Hot damn.

A dark, dystopian, gory sci fi that feels like the best and worst kind of hallucinogenic trip. Wonderfully gruesome imagery that bends the imagination around the kinds of creatures you hope aren’t lurking beneath the ocean.

A story that reflects on what it means to be.

Content Warnings

Everfair by Nisi Shawl

Go to review page

Did not finish book. Stopped at 55%.

I just can’t keep the stories of the characters straight. I really wanted to like this book but it’s too all over the place for me. The idea is so fascinating and such a great concept, but the pacing makes it so challenging to be invested in any one plot line or any one character for me to want to keep reading :(

Flowers of Mold by Ha Seong-nan

Go to review page

dark fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? N/A
Strong character development? N/A

2.0

Interesting concept but did not hit as hard as it could have. Perhaps the stories hold more significance in the text’s original language. The vignettes are days-in-the-life in a seemingly unsettling way but not disturbing / unsettling enough to feel like there was a point being made. The stories wandered without too much intention and soon became hard to follow and stay interested in.

Content Warnings

Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut

Go to review page

adventurous reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated

4.0

The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw

Go to review page

dark emotional sad fast-paced

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

5.0

This book unexpectedly has some of the most beautiful prose I have ever read. The author’s mastery of language creates striking imagery and haunting scenes of viscera of gore. The metaphors are deeply poetic despite seeming heavy handed at first glance. I thought the plot was interesting and I enjoyed the characters, but honestly was just consistently gripped by the word choices— there was clearly intention behind each choice and it comes through with a close read. Phenomenal writing.

Content Warnings

The Beauty by Aliya Whiteley

Go to review page

dark reflective sad tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.5

This was a viscerally, horrifically, fucking terrifying feminist allegory. The images in this story will, unfortunately, stick with me. It is graphic body horror but all of the viscera was not for show— all of the horrific imagery is so well placed and meaningful in the context of the story’s larger mission. I can say with great certainty I’ve never read anything like this and am in awe.

Content Warnings

More...

nhnabass's reviews 104 reviews

nhnabass's reviews
104 reviews