aksmith92's reviews
162 reviews

The Setup: Toni Morrison's The Bluest Eye is a devastatingly powerful debut novel that examines the corrosive effects of internalized racism, societal beauty standards, and systematic oppression through the tragic story of Pecola Breedlove. Set in 1940s Ohio, the novel follows Pecola, who longs for blue eyes, believing possessing them will grant her everything she's ever wanted: love, acceptance, and the beauty she sees glorified in white society. 

The story is framed by the perspectives of Claudia and Frieda MacTeer, two sisters who offer a counterpoint to Pecola's vulnerability and struggle. Through their observations, Morrison critiques the deeply ingrained social structures that dictate worth based on skin color and conformity to Eurocentric beauty ideals. However, the portrayal of Pecola's suffering explores themes of colorism, poverty, and abuse with brutal honesty.

What I Loved: I felt weird even writing "what I loved" because there was nothing I loved in this book. This story was heartbreaking, brutal, and devastating. However, it was a piece of literature that masterfully crafted a necessary and compelling story to interrogate the cultural forces that shape self-worth and belonging. This novel was not just a story about one girl's suffering - although that was also profound - it was a searing indictment of a society that teaches children to despise themselves for how they look.

Morrison's apparent strength in this book was her prose - both lyrical and unrelenting, shifting between tender introspection and harrowing realism. She did not shy away from challenging topics but approached them with an urgency that forced readers to confront the harsh realities marginalized communities face.

The amount of pain written in these lines will likely haunt me forever. Pecola was a haunting character, and I will never forget her. Morrison nuanced all characters so heavily that I felt there right beside them. It's undeniable: Toni Morrison was an incredible writer.

I have no notes. No critiques. I'm sure the narrative of jumping back and forth from different perspectives without much context may throw people off a little, but it was all part of the process and story.

It was hard to read - shocking and, at times, repulsive. Morrison talked about rape, incest, and intergenerational trauma in the narrative. These are not light topics, but as noted above, the reader's role was to confront those devastating realities. 

#readbannedbooks

***

The Setup: In Upstream, beloved poet Mary Oliver offers a luminous collection of essays that blend memoir, literary criticism, and nature writing into a deeply personal meditation on creativity, solitude, and the natural world. Known for her reverence for the wild and precise, lyrical observations, Oliver invites readers to follow her upstream - literally, as she wanders through forests and rivers, and metaphorically, as she traces the course of her artistic and intellectual life.

What I Loved: Oliver's abiding belief in the power of attention is at the heart of this collection. She reflects on her fascination with reading, especially about other transcendentalists and authors who shaped her worldview, including Emerson, Poe, and Whitman. Although I sometimes felt the discussion of these literary figures droned on just a bit, it was fascinating to hear about them more as companions in Oliver's lifelong quest to understand beauty, meaning, and the sacredness of existence. What I loved most was that her essays on nature were incredibly evocative, written with the same tender precision that defines her poetry. She talks about a heron in flight, the turtle's scutes (individual shingles on a shell), the quiet persistence of a fox, or the shifting moods of a river; Oliver's prose pulses with awe. Additionally, her artistry conveying the absolute need she has to be creative was impeccable.

Her gentle yet profound writing offers readers a moment of stillness and contemplation in a boisterous world. I needed this book. America is going through an unprecedented time when news headlines ask to be read and critiqued. Upstream was a quick solace in nature—a call to observe, create, and always move toward that which nourishes the soul.

Bird was my favorite chapter in this essay collection, and it made me cry. Oliver's writing about a bird with a broken wing was profound. The writing veered from "am I doing the right thing for this bird?" to simply stating that she would do it anyway. It was a beautiful rendition of our connection with nature and how deeply it can impact us. I was blown away.

Why Not 5 Stars? My mind would drift a bit, particularly during the sections about other authors. They weren't bad, but for some reason, I wasn't as interested in Oliver talking about her male predecessors, even if they greatly influenced her. It was interesting to critique them and then weave together her thoughts about the natural world with theirs, but I honestly didn't want to hear about their perspectives; I only wanted to read more of Oliver's take on the natural world.

Regardless, this was a lovely essay collection that I will continue to think about for a long time.

***

The Setup: Hm....I genuinely have no idea. I walked out of this first issue completely confused about what was happening, but I will try to explain briefly.

Precious Metal introduces a dystopian world that was first introduced in Little Bird (which I haven't read yet, so maybe that's the problem!). Set 35 years before the original series, the prequel seems to delve into the life of Max Weaver, a disillusioned "mod-tracker" tasked with being a bounty hunter. His routine mission turns unexpectedly when he encounters a unique child who may hold the key to lost memories.

What I Liked: The artwork was nothing short of breathtaking, in my opinion. It delivered highly detailed and visually stunning panels that drew readers into this strange and captivating world. The art enhances the visual storytelling, creating a rich and immersive experience. However, some parts may have slightly triggered my Trypophobia, but that's my problem, not yours.

What Was Missing? I can't lie—I was a bit lost and confused. I'm not sure if I should be reading Little Bird first, but I received Precious Metal issues for free, so I can't help but start them. The author, I think, was trying to build the plot, world, and character development as the story progressed, which I understand. This leaves plenty of room for me, the reader, to interpret everything I see fit, but I also need more information to continue. With that said, I need to move on to the next issue simply because I DO want to learn more and fill in the many gaps. Therefore, maybe that confusion and vagueness were entirely intentional. 

The Setup: Batwoman Volume 3: World's Finest is a bold and visually striking installment in Kate Kane's ongoing saga, bringing her face to face with none other than the legendary Wonder Woman. This Volume elevates Batwoman's complex narrative by weaving supernatural intrigue, personal struggles, and a high-stakes mission that tests her limits and uneasy alliances.

At the heart of this Volume is Batwoman's pursuit of the mythical Medusa, an antagonist whose presence threatens Gotham with monstrous horrors. To combat this powerful force, Kate joins forces with Wonder Woman, a partnership that is both fascinating and uneasy. Beyond the action, the Volume delves into Kate's increasingly complicated relationships, particularly with Detective Maggie Sawyer, her fraught dealings with the Department of Extranormal Operations (DEO), her difficult past with her father, and her ups and downs with her cousin.

What I Liked: The illustrators crafted a stunning, cinematic, and colorful experience. Batwoman's sections were bold and gothic, while Wonder Woman's had an ethereal, mythic quality. The color and layout created a dreamlike, immersive reading experience, making this Volume visually appealing, just like the others.

Additionally, I like how deep the authors went with the characters, to an extent. We learn a lot about each individual, their story, their past, and the reasoning behind their current actions. I also liked the team-up between Batwoman and Wonder Woman, even if it seemed a little abrupt. Lastly, like all the other Volumes, I think Batwoman is a compelling hero in the DC universe. She is flawed, determined, and unique.

What Missed the Mark: Once again, the nonlinear storytelling was challenging. I didn't find it as disorienting as the second Volume, but regardless, the narrative bounces around to different people so much that it becomes a bit confusing. 

I also found this narrative cheesy and preachy, even more so than the other Volumes. Kate Kane left an incredibly long voicemail chain for her father. While the idea was a good one in theory, I already knew SO much about her complicated relationship with her father. I didn't need another 10 pages depicting more of the same information I'd already been given. This Volume seemed less action-packed than the others, which I usually don't mind so that I can learn more about the characters. However, it just didn't flow here. I wish the authors would have incorporated some dialogue with other characters and/or action scenes instead of using soliloquies on every page.

I look forward to seeing where they take the plot in the next Volume since this Volume wrapped up a big storyline. I only hope there are fewer internal dialogue scenes.

The Setup: James is a masterful and subversive retelling of The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, offering a fresh and profoundly resonant perspective on one of American literature's most famous characters. Through the eyes of Jim - now simply James - Everett reclaims the narrative, transforming Mark Twain's enslaved "sidekick" into a fully realized protagonist with intelligence, agency, and biting wit that challenges the racist assumptions of the original text.

Set in the antebellum South, the novel follows James as he escapes enslavement and navigates the dangers of a deeply unjust world alongside Huck Finn. However, where Twain's version presented Jim as a passive figure, Everett's James is sharp, perceptive, and painfully aware of the limitations forced upon him. The book is laced with irony and dark humor, exposing the preposterousness of slavery and the hypocrisy of those who perpetuate it. James's internal monologue provides a scathing critique of the white world around him, offering moments of both poignant reflection and some satire.

What I Loved: This book deeply moved me. Everett's prose wasn't fluffy, and sometimes it was even choppy and razor-sharp, yet somehow it was beyond elegant. The novel was incredibly readable yet had an essential bite to it. While it was fast, you also had the chance to read between the lines, enabling analytical thought of US history. Everett blended historical authenticity with contemporary insight and didn't just reimagine Twain's work but interrogated it, forcing readers to confront how literature has historically silenced or misrepresented Black voices. James was engaging and full of adventure, tension, and moments of unexpected levity. Yet, Everett never let you lose sight of what this novel was about: the atrocity AND absurdity of slavery in America. On top of that, the underlying drive for James was to save his family, and that story was never lost in this book, which made me love it even more.

In addition, there was also incredible realism here—Everett helped you feel part of the story. You were right next to James, watching him run for his life and interacting with despicable people, including those who thought they were doing good but were just as much part of the problem. You felt the sadness when James interacted with slaves who were experiencing Stockholm Syndrome. You were seeped with the feeling of complication for some other characters trying to survive. This made me uncomfortable, as it should.

Truly, this was a brilliant deconstruction of an American classic. It's a necessary and powerful novel that speaks to both the past and the present. It is a must-read for fans of literary revisionism, historical fiction, and stories that give long-overlooked characters the voice they deserve. However, I recommend it for literally everyone. Students should also read this in tandem with reading Huck Finn in high school. This will no doubt become an essential and poignant classic.

I don't have any critiques because I loved it that much. It was painful to read, no doubt. There was intense violence - physical and emotional - in this book, but that cannot stop, and most certainly should not stop, people from reading it. 

I was worried this wouldn't live up to the hype it keeps getting, but my-oh-my, it sure did. Go read this!

***

The Setup: Batwoman, Volume 2: To Drown the World, is an ambitious continuation of Kate Kane's journey as Gotham's enigmatic protector. This Volume delves deeper into Batwoman's struggles, not only with the supernatural threats facing the city but with her complex personal relationships, particularly her romance with Detective Maggie Sawyer and her strained familial ties.

The storyline consists of a fragmented yet intricate puzzle, following multiple perspectives and timelines as Batwoman faces the deadly Medusa organization and battles to save children kidnapped under mysterious circumstances. Interwoven with these high-stakes missions are glimpses into the lives of supporting characters, including Maggie, DEO Agent Cameron Chase, and Batwoman's father and her cousin. 

What I Liked: Honestly, this artwork is breathtaking. It's as much a storytelling device as the script itself. Innovative panel layouts and dynamic use of color create an immersive, dreamlike experience that complements the dark and mystical tone of the narrative. The visuals most certainly elevate the emotional weight of Kate's physical and psychological battles. Additionally, like the first Volume, I found this second Volume to be bold and thought-provoking. Once again, themes of love, loyalty, and identity are explored with some depth and nuance, making Kate Kane and other characters profoundly human and relatable.

What Could Have Been Better: The nonlinear storytelling was a challenge. While the art was undoubtedly fantastic, I believe that most readers wouldn't have been able to follow the tale as well as they could if it had been more linear. I understood where the artists and writers were going—they wanted to paint a rich, multifaceted portrait of Batwoman's world. However, there were some sequences where I felt like I missed something - either from the first Volume or another part of the world - and the flashbacks weren't a consistent timeframe. I began to forget what came before others and flipped pages back to determine the correct timeframe. Some of the villains, or their bosses, were also confusing. A lot was going on plot-wise, and while I felt it was nice to see glimpses of side characters in the novel, it also meant missing out on more character development, even for Batwoman herself (outside of her relationship, I suppose).

Overall, I still thought it was intriguing, and I genuinely loved the art. Here I come to the next one! 

While people flock to Rebecca Yarros and SJM for their Romantasy, I sprint to Carissa Broadbent, and this book reminds me why I do that!

The Setup: The Songbird & The Heart of Stone is a captivating addition to the Crowns of Nyaxia series, blending fantasy with a poignant romance that delves into themes of redemption, identity, and the complexities of faith. The narrative follows Mische - a former acolyte and priestess to the sun god Atroxus - who grapples with her transformation into a vampire, a change that has severed her divine connection and left her yearning for redemption.

Condemned for slaying the vampire prince that "Turned" her, Mische's fate turns unexpectedly when Asar, the enigmatic and scarred bastard prince of the House of Shadow, intervenes. He enlists her in a perilous mission to the underworld, tasked with resurrecting the long-dead god of death, Alarus. In their trek to the underworld, the journey is fraught with treacherous trials, haunting specters from their pasts, and, somehow, healing from past times.

The path to the underworld mimics a version of the circles of Hell (and possibly other religions that I don't know), so with each step, we get to see the group take on more of the dangers of the underworld through action-packed sequences. In addition to Mische and Asar, there is also the loyal guard Elias, Chandra, another sun acolyte, and Luce, Asar's resurrected canine companion. They start their journey in a grandiose castle called Morthryn and soon travel to the depths of the underworld where ivy is frozen, dust lines their shoes, and not a living thing is in sight.

What I Loved: What a fun ride. Is it a story that involves trekking through "hell" to get to the underworld to complete a task? If yes, like this story, then count me in! I thoroughly enjoyed most of this book and flew through it. Broadbent's general writing is somewhat atmospheric but not overly fluffy or preachy, and this book follows that typical prose, which I enjoyed. The vampire world intertwined with humans and gods is generally intriguing, and I did appreciate this third book in that world. Mische was a fun read in the first two books, albeit as a side character, so I adored seeing her point of view in this novel. Torn between her lingering devotion to Atroxus and the reality of her vampiric existence added complexity to Mische's character, making her journey toward self-acceptance compelling (and relatable). Mische was a unique character as well. She was in past books and continues to be here, full of smiles and laughs, genuinely seeing the best in people even if it led to traumatic events. She was incredibly layered, and you felt Mische's presence on the page. I would love to be her friend.

Asar's stoic exterior concealed a tumultuous history, and his evolving relationship with Mische provided a tender counterpoint to the story's darker themes. Therefore, I enjoyed their romance a lot. Did it make a ton of sense how they met? Not really. However, when they started their quest, when the relationship bloomed a bit more, I couldn't help but smile at the pages. The romance wasn't forced, and I thought it was well done. Leave it to Broadbent, though, to always make me question reading about vampires and...blood...

Most importantly, though, I loved this book's underlying theme of healthier love. This theme is not spoonfed to you, but we watched as Mische battles an incredibly toxic love - yes, in this novel, relating to a god and a religion - and the after-effects that toxicity has on someone. In my opinion, Broadbent did a phenomenal job of having that be a part of someone while not necessarily letting it define them. I thought it was quite a thoughtful exploration of religious and familial trauma.

Lastly, as I already mentioned, Broadbent has a way with words. The prose is both lyrical and accessible, painting vivid images of the underworld's eerie landscapes and the complex emotions of her characters.

Why Not Five Stars? I loved this book, per usual, with Broadbent's novels. However, I will say that I do think the world-building wasn't quite there. In this novel, we had gates in the underworld that needed to be held together by House of Shadow magic, and there were also wraiths (ghosts) in the underworld that the same magic could banish. This magic was not explained; it confused me about Shadow's magic system in general. Broadbent decided to prioritize other pieces of the plot and romance instead, which I still think worked, but I was left with some questions.

Lastly, while Mische was a fantastic character with incredible depth and nuisance, I struggled to see how Asar was much different from Raihn (the male character in the first two Crowns of Nyaxia books) or even Max from Broadbent's other series called The War of Lost Hearts. Don't get me wrong, I still liked Asar, and the poor thing also went through a lot, just like every other main character in these novels, but I didn't feel the depth as I did with Mische. I suppose Raihn was more extroverted than Asar, but I still didn't feel the difference. Still, he was an intriguing character with an interesting background story, and I look forward to reading more about him in the next book.

Overall, I just loved this book! Is it the finest piece of literature there ever was? No. And that's not the intention. I was engrossed in this story and loved diving into the pages to go to the underworld with Mische and Asar.

(Spoiler around this just in case)

Lastly, I chose to ignore "when my hand slid between us to curl around his length through his trousers - gods, it was incredible, so thick I couldn't curl my hand around it -..." Like yeah right.

I'm looking forward to reading more of the stories in the Crowns of Nyaxia series!

***

The Setup: Poison Ivy: The Virtuous Cycle is a riveting graphic novel that reimagines the iconic DC antiheroine, Poison Ivy, in a profoundly introspective and eco-conscious journey of destruction and redemption. Grappling with her sense of purpose and the boundaries of morality, Pamela Isley sets out on a cross-country journey to release a deadly fungal plague, driven by her disillusionment with humanity's environmental destruction and her grief over her fractured relationship with Harley Quinn.

The narrative explores Ivy's duality as a villain and a tragic, sympathetic figure, delving into her motivations and her struggle with guilt, love, and self-identity. Poison Ivy is a complex protagonist whose actions provoke empathy and moral questioning. Themes of environmentalism, personal agency, the consequences of unchecked power and greed, and hope run through it all, making the story not just an engaging but also a thought-provoking commentary on humanity's relationship with nature.

What I Loved: I mean, who doesn't love a villainess character who seems to care more about plants than humans? Especially one who is in love with one of my other favorite villains - Harley Quinn. This graphic novel neatly composes a love letter to Harley Quinn, an introspective on Poison Ivy herself, AND has beautiful graphics filled with color (and gore). I loved the storyline and the constant questioning about humanity and its role in the degradation of this earth (+ being essentially an invasive species) while highlighting humanity's capacity for love and kindness, entwining a duality that I eat up every time. The art was also phenomenal, and I loved the natural aspect of every single page.

I also can't help but love an actual multi-faceted villain. Poison Ivy definitely portrays compassion, but she is murderous and cares more for her nature than humanity, and that's not lost here. This makes her a complex character—one you aren't sure about and tugs on your emotional capacity a bit, which means it is a good story in my mind.

Also, secretly (but not secretly) giggling about the bit when Poison Ivy discusses veganism/vegetarianism.

Why Not 5 Stars? I must admit I was a little confused at parts - I fear I missed something from another part of the universe. There were some flashbacks to places I wasn't sure the arc had been before (but maybe not?). This confusion also led to the beginning to be a bit slow. Sometimes, I also felt that there were so many different Poison Ivy's portrayed, art-wise, such as her physical and facial features. I feel like this may have been on purpose (indicating when she was fighting or just wandering about), but I am not sure, and it also led to some minor confusion.

Lastly, it did come off a little preachy and the author decided to outline everything, meaning there wasn’t a lot of space for the reader to interpret the narrative themselves and instead the author shared with us so much. I think this happens a lot in comics so I didn’t let it sway my review too much.

Regardless, this was a fabulous read and had beautiful artwork. I highly recommend!

***

My first read of 2025, and it was a doozy!

The Setup: The Pillars of the Earth is a historical epic that transports readers to 12th-century England, weaving a tale of ambition, love, and power against the backdrop of a small town's quest to build a grandiose cathedral. At the story's heart are the lives of richly drawn characters, including Tom Builder, the visionary mason; Aliena, a noblewoman determined to reclaim her family's honor; Prior Phillip, an idealistic and pious monk; and the ruthless William Hamleigh, whose hunger for dominance and power drives much of the conflict.

The story is meticulously detailed, immersing readers in the construction of this magnificent cathedral. However, at its core, this is a gripping novel intersecting the era's political intrigue, social upheavals, and religious tensions. The book's coupling between architecture and the struggle to create beauty and the exploration of humanity's decency (or indecency), resilience, and creativity were beautifully woven into a captivating narrative.

While I felt the novel's pacing was slow, it was, in fact, deliberate, and Follett took care to build a sweeping, multi-generational saga. While its length and brutality were daunting and challenging, this novel did evoke deep emotional investment and transported readers to a vividly realized medieval world.

What I Loved: First and foremost, I cannot imagine how many hours Follett spent researching for this book. The novel had an evident intellect element - figuring out how to build in the 1100s and documenting that on the page. Follett wove physics, mathematics, and artistry into the narrative but in a way likely indicative of the people in the 12th century. Hats off to you, Follett; that was an incredible touch. While some may think this aspect was too detailed (it did go on sometimes), I think it added a beautiful touch to the story, and I couldn't help but be incredibly intrigued and informed.

I reviewed this book well because I absolutely loved how Follett expressed the true chaos of the royal court and religion during this time. Candidly, there was a bit of underlying satire here, probably intentional, but maybe not. We had multiple characters driven by power and greed but think of themselves as doing the "good work" or, in many cases, "god's work." It described - not on the pages, but written between the lines - that our history, our literal buildings, including cathedrals, were built with treachery, corruption, and violence. Those evils were embedded in the mortar and the stones. I don't believe this book was about a cathedral; I think this book was about humans. Follett expertly described hypocrisy and greed while providing unreliable narrators to showcase the pride and excuses many humans make for doing unthinkable (or maybe just wrong) things. Follett was trying to answer the question: will good always prevail? But, then nuanced it with what is even considered "good?"

The novel completely scratched my philosophical itch. Thinking critically about each character and their motivations and actions, you could see philosophy sprouting from their motives. I loved it. Additionally, I simply loved the writing of most characters - they were nuanced, complicated, and flawed. Tom Builder was a man who wanted to provide for his family but maybe forgot about parenting along the way. Prior Phillip was undoubtedly compassionate and godly, but his pride and search for the "good" led him to play the corrupt political game. Jack was determined, loving, and caring but became hot-tempered and didn't necessarily make all the right choices all the time. Overall, the main characters had depth, and you, the reader, couldn't help but be transported in their time. Lastly - and I didn't know whether to put this in what I loved (or not) - Follett officially wrote the most hated character I've ever read about: William Hamleigh, a true villain.

Follett's writing wasn't fluffy, but it was poignant and sharp. I was utterly engrossed in the story and needed to figure out what happened next. Overall, I found this book well done, and I would recommend it for a read (check triggers, please!) for those who are looking for a historical take on the building of a cathedral, but more importantly, for the intense epic about humans and their strategy and drive.

What Missed the Mark: Bear with me as I discuss something that may not have been that exposed in 1989 when this book was first written, but I can't help but surface it now. Follett had the case of the "let's write 'feminist' women" without really understanding what that means. I'll give it to Follett: he tried. He incorporated one main character and one side character in the novel who defied the 12th century's female norms; on the surface, both were quite powerful. Aliena, our main female character, was nuanced, and I saw where he was going. However, unlike Tom Builder, Prior Phillip, and Jack, she felt less dimensional - all the women in the novel did, really. The women's choices seemed abrupt and odd, defying some of their original character development. Then, there were mentions of all their physical descriptions - beautiful (of course), and they always had big breasts (of course), and their bodies weren't the same after kids (of course). Thankfully, Follett added more than that to these characters. Still, he talked about their bodies and emotional, abrupt nature multiple times, which was annoying as a female reader. Additionally, Follett, I promise you that a woman will not climax from intercourse "over and over and over" again on her first time. Thanks, nice try!

I will also say rape and sexual violence were used too frequently here. I counted five rapes and a plethora of other sexual harassment and assault scenes. I wholeheartedly believe that rape can be written about - it's, unfortunately, and regrettably, something that people can relate to. However, writing about it has to be done carefully and meticulously. Back in 1989, I doubt they had those reviewers to help writers capture something that they didn't necessarily go through themselves, but I don't think we needed all of these rapes, most done by one person, to explain to me again why he was an awful character. We got that with the one (and plenty of other reasons why he was evil). While writing about this was likely realistic for the time (ugh), I don't believe all of them added to the story, and honestly, it made me want to look away. I am wary of men writing about a bunch rapes like this, honestly, but that's a whole different subject I won't get into here. While I was satisfied with how everything turned out, my dream for revenge for these rapes would have been different. I won't get into that aspect because I'll spoil things, and I would want to put trigger warnings on that discussion. However, overall, I think it managed to be ok, although it wasn't perfect, which I think needs to be close to perfect, if not perfect, if you add sexual violence like that into the narrative.

It was long, and near the end, I was like, how can the same thing continue to happen repeatedly? But everything Follett did was for a reason (other than maybe all the rapes), so I didn't let that sway my review too much.

I genuinely think this novel was very well done, minus a few flaws I fear were byproducts of the time (which I still think we should call out). Books in 1989 didn't come with trigger warnings, and this book needs a few different ones, so please check them out and stay safe out there. However, I think this book is worth a read to critique 12th-century power structures that just maybe haven't necessarily gone away, even roughly 900 years later.

***