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spacerkip's reviews
255 reviews
The Heiress Effect by Courtney Milan
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-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
4.0
Sabriel by Garth Nix
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
A shame I didn't discover this when I was younger - if I read this as a teenager, I think it would have become part of my personality.
The worldbuilding immediately drew me in. The magic system wasn't ever really explained, but it clearly operated on a concrete set of rules - both narratively and in-universe - that made me curious. Sabriel herself is a wonderful character, emotionally mature and yet sheltered to the world of Old Kingdom. She struck a wonderful balance between being competent and still out of her depth.
I didn't realize this was part of a series, but even though this first book can stand on its own, I'm definitely picking up the next one. I wanna know more about Old Kingdom! And Charter magic! And I definitely want to see what happens to Sabriel as she steps into her role as Abhorsen.
The worldbuilding immediately drew me in. The magic system wasn't ever really explained, but it clearly operated on a concrete set of rules - both narratively and in-universe - that made me curious. Sabriel herself is a wonderful character, emotionally mature and yet sheltered to the world of Old Kingdom. She struck a wonderful balance between being competent and still out of her depth.
I didn't realize this was part of a series, but even though this first book can stand on its own, I'm definitely picking up the next one. I wanna know more about Old Kingdom! And Charter magic! And I definitely want to see what happens to Sabriel as she steps into her role as Abhorsen.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence, Death, Death of parent, and War
Minor: Animal death and Sexual content
The Legend of Brightblade by Ethan M. Aldridge
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
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
This was a really sweet story about the magic that comes from sharing music with others. It was lighthearted, visually beautiful, and utterly delightful.
The art really stuck out to me for this book. I felt like the watercolors contributed to the classic storybook atmosphere, and I loved the vibrant colors on every panel. I found the depiction of bard magic to be really clever, and I liked how it evolved as more people joined in. Bard fights...very cool.
The art really stuck out to me for this book. I felt like the watercolors contributed to the classic storybook atmosphere, and I loved the vibrant colors on every panel. I found the depiction of bard magic to be really clever, and I liked how it evolved as more people joined in. Bard fights...very cool.
Siege of Darkness by R.A. Salvatore
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Dracula by Bram Stoker
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Blood, and Death
Moderate: Misogyny, Child death, Grief, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Sexism, Xenophobia, and Animal death
Minor: Death of parent
The Changeling by Victor LaValle
dark
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Dead Beat by Jim Butcher
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
The Tower of Swallows by Andrzej Sapkowski
slow-paced
1.0
I...sad.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture, War, Violence, Toxic relationship, Misogyny, Kidnapping, and Child abuse
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Vomit, and Ableism
The Boy, Me, and the Cat by Henry Plummer
adventurous
lighthearted
slow-paced
3.0
Reminded me of summer road trips from my own childhood, ie: everything kept breaking, nothing went right, and it took twice as long as it was supposed to. Every time the author grumbled about dragging his son out of bed made me realize people truly have always been people. I would love to have a conversation with "the boy", swapping all our horror stories of family trips. I was enamored with all the illustrations of the Mascot and the sights along their cruise - and of course, Scotty. Rest in peace little kitty, I will always have a place in my heart for you.
(Content note: the n-word is said a few times, though not in a malicious context)
(Content note: the n-word is said a few times, though not in a malicious context)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racial slurs and Animal death
Song of the Exile by Kiana Davenport
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
1.0
I kept waiting for this book to start and then it ended.