wisteriariaa's reviews
131 reviews

Nightbirds by Kate J. Armstrong

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

You know, I decided a while ago that I shouldn't have high hopes when it comes to YA fantasy. I've been burned too many times by books with promising plots that just devolve into extremely toxic, dull hetero love triangles with a side of saving the world in a pointless war. But this book has reignited some hope in me for the genre, because holy hell was this good. The setting is so vivid and enticing, the magic system manages to be both simple and unique, and the plot kept me hooked the entire time. The standout element of the book, however, has to be its main characters. Each of them are so interesting, frustrating, well-rounded, and kickass in their own way. I loved seeing how they developed throughout the book, and I think that the book ends with each of them in a place (literally and figuratively) that suits their character arcs. I'm excited to see where the next book takes them

Also, I really hope that Fen gets some POV chapters in the sequel, I'd really like to know more about her.

Also, on the subject of romances, all I'll say is I'm happy with Æsas'. I think shes cute with her love interest and her interactions with him didn't make me want to bash my head in. Sayer is heavily, heavily implied to be sapphic and into another girl! They technically don't end up together by the end, but their relationship is clearly headed into that direction. I could honestly care less about Matilde's love triangle, they both kind of suck for her, but if I was forced to choose I'm rooting for

Alec, because at least he doesn't give off "I'm using you and will absolutely kill your whole family and keep you hostage if you don't marry me and let me use your magic" vibes. Like, Dennan hasn't indicated that he would do that but him lying to Matilde about killing his sister sketches me out. I'm praying that Matilde keeps her word about using him and doesn't fall back in love with him I stg

 

Cheer Up: Love and Pompoms by Crystal Frasier

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Heavy Vinyl: Y2K-O!, Vol. 2 by Nina Vakueva, Carly Usdin

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.75

I think this one was better then the first! All of the elements from the first volume that I liked were still there, but this one took the time to focus on and flesh out the other characters aside from Chris as well. It was also much gayer, which I always appreciate. 

In the Watchful City by S. Qiouyi Lu
Did not finish book. Stopped at 14%.

I was just bored and confused the entire time I read it. I will not be continuing, thank you very much.

Heavy Vinyl, Vol. 1: Riot on the Radio by Carly Usdin

fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.25

I really liked this a lot! The characters were all likeable, the plot was simple yet well executed, and the art was great! I especially liked the design of the characters, they all show each characters personality really well. I also liked how natural the feminist themes were. I feel like sometimes with self-proclaimed "feminist media" it can feel very heavy handed and preachy, but this managed to avoid feeling too pretentious about it. 

The Night Eaters: She Eats the Night by Marjorie Liu

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.75

Carmilla: The First Vampire by Amy Chu

2.0

Eh. I've read better. It was pretty boring and all of the characters were extremely unlikable. The art was weird sometimes too, I think the only character design I liked was Carmilla's. Not the worst thing in the world, but still underwhelming.

Taproot by Keezy Young

3.0

Lone Women by Victor LaValle

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

We Had to Remove This Post by Hanna Bervoets

slow-paced

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

1.0

This book is offensively boring, dull and unfocused. I thought this book would be about exploring the horrors of internet moderation, not a half-baked story about a toxic relationship.  What exactly was the point of this book? I truly have no idea what the author was trying to do here. There is way too much going on, but the book also doesn't really seem to have much to say? There is so much time dedicated to trivial stuff that doesn't really matter, and the stuff that does matter is too confusing for me to understand. Or maybe the stuff that I saw as trivial was important? I don't know? Are you confused reading this? Good, because now you understand what it was like to read this mess. Ugh.