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readwithserena's reviews
116 reviews
This Impossible Brightness by Jessica Bryant Klagmann
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Everyone in This Room Will Someday Be Dead by Emily Austin
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Grief, Addiction, Homophobia, Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, Lesbophobia, and Death
Moderate: Suicide
Minor: Self harm, Religious bigotry, Car accident, Murder, Alcohol, Fire/Fire injury, Alcoholism, Medical content, Outing, Infidelity, Cursing, Bullying, Vomit, and Death
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
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
Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Pretty good, but I didn’t love it nearly as much as the other books I’ve read from RJR (elements of cadence duology, dreams lie beneath). I have found myself liking YA less and less, so that could be part of why this wasn’t as satisfying as I was hoping… but I did also find Roman to be annoying at times in this one and for some of the plot to feel a little forced along.
I’m assuming no new books for 2024 since 2 complete duologies within 2 years is ridiculously productive, but I’m looking forward to whatever comes next and I hope it’s another adult rather than YA!
I’m assuming no new books for 2024 since 2 complete duologies within 2 years is ridiculously productive, but I’m looking forward to whatever comes next and I hope it’s another adult rather than YA!
An Immense World: How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us by Ed Yong
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
This is the first nonfiction I’ve actually finished in I don’t even know how long. Listening to the audiobook was great and the author did a fantastic job narrating. I was awed throughout the book at the amazing diversity of senses and perceptions (especially the color chapter). The last chapter had me tearing up, rewinding, and bookmarking quotes over and over.
The Man with the Compound Eyes by Wu Ming-Yi
adventurous
challenging
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
3.75
Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds by adrienne maree brown
Only read the introduction and then forgot to pick it back up again before my loan was due back at the library. I just got gifted a copy so I’ll try again!
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25