Scan barcode
medievalfantasyqueen's reviews
127 reviews
Minor Detail by Adania Shibli
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A startling microscopic view of war and conflict, and the hyperfocus on the minor details that get blown away in the wind, and a directionless approach in the futile search to prove a buried truth. Every word is deliberately chosen, and I enjoyed the contrast of the two stories culminating in the two shocking moments at the end of each. Probably one of the most photographic books I have read in a while.
Time of Contempt by Andrzej Sapkowski
adventurous
dark
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
4.25
Nothing short of superb storytelling and pacing. It feels as though you are living in a burgeoning volcanic bubble, very aware that all is about to explode.
The Flowers of Evil by Charles Baudelaire
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Absolutely biased here because Charles Baudelaire is one of my all time favourite poets who perfectly captures the world of the mundane and the entirely profane all through acute observations of 19th century Paris.
Woman, Eating by Claire Kohda
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Playing with the Sad Girl literary trope, Kohda adds the philosophy of vampires to the mix, and the result is an indulgent reflective internal narrative. There could have perhaps been a bit more of the protagonist’s relationship with her mother, and her further exploration of her vampire self being added, but a nice read overall.
The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
dark
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
One of my all time favourite novels that I decided to give a re-read this year and it is true when they say that you approach books differently at different stages of your life. The Picture of Dorian Gray deserves its place in a must-read for anyone list given its timelessness and chilling exploration into the human psyche and it’s unabashed queerness.
A Thousand Rooms of Dream and Fear by Atiq Rahimi
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A Thousand Rooms of Dream and Fear is the kind of absolute gem of a book that you read within hours, and then you close the final page and stare into the distance because your mind and soul has been taken on such a journey, such a journey of emotions and love and life and turmoil. Translated from the original Dari, the poetic ambience of the story is maintained and each character - from the tragic Farhad, to the idealistic Enayat to the quiet yet loving Mahnaz - sears themselves into your mind, and your heart beats with them, your soul aches with and for them, and you come out of the book a person different from the one you were before. An absolute masterpiece!
Cry to Heaven by Anne Rice
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
I have always been told that Anne’s strength lies in her historical fiction, and she truly delivered in this sweeping saga of music and revenge. I particularly adored how this was in fact a bloody revenge story, alongside it being a peek into the resplendent and tragic world of the castrati. A recommended read for any lover of drama and historical fiction.
Prince Lestat by Anne Rice
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
4.5
It is refreshing to see Letsat being thrust into a position with such immense responsibility, and though he is very hesitant about it, he begrudgingly accepts. I adored Prince Lestat and the questions raised, some left unanswered, and its good balance of perfectly campy moments balanced with shock and twists.