themoodyambr's reviews
418 reviews

Mother in the Dark by Kayla Maiuri

dark emotional reflective sad 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

4.5

This follows a daughter as she reflects on her mother growing up. Learning about the mother reminds me of my own and how emotionally unavailable she was. 

The Color Purple by Alice Walker

dark emotional hopeful reflective sad tense slow-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? Yes

5.0

Don't Cry for Me by Daniel Black

challenging dark emotional reflective sad tense slow-paced

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

5.0

The Black Queen by Jumata Emill

dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

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

4.0

How It Feels to Float by Helena Fox

dark emotional sad tense slow-paced

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

3.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Death of parent

Beach Read by Emily Henry

emotional funny reflective sad slow-paced

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

3.5

Yellowface by R.F. Kuang

medium-paced

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

4.5

This was a wild ride and gives a look into how publishing works. A conversation starter for sure. 

As Good As Dead by Holly Jackson

dark mysterious sad tense slow-paced

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

2.0

I’m mad because I enjoyed the first two books and then there was a plot twist in this book and it just made the plot go downhill for me. Very disappointed. 

Moth to a Flame by Ashley Antoinette

dark emotional sad tense fast-paced

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

This book took me through the wringer of emotions. Idk if I’m going to go back to Ashley Antoinette anytime soon 😭 my nerves are SHOT ! 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Sexual violence, Toxic relationship, Police brutality, Kidnapping, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting

A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

dark emotional 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

3.5

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Murder

Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Drug use, Sexual assault, Stalking

Minor: Animal death