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readrebelrevolt's reviews
56 reviews
Carmilla by J. Sheridan Le Fanu
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Where to start with Carmilla? First off, I loved it! Short, gothic, queer, creepy, romantic(?)and poetic. These are a few of my favourite things…
I was shocked at just how queer and erotic the story is given the time it was written. There are also some scenes that genuinely gave me the shivers due to how well they are written and the overall atmosphere of the novel. It was so nice to take a dip back into the classics.
I highly recommend if you enjoy a short gothic, vampire story. I certainly feel like this is a necessary foundational read for horror and gothic lit lovers 🧛♀️🪦
I was shocked at just how queer and erotic the story is given the time it was written. There are also some scenes that genuinely gave me the shivers due to how well they are written and the overall atmosphere of the novel. It was so nice to take a dip back into the classics.
I highly recommend if you enjoy a short gothic, vampire story. I certainly feel like this is a necessary foundational read for horror and gothic lit lovers 🧛♀️🪦
Graveyard Shift by M.L. Rio
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I will start by saying I haven’t read If We Were Villains so this is my first M.L. Rio experience. I have to say I was a little underwhelmed. I got to the end and thought I had missed something because nothing really happens…I think I expected more of a punch at the end because it is a novella but it just kind of fell flat for me. None of the characters really stood out (I understand that due to the length we can have full character development), I found myself unable to distinguish them, and I listened to the audiobook. I did enjoy the setting and the atmosphere immensely, so much so that I wish I could rate the story and execution higher…
I will say though, I am not deterred from reading IWWV based on this because I see so much potential in the way she writes and I have heard very good things!
I will say though, I am not deterred from reading IWWV based on this because I see so much potential in the way she writes and I have heard very good things!
Unshrinking: How to Face Fatphobia by Kate Manne
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.25
An intersectional analysis on fat phobia and diet culture, with deeply thought provoking personal anecdotes.
McGlue by Ottessa Moshfegh
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A raw, gritty, brief character portrait of McGlue. Otessa Moshfegh writes so viscerally and brutally. This will not be for everyone but it got me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Misogyny, Racism, Self harm, Violence, and Murder
Dear Fatty by Dawn French
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
sad
medium-paced
3.75
A very enjoyable read!
Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
fast-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
5.0
I knew from the first chapter this was going to be a 5 ⭐️ read. I was emotionally attached to the characters and their journeys from the very beginning. Well written and thought provoking with a very interesting magic system! Highly recommend!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Death, Racism, Sexual assault, Religious bigotry, and War
Local Woman Missing by Mary Kubica
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
The Colour of Magic by Terry Pratchett
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
A very whimsical story! I really liked Rincewind, he kind of gave me Rosencrantz and Guildenstern vibes in that he is very much a fool and reluctant protagonist of the Discworld.
Brutes by Dizz Tate
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The prose and imagery was beautiful however with shifting POV’s alongside a past vs present format it got pretty confusing and I found myself struggling to stay on plot. I do like the way the author attempted to convey the hive mind of a young friend group amidst themes of misogyny, masculinity, poverty and abuse (the girls referred to as Brutes because they misbehave or act outside of conventional femininity).
Overall it was ok but fell a little flat for me because it was so difficult to follow.
Overall it was ok but fell a little flat for me because it was so difficult to follow.
The Last Witch in Edinburgh by Marielle Thompson
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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
3.5