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danteandvirgil's reviews
131 reviews
The Butcher of Anderson Station by James S.A. Corey
adventurous
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I read this in bits on my trip in Costa Rica. The writing of this series is really gripping. I'm engaged and excited to read more each time I've gone into these stories (this being the second). I'm reading Caliban's War next (alongside Pachinko for a book club read? September the month of BIG books?
There's a theme of deep conspiracy going on that I think will keep unraveling in the next book(s?). The characters feel fleshed out and the world building is awesome!
There's a theme of deep conspiracy going on that I think will keep unraveling in the next book(s?). The characters feel fleshed out and the world building is awesome!
The Missing Girl by Shirley Jackson
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I’m already a big fan of Jackson’s writing. She nails it here too! That semi-surreal way of writing that her stories have gets me so hooked. The sense of tension and mystery but a lighthearted feel and tongue in cheek kind of humor that I like.
The Missing Girl: this gave me some moderate spook. She’s missing but also who is she? She was found and presumed to be Martha but the questions linger. Betsy (same name as my grandma, shout out Betsy) was funny in how unhelpful she was to the incompetent cop (redundant I know.)
Journey with a Lady: this was so fun! Be gay, do crime! She stole that money, good for her. He went along with that plot and got free food, good for him. Loved this.
Nightmare: She describes dream reality almost in a way magical realism is described. Things are, because they are. There is no reason needed for why elephant show up in a parade in Times Square. Why would there be a need for one? The panic being searched like that was well written. I don’t totally understand the end reveal 🤔 maybe someone can elaborate for me. My favorite of the three I think.
The Missing Girl: this gave me some moderate spook. She’s missing but also who is she? She was found and presumed to be Martha but the questions linger. Betsy (same name as my grandma, shout out Betsy) was funny in how unhelpful she was to the incompetent cop (redundant I know.)
Journey with a Lady: this was so fun! Be gay, do crime! She stole that money, good for her. He went along with that plot and got free food, good for him. Loved this.
Nightmare: She describes dream reality almost in a way magical realism is described. Things are, because they are. There is no reason needed for why elephant show up in a parade in Times Square. Why would there be a need for one? The panic being searched like that was well written. I don’t totally understand the end reveal 🤔 maybe someone can elaborate for me. My favorite of the three I think.
The Long Way to a Small, Angry Planet by Becky Chambers
adventurous
emotional
funny
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? No
5.0
Wow! Wow! Wow! I loved this and am so excited to dive into the next two books. I want to expand later but for now, the characters I instantly fell in love with alongside Chambers’ wonderful, impactful writing help rocket this to 5 stars.
The Reader on the 6.27 by Jean-Paul Didierlaurent
Did not finish book. Stopped at 45%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 45%.
I got about 100 pages in and felt like I was dragging my way through. I also found myself falling asleep at times so I’d like to read something more enticing.
A Magical Girl Retires by Park Seolyeon
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Really enjoyed this!! First of all the cover is gorgeous and is what caught my eye in the bookstore. It’s so cute wtf? This little hardback and the illustrations at the beginning of each chapter just give the whole book so much character.
Genuinely funny and really heartfelt throughout. I wish it was longer so we could spend more time with the charactersand get the Roa romance I so desperately want
Genuinely funny and really heartfelt throughout. I wish it was longer so we could spend more time with the characters
Periodic Tales: A Cultural History of the Elements, from Arsenic to Zinc by Hugh Aldersey-Williams
Did not finish book. Stopped at 27%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 27%.
Was due back to the library. I might pick it back up another time.
The Art of Scandal by Regina Black
emotional
funny
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? Yes
4.0
I don't often read romance books but I think I really like them??? I found out about this book from a Booktuber who said that it brought drama and mess.
The growing love between Nathan and Rachel was hot and developed realistically inside the more telenovela drama happening around them. But I struggle to really put the drama at telenovela level. This isn't a critique on the book in the end but I could have done with more mess. All the characters felt real and believable and so it would have been interesting to see how they'd handle bigger dramas. The writing was funny and heartfelt. I rooted for the characters and if I'm rooting for a straight couple???? Babes something is afoot.
The growing love between Nathan and Rachel was hot and developed realistically inside the more telenovela drama happening around them. But I struggle to really put the drama at telenovela level. This isn't a critique on the book in the end but I could have done with more mess. All the characters felt real and believable and so it would have been interesting to see how they'd handle bigger dramas. The writing was funny and heartfelt. I rooted for the characters and if I'm rooting for a straight couple???? Babes something is afoot.
Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire
adventurous
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
4.25
Really glad I went back to read this! Listening to the audiobook made much of the funny dialogue and writing land better. “the book is dark and there’s a lot of sex” that’s all I knew about it after forgetting it all when I read a quarter of the book when I was in high school.
I enjoyed this! Intrigued by the sequels so maybe I’ll get around to that.
I enjoyed this! Intrigued by the sequels so maybe I’ll get around to that.
Monstrilio by Gerardo Sámano Córdova
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
A very unique premise that was refreshingly written. I was really drawn in by the believable characterization from the start. In the middle the book drags for a little bit and I’m still not entirely sure how long the time skip was to Joseph’s section. Bc if M was like 18 looking I assume then how did his fiance not suspect something?
The Wager: A Tale of Shipwreck, Mutiny, and Murder by David Grann
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
medium-paced
5.0
I just love a shipwreck story.
Initial critique is that there are no footnotes or markers for the notes in the back. When I look, there are several notes per page (!!) but with no indication on the page. I would have liked to access the notes as I went.
Initial critique is that there are no footnotes or markers for the notes in the back. When I look, there are several notes per page (!!) but with no indication on the page. I would have liked to access the notes as I went.