mallorieluna's reviews
95 reviews

We are Definitely Human by X. Fang

hopeful inspiring lighthearted

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

We need more stories about kind humans helping one either in these times.

Sunny Disposition by Deanna Grey

lighthearted slow-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

2.25

This book feels half finished, like an entire section was removed with no explanation or even acknowledgement. The characters were cute enough, but I don't understand the inclusion of certain plot points that were entirely irrelevant to the story. The ending felt super abrupt, like there was a character limit and so it just had to be cut off regardless of what still needed to be explored. It really dampened my enjoyment of the story.

The Seven Year Slip by Ashley Poston

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

I loved this book, I loved the characters and the romance and the journey the went on. Was it a little over the top at times? Were there repeated lines that were just a little too much? Was it tied up a little too neatly by the end? Maybe to all of the above, but I loved it. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Grief

Minor: Suicide

A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley

funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Cute easy read. Hit all the right romance notes, and was thusly a tad predictable, I wish there had been more acknowledgement of Mariel's skill and power at the end, but it was all sort of rushed to a happy ending.

Absolution by Jeff VanderMeer

challenging dark funny mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.75

As mind bending and strange as the rest of the Area X series, I liked this one as a take on three separate yet connected times within the southern reach. Seeing the effect of the phenomenon on those who go within the boundaries play out over a period of time was something I appreciated, and each part building on the last and informing it 

The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw

challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

A new take on the myth of the little mermaid and her life after she was taken in by a prince, what if she was never a princess what if she was a monster.

Never Caught: The Washingtons' Relentless Pursuit of Their Runaway Slave, Ona Judge by Erica Armstrong Dunbar

challenging informative medium-paced

4.0

I Shall Never Fall in Love by Hari Conner

emotional funny hopeful informative lighthearted relaxing slow-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

This is a story that is very honest about what it is and it is all the more lovely for it. A story about learning to live as yourself even within the current constraints of proper and polite society. The art is so cute and expressive and compliments the story so well. 

This Thing Between Us by Gus Moreno

challenging dark emotional mysterious tense medium-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

4.0

I have to echo a similar sentiment I've seen, this isn't a technology going bad book, but rather a story about the consuming weight of grief and guilt on a man and the way that plays out for him. Delving into the otherworldly way those emotions can take over a life, truly brought the horror of guilt to the forefront in this journey.

Between Two Fires by Christopher Buehlman

adventurous challenging dark mysterious 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

4.0