niceonehros's reviews
29 reviews

Agents of Dreamland by Caitlín R. Kiernan

challenging dark mysterious fast-paced

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

4.5

This had a very Tim Powers vibe to it, and I mean that as a compliment. I also see shades of Kerstin Hall, especially around the execution of the cosmic horror and lovecraftian themes.

Right up my alley and I plan to listen to the remainder in the series.

The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware
Did not finish book. Stopped at 18%.

I'm nearly 20% in and very tired of the protagonist's ongoing awe and wonder about a smart house, meanwhile nothing has happened yet.

The Gone World by Tom Sweterlitsch
Did not finish book. Stopped at 1%.

I made it two pages and noped right the hell out. It's very well written from the very little bit I saw, but the content squicked me out. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Body horror

All the Gay Saints by Kayleb Rae Candrilli

dark emotional hopeful reflective fast-paced

5.0

The Library at Mount Char by Scott Hawkins
Did not finish book. Stopped at 10%.

Just not for me. I don't mind horror and gore, but there was nothing to balance it out or hook me into the story to keep me going.

Daisy Darker by Alice Feeney

dark mysterious tense slow-paced

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

4.0

Come with Me by Ronald Malfi

challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.0

Couldn't put this one down, devoured it in a day.

The Second Sleep by Robert Harris
Did not finish book. Stopped at 3%.

This failed to really grab me in the first 10 pages, so DNF

Witchmark by C.L. Polk

adventurous dark emotional hopeful 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

I'm still weeping 10 minutes after finishing it. Beautiful, well wrought, full of surprises.

The Sun Down Motel by Simone St. James

dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.25

As with all Simone St. James books, the romantic element is superfluous, predictable, straight, and a little dull.  However, it's not a main focus and the rest of the story makes up for it.