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shaun_trinh's Reviews (124)
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
This wasn't blunt but a raw set of poetry/short stories that go tell a story about black struggles, particularly the struggles of black people who were and continue to be traumatized through war, imperialism, and gloabl displacement. It speaks about the loss of home and community, generational trauma, forced immigrated, the traces of war, the constriting grip of what was being told womanhood was.
This was a very short read, 32 pages but the stories themselves were just around 15-20ish. When researching this book I found the digital copy posted by the Poetry Foundation for free and that there's a longer original that can be purchased. If you just search up the title you'll be able to find it.
Truthfully I don't think I fully grasped all of the pages, but for those that I didn't fully understand I still felt like I had grabbed on to part of the message and story being told.
I think one of my favorite passages is:
"No one leaves home unless home is the mouth of a shark. I’ve been carrying the old anthem in my mouth for so long that there’s no space for another song, another tongue, or another language. I know a shame that shrouds, totally engulfs. I tore up and ate my own passport in an airport hotel. I’m bloated with language I can’t afford to forget."
This was a very short read, 32 pages but the stories themselves were just around 15-20ish. When researching this book I found the digital copy posted by the Poetry Foundation for free and that there's a longer original that can be purchased. If you just search up the title you'll be able to find it.
Truthfully I don't think I fully grasped all of the pages, but for those that I didn't fully understand I still felt like I had grabbed on to part of the message and story being told.
I think one of my favorite passages is:
"No one leaves home unless home is the mouth of a shark. I’ve been carrying the old anthem in my mouth for so long that there’s no space for another song, another tongue, or another language. I know a shame that shrouds, totally engulfs. I tore up and ate my own passport in an airport hotel. I’m bloated with language I can’t afford to forget."
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a fin book, gets the job done. I really like the idea of the stars being demi-gods that have their own unique charm (power) and starlight power that they all have. I think it's cool for them to each be patrons of a different kingdom that they preside over and have their own politics over. That said they were pretty under utilized despite being one of hte primary forces of the story. Like they might tickel you a little but besides the main antagonist they were all kinda just there.
The main characters and the side cast were cool. Wish were saw more of Isra and Leo tbh. I thought Elara's story and emotions were really enthralling to read. What really got me was the idea of this black box made of shadows in her mind that she opens and seals shut with everything she sees as weakeness, or the reason why she's afraid of those with light powers from her getting attacked as a child and literally burned from the inside by an assaliant shoving light into her throat, and my favortie scene of the "play" where Sofia died and how she deceived both the reader and the Stars by faking her death. So many of her plot points are so emotionally charged and feel justified and earned in the story.
Enzo, was fine. Annoying as all fuck in the first half throwing a tantrum left right and center. Which okay I get given Elara comes from an enemy nation, was more sheltered, and that his mom died in her kingdom, but DAMNNN he was pissing me off. But at least he was a very opinionated and defined character. He became a lot more one note at the second half though. Emobidment of down bad. Which I get it its nice its sweet its fresh but jesus christ I could swap him out for any male character who is down bad and I wouldn't be able to tell the difference. He starts as an asshole who is but actually a good prince, but then softens up for Elara, has daddy issues that are briefly touched, suddenly gets the opportunity to kill his dad, kills dad, end daddy issues (?), end of his story in the book. I know I talked a lot of shit about him, but I don't dislike him, he's a fine guy, he just get eclipsed sooooo much and loses a lot of his characterization.
A critique I do have and is a main reason why Im rating 3/5 stars (besides the lack of utilization of the Stars, character issue, and just other plot stuff), is that the 2nd half of this book was filled to the BRIM with "....oh but ACTUALLYYYY" after anything happens. You think you've escaped the antagonist "no ACTUALLY", someone betrayed you, "no ACTUALLY", you think you tricked the antagonist, "no ACTUALLY", you think you've beat the antagonist "no ACTUALLY", you think you've killed the antagonist with the weapon designed to kill him and yet you leave him somewhat alive because you think you've won for no reason like an idiot "no ACTUALLY"....and it the list goes on and on and on like PLEASEEEEEEEEE PLEASEEEEEEEE ITS EXHAUSTINGGGG THESE AREN'T TWISTS ITS JUST STUPID STORY TELLING AFTER A CERTAIN POINT.
Anyways I still did enjoy myself well enough.
The main characters and the side cast were cool. Wish were saw more of Isra and Leo tbh. I thought Elara's story and emotions were really enthralling to read. What really got me was the idea of this black box made of shadows in her mind that she opens and seals shut with everything she sees as weakeness, or the reason why she's afraid of those with light powers from her getting attacked as a child and literally burned from the inside by an assaliant shoving light into her throat, and my favortie scene of the "play" where Sofia died and how she deceived both the reader and the Stars by faking her death. So many of her plot points are so emotionally charged and feel justified and earned in the story.
Enzo, was fine. Annoying as all fuck in the first half throwing a tantrum left right and center. Which okay I get given Elara comes from an enemy nation, was more sheltered, and that his mom died in her kingdom, but DAMNNN he was pissing me off. But at least he was a very opinionated and defined character. He became a lot more one note at the second half though. Emobidment of down bad. Which I get it its nice its sweet its fresh but jesus christ I could swap him out for any male character who is down bad and I wouldn't be able to tell the difference. He starts as an asshole who is but actually a good prince, but then softens up for Elara, has daddy issues that are briefly touched, suddenly gets the opportunity to kill his dad, kills dad, end daddy issues (?), end of his story in the book. I know I talked a lot of shit about him, but I don't dislike him, he's a fine guy, he just get eclipsed sooooo much and loses a lot of his characterization.
A critique I do have and is a main reason why Im rating 3/5 stars (besides the lack of utilization of the Stars, character issue, and just other plot stuff), is that the 2nd half of this book was filled to the BRIM with "....oh but ACTUALLYYYY" after anything happens. You think you've escaped the antagonist "no ACTUALLY", someone betrayed you, "no ACTUALLY", you think you tricked the antagonist, "no ACTUALLY", you think you've beat the antagonist "no ACTUALLY", you think you've killed the antagonist with the weapon designed to kill him and yet you leave him somewhat alive because you think you've won for no reason like an idiot "no ACTUALLY"....and it the list goes on and on and on like PLEASEEEEEEEEE PLEASEEEEEEEE ITS EXHAUSTINGGGG THESE AREN'T TWISTS ITS JUST STUPID STORY TELLING AFTER A CERTAIN POINT.
Anyways I still did enjoy myself well enough.
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
The Gargoyle is my favorite character in the story hands down. He does no wrong, is always correct, and is the best squire someone could ask for.
Love, love, love the story, lore, and world building in the book. From the diviners, to the omens, and the religious-political climate across the hamlets. Everything felt so intimate and deeply connected to one another. If something happened, it was connected to another deep rooted idea or event in the story/past.
I'm usually not super engaged with conflicts deeply rooted in religion, but the way that religion is sewn into the plot, characters, and history of the story had me hooked all the way through. The concept of diviners being drowned to dream of the omens tools for (mis)fortune tellings, who the omens end up being, and the quest to kill them and take their tools was rad. The group of diviners themselves were also great and felt like a close knit group of girls, which made their dissapearance leaving Six alone all the more sad. I did not think I'd care for them at all going into the book, but DAMN I FEEL BAD. Learning what happened to them and the diviners that came before them was so fucked up and just raised the emotional stakes higher, and higher, AND GARGOYLE MY FAVORITE GARGOYLE LIKE WHAT I DIDN'T SEE THAT COMING.
Six was a greeaaaaat protagonist and her journey challenging everything she was taught about the herself, the diviners, and omens, her searching for the diviners, and carving a place for herself with people she's come to care about was great to see. The relationship building between her and Rory was oddly paced at times, but hey im still down for it.
Not everything was perfect, the climax felt very quick and things with Benji felt just a little weird (even if it was hinted at), but it's not enough to dampen the story for me.
I cannot waaaaaait for book 2.
Love, love, love the story, lore, and world building in the book. From the diviners, to the omens, and the religious-political climate across the hamlets. Everything felt so intimate and deeply connected to one another. If something happened, it was connected to another deep rooted idea or event in the story/past.
I'm usually not super engaged with conflicts deeply rooted in religion, but the way that religion is sewn into the plot, characters, and history of the story had me hooked all the way through. The concept of diviners being drowned to dream of the omens tools for (mis)fortune tellings, who the omens end up being, and the quest to kill them and take their tools was rad. The group of diviners themselves were also great and felt like a close knit group of girls, which made their dissapearance leaving Six alone all the more sad. I did not think I'd care for them at all going into the book, but DAMN I FEEL BAD. Learning what happened to them and the diviners that came before them was so fucked up and just raised the emotional stakes higher, and higher, AND GARGOYLE MY FAVORITE GARGOYLE LIKE WHAT I DIDN'T SEE THAT COMING.
Six was a greeaaaaat protagonist and her journey challenging everything she was taught about the herself, the diviners, and omens, her searching for the diviners, and carving a place for herself with people she's come to care about was great to see. The relationship building between her and Rory was oddly paced at times, but hey im still down for it.
Not everything was perfect, the climax felt very quick and things with Benji felt just a little weird (even if it was hinted at), but it's not enough to dampen the story for me.
I cannot waaaaaait for book 2.
adventurous
dark
inspiring
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
I actually really enjoyed the heist aspect of the story and everything that led up to it. The entire vibe of a lower and upper crust crew with different motives to pull of a stint was really interesting. The supernatural aspect was fun and the socail commentary made sense and was consistent.
Alas, I found myself confused and lost with a lot of the world building as there was just so much being thrown around that it was hard to keep track of. And despite me liking the crew and getting most of their perspectives, the relationship building for Arthie outside of with her brother Jin (which was great), was pretty lackluster. A lot of things that happened that should have as an UMPH lacked that UMPH because the build up and chemistry just wans't there? He didn't make all that much sensein hindsight. The betrayal and final scene were also just kind of, meh? I feel like I should have felt more then what I did. Where was my UMPHHHH.
Also the moment Penn had that whole sentimental scene with Arthie before the press meeting I KNEW that man was about to die. It reaaaaally wasn't subtle whatsoever. The entire plan wiht that press meeting and the reasoning behind it was also just flimsy. "Oh yeah people don't care about vampires which the abuse of them is what this meeting is about.....but they'll still feel afraid of the government!!"...Literal atroscities were happening to other people and countries that weren't the upper class of this government but this is where their public would draw the line???? That their government uses a supernatural species that the public is afraid of as military weapons? Idk. A little too optimistic.
Alas, I found myself confused and lost with a lot of the world building as there was just so much being thrown around that it was hard to keep track of. And despite me liking the crew and getting most of their perspectives, the relationship building for Arthie outside of with her brother Jin (which was great), was pretty lackluster. A lot of things that happened that should have as an UMPH lacked that UMPH because the build up and chemistry just wans't there? He didn't make all that much sensein hindsight. The betrayal and final scene were also just kind of, meh? I feel like I should have felt more then what I did. Where was my UMPHHHH.
Also the moment Penn had that whole sentimental scene with Arthie before the press meeting I KNEW that man was about to die. It reaaaaally wasn't subtle whatsoever. The entire plan wiht that press meeting and the reasoning behind it was also just flimsy. "Oh yeah people don't care about vampires which the abuse of them is what this meeting is about.....but they'll still feel afraid of the government!!"...Literal atroscities were happening to other people and countries that weren't the upper class of this government but this is where their public would draw the line???? That their government uses a supernatural species that the public is afraid of as military weapons? Idk. A little too optimistic.
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
sad
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
If Cisure has no haters then I must be dead in a ditch cuz FUUUUUUUUUUCK her. I hope im never bestowed a shitty ass best friend like her.
Anyways, this was an amazing book. I think this is what perfectly incompasses what a dark fantasy book actually is. It doesn't take horrific or abusive actions and then glorify them into something acceptable, but it shows genuine injustices for what they are and what it does to both the main characters and the world they're in at large. All the while still maintiang an interesting romance.
The magic system with runes and the role of Petitor's was really facinating. The ability to probe memories, manifest them into the real world, and also tell if that person is lying and having that as a job with politicians in a world greatly inspired by ancient Rome was great. That alongside the Sherlock-Watsom / Boss-over worked assistant dyanmic really set Sarai and Kadra;s relationship up with each other and the political world.
Despite that we can really tell what the mystery is by around page 66, the story of what happened to Sarai, the girl who knew to much, and the Petitor's who followed really was enthrawling. The emotional stakes for Sarai despite all her suspiciouns and who was likely the cuprit never left the page and I think that's what sticks with me the most about this book. How it handles injustice to women, the lower class, the innocents, and doesn't shy away from it. The Sidran Tower girl, her truth, the truth of the conspiracy around, and those that followed really do haunt the narrative.
Loved the story and I thought that hint at the end about who'll be featured in the next book is FEIRFOERIFJERFJOE
.5 stars off though because some pages needed an editor and had me re-reading trying to make sense of what was being said, to whom, and who knows what.
Anyways, this was an amazing book. I think this is what perfectly incompasses what a dark fantasy book actually is. It doesn't take horrific or abusive actions and then glorify them into something acceptable, but it shows genuine injustices for what they are and what it does to both the main characters and the world they're in at large. All the while still maintiang an interesting romance.
The magic system with runes and the role of Petitor's was really facinating. The ability to probe memories, manifest them into the real world, and also tell if that person is lying and having that as a job with politicians in a world greatly inspired by ancient Rome was great. That alongside the Sherlock-Watsom / Boss-over worked assistant dyanmic really set Sarai and Kadra;s relationship up with each other and the political world.
Despite that we can really tell what the mystery is by around page 66, the story of what happened to Sarai, the girl who knew to much, and the Petitor's who followed really was enthrawling. The emotional stakes for Sarai despite all her suspiciouns and who was likely the cuprit never left the page and I think that's what sticks with me the most about this book. How it handles injustice to women, the lower class, the innocents, and doesn't shy away from it. The Sidran Tower girl, her truth, the truth of the conspiracy around, and those that followed really do haunt the narrative.
Loved the story and I thought that hint at the end about who'll be featured in the next book is FEIRFOERIFJERFJOE
.5 stars off though because some pages needed an editor and had me re-reading trying to make sense of what was being said, to whom, and who knows what.
adventurous
dark
emotional
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:
Yes
ALRIGHT ALRIGHT I thought the plot twist was being slammed over my head with a brick but I've been made. Gotten. Tricked. I really didn't expect and was bracing myself for a different type of hurt. I honestly did enjoy the story and how the characters subverted my expectations on how they would be. I thought Wren was going to be a feabile, weak character for most of the story and while she didn't have any overt power, she was still always carried her own agency for her own beliefs and interests (even if she was being fooled during some of them). I also thought oak would be a lot more coniving for his own interests, but he was more level headed then expectedd and i really like the aspect of him dealing with the blood lust of being raised by a red cap.
Another thing I enjoyed is that the fae were a constant threat (and not just the fae antagonist). Mosto f their adversaries weren't specifically against them, but as fae are dangerous and deceptive, they were dangerous too them as well. My only critique that weights this down is that it felt like something was missing from the story. Everything was interesting, but we were just at the cupse of something even MORE. I don't know how to really describe it. Maybe ill bump it up to a 4/5 stars.
I'm also so incredibly invested in Hyacinthe and Tieran's story.
Another thing I enjoyed is that the fae were a constant threat (and not just the fae antagonist). Mosto f their adversaries weren't specifically against them, but as fae are dangerous and deceptive, they were dangerous too them as well. My only critique that weights this down is that it felt like something was missing from the story. Everything was interesting, but we were just at the cupse of something even MORE. I don't know how to really describe it. Maybe ill bump it up to a 4/5 stars.
I'm also so incredibly invested in Hyacinthe and Tieran's story.
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
tense
slow-paced
Read this for a conflict resolution class. Interesting topic and story, just didn't like the writing style for 2/3rd's of it which made it difficult to get through. It is crazy to think about when the core issue of this book started, when the trials started, and when it ended, which was in the middle of quarantine.
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
WTF DID I JUST READ WTF DID I JUST READ WTF DID I JUST READ
I broadly knew how the book was gonna end BUT STILL, THE ENDING? WTF DID I JUST READ?
I broadly knew how the book was gonna end BUT STILL, THE ENDING? WTF DID I JUST READ?
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Torj is BORING, boring ,boring, boring, so incredibly stale and boring, and repetitive, and BORING. I hate the way this man walks, talks, moves, exists in the fictional plate. He irks me. I cannot stand him.
Every time he touched the page I let out a sigh because what is the point or reason for htis to be a duel POV book. The story was genuinely interesting at almost all points where he is not involved. Truthfully this book would have been better as a high fantasy and not a romantasy book because why is the 'romance' part of the story the weakest part. There is no chemistry just forced and unwanted chemistry being shoved down my throat. Manifesting in the first 250 pages as various scenes of them getting forced into close proximity to each other. As in there were like 10 scenes of this happening within the first half of the book. I don't care for their backstory. I don't care for their relationship. Wren's realtionships with quite literally EVERY other character is far more interesting then anything between her and Torj. Honestly if this was a high fantasy book and Zavier was the B or C plot romantic interest I think that would have been MUCH MUCH MUCHHHH better.
The way this man does his job, the way he talks and thinks, the way and reasons he gets angry all set me off. The way he gets in Wren's (and my enjoyments) way is awful. He single handedly undercut amost of an over 500 page book.
That's not all those because WHAT is the false advertisement that got me interested in this book. The synopsis of my edition of the book heavily implied that the tension of this story was that Wren (a poisoner/alechemist) assassinated Torj's (warrior guy)'s Charge and THAT's what the dynamic between them would be about. But NO. They dont give a FUCK. Literally. WIthin the first 20 pages is just mentioned that Wren killed him and they just laughed it off. WHAT WHAT WHAT. WHAT WAS THE REASON WHY THIS DETAIL WAS SO HEAVILY EMPHASIZED IN THE SYNOPSIS OF MY EDITION? Instead of Torj being forced to be Wren's guard despite her murdering his captain (which was a really cool dynamic), THEN TENSION IS LITERALLY JUST FROM OCCUPATIONAL DISAGREEMENT AND EDGING. And that's not an exaggeration.
Lastly for the gauntlet being built up for 400 pages it lasted for like what, 20 pages?
Anyways I did enjoy the broad premise and Wren as a character.
Every time he touched the page I let out a sigh because what is the point or reason for htis to be a duel POV book. The story was genuinely interesting at almost all points where he is not involved. Truthfully this book would have been better as a high fantasy and not a romantasy book because why is the 'romance' part of the story the weakest part. There is no chemistry just forced and unwanted chemistry being shoved down my throat. Manifesting in the first 250 pages as various scenes of them getting forced into close proximity to each other. As in there were like 10 scenes of this happening within the first half of the book. I don't care for their backstory. I don't care for their relationship. Wren's realtionships with quite literally EVERY other character is far more interesting then anything between her and Torj. Honestly if this was a high fantasy book and Zavier was the B or C plot romantic interest I think that would have been MUCH MUCH MUCHHHH better.
The way this man does his job, the way he talks and thinks, the way and reasons he gets angry all set me off. The way he gets in Wren's (and my enjoyments) way is awful. He single handedly undercut amost of an over 500 page book.
That's not all those because WHAT is the false advertisement that got me interested in this book. The synopsis of my edition of the book heavily implied that the tension of this story was that Wren (a poisoner/alechemist) assassinated Torj's (warrior guy)'s Charge and THAT's what the dynamic between them would be about. But NO. They dont give a FUCK. Literally. WIthin the first 20 pages is just mentioned that Wren killed him and they just laughed it off. WHAT WHAT WHAT. WHAT WAS THE REASON WHY THIS DETAIL WAS SO HEAVILY EMPHASIZED IN THE SYNOPSIS OF MY EDITION? Instead of Torj being forced to be Wren's guard despite her murdering his captain (which was a really cool dynamic), THEN TENSION IS LITERALLY JUST FROM OCCUPATIONAL DISAGREEMENT AND EDGING. And that's not an exaggeration.
Lastly for the gauntlet being built up for 400 pages it lasted for like what, 20 pages?
Anyways I did enjoy the broad premise and Wren as a character.
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Loooove childcare stories. Very sweet, wholesome, and easy to read. This didn't feel like the end of the series, but I'm sort of glad it is because the "issues" were honestly getting pretty repetetive and broing. Like good grief just keep it moooooving.
Hoooowever if they had continued the story into Hinata going into middle and high school I wouldn't have minded because I did like the glimpse of it in the bonus story.
Hoooowever if they had continued the story into Hinata going into middle and high school I wouldn't have minded because I did like the glimpse of it in the bonus story.