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wends_nblw's reviews
97 reviews
No Exit by Taylor Adams
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I need to start taking reviews with a grain of salt because they always set my expectations too high. That being said, this was still a good thriller.
I couldn't stand Darby at first, but I found myself warming up to her towards the halfway point before fully loving her character by the end. With the rest of the cast, I couldn't decide if I hated or loved them. There aren't many side characters : aside from Darby, we have five other distinctive characters.
As for the culprit(in this case : one of the culprits, Ashley) ... I found myself fully enraptured by them. Their motive, their point of view, the way they spoke.. I couldn't help but find myself being manipulated by them. By the end, I was as smitten with them as they were with Darby. For sure one of my favorite antagonists of any book.
So many twists and turns, I wouldn't say this book had me on the edge of my seat, but it certainly had me sitting up straight. Every time I thought this book was going to end, that Darby and this little girl, Jay, were going to escape, 'No Exit' would toss that hope aside and shoot me with a nail gun. I would groan and in the words of our villain, say "oh, come on."
I couldn't stand Darby at first, but I found myself warming up to her towards the halfway point before fully loving her character by the end. With the rest of the cast, I couldn't decide if I hated or loved them. There aren't many side characters : aside from Darby, we have five other distinctive characters.
As for the culprit
So many twists and turns, I wouldn't say this book had me on the edge of my seat, but it certainly had me sitting up straight. Every time I thought this book was going to end, that Darby and this little girl, Jay, were going to escape, 'No Exit' would toss that hope aside and shoot me with a nail gun. I would groan and in the words of our villain, say "oh, come on."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Chronic illness, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Kidnapping, Murder, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Ableism, Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Animal death, Cancer, Car accident, and Death of parent
Minor: Incest, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Racial slurs, Rape, Torture, and Vomit
This book uses the n + r slurs both once.
Pumpkin Night 1 by Masaya Hokazono
dark
fast-paced
3.0
!! review for the overall series; not just this vol !!
okay. okay i get it kinda. the premise.. is really good. a revenge story involving morally corrupt people being killed? i love it, but the way people recommend this series... isn't entirely right.
this *is* about a girl that plans to get revenge after being bullied in junior high. but that's really only the first few chapters of the overall story. instead the story is about Pumpkin Night. i won't go into extreme detail, but i'd say this instead :
Pumpkin Night is about a young girl who wants revenge after being bullied to the point of hospitalization. Through this vengeance, she becomes 'Pumpkin Night', a so-called demon from hell that escapes from the facility. Suddenly, she's agile, brutal, and out for blood. But how did she become this way, and can anyone stop her?
i wasn't expecting the turn the manga took, nor do i particularly like it. it's okay, just not what i was expecting. this manga also suffers from the lack of official translation. the popular fanmade one is so horrid; completely chock-full of racism and transphobia. it almost renders it completely unreadable. i recommend guro-man's translation on tumblr. it's a much easier read.
overall, the manga is.. decent. it's okay. i love naoko; she's a doll.
okay. okay i get it kinda. the premise.. is really good. a revenge story involving morally corrupt people being killed? i love it, but the way people recommend this series... isn't entirely right.
this *is* about a girl that plans to get revenge after being bullied in junior high. but that's really only the first few chapters of the overall story. instead the story is about Pumpkin Night. i won't go into extreme detail, but i'd say this instead :
Pumpkin Night is about a young girl who wants revenge after being bullied to the point of hospitalization. Through this vengeance, she becomes 'Pumpkin Night', a so-called demon from hell that escapes from the facility. Suddenly, she's agile, brutal, and out for blood. But how did she become this way, and can anyone stop her?
i wasn't expecting the turn the manga took, nor do i particularly like it. it's okay, just not what i was expecting. this manga also suffers from the lack of official translation. the popular fanmade one is so horrid; completely chock-full of racism and transphobia. it almost renders it completely unreadable. i recommend guro-man's translation on tumblr. it's a much easier read.
overall, the manga is.. decent. it's okay. i love naoko; she's a doll.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Gore, Gun violence, Torture, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Medical content, Medical trauma, Car accident, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Sexual violence and Sexual harassment
Minor: Adult/minor relationship and Self harm
Pretty Girls by Karin Slaughter
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I'm so happy that this lived up to its hype. Around the 50% mark, I had accepted that this would be a run of the mill thriller and was over-hyped. I've never been so happy to be wrong. The plot twist had me grinning and the ending was so tense. I always thought it was an over-exaggeration to say you were "on the edge of your seat", but it really is true.
It went beyond my expectations, and I was so pleased when my predictions were wrong. The closer to the end, the better it got. So good! Would highly recommend this. <333
It went beyond my expectations, and I was so pleased when my predictions were wrong. The closer to the end, the better it got. So good! Would highly recommend this. <333
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gore, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicide, Torture, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Murder, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Body shaming, Fatphobia, Car accident, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Minor: Infidelity
Belle of the Ball by Mari Costa
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
4.0
Okay. So, there's some jumbled thoughts in my head.
I did not like Regina. I didn't find a single trait of hers redeemable. Spoiler-ish :She pre-planned Chloe's life, uses Belle's crush against her just to get free tutoring and attention, and is overall just sort of obnoxious.
I initially didn't like Chloe either because of her treatment towards Belle, but honestly.. if someone had been hitting on my boyfriend, I wouldn't be super kind to them either. Nor did I understand why she was dismissive towards Regina until the middle.It becomes very apparent that Chloe doesn't respect their relationship because Regina doesn't respect it either. Their relationship is honestly just a placeholder for Gina's 10 year plan.
Wasn't a fan of the cheating. I don't understand why Chloe didn't just break up with Gina, especially whenshe doesn't care at all when Gina breaks up with her, over text of all things! She even seems a little happy and relieved by it since she can be with Belle now
All in all, it was good, but I wasn't a fan of certain aspects
or if you want the funny tldr : this is the average sapphic experience.
I did not like Regina. I didn't find a single trait of hers redeemable. Spoiler-ish :
I initially didn't like Chloe either because of her treatment towards Belle, but honestly.. if someone had been hitting on my boyfriend, I wouldn't be super kind to them either. Nor did I understand why she was dismissive towards Regina until the middle.
Wasn't a fan of the cheating. I don't understand why Chloe didn't just break up with Gina, especially when
All in all, it was good, but I wasn't a fan of certain aspects
or if you want the funny tldr : this is the average sapphic experience.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Toxic relationship, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Bullying and Alcohol
Blackwater by Jeannette Arroyo, Ren Graham
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
I'm unsure how to review this.
I only picked this up because I saw : two guys that I thought could be lovers, one of them nerdy, the other a poc. And my poc gay ass thought "perfect!!!" so I knew absolutely nothing else about this book. I didn't go in looking for good rep or anything so luckily, I wasn't disappointed like the reviewers I've seen.
I can't speak to the autoimmune rep, as I am not and I would recommend reading reviews from those who are.
Aside from that, I enjoyed the story. I liked the whole two troubled guys falling in love because they're both kind of idiots. I was very pleasantly surprised to see Eli was trans since I hadn't known that going in. [unlike some reviews, i found this to be quite endearing, as i enjoy when characters are just trans for the sake of being trans.]
I did not like Biff or Marcia; and I honestly just really, really hate how Biff was handled. The ending was rushed. It's discouraging that Eli really got the short end of the stick even at the ending.[like tony gets a mini dad moment but eli can't have his mini mom moment??? why????]
All in all, it was good. Just don't go looking for good rep.
I only picked this up because I saw : two guys that I thought could be lovers, one of them nerdy, the other a poc. And my poc gay ass thought "perfect!!!" so I knew absolutely nothing else about this book. I didn't go in looking for good rep or anything so luckily, I wasn't disappointed like the reviewers I've seen.
I can't speak to the autoimmune rep, as I am not and I would recommend reading reviews from those who are.
Aside from that, I enjoyed the story. I liked the whole two troubled guys falling in love because they're both kind of idiots. I was very pleasantly surprised to see Eli was trans since I hadn't known that going in. [unlike some reviews, i found this to be quite endearing, as i enjoy when characters are just trans for the sake of being trans.]
I did not like Biff or Marcia; and I honestly just really, really hate how Biff was handled. The ending was rushed. It's discouraging that Eli really got the short end of the stick even at the ending.
All in all, it was good. Just don't go looking for good rep.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Animal death, Body horror, Bullying, Chronic illness, Medical content, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Gun violence and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Alcoholism, Homophobia, and Alcohol
Coming Back by Jessi Zabarsky
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
It was pretty, but I have no clue what I just read.
I got the very gist of the story line, but aside from that...
Would recommend solely for the gorgeous art.
I got the very gist of the story line, but aside from that...
Would recommend solely for the gorgeous art.
Things Have Gotten Worse Since We Last Spoke by Eric LaRocca
challenging
dark
tense
fast-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
4.0
I'll say this : while it didn't live to its hype, I really enjoyed it.
I expected it to be written differently, but it didn't hinder my ability to enjoy the story. I found Agnes and Zoe's relationship to be fascinating alongside Agnes' descent into madness. I do wish there had been an aftermath, or just a longer story. I wish it hadn't gone so fast since I really wanted their relationship to slowly build into horror, but yk. We can't win everything.
All in all, a great story. I'm excited to see similar works by LaRocca. :3c
I expected it to be written differently, but it didn't hinder my ability to enjoy the story. I found Agnes and Zoe's relationship to be fascinating alongside Agnes' descent into madness. I do wish there had been an aftermath, or just a longer story. I wish it hadn't gone so fast since I really wanted their relationship to slowly build into horror, but yk. We can't win everything.
All in all, a great story. I'm excited to see similar works by LaRocca. :3c
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Child abuse, Child death, Death, Self harm, Sexual content, Slavery, Toxic relationship, Violence, Pregnancy, Toxic friendship, and Abandonment
Moderate: Homophobia and Lesbophobia
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Vomit
The Sprite and the Gardener by Rii Abrego, Joe Whitt
lighthearted
relaxing
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? No
3.25
Very, very cute graphic novel.
I'm incredibly sleep deprived so that might have hindered my enjoyment of the book, as sometimes the art felt overstimulating but yk !
There's not much to note other than the art is gorgeous and I found the concept to be interesting. :3c
I'm incredibly sleep deprived so that might have hindered my enjoyment of the book, as sometimes the art felt overstimulating but yk !
There's not much to note other than the art is gorgeous and I found the concept to be interesting. :3c
Elatsoe by Darcie Little Badger
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-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
3.0
I will say. I went into this blind, and was expecting something a lot more compelling.
This book is okay; it's fine. Nothing I would rave about, but something I would casually recommend.
I'm not sure if it's just me, but this felt like a middle school read rather than young adult? I don't know why, but I keep imagining the MC as like.. 12-14 years old. (Actually, I think this book could've been better if it had been a MG haha!)
I was a huge fan of the concept, but not the plot. I don't care about vampires or cults or anything else. I wanted so bad to read more about Elatsoe's gift and the Lipan Apaches. I found it so much more interesting than the murder mystery that was happening in the foreground.
However, I'm always rooting for representation as an asexual native myself LOL !
Would def recommend to a younger audience. Nice little murder mystery with fantasy elements.
This book is okay; it's fine. Nothing I would rave about, but something I would casually recommend.
I'm not sure if it's just me, but this felt like a middle school read rather than young adult? I don't know why, but I keep imagining the MC as like.. 12-14 years old. (Actually, I think this book could've been better if it had been a MG haha!)
I was a huge fan of the concept, but not the plot. I don't care about vampires or cults or anything else. I wanted so bad to read more about Elatsoe's gift and the Lipan Apaches. I found it so much more interesting than the murder mystery that was happening in the foreground.
However, I'm always rooting for representation as an asexual native myself LOL !
Would def recommend to a younger audience. Nice little murder mystery with fantasy elements.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Animal death, Body horror, Gun violence, Racism, and Colonisation
Minor: Genocide and Kidnapping
The Girl in 6E by A.R. Torre
dark
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? Yes
3.25
This was definitely not what I expected going in. I'm not sure what exactly I was imagining, but the writing style totally took me off guard. It's just.. so casual.
Despite that, I enjoyed this book for what it was. A nice thriller erotica.
I enjoyed what others seem to not. I thought the descriptive writing of Deanna's sex work was intriguing and fun to read. As well, my favorite part of the story was the romance. (Though, what that says about the book... the fact my favorite part of this thriller was its romance... eh...)
I'm considering continuing the series just to see the romance between her and Jeremy develop more. We'll see.
Despite that, I enjoyed this book for what it was. A nice thriller erotica.
I enjoyed what others seem to not. I thought the descriptive writing of Deanna's sex work was intriguing and fun to read. As well, my favorite part of the story was the romance. (Though, what that says about the book... the fact my favorite part of this thriller was its romance... eh...)
I'm considering continuing the series just to see the romance between her and Jeremy develop more. We'll see.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Gun violence, Pedophilia, Sexual content, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Addiction, Child death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Suicidal thoughts, and Death of parent
Minor: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Domestic abuse, Mental illness, Grief, and Sexual harassment