breadsalot's reviews
672 reviews

Catalina by Karla Cornejo Villavicencio

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emotional reflective tense fast-paced
  • 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

4.5

 This is one of those reading experiences that are all about the journey. The plot and character relationships certainly move you along, but what I enjoyed most about this book was succumbing to the vibes of the story and not questioning the titular Catalina too much. 

It’s not your typical campus novel, but it’s a worthy entry to the subgenre. The chaos that is her life at Harvard and her life in Queens with her grandparents kept me simultaneously invested and stressed out. I was equally rooting for her and shaking my head, yet grinning at the choices being made. If there was a second book, that picked up Catalina’s story after Harvard, I would pick it up in a heartbeat. She’s definitely a character that will stick with me for a while. 

I have been eagerly awaiting another book from Villavicencio since devouring and loving The Undocumented Americans. I think this foray into fiction was fantastic and I’ll continue to recommend their work widely. 

Thank you, Netgalley, for the ARC! 
The Eleven by Kyle Rutkin

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

4.25

 What a wild ride this was. Hollywood glitz and glamour, starving artists trying to make it, a mysterious symbol, troubled characters, and a very dark and dangerous power. 

I was so easily sucked into the quick pace of the story and as it all began to unravel, I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. 

I think I’ve discovered a new favorite sub-genre(?) or style of storytelling - where the story is told as an interview. Made me think of the Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo, Fantasticland by Mike Bockoven. Any other books similar to these? 

Thanks Netgalley, for the ARC. 
Batman: The Killing Joke Deluxe (New Edition) by Alan Moore

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

4.25

Memoria De Mis Putas Tristes by Gabriel García Márquez, Gabriel García Márquez

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reflective fast-paced

2.75

Haunters at the Hearth: Eerie Tales For Christmas Nights by Tanya Kirk

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

2.75

Hell Bent by Leigh Bardugo

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adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

What a phenomenal follow up to Ninth House. I had honestly forgotten how much I had enjoyed reading Ninth House, until I picked this up at the library and just felt like I was pulled straight back into this compelling story and world. 

Alex Stern is probably one of my favorite contemporary heroines, flaws and all. But, all of the characters really in this book are so well written and likable (or so very unlikable). 

The world Bardugo weaves at this Yale is so rich and realistic, which to me is a sign of true success in a modern-type fantasy. It’s equal parts dark, sinister, tragic, and at times, very funny. I can’t wait for the next installment. 
The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes by Suzanne Collins

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dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Monstrous: A Transracial Adoption Story by Sarah Myer

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dark emotional funny fast-paced

4.5

Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology by Shane Hawk, Theodore C. Van Alst Jr.

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dark funny mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? N/A
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

4.0

This book 100% sold me onto anthologies and now I feel like I’ve been missing out! I loved the variety of stories presented in this book, some resonating more than others for me. But I guess that’s what beauty of anthologies and collected short stories! I am so looking forward to checking out more, especially those collecting stories written by POCs. I’ve had my eye on Jordan Peele’s Out There Screaming, Night of the Living Queers, and Through the Night Like a Snake, so I’ll have to check those out. Any other recommendations of horror anthologies? 

My favorites from this collection included: 
  • White Hills
  • Quantum
  • Hunger
  • Sundays
  • Collections

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

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adventurous dark emotional tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0