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speculativeshelves's reviews
701 reviews
Bury Your Gays by Chuck Tingle
dark
emotional
funny
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
4.0
Fun and campy horror exploring themes of queer representation in media, corporate greed, and the use of AI in creative fields. This story is engaging, clever, and satisfying. I quite enjoyed the pacing and it was hard to put down. The Horror aspects were done well but are not Super Scary (particularly because the monsters intentionally feel quite trope-y) making this book a great choice for readers looking to dip their toes into the genre but not wanting anything too intense.
Misha, the protagonist, was great and I enjoyed the emphasis this story placed on both romantic and platonic love. His relationships with his boyfriend, Zeke, and his best friend, Tara, were at the heart of this story and it was lovely (though I would've liked a just few more scenes with both of them). I also really appreciated the aro/ace representation through Tara! She was fantastic and felt unique compared to a lot of other aro/ace side characters that I find can sometimes feel very one-note.
Misha, the protagonist, was great and I enjoyed the emphasis this story placed on both romantic and platonic love. His relationships with his boyfriend, Zeke, and his best friend, Tara, were at the heart of this story and it was lovely (though I would've liked a just few more scenes with both of them). I also really appreciated the aro/ace representation through Tara! She was fantastic and felt unique compared to a lot of other aro/ace side characters that I find can sometimes feel very one-note.
Penance by Eliza Clark
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
A metafiction work written in the form of a nonfiction true crime novel, Penance is a brilliant examination of true crime culture, teenage girlhood, and tumblr fandoms in the 2010s. I was hooked from the beginning and loved how this was a story told by an unreliable narrator so that the lines were blurred between what was true and what was sensationalized.
There are a lot of references to real life true crime cases (some of which I knew a good amount about and others I knew very little) and there was one instance of a factual inaccuracy I noticed that bothered me quite a bit. It wasn't until I finished the book realized that the inaccuracy was likely purposeful rather than an unintentional error by the author.The creators of South Park did not, in fact, attend Columbine High School as the fictional author of <i>Penance</i> states at one point. However, the act of changing that small detail (one most readers likely will not question) works as a literary device to create a "narratively better story" . A major theme throughout the book is how some nonfiction (specifically true crime) authors/content creators are willing to bend the truth in order to tell a "better" and "more interesting" story to their audience.
The last thing I want to note is, as someone who was an active tumblr user in the 2010s, this book has the best fictional depiction of it that I have ever seen. The involvement in fandoms as well as the subsequent (and occasionally unhinged) drama that could frequently unfold within them depicted here gave me major flashbacks. Eliza Clark was clearly in the trenches back in the day.
There are a lot of references to real life true crime cases (some of which I knew a good amount about and others I knew very little) and there was one instance of a factual inaccuracy I noticed that bothered me quite a bit. It wasn't until I finished the book realized that the inaccuracy was likely purposeful rather than an unintentional error by the author.
The last thing I want to note is, as someone who was an active tumblr user in the 2010s, this book has the best fictional depiction of it that I have ever seen. The involvement in fandoms as well as the subsequent (and occasionally unhinged) drama that could frequently unfold within them depicted here gave me major flashbacks. Eliza Clark was clearly in the trenches back in the day.
Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
mysterious
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
3.5
A little disappointed this wasn't the new favorite I hoped it would be. The beginning started out strong and the ending was great but I wasn't always engaged with the story in the middle.
Belladonna is a YA story with the vibes of what I would call "spooky Bridgerton" (though the setting is more Victorian inspired rather than Regency). I expected this to lean a bit more into the gothic elements (ghosts, possibly haunted manor, etc) than it actually did so I would classify this more as "gothic-lite" (and now looking at old reviews that's how I described Allison Saft's Down Comes the Night which this book reminded me of quite a bit!). I personally wanted more from the gothic elements but it's a story that's perfect for readers who want a spooky-leaning (but not horror) novel for fall. It's a YA historical fantasy with supernatural elements and a murder mystery subplot. If that's up your alley, I definitely recommend!
Signa and Death are obviously the standouts of this book and if you're wanting a well-done "death and the maiden" romance, this delivers. Outside of them I wasn't all that invested in the other characters (aside from Blythe, but mainly because I know she'll have a bigger role later in the trilogy).
The worldbuilding and magic of this story were both more vague than I would've liked. It never became fully clear if the setting was an original fantasy world that was Victorian-era inspired or if it was actually set in the Victorian era in our world but with magic (though I think it was the former). I also did not feel like I fully understood the "rules" of Death and Signa's magic, though I suspect that will be expanded upon in the next book.
The last thing that kept me from fully connecting to this book I think just comes down to the fact that this is YA and I'm not the target audience. I've read a lot of YA fantasy and stories dealing with these same tropes so I could see certain plot twists comingI saw the Sylas = Death twist coming from a mile away and it was frustrating when Signa wasn't putting the pieces together. That being said, there were some great twists at the end and I really enjoyed the set up for Foxglove.
While I personally didn't connect with this story as much as I hoped, I do think this is would work well for the upper YA audience it's geared toward. I can see why it's quite popular - especially among readers who enjoy supernatural love interests and reading spooky non-horror books in the fall.
Belladonna is a YA story with the vibes of what I would call "spooky Bridgerton" (though the setting is more Victorian inspired rather than Regency). I expected this to lean a bit more into the gothic elements (ghosts, possibly haunted manor, etc) than it actually did so I would classify this more as "gothic-lite" (and now looking at old reviews that's how I described Allison Saft's Down Comes the Night which this book reminded me of quite a bit!). I personally wanted more from the gothic elements but it's a story that's perfect for readers who want a spooky-leaning (but not horror) novel for fall. It's a YA historical fantasy with supernatural elements and a murder mystery subplot. If that's up your alley, I definitely recommend!
Signa and Death are obviously the standouts of this book and if you're wanting a well-done "death and the maiden" romance, this delivers. Outside of them I wasn't all that invested in the other characters (aside from Blythe, but mainly because I know she'll have a bigger role later in the trilogy).
The worldbuilding and magic of this story were both more vague than I would've liked. It never became fully clear if the setting was an original fantasy world that was Victorian-era inspired or if it was actually set in the Victorian era in our world but with magic (though I think it was the former). I also did not feel like I fully understood the "rules" of Death and Signa's magic, though I suspect that will be expanded upon in the next book.
The last thing that kept me from fully connecting to this book I think just comes down to the fact that this is YA and I'm not the target audience. I've read a lot of YA fantasy and stories dealing with these same tropes so I could see certain plot twists coming
While I personally didn't connect with this story as much as I hoped, I do think this is would work well for the upper YA audience it's geared toward. I can see why it's quite popular - especially among readers who enjoy supernatural love interests and reading spooky non-horror books in the fall.
Dragon Age: The Missing by George Mann
adventurous
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
The Missing is a fun mini-prologue to the upcoming Dragon Age: The Veilguard. It's not really essential reading before the game as not much happens in terms of the plot, it's just an enjoyable set-up adventure starring Varric and Harding. It's worth picking up if you enjoyed Tevinter Nights and want a bit more DA content while waiting for the game's release.
Each issue features characters that made their first appearance in Tevinter Nights and will likely play a significant role in the upcoming game as faction contacts (Evka and Antoine, Teia and Viago, Strife and Irelin) or companions (Neve). They were all some of my favorite characters in Tevinter Nights so I was thrilled to see them again. Between their appearances and nods to Inquisition, it felt a bit fan-service-y but in a good way as I absolutely was the fan being serviced. Also, as a High Republic fan I enjoyed reading Dragon Age content by George Mann and felt like he captured these characters perfectly.
Each issue features characters that made their first appearance in Tevinter Nights and will likely play a significant role in the upcoming game as faction contacts (Evka and Antoine, Teia and Viago, Strife and Irelin) or companions (Neve). They were all some of my favorite characters in Tevinter Nights so I was thrilled to see them again. Between their appearances and nods to Inquisition, it felt a bit fan-service-y but in a good way as I absolutely was the fan being serviced. Also, as a High Republic fan I enjoyed reading Dragon Age content by George Mann and felt like he captured these characters perfectly.
Tevinter Nights by Christopher Morgan, Matthew Goldman, Chris Bain, Patrick Weekes
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
Fantastic anthology of Dragon Age short stories that work as the perfect lead into Dragon Age: The Veilguard. If you (like me) are counting down the days until that game's release at the end of October, I highly recommend picking this up while you wait. The stories give an excellent glimpse into the state of various countries/factions in Northern Thedas, a few star some of the upcoming game's companions (Lucanis, Neve, Emmrich), and there are certain plot threads and new characters that I'm looking forward to seeing if they make an appearance in the game. There are also a couple of stories that are a perfect bridge between Inquisition and The Veilguard (especially the last story).
As with any anthology, some stories were stronger than others but there were none I disliked. My top 5 favorites were:
As with any anthology, some stories were stronger than others but there were none I disliked. My top 5 favorites were:
- "Eight Little Talons" by Courtney Woods (Teia and Viago are everything to me and this short story had better romantic tension than a lot of full length romances I've read lately! Also loved the And Then There Were None murder mystery structure)
- "The Dread Wolf Take You" by Trick Weekes (expertly crafted, fantastic ending that hit me hard)
- "The Wigmaker Job" by Courtney Woods (well paced, creepy horror elements, excellent character dynamics...the Antivan Crows really stole the show in this anthology for me and I'm so thrilled Lucanis is a companion)
- "The Horror of Hormak" by John Epler (well-crafted and tension-filled horror story, quite possibly the creepiest part of Dragon Age lore for me since the Broodmother in Origins)
- "Hunger" by Brianne Battye (Grey Wardens + werewolves is a winning combination for me, Evka and Antoine were great)
Last Flight by Liane Merciel
adventurous
dark
emotional
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
4.75
Without a doubt my favorite of the Dragon Age tie-in novels. I loved how the two timelines came together in the end, both protagonists were engaging and layered (particularly Isseya), and I was completely invested in the plot. The ultimate ending was hopeful but the last few chapters leading up to it destroyed me.
The Grey Wardens will always be one of my favorite parts of this world and so it was fascinating to learn more about them and devastating to see the horrors of the Fourth Blight unfold (the fact that the Fifth Blight in Dragon Age: Origins ended so quickly is quite a feat). I especially loved how the plot engaged with the difficult choices that have to be made to end a Blight - Grey Wardens must do whatever it takes but at what cost? Intertwined with that was some interesting exploration of Blood Magic - what it entails, its effects, its benefits. It was a nuanced perspective that you don't always get in the games.
Another thing that I enjoyed about Last Flight was how it did not have a main romantic subplot (other than one between side characters). The main relationships that got focus were friendships and, in the case of Isseya and Garahel, a sibling relationship. Isseya could've easily been romantically paired up with Calien (and I wouldn't have entirely been opposed) but instead they just maintained a strong and deep friendship throughout the years that was refreshing to see.
The griffons are absolutely the highlight of this book (which is why the ending hit me so hard). Looking forward to seeing more of them in Dragon Age: The Veilguard where I will do everything in my power to ensure history does not repeat itself. I will protect the griffons!
The Grey Wardens will always be one of my favorite parts of this world and so it was fascinating to learn more about them and devastating to see the horrors of the Fourth Blight unfold (the fact that the Fifth Blight in Dragon Age: Origins ended so quickly is quite a feat). I especially loved how the plot engaged with the difficult choices that have to be made to end a Blight - Grey Wardens must do whatever it takes but at what cost? Intertwined with that was some interesting exploration of Blood Magic - what it entails, its effects, its benefits. It was a nuanced perspective that you don't always get in the games.
Another thing that I enjoyed about Last Flight was how it did not have a main romantic subplot (other than one between side characters). The main relationships that got focus were friendships and, in the case of Isseya and Garahel, a sibling relationship. Isseya could've easily been romantically paired up with Calien (and I wouldn't have entirely been opposed) but instead they just maintained a strong and deep friendship throughout the years that was refreshing to see.
The griffons are absolutely the highlight of this book (which is why the ending hit me so hard). Looking forward to seeing more of them in Dragon Age: The Veilguard where I will do everything in my power to ensure history does not repeat itself. I will protect the griffons!
The Masked Empire by Patrick Weekes
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Absolutely the best DA tie-in novel I've read so far. Weekes' writing is stronger and more engaging than Gaider's (which is ultimately fine).
The first half didn't grab me initially because while I love political intrigue in fantasy I, apparently, do not care about to politics of Orlais. Specifically, I was not super invested in Celene and Gaspard (both as characters or as potential rulers) and so I found their POVs tedious (though I did grow to be a bit more interested in Gaspard and the chevaliers by the end). The second half of the book, which takes on more of a quest element, was much more engaging - especially because it delved more into aspects of Dragon Age lore that I enjoy (dynamics between Dalish/City elves, eluvians, spirits/demons, etc.).
In terms of characters, the true standouts of this book are Briala, Felassan, and Michel de Chevin who were all fascinating and complicated. It makes me wish Briala and Michel both had bigger roles in Inquisition - the game didn't quite do them justice.
The ending was excellent and set the stage for my next DA:I very well. I'm glad I've finally read this before a playthrough as it will be interesting to see how it impacts my perspective on Wicked Eyes, Wicked Hearts this time around.
The first half didn't grab me initially because while I love political intrigue in fantasy I, apparently, do not care about to politics of Orlais. Specifically, I was not super invested in Celene and Gaspard (both as characters or as potential rulers) and so I found their POVs tedious (though I did grow to be a bit more interested in Gaspard and the chevaliers by the end). The second half of the book, which takes on more of a quest element, was much more engaging - especially because it delved more into aspects of Dragon Age lore that I enjoy (dynamics between Dalish/City elves, eluvians, spirits/demons, etc.).
In terms of characters, the true standouts of this book are Briala, Felassan, and Michel de Chevin who were all fascinating and complicated. It makes me wish Briala and Michel both had bigger roles in Inquisition - the game didn't quite do them justice.
The ending was excellent and set the stage for my next DA:I very well. I'm glad I've finally read this before a playthrough as it will be interesting to see how it impacts my perspective on Wicked Eyes, Wicked Hearts this time around.