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onthesamepage's reviews
1010 reviews
Hope Ablaze by Sarah Mughal Rana
reflective
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
3.0
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Note: this review was written in March 2024, but I refrained from posting it at the time due to the SMP boycott.
I was really excited to read this book when I first heard about it. I still think it's important that this book exists to challenge Islamophobia, and to give voice to so many Muslim teens out there, who feel voiceless and powerless. I appreciated the Muslim representation, specifically Nida's attachment to her hijab.
But this book has a lot of issues as well.
Look, I'm a fairly logical reader. It's not that I set out to poke holes into every story, but sometimes they're so blatant that I can't not notice them, and that was sadly the case here. Throughout the book, regular chapters are interspersed with some of Nida's poetry about the things that are happening to her. I thought it was too much poetry, but that's my personal preference, and not something I count against the book. A big part of the plot is how Nida loses the ability to write poetry, and thereby loses her voice. But the poetry continues. And it's not old poems, because they're all relevant to where the plot is at that point. But Nida can't write them.
There's also a kind of weird magical realism element, which honestly wasn't necessary, but also not really an issue, until the author uses it to conveniently allow Nida to see the past, give us a history lesson, show her exactly what happened to her family before she was born, so she could then use this information to talk to her mother.
I think the part that annoyed me the most was how the author chose to wrap this up, and the message that they will still vote for the Islamophobic politician, because the other choice is worse! And I don't think that's the lesson I want teenagers to learn, because there are other options. I am not American, but I asked an American friend a few questions about how elections work, and granted, it's a complicated system. I don't remember what state this takes place in, and even if I did, I wouldn't know what laws apply in this state. But there could have been an independent candidate as a third option. There could have been a write-in campaign as a show of protest. There could have literally been any other message to teenagers, in 2024, when we are seeing a live genocide, than "vote for the bad guy anyway because the other guy is worse".
Note: this review was written in March 2024, but I refrained from posting it at the time due to the SMP boycott.
I was really excited to read this book when I first heard about it. I still think it's important that this book exists to challenge Islamophobia, and to give voice to so many Muslim teens out there, who feel voiceless and powerless. I appreciated the Muslim representation, specifically Nida's attachment to her hijab.
But this book has a lot of issues as well.
Look, I'm a fairly logical reader. It's not that I set out to poke holes into every story, but sometimes they're so blatant that I can't not notice them, and that was sadly the case here. Throughout the book, regular chapters are interspersed with some of Nida's poetry about the things that are happening to her. I thought it was too much poetry, but that's my personal preference, and not something I count against the book. A big part of the plot is how Nida loses the ability to write poetry, and thereby loses her voice. But the poetry continues. And it's not old poems, because they're all relevant to where the plot is at that point. But Nida can't write them.
There's also a kind of weird magical realism element, which honestly wasn't necessary, but also not really an issue, until the author uses it to conveniently allow Nida to see the past, give us a history lesson, show her exactly what happened to her family before she was born, so she could then use this information to talk to her mother.
I think the part that annoyed me the most was how the author chose to wrap this up, and the message that they will still vote for the Islamophobic politician, because the other choice is worse! And I don't think that's the lesson I want teenagers to learn, because there are other options. I am not American, but I asked an American friend a few questions about how elections work, and granted, it's a complicated system. I don't remember what state this takes place in, and even if I did, I wouldn't know what laws apply in this state. But there could have been an independent candidate as a third option. There could have been a write-in campaign as a show of protest. There could have literally been any other message to teenagers, in 2024, when we are seeing a live genocide, than "vote for the bad guy anyway because the other guy is worse".
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Islamophobia
The Space Between Worlds by Micaiah Johnson
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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
5.0
Reading this on audiobook was just as amazing, highly recommend.
This Dark Descent by Kalyn Josephson
adventurous
dark
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 love it when a book has me fully engaged from the very beginning and doesn't let up, and even more when that comes paired with great characters and meaningful character development. The book is told in two perspectives—one is Mikira, a jockey who enters the race of her life for the sake of her family, and the other is Arielle, an unlicensed enchanter who is carrying a lot of secrets with her. The other two main characters don't get chapters from their perspectives, but I think that actually worked well here, since it leaves their motivations obscure, which is infinitely more interesting for the story. Reid was probably my favourite (grumpy on the outside, soft on the inside, what's not to love?), but I really appreciated Damien as well, and specifically how he treated Arielle.
There were moments here where the author could have chosen the path of hiding secrets upon secrets, but I was pleasantly surprised to find the characters be (somewhat, at least) open with each other about their difficulties. The relationships that develop between all of them were great—I especially loved the bond between Mikira and Arielle.
The races were a lot of fun to read about, although there are some dark moments there, and I would advice checking out the content warnings before picking this up.
There's a great balance between character/relationship development, exciting moments when the characters are scheming or racing for their lives, and a mystery subplot that looks like it'll get more page time in the sequel. I'm really excited to see how everything unravels.
There were moments here where the author could have chosen the path of hiding secrets upon secrets, but I was pleasantly surprised to find the characters be (somewhat, at least) open with each other about their difficulties. The relationships that develop between all of them were great—I especially loved the bond between Mikira and Arielle.
The races were a lot of fun to read about, although there are some dark moments there, and I would advice checking out the content warnings before picking this up.
There's a great balance between character/relationship development, exciting moments when the characters are scheming or racing for their lives, and a mystery subplot that looks like it'll get more page time in the sequel. I'm really excited to see how everything unravels.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death and Violence
Moderate: Animal cruelty and Torture
A Fire Endless by Rebecca Ross
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Rebecca Ross's prose just never disappoints. After reading the Letters of Enchantment duology, I was a bit worried if this sequel would live up to the first book—that wasn't the case for me with Ruthless Vows, and considering where we left off in A River Enchanted, I was worried this might follow similar beats. It didn't, though, and I was so happy to be back with these characters. I loved that there was still a lot of focus on the relationships, alongside the characters dealing with the ramifications of everything that happened in book one, along with new threats and dangers. It would've been very easy to oversaturate the story with new plots, but I thought it was well-balanced overall.
Getting to see what the West is like after all we've learned about it was fascinating. I will say that it didn't really subvert my expectations—all we know about the Breccans prior to this book is what the Tamerlaines think about them, and it would've been really interesting if we found out that they're not actually as ruthless as they're made out to be, or if the author had chosen to emphasize the impact of prejudices. It did make for an interesting environment for Adaira to navigate, though, and I enjoyed getting to see that.
I wouldn't say that some characters get more page time than others, because I do think the author did a good job at keeping a balance between all four of them. But I did feel like the bigger plot points weren't divided equally. I still really enjoyed this book, and would recommend the duology, but if you're interested in why some minor parts didn't work for me and don't mind spoilers:It kind of bothers me that the big issues facing the world were both fixed by men, and by men from the East at that. I know that Jack is technically a Breccan, but he's been raised a Tamerlaine, so I don't think it counts in this case. Also, why was it Torin who found the cure for the plague instead of Sidra, the healer?
Even leaving that aside, I thought the way Torin arrived at the solution to the riddle was too convenient.
Getting to see what the West is like after all we've learned about it was fascinating. I will say that it didn't really subvert my expectations—all we know about the Breccans prior to this book is what the Tamerlaines think about them, and it would've been really interesting if we found out that they're not actually as ruthless as they're made out to be, or if the author had chosen to emphasize the impact of prejudices. It did make for an interesting environment for Adaira to navigate, though, and I enjoyed getting to see that.
I wouldn't say that some characters get more page time than others, because I do think the author did a good job at keeping a balance between all four of them. But I did feel like the bigger plot points weren't divided equally. I still really enjoyed this book, and would recommend the duology, but if you're interested in why some minor parts didn't work for me and don't mind spoilers:
Even leaving that aside, I thought the way Torin arrived at the solution to the riddle was too convenient.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Violence
Sun of Blood and Ruin by Mariely Lares
adventurous
slow-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
3.0
This was a mixed bag. I really loved the world and the way the author described it—it felt lush, beautiful, and so vivid. The focus on Mexican history and Mesoamerican mythology was fascinating to me, and I'm genuinely happy we're getting more and more books like this.
Unfortunately, the characters and the plot are a let down.
Once again, this falls into the pitfall of being labeled an adult book, but reading like a YA book, with a heroine whose entire character development is about her finding her place in the world. I wanted Leonora to be more confident. If this is a reimagining of Zorro, then I want to see someone who is fearless, and who understands that the price of resistance is bloody sometimes. Instead, she got wobbly in her convictions more than once, and it made parts of this really drag.
The other issue is that there were way too many different plotlines. It starts with Leonora opposing the Spanish, and dealing with an arranged marriage with the prince of Spain. She doesn't care about him, by the way, but when he sleeps with someone else and she finds out, she barges into his room all huffy with a speech about how he can't hurt her pride like this. Then she meets Andres, who she thinks is a pirate and who stole something from her, and they develop a "will they won't they" romantic vibe. Also, there's a prophecy about her death, and another one about the end of the world, and actually the end of the world is closer than we think, and also there are all these gods walking among people, and who is Leonora, really?
It's not even a very long book, but this could've been 200 pages shorter, focused on 1-2 plot lines, and then used the rest to build up a series. I honestly just wanted a bit of a fun romp with a female Zorro, but that's not really what this is.
Unfortunately, the characters and the plot are a let down.
Once again, this falls into the pitfall of being labeled an adult book, but reading like a YA book, with a heroine whose entire character development is about her finding her place in the world. I wanted Leonora to be more confident. If this is a reimagining of Zorro, then I want to see someone who is fearless, and who understands that the price of resistance is bloody sometimes. Instead, she got wobbly in her convictions more than once, and it made parts of this really drag.
The other issue is that there were way too many different plotlines. It starts with Leonora opposing the Spanish, and dealing with an arranged marriage with the prince of Spain. She doesn't care about him, by the way, but when he sleeps with someone else and she finds out, she barges into his room all huffy with a speech about how he can't hurt her pride like this. Then she meets Andres, who she thinks is a pirate and who stole something from her, and they develop a "will they won't they" romantic vibe. Also, there's a prophecy about her death, and another one about the end of the world, and actually the end of the world is closer than we think, and also there are all these gods walking among people, and who is Leonora, really?
It's not even a very long book, but this could've been 200 pages shorter, focused on 1-2 plot lines, and then used the rest to build up a series. I honestly just wanted a bit of a fun romp with a female Zorro, but that's not really what this is.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Religious bigotry, and Colonisation
Moderate: Animal death and Death of parent
A Sorceress Comes to Call by T. Kingfisher
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This probably didn't need to be marketed as a Goose Girl retelling, because the inspiration is there but only barely. It's a very good story overall, though. I loved that the two main perspectives were those of a teenage girl and an older woman, which isn't something I see often (except in T. Kingfisher's other books).
It deals with agency and abuse, and how people in an abusive situation can feel like there is no way out for them. In Cordelia's case it is literal—her mother can use her like a puppet, using her mouth to talk and her legs to walk. This isn't a horror book, but the scenario Kingfisher paints is, frankly, terrifying.
As always, the characters really shine here, and I genuinely loved all of them (except for the villains, of course). The romance between Hester and Richard was really cute, but I don't think I ever fully understood Hester's reluctance to marry him. Her reasons don't make much sense to me, especially considering the events towards the end of the book, which I assume would put them on more equal footing in her head.
The resolution felt too fast and too easy for how much the villain had been built up, but I had a great time reading this, and would broadly recommend it if you're in the mood for a darker fantasy.
This probably didn't need to be marketed as a Goose Girl retelling, because the inspiration is there but only barely. It's a very good story overall, though. I loved that the two main perspectives were those of a teenage girl and an older woman, which isn't something I see often (except in T. Kingfisher's other books).
It deals with agency and abuse, and how people in an abusive situation can feel like there is no way out for them. In Cordelia's case it is literal—her mother can use her like a puppet, using her mouth to talk and her legs to walk. This isn't a horror book, but the scenario Kingfisher paints is, frankly, terrifying.
As always, the characters really shine here, and I genuinely loved all of them (except for the villains, of course). The romance between Hester and Richard was really cute, but I don't think I ever fully understood Hester's reluctance to marry him. Her reasons don't make much sense to me, especially considering the events towards the end of the book, which I assume would put them on more equal footing in her head.
The resolution felt too fast and too easy for how much the villain had been built up, but I had a great time reading this, and would broadly recommend it if you're in the mood for a darker fantasy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Suicide, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Animal cruelty
Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation: Mo Dao Zu Shi (Novel) Vol. 2 by Mo Xiang Tong Xiu
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I thought this volume would focus more on the relationship between Wei Wuxian and Lan Wangji, but it's actually pretty plot-heavy. I was really invested in the story, however, and ended up not minding so much. There are still a lot of characters, and I don't think I'm grasping some of the connections, but it's not so bad that it's detracting from my overall enjoyment.
Plus that entire scene with Lan Wangji drunk was chef's kiss.
Plus that entire scene with Lan Wangji drunk was chef's kiss.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Murder, and Gaslighting
Princess Floralinda and the Forty-Flight Tower by Tamsyn Muir
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
What a delightful little book. I always love stories that flip the traditional structure of fairytales on its head, especially when the damsel in distress suddenly finds agency. This was funny and charming. My only complaint is that, after a number of floors, it gets a bit repetitive. I would've loved to see Floralinda deal with different monsters in new ways, instead of applying the same true and tried method on 85% of them.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Gore, and Violence
The Necromancer's Light by Tavia Lark
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-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
Tropes: grumpy/sunshine, insta-love
Steam level: 🌶
I didn't read this for the magic system, but the necromancy in this book was fascinating. Our main character Shae is a necromancer, and he has to feed off people's energy to survive. If he's alone for too long, he may actually die. Being touch-starved becomes an excellent excuse for Arthur to cuddle with him, and I was here for it.
This was a fun, breezy book, even though there's a lot of death as well. The romance was really cute, and I loved both Shae and Arthur. It is a bit insta-love, but I didn't mind it much here.
Steam level: 🌶
I didn't read this for the magic system, but the necromancy in this book was fascinating. Our main character Shae is a necromancer, and he has to feed off people's energy to survive. If he's alone for too long, he may actually die. Being touch-starved becomes an excellent excuse for Arthur to cuddle with him, and I was here for it.
This was a fun, breezy book, even though there's a lot of death as well. The romance was really cute, and I loved both Shae and Arthur. It is a bit insta-love, but I didn't mind it much here.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Violence
Moderate: Self harm
Minor: Sexual assault
Ghost Station by S.A. Barnes
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Ultimately this entertained me enough to keep going, but I was missing a bit more creepiness. I thought there would be a bigger twist, but this basically did what I was expecting it to. The ending was unsatisfying, and I didn't really like the main character—her past gets hyped up so much at the beginning, but it takes a long time before we find out what, exactly, happened. She was easily manipulated by the other characters, and, for someone who specializes in psychology, she's sure blind to her own shortcomings. There was also no need for the hints at a possible romance.
Ultimately this entertained me enough to keep going, but I was missing a bit more creepiness. I thought there would be a bigger twist, but this basically did what I was expecting it to. The ending was unsatisfying, and I didn't really like the main character—her past gets hyped up so much at the beginning, but it takes a long time before we find out what, exactly, happened. She was easily manipulated by the other characters, and, for someone who specializes in psychology, she's sure blind to her own shortcomings. There was also no need for the hints at a possible romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Self harm, and Violence