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aub_reads's reviews
305 reviews
To Shape a Dragon's Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
really cool incorporation of Native American cultures + colonization commentary happening as its relevant in the book & real life.
didn't love how the pacing went overall. a lot of slow times (that were nice to read still) and then action resolved too quickly (~5 pages) for the stakes to feel genuinely high for me.
hoping the next book comes out this year or next.
didn't love how the pacing went overall. a lot of slow times (that were nice to read still) and then action resolved too quickly (~5 pages) for the stakes to feel genuinely high for me.
hoping the next book comes out this year or next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Homophobia, Colonisation, and War
Dating and Dragons by Kristy Boyce
3.0
very similar character personalities to the author's book from last year. this one didn't really feel like it had much of a plot going on, just mildly disjointed scenes without enough yearning
The Naming Song by Jedediah Berry
reflective
3.5
this book would be a great critical analysis assignment for a college English course. lots of symbolism and it would be helpful to have someone "guiding you" through the book.
I'd analyze the shit out of it, but it did not work for me as a general reading novel. if you love symbolism and reflection on topics in sort of vague and confusing ways, this is going to be better for you.
I'd analyze the shit out of it, but it did not work for me as a general reading novel. if you love symbolism and reflection on topics in sort of vague and confusing ways, this is going to be better for you.
The In-Between Bookstore by Edward Underhill
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
this was Fine and yes of course I always appreciate trans rep
this read like more of a YA coming of age/coming to terms with gender identity than what I expected from the marketing. the time travel component is very very minor here and is essentially irrelevant to the plot.
would have liked this in my teens/early twenties, but as someone who is also 29 going
on 30, the main character did not read as believable. almost like he literally had never self reflected on his youth after 10 years of living away from his hometown
not for me but it will resonate for some people
this read like more of a YA coming of age/coming to terms with gender identity than what I expected from the marketing. the time travel component is very very minor here and is essentially irrelevant to the plot.
would have liked this in my teens/early twenties, but as someone who is also 29 going
on 30, the main character did not read as believable. almost like he literally had never self reflected on his youth after 10 years of living away from his hometown
not for me but it will resonate for some people
Under Loch and Key by Lana Ferguson
3.25
this was fun and had some good scenes in it but not great for me overall. haven't encountered loch ness monster romance before and i liked the explanation for it that the author provided. it dragged on at times (approx 400 pages total) and suffered from lack of honest communication between love interests for 75%. i was most frustrated with the main character's complete obliviousness to major plot reveals when they happen, then spelling out every single question a reader could have when she eventually figures it out.
i think this author's writing is probably just not for me.
i think this author's writing is probably just not for me.
The Will of the Many by James Islington
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
all the political intrigue and depth in character relationships i always want to see with a fantasy. lots of people to meet and an interesting magic system that is in place. a lot of push/pull scenarios on what to do throughout for the main character that kept feeling high stakes regardless of when. lots of action and i cared about minor characters (there are a lot). ending seemed kind of sudden though.
the book didn't feel like it was dragging despite the length, I just wish some more questions were answered considering...everything. it is only the first book, but i still feel like I don't fully understand the magic system or history of how things got here when that seems pretty relevant to much of the plot.
highly recommend
the book didn't feel like it was dragging despite the length, I just wish some more questions were answered considering...everything. it is only the first book, but i still feel like I don't fully understand the magic system or history of how things got here when that seems pretty relevant to much of the plot.
highly recommend