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shimaira's reviews
64 reviews
Open Wound by Shane Blackheart
5.0
OPEN WOUND continues where EVERYTHING IS WONDERFUL NOW left off.
TL;DR review:
Just like the first book, OPEN WOUND is semi-autobiographical and is best defined as literary erotic horror. It's dark, sensual, and explores trauma in a very unique way.
Longer, more in-depth review:
On mental health:
With this book being based on the author's life, the way Sean deals with his trauma is very real and I can imagine some people might balk at certain scenes. Let me make it clear that there is no one way to dealing with trauma and all coping mechanisms are valid if they help the person dealing with the trauma.
Sean's partners are very supportive, perhaps even too much? The level of trust in some situations left me in suspense because I was not trusting Vexis just yet. Their ways of helping Sean were surely very unconventional (and the book actually has an author's note at the end discussing this which I very much appreciated
TL;DR review:
Just like the first book, OPEN WOUND is semi-autobiographical and is best defined as literary erotic horror. It's dark, sensual, and explores trauma in a very unique way.
Longer, more in-depth review:
On mental health:
With this book being based on the author's life, the way Sean deals with his trauma is very real and I can imagine some people might balk at certain scenes. Let me make it clear that there is no one way to dealing with trauma and all coping mechanisms are valid if they help the person dealing with the trauma.
Sean's partners are very supportive, perhaps even too much? The level of trust in some situations left me in suspense because I was not trusting Vexis just yet. Their ways of helping Sean were surely very unconventional (and the book actually has an author's note at the end discussing this which I very much appreciated
Little Black Bird by Anna Kirchner
5.0
I got this book for the Polish folklore and the ace & questioning rep, and I was not disappointed!
I absolutely loved the characters. They felt very natural and their relationships and friendships made me very happy. I laughed a lot and was also moved to tears multiple times. Especially the moments where asexuality was discussed touched me deeply (I'm grey-ace and only realised this a few years ago).
The mere thought of having read such a book when I was a teen myself gave quite the pang. I hope my daughter will read this book once she's older ♥ It doesn't matter if you're acespec or not, reading this book will broaden your understanding.
The Polish folklore was a lot of fun to read as was the entire Polish setting. The story was engaging and kept me bound. I would have finished it in one go if there hadn't been something called sleep. (I still finished it in two days.)
I can't wait for more!
I absolutely loved the characters. They felt very natural and their relationships and friendships made me very happy. I laughed a lot and was also moved to tears multiple times. Especially the moments where asexuality was discussed touched me deeply (I'm grey-ace and only realised this a few years ago).
The mere thought of having read such a book when I was a teen myself gave quite the pang. I hope my daughter will read this book once she's older ♥ It doesn't matter if you're acespec or not, reading this book will broaden your understanding.
The Polish folklore was a lot of fun to read as was the entire Polish setting. The story was engaging and kept me bound. I would have finished it in one go if there hadn't been something called sleep. (I still finished it in two days.)
I can't wait for more!
Everything Is Wonderful Now by Shane Blackheart
5.0
This book is quite unique and doesn't fit neatly into any one box or genre.
TL;DR review:
A semi-autobiographical novel that's best defined as literary urban fantasy. Come for the angel getting his ass kicked, stay for Sean figuring out his past and his own, dark, nature.
Longer, more in-depth review:
On mental health:
With this book being based on the author's life, the mental health rep is very on point. It's personal and real--because it is--which really make this hard to read in certain bits. (Eg when Sera's dad is being abusive.) Because the story has been fictionalised, it remains unclear which bits are indeed fiction and which aren't.
I'll be honest and add that I'm friends with the author, so aware of certain personal details. This made reading this book all the more of a ride because I knew some events really happened, while others left me guessing (and hoping it was fiction-only).
On LGBTQ+:
The MC is trans and the book follows them as a kid to an adult. As a kid, gender questions start to rise but only as small notions, small hints--that bring a smile to Sera's face.
As an adult, Sean is already living as his authentic self. We do see some flashbacks to earlier but most details of the turbulent teen years where he settles are in the time skip.
Sexuality is also a thing because Sean is ace but very sexual (he needs sex on a spiritual level, just seldom feels sexual *attraction*). A combo not represented enough in books imo, so very happy to see more of that
TL;DR review:
A semi-autobiographical novel that's best defined as literary urban fantasy. Come for the angel getting his ass kicked, stay for Sean figuring out his past and his own, dark, nature.
Longer, more in-depth review:
On mental health:
With this book being based on the author's life, the mental health rep is very on point. It's personal and real--because it is--which really make this hard to read in certain bits. (Eg when Sera's dad is being abusive.) Because the story has been fictionalised, it remains unclear which bits are indeed fiction and which aren't.
I'll be honest and add that I'm friends with the author, so aware of certain personal details. This made reading this book all the more of a ride because I knew some events really happened, while others left me guessing (and hoping it was fiction-only).
On LGBTQ+:
The MC is trans and the book follows them as a kid to an adult. As a kid, gender questions start to rise but only as small notions, small hints--that bring a smile to Sera's face.
As an adult, Sean is already living as his authentic self. We do see some flashbacks to earlier but most details of the turbulent teen years where he settles are in the time skip.
Sexuality is also a thing because Sean is ace but very sexual (he needs sex on a spiritual level, just seldom feels sexual *attraction*). A combo not represented enough in books imo, so very happy to see more of that
The Reluctant Husband by C.M. Rosens
5.0
If you're invested in the Pagham-on-Sea universe and crave more insight into the... origins/history of the Eldritch horrors that lurk there, this short story is a must-read. Be sure to check the content warnings, though the title already says enough. You've not seen enough hentai to know where this is going
In the Jaws of an Oak by Emryn Bird
4.0
This illustrated book is gorgeous with a story that shows such a realistic way of how one can deal with trauma using sex/kink. I was happily surprised to see the characters actually communicate during and after sex, and when mistakes were made, talk it out and fix it and do better ♥
It was also very nice--and needed--to have a book that shows on-page how a top can also need aftercare.
Seeing how the MMC just casually drops that he has had both male and female spouses before the current FMC, and that one of the female servants married a woman, made for a lovely queer-normative world
It was also very nice--and needed--to have a book that shows on-page how a top can also need aftercare.
Seeing how the MMC just casually drops that he has had both male and female spouses before the current FMC, and that one of the female servants married a woman, made for a lovely queer-normative world
With A Vengeance by Freydís Moon
1.0
Review removed as the author lied about their identity and they harassed and bullied people.
It's Only A Little Death by Shane Blackheart
5.0
I had the pleasure of reading this book early and it was such a fun ride! It has a setting that reminded me of Beetlejuice's afterlife/underworld, with some very fun sex scenes with quite the more...unusual partners
Lovelorn by April-Jane Rowan
5.0
If you love the fantasy world of Pan's Labyrinth and want to read an entire book that offers that setting, albeit with even darker creatures... This is the book you've been looking for!
TL;DR review:
The kingdom of Lovelorn is intriguing, magical, utterly terrifying, and dark--yet oh so pretty. Mabel's character explores grief and finding your strength, whereas Harry is about accepting yourself and growth. Be prepared to be surprised by where this book will take you ♥
Longer, more in-depth review:
On grief & Mabel:
Mabel deals with the grief of having lost her husband--if he died or ran away remains uncertain at the start, but you'll find out the truth along the way. The way her process of grief is told, of how she comes out of her "stupor" was vividly real and accurate.
She's a really interesting character because of how she *needs* to change in order to go after her lost child, and any parent would relate to her determination. I couldn't help but root for her the entire journey long.
On disability & Harry:
Harry was a detestable character. I hated him almost from page 1--as was clearly intended. The fact that he had a bad leg from an accident did nothing to make me care for him, simply because of his backstory and all the bad stuff he'd done and his personality. Yet, somehow, along the way... My feelings changed. I can't say I liked him at the end, but I did no longer hate him. That's some really great writing ♥
His disability was written well. The accident that caused it had made him fall from grace, lost him the pedestal he'd been on. He was a proud man and he clung to his pride with all he got as it ensured he remained in power--all that he ever cared about. Power and being revered. During his journey, he... learns. He grows. And it was so well written, so gradual... It was natural. I doubt many writers would be able to pull off an unlikeable character and make it a great read.
On LGBTQ+:
This is a queer book. There is a queer relationship. But, to avoid spoilers, I won't elaborate further
TL;DR review:
The kingdom of Lovelorn is intriguing, magical, utterly terrifying, and dark--yet oh so pretty. Mabel's character explores grief and finding your strength, whereas Harry is about accepting yourself and growth. Be prepared to be surprised by where this book will take you ♥
Longer, more in-depth review:
On grief & Mabel:
Mabel deals with the grief of having lost her husband--if he died or ran away remains uncertain at the start, but you'll find out the truth along the way. The way her process of grief is told, of how she comes out of her "stupor" was vividly real and accurate.
She's a really interesting character because of how she *needs* to change in order to go after her lost child, and any parent would relate to her determination. I couldn't help but root for her the entire journey long.
On disability & Harry:
Harry was a detestable character. I hated him almost from page 1--as was clearly intended. The fact that he had a bad leg from an accident did nothing to make me care for him, simply because of his backstory and all the bad stuff he'd done and his personality. Yet, somehow, along the way... My feelings changed. I can't say I liked him at the end, but I did no longer hate him. That's some really great writing ♥
His disability was written well. The accident that caused it had made him fall from grace, lost him the pedestal he'd been on. He was a proud man and he clung to his pride with all he got as it ensured he remained in power--all that he ever cared about. Power and being revered. During his journey, he... learns. He grows. And it was so well written, so gradual... It was natural. I doubt many writers would be able to pull off an unlikeable character and make it a great read.
On LGBTQ+:
This is a queer book. There is a queer relationship. But, to avoid spoilers, I won't elaborate further
The Sussex Fretsaw Massacre by C.M. Rosens
5.0
This was so much fun. Gory, hilarious, but also surprisingly sweet and