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spicycronereads's reviews
164 reviews
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
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? No
4.5
I am a fan of all of Bardugo’s books but this is probably her most mature work to date. I don’t mean in terms of content necessarily (and certainly not in terms of steaminess). It takes a historical setting and adds magic, which makes it pretty dark. The themes of patriarchy and the violence of men are realized here in a way that you really feel the weight of them and a throughline to present times. Like there is a palpable weariness toward the violence of men and a familiar way that women have to band together for protection. It lends a sobriety or somberness to the text. In addition, the lyricism of Bardugo’s writing is elevated from prior books.
It did take me a bit to get into it. It is in third person POV and the characters are not necessarily likeable. FMC Luzia is sympathetic and she has a certain strength that evolves but I can’t say that I really liked her. The MMC Santángel is blonde, so there’s that 😂 I’m kidding. Mostly. But I would not say he’s a book boyfriend. I heard Bardugo speak recently and she said Valentina is her favorite character I agree that she has the best character arc. Also, what was the deal with the playwrite? Were her writings influencing things or was she just using everything as inspiration? It kind of felt like that went nowhere. The magic system is based in language, which seems like it isn’t that common these days. It is done in a way that feels fresh.
In terms of diversity, Luzia and a few other characters are Jewish and living in hiding, having descended from those who converted to Catholicism under the violence of the Inquisition. There are also a few queer folks among the secondary characters.
There is a romance element to the plot. Santángel recognizes Luzia’s strength and helps her develop, and then gets out of her way (which is one of my favorite micro-tropes(?) in romance.) . There is a bit of pining and romantic tension. And it becomes a closed door romance. I give it one swoony heart 💖 I actually think it would have been better and more romantic to leave the ending more ambiguous. We have ambiguity around the playwrite and the orange grove is never fully explained. I think it would have improved the book to gesture toward Santángel regenerating each day but not spelling it out. That would have aligned with the weightiness of the setting and would have put this at 5 stars for me.
There is a plot point where the Jewish characters are planning to travel to a land that is sanctuary for them. I was a bit worried it was going to be some kind of Zionist sub-plot but Bardugo has expressed support for Palestine and there is nothing to suggest that this place is intended as an analog to Israel. It is more that the characters are seeking somewhere free from persecution and there is no sense that this requires colonizing another place or displacing other people.
Overall, the setting and writing are lush. The plot is interesting and the magic feels fresh, with the weight of historical events adding a somber texture to the book. It was a bit of a slow start but then it really picked up. I really liked it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
It did take me a bit to get into it. It is in third person POV and the characters are not necessarily likeable. FMC Luzia is sympathetic and she has a certain strength that evolves but I can’t say that I really liked her. The MMC Santángel is blonde, so there’s that 😂 I’m kidding. Mostly. But I would not say he’s a book boyfriend.
In terms of diversity, Luzia and a few other characters are Jewish and living in hiding, having descended from those who converted to Catholicism under the violence of the Inquisition. There are also a few queer folks among the secondary characters.
There is a romance element to the plot. Santángel recognizes Luzia’s strength and helps her develop,
Overall, the setting and writing are lush. The plot is interesting and the magic feels fresh, with the weight of historical events adding a somber texture to the book. It was a bit of a slow start but then it really picked up. I really liked it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Religious bigotry, Xenophobia, and Classism
Moderate: Infertility and Death of parent
Minor: Sexual content
There is a threat of sexual assault but it does not occur.
The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This was an interesting concept - a post apocalyptic North America where the apocalypse was a combination of climate change, colonialism, and capitalism. So…near future sci fi. The central concept - that non-indigenous people have lost the ability to dream and now hunt and try to harvest dreams from indigenous folks, killing them in the process - was really strong.
The story initially follows MMC Frenchie as his family is displaced and eventually lost. He joins a group of other indigenous folks in his quest to continue following his parents’ direction to travel North. But it feels more like an ensemble of characters rather than necessarily Frenchie’s story. We get glimpses of the backstories of a few of the secondary characters and as result they seem to almost have more dimension than Frenchie or his love interest Rose, the multi racial character who joins the band of travelers. There was a bit more showing rather than telling in terms of character development so I didn’t quite feel as drawn in as I could have.I would have liked more back story on Minerva. Obviously her role as elder is really important but that and the brief story of her SA is kind of all we know. Similarly, there was no attention to where Frenchie’s dad had been all this time or how he came to be where he was. Same for Isaac. Though I was pleasantly surprised when it was him among the other group. I expected it to be someone else from Frenchie’s family
That said, it was still an enjoyable read. As I said, the concept is really interesting. It is well-paced. I read most of it in a day. And there are a few twists that are simultaneously predictable and surprising. Don’t want to say more for fear of spoiling.
In terms of diverse representation, the book is primarily indigenous characters, with a few multi racial characters here and there. There is a gay man among the main characters.
There is a romance subplot but it is also suffers from the author telling rather than showing. It also goes from the character stating they are in love with the other person to later only really liking them. So that was a bit confusing. I give it one swoony heart. 💖
Overall, I liked it, despite these issues. They didn’t accumulate to the light where I didn’t enjoy the book. I will likely read the second one. ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / 💖
The story initially follows MMC Frenchie as his family is displaced and eventually lost. He joins a group of other indigenous folks in his quest to continue following his parents’ direction to travel North. But it feels more like an ensemble of characters rather than necessarily Frenchie’s story. We get glimpses of the backstories of a few of the secondary characters and as result they seem to almost have more dimension than Frenchie or his love interest Rose, the multi racial character who joins the band of travelers. There was a bit more showing rather than telling in terms of character development so I didn’t quite feel as drawn in as I could have.
That said, it was still an enjoyable read. As I said, the concept is really interesting. It is well-paced. I read most of it in a day. And there are a few twists that are simultaneously predictable and surprising. Don’t want to say more for fear of spoiling.
In terms of diverse representation, the book is primarily indigenous characters, with a few multi racial characters here and there. There is a gay man among the main characters.
There is a romance subplot but it is also suffers from the author telling rather than showing. It also goes from the character stating they are in love with the other person to later only really liking them. So that was a bit confusing. I give it one swoony heart. 💖
Overall, I liked it, despite these issues. They didn’t accumulate to the light where I didn’t enjoy the book. I will likely read the second one. ⭐️⭐️⭐️.5 / 💖
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Racism, and Colonisation
Moderate: Rape and Sexual assault
Minor: Pandemic/Epidemic, Drug use, Forced institutionalization, and Animal death
Reservation schools, SA happens once on page (though not described in detail) and once mentioned in passing.
This Wicked Fate by Kalynn Bayron
Did not finish book. Stopped at 22%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 22%.
Could not get into it. I will try to pick it back up again another time.
Heartless Sky by Susanne Valenti, Caroline Peckham
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
sad
tense
fast-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
5.0
This one will rip your heart out. So don’t read the last 10% unless you have the next book in hand.
But I also laughed and giggled and blushed and loved seeing some of the character development. But really, cried so many tears.
Oh, and it continues to deliver on the spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
But I also laughed and giggled and blushed and loved seeing some of the character development. But really, cried so many tears.
Oh, and it continues to deliver on the spice 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Holding Change: The Way of Emergent Strategy Facilitation and Mediation by adrienne maree brown
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
So helpful in preparing to facilitate a workshop with colleagues. Draws deeply on Black feminist and abolitionist politics. But also has nuts and bolts strategies and concrete suggestions for how to do this kind of work.
Wild Pitch by Cat Giraldo
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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? It's complicated
4.25
This book was so cute!
FMC Sierra is the brand new pitcher for a major league baseball team. She’s the first woman to be called up to the majors. She gets placed on a team with her idol, MMC Mateo. He is the grumpy team captain who is chasing a World Series ring while trying to hold his body together long enough to stay in his position as catcher. She has one rule: she doesn’t date baseball players. As you can imagine, hijinx ensue.
Sierra is a totally bad*ss character who you definitely want to root for. Mateo is such a sweetheart; you want to root for him as well and the way that he develops in his relationship with Sierra is super special.
The plot is well paced, and, if sometimes predictable, still engaging. The dramatic tension of the book is interesting. It doesn’t go where I thought it was going to go given that we are dealing with celebrity athletes. I know nothing about baseball and I was still able to follow the plot and feel like I was invested in the outcomes.
There is definite tension between the MCs from the very beginning. They have great banter and it’s a bit of a slow burn…until it’s not. The spice is pretty spicy and there are some explicit k!nk elements. I appreciated the emphasis on practicing safe 🐝DSM. And I felt like I learned some things 😂. I give it 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
There is lots of diverse representation. Both main characters are bi. They are both people of color (she’s Latinx American and he’s Filipino American). And we see their extended families as secondary characters, who are also people of color and include queer characters. Mateo‘s body is basically succumbing to the wear and tear of being a catcher in the major leagues for 13 years and so we get some chronic pain representation as well.
Overall, this was such a cute little read. I already had the sequel on my TBR and now I’m even more excited to read it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25 / 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
FMC Sierra is the brand new pitcher for a major league baseball team. She’s the first woman to be called up to the majors. She gets placed on a team with her idol, MMC Mateo. He is the grumpy team captain who is chasing a World Series ring while trying to hold his body together long enough to stay in his position as catcher. She has one rule: she doesn’t date baseball players. As you can imagine, hijinx ensue.
Sierra is a totally bad*ss character who you definitely want to root for. Mateo is such a sweetheart; you want to root for him as well and the way that he develops in his relationship with Sierra is super special.
The plot is well paced, and, if sometimes predictable, still engaging. The dramatic tension of the book is interesting. It doesn’t go where I thought it was going to go given that we are dealing with celebrity athletes. I know nothing about baseball and I was still able to follow the plot and feel like I was invested in the outcomes.
There is definite tension between the MCs from the very beginning. They have great banter and it’s a bit of a slow burn…until it’s not. The spice is pretty spicy and there are some explicit k!nk elements. I appreciated the emphasis on practicing safe 🐝DSM. And I felt like I learned some things 😂. I give it 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
There is lots of diverse representation. Both main characters are bi. They are both people of color (she’s Latinx American and he’s Filipino American). And we see their extended families as secondary characters, who are also people of color and include queer characters. Mateo‘s body is basically succumbing to the wear and tear of being a catcher in the major leagues for 13 years and so we get some chronic pain representation as well.
Overall, this was such a cute little read. I already had the sequel on my TBR and now I’m even more excited to read it. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25 / 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, and Sexual content
Fated Throne by Susanne Valenti, Caroline Peckham
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Not too much happens in this book plot-wise, but the character arcs really deepen here. Relationships are formed and reformed. And the spice remains top-notch. 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
IQ by Joe Ide
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
It was fine. Entertaining though there were some pacing issues.
Not sure what to make of a Japanese American author writing Black characters as gang members.
Not the kind of thing I normally read but it was my book club’s pick for this month. I considered not even finishing it but didn’t want to hurt the feelings of the person who picked it.
Not sure what to make of a Japanese American author writing Black characters as gang members.
Not the kind of thing I normally read but it was my book club’s pick for this month. I considered not even finishing it but didn’t want to hurt the feelings of the person who picked it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Kidnapping, and Violence
Moderate: Death of parent
Gang violence
A Broken Blade by Melissa Blair
Did not finish book. Stopped at 15%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 15%.
Got about two hours into this and I am struggling. The world building is just…not grabbing me. I would like to try to eyeball read it instead of audio.
Bright Young Women by Jessica Knoll
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Ack! Audiobook loan expired before I finished! So I ended up listening to most of this book and then having a pretty long gap between when I heard the last two hours or so. Thinking back to my initial listen and thoughts, I didn’t really find the characters likable. There was enough of a mystery to keep me engaged though.
It’s a thriller with no romance elements. The story is narrated from two points of view over multiple time periods. So that gets a little confusing. And then at the end suddenly there’s a male narrator which really felt like it came out of left field. A lot of the narrative hinges on women bonding together over the violence done by men and forming support networks among systems that failed them.
In terms of diversity there are a few lesbian characters. No racial diversity that I can tell. And obviously no spice or swooniness.
Overall, it was an entertaining listen. The mystery of how everything fit together and the larger themes of society failing women were pretty engaging. Don’t know that I’ll ever need to listen to it or read it again.
It’s a thriller with no romance elements. The story is narrated from two points of view over multiple time periods. So that gets a little confusing. And then at the end suddenly there’s a male narrator which really felt like it came out of left field. A lot of the narrative hinges on women bonding together over the violence done by men and forming support networks among systems that failed them.
In terms of diversity there are a few lesbian characters. No racial diversity that I can tell. And obviously no spice or swooniness.
Overall, it was an entertaining listen. The mystery of how everything fit together and the larger themes of society failing women were pretty engaging. Don’t know that I’ll ever need to listen to it or read it again.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Toxic relationship, Homophobia, Misogyny, Violence, and Lesbophobia
Moderate: Sexual assault, Rape, and Stalking
Minor: Incest, Pedophilia, Injury/Injury detail, and Child abuse
Police incompetence; police gaslighting