sphynxreads's reviews
738 reviews

Fence Vol. 2 by C.S. Pacat

lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Not as strong as the first but still very engaging!

The Mythology Class: A Graphic Novel by Arnold Arre

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious tense 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

I think we as a Filipino society have been sleeping on this masterpiece for far too long. I don't even think this gets nearly as much praise and attention as Tan and Baldisimo's Trese when it deserves paralleled adulation. Mythology Class is incredibly rich in story, with flawed and funny characters you can't help but root for, and runs at a breakneck pace that will have you turning page after page despite being dialogue-heavy. The artwork is astounding too—blending a nostalgic classic style with a more modern approach when it comes to the fantastical elements. I mean, wow, reading this was like watching a movie!! Highly, highly recommended!

Night Sky with Exit Wounds by Ocean Vuong

challenging reflective relaxing fast-paced

4.5

I was right. After having been somewhat underwhelmed by On Earth We're Briefly Gorgeous, I had a feeling that I'd like Vuong's poetry a lot more than his prose. And I was right. This was such a moving and beautiful collection and I am eager to read more from Vuong. Highly recommend.

Illuminae by Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff

emotional tense fast-paced

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

4.0

Not gonna lie, the first half kind of bored me and the two main characters annoyed me, but this story and format grew on me really quick. I enjoyed the twists and turns and themes within this book. It's not remarkable by any means, but it's got some solid storytelling nonetheless.

Tress of the Emerald Sea by Brandon Sanderson

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring medium-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

2.5

I think I've officially grown tired of Brandon Sanderson. While there is a lot to love in this book, I've found myself thinking a lot of times that I just don't care anymore.

I love Tress as a character and the beginning chapters of the book are the strongest in my opinion, but as the story continued I had the impression that Sanderson was offering me more of what I could care less about and less of what I wanted out of this story.

Part of The Princess Bride's appeal is not just the strength of Buttercup and Wesley's romance, but also the character work and development of the side characters. While this has comparable wit, charm, and humor in terms of storytelling and dialogue, I felt that the characterization of the side characters left a lot to be desired. They're all unique in their own way but hardly compelling.

Sanderson is known to be a master of world-building, but I have to say what he does here is distracting to a degree. There are so many Cosmere connections here which I recognize would be exciting for many fans, but they kept taking me out of the story. Even the explanations of the magic system felt uninspired to me. Give me more character backstory and less of the frikkin spore lore, I beg!

Alas, this really is Sandersonified Princess Bride, and from realizing I wanted more Princess Bride and less of Sanderson's flair, I've learned that I have grown apart from his previous appeal to me which is a shame.

Adulthood Is a Myth by Sarah Andersen

funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced

4.0

Hilariously relatable but also insightful.

Fence Vol. 1 by C.S. Pacat

lighthearted fast-paced

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

5.0

This reminded me of the sheer joy that I got from reading Check, Please! Like those graphic novels, it bypassed my general disinterest in sports by giving me hot gay tension. I love that this has a different flavor though with the enemies to lovers, will-they-wont-they vibe. Ecstatic for the next volume!

Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree

hopeful inspiring reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Ah, Travis Baldree, you've done it again! While I do think this prequel isn't as strong as Legends and Lattes, this was still incredibly cozy, charming, and heartwarming. Stories like this just make you feel good and remind you of the little things that bring you comfort: good food, a place to call home, and company you could call the same. More cpzy fantasy like this please!

Kommunity 2018 by Paolo Herras, Richard Mercado

funny lighthearted fast-paced

3.0

A decent collection. Some entries were really funny, the rest was pretty meh.

The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw

dark tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

2.5

Gorgeous writing but the story itself is simply not my cup of tea.