tas_takes_down_the_man's reviews
154 reviews

Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington

adventurous challenging dark funny mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I ate this book up. The whole premise was fascinating! A combination of The Hunger Games and The Batchelor. There were a few moments that age the book as a 2023 era novel but other than that, no complaints. 

Mala's Cat by Mala Kacenberg

challenging dark informative tense medium-paced

3.5

Good book to read in terms of content but the writing style was quite flat. Felt like I was reading someone’s diary and the creativity was lacking. Still would recommend. Read it in a day. 

American Gods by Neil Gaiman
Did not finish book. Stopped at 0%.

Can’t read Neil Gaiman anymore. Allegations are smoke signals. 

A Feast for Crows by George R.R. Martin

challenging dark mysterious tense slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I was so confused as to why Dany and Jon Snow weren’t there but the end cleared it up. I was kind of bored but powered through just to see what would be different to the series. I was glad to hear more about Lady Stoneheart again. 

The Gathering Dark: An Anthology of Folk Horror by Tori Bovalino
Did not finish book. Stopped at 15%.

Turns out, I hate short stories when they are all read by the same person. 

Coraline by Neil Gaiman

adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced

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

3.75

Enjoyable enough. Loved listening to Neil Gaiman’s reading but I started reading this because I heard it was very different from the film but it kind of wasn’t. 

The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw

adventurous mysterious sad 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

3.75

Beautiful novella. More prose than I’m used to but I would recommend it. Subtly queer and a fascinating retelling of the Little Mermaid. 

Bitter by Akwaeke Emezi

challenging dark mysterious tense medium-paced

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

4.0

Loved the context that is gives Pet and it was really sweet to hear the beginnings of Alo and Bitter’s relationship. 
Otherwise, this book was hectic but pertinent for the time it was written as well as today. 

Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious sad 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

5.0

I loved every minute of this book. It was hilarious almost the whole way through and the multiple snippets of stories outside of the ST and Dennis’s story really fleshed out the world. I actually shed a tear while reading which is unusual for me. 100% recommend. 

Loveless by Alice Oseman

emotional funny hopeful informative reflective sad 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

5.0

Beautifully written and great characters. The standard formula of a romcom but with friendship. Loved it.