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obscurepages's reviews
353 reviews
The Diablo's Curse by Gabe Cole Novoa
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Gabe Cole Novoa, you've done it again!!!
This was so, so beautiful from start to finish. And don't come for me please, but I might like this better than The Wicked Bargain? And I already loved and adored that book, so that's a clear sign of how amazing The Diablo's Curse is for me I guess π Or maybe this is just me (a genderqueer person) relating to Dami (a genderfluid character) a lot... Either way, I loved this okay? π₯Ήπ
Full review soon, and will be posted as part of the book tour hosted by Turn the Pages Tours.
CW: miscarriage, childbirth, violence, blood, death, injuries, gore
Find me elsewhere: <a href="http://www.instagram.com/obscure.pages/">Instagram</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/lxndrnae">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://enthralledbookworm.wordpress.com/">Blog</a>
Marking this book as part of my reading challenge: <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/reading_challenges/fcf9e7dc-39a5-49e2-9f7d-a243f5073985">#ReadQueerly2024</a>.
This was so, so beautiful from start to finish. And don't come for me please, but I might like this better than The Wicked Bargain? And I already loved and adored that book, so that's a clear sign of how amazing The Diablo's Curse is for me I guess π Or maybe this is just me (a genderqueer person) relating to Dami (a genderfluid character) a lot... Either way, I loved this okay? π₯Ήπ
Full review soon, and will be posted as part of the book tour hosted by Turn the Pages Tours.
CW: miscarriage, childbirth, violence, blood, death, injuries, gore
Find me elsewhere: <a href="http://www.instagram.com/obscure.pages/">Instagram</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/lxndrnae">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://enthralledbookworm.wordpress.com/">Blog</a>
Marking this book as part of my reading challenge: <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/reading_challenges/fcf9e7dc-39a5-49e2-9f7d-a243f5073985">#ReadQueerly2024</a>.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
Moderate: Death, Gore, Miscarriage, and Violence
Minor: Sexual content
Network Effect by Martha Wells
Excuse me but who gave Martha Wells the right to create this masterpiece?? π
Like the first four installments in this series, Network Effect is a delight. But unlike the first four, this one is a full-length novel instead of just a novella. Of course, I was so excited when I learned this was a full novel! More Murderbot, yay! But then, oh. I remember that Martha Wells is a genius when it comes to plots, world-building, and human relationships. I was in for a ride.
This was just so good. I don't think I can fully explain how humorous, tense, exciting, and wonderful this was. And I just love how this book (and the whole series in general) was plot-driven, and yet it did not neglect the characters, no not at all. In fact, you fall in love with the characters as you read! I love Murderbot, I love ART, and I especially love their chemistry together. Like how did these two AI/bot constructs give me a lot of feels? Made me cry and laugh and gasp all throughout the book? (view spoiler) I love their banter and their semi-emotional conversations. Of course, I love their humans, too lol.
And the plot! Somehow the author managed to expound on the corporate greed and corruption in this universe, and we see it more as the characters interact with a new planet and colonies. I also love how the plot delved into alien intelligence and life, especially with the antagonists they were facing here. Wells was able to make this more engaging and unique, and I really enjoyed that.
This, of course, was also action-packed. There might have been a few chapters that seemed idle in terms of pacing. But then I turn into a new chapter, and we're back on the rollercoaster. I thought the storytelling here was just exquisite. The way the author left clues for the readers, which also happened to be crucial for the characters in the book? That was just brilliant. Also, the perspectives?! I did not see that coming, but it was just incredible.
AND ONE LAST POINT: the way this book features robots as the main characters but still highlights the complexity and beauty of humanity and free will? Precious.
Overall, this book is a sensational installment and a great first full novel for the Murderbot series. I am so excited to dive into the next book. π₯Ή
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Marking this book as part of my reading challenge: #ReadQueerly2024.
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
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? No
4.5
Excuse me but who gave Martha Wells the right to create this masterpiece?? π
Like the first four installments in this series, Network Effect is a delight. But unlike the first four, this one is a full-length novel instead of just a novella. Of course, I was so excited when I learned this was a full novel! More Murderbot, yay! But then, oh. I remember that Martha Wells is a genius when it comes to plots, world-building, and human relationships. I was in for a ride.
This was just so good. I don't think I can fully explain how humorous, tense, exciting, and wonderful this was. And I just love how this book (and the whole series in general) was plot-driven, and yet it did not neglect the characters, no not at all. In fact, you fall in love with the characters as you read! I love Murderbot, I love ART, and I especially love their chemistry together. Like how did these two AI/bot constructs give me a lot of feels? Made me cry and laugh and gasp all throughout the book? (view spoiler) I love their banter and their semi-emotional conversations. Of course, I love their humans, too lol.
And the plot! Somehow the author managed to expound on the corporate greed and corruption in this universe, and we see it more as the characters interact with a new planet and colonies. I also love how the plot delved into alien intelligence and life, especially with the antagonists they were facing here. Wells was able to make this more engaging and unique, and I really enjoyed that.
This, of course, was also action-packed. There might have been a few chapters that seemed idle in terms of pacing. But then I turn into a new chapter, and we're back on the rollercoaster. I thought the storytelling here was just exquisite. The way the author left clues for the readers, which also happened to be crucial for the characters in the book? That was just brilliant. Also, the perspectives?! I did not see that coming, but it was just incredible.
AND ONE LAST POINT: the way this book features robots as the main characters but still highlights the complexity and beauty of humanity and free will? Precious.
Overall, this book is a sensational installment and a great first full novel for the Murderbot series. I am so excited to dive into the next book. π₯Ή
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Marking this book as part of my reading challenge: #ReadQueerly2024.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Gore, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual content
Y/N by Esther Yi
Did not finish book. Stopped at 49%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 49%.
DNF @ 49%
It's 2024 so I'm officially dropping this π
Listen while this really intrigued me (especially as someone who's familiar with different kinds of fandoms and is also a kpop fan) I was just not feeling it π₯² The unreliable MC in the real world would be branded as a "sasaeng" in kpop fandom spacesβsomeone who is obsessive and stalkerish, takes things too far, has no respect for the idol they claim to love, and has deeply serious issues.
I get that this book is trying to show the ugly sides of kpop fandoms and unhealthy parasocial relationships between fan and artist, and I appreciate that. And I would have loved reading something like that. But with this book's writing style/storytelling, I feel like I personally do not want to read this kind of perspective. I mean, I can barely handle interacting with this kind of fan in actual fandom spaces. I avoid them at all cost to be honest ππ
Anyway, I tried hard to get back to this in 2023, but I don't think I can see myself finishing this.
I truly appreciate Astra House for sending over an ARC my way.
It's 2024 so I'm officially dropping this π
Listen while this really intrigued me (especially as someone who's familiar with different kinds of fandoms and is also a kpop fan) I was just not feeling it π₯² The unreliable MC in the real world would be branded as a "sasaeng" in kpop fandom spacesβsomeone who is obsessive and stalkerish, takes things too far, has no respect for the idol they claim to love, and has deeply serious issues.
I get that this book is trying to show the ugly sides of kpop fandoms and unhealthy parasocial relationships between fan and artist, and I appreciate that. And I would have loved reading something like that. But with this book's writing style/storytelling, I feel like I personally do not want to read this kind of perspective. I mean, I can barely handle interacting with this kind of fan in actual fandom spaces. I avoid them at all cost to be honest ππ
Anyway, I tried hard to get back to this in 2023, but I don't think I can see myself finishing this.
I truly appreciate Astra House for sending over an ARC my way.
The Alchemy Of Moonlight by David Ferraro
Did not finish book. Stopped at 52%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 52%.
DNF @52%
It's 2024 so I'm officially dropping this π
I really just wasn't feeling the MC at all, and not much has happened yet. Also I wasn't feeling the love triangle, some of the MC's feelings and thoughts towards the love interests just don't make sense to me. I've kept this book for a long time in "current reads" for a long time since last year, but I think it's time to let go.
I truly appreciate Page Street YA for sending over an ARC my way.
It's 2024 so I'm officially dropping this π
I really just wasn't feeling the MC at all, and not much has happened yet. Also I wasn't feeling the love triangle, some of the MC's feelings and thoughts towards the love interests just don't make sense to me. I've kept this book for a long time in "current reads" for a long time since last year, but I think it's time to let go.
I truly appreciate Page Street YA for sending over an ARC my way.
Love Letters for Joy by Melissa See
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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? No
4.0
My first read of 2024! π
Was this cheesy, chaotic, and a bit predictable? Yes. But was it also cute, relatable, and enjoyable? HELL YES ππ
This was so good!! I loved the various queer rep in here. Panromantic ace MC? Pansexual LI? Plus sapphics and gays as minor characters? I loved it π I also loved reading Joy's experience and perspective as a disabled, fat, and queer person. I also loved how this showed having a good queer community and support system is important, especially for queer youth.
As for the story, this was light and funny, but also touched upon serious topics. I do feel like some parts were rushed, especially the end. And I kinda wish the story dove more into these serious aspects? But hey, I still had a good time and I enjoyed reading this a lot. π₯Ί
Was this cheesy, chaotic, and a bit predictable? Yes. But was it also cute, relatable, and enjoyable? HELL YES ππ
This was so good!! I loved the various queer rep in here. Panromantic ace MC? Pansexual LI? Plus sapphics and gays as minor characters? I loved it π I also loved reading Joy's experience and perspective as a disabled, fat, and queer person. I also loved how this showed having a good queer community and support system is important, especially for queer youth.
As for the story, this was light and funny, but also touched upon serious topics. I do feel like some parts were rushed, especially the end. And I kinda wish the story dove more into these serious aspects? But hey, I still had a good time and I enjoyed reading this a lot. π₯Ί
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Acephobia/Arophobia, and Outing
Minor: Ableism
Where Black Stars Rise by Nadia Shammas, Marie Enger
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Okay I'm convinced that the copy I got from Libby is somehow defective??? ππ Either that or the fact that I need to read more this genre (eldritch horror). I mean, the synopsis sounds really good and I loved the artwork and color. But yeah, I am confused ππ I think I would have really loved this though.
Squire by Nadia Shammas, Sara Alfageeh
adventurous
challenging
funny
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
This YA/MG Middle Eastern-inspired fantasy is profound in every way. I know middle grade and graphic novels are usually ignored (ehem Goodreads π), but this was amazing.
Squire, in its essence, is a story about identity and culture, about glory and purpose, and about colonialist and imperialist agendas. Aiza wanted to join the military for glory and a better chance at life. But she soon found out just what the military truly represents, and what it does to her people.
The storytelling in this book was just so good. And themes were handled really wellβfrom the family to friendship to racism and colonialism. I also have to commend the writer because they kept the dialogue simple and straightforward, even though they were highlighting more serious or heavier themes. It made some scenes even more impactful for me. A couple of times in the book, I had to stop just to admire the scene I was reading.
Also, the artwork and the colors? They were amazing! And to discover that most of the art was inspired by the illustrator's trip to Jordan and Turkey? You just know that these authors care a lot about this story and want to make it the best it can be. I think they did a great job.
Some scenes just feel rushed/disjointed, but other than that, this book was just incredible.
Squire, in its essence, is a story about identity and culture, about glory and purpose, and about colonialist and imperialist agendas. Aiza wanted to join the military for glory and a better chance at life. But she soon found out just what the military truly represents, and what it does to her people.
The storytelling in this book was just so good. And themes were handled really wellβfrom the family to friendship to racism and colonialism. I also have to commend the writer because they kept the dialogue simple and straightforward, even though they were highlighting more serious or heavier themes. It made some scenes even more impactful for me. A couple of times in the book, I had to stop just to admire the scene I was reading.
Also, the artwork and the colors? They were amazing! And to discover that most of the art was inspired by the illustrator's trip to Jordan and Turkey? You just know that these authors care a lot about this story and want to make it the best it can be. I think they did a great job.
Some scenes just feel rushed/disjointed, but other than that, this book was just incredible.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Xenophobia, War, Colonisation, Blood, Injury/Injury detail, and Violence
Exit Strategy by Martha Wells
adventurous
challenging
funny
lighthearted
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
"My organic parts felt quivery, I had shrapnel stuck all over me, but I was still at 83 percent performance reliability. (It's good there's not a separate statistic for my mental performance reliability because I don't think even I would rate it as all that great at the moment.)"
OKAY *this* book is my favorite so far in the series ππ
This was sweet for me, in a way we've gone full circle. Because in this book we see Murderbot reunite with the people that kind of started this journey of self-discovery and free will. The first people Murderbot can consider as "friends". And Murderbot has grown so much, even they can see it. Here we see just how human and vulnerable and different Murderbot has gotten, and I can't help but feel proud. Yes, it's still not human and it doesn't like pretending to be human. But it feels things, it goes through emotions and has reactions. It's discovering things it likes, it still likes media and how they make it feel. Murderbot is discovering how it is to be human in some way and I love it π And them not knowing what to do, except watching media? So relatable π
Anyway, I just love this installment so much π₯Ή It's still action-packed of course, and it's funny, and it just takes you on a ride.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail, Violence, Blood, and Gun violence
Love On The Second Read by Mica De Leon
emotional
funny
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Romance fans will have fun with this I just know it ππ
This was just sweet and entertaining from start to finish. This gave me a lot of insights in the publishing scene here in the Philippines (and did it also reignite my dreams of working in publishing? Yeah kind of π) The story also played well with a lot of romance tropes, which can get funny and meta. On the other hand, this also discussed writing and tropes in science fiction and fantasy worlds, which was also entertaining for me.
Loved Emma and Kip as main characters. They're just the biggest nerds! But I also loved getting to know their journey and development as characters. They weren't perfect, for sure, (especially Emma with some of her questionable decisions lol), but I was rooting for them to grow.
I guess I just wished there was more time or more scenes where we see their relationship develop (or maybe this is just me wanting a lot of pining angst π) Either way, definitely wanted more on that area.
Also looking back as a whole, this book really fits with romcoms or love stories loved by many Filipinos! Most Filipinos are hopeless romantics and want that happy ending. It can get messy, it can get frustrating, but love is almost always something most of us really bet on.
Anyway overall, this was good. I'm not the most avid romance reader, but I did enjoy this!
Exact rating: 3.5
CW: sexual content on-page, death of a parent, grief, mentions of H*rry P*tter as well
This was just sweet and entertaining from start to finish. This gave me a lot of insights in the publishing scene here in the Philippines (and did it also reignite my dreams of working in publishing? Yeah kind of π) The story also played well with a lot of romance tropes, which can get funny and meta. On the other hand, this also discussed writing and tropes in science fiction and fantasy worlds, which was also entertaining for me.
Loved Emma and Kip as main characters. They're just the biggest nerds! But I also loved getting to know their journey and development as characters. They weren't perfect, for sure, (especially Emma with some of her questionable decisions lol), but I was rooting for them to grow.
I guess I just wished there was more time or more scenes where we see their relationship develop (or maybe this is just me wanting a lot of pining angst π) Either way, definitely wanted more on that area.
Also looking back as a whole, this book really fits with romcoms or love stories loved by many Filipinos! Most Filipinos are hopeless romantics and want that happy ending. It can get messy, it can get frustrating, but love is almost always something most of us really bet on.
Anyway overall, this was good. I'm not the most avid romance reader, but I did enjoy this!
Exact rating: 3.5
CW: sexual content on-page, death of a parent, grief, mentions of H*rry P*tter as well
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death of parent and Grief
Mentions of Harry Potter when talking about literary works and literary banters/references
Nayra and the Djinn by Iasmin Omar Ata
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
This was really nice! Loved the colors and the art style in here. And also the way this book highlighted Muslim American identity, friendship, and young adulthood was so deliberate and relatable. I was questioning Nayra and her decisions, but I was also rooting for her and her journey! I do kinda wish Rami had more backstory, too.
I also liked that we got a glimpse of Islamic folklore in this story! Although I wish there was more, it was still nice and I loved the storytelling!
Some dialogues and panels can get confusing sometimes, and the tone sort of shifts from time to time for me. But other than that, this was just really entertaining and wholesome π₯Ή
CW: Islamophobia, bullying
I also liked that we got a glimpse of Islamic folklore in this story! Although I wish there was more, it was still nice and I loved the storytelling!
Some dialogues and panels can get confusing sometimes, and the tone sort of shifts from time to time for me. But other than that, this was just really entertaining and wholesome π₯Ή
CW: Islamophobia, bullying
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Islamophobia