emmaj_xo's reviews
91 reviews

Klara and the Sun by Kazuo Ishiguro

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

5.0

Another tragically beautiful masterpiece from Ishiguro. Once again he drip feeds hints regarding the dystopian world the characters inhabit and we are left to piece together clues until the full picture is finally presented to us. A beautiful reflection of different types of love: whether it be possessive or selfless. Klara’ as innocence makes her an excellent narrator and way into this world, and she couldn’t be more loveable.
Mera: Tidebreaker by Danielle Paige

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adventurous fast-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? No

2.0

I’m sure there’s enough to enjoy here for many young readers, but to me it’s criminal that an assassin falling in love with her target story could be this dull. Art and colours are lovely though. 
Flames of the Dark Crystal #4 by J.M. Lee

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

4.0

Knowing how everything turns out from seeing the film I was anticipating a harrowing read for the final book in the series, but instead we are instilled with hope for the Skeksis’ eventual downfall. A wonderful end to the series and I would whole-heartedly recommend the series to veteran Crystal fans and young readers alike. As a side note, I would die for Kylan of Sami Thicket.
Tides of the Dark Crystal #3 by J.M. Lee

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

4.0

The action is ramping up and in the midst of it we’re introduced to two new clans (the sifa being my favourite) and a sapphic romance subplot. Excited to read the conclusion.
Song of the Dark Crystal #2 by J.M. Lee

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adventurous hopeful mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Loved reading soft boy Kylan’s point of view and seeing the plot continue to unfold. Enjoyed this equally as much as the last, they’re such comfort reads.
Shadows of the Dark Crystal #1 by J.M. Lee

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

4.0

A thrilling read for readers of all ages. The storytelling is vivid and immersive and I love the characters and the intense bonds they form. A true comfort read, even though fans of the film will know what tragedy awaits. 
Ecofeminism and Rhetoric: Critical Perspectives on Sex, Technology, and Discourse by

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informative slow-paced

3.0

Interesting more contemporary ecofeminist essays, although discussions of technology are already (unsurprisingly) dated. Not recommended as an introduction to ecofeminism, but more for those already familiar with the theory and interesting in reading how it has developed since the ‘90’s. 
Wedlock: How Georgian Britain's Worst Husband Met His Match by Wendy Moore

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informative inspiring sad tense slow-paced

4.0

“… you may shoot me, or beat me to a mummy: my person is in your power, but my mind is beyond your reach.” 

I’ll admit this book didn’t keep my attention for much of the first half in its detailed histories of the families involved. But once Moore began detailing the events of the marriage the book kept me it it’s grip. Truly a difficult and disturbing read that continues to detail more and more depraved acts by a truly disgusting, worthless man. Mary Eleanor Bowes’ spirit as she continues to fight the courts for her independence is inspiring. But there is another victim mentioned at the end of this book that that crushed any elation I had felt at Mary’s freedom. Quite honestly feels like a horror novel at times. But my gosh if you want to learn about women’s rights and marriage law in the 18th century then this is a crucial case study. 
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Under the Moon: A Catwoman Tale by Lauren Myracle

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dark hopeful 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? It's complicated

3.0

A great little read for younger readers with nice art and colouring. Definitely deal with some difficult, potentially triggering topics and the ending feels a little rushed, but the relationship between young Selina and Bruce is lovely the read.
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The Once and Future Witches by Alix E. Harrow

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adventurous dark emotional 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

A gorgeous blend of Friendship, Feminism, and Fairytales. I have to disagree on the book feeling overly long, I loved the slow build up to a bombastic, action-packed ending. The three sisters in particularly are all lovable in their own ways but there’s a great cast of supporting characters too. The prose is luscious but still accessible. A great read about the bonds of sisterhood and female strength.