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ruthie__reads's reviews
38 reviews
The Obelisk Gate by N.K. Jemisin
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Holy heck, Jemisin has done it again! Somehow the sequel to The Fifth Season elaborates and expands on the themes established in the first novel, and yet somehow also shines a new perspective on this world that flips everything you think you know on its head. This series is a masterclass on conversational yet deeply intellectual and emotional writing. It will have you on the edge of your seat.
The relationships between characters, especially the relationship between children and parents takes a center stage. The tense yet tender ways we feel about how we can show up for one another (or fail to do so) are a driving force for both the plot and the character development.
Essun is a protagonist who you want to see succeed more than anything, yet her humanity is constantly being questioned by the society she lives in. As both Essun and Nassun grow into their powers individually, they change the course of the entire world, and this book has me absolutely terrified and so excited to read the final installment.
Jemisin writes in a way that feels like a story being told to you from an old oral tradition, and yet has all the futuristic boldness and dystopian scenery that you expect from a science fiction novel. The discourse about who receives full humanity and who is subjugated, who is given power and who must take it for themselves is potent and raw in this book. This is so well written, with such incredibly crafted powers and societies you will feel like you have travelled to to the Stillness yourself. And once you do, you will never be able to forget this story.
The relationships between characters, especially the relationship between children and parents takes a center stage. The tense yet tender ways we feel about how we can show up for one another (or fail to do so) are a driving force for both the plot and the character development.
Essun is a protagonist who you want to see succeed more than anything, yet her humanity is constantly being questioned by the society she lives in. As both Essun and Nassun grow into their powers individually, they change the course of the entire world, and this book has me absolutely terrified and so excited to read the final installment.
Jemisin writes in a way that feels like a story being told to you from an old oral tradition, and yet has all the futuristic boldness and dystopian scenery that you expect from a science fiction novel. The discourse about who receives full humanity and who is subjugated, who is given power and who must take it for themselves is potent and raw in this book. This is so well written, with such incredibly crafted powers and societies you will feel like you have travelled to to the Stillness yourself. And once you do, you will never be able to forget this story.
Lauren's Barbarian by Ruby Dixon
lighthearted
fast-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
4.0
Honestly, a fun good time in the continuation of our favorite alien romance series. I am no longer apologizing for loving these books, cause I’m having a blast.
Two for Tea: Welcome to Azathé by C.M. Nascosta
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Yikes, I told myself I was going to be done with Cambric Creek and I should have stuck to that.
I love the idea of this place where humans and monsters can coexist and the concept for this book was great. Unfortunately it all got lost and this particular writing style just doesn’t work for me.
The characters felt at odds with themselves but not in a way that added layers and complexity, just confusion for me, and the plot lines with the covens and the tea shop and the familiars were introduced but not ever really expanded upon.
Unfortunately this was a miss.
I love the idea of this place where humans and monsters can coexist and the concept for this book was great. Unfortunately it all got lost and this particular writing style just doesn’t work for me.
The characters felt at odds with themselves but not in a way that added layers and complexity, just confusion for me, and the plot lines with the covens and the tea shop and the familiars were introduced but not ever really expanded upon.
Unfortunately this was a miss.
Not in Love by Ali Hazelwood
emotional
funny
fast-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
4.0
In Hazelwood’s spiciest romance to date, Rue and Eli have undeniable physical chemistry, but their work puts them on opposite sides of a high stakes corporate takeover. We see a break from the typical rom com heroine in Rue, a more emotionally closed off and sarcastic lead and Eli is the perfect person to break down all her walls.
Right from the start, the tone of the book is more dramatic, yet the iconic banter you have come to expect still shines though. With short chapters, rapid-fire dialogue, and heavy doses of denying your feelings and getting someone “out of your system” this book flys by.
Sometimes I wished the conflicts would be more flushed out, but the characters being reticent to share fits the story, and the glory of an Ali Hazelwood book is that they are so delightfully easy and fun to read.
Right from the start, the tone of the book is more dramatic, yet the iconic banter you have come to expect still shines though. With short chapters, rapid-fire dialogue, and heavy doses of denying your feelings and getting someone “out of your system” this book flys by.
Sometimes I wished the conflicts would be more flushed out, but the characters being reticent to share fits the story, and the glory of an Ali Hazelwood book is that they are so delightfully easy and fun to read.
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
challenging
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
N.K. Jemisin is BRILLIANT. I will never be the same, someone please talk about this book with me before I combust. A must read for anyone and everyone.
In this dystopian world where everyone is struggling for survival and acceptance in different ways, we follow a few different story lines about women who are orogenes, which means they can shift plate tectonics and stop the earthquakes that plague the Stillness (what they call this Pangea-like world). Race, class, disability, gender, and the way humans relate and subjugate each other are the main focus of this world even as the plot describes magic crystals, and the power to literally shake the world.
A book that transcends time and space, but is so deeply human. I can’t say enough good things about this book.
In this dystopian world where everyone is struggling for survival and acceptance in different ways, we follow a few different story lines about women who are orogenes, which means they can shift plate tectonics and stop the earthquakes that plague the Stillness (what they call this Pangea-like world). Race, class, disability, gender, and the way humans relate and subjugate each other are the main focus of this world even as the plot describes magic crystals, and the power to literally shake the world.
A book that transcends time and space, but is so deeply human. I can’t say enough good things about this book.
Lore Olympus: Volume Seven by Rachel Smythe
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This installment of Lore Olympus has every major plot point finally colliding and crescendoing into a masterfully told climactic trial sequence. Every single character is uniquely written, stylistically unique, and the medium of a graphic novel serves to add nuance and beautiful visual interest and subtext to this story. This modern reimagining of an age-old myth has something for everyone, courtroom drama, romantic tension, and gorgeous art.
This book had me kicking my feet, gasping out loud, and screaming, all of which are the highest compliment I can give.
This book had me kicking my feet, gasping out loud, and screaming, all of which are the highest compliment I can give.
Knot My Type by Evie Mitchell
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Spicy, hilarious, and with a disabled FMC who is fully embodied and totally badass. We also love a handyman who will quite literally tear down inaccessible barriers for the woman he loves.
Can be cheesy at times but is well worth the read.
Can be cheesy at times but is well worth the read.
Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Ali Hazelwood’s books are just so easy and fun to read and this was no exception. I love Mallory and Nolan, and their very intense and believable chemistry, and the undercurrent of the chess world was an original setting.
Some of the characters backstories were a bit cliched and their actions were a bit over dramatic, but they’re 18 and 20 years old, who wasn’t dramatic at that age?
Ali’s signature plot is “she thinks he hates her but really he is obsessed with her” and I eat it up every single time!😂 ♟️
Some of the characters backstories were a bit cliched and their actions were a bit over dramatic, but they’re 18 and 20 years old, who wasn’t dramatic at that age?
Ali’s signature plot is “she thinks he hates her but really he is obsessed with her” and I eat it up every single time!😂 ♟️
Celestial Monsters by Aiden Thomas
adventurous
funny
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? Yes
4.75
Teo is chaotic in the best way, he’s a protagonist you want to root for, and someone you’d want to be friends with. The relationships and friendships in this sequel grow naturally after the events of the first book, and the world building continues to shine.
I love the concept for this YA series, the representation, the humor, and the message that this series sends about who should be able to determine your fate (hint: it’s not anyone else).
At times the pacing felt rushed or uneven, but the story was so worth it. I’ll forever cherish these semidioses, and their story.
I love the concept for this YA series, the representation, the humor, and the message that this series sends about who should be able to determine your fate (hint: it’s not anyone else).
At times the pacing felt rushed or uneven, but the story was so worth it. I’ll forever cherish these semidioses, and their story.
They Can't Kill Us Until They Kill Us by Hanif Abdurraqib
emotional
funny
informative
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
This collection of essays was brilliant. There is such an insightful set of observations that at first glance seem unrelated, but through Abdurraquib’s keen insight fall together gracefully.
Fans of rap, punk, and hip hop will revel in Abdurraquib’s love of the genres, but any person will be improved by encountering his writing.
In his audio narration of his works he often breaks from the physical text in a charming reexamination of past ideas that still honors their time and place.
Fans of rap, punk, and hip hop will revel in Abdurraquib’s love of the genres, but any person will be improved by encountering his writing.
In his audio narration of his works he often breaks from the physical text in a charming reexamination of past ideas that still honors their time and place.