zarelaeda's reviews
262 reviews

Carmilla by J. Sheridan Le Fanu

dark emotional mysterious fast-paced

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

5.0

The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein

dark emotional informative

2.0

Hijab Butch Blues by Lamya H

challenging inspiring reflective medium-paced

3.0

This was a great book, navigating the difficult world of queerness and religion. I found a lot of myself in the life and trials of the author, which was surprisingly delightful to explore. 

Drag Me Up by R.M. Virtues

emotional mysterious fast-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

4.0

Mild spoilers




This was a recommended book from someone I follow and I walked into it knowing 2 things: it was Hades and Persephone and that the author wasn't white. I normally stay away from this particular pairing for retellings because it usually doesn't go well. This book changed my mind. To find a queer, Black and Brown, modern retelling with compassionate men who aren't afraid to show their love was not what I expected. I also didn't believe the sex scenes were going to be as detailed and delicious as they were, but here we are. I've been suggesting this book since I hit page 100 to everyone who will listen and I cannot wait to read the rest of the series. 

Galatea by Madeline Miller

emotional reflective sad fast-paced

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

2.0

Good story, beautiful retelling of a classic Greek story that turns the narrative from the male eyes to the woman's. 

My Best Friend's Exorcism by Grady Hendrix

dark emotional mysterious slow-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? It's complicated

2.0

This was a rec from a friend and it worked. I was entertained, intrigued, and engaged. For the most part. It did take a while to get to the crux of the book, but once that happened, it took off. The ending had me in happy tears and completely blindsided me. Overall, solid choice. 

The Tusks of Extinction by Ray Nayler

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

For a book I picked up to fill some free time I had, this book was really good. The back and forth POV played really well in telling the story from both sides and although short, it covered a lot of ground. I look forward to more from Nayder.

Most Ardently by Gabe Cole Novoa

emotional hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

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

5.0

This was one of my most anticipated books for 2024 and I am happy to say it didn't disappoint. Not only did I fall in love with a classic I don't actually like, I could feel myself in the pages as the life of Oliver Bennet played out. I cried, I laughed, I blushed, and I stayed up way too late just to finish it. 

Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.0

A beautiful book. It has humor, spunky sidekicks, mythology and strong female leads. I will be squeezing the next 4 books into my TBR this year. 

Number the Stars by Lois Lowry

5.0