thebookworm_queen's reviews
232 reviews

The Haunting of Alejandra by V. Castro

dark emotional mysterious sad tense 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

5.0

A powerful story of Alejandra, a stay at home mother, who is feeling broken. She experiences negative thoughts and emotions towards herself as well as her family. These negative thoughts are followed by whispers from a woman dressed in white, La Llorona. Alejandra is plagued by visions of the spirit and they grow more gruesome as she continues to strain from the pressures from home and those she loves. Castro wrote a vulnerable, chilling as well as feminist story featuring the legendary La Llorana to explore themes like motherhood and generational trauma.

Readers won’t be able to sleep because of this page turner that will have them questioning both what may be hiding in their closets and the lack of support provided to mothers throughout history.

FULL REVIEW at thebookwormqueen.com

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Death, Suicidal thoughts, Blood

Minor: Child abuse

Pilar Ramirez and the Curse of San Zenon by Julian Randall

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring 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? No

5.0

Black Candle Women by Diane Marie Brown

funny hopeful mysterious slow-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

4.0

Too Soon for Adiós by Annette Chavez Macias

emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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? It's complicated

4.75

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Sexual assault, Grief, Death of parent

Minor: Panic attacks/disorders

A Lot Like Adiós by Alexis Daria

funny hopeful lighthearted 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

4.0

Demon in the Wood Graphic Novel by Leigh Bardugo

dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

Flamer by Mike Curato

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective sad 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

Rez Dogs by Joseph Bruchac

emotional hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective sad 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

5.0

Dominicana by Angie Cruz

emotional hopeful inspiring sad 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? It's complicated

5.0

i was entranced with this book. Through the audio I was truly transported to New York, to the Dominican Republic, into Ana’s shoes. It was so beautifully written, I applaud the author for her transitions and being able to pack so much into a single novel. She is now and instant buy author and I can’t wait for her next book.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse, Rape

Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Death, Physical abuse, Alcohol

Minor: Blood

Witch Hat Atelier, Volume 2 by Kamome Shirahama

adventurous funny inspiring lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

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

4.0