thecaffeinatedreader's reviews
667 reviews

The Swamp Thing, Volume 1: Becoming by Mike Perkins, Mike Spicer, Ram V

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adventurous dark slow-paced

3.25

The art was absolutely gorgeous in this, I read it for the graphic novel club at my local comic book store (first read with them, for me). It was fun to discuss this with people get a better feel of it. Overall, I just wanted more. There was no real dive into 'Becoming' for the Swamp Thing, Levi was suddenly Swamp Thing and there was vague allusions to it but that was about it. Still the coloring? AMAZING. Seriously I would sit here and just admire the pages again any time. I will probably read more of this but not in any hurry/reasonable amount of time lol. Also...that random appearance of one of my fave DC girls in the Green was baffling but amusing.
Seven Mercies by Elizabeth May, L.R. Lam

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

Full Review: https://thecaffeinatedreader.com/2024...

Last we left them, shit had hit the fan; to put it mildly. Now they are running out of time to try and save the galaxy from to only the clutches from a new evil ruler but possibly the even bigger threat of an AI that has perhaps more to it than they thought.

Just like last time my favorite was Eris though I loved them all, and a second favorite would probably be Ariadne.

These characters have been through Avern (hell), not surprising as they’re the Seven Devils but still, they were committed to finishing their job and bringing freedom to a galaxy that needed them more than they needed it. There’s so much raw humanity in their emotions, trauma, pain, joy and it’s all pretty visceral. I can say this is a heavy read as far as emotions go and I wouldn’t have it any other way.

4/5 Cups of coffee from me, this was a solid duology overall and if you like Becky Chambers or Valerie Valdes, I recommend this duology to you all!
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring slow-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

Full Review Here: https://thecaffeinatedreader.com/2024...

I got a lot of Mass Effect-ish vibes from this when it came to the various alien species that Chambers introduced to us. It was great, though now I'm playing Mass Effect Andromeda again so maybe it sent me down a dark path. 

Chambers excels in details, the world building is absolutely fantastic. And the pacing? I would say that aside from some bits of action and quite a few emotional punches, it was a bit of a cozy sci-fi. 

The crew of the Wayfarer are amazing, I loved them all, even if I didn't like them all. They all had such different backgrounds and not because they were different species but because they came from all different family situations and lives, they all became family on the Wayfarer. 

So, pacing a bit slow but it's about the journey, plot was there too but with lots of little stories to get there and characters and world were amazing.

5/5 HUGE cups of coffee from me, now I'm off to go play some ME Andromeda lol.
Omen of Ice by Jus Accardo

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  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated

2.5

The Vanquishers by Kalynn Bayron

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adventurous dark hopeful fast-paced
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros

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2.5

I know that this is a popular book and it's definitely a fun read but overall it wasn't a great read for me.
Prince of Thorns by Mark Lawrence

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  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

0.25

No. Thank you. 
The Silence of the Girls by Pat Barker

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challenging dark emotional sad slow-paced

4.25