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pascalispapi's reviews
45 reviews

Moon of the Crusted Snow

Waubgeshig Rice

4.25

dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Complicated

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This book was that rare dystopian novel that manages to be both chilling and heartwarming. Society is collapsing and winter’s endless, but the Anishinaabe community at the story’s center Their resilience isn’t just inspiring; it’s the best maintains a sense of humor and community.

Rice nails the balance between creeping horror and dry, organtic humor. The only reason it’s not a full 5 stars? I wanted more—more banter, more moments with certain characters. I wanted it to be longer!

If you like survival stories with soul, wit, and teeth-chattering atmosphere, this one’s must-read.

Content Warnings

The Poppy War

R.F. Kuang

4.5

adventurous challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Kuang doesn’t pull punches. This book is violent, morally messy, and packed with ruthless ambition. The magic system is cool, the war tactics are terrifyingly real, and Rin’s rage fueled rise had me hooked.

Knocked off half a star because the pacing wobbled a bit in the middle in my opinion. But wow, what a ride. (Check your trigger warnings, please.) If you like your fantasy gritty, thought provoking, and overflowing in history, this delivers. Can’t wait to dive into the sequel.

Content Warnings

The Changeling

Victor LaValle

4.75

adventurous dark emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: A mix

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Complicated

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

The Changeling is the kind of book that crawls under your skin and stays there. Blending horror, fantasy, and raw emotional truth, it follows new father Apollo ’s journey that's terrifying, moving, and at times relatable.

The writing is magic: sharp, immersive, and packed with surprises. A mix of eerie folklore and real, messy humanity. LaValle’s New York feels alive, and Apollo’s love fueled odyssey will wreck you in the best way. Equal parts chilling and tender, a masterpiece of storytelling.

The Devil in Silver

Victor LaValle

5.0

dark emotional reflective sad 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

The Devil in Silver is a masterpiece of horror and heart. The psychiatric hospital setting is claustrophobic and creepy, but the real magic lies in the unforgettable characters who are flawed, funny, and so lovable you’ll root for them like family. VL balances laugh out loud humor with surprising moments that will absolutely shatter you.

This book is a genre defying blend of terror, social commentary, and raw humanity. The scares are real, but so is the compassion at its core. A wild, unputdownable story with a message that sticks. Cannot recommend enough, I'd give it 12 stars if I could. Easily my most favorite read of the year so far.

Content Warnings

The Babysitter Lives

Stephen Graham Jones

4.0

adventurous dark mysterious sad 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

This book was a wild, fast paced horror romp that delivers all the creepy vibes you could want. The story follows a babysitter facing off against something seriously sinister, and Jones nails the tension with his signature sharp, immersive style.

What makes it shine is the main character’s voice. She's smart, relatable, and darkly funny. Plus, there was some genuinely unsettling moments. A few plot beats felt rushed, but who cares when it’s this much fun? Like Goosebumps for grownups, a great read for spooky season!

Content Warnings