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thimblewhim's reviews
75 reviews
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I was hesitant because of the mech premise. It’s not my thing. But I’m glad I stuck it out anyway because this was a great read. I loved the alt history, qi magic system, queer coding... but most especially I loved all the feminine rage of the main character. Let’s be real, she’s a b!tch and I get why she is the way that she is and I love her for it. Her flaws make her real and believable and relatable. No spoilies but the twist/s at the end got me real good.
His Dark Reflection by Marvellous Michael Anson
Did not finish book. Stopped at 24%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 24%.
I couldn’t connect with it, but what really lost me was the exposition dump.
Shatter Me by Tahereh Mafi
There's a HUGE leap from dystopia to xmen-kids-with-powers. I got whiplash from that whole reveal. And yet again, it's just touched on briefly and then we just move right on along without much meat to it. The epilogue is... the main character getting dressed in a cute lil outfit and absolutely nothing gets explained or resolved. I'm done with this series. It's not worth the time. #headdesk
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
The world building is reaaaally weak. It has potential, but as readers we're left just as clueless as the main character. It's hard to feel and understand the societal oppression and apocalyptic dystopia when we're just sitting in a prison cell with Juliette for a good portion of the book, when she has nothing to do all day except ogle Adam and reminisce on memories that the character/author refuses to share.
We pick up on how tense and miserable and (in)sane the main character is due to her isolation and trauma. But it just slogs on and on with her angst and self loathing for most of the book. I couldn't understand her obsession with Adam, and vice versa. It... didn't make sense and didn't feel believable. And suddenly a character who has never known touch, love, or safety, all of sudden knows and recognizes what it means to feel all three of those things. As a trauma-informed educator, I couldn't suspend my disbelief and buy into that change, especially when it happened in the blink of an eye. Warner was a lot more believable in that way tbh! Most often, the children that are touch deprived when they are young grow up and develop touch avoidance and sensitivity. Often, not always, I know, but she adjusted really quickly.
We pick up on how tense and miserable and (in)sane the main character is due to her isolation and trauma. But it just slogs on and on with her angst and self loathing for most of the book. I couldn't understand her obsession with Adam, and vice versa. It... didn't make sense and didn't feel believable. And suddenly a character who has never known touch, love, or safety, all of sudden knows and recognizes what it means to feel all three of those things. As a trauma-informed educator, I couldn't suspend my disbelief and buy into that change, especially when it happened in the blink of an eye. Warner was a lot more believable in that way tbh! Most often, the children that are touch deprived when they are young grow up and develop touch avoidance and sensitivity. Often, not always, I know, but she adjusted really quickly.
Content Warnings
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
challenging
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Couldn't separate myself from this book. I'm currently in bookmourning - awaiting news of when the sequels will be announced!
Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
dark
hopeful
inspiring
tense
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? Yes
5.0
Love the representation of disabled folk that, when given a chance and perhaps some assistive accommodations, can be just as badass as everyone else, if not more so. Love an enemy-to-lovers trope that is (actually) believable for once. And the spice augments the flavor of the book without making you choke on it. I couldn't put it down. I need more books like this.
King of Battle and Blood by Scarlett St. Clair
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.5
Overall some interesting plot ideas that were chopped up lazily and thrown together piecemeal, drizzled with a spicy aioli on top.
The only detailed scenes were of sex/masturbation. Some interesting worldbuilding that all just falls flat or gets forgotten completely. I still don't get why Adrian cares for Isolde, and definitely don't know why she cares for him. She is a brat. Maybe bc he cares about consent? Let's stop rewarding men for doing the literal ☆ bare minimum.☆
Other than bonking it on the regular... The characters are absurdly horny. It's their only defining personality trait and the primary aspect of vamp culture in the worldbuilding. I strongly disagree with other reviewers that claim there was a lot of character development. There weren't any characters to develop? Just a bunch of horny people boning and biting.
I could summarize my review in one syllable: meh.
The only detailed scenes were of sex/masturbation. Some interesting worldbuilding that all just falls flat or gets forgotten completely. I still don't get why Adrian cares for Isolde, and definitely don't know why she cares for him. She is a brat. Maybe bc he cares about consent? Let's stop rewarding men for doing the literal ☆ bare minimum.☆
Other than bonking it on the regular... The characters are absurdly horny. It's their only defining personality trait and the primary aspect of vamp culture in the worldbuilding. I strongly disagree with other reviewers that claim there was a lot of character development. There weren't any characters to develop? Just a bunch of horny people boning and biting.
I could summarize my review in one syllable: meh.
A Soul of Ash and Blood by Jennifer L. Armentrout
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Sigh. What a waste of time. I didn't realize it was just the entire first book reskinned through the Casteel's perspective. Sprinkled throughout is a jump to the current plot points - spoiler alert - which is just Poppy's big sleepy nap time, ending with the grand finale plot twist where she wakes up. [Insert sarcastic gasp here] There was nothing to be gained from reading this AT ALL - no new information or insight on the plot. Incredibly disappointing and so so boring. Wish I could get my money back
The Crown of Gilded Bones by Jennifer L. Armentrout
adventurous
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
I enjoyed the book. I am enjoying the series. But there's a few things that irritate the hell out of me.
1. Iliseeum - why? Why?! WHY?! It's Elysium. We all know it's supposed to be Elysium. It isn't cute or creative or innovative to spell it the same way that a third grader would sound it out. Every time I see "Iliseeum" in the book, it makes me feel like my brain is on fire. Did the author or publishing house think this was cool? Or do they think their readers can't handle big words with y in it? It's already an anglicized Greek word. We don't need to mangle their beautiful culture, history, or language any more than we already have. I am going to struggle with this for the rest of the series I'm sure.
2. My personal pet peeve is when fantasy books take time out of our day to explain modern amenities. Wayyyy too much time was spent describing the magic of plumbing, electricity, and social mobility.... and multiple times!! Completely unnecessary. It's like when you're complaining about the airport and your uncle starts ranting about the magic that is air transit. No we shouldn't take our technology for granted. But for fucks sake I can only manage to read 10 pages a night before passing out from exhaustion. I need my escape. I don't need the concept of PLUMBING explained to me in a fantasy smut novel.
3. Really poor grammar throughout. Dear Editorial staff, how did you let this draft get through? When do you see couples "walking hand and hand"? That was just one. There were many other moments when I had to pause and rewrite some sentences in my head before moving on. I'm used to one or two typos but... big oof.
4. "I realized that each of his steps was in tune with the steady beat of the drum." ... you can step in TIME with a steady beat, but not in tune with them. Footsteps would be considered nonpitched percussion, especially since the ground is not usually a membranophone. To be in tune with a drum would suggest a melodic or pitch component. Perhaps if said drum was a timpani? Or other pitched drumhead? IDK
5. God/Goddess and deity are literally synonyms. I don't understand the logic behind making them mean different things in this world. Just come up with a new word instead? Or, since we're mangling mythology (see #1), how about you just use the word 'demigod'??? It is murky and confusing.
I'm sure I seem quite crazy aggressive and negative now, but I did very much enjoy the book. The story is compelling and yes I'm gonna march my whiny pedantic butt on over to downloading book 4. Don't get me wrong, it was a good time, problems not withstanding. The spicy scenes are spicy. And the story kept me interested and wanting to see what will come next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Sexual content, and Violence
Circe by Madeline Miller
dark
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
River Woman, River Demon by Jennifer Givhan
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism and Domestic abuse