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m_riaelle's reviews
91 reviews
How to Excavate a Heart by Jake Maia Arlow
challenging
funny
sad
tense
fast-paced
3.0
Got an eArc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I really wanted to love this book because it's Sapphic, YA, snowy theme, funny, and more. I like all that in this book. I really do.
What troubles me is that some phrases or wordings I don't seem to like and feel like some people will feel offended, especially transgender people. The MC stated that she has zero interest or in F dicks because she's a lesbian. Not all who identify as a woman have no dick. Reading through this was a hit and miss and both.
I gave this three stars because it somehow made me laugh. But once I see someone say how problematic this book really is (I am confused right now because it might be me problem), I will be giving this 1 star.
I really wanted to love this book because it's Sapphic, YA, snowy theme, funny, and more. I like all that in this book. I really do.
What troubles me is that some phrases or wordings I don't seem to like and feel like some people will feel offended, especially transgender people. The MC stated that she has zero interest or in F dicks because she's a lesbian. Not all who identify as a woman have no dick. Reading through this was a hit and miss and both.
I gave this three stars because it somehow made me laugh. But once I see someone say how problematic this book really is (I am confused right now because it might be me problem), I will be giving this 1 star.
Ace Voices: What it Means to Be Asexual, Aromantic, Demi or Grey-Ace by Eris Young
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
5.0
Got an eArc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I like how Eris Young made this book with great care for an ace, questioning, and those other people who want to be enlightened about Asexual, Aromantic, Demi and/or Grey-Ace.
I highly recommend this because, as the title says, "Ace Voices." Eris Young interviewed people who are in the community, which helped better understand the topic and/or feel seen and heard. It has a content of visibility, journey of knowing who we are, microlabels, our language, coming (and being) out, a-spec and the LGBTQ+ community, intersectionality, cultural background and racialisation, gender, disability mental illness and neurodivergence, friends and family, love, future relationships, and joy. Of course, it has sensitive/triggering topics, and I advise you to read the caution warning of the author before continuing.
"Throughout these pages, you will find mention of topics that some readers may find distressing, including sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse, genocide, the transatlantic slave trade, forced sterilisation and corrective rape. I mention these subjects only in my exploration of the ways that a-spec people are and have been marginalised and do not go into detail, but I will flag them up at the beginning of a chapter, nonetheless."
The author also added fictional media with a-spec representation, and I realized there are more than I thought. I'm glad a-spec is getting more attention and representation. This book is a significant resource for the a-spec community!
I like how Eris Young made this book with great care for an ace, questioning, and those other people who want to be enlightened about Asexual, Aromantic, Demi and/or Grey-Ace.
I highly recommend this because, as the title says, "Ace Voices." Eris Young interviewed people who are in the community, which helped better understand the topic and/or feel seen and heard. It has a content of visibility, journey of knowing who we are, microlabels, our language, coming (and being) out, a-spec and the LGBTQ+ community, intersectionality, cultural background and racialisation, gender, disability mental illness and neurodivergence, friends and family, love, future relationships, and joy. Of course, it has sensitive/triggering topics, and I advise you to read the caution warning of the author before continuing.
"Throughout these pages, you will find mention of topics that some readers may find distressing, including sexual assault, childhood sexual abuse, genocide, the transatlantic slave trade, forced sterilisation and corrective rape. I mention these subjects only in my exploration of the ways that a-spec people are and have been marginalised and do not go into detail, but I will flag them up at the beginning of a chapter, nonetheless."
The author also added fictional media with a-spec representation, and I realized there are more than I thought. I'm glad a-spec is getting more attention and representation. This book is a significant resource for the a-spec community!
Kiss Her Once For Me by Alison Cochrun
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Got an eArc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This book is for those who are scared to let people in but want to be loved. For those who are unknowingly self-sabotaged and, hopefully, try to get away from that toxic cycle. And lastly, for those who need convincing "that some things are too spectacular for fear."
- Yes. The quoted line is from Alison Cochrun's acknowledgements in the book 'Kiss Her Once For Me.'
Y'all! Shut up! I- this... IT'S FULL OF QUEERNESS, AND I LOVE IT!
The times I silently screamed and laughed while everyone was asleep were hard to count. I love the angst between the main and side couples. I also can't remember how many times I said in my mind, "JUST BE TOGETHER!" And then realizing I want more. And if they are with each other, the story will be short. This book made me happy cry and sad cry, and a mix of both.
I love the characters. I love the writing style. I love the plot. I love the representation of the ace spectrum/demisexual. I love the gender representation. I love the mentions of aromantic. I love the talks about attractions to people. I love the jokes about lesbian stereotypes. I love the lesbian transgender representation. I love the bisexual representation. I love the idiotic declaration of love that made me laugh so hard with tears falling from my eyes. I LOVE absolutely everything (of course, the exemptions are those sh*t characters and stuff).
CW: Parent Abandonment, Toxic Relationship, Anxiety, ADHD, Mentions of Racism, Bisexual Erasure, and Cheating (search it up for more specifics or correct CW as mine is what I thought is triggering while I read it)
This book is for those who are scared to let people in but want to be loved. For those who are unknowingly self-sabotaged and, hopefully, try to get away from that toxic cycle. And lastly, for those who need convincing "that some things are too spectacular for fear."
- Yes. The quoted line is from Alison Cochrun's acknowledgements in the book 'Kiss Her Once For Me.'
Y'all! Shut up! I- this... IT'S FULL OF QUEERNESS, AND I LOVE IT!
The times I silently screamed and laughed while everyone was asleep were hard to count. I love the angst between the main and side couples. I also can't remember how many times I said in my mind, "JUST BE TOGETHER!" And then realizing I want more. And if they are with each other, the story will be short. This book made me happy cry and sad cry, and a mix of both.
I love the characters. I love the writing style. I love the plot. I love the representation of the ace spectrum/demisexual. I love the gender representation. I love the mentions of aromantic. I love the talks about attractions to people. I love the jokes about lesbian stereotypes. I love the lesbian transgender representation. I love the bisexual representation. I love the idiotic declaration of love that made me laugh so hard with tears falling from my eyes. I LOVE absolutely everything (of course, the exemptions are those sh*t characters and stuff).
CW: Parent Abandonment, Toxic Relationship, Anxiety, ADHD, Mentions of Racism, Bisexual Erasure, and Cheating (search it up for more specifics or correct CW as mine is what I thought is triggering while I read it)
Anne: An Adaptation of Anne of Green Gables (Sort Of) by Kathleen Gros
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
tense
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
Got an eArc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Y'all!!!
I HIGHLY recommend this to guardians or teachers of a child/ren to give access to the kids. It's a queer children's fiction and graphic novel. Growing up with books like this would've been soo much better for me. People wouldn't have been so clueless about a part of themselves.
I was obsessed with this classic, but I LOVE this adaptation more! I have no problem with the art as children would love to see colourful artwork and something easy to understand. I sincerely hope this gets more reach for the world to see how much queer children's fiction isn't harmful but, instead, helpful.
Y'all!!!
I HIGHLY recommend this to guardians or teachers of a child/ren to give access to the kids. It's a queer children's fiction and graphic novel. Growing up with books like this would've been soo much better for me. People wouldn't have been so clueless about a part of themselves.
I was obsessed with this classic, but I LOVE this adaptation more! I have no problem with the art as children would love to see colourful artwork and something easy to understand. I sincerely hope this gets more reach for the world to see how much queer children's fiction isn't harmful but, instead, helpful.
Love Me Now by Isabel Hansen
funny
lighthearted
tense
fast-paced
5.0
It's a short novella, but I LOVE it! Friends to lovers trope? Check! Fake dating? Check! Sapphic? Check! Fast read? Check!
I know once people read my review, they'll be debating how it lacks something more. But to be honest, the reason why some parts feel too awkward or something that ruined the intensity of almost confessing is because that's what would happen if you believe your best friend will always be there with you and will ruin everything with one wrong move of wanting more than that. Yet, there are times I catch myself smiling at how angsty and sheepish the best friends are.
I understand it's a short novella with seven chapters, but I would LOVE to know how it will go with Anna's mother. Anna and her mother had a hard time expressing themselves properly, which caused a gap between them; emotionally. All in all, I'm satisfied with this book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I know once people read my review, they'll be debating how it lacks something more. But to be honest, the reason why some parts feel too awkward or something that ruined the intensity of almost confessing is because that's what would happen if you believe your best friend will always be there with you and will ruin everything with one wrong move of wanting more than that. Yet, there are times I catch myself smiling at how angsty and sheepish the best friends are.
I understand it's a short novella with seven chapters, but I would LOVE to know how it will go with Anna's mother. Anna and her mother had a hard time expressing themselves properly, which caused a gap between them; emotionally. All in all, I'm satisfied with this book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Over My Dead Body by Sweeney Boo
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Got an eArc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a bizarre and thrilling read.
The mystery, spells, witchy vibe, art, and colour palette were amazing! Plus, I thought I won't like Violet but guess what? She's sapphic (possibly a lesbian) and it's cute how she turns to someone else because she's nervous around a specific someone.
The main character's adventure to finding the truth is the main thrilling part. The last chapter had me tensed.
This was a bizarre and thrilling read.
The mystery, spells, witchy vibe, art, and colour palette were amazing! Plus, I thought I won't like Violet but guess what? She's sapphic (possibly a lesbian) and it's cute how she turns to someone else because she's nervous around a specific someone.
The main character's adventure to finding the truth is the main thrilling part. The last chapter had me tensed.
They Both Die At The End by Adam Silvera
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
No.
"No one should feel bad for trying to be good."
Mateo deserved every good thing in the world because he believed there is a good part in everyone deep inside. He'll give everyone the benefit of the doubt. He's pure, innocent, and kind that I would willingly save him in the face of danger, and he'll do the same. He lived for everyone. My love for this character will be endless.
If anyone would ask if this made me cry, the answer is no. But it felt like my heart squeezed with every passing chapter because of how attached I felt to Mateo. The fact that deep inside, I was rooting for Mateo to beat Death-Cast. Deep inside, I wished death for him was not inevitable. With my all, I wish he's real and knowing that a person like him is living would be comforting.
Mateo is 97% reason I'm giving this five stars, 1% because of how great that everything and EVERYONE are connected (in some way) and have their own POVs, and 2% because Rufus helped Mateo be everything he wanted to be in his last hours and Mateo, helped Rufus found colour in his life in his last hours.
CW: Violence, Blood, Death of Animal (Bird), House on Fire, Car Accident, Bomb Explosion, Suicide Ideation, Gun, Anxiety, Attempted Murder, Bullying, Death, Depression, and Grief (search it up for more specifics or correct CW as mine is what I thought is triggering while I read it)
"No one should feel bad for trying to be good."
Mateo deserved every good thing in the world because he believed there is a good part in everyone deep inside. He'll give everyone the benefit of the doubt. He's pure, innocent, and kind that I would willingly save him in the face of danger, and he'll do the same. He lived for everyone. My love for this character will be endless.
If anyone would ask if this made me cry, the answer is no. But it felt like my heart squeezed with every passing chapter because of how attached I felt to Mateo. The fact that deep inside, I was rooting for Mateo to beat Death-Cast. Deep inside, I wished death for him was not inevitable. With my all, I wish he's real and knowing that a person like him is living would be comforting.
Mateo is 97% reason I'm giving this five stars, 1% because of how great that everything and EVERYONE are connected (in some way) and have their own POVs, and 2% because Rufus helped Mateo be everything he wanted to be in his last hours and Mateo, helped Rufus found colour in his life in his last hours.
CW: Violence, Blood, Death of Animal (Bird), House on Fire, Car Accident, Bomb Explosion, Suicide Ideation, Gun, Anxiety, Attempted Murder, Bullying, Death, Depression, and Grief (search it up for more specifics or correct CW as mine is what I thought is triggering while I read it)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Bullying, Death, Gun violence, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Grief, Car accident, Suicide attempt, and Fire/Fire injury
ABC Pride by Elly Barnes, Louie Stowell
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
fast-paced
5.0
Got an eArc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I found an ABC book I would PROVIDE to elementary students (heck, I would even to Kindergartens) if I were a teacher. This would have been comforting and easy for people (especially kids) who felt lost because they are born into thinking there are only two genders and one sexuality.
Y'all matter. You are loved. You are valid. You belong.
I love the illustrations and the colour palette. Kids would love this book.
I found an ABC book I would PROVIDE to elementary students (heck, I would even to Kindergartens) if I were a teacher. This would have been comforting and easy for people (especially kids) who felt lost because they are born into thinking there are only two genders and one sexuality.
Y'all matter. You are loved. You are valid. You belong.
I love the illustrations and the colour palette. Kids would love this book.
LoveBot by Chase Keels
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
5.0
Representations: BIPOC and POC characters, Xada is a Trans Panromantic Gay, Lace is Pansexual, Brizzium is Demiromantic Pansexual, Adlynn is a Bisexual, Velix is Gay, Erik is Gay, and Eva is Aromantic Lesbian.
This graphic novel was a splendid read! The way trauma is handled healthily, the drawing, and the colour palette are superb. The creators showed that the stereotypes of trans people are nothing. You are who you are. And Velix is a type of character who needs to grow. He's very unlikeable in the first season. So, I hope there will be progress. It was also intense because of chasing a rogue bot. Throughout the story, the emotions portrayed by the creators through the drawing and the dialogues of the characters' thinking stand out the most. I'm so glad there is season 2 of LoveBot! I can't accept the cliffhanger of season 1.
CW: Domestic Abuse, Emotional Abuse, Physical Abuse, Blood, and Violence
This graphic novel was a splendid read! The way trauma is handled healthily, the drawing, and the colour palette are superb. The creators showed that the stereotypes of trans people are nothing. You are who you are. And Velix is a type of character who needs to grow. He's very unlikeable in the first season. So, I hope there will be progress. It was also intense because of chasing a rogue bot. Throughout the story, the emotions portrayed by the creators through the drawing and the dialogues of the characters' thinking stand out the most. I'm so glad there is season 2 of LoveBot! I can't accept the cliffhanger of season 1.
CW: Domestic Abuse, Emotional Abuse, Physical Abuse, Blood, and Violence
I'm Not In Love by Mia Kerick
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.5
Got an eArc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Rating: 4.05
For those who don't understand attachment issues, read this. The story and feelings of the characters are so raw that I also get scared of coming to terms with why I don't want to let people in my life. Tristan and Remi are examples of those who risked for the right person because they felt it, and running away from something real and vulnerable won't do anything. But there's also nothing wrong with wanting to protect your heart out of fear. Just acknowledge if running away will do you good or damage you more.
I don't blame Remi for getting attached to the Wilder family. Even I would love to spoil and take care of Tristan's nephews. This book is an intense read because of how much I get to see what's running in Tristan and Remi's heads. The emotions that they feel were described thoroughly that it hurts.
CW: Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, and Mentions of Parent Abandonment/Neglect
Rating: 4.05
For those who don't understand attachment issues, read this. The story and feelings of the characters are so raw that I also get scared of coming to terms with why I don't want to let people in my life. Tristan and Remi are examples of those who risked for the right person because they felt it, and running away from something real and vulnerable won't do anything. But there's also nothing wrong with wanting to protect your heart out of fear. Just acknowledge if running away will do you good or damage you more.
I don't blame Remi for getting attached to the Wilder family. Even I would love to spoil and take care of Tristan's nephews. This book is an intense read because of how much I get to see what's running in Tristan and Remi's heads. The emotions that they feel were described thoroughly that it hurts.
CW: Sexual Harassment, Sexual Assault, and Mentions of Parent Abandonment/Neglect