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katiemack's reviews
1288 reviews
Summer Vamp by Violet Chan Karim
funny
inspiring
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Once I put aside my (tragic adult) skepticism--How do the vampires not realize that Maya's a human immediately? How are they awake during the day? How does Maya hydrate without water??--I grew to love this fun little graphic novel about a case of mistaken camp identity. There are some valuable tidbits about vulnerability and standing up for oneself and, of course, what true friendship looks like.
Once I put aside my (tragic adult) skepticism--How do the vampires not realize that Maya's a human immediately? How are they awake during the day? How does Maya hydrate without water??--I grew to love this fun little graphic novel about a case of mistaken camp identity. There are some valuable tidbits about vulnerability and standing up for oneself and, of course, what true friendship looks like.
Queenie by Candice Carty-Williams
emotional
funny
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
This starts out ROUGH. I began reading the physical book and had to put it down. I tried again with the audiobook version and found that it works much better and feels more enjoyable in that format (probably because Shvorne Marks is an excellent narrator with just enough nuance between characters to make them feel distinct). I still think the writing needs work, but the actual vulnerability conveyed and themes touched upon here are important.
The Emperor and the Endless Palace by Justinian Huang
adventurous
fast-paced
3.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
If this had been more accurately marketed as erotic fantasy instead of romantasy, this would have worked better for me; however, as a result I spent the book wishing this were something it weren't. I do love the reincarnation trope and the various timelines, as it makes the story more engaging (especially the suspense in the Fox Spirit timeline), but there are threads that are dropped and ideas that should have been more deeply explored.
If this had been more accurately marketed as erotic fantasy instead of romantasy, this would have worked better for me; however, as a result I spent the book wishing this were something it weren't. I do love the reincarnation trope and the various timelines, as it makes the story more engaging (especially the suspense in the Fox Spirit timeline), but there are threads that are dropped and ideas that should have been more deeply explored.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Jaded by Ela Lee
4.25
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This was a brutal read (in the best way). It covers tons of topics in a small amount of pages--sexual assault, racism, multiracial relationships and identity, etc. There's a rawness in the way Ela Lee writes that makes it clear that every one of these topics is personal, and the way she details the sexual assault and its consequences (or, for some, lack thereof) is so realistic that it made me incensed to read.
This was a brutal read (in the best way). It covers tons of topics in a small amount of pages--sexual assault, racism, multiracial relationships and identity, etc. There's a rawness in the way Ela Lee writes that makes it clear that every one of these topics is personal, and the way she details the sexual assault and its consequences (or, for some, lack thereof) is so realistic that it made me incensed to read.
Chronically Dolores by Maya Van Wagenen
4.5
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book, while frustrating at times, feels incredibly authentic--and not just because of Maya Van Wagenen's lived experiences with interstitial cystitis and autism. She also captures the vulnerability and, let's face it, lack of frontal lobe that teenagers go through. I also think Dolores' relationships with her family, Terpsichore, and unexpected acquaintances (like Luce, Johann, the priest, and Spider and Tear-drop) feel very sweet and unexpectedly deep. The side characters feel fleshed out and like they serve a purpose for the story and for Dolores' development.
This book, while frustrating at times, feels incredibly authentic--and not just because of Maya Van Wagenen's lived experiences with interstitial cystitis and autism. She also captures the vulnerability and, let's face it, lack of frontal lobe that teenagers go through. I also think Dolores' relationships with her family, Terpsichore, and unexpected acquaintances (like Luce, Johann, the priest, and Spider and Tear-drop) feel very sweet and unexpectedly deep. The side characters feel fleshed out and like they serve a purpose for the story and for Dolores' development.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness
The Good, the Bad, and the Aunties by Jesse Q. Sutanto
3.75
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is a fitting end to a joyfully goofy series; I'll miss the aunties and their madcap adventures. Some of the plot points feel ludicrous even for said silliness, but overall it's a good time. I also love the ending, though it makes me wish there were more books to come.
This is a fitting end to a joyfully goofy series; I'll miss the aunties and their madcap adventures. Some of the plot points feel ludicrous even for said silliness, but overall it's a good time. I also love the ending, though it makes me wish there were more books to come.
Nearly All The Men In Lagos Are Mad by Damilare Kuku
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Even though I don't live in Nigeria and have little experience with Nigerian culture, this collection felt relatable to me and is hilarious to boot. (I'm a sucker for revenge stories with dumb men, though.)
Even though I don't live in Nigeria and have little experience with Nigerian culture, this collection felt relatable to me and is hilarious to boot. (I'm a sucker for revenge stories with dumb men, though.)
The Perfect Guy Doesn't Exist by Sophie Gonzales
lighthearted
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
3.25
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I love the values of friendship and acceptance here, and the romance is sweet yet realistic (shout out to the queer rep!). The actual plot doesn't make much sense--there are holes that bothered me--but it's a fun read overall.
I love the values of friendship and acceptance here, and the romance is sweet yet realistic (shout out to the queer rep!). The actual plot doesn't make much sense--there are holes that bothered me--but it's a fun read overall.
How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang
lighthearted
sad
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
4.0
I received an eARC of this book from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I can see why Yulin Kuang was hired to adapt Emily Henry's books; both authors are adept at creating beautiful romances from honest, vulnerable portrayals of grief and trauma. Truthfully, I was less convinced by Helen and Grant's romance and insta-lust than I thought I'd be (though the forced proximity helps here), but their chemistry is visceral enough to make them intriguing. I also appreciated that both acknowledge the amount of healing they had to do from Michelle's suicide.
I can see why Yulin Kuang was hired to adapt Emily Henry's books; both authors are adept at creating beautiful romances from honest, vulnerable portrayals of grief and trauma. Truthfully, I was less convinced by Helen and Grant's romance and insta-lust than I thought I'd be (though the forced proximity helps here), but their chemistry is visceral enough to make them intriguing. I also appreciated that both acknowledge the amount of healing they had to do from Michelle's suicide.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide and Car accident
Moderate: Child death