pixieprose's reviews
856 reviews

The Shallows: What the Internet Is Doing to Our Brains by Nicholas Carr

Basically, the Internet is making is worse at stuff and that is why we have so many problems. You focus and retain information better when you are not constantly switching between tasks.

The Ballad of Perilous Graves by Alex Jennings

adventurous mysterious slow-paced

• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

This book suffers for me because it is slow going and i don't fully understand why it needed quite so many characters to tell it. The magic system here is unique and very cool. The city of New Orleans comes to life in this book in a way that makes it a character [or two] in its own right. I would say this book has more good about it than it does bad, but it did feel like quite a slog. Notably, this book is proudly and loudly Black and for Black readers, and I think it is a good look into Black New Orleans culture for people who may need to broaden their cultural understanding. Has the n-word in it a lot, spoken more in a reclaiming way not a derogatory way, but i do think it's notable for anyone who may feel turned off by that.

Home Is Not a Country by Safia Elhillo

hopeful inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

Honestly this book was wildly beautiful and brilliantly crafted. I would highly recommend this. 

Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson
Did not finish book. Stopped at 65%.

I wasn't invested in the characters or the plot enough to spend more time with it. 

Even Though I Knew the End by C.L. Polk

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

I wish this was longer. Like i appreciate a quick read, but i want to know so much more about this world. The world building here is immaculate, truly. 

Godly Heathens by H.E. Edgmon

adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious 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

Edgmon does it again, my trans king bringing the queer chaos. Absolutely phenomenal. I support queer rights, and queer wrongs, and this is full of both. Trans folks [especially nonbinary] will definitely find something they identify with in this magnificent work of fantasy. 

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Content Warnings

Minor: Transphobia

The Forest Demands Its Due by Kosoko Jackson

adventurous dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious 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? It's complicated

5.0

This book was so beautiful and i truly loved it so much. I want to say more, but I think i will save that for a lengthier review. 

The Name-Bearer by Natalia Hernandez

adventurous mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.25

I wanted to rate this higher because it is truly wonderful, I just don't feel like it stands on its own. This is a leg of a journey, and honestly this book kind of just feels like world building/set-up. It's a beautiful world and the story is fantastic, but it just does not feel complete.  Perhaps that is an unfair criticism to levy as I know the publishing industry is not kind to Latinas, i just wish this was like a brando sando length piece that felt complete [though markedly less boring] with whatever the next book has in store. 

Root Magic by Eden Royce

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This book was absolutely delightful. The main character, Jezebel, is truly the sweetest character, always proving that kindness is more important than power. Trigger warnings for racist violence.

Gloom Town by Ronald L. Smith

hopeful mysterious 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

I really loved this book and would truly enjoy a sequel. The story is compelling and the characters are well built.