xompeii's reviews
284 reviews

Critical Role: The Mighty Nein Origins: Nott the Brave by Sam Maggs, Sam Riegel, Matthew Mercer

sad fast-paced

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

4.5

The Duke and I by Julia Quinn

funny lighthearted 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

4.0

 The Duke and I is a nice entrance into the Bridgerton series. Coming into this series from the TV show I am a little let down at how different the books are but I accept their differences and charms. It was still a very fun read, and it was interesting to see how things unfolded in the books. I look forward to reading through the rest of the series as well.

 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual assault and Sexual content

Of Feathers and Thorns by Kit Vincent

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

5.0

 “Of Feathers and Thorns” is a vibrant fantasy story set in the early 1900s that makes me want to dive into the world it creates. The imagery used by the author is rich and colorful. The story itself is a cozy fantasy mystery. I want to know more about the characters and their stories. The characters are loveable, and the cast is diverse. I loved how the narrative voices of Kieren and Esten were noticeably different. I really loved how even though they were in a world of rich magic it felt like there was always something new for the characters to learn and discover. I would reckoned this to anyone who wants to read a cozy magical fantasy series.

 

Tokyo Dreaming by Emiko Jean

funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.25

 “Tokyo Dreaming” is a delightful continuation to the "Tokyo Ever After” series. It’s a love story to anyone who has ever been unsure of what they want to do in the world. Torn between Duty and Heart, Izumi struggles to try and find her place in the world of the Imperial Palace. She forms New Bonds with family members, and makes new friends, while also coming to terms with how her life has changed. It’s heartfelt at times, and sweet. Perfect for anyone who has ever felt alone while surrounded by others.

Tokyo Ever After by Emiko Jean

emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.25

 "Tokyo Ever After" is a charming read that is perfect for anyone who loves a good coming-of-age story. Izumi is a lovable character, who’s story keeps you entertained. The story is paced well, and leaves the reader satisfied at the end. It gives western audiences a look into Japanese culture they might not know about.

Parallel by Matthias Lehmann

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? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Parallel by Matthias Lehmann is a compelling graphic novel that will slowly draw you in as the story unfolds. It’s heartbreaking at times, to read what happens to Karl. It takes place in post World War 2 Germany where being gay was still illegal. It is the story of a man hiding his gay relationships to try and keep himself safe. He’s a morally gray character, he marries twice, but those relationships fall apart because he can’t fully commit to being the kind of man he knows he’s not. While the art style is not what I usually look for in a graphic novel it lends an element of emotion to the story we wouldn’t get from a traditional novel.

I think it’s an important read to remember what was going on during that time period, and to compare it to what’s happening now. It’s a reminder of just how far we’ve come and just how much we have to loose. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Homophobia and Violence

This Poison Heart by Kalynn Bayron

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

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

4.5

That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon by Kimberly Lemming

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

5.0

The Lord of Stariel by A.J. Lancaster

adventurous mysterious medium-paced

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

4.5

 An attractive entrance to the series, with lush world-building and an exciting magic system. I look forward to continuing through the series. Lancaster has built an enchanting world to play in and I look forward to discovering what else they've done with it.

 

Book of Night by Holly Black

dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

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

4.25

Holly Black takes a departure from the familiar worlds of faerie that I’m so familiar with. It’s a welcome change set in an interesting world. It’s nice to be discovering its rules with so many of the characters. 

It’s a complex story of a thief and the shadows they leave, especially in a world where those shadows have a life of their own.