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thoughtsontomes's reviews
818 reviews
Mutual Aid: Building Solidarity in This Crisis (And the Next) by Dean Spade
informative
slow-paced
3.0
Lots of information but delivered very dryly and mostly in list form. Probably best to read a physical copy rather than audio.
Belladonna by Adalyn Grace
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-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
5.0
Just as good on reread as the first time!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent
Masquerade by O.O. Sangoyomi
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
2.5
Although this had a solid foundation, the character work was ultimately lacking. We are supposed to believe that this character is savvy but she does so many dumb things and has so little agency that by time she starts to have agency, it’s pretty unbelievable. Most of the characters are unlikable and plot threads felt half baked.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery
Moderate: Animal death
Minor: Rape
High Conflict: Why We Get Trapped and How We Get Out by Amanda Ripley
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
4.0
The author provided multiple case studies of those involved in high conflict and how they got out of those situations. The means seem simple but are easier said than done and the plethora of examples help to nail the point home.
The Grace of Kings by Ken Liu
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I didn’t love this as much as I’d hoped. It’s very heavily military fantasy and it’s hard to get connected to the characters as they all largely feel like pieces on a chess board. I’m unsure if I’ll continue with the series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death and War
For the Wolf by Hannah Whitten
adventurous
mysterious
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
Just as enjoyable on reread - a sentient corrupted forest and nature magic are my favorite.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Self harm
Don't Let the Forest In by C.G. Drews
dark
mysterious
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
Sentient forest + gothic boarding school + disaster queers + grief
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Eating disorder, Gore, and Self harm
Moderate: Child abuse and Homophobia
Let This Radicalize You: Organizing and the Revolution of Reciprocal Care by Kelly Hayes, Mariame Kaba
informative
fast-paced
4.5
A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher
dark
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? It's complicated
4.25
This was a delight as all T Kingfisher’s books are. Older characters, which I love, and one sheltered teen trying to take down an abusive sorceress mother. The romance between the older characters was cute, and the quirks Kingfisher adds to her characters were fun.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Emotional abuse, and Gore
Fighting for Our Friendships: The Science and Art of Conflict and Connection in Women's Relationships by Danielle B. Jackson
hopeful
informative
fast-paced
3.0
I was hoping for this to go deeper but it was pretty surface level and basic. Probably really good for the general public but not those that have read more on friendship and community.