toadfairy's reviews
182 reviews

Into the Bright Open: A Secret Garden Remix by Cherie Dimaline

emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing 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? No

4.75

(I listened to the audiobook)

I've never read The Secret Garden, so I don't have anything to compare this too, but I loved this book. I'm not usually one for YA but this was a beautifully written feminist masterpiece showcasing queer & indigenous joy, healthy (found) family dynamics, and personal growth.

It was a bonus that the places referenced were ones I recognized, and I could clearly picture the whimsical settings described.

Highly recommend.

Monstrilio by Gerardo Sámano Córdova

dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

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

3.5

(listened to the audiobook) 

I can definitely see the beauty and prose of this book. It's not something I'd usually pick up, so I'm trying to keep that in mind while reviewing.

As someone who has lost a loved one, I could relate heavily to the grief depicted in this story. It made me contemplate if given the opportunity to bring back my loved one knowing it wouldn't really be my loved one, if I'd consider it.

I found the first half to be quite slow, and wished to hear more about/from Em. This was heavy and sad but also sweet. Despite Em not being human and being relatively young, he was wise. I enjoyed hearing his perspective.

Barbarian's Choice by Ruby Dixon

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.75

I could have done without the intense infantilizing of Farli (big yikes) and referring to the ice planet natives as "savages" (BIG yikes), but overall this has been one of my favs of the series, it was really cute. I'm so glad that Mardok made the right decision. 

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

dark emotional slow-paced

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

2.75

I really, really, really wanted to love this book. With my interest in Greek mythology and love for romance (especially queer ones), I was sad I couldn't seem to settle into this one. Although I'm not sure I would classify this book as a "romance". 

I think it's more a me issue though. I went in blind (have not read Odyssey, or Illiad), and maybe I just don't have the brain capacity to fully grasp the poetic nature of this book.

You know how sometimes you just have to be in the right mood for certain movies/shows/books/activities etc? I'm thinking maybe I was just not quite in the right mood for this one at this point in time.

I do remember really enjoying Circe however. I think I might still check out other books by this author.

Barbarian's Hope by Ruby Dixon

lighthearted medium-paced

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

2.5

I liked having a POV from a female alien this time, but these mfs seriously do not know how to communicate and it's slightly infuriating at this point. 

More tension than smut in this one which I actually didn't mind. But man does the author love her fatphobia omg :') 

And yet.. On to the next one I go. 

Barbarian's Heart by Ruby Dixon

lighthearted medium-paced

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

2.0

This was the most boring of the series. Oh and some more fatohobia to boot!!! 

Also idlf these mfs don't learn how to just COMMUNICATE istfggggg

Barbarian's Taming by Ruby Dixon

lighthearted fast-paced

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

1.0

We finally get a human female character that doesn't have a "perfect bod" and she's described as a "hurricane", "a lot", pushy, obsessed with "cheese and French fries", refers to herself as "out of shape" & her "fat ass", and overall a crusty, miserable, bitchy character. It took a a near death experience for her to have an ounce of character development at all. So disappointed.

Not to mention the problematic relationship between Maddie and Lilah.. As if a deaf person has no autonomy or independence whatsoever simply because they are deaf and need some kind of hero big sister to control and do everything for her. And her being salty when her sister finds some happiness? 

1 whole star only for the voyeurism and Hassen's dirty talk abilities, that shit was hot.

---

Content Warnings

Moderate: Fatphobia

Tomboy Survival Guide by Ivan Coyote

emotional funny informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

4.0

Barbarian's Touch by Ruby Dixon

lighthearted fast-paced

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

1.0

I am not a deaf person but... This felt.. Icky. I think the author should have done more research before choosing to write a deaf character.

Also we finally get a human female character that doesn't have a "perfect bod" and she's described as a "hurricane", "a lot", pushy, obsessed with "cheese and French fries", and overall a crusty, bitchy character. Disappointed.

Barbarian's Mate by Ruby Dixon

funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.0