ronjaorsomething's reviews
153 reviews

The Bone Witch by Rin Chupeco

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

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

3.5

I liked the writing style and how the book switched between past and present, kind of like in The Kingkiller Chronicles where the story is actually being told by the main character from the present to someone else.

There were some plot twists towards the end that were really good (I was shook) and then some that felt pretty off and didn't really make sense to me. Generally I also felt like there were too many plot points that often got left aside for a while even though they were said to be really important. I think there were just too many things going on that didn't really have enough space and it would have been better if it were reduced a bit.

The Last Witch of Scotland by Philip Paris

adventurous dark emotional sad medium-paced

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

5.0

Mexican Gothic by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.0

The book started out rather slow but then it got really intense and unhinged (in a good way) really fast. The author definitely knows how to create tension and shock moments. At first the mc didn't really seem likable but she grows on you and it's really interesting to see how she deals with the situation.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Murder, Sexual harassment, and Racism

Moderate: Cannibalism

Minor: Incest and Suicide

A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal

adventurous medium-paced

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

3.0

The writing was good, the plot was intriguing and there were some interesting characters. What really annoyed me though is how Arthie was constantly crushing on both guys that were in their crew aside from her brother. I found it kind of out of character and there was no chemistry with either of them, so it just felt forced and unnecessary.
Also, the ending?? no. Some plot twists were good, but a few really threw me off and even though they technically made sense with the story they didn't really work for me.

Clytemnestra by Costanza Casati

dark emotional tense medium-paced

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

4.0

I love reading about greek mythology from the pov of women because traditionally it's mostly men but women played a big role as well.
Clytemnestra is an extremely strong character that manages to acquire power in a patriarchal society. There were times tho where I got extremely frustrated with her because she is frankly a terrible mother who clearly favors one child above the others and then gets pissed when Electra points it out to her.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Grief, Misogyny, Child death, and Murder

Moderate: Rape and Lesbophobia

Minor: Suicide

Romanov by Nadine Brandes

adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

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

5.0

Even though you know Anastasia is going to die, you will not expect it when it happens. I liked how unpredictable the book was in that way and things never went the way I expected.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Death and Confinement

The Binding by Bridget Collins

emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.5

I will say, it's not really about what it seems like in the first part. It's devastating and frustrating at times but, like, in a good way. I feel like the book description gives away too much because you only learn some of it pretty late and it's a great plot twist if you don't know.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Homophobia, Suicide, Animal death, and Domestic abuse

Moderate: Rape, Alcoholism, Vomit, and Animal cruelty

Hell Followed with Us by Andrew Joseph White

dark emotional 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

5.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Fire/Fire injury, Transphobia, Religious bigotry, Genocide, Vomit, Gore, Body horror, Violence, and Gun violence

Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Domestic abuse, Dysphoria, Grief, Deadnaming, and Mental illness

You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron

dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

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

5.0

This book really takes you on a ride. It's a perfect balance of dark and terrifying vibes and just a bit of humor. Bayron's writing is amazing and on point, the characters are interesting and authentic. If you like a good scare, read this book.

Red Queen by Christina Henry

adventurous dark emotional medium-paced

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

4.0