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yellowbinge's reviews
233 reviews
Court of Talons by Jennifer Chance
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Publishing date: 08.10.2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Oliver Heber Books for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
Features:
Woman pretends to be man for the plot
Misogyny in the worldbuilding
Undercooked romance
First-Person POV
"Headstrong Female lead"
Monster / Human Bond (not the romance, sorry)
I like a little romantasy in my books, it is such a fun type of book to read. However, I think this should have been marketed more as "a cup of overloaded worldbuilding with a half teaspoon of undercooked romance". Let's start with the bad and end on a high note.
The romance was not it. There was no proper chemistry, it felt insta-lovey (this can work, but not in this one), not enough time spent between characters before we "got into it". If it is marketed as a romantasy, it needs more time to actually develop the romance. You can't serve me a raw steak and say it is medium rare. The spice also didn't do much for me, and I am usually not picky with it.
Worldbuilding based on misogyny has become such an ick for me. I think the fact that our own real world has this exact set-up just makes me tired when I see it in fantasy. There are attempts in the book to show that it is reversible, or at least possible to make it better for the women. But it shouldn't have been there at all. It is such blatant "women should know their place" vibes. The book could work perfectly fine without it, or at least done it more subtly and elegantly.
I will put the writing and my problems with the main character in the same paragraph because they are related. Some main characters can work as annoying brats, our main character here doesn not work as a brat. I didn't want her to succeed, or get her way. I was tired of listening to her inner monologues where all she can do is try to prove others wrong or prove herself right. The writing didn't do her credit either, as it felt very juvenile. This reads like middle grade in writing, and adult in content.
Over to the good ...
Fight scenes and anything with the Divhs is fun. Monsters are always fun, monsters bonded to people is especially fun. It all felt so dynamic. Combat can be so hard to properly write, but the author really nailed it for me. If the whole book was focused on the Divhs and the fighting I would give it a higher score.
Final ranking and star rating?
2 stars, D tier. I think my biggest problem is that I have read stories like this before, and may be burned out. Even so, the romance is lacking, and for plenty of people the misogyny might come off as unnecessary and off-handed. It has the bones for a good story, one I might like. But today, and as it stands, it is not it for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Misogyny, and Violence
Moderate: Sexism and Sexual content
Jurassic Terrors: Haunting Stories of Dinosaurs by Chris Levine
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
Publishing date: 01.10.2024
Thank you to Netgalley and BookBuzz.net for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
I had high expectations for this book ... Sadly, I was let down.
The overall feeling of this book was "stories around a campfire". I think most can agree. It is fast paced, leaves out the more boring stuff and goes straight for the jugular.
Most stories go like this: Going somewhere - getting chased - safe for a little - getting chased - make up a plan to escape - successful escape
This kind of story can work, but not when every single story follows the same exact format with the main difference being the type of dinosaur chasing you. It got old very quickly.
What would be nice is the artwork with each story, except for one thing ... It is seemingly touched up AI art, and for me this is an immediate no-go. I could tell something was off about the proportions and anatomy of the dinos, and got my suspicions confirmed directly from the artist page.
The book suffers from, what I would like to call it, a lack of effort. Not enough meat on the bones so to speak.
Final ranking and star rating?
1.5 stars, F tier. This was just a miss. It is sad to see. I will not be recommending this book when I know that with a little effort in both art and writing it could be so much better.
Tevinter Nights by Christopher Morgan, Matthew Goldman, Chris Bain, Patrick Weekes
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, and Violence
Moderate: Racism, Slavery, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Addiction, Rape, and Alcohol
Always Haunted: Hallowe'en Poems by LindaAnn LoSchiavo
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
3.0
Publishing date: 01.10.2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Wild Ink Publishing LLC for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
I expected: Spooky poems
I got: Spooky poems and almost short stories
The book left me: Not as spooked as I wanted
Poetry style:
Freestyle and prose, a little folketaley
Amount of poems:
24 poems and short stories
Features:
7 illustration (some repeats), 5 sections, some poems and stories based on real world events and rumors
Final ranking and star rating?
3 stars, C tier. This was an odd collection. I expected more poems, but I got a few stories too. It had some nice illustrations, love that. It wasn't scary, poems usually aren't, more uncanny or "campfire story" kind of spooky.
I think I expected something different from this. Not sure what exactly ...
Thank you to Netgalley and Wild Ink Publishing LLC for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
I expected: Spooky poems
I got: Spooky poems and almost short stories
The book left me: Not as spooked as I wanted
Poetry style:
Freestyle and prose, a little folketaley
Amount of poems:
24 poems and short stories
Features:
7 illustration (some repeats), 5 sections, some poems and stories based on real world events and rumors
Final ranking and star rating?
3 stars, C tier. This was an odd collection. I expected more poems, but I got a few stories too. It had some nice illustrations, love that. It wasn't scary, poems usually aren't, more uncanny or "campfire story" kind of spooky.
I think I expected something different from this. Not sure what exactly ...
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Death and Sexual assault
Minor: Sexism and Toxic relationship
Caught in a Hazy Dream: Contemporary Tanka Poetry by Tiffany Mackay
emotional
hopeful
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
4.0
Publishing date: 23.08.2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Horizon Literary House for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
I expected: A beautifully illustrated collection
I got: Exactly what I expected
The book left me: Wanting to read more tanka
Poetry style:
Contemporary tanka, visual poetry
Amount of poems:
95 poems, one page each
Features:
Full color "illustrated" pages, poems invoking an emotion or a memory (at least for me)
Final ranking and star rating?
4 stars, A tier. These kinds of collections are always banges. I love full page coloration or illustrations already. A whole book with every page colored is a great treat for me. Every poem invoked a specific feeling, a memory, or longing for a special place. This was the perfect way to turn off my brain a little bit and just live in my own head for a while.
Highly recommend it.
Thank you to Netgalley and Horizon Literary House for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
I expected: A beautifully illustrated collection
I got: Exactly what I expected
The book left me: Wanting to read more tanka
Poetry style:
Contemporary tanka, visual poetry
Amount of poems:
95 poems, one page each
Features:
Full color "illustrated" pages, poems invoking an emotion or a memory (at least for me)
Final ranking and star rating?
4 stars, A tier. These kinds of collections are always banges. I love full page coloration or illustrations already. A whole book with every page colored is a great treat for me. Every poem invoked a specific feeling, a memory, or longing for a special place. This was the perfect way to turn off my brain a little bit and just live in my own head for a while.
Highly recommend it.
Prayers of My Youth by F.S. Yousaf
emotional
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Publishing date: 24.09.2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
I expected: Poetry reflecting on the authors youthful years
I got: A book reflecting on the author's faith
The book left me: Reflecting
Amount of poems:
71 poems, spanning up to 2 pages
Features:
A lot of faith, 4 illustrations, 4 sections, some insight into the author's journey with faith and growing up
Final ranking and star rating?
4 stars, B tier. I think my own relationship with faith got in the way for a full score. I really enjoy Yousaf's poems and style. In this collection, I didn't get that same connection as with "Oaths". That's okay, can't always be a gold medallion.
I do and will recommend this collection to others.
Favorite poems:
Maturation
I know myself, bu you seem to know more
Perched Sunflower Convertible
Only then
Support
Unhealthy Submissions
Archeological Digging
Dog Days
Sail
The Similarities we share
Room for Improvements
Thank you to Netgalley and Andrews McMeel Publishing for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
I expected: Poetry reflecting on the authors youthful years
I got: A book reflecting on the author's faith
The book left me: Reflecting
Amount of poems:
71 poems, spanning up to 2 pages
Features:
A lot of faith, 4 illustrations, 4 sections, some insight into the author's journey with faith and growing up
Final ranking and star rating?
4 stars, B tier. I think my own relationship with faith got in the way for a full score. I really enjoy Yousaf's poems and style. In this collection, I didn't get that same connection as with "Oaths". That's okay, can't always be a gold medallion.
I do and will recommend this collection to others.
Favorite poems:
Maturation
I know myself, bu you seem to know more
Perched Sunflower Convertible
Only then
Support
Unhealthy Submissions
Archeological Digging
Dog Days
Sail
The Similarities we share
Room for Improvements
Sanctuary by Bree M. Lewandowski
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Publishing date: 01.09.2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookbuzz.net for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
The book as a meal: A "premium" cup of coffee, not sure if I like the taste yet
The book left me: In no particular way
Negatives:
Insta-love
Really unlikable protagonist
Very sudden plot switch
Rushed and unsatisfying ending
Calling each other "husband" and "wife"
Positives:
Some cool scenes and scenery
Features:
Small protagonist with a big love interest, insta-love, lots of job and class switches, plot switch about hallway through, kind of fated-mates but more connected-mates, some type of magic
Why did I choose this one?
The blurb I read seemed interesting. I was also craving some romance at the time
Pick-up-able? Put-down-able?
In-between. A little hard to get into (what was that first chapter??? Trigger warning next time, thanks). After about 30-35% it got a little more interesting. Got a little bored with the brother plot after the main character mentioned him about 5 or 6 times in a single chapter.
What was the vibe and mood?
It is kind of hard to describe exactly what this book feels like. It is full of higher ranking people always looking down on you, a city that feels like a maze, a little bit like the optimal "productivity-society" where everyone works all the time
Final ranking and star rating?
3 stars, C tier. Hmm, my expectations were not present while reading. Even so, I felt like it didn't meet them. The most important part of the book, the romance, is almost the biggest let down. These characters I feel have no chemistry. They fall in love with each other for no reason at all.
Also, we are allowed to use each other's names or just "you" instead of "husband" and "wife" when talking to each other. This is a minor gripe, but gets really annoying.
The world itself is interesting, if a little stressful. Would like to explore the politics here a little more.
Okay book, but not really for me
Thank you to Netgalley and Bookbuzz.net for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
The book as a meal: A "premium" cup of coffee, not sure if I like the taste yet
The book left me: In no particular way
Negatives:
Insta-love
Really unlikable protagonist
Very sudden plot switch
Rushed and unsatisfying ending
Calling each other "husband" and "wife"
Positives:
Some cool scenes and scenery
Features:
Small protagonist with a big love interest, insta-love, lots of job and class switches, plot switch about hallway through, kind of fated-mates but more connected-mates, some type of magic
Why did I choose this one?
The blurb I read seemed interesting. I was also craving some romance at the time
Pick-up-able? Put-down-able?
In-between. A little hard to get into (what was that first chapter??? Trigger warning next time, thanks). After about 30-35% it got a little more interesting. Got a little bored with the brother plot after the main character mentioned him about 5 or 6 times in a single chapter.
What was the vibe and mood?
It is kind of hard to describe exactly what this book feels like. It is full of higher ranking people always looking down on you, a city that feels like a maze, a little bit like the optimal "productivity-society" where everyone works all the time
Final ranking and star rating?
3 stars, C tier. Hmm, my expectations were not present while reading. Even so, I felt like it didn't meet them. The most important part of the book, the romance, is almost the biggest let down. These characters I feel have no chemistry. They fall in love with each other for no reason at all.
Also, we are allowed to use each other's names or just "you" instead of "husband" and "wife" when talking to each other. This is a minor gripe, but gets really annoying.
The world itself is interesting, if a little stressful. Would like to explore the politics here a little more.
Okay book, but not really for me
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Rape, and Blood
Moderate: Death of parent and Murder
Everything to Play For: An Insider's Guide to How Video Games are Changing Our World by Marijam Did
3.0
Publishing date: 17.09.2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Verso Books for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
This book has me feeling a little mixed ...
I picked this up because I have been gaming since the early 2000's and still going strong to this day. Learning more about my other favorite hobby is always fun. Except ... I didn't learn anything new.
The biggest problem for this book is who it caters to. Gamers like myself who have been here for years already know most if not all that this book is talking about. It doesn't bring anything new to the table, and what it brings feels more targeted at people who might not play videogames.
This group of people, those who don't play, might find this book either too hard to read or not for them at all. It is filled with terminology you might require a bit of knowledge about to understand. Thankfully, the author has an index and definitions/explanations of the words on almost every page. But this makes the book a lot heavier to read (at least for me)
I did enjoy the talk of how the gaming environment is both extremely toxic (to people and the planet), but also grounds for a great hobby and community, and artform that will and has ravaged the world. These, in my opinion, are the themes that the book would have benefitted even more to talk about. Although, I did enjoy the chapter on videogame history.
Final ranking and star rating?
3 stars, C tier. As mentioned, I am very mixed. This book will have a hard time finding the right audience. Some interesting talking points. Some themes that more people need to talk about and confront.
A very middle of the street kind of book.
Thank you to Netgalley and Verso Books for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
This book has me feeling a little mixed ...
I picked this up because I have been gaming since the early 2000's and still going strong to this day. Learning more about my other favorite hobby is always fun. Except ... I didn't learn anything new.
The biggest problem for this book is who it caters to. Gamers like myself who have been here for years already know most if not all that this book is talking about. It doesn't bring anything new to the table, and what it brings feels more targeted at people who might not play videogames.
This group of people, those who don't play, might find this book either too hard to read or not for them at all. It is filled with terminology you might require a bit of knowledge about to understand. Thankfully, the author has an index and definitions/explanations of the words on almost every page. But this makes the book a lot heavier to read (at least for me)
I did enjoy the talk of how the gaming environment is both extremely toxic (to people and the planet), but also grounds for a great hobby and community, and artform that will and has ravaged the world. These, in my opinion, are the themes that the book would have benefitted even more to talk about. Although, I did enjoy the chapter on videogame history.
Final ranking and star rating?
3 stars, C tier. As mentioned, I am very mixed. This book will have a hard time finding the right audience. Some interesting talking points. Some themes that more people need to talk about and confront.
A very middle of the street kind of book.
This Fatal Kiss by Alicia Jasinska
adventurous
funny
mysterious
slow-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
Publishing date: 24.09.2024
Thank you to Netgalley and Peachtree Teen for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
The book as a meal: Delectable pastries
The book left me: Feeling like taking the plunge into a hot spring
Negatives:
Plot twist didn't feel as grave as it should have
Romance was a little all over the place
Lots of unresolved ends
Positives:
Queer rep left right and center
Vibes are impeccable
The folklore and mythology work was excellent
Features:
Queer representation, polyamorous rep, multiple POV's, found family, a TRUE love triangle, hot spring setting, a tiny illustration to go with each new chapter
Why did I choose this one?
The cover was what got me. It is absolutely stunning. Beautiful artwork. Some youtubers and booktokers I follow also got ARC's of this book so I wanted to try it out. The LGBTQ tag also caught my attention.
Pick-up-able? Put-down-able?
In-between. I spent a month trying to read this book because the first 40% were so slow. I could not for the life of me get properly into it and considered DNF'ing. Thankfully I didn't when I passed this threshold, and then finished the book the same day.
What was the vibe and mood?
It smells of flowers everywhere you go, the air is crisp and a little cold, a festival is just around the corner, everyone is whispering about spirits and demons, you are considering confessing to your crush, maybe there is a folktale about how to make someone fall in love with you in this place
Final ranking and star rating?
4 stars, B tier. This was very good, when I got a little further into it. I feel like the first 40% is almost all setup for the rest of the book. A little too slow for my tastes. The unresolved ends also left me frustrated, I know that this might get a sequel at some point, but it still annoys me. The romance was fine, nothing exceptional or heart pounding.
I think someone new and interested in folktale/fantasy romances might enjoy this.
Thank you to Netgalley and Peachtree Teen for the ARC. My opinions are my own.
The book as a meal: Delectable pastries
The book left me: Feeling like taking the plunge into a hot spring
Negatives:
Plot twist didn't feel as grave as it should have
Romance was a little all over the place
Lots of unresolved ends
Positives:
Queer rep left right and center
Vibes are impeccable
The folklore and mythology work was excellent
Features:
Queer representation, polyamorous rep, multiple POV's, found family, a TRUE love triangle, hot spring setting, a tiny illustration to go with each new chapter
Why did I choose this one?
The cover was what got me. It is absolutely stunning. Beautiful artwork. Some youtubers and booktokers I follow also got ARC's of this book so I wanted to try it out. The LGBTQ tag also caught my attention.
Pick-up-able? Put-down-able?
In-between. I spent a month trying to read this book because the first 40% were so slow. I could not for the life of me get properly into it and considered DNF'ing. Thankfully I didn't when I passed this threshold, and then finished the book the same day.
What was the vibe and mood?
It smells of flowers everywhere you go, the air is crisp and a little cold, a festival is just around the corner, everyone is whispering about spirits and demons, you are considering confessing to your crush, maybe there is a folktale about how to make someone fall in love with you in this place
Final ranking and star rating?
4 stars, B tier. This was very good, when I got a little further into it. I feel like the first 40% is almost all setup for the rest of the book. A little too slow for my tastes. The unresolved ends also left me frustrated, I know that this might get a sequel at some point, but it still annoys me. The romance was fine, nothing exceptional or heart pounding.
I think someone new and interested in folktale/fantasy romances might enjoy this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Biphobia, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Rape, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide
Dragon Age: The First Five Graphic Novels by Alexander Freed, David Gaider, Greg Rucka
adventurous
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? No
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, and Violence
Moderate: Body shaming, Slavery, and Blood
Minor: Racism and War