thestorydragon's reviews
32 reviews

Boyfriend Material by Alexis Hall

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

 Pros:
✨Authentic Romance
✨Queer Representation
✨Character Development and Relationships
✨Interwoven Plots
✨Easy Read

Cons:
✨Spotty Pacing
✨Chaotic Character Voice (Could not have read this without the audio narration)

This was yet another fast, easy, cute read, which is par the course for a rom-com. We follow chaotic, eccentric, anxiety-ridden Luc O’Donnell who, despite only being famous-by-association, must navigate the world of the recognized while hating the attention. When a drunken escaped leads to donors pulling out of the charity drive for his non-profit gig, he fake dates put-together, tight-laced Barrister, Oliver Blackwood. Despite quite enjoying this read, I don’t think I would have made it through the frenzied voice of Luc without the audiobook version. I cannot praise Joe Jameson enough. He brought Luc to life, and it truly felt like this was a real person relaying his life to us, not a character from a book.

Though the plot here was meh, I found myself taken by the characters and their relationships. Luc and his mother were adorable and absolute treasures together. The people Luc worked with at the dung beetle nonprofit were absolute characters, and I cackled at basically every interaction between them all. I also enjoyed the thought-provoking interactions between Luc and his dad, which were messy and complicated and that

(in my opinion, rightfully so) left this parental figure as a villain who weaponized manipulation and gaslighting

. Oliver and Luc slotted together so well, not only because they balanced one another out personality wise, but because, as people who communicated quite differently, they still managed to communicate thoroughly. Even when there were misinterpretations, each character would actually hear out the other character as they tried to explain how they messed up and the thought process that led them to such disastrous choice. There really was so much to enjoy here, even if the pacing did flag in places. 

Bittersweet in the Hollow by Kate Pearsall
Did not finish book. Stopped at 40%.

I can tell this book is right up my alley, but I CANNOT get past the narration. It's somehow both monotone and very breathy. If I get my hands on a physical copy, I'll give this another try, but I don't recommend the audio.

A Power Unbound by Freya Marske

adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious 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? No

4.75

Pros:
✨Authentic Romance
✨Queer Representation
✨Character Development and Relationships
✨Interwoven Plots / Pacing
✨Magic System / Setting
✨Smut

Cons:

Of all three books in the trilogy, this was my favorite! Marske did a fabulous job tying up the threads of the Last Contract via a comprehensive understanding of magic that at no point felt like an info-dump, but rather, like a growing revelation. The plot took off at a run and kept me flipping the pages, and I love that we saw a lot of our protagonists from the first two books. Jack and Alan were visceral characters, and I enjoyed reading both of their POVs. This book dips a bit more into kinks and role play, but the scenes all further character development and Jack/Alan’s relationship via its focus on power dynamics, which was wonderful. We even get a tiny heist in here that’s written and executed quite well. Marske manages to touch on social issues without turning her cast into mouthpieces giving out-of-character diatribe’s. Truly, a great novel. If I don’t ever go back and reread the entire trilogy, I will, at the very least, reread this book.

A Restless Truth by Freya Marske

adventurous funny mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

✨Queer Representation
✨Easy Read

Cons:
✨Predictable Mystery

It took me a moment to get into this one since we switched protagonists from the first book. By the end, though, I enjoyed Maud and Violet, and thought their dynamic was just as lovely as Edwin and Robin’s from the first novel. We didn’t build much on the magic system or the world in this installment, and while I normally love a locked door murder mystery, this hampered that concept by revealing the murderer early on. Then this became a weird cat and mouse, scavenger hunt type plot. It wasn’t my favorite and it dragged. I was also disappointed in the sex scenes because they didn’t feel important to the relationship or the characters’ development. They were just included to be included, which deviated from the first and third books in the trilogy. I did like these characters, but everything else was average and a bit of a let-down after the first book. Still, not a bad read!

A Marvellous Light by Freya Marske

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious 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? No

4.5

Pros:
✨Authentic Romance
✨Queer Representation
✨Character Development and Relationships
✨Interwoven Plots / Pacing
✨Magic System / Setting

Cons:
✨Predictable Mystery
 

I enjoyed this so much more than I thought I would! It was a random addition to my TBR thank to it popping up on my socials nonstop, and now I’m about to power through the whole trilogy! Everything about this novel worked for me, from the romance to the magic system to the writing style to the mystery. Marske does an excellent job of weaving a multifaceted plot into a seamless storyline, and by the end, every part of this held an important piece of information that wrapped up the first book and launched us into the second. The cast is distinct, and our two protagonists, Edwin and Robin, slot together well. Robin is a idealistic optimist who approaches every obstacle with enthusiasm, while Edwin is a pessimistic pragmatist who analyzes each variable to find the surest path to success. This balance came through in their blossoming romance as well. The magic system here is intriguing and unique, though not overly complex, and I enjoyed that combination. It was easy to slip into this setting, especially thanks to the flow of Marske’s writing style. I’ll probably devour the rest of this trilogy in the coming days, and I can’t wait! 

The Prospects by KT Hoffman

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

4.0

 Pros:

✨Queer/Deaf Representation
✨Character Development
✨Easy Read
✨Easy-to-Understand Sports Setting

Cons:
✨Flat-ish Love Interest
✨Third-Act Break-Up 
 

This a cute little baseball romance that follows our hopeful and peppy protagonist, Gene. I truly enjoyed the sports aspect here, and at no point did I feel overwhelmed by any of the terminology. I will say, having basic knowledge of the sport helps a lot, but it’s not necessary to understand or enjoy the storyline. It just makes it easier to visualize some of the scenes. This has some lovely representation, especially for transmen, and I thought Gene was such an endearing protagonist. That being said, it took me a long time to write this review because, for all that I enjoyed this novel, I feel like something was missing. And that something had to do with Luis’s character. I’m not sure how to explain it, but we didn’t get the kind of depth and emotional intimacy between Gene and Luis that I was expecting. The chemistry felt a little too convenient. We experience much of Luis’s angst via his

anxiety and his crisis with baseball

, but not much of him as a rounded-out character with loves or hobbies or interests, etc. He felt like a plot device for Gene, which was unfortunate. So, while I feel Gene’s character journey and professional journey were well-developed, the romance aspect fell flat because I needed more of Luis as an individual. Even still, this was a great read and I finished the whole book in a day! 

SEE FULL REVIEW: https://www.thestorydragon.org/adult-reviews/the-prospects

We Solve Murders by Richard Osman

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious tense medium-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? No

4.0

 Pros:
✨Dialogue
✨Interwoven Plots and Character Motivations
✨Overall Mystery
✨Witty Humor 

Cons:
✨Slow Beginning
✨ Some Lacking POVs

 

I was overwhelmed at the beginning of this due to the large cast, but once I became more familiar with the characters, I was locked in. Osman has a direct writing style that focuses less on imagery and details, and more on dialogue and internal monologue. It is the perfect choice in a novel like this, where connection to the varying individual’s personalities is what solidifies reader engagement and emphasizes the humor. And let me tell you, there were moments in this where I outright cackled. Especially with Rosie. She was my favorite character, hands down. There are many subplots happening beneath the main murder-mystery, but they tie in beautifully with it and create depth in the novel. I will absolutely follow these characters as they continue on to solve more murders. This is the first Osman I’ve picked up, and I already have The Thursday Night Murder Club on hold while I wait on the rest of this series! A great mix of murder and humor, I definitely recommend this one. 

SEE FULL REVIEW: https://www.thestorydragon.org/adult-reviews/we-solve-murders 

What the Woods Took by Courtney Gould

adventurous 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

3.25

  Pros:
✨Interesting Concept
✨Character Development

Cons:
✨Slow Pacing (First 45%)
✨ Writing Style
✨Connection to / Interest in Characters
✨ Overall Intrigue

I would have DNFd at 25% if it weren’t for the high star rating from other reviewers. The first 45% of this novel is excruciatingly slow with a lot of basic character building and plot setup. It took way too long to get into the heart of the story, and while I’m glad I stuck around, this just didn’t do it for me. I never felt invested in the characters.

So much so that, when deaths were revealed, I didn’t feel the grief or loss I should have.

With a concept that had every opportunity for the writing to build a tense, creepy atmosphere, I truly think Gould missed the mark here. Especially having read books like The Dark We Know and Don't Let the Forest In. Both of these novels also use monsters in the wood as a personification of past trauma tied to grief/shame/mental illness, but they do it in a way that’s so visceral and character driven, I was hooked from the start and fully engaged with the characters’ journeys. In contrast, this novel took time to get into, and I felt a separation from the characters that was never fully resolved. There were some standout moments here for certain. I especially liked that, 

at the end, these teens held their parents accountable for the emotional damage done pre-wilderness therapy,

and that they built their own family through the friendships made. The back half of this book definitely picked up the plot and the pace. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to make up for the mind-numbing beginning.

SEE FULL REVIEW: https://www.thestorydragon.org/ya-reviews/what-the-woods-took 

Most Ardently: A Pride & Prejudice Remix by Gabe Cole Novoa

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

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

3.5

  Pros:
✨Queer Representation
✨Heavy Topics Handled with Care

Cons:
✨Writing and Prose
✨ Darcy--Not Likeable in this Version (Treatment of Women)
✨General Treatment of Women 

This was a heartwarming story about a transman coming into his own, with a touch of romance on the side. The writing was a little wobbly and could have used another round of polishing. This is definitely a more utopic, and less realistic, view of how these events probably would have unfold during this time period. I did thoroughly enjoy the author’s note at the end regarding his research into queerness at this time, specifically in regards to trans people and molly houses. And it might just be me being cynical, but I did have to suspend my disbelief during some parts of this novel when Oliver revealed his true identity to certain characters. A quick read with an overall tone of hope.

Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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

4.0

Pros:
✨Authentic Romance
✨Queer Representation
✨Character Development and Relationships
✨Interwoven Plots
✨Heavy Topics Handled with Care

Cons:
✨Mixing fictional people with real (currently alive) people
 

 I have to admit, reading this after the 2024 US elections was heartbreaking. Yes, this novel is an unrealistic utopia that forgets politicians, as a species, are corrupt. But man, I would love to swap this storyline with our reality. This was a cute, fast, highly idealistic read that will endear readers to Alex within the first chapter, and Henry soon after. The transitioning stages of Alex and Henry’s relationship—from seething distaste to hesitant friendship to close confidants and, finally, the lovers—came off as wholly authentic and was built on their growing trust in one another. Alex’s journey of understanding his queer identity, then accepting it, was beautifully written and was, by far, my favorite part of this novel. It was refreshing to have a character surrounded by a supportive family and friends as he struggled through confusion, then realization, at being bisexual. And, unlike in our world, 

it was inevitable that a woman president would be elected.

(Sighs.) I do think this book would have been stronger if, like the main characters and their families, ALL of the characters had been fictional, rather than throwing in real names. Those moments made me pause quite often due to the ever-shifting political realm of the US. Even still, there was so much to love in this book, and I RAN to watch the movie (the book was better) as soon as I finished flipping the last page!

SEE FULL REVIEW: https://www.thestorydragon.org/adult-reviews/red-white-and-royal-blue