one of my least favourite (but ultra specific, so I won't go into detail) tropes. There was a lot going on, so I liked some of it, but it definitely felt rushed. That I'm giving this book this rating at all is entirely due to the fact that the characters are genuinely varied and interestingly crafted, and I probably wouldn't recommend it for any other attribute.
Masculinity: An Anthology of Modern Voices by Rick Dove, Stuart McPherson, Aaron Kent
challenging
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
3.5
This is a pretty decent collection of poetry, with varied, interesting perspectives conveyed in various sensitive and creative ways. That diversity is both a credit to the collection and its downfall - in the various different styles of poetry and subject matter, there were as many that didn't quite hit for me as those that did.
I really enjoyed and connected with the poetry on transmasculinity and queer masculinities, which is....unsurprising. There were also some really heartwarming and heartwrenching works on grief and fatherhood which I enjoyed a lot.
I don't want to understate how good of a collection I think this is - if you want a work on a breadth of masculinities, this is a fantastic anthology. I think I'm just still working on 'getting' poetry a little better, so some of the works were just a little beyond my enjoyment.
I really enjoyed and connected with the poetry on transmasculinity and queer masculinities, which is....unsurprising. There were also some really heartwarming and heartwrenching works on grief and fatherhood which I enjoyed a lot.
I don't want to understate how good of a collection I think this is - if you want a work on a breadth of masculinities, this is a fantastic anthology. I think I'm just still working on 'getting' poetry a little better, so some of the works were just a little beyond my enjoyment.
Golden Terrace: Volume 1 by Cang Wu Bin Bai
challenging
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? It's complicated
5.0
I've read this book before, and this was a re-read - when I originally read Golden Terrace, it was a pdf of a fan translation I downloaded from a carrd, and I fell in love.
This translation is a wonderfully put together piece (by the person who fan-translated of one of my other favourite danmei novels, mo du!), thoughtful and comprehensive, a beautiful rendering of an incredible novel.
I LOVE this book. I love the two main characters and the complexity of the political world they operate in. Their dynamic is so, so good - they make me laugh and cry (just a little, and mostly from the sheer force of good emotions). Knowing where the book was going didn't at all spoil it for me, because the joy pouring out of the pages still captivated me all over again. I'm so, so looking forward to digging in to the second volume.
This translation is a wonderfully put together piece (by the person who fan-translated of one of my other favourite danmei novels, mo du!), thoughtful and comprehensive, a beautiful rendering of an incredible novel.
I LOVE this book. I love the two main characters and the complexity of the political world they operate in. Their dynamic is so, so good - they make me laugh and cry (just a little, and mostly from the sheer force of good emotions). Knowing where the book was going didn't at all spoil it for me, because the joy pouring out of the pages still captivated me all over again. I'm so, so looking forward to digging in to the second volume.
DITCHLAPSE / [REALLY AFRAID] by Tommy Wyatt
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
4.25
I received an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for my review.
I'm still slightly reeling from this piece, truly. For me, it was a slow start - I didn't really 'get' a lot of the poetry section, though I *did* like a bit of it, especially the elements with themes of social media and the effect of an invisible audience on self-perception and expression.
That totally changed when I hit the second part. I quickly got into the swing of the pseudo-screenplay of that part, and everything that came afterwards was truly incredible work. The way Wyatt played with form and structure throughout was really impressive and continually engaging, and the trans elements in particular really resonated with me.
If you like it weird and full of heart and soul, I highly recommend this collection of works. It's a quick read and well worth your time.
I'm still slightly reeling from this piece, truly. For me, it was a slow start - I didn't really 'get' a lot of the poetry section, though I *did* like a bit of it, especially the elements with themes of social media and the effect of an invisible audience on self-perception and expression.
That totally changed when I hit the second part. I quickly got into the swing of the pseudo-screenplay of that part, and everything that came afterwards was truly incredible work. The way Wyatt played with form and structure throughout was really impressive and continually engaging, and the trans elements in particular really resonated with me.
If you like it weird and full of heart and soul, I highly recommend this collection of works. It's a quick read and well worth your time.
Silver Under Nightfall by Rin Chupeco
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This book was SUCH an enjoyable read. The three main characters are a delight, and the progression of their relationship just as much so. Poly vampire romance my absolute beloved - I especially loved just how casual Malekh's bisexuality was. The buildup to the romance and the romance itself was absolutely the highlight of the novel, though I was also really fond of some of the familial and platonic relationships shown. There was really a lot of life in the characters and relationships.
Apparently this was fanfic for Netflix's Castlevania in a different life - as someone with only a vague understanding of the video games, that was clear in one thing and one thing only and I don't know if it otherwise had a big impact on the book.
The world was interesting, and the fantasy terms felt natural. More than once, I went to look up a word and it turned out that yep, that was totally made up for the novel. And it worked really well!
For me, it fell down just a little in the timescales - occasionally weird, occasional character inconsistency - particularly with Naji, and the book simultaneously feeling a little too long but rushed at the end. That said, it was a super enjoyable read and I'm pumped to read the sequel at some point.
Apparently this was fanfic for Netflix's Castlevania in a different life - as someone with only a vague understanding of the video games, that was clear in one thing and one thing only and I don't know if it otherwise had a big impact on the book.
The world was interesting, and the fantasy terms felt natural. More than once, I went to look up a word and it turned out that yep, that was totally made up for the novel. And it worked really well!
For me, it fell down just a little in the timescales - occasionally weird, occasional character inconsistency - particularly with Naji, and the book simultaneously feeling a little too long but rushed at the end. That said, it was a super enjoyable read and I'm pumped to read the sequel at some point.
Legend of the White Snake by Sher Lee
adventurous
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
I received an advance digital copy of this book in exchange for my review.
This was a really nice read! I'm decently familiar with some of the cultural and historical context, though not the original tale itself. I can't speak to how a reader completely unfamiliar would fare, but I didn't feel bored by the explanations of concepts I was already familiar with.
The sense of setting, especially in the palace Xian called home, was particularly strong, but the thing that shone brightest for me was the characterization of Zhen and Xian. Zhen was interesting and continually surprising with just how *good* he was, while the balance of Xian's kindness with the obvious edge of his upbringing as a prince was really satisfying. I was really taken with the interplay of Xian's position being exciting in its intoxicating power, as well as all the things it took from him. It was fantastically done and definitely a standout element of the book for me.
It was a very sweet romance, even if its contours were pretty predictable. Sometimes sweet and predictable is good :)
The final few parts of the novel were personally a bit fast-paced and all over the place tonally for me, but the content itself was solid and made for a good end to the story.
This was a really nice read! I'm decently familiar with some of the cultural and historical context, though not the original tale itself. I can't speak to how a reader completely unfamiliar would fare, but I didn't feel bored by the explanations of concepts I was already familiar with.
The sense of setting, especially in the palace Xian called home, was particularly strong, but the thing that shone brightest for me was the characterization of Zhen and Xian. Zhen was interesting and continually surprising with just how *good* he was, while the balance of Xian's kindness with the obvious edge of his upbringing as a prince was really satisfying. I was really taken with the interplay of Xian's position being exciting in its intoxicating power, as well as all the things it took from him. It was fantastically done and definitely a standout element of the book for me.
It was a very sweet romance, even if its contours were pretty predictable. Sometimes sweet and predictable is good :)
The final few parts of the novel were personally a bit fast-paced and all over the place tonally for me, but the content itself was solid and made for a good end to the story.
The Doomed City by Arkady Strugatsky, Boris Strugatsky
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
For me, this was a stronger piece when viewed as a window into history than a work of fiction I'd actually want to read - it was dense and unsatisfying. Above all, though, it was immensely INTERESTING - absolutely packed full of political thought and completely resisting any and all simple explanation or interpretation. It felt like a very deliberate book in every way; what I felt were petty prejudices initially turned out, as far as I could tell, to be completely intended ways of communicating the flaws of a deeply unpleasant narrator who was persistently fascinating in how odious he was at almost every turn. VERY good storytelling.
In an odd, sort of lateral way, the very closing segment of the book reminded me of The Left Hand of Darkness - written practically contemporaneously, I'm left wondering if there's a specifically late 60s/early 70s thing in both books that I don't have words to put to.
It was an interesting read, and I don't think I'd really recommend it to anyone in particular, but it was a good book to spend some time with.
In an odd, sort of lateral way, the very closing segment of the book reminded me of The Left Hand of Darkness - written practically contemporaneously, I'm left wondering if there's a specifically late 60s/early 70s thing in both books that I don't have words to put to.
It was an interesting read, and I don't think I'd really recommend it to anyone in particular, but it was a good book to spend some time with.
Querencia Summer 2024 by Emily Perkovich
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
I received a free digital copy of this collection in exchange for my review.
This is a really interesting, varied collection of works in a multitude of forms and genres - poetry, fiction, and non-fiction, ranging from more literary works to horror, fantasy, and sci fi. The variation of the collection also applies to quality; while some of the works were breathtaking or enrapturing, others dragged or defied understanding.
Overall, though, this is a really solid collection of pieces, and I'm glad I took the time to read it. The poetry and non fiction pieces are particular highlights, and some of it really spoke to me and will stick with me.
This is a really interesting, varied collection of works in a multitude of forms and genres - poetry, fiction, and non-fiction, ranging from more literary works to horror, fantasy, and sci fi. The variation of the collection also applies to quality; while some of the works were breathtaking or enrapturing, others dragged or defied understanding.
Overall, though, this is a really solid collection of pieces, and I'm glad I took the time to read it. The poetry and non fiction pieces are particular highlights, and some of it really spoke to me and will stick with me.