aruarian_melody's reviews
467 reviews

The Vela: The Complete Season 1 by Becky Chambers, Yoon Ha Lee, Rivers Solomon, S.L. Huang

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 40%.
As much as I liked previous books by the authors I don't think this cooperative serial novel worked really well. The pacing often seemed off - with very impactful things happening in just a few sentences. Interesting concept, story and characters but the execution just couldn't hold my interest. DNF@40%
The Shadow of the Wind by Carlos Ruiz Zafón

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 12%.
Very interesting start but it quickly focuses on other themes and I just couldn't stand how women were described and treated. Dnf at 12 %
One Piece (Omnibus Edition), Vol. 11: Includes Vols. 31, 32 & 33 by Eiichiro Oda

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

1.5

Oh boy. The last part of the Skypiea arc made me quit One Piece for two years and I should have just stopped reading the series. This was published in 1997 and it aged very badly. Having a fantasy folk clearly mirroring Native Americans be rescued by the colonisers and their medicine while talking about how they will benefit from "progress" is not a good look. Apart from that I just never connected with the story of Skypiea. You barely get any introduction to the land and people you are supposed to care about before it dissolves into endless and disconnected fights. I could tell when the emotional beats were supposed to land but I just didn't care. I think I'm done with One Piece. It was a fun nostalgia trip but as soon as I left the realm of nostalgia and started reading new material I just didn't care much anymore. 
The Book Thief by Markus Zusak

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emotional informative reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

First reread since it was published in 2005. This book always stuck with me even if I didn't remember any details. It is such a great window into the past and I really enjoyed Death as a narrator and perspective. A quiet and slow book that packs a punch. 
System Collapse by Martha Wells

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 35%.
As much as I loved earlier books of the series I couldn't get through this one. Endless descriptions of the surrounding, dialogues between a huge cast of characters that can only be distinguished by their names and a very fast moving plot that I felt thrown into and never quite caught up with. Murderbots inner dialogue is still great but I tuned out for pretty much everything else. I don't think I will continue with the series and rather reread the first 3 to 4 volumes.
The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 6%.
The writing style really didn't work for me. Wanted to quit 5 pages in but stayed for 17. I could feel myself drifting off and had to reread nearly every single sentence. Looked up some reviews and I don't think this one is for me. 
I Want to Be a Wall, Vol. 2 by Honami Shirono

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emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective 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? No

5.0

I did not expect to love this one so much, given how wacky the setup is introduced in the beginning of volume 1. But it actually takes great care with the queer topics presented and I really like how much focus is given to the ups and downs of the platonic relationship at the centre of the story. The manga really isn't subtle but for topics with very little representation (like being aroace) I think we are still at a point where on the nose definitions are needed (and appreciated). 
I Want to be a Wall, Vol. 1 by Honami Shirono

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emotional funny hopeful informative lighthearted reflective 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? No

4.25

This was simultaneously entertaining and emotional. I loved the cast of different characters struggling with aspects of their identity and society's expectations. This level of open representation (especially for aroace) is pretty rare in manga. While the humor didn't always work for me, I really appreciated the covered themes and the beginning of a meaningful platonic relationship between the two main characters. Curious to see how this will develop!
Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted medium-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? It's complicated

4.0

I had a great time with this one and it was pretty much what I expected after Legends & Lattes. I think I enjoyed reading about young Viv and her character growth more because I knew where she ends up later on. These books are just very comfortable and easy to read. Perfect after reading more heavy books or to get out of a reading slump. Despite the low stakes and the (delightful) focus on other things, I wasn't super happy with how the threat of the story was dealt with in the end.
I don't see how Satchel would have been able to hurt/kill his mistress?
Still, I liked the atmosphere and Fern and her struggles were great. The book in general felt like a love letter to reading and bookshops. 
How to Understand Your Gender: A Practical Guide for Exploring Who You Are by Alex Iantaffi

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 12%.
I don't know why I don't click with these authors. I had the exact same problem I had with another similar book of theirs: I felt like it was too general to really deliver what it is promising. I'm pretty familiar with a lot of the general ideas and terms but I still felt like I never had enough information to actually do the exercises they provide. It almost felt like the chapter that was meant to clarify things just obscured everything for me. I hope this one works for others. I love the idea and hope to find another book in that vein that works for me. Dnf at 12%