shereadytoread's reviews
615 reviews

Clown: A Horror Short Story by Jason Brant

5.0

At the end of the story, I was really hoping there was more so that's a good sign for me. This story strikes hard and delivers on the scares. 

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Violence and Injury/Injury detail

Hollow by Branden Boyer-White, Shannon Watters

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

Looking for a sapphic Sleepy Hollow retelling/sequel? Look no further. This was a fun spin on the classic story.

The Companion by E.E. Ottoman

lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

3.0

If you are looking for a cozy, low-stakes love triangle, this is the book for you. Due to the isolation in the countryside, not much happens in the book outside of forming the romances. It is a good romance but it's a little repetitive. 

A Land with a People: Palestinians and Jews Confront Zionism by Sarah Sills, Rosalind Pollack Petchesky, Esther Farmer

5.0

Edited by a Palestinian Jew and two american Jewish activists, A Land With A People: Palestinians and Jews Confront Zionism collects poetry, art and personal essays in addition to a concise but detailed history of Zionism prior to the occupation and Palestinian life and resistance. 

I think this is among the more accessible reads and a great entry-level option for the history portion as well as the touching personal collection. 

The Out Side: Trans & Nonbinary Comics by The Kao, Min Christensen, David Daneman

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective

5.0

This was such a wonderful read. Great variety in identities represented, art styles and the type of story. Some are as short as a single page up to 6 or so pages. Each comic is paired with an artist bio so you can connect with the artist's other works. 

Upright Women Wanted by Sarah Gailey

adventurous medium-paced

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

4.0

Upright Women Wanted was very different from what I expected. I originally thought this was a general western but realized quickly it was an alternate history in which people have been driven back from technology and progress by an oppressive government and war. So it's a futuristic western. I found the story of Esther discovering that what she has been taught is untrue and that she can live and contribute to a more fulfilling life for herself and others. Another great read by Sarah Gailey.

---

Content Warnings

Graphic: Violence and Gun violence

Moderate: Transphobia and Homophobia

Only For The Week by Natasha Bishop

emotional reflective

5.0

I loved this book. No notes. 

Such a great way to show a HEA with a life that can be imperfect but fulfilling. The romance between the two was *chefs kiss*. I will definitely be reading this authors other books!

My Roommate Is a Vampire by Jenna Levine

1.0

This book was a chore to finish. The pacing was terrible and it felt like the author just threw a bunch of random plot points at the wall to see what sticks. We have basically nothing going on and then 75% in are introduced to some brand new lore about vampires that was never discussed as well as introducing a small heist plot? I think it was an attempt to give the story stakes but it failed. The author tries to make us feel like these characters are attracted to one another but spends the first half with each pointing out all the weird things about one another. Also the premise of a woman with friends that will take her in discovers a terrible secret about a man from craigslist and goes back to the house alone because "he's hot"? No.

Do Your Worst by Rosie Danan

2.0

This book was such a bore for me. I was disappointed since the premise sounded absolutely perfect but I didn’t enjoy it at all. There was no chemistry between the main characters outside of the spice. The relationship didn’t feel believable at all. The mystery of the curse seemed to ramble and doubt keep me engaged at all. I made it to the end but I think the book stalled for me around halfway through.

The Black Girl Survives in This One by Saraciea J. Fennell, Desiree S. Evans

adventurous dark

5.0

No matter the type of horror you enjoy, this book has something for you. Everything from slashers to body-snatchers to space horror to werewolves to cults, you will find it here.

The Black Girl Survives In This One is a great horror anthology featuring black girls who fight and survives horrors of all types. I enjoyed every story I read and the twists of each kept me excited for the next. I cannot wait to pick up the hardcover of this one! It’s definitely going to be a display book for my shelves 💜

My favorites:
1. Welcome Back to the Cosmos, which follows a space scavenger who runs up against an entity who either wants to destroy her or become her.
2. The Black Strings, which follows a young musician cursed with the ability to see people’s unraveling strings of fate but is powerless to prevent their deaths.
3. Harvesters, which follows a young couple headed home from a party with who they believe are friends they are safe with.

Disclaimer: I received a gifted ARC