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shereadytoread's Reviews (821)
adventurous
mysterious
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
The story was really interesting but I felt like it continually undercut its' own tension. It was a lot of fun ideas but because it was so short, every other page is a conversation and then simple reveal after a certain point. I thought the plot was great but the writing didn't make me excited to find out more. The writing was very tell, not show. It is built into such an interesting world and concept and that is such a small part of the story. I really wished we got to see more of the library or more of how it came to be. This seemed more to be a detailed outline of a super interesting story rather than the completed result.
dark
tense
Is the real horror this seemingly haunted house, or is it this very awkward love triangle? The answer is both. This is one of those reminders that YA horror can capture the creepy, eeriness without pulling punches. It definitely got the scary atmosphere of a large empty house and the unknown.
dark
reflective
There are so many things I can say about this book, but all of them would be spoilers, so I’m not going to do that.
It has been some time since I read POTS, so maybe I have forgotten but this one seemed so much darker. It’s also very likely this one felt so much more aligned with what is currently happening that it connected more.
This book takes you on a ride. It is at times hopeful and inspiring but often frustrating and horrifying. I am so sad to think we will never get the end of this story as it was originally conceived, but I think this book does end in a way that feels complete. Definitely check trigger warnings on this one.
It has been some time since I read POTS, so maybe I have forgotten but this one seemed so much darker. It’s also very likely this one felt so much more aligned with what is currently happening that it connected more.
This book takes you on a ride. It is at times hopeful and inspiring but often frustrating and horrifying. I am so sad to think we will never get the end of this story as it was originally conceived, but I think this book does end in a way that feels complete. Definitely check trigger warnings on this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Confinement, Gun violence, Incest, Misogyny, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Trafficking, Grief
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Torture, Xenophobia, Fire/Fire injury, War, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Suicide, Suicide attempt
Octavia's Brood: Science Fiction Stories from Social Justice Movements
Walidah Imarisha, adrienne maree brown
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
Plot or Character Driven:
N/A
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is an excellent collection, reflective of our world in the best and worst ways. I loved that towards the end, there are a few nonfiction essays which felt like a great way to end the collection. The types of stories vary widely.
Some I loved, some confused me, but almost all I feel I took something from.
Some I loved, some confused me, but almost all I feel I took something from.
This was such an interesting take on eco-fantasy. A survivor trying her best to hold on to her culture and hope (and respect for nature) when faced with what appears to be inevitable destruction of it all. The refusal of sacrifice but also the necessity of sacrifice are strong themes in the story.
So much happens in such a short novella, but the world felt fully fleshed out. There is a clear humanity vs nature idea, but like actual humanity, there is variety in people’s beliefs and actions.
I was so excited to hear Jiang was releasing a new story, and it did not disappoint.
Disclosure: I received a gifted copy from the publisher.
So much happens in such a short novella, but the world felt fully fleshed out. There is a clear humanity vs nature idea, but like actual humanity, there is variety in people’s beliefs and actions.
I was so excited to hear Jiang was releasing a new story, and it did not disappoint.
Disclosure: I received a gifted copy from the publisher.
This was middle of the road in every sense of the word. I loved the idea and I was really engaged for the first half of the book but over time it just lost my attention and felt boring. The execution of the idea was not compelling to me.
I do like the author’s writing style and I think I would try something else from her, but this one wasn’t it.
I do like the author’s writing style and I think I would try something else from her, but this one wasn’t it.
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 was pleasantly surprised by this one. I have not read too many romances with ace rep. The author gave a lot of care to educating on different identities along the aro/ace spectrum. There was one portion that felt a bit like an info dump, but with how little ace rep is included in traditionally published romances, I was glad to see it.
I did really love the relationship between Angela and Krystal. There was a good mix of external stakes and relationship conflict that wasn’t just based in miscommunication.
The extended “cast” was well rounded with family, friends and enemies. The intro of the book acknowledges that it is heavily based in TikTok and at the time of it going into print, the future of TikTok was unknown (and still could be).
Disclosure: I received a print copy from the publisher and an ALC from Libro.fm. I read the audio for about 70% of the book and then switched to print.
I did really love the relationship between Angela and Krystal. There was a good mix of external stakes and relationship conflict that wasn’t just based in miscommunication.
The extended “cast” was well rounded with family, friends and enemies. The intro of the book acknowledges that it is heavily based in TikTok and at the time of it going into print, the future of TikTok was unknown (and still could be).
Disclosure: I received a print copy from the publisher and an ALC from Libro.fm. I read the audio for about 70% of the book and then switched to print.
informative
reflective
This is an excellent book. It’s informative, visually interesting, and makes the reader an active part of the experience.
I loved that the end of each section includes reflective questions posed to the reader based on the section. I didn’t know they were there but I plan to revisit the discussion questions!
Disclosure: I received a gifted copy from the publisher.
I loved that the end of each section includes reflective questions posed to the reader based on the section. I didn’t know they were there but I plan to revisit the discussion questions!
Disclosure: I received a gifted copy from the publisher.
dark
tense
Before I finished this book I wasn't aware that it was based on an urban legend, but it does read like that. It's a solid read. I enjoyed the story.
Weaknesses:
Weaknesses:
- The main characters can be a little flat; there's not enough of a difference in style/mannerism/etc. that separates them. You could swap them in and out and it would still work.
- The end of the story is more of an "epilogue" than an actual ending which makes it feel a little bit rushed
Strengths:
- I found the plot to be really interesting. If you are aware of the urban legend, you'll probably know the general of where things head
- The story builds tension and dread really well. It starts with small events that just seem off and continue to build in intensity throughout the story
- Slight spoiler for general event but not detail or plot reveal:
Having one of the main characters be affected but still part of the group was great call. It adds a lot of suspense to those moments where you are not sure if they will harm the group or react normally. - It manages to be super violent without being extremely gory. There is definitely a little gore, but I think this is a book that a wider audience could really enjoy
I would love to see this book as a movie!
Disclosure: I was given an eARC by the publisher, but ended up checking out the print from my local library to finish it.
informative
sad
This was an excellent book. Such a wide range of history focusing on Maroons (self-emancipated enslaved Africans and African-Americans), along with history of indigenous peoples and abolitionists.
I learned so much reading this book and tracked other topics and texts I want to further research after finishing this one.
I learned so much reading this book and tracked other topics and texts I want to further research after finishing this one.