thoughtsontomes's reviews
834 reviews

Seven Surrenders by Ada Palmer

mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• 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

There is no real way to describe these thematic, dense books that are a discussion of religion, politics, and war in a utopian setting but they are weird and interesting. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Gun violence

Moderate: Torture

On Tyranny: Expanded Audio Edition by Timothy Snyder

informative fast-paced

4.0

A short political pamphlet on fighting fascism followed by historical information on Ukraine and Russia and Russia’s fascism history.

The Book That Wouldn't Burn by Mark Lawrence

adventurous dark mysterious 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? Yes

4.0

If you enjoy stories about books and libraries, this one is for you. 

Mastering Magick: A Course in Spellcasting for the Psychic Witch by Mat Auryn, Silver RavenWolf

informative medium-paced

4.0

A comprehensive guide to crafting spell work 

The Deep Sky by Yume Kitasei

adventurous mysterious 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

4.0

A solid closed circle mystery in space that tackles a lot of themes concisely while still having an excellent mystery.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Pregnancy

Moderate: Miscarriage, Xenophobia

Minor: War

Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life in a Noisy World by Cal Newport

informative inspiring fast-paced

4.5

Quick and easy read with lots of information about how being constantly plugged in impacts our brains and ideas on how to change your habits. As someone who has watched a lot of “I quit social media” YouTube videos, there’s not a ton of new information but it was nice to have it in one place and it sinks in more every time I hear it .

Ruthless Vows by Rebecca Ross

adventurous 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

4.0

While not as great as the first installment, and there’s a few things I’d change, still a great conclusion to the series. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: War

Too Like the Lightning by Ada Palmer

dark mysterious 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

I enjoyed this even more on reread. This story is so weird and original and I’m glad to be back in the world. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Rape, Suicide, Cannibalism, Murder

Moderate: Suicide attempt, Death of parent

Babylon's Ashes by James S.A. Corey

adventurous tense medium-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? It's complicated

4.0

Another solid installment in the series.

The Mask of Mirrors by M.A. Carrick

adventurous dark 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? Yes

5.0

This fantasy world mixes a con, political intrigue, and own-world gods and magic like tarot cards and astrology in a twisting tale. I’m excited for the rest of the series! 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Drug use

Moderate: Child death, Trafficking