linlinlin's reviews
273 reviews

Nettleblack by Nat Reeve

adventurous inspiring lighthearted 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

5.0

Whether Violent or Natural by Natasha Calder

challenging emotional informative slow-paced

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

2.75

This was a jakke-gai that I don't regret since it was from the library. If only the editor was as good as the cover artist. Great premise, bones, charming dialogue, many instances of wonder and interesting language, let down by very poor editing. This should have either been half the length or twice it. Like many other reviewers, I found myself skimming just to get through it by the end. I will certainly read whatever Calder puts out next and hope that she is not done so dirty by an undisciplined publishing team. 

Dark Heir by C.S. Pacat

dark hopeful inspiring medium-paced

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

5.0

Green Dot by Madeleine Gray

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring slow-paced

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

4.5

Cracking Aussie sad girl novel that doesn't secretly want to be set in New York. Four stars on sense of place  alone. 
The half star comes from this:
Me, texting a mate halfway through: omg this book is so funny can't wait to loan it to you 
Me, after finishing the book, walking outside at 3 AM scrolling through sperm donors: maybe read this book with caution 
(interpret the star in direction of your choice) 

Tender Is the Flesh by Agustina Bazterrica

challenging dark informative fast-paced

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

5.0

Reverse Cowgirl by McKenzie Wark

challenging funny lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

Bad Cree by Jessica Johns

challenging hopeful inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

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

4.75

Imogen, Obviously by Becky Albertalli

emotional inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing 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? No

4.0

Classic cosy Albertalli. You're here for a good time not a serious time. Tho it is based to name your "villain" (villains not really a thing here) after your nemesis 

The Silent Companions by Laura Purcell

adventurous dark sad fast-paced

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

3.75

DUTCH MENTIONED 

A Book of Tongues by Gemma Files
Did not finish book. Stopped at 60%.

I really wanted to love this; Files comes recommended by Gretchen Felker Martin which is no small praise. But I am too old to tolerate much senseless murder even in a horror novel, and this book uses background character death as scenery. Not here and there or as part of a fight; bodies litter the pages from the get go. Feels like Tarantino or an anime. In my twenties I would have frothed this. Heck, in my twenties I wrote novels like this. I look forward to trying Gemma Files' more recent works instead and might recommend you try that too, unless you are still the target age group. I reckon you could have loads of fun if you are. Frankly I think it's important to enjoy things like this while you can!