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amsswim's reviews
238 reviews
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-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
5.0
Anyone looking for a Hugo winning fantasy? THis was my first read by this author, but I really like her writing style. Full of details and feeling, I really felt my heart aches for what the characters go through. The plot and setting start a bit abstract, but in a way that pulled me in entirely. I'm not usually a series girl, or I haven't been in years, but maybe this will get me back into it. I have 2 more after this.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, Death, Emotional abuse, Slavery, Violence, Xenophobia, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Physical abuse, Sexual content, Blood, and Gaslighting
Minor: Vomit
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
4.75
Doing a Fall book challenge and this was my starting read. Watched the Netflix show on Netflix and loved it, but I knew this and the show were different. It's almost as if the show is an alternate universe to the original story. This original story is also very good! Quick read, the plot movies decently fast on top of that. The environment is very unsettling from start to finish. Characterization is top tier and pairs with a steady flow of things getting worse. WOuld recommend if you are looking for a spooky read, I think this would be good for someone looking for a classic horror as well. Let me know if you do read it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicide, and Car accident
Winter's Orbit by Everina Maxwell
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Thank you, Jen, for the recommendation. I love science fiction, and romance for me is a treat when done the way I like. I'm very picky on romance I read because I really don't love all romance tropes, but this one has some of my favorites. It's about the yearning, we must focus! Combining the perfected use of the romance tropes with a new sci-fi background I really loved. The overall story was interesting and kept me coming back as well. I saw a review saying the romance was a background to the sci-fi plot, but I felt the opposite that the sci-fi was a different setting for romance plot points used before, but maybe that just depends on how much you read each of those genres.
Either way if you're looking for a sweet, lgbt, sci-fi romance, this is it!
Either way if you're looking for a sweet, lgbt, sci-fi romance, this is it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Cursing, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death, Sexual content, Medical content, and Sexual harassment
The Deviant's War: The Homosexual vs. the United States of America by Eric Cervini
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.25
I only knew a bit of LGBTQ+ history before reading this, so my goal was to have a greater understanding of it all. This book focuses on the legal and moral battles in the US from around the 1940s and on, specifically following Frank Kameny.
I didn't realize this book was focused on Kameny before picking it up, which threw me off. He was at the front of many of the legal battles and stood alongside/lead many other moral battles and resistance movements, so the focus made sense. That being said I still found myself confused the lack of inclusion of the lesbian movement as well as the civil rights movements of this time. There was a certain point 1/3 of the way in where I nearly left the book behind, but then it became very self reflective and understanding of the initial and continued failings of being intersectional within the gay movement. After the 4th-wall type break, I was much more interested. The general exclusion of race and gender reflected the white men in the movement being exclusive much of the time as well.
Glad I finished this one, but it makes me want a different view of other events. The arc of this book very much reflected Kameny's view on himself as well as the progress of the gay movement, which provides an interesting perspective. If you're into US History and Politics as well as have an interest in this topic I'd recommend this one.
I didn't realize this book was focused on Kameny before picking it up, which threw me off. He was at the front of many of the legal battles and stood alongside/lead many other moral battles and resistance movements, so the focus made sense. That being said I still found myself confused the lack of inclusion of the lesbian movement as well as the civil rights movements of this time. There was a certain point 1/3 of the way in where I nearly left the book behind, but then it became very self reflective and understanding of the initial and continued failings of being intersectional within the gay movement. After the 4th-wall type break, I was much more interested. The general exclusion of race and gender reflected the white men in the movement being exclusive much of the time as well.
Glad I finished this one, but it makes me want a different view of other events. The arc of this book very much reflected Kameny's view on himself as well as the progress of the gay movement, which provides an interesting perspective. If you're into US History and Politics as well as have an interest in this topic I'd recommend this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Hate crime, Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual content, Transphobia, Police brutality, Religious bigotry, Lesbophobia, Outing, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Death, Racial slurs, Racism, Suicide, Violence, Forced institutionalization, and Suicide attempt
Stranger in a Strange Land by Robert A. Heinlein
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-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
4.0
This one got me good, so this review will be longer than my usuals. This book is considered a classic among science fiction and it I am glad I read it. However I see many of the negative reviews on this one as completely understandable due to the way it completely switches up 2/3 of the way through. If you want an unhinged and fascinating story, this is it.
The author and book are such a product of their time and it shows. THis book was written in 1961, and has moments of laughable (in my opinion) sexism and homophobia. It reads always blatantly as the author speaking through, but then he goes on from that and frames out the most progressive, sex-positive, all-inclusive way of life that combats the hateful views he clearly has but manages to not see that at all past his own self-insertion into the story.
The actual plot of the book is fascinating, the world building is amazing, and it is generally light hearted. The switch up it does is strange but did not ruin it for me. And the part-dated-part-weirdly-progressive views, adds a spice of a technologically advanced society that still has the political views and strife of 1960s America.
I'd say this book was well written, but content/views just need to be taken with a grain of salt. I had a blast listening to this one on Libby, it feels more like a Coen Brothers movie some of the time. Not for everyone, but lets talk books if anyone else decides to read.
The author and book are such a product of their time and it shows. THis book was written in 1961, and has moments of laughable (in my opinion) sexism and homophobia. It reads always blatantly as the author speaking through, but then he goes on from that and frames out the most progressive, sex-positive, all-inclusive way of life that combats the hateful views he clearly has but manages to not see that at all past his own self-insertion into the story.
The actual plot of the book is fascinating, the world building is amazing, and it is generally light hearted. The switch up it does is strange but did not ruin it for me. And the part-dated-part-weirdly-progressive views, adds a spice of a technologically advanced society that still has the political views and strife of 1960s America.
I'd say this book was well written, but content/views just need to be taken with a grain of salt. I had a blast listening to this one on Libby, it feels more like a Coen Brothers movie some of the time. Not for everyone, but lets talk books if anyone else decides to read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Death, Fatphobia, Homophobia, Racism, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Cannibalism, Suicide attempt, Murder, Sexual harassment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Cult/religious zealotry
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
4.25
This is the first fantasy I have read in a decent amount of time, and I think it was a good step back in. Reminded me of all the reasons I used to love fantasy; magic, ancient worlds, sword fighting, etc. I thought the story in this was very interesting and kept me interested the whole time, but I find myself unsure if I want to continue the series.
I have a weird relationship with multi-book series, regarding if the story of a book is self contained with individual books in the series. I tend to like every book to a have a fully contained plot which, without spoilers, this book does very well. Maybe I'll try #2, unsure as of now.
My main complaints would be around dialog, which felt silly sometimes, and side character development, which was really good some spots but lacking in other areas. Generally though it was a good read and has motivated me to actually read all the Brandon Sanderson books my partner has!
I have a weird relationship with multi-book series, regarding if the story of a book is self contained with individual books in the series. I tend to like every book to a have a fully contained plot which, without spoilers, this book does very well. Maybe I'll try #2, unsure as of now.
My main complaints would be around dialog, which felt silly sometimes, and side character development, which was really good some spots but lacking in other areas. Generally though it was a good read and has motivated me to actually read all the Brandon Sanderson books my partner has!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Cursing, Death, Genocide, Physical abuse, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Torture and Medical content
Station Eleven by Emily St. John Mandel
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I loved this book, wow. This is the 20th book I have read this year and my favorite one so far. A multiperspective book on a fast acting pandemic with time jumps before and after this apocalypse. That basic intro into the book alone would've had me by the chokehold, I knew it had to do with a post-apocalyptic society but nothing more. It was the little moments for me though, that really made this. WHile the plot overall I found very interesting, the environment and motivations were all very realistic to me which made the small moments in this world all the more meaningful. I must read from me!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Suicide, Terminal illness, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Pedophilia, Toxic relationship, Medical content, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Mental illness, Rape, and Sexual assault
The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
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? Yes
4.75
THis book was a new type of horror for me that I hadn't read before. The perspective shifts don't seem out of the ordinary until the "you" phrases come out with second person. I don't think I have read something like that before, but it gave a watched/watching feeling to the whole novel. The story was great, the descriptions and general writing style I loved, I could truly see the movie playing out before me. I'd recommend to any fans of horror.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Grief, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Genocide, Racism, and Colonisation
Minor: Addiction, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Police brutality, and Car accident
Ariadne by Jennifer Saint
adventurous
emotional
medium-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
3.75
I really did enjoy this book though. There seems to be a lot of confusion in some of the reviews that this book does not know what it is trying to accomplish, but I think the big themes are simple. 1) Men are capable of, and often commit, great terrors on the world and individuals whether they realize it or not. 2) Being near Greek Gods and their games is a dangerous idea.
I am a fan of mythological retellings, so this hit the spot for me. This did not live up to Circe in my eyes, but I cannot fault it on not being my favorite book lol. It did have a similar vibe to Circe though in my opinion. If you like mythological retellings and/or stories of women trying to survive and thrive, I recommend.
I am a fan of mythological retellings, so this hit the spot for me. This did not live up to Circe in my eyes, but I cannot fault it on not being my favorite book lol. It did have a similar vibe to Circe though in my opinion. If you like mythological retellings and/or stories of women trying to survive and thrive, I recommend.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death, Suicide, Violence, Blood, Grief, Pregnancy, and Colonisation
Exhalation by Ted Chiang
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
So I started this book thinking the short story the movie Arrival was based on was in this book, turns out it is in a different book lol. THat being said I still love all science fiction and these short stories were so good. If you're a fan of science fiction that touches on new tech in our modern world and the moral implications, this is for you.
My favorite stories were: The Merchant and the Alchemist's Gate, Exhalation, The Lifecycle of Software Objects, and The Truth of Fact the Truth of Feeling.
My favorite stories were: The Merchant and the Alchemist's Gate, Exhalation, The Lifecycle of Software Objects, and The Truth of Fact the Truth of Feeling.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Medical content
Minor: Animal death, Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Misogyny, and Car accident