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twistykris's reviews
197 reviews
Feed by Aveda Vice
adventurous
dark
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Blood
Minor: Drug use
Killers of the Flower Moon: Oil, Money, Murder and the Birth of the FBI by David Grann
dark
informative
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Gun violence, Hate crime, Racial slurs, Racism, Grief, Murder, Colonisation, and Classism
Moderate: Child death, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol
A Welcome Reunion: A Short Story by Lucinda Berry
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
I read this immediately after reading The Perfect Child, as this is a sort of novella follow-up.
Some things answered, more things things left unanswered, only now 10 years in the future.
It's only 80 pages but I feel like this gave us nothing and could have given us SOMETHING more.
Some things answered, more things things left unanswered, only now 10 years in the future.
It's only 80 pages but I feel like this gave us nothing and could have given us SOMETHING more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Mental illness, and Murder
Moderate: Blood
Minor: Bullying, Drug abuse, and Rape
The Perfect Child by Lucinda Berry
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
This is my first Dr. Lucinda Berry book and I am curious to read more, but if all of her books have a non-ending like this under the guise of a cliffhanger, then I don't know if they'll be a good fit for me.
A very disturbing book (PLEASE check the trigger warnings) filled with moments that made me recoil in horror and more that made me roll my eyes.WHY ON EARTH would you get a cat for a seriously disturbed child who has PURPOSEFULLY injured her "friend", just because she's experiencing some jealousy over a new baby?? HUH???? And I'm sorry but, y'all
The ending left a lot to be desired. I can be content with a more open-ended, unconcluded ending; I am also okay with an unhappy ending. But give us ANY ending! This book genuinely feels like the last chapter was accidentally left out, or the author just gave up writing and published it. What happened to Janie? Did the treatment facility help (I was fulling expecting for there to be some hint that she injured to killed the woman running it)? What happens to Piper and her job? Does Hannah ever find healing? Does she divorce Christopher because he is the WORST? (But seriously, HOW was this man so fucking oblivious and selfish and dismissive of Janie's problems???) What happens with Greg's lawsuit? There was some sort of hint about Piper's relationship with Christopher- was it she just had a crush on him or was there something more? That felt loose and not developed at all There are just so many unanswered questions and the ending feels very unsatisfying and lazy.
There was zero character development and despite there being multiple POVs, there was no differentiation on who was speaking.. they were all written the same way. And the audiobook quality was just.. not good? The first narrator (the one for Piper) sounded too muffled and quiet, and the narrator for Christopher just annoyed me (only because of the character himself, not the narrator) and I just ended up reading the e-book for the majority.
Honestly, the more I think about Christopher, the more angry I get.
I've dropped .5 more stars just writing this review.
A very disturbing book (PLEASE check the trigger warnings) filled with moments that made me recoil in horror and more that made me roll my eyes.
The ending left a lot to be desired. I can be content with a more open-ended, unconcluded ending; I am also okay with an unhappy ending. But give us ANY ending! This book genuinely feels like the last chapter was accidentally left out, or the author just gave up writing and published it.
There was zero character development and despite there being multiple POVs, there was no differentiation on who was speaking.. they were all written the same way. And the audiobook quality was just.. not good? The first narrator (the one for Piper) sounded too muffled and quiet, and the narrator for Christopher just annoyed me (only because of the character himself, not the narrator) and I just ended up reading the e-book for the majority.
Honestly, the more I think about Christopher, the more angry I get.
I've dropped .5 more stars just writing this review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Mental illness, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
Moderate: Confinement, Eating disorder, Infertility, Panic attacks/disorders, Medical content, Murder, Pregnancy, and Gaslighting
Minor: Physical abuse and Vomit
Scream For Us by Molly Doyle
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
99% smut, 1% plot.
I read it because I got it on KU and thought it'd be a fun way to pass the time and it was! The spice is indeed spicy, filled with masks and praise and begging and the "touch her and you die" trope.
I wasn't expecting a lot of character growth or sensical plot in an 80 page erotica novella, so I wasn't disappointed when there wasn't any. But this book is much too short to have a whole chapter dedicated to multiple murders, with a self-harm backstory that doesn't really add anything.
I might read more in the series, since the story becomes more developed, and I've heard the audiobook is the way to go so I might try that format.
I read it because I got it on KU and thought it'd be a fun way to pass the time and it was! The spice is indeed spicy, filled with masks and praise and begging and the "touch her and you die" trope.
I wasn't expecting a lot of character growth or sensical plot in an 80 page erotica novella, so I wasn't disappointed when there wasn't any. But this book is much too short to have a whole chapter dedicated to multiple murders, with a self-harm backstory that doesn't really add anything.
I might read more in the series, since the story becomes more developed, and I've heard the audiobook is the way to go so I might try that format.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Bullying and Self harm
Mary: An Awakening of Terror by Nat Cassidy
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This is a horror novel I'll be haunted by for a while. This was hard to look away from- mesmerizing but grotesque. Cassidy's writing is engaging and the plot twists were unexpected for me. The last 15% of the book or so had me sitting on the couch covering my mouth in horror and disgust (and also a little glee?).
The audiobook narrator, Susan Bennett, does an absolutely INCREDIBLE job. The emotion in her voice when Mary feels angry or scared or meek is just perfectly executed.
I think some of the book was too drawn out though and it could have been trimmed down a little.
The audiobook narrator, Susan Bennett, does an absolutely INCREDIBLE job. The emotion in her voice when Mary feels angry or scared or meek is just perfectly executed.
I think some of the book was too drawn out though and it could have been trimmed down a little.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body shaming, Death, Mental illness, Misogyny, Sexual violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Bullying, Confinement, Vomit, and Death of parent
Slewfoot: A Tale of Bewitchery by Brom
This is a book that will stick with me for a long time. It had a bit of a slower start, but I ended up reading the entire last half in one sitting; putting it down proved difficult.
The atmosphere was just impeccable- dark, moody, mysterious. And the writing was just so beautiful and rich. I empathized with both Abitha and Samson, and the conversations between them were delightful and enlightening to read (especially Samson askingwhy Christ God can't save a girl from a debilitating case of measles- "they need a better god." ). There IS strong character development from both, but if you're looking for good-natured character development (i.e. "they decided to stop being violent after realizing killing is wrong and won't make them feel better"), you won't get it here. This is a story of righteous anger and vengeance that I absolutely ate up.
If you're looking for a book that will make you sob and laugh and clap your hands under witnessing the power of violent, primal feminine rage- this is it. There are many dark, horrible moments that lead up to it, but the payback is indeed, a witch.
Honestly? Good for her.
dark
emotional
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? It's complicated
5.0
"If it is a witch they want, then a witch they shall have."
This is a book that will stick with me for a long time. It had a bit of a slower start, but I ended up reading the entire last half in one sitting; putting it down proved difficult.
The atmosphere was just impeccable- dark, moody, mysterious. And the writing was just so beautiful and rich. I empathized with both Abitha and Samson, and the conversations between them were delightful and enlightening to read (especially Samson asking
If you're looking for a book that will make you sob and laugh and clap your hands under witnessing the power of violent, primal feminine rage- this is it. There are many dark, horrible moments that lead up to it, but the payback is indeed, a witch.
Honestly? Good for her.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child death, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Misogyny, Sexism, Torture, Violence, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, Colonisation, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Suicidal thoughts
A Soul to Keep by Opal Reyne
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
"To all the MonsterFuckers out there, This book is for you. Don’t pretend that you’ve never wanted to be railed by some human eating, dark entity that has a skull for a face – you saw the cover, you knew what you were getting yourself into, and you still chose to open this book and read it."
- A Soul to Keep Introduction
Take Beauty and the Beat but make it SPICY 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I loved watching the relationship between Reia and Orpheus grow. There are some communication issues- mainly because he's literally a monster who doesn't have knowledge of human emotions, thoughts, customs, and basic anatomy- but there were multiple times that their conversations had me giddily kicking my feet. Orpheus just wants a companion, someone who won't leave him, and Reia wants her freedom. It clashes at first, as she tries to escape his cottage, but she eventually warms to him and appreciates the thoughtful things he does. He's a big old cinnamon roll that I just wanted to hug for so much of this book. He is dealing with loneliness and his own loss of someone close to him and it clearly weighs on his mind a lot.
Reia is a tough character who wants her independence and learns how to fight with a sword; she's also very kind-hearted and has empathy for Orpheus and another Duskwalker who makes a few appearances in this book. I actually liked reading about her thought process as she starts to grow fond of Orpheus. But BOY she got a little annoying at times and her not making a pretty easy connection towards the end of book had me rolling my eyes. Kind of reminiscent of Feyre taking forever to figure out the riddle in ACOTAR.
However, if you aren't into the "she's mine, don't touch her or I'll kill you/ you & your body belong to me" thing, this isn't for you. (Also calling a vagina a "cunt.") Orpheus is possessive and jealous in a sort of beast way; personally, I kinda like the "I will kill anyone who hurts you" vibe, especially if it's coming from a 7-foot tall monster don't judge me.
I listened to the DUAL-NARRATED audiobook and WOW, Wolfgang Milliken does a fantastic job as Orpheus (and other male characters), and Elise Hoffman is great as Reia (and other female characters). They portrayed their characters actions and emotions so well that I found myself easily absorbed into the world. I also downloaded the book through Kindle Unlimited, but found myself going back to the audiobook. For.. reasons.
I know the sequel, A Soul to Heal, features a plus-sized character (and a recurring character from this book) and I'm looking forward to probably relating to the FMC too much- I may wait for the release of the audiobook though, since I enjoyed this one so much. Looking at the covers of future books, it seems like we will also get some more POC characters, which will be much-needed in this universe.
Take Beauty and the Beat but make it SPICY 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️
I loved watching the relationship between Reia and Orpheus grow. There are some communication issues- mainly because he's literally a monster who doesn't have knowledge of human emotions, thoughts, customs, and basic anatomy- but there were multiple times that their conversations had me giddily kicking my feet. Orpheus just wants a companion, someone who won't leave him, and Reia wants her freedom. It clashes at first, as she tries to escape his cottage, but she eventually warms to him and appreciates the thoughtful things he does. He's a big old cinnamon roll that I just wanted to hug for so much of this book. He is dealing with loneliness and his own loss of someone close to him and it clearly weighs on his mind a lot.
Reia is a tough character who wants her independence and learns how to fight with a sword; she's also very kind-hearted and has empathy for Orpheus and another Duskwalker who makes a few appearances in this book. I actually liked reading about her thought process as she starts to grow fond of Orpheus. But BOY she got a little annoying at times and her not making a pretty easy connection towards the end of book had me rolling my eyes. Kind of reminiscent of Feyre taking forever to figure out the riddle in ACOTAR.
However, if you aren't into the "she's mine, don't touch her or I'll kill you/ you & your body belong to me" thing, this isn't for you. (Also calling a vagina a "cunt.") Orpheus is possessive and jealous in a sort of beast way; personally, I kinda like the "I will kill anyone who hurts you" vibe, especially if it's coming from a 7-foot tall monster don't judge me.
I listened to the DUAL-NARRATED audiobook and WOW, Wolfgang Milliken does a fantastic job as Orpheus (and other male characters), and Elise Hoffman is great as Reia (and other female characters). They portrayed their characters actions and emotions so well that I found myself easily absorbed into the world. I also downloaded the book through Kindle Unlimited, but found myself going back to the audiobook. For.. reasons.
I know the sequel, A Soul to Heal, features a plus-sized character (and a recurring character from this book) and I'm looking forward to probably relating to the FMC too much- I may wait for the release of the audiobook though, since I enjoyed this one so much. Looking at the covers of future books, it seems like we will also get some more POC characters, which will be much-needed in this universe.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, and Death of parent
Moderate: Gore and Grief
Minor: Animal death and Confinement
Calamity by Constance Fay
adventurous
emotional
funny
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
4.75
This was genuinely a FUN debut! I enjoyed the world-building, the plot, the sci-fi elements, and how the romance fit into all of it. Political intrigue and sci-fi weaponry play a large part of this book. At times, I felt like the writing was a liiiittle awkward, especially during Temper's CLEAR attraction towards Arcadio that she completely denies. But the "awkwardness" won me over with how much the two gradually admitted their attraction and eventual love towards each other. I sort of adopted a "they're standoffish and stubborn and don't want to open up" mindset in terms of their begrudgingly-working-together-partnership-evolving-into-more awkwardness. I really enjoy a romance where two characters can't stand each other (or at least pretend to) and everyone else can clearly see how much they like each other. I dunno, I think it's cute af.
The spice is probably a 2 or 3, pretty middle-of-the-road. There are a few scenes, but they're pretty quick, not super-detailed, and one scene is closed-door.
I have a physical copy of the book, but I also listened to the audiobook in tandem and unfortunately, I had a hard time enjoying the narrator. I feel like her voice was didn't portray a lot of emotion and feels sort of stilted, in a way. The only thing I could think of when listening was "this sounds like AI." I couldn't help but think she was trying to narrate like Julia Whelan and it wasn't coming through. (There was also a point where she read out a sentence twice; I'm assuming that was supposed to be edited out.)
Overall, I really enjoyed the overall vibe of this book and I'm looking forward to reading more in the series when they come out!
The spice is probably a 2 or 3, pretty middle-of-the-road. There are a few scenes, but they're pretty quick, not super-detailed, and one scene is closed-door.
I have a physical copy of the book, but I also listened to the audiobook in tandem and unfortunately, I had a hard time enjoying the narrator. I feel like her voice was didn't portray a lot of emotion and feels sort of stilted, in a way. The only thing I could think of when listening was "this sounds like AI." I couldn't help but think she was trying to narrate like Julia Whelan and it wasn't coming through. (There was also a point where she read out a sentence twice; I'm assuming that was supposed to be edited out.)
Overall, I really enjoyed the overall vibe of this book and I'm looking forward to reading more in the series when they come out!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Sexual content, and Violence
Moderate: Blood, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Bullying, Infidelity, Torture, Kidnapping, and Death of parent
Polysecure: Attachment, Trauma and Consensual Nonmonogamy by Jessica Fern
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.75
As someone in a monogamous marriage of over 10 years who is new to considering the world of polyamory personally, this was an incredibly insightful read. It made me think about my childhood and how it contributed to my anxious/ preoccupied attachment, and how that, in turn, has affected my relationships moving forward. I often found myself thinking, "wow this is getting WAY TOO PERSONAL" while reading this 😅
I loved the way the book is sectioned off with Part 1 addressing the attachment styles and trauma, Part 2 focusing on nonmonogamy and how the attachment styles fit in, and Part 3 giving guidance on now to be more secure in your relationships with others and yourself. Each section has some questions and thinking exercises to mull over, as well as some bullet points of suggestions, making it easy to digest.
A few things to note are how this book feels very focused on couples in current relationships transitioning to polyamory, not so much single, solo-poly folks.
I also think there were some suggestions to improve attachment and relationship security that just weren't inclusive of neurodivergent folks- keeping eye contact, always being "on and actively listening" is something that can be very difficult but not intentionally neglectful for someone who's neurodivergent. I would have loved to see more representation for asexual folks as well, as they also can have and enjoy sex!
There are a few charts and graphs used in this book that I don't know are explained well in the audiobook, so if you're able to read a physical/ digital copy or have a friend describe the images to you, I think that could be very beneficial for some.
Overall, this book was very well-written, despite the serious lack of research on attachment styles relating to polyamory. Jessica Fern did a great job of making the attachment styles and types of CNM easy to understand while also relating some of her personal insight as a therapist and someone who practices polyamory herself. I learned so much about myself, my relationship with my partner, and how I can navigate potential relationships in the future!
I loved the way the book is sectioned off with Part 1 addressing the attachment styles and trauma, Part 2 focusing on nonmonogamy and how the attachment styles fit in, and Part 3 giving guidance on now to be more secure in your relationships with others and yourself. Each section has some questions and thinking exercises to mull over, as well as some bullet points of suggestions, making it easy to digest.
A few things to note are how this book feels very focused on couples in current relationships transitioning to polyamory, not so much single, solo-poly folks.
I also think there were some suggestions to improve attachment and relationship security that just weren't inclusive of neurodivergent folks- keeping eye contact, always being "on and actively listening" is something that can be very difficult but not intentionally neglectful for someone who's neurodivergent. I would have loved to see more representation for asexual folks as well, as they also can have and enjoy sex!
There are a few charts and graphs used in this book that I don't know are explained well in the audiobook, so if you're able to read a physical/ digital copy or have a friend describe the images to you, I think that could be very beneficial for some.
Overall, this book was very well-written, despite the serious lack of research on attachment styles relating to polyamory. Jessica Fern did a great job of making the attachment styles and types of CNM easy to understand while also relating some of her personal insight as a therapist and someone who practices polyamory herself. I learned so much about myself, my relationship with my partner, and how I can navigate potential relationships in the future!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Child abuse and Grief