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onthesamepage's reviews
1013 reviews
The Husky & His White Cat Shizun: Erha He Ta De Bai Mao Shizun (Novel) Vol. 2 by Rou Bao Bu Chi Rou
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? Yes
5.0
I think it's safe to say that I'm completely hooked.
I had no idea that this second volume would have a trope I love (deaging ), but I was squealing with excitement when I got to that part. It's a pretty thick book, and yet I found myself flying through it. I love the characters and the development we got in this installment, with both Mo Ran and Chu Wanning coming to realize things about themselves and their past behavior. I also really loved the side characters—Xue Meng continues to grow on me, and the moments where Chu Wanning acts more as a shizun towards his students made me melt.
There are so many moments that stood out to me, and I made sure to highlight them all so I can revisit them later. The past timeline continues to fascinate me—I'm still so curious about how Mo Ran and Chu Wanning got to the point where cuddling was happening, but I'm guessing it'll be a while still before I get the answer to that question. I'm not complaining, though.
We do get more glimpses into why Mo Ran is the way he is in this volume (I spent a couple of chapters fuming at his shizun for past injustices). They both still suffer from lack of communication, and there are times when I just want to lock them up somewhere and not let them out again, but for some reason it doesn't bother me the way I would expect it to. There's just something about the romance that has me by the throat, and I can't wait to read more.
I had no idea that this second volume would have a trope I love (
There are so many moments that stood out to me, and I made sure to highlight them all so I can revisit them later. The past timeline continues to fascinate me—I'm still so curious about how Mo Ran and Chu Wanning got to the point where cuddling was happening, but I'm guessing it'll be a while still before I get the answer to that question. I'm not complaining, though.
We do get more glimpses into why Mo Ran is the way he is in this volume (I spent a couple of chapters fuming at his shizun for past injustices). They both still suffer from lack of communication, and there are times when I just want to lock them up somewhere and not let them out again, but for some reason it doesn't bother me the way I would expect it to. There's just something about the romance that has me by the throat, and I can't wait to read more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Child death, Rape, and Trafficking
Minor: Cannibalism
Legend of the White Snake: A Queer YA Romantasy by Sher Lee
adventurous
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
4.0
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This is exactly what it says on the tin—a xianxia YA romantasy (ignore the comparison to Dark Heir, that's not what you're getting here). I thought this was well-executed in general. The pacing was really good, with drama at the right moments to keep it all flowing nicely. A lot happens in the last 25%, and it did feel a bit rushed, but not enough to be bothersome.
I've seen some reviews call the relationship between Xian and Zhen insta-love, and while I agree that they very quickly developed feelings for each other, it read more like insta-lust to me, personally. I really liked the beats of the romance. It's sweet and fun, lies and betrayal notwithstanding.
The side characters are also a highlight. The relationship between Qing and Zhen, and Xian and Feng, kind of mirror each other, in that both are found family at its core. The budding romance between Qing and Feng was really cute, too.
I'm not familiar with the original myth, so I have no idea how big of a departure this retelling is, but it gave me exactly what I was expecting, and I had a lot of fun reading it.
This is exactly what it says on the tin—a xianxia YA romantasy (ignore the comparison to Dark Heir, that's not what you're getting here). I thought this was well-executed in general. The pacing was really good, with drama at the right moments to keep it all flowing nicely. A lot happens in the last 25%, and it did feel a bit rushed, but not enough to be bothersome.
I've seen some reviews call the relationship between Xian and Zhen insta-love, and while I agree that they very quickly developed feelings for each other, it read more like insta-lust to me, personally. I really liked the beats of the romance. It's sweet and fun, lies and betrayal notwithstanding.
The side characters are also a highlight. The relationship between Qing and Zhen, and Xian and Feng, kind of mirror each other, in that both are found family at its core. The budding romance between Qing and Feng was really cute, too.
I'm not familiar with the original myth, so I have no idea how big of a departure this retelling is, but it gave me exactly what I was expecting, and I had a lot of fun reading it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture
Emily Wilde's Map of the Otherlands by Heather Fawcett
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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
5.0
I don't know what it is about Emily Wilde. Just like the first book, this sequel drew me in so easily. I read it in two sittings because I just wanted to spend more time with these characters rather than do something else.
Everything that was so good about Encyclopaedia of Faeries is expanded on here. Emily and Wendell's relationship is more of a focus—their banter is cute, there are aww-worthy moments, but also times where Emily struggles with what a future for them might look like. Wendell, of course, doesn't really help with any of that, either, but the way he cares about Emily is heartwarmingly adorable.
We get introduced to a couple of new characters as well, which means more time watching Emily learn how to interact with people. There are plenty of nasty faeries with nasty surprises, once again making for a very compelling story, and I can't wait to see what Emily and Wendell will get up to next.
Everything that was so good about Encyclopaedia of Faeries is expanded on here. Emily and Wendell's relationship is more of a focus—their banter is cute, there are aww-worthy moments, but also times where Emily struggles with what a future for them might look like. Wendell, of course, doesn't really help with any of that, either, but the way he cares about Emily is heartwarmingly adorable.
We get introduced to a couple of new characters as well, which means more time watching Emily learn how to interact with people. There are plenty of nasty faeries with nasty surprises, once again making for a very compelling story, and I can't wait to see what Emily and Wendell will get up to next.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
A Pho Love Story by Loan Le
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was an impulse buy back in 2021, but good job past me for picking this up, because it was delightful. I'm genuinely happy whenever I read a YA book and enjoy it these days, and this is one I would recommend in general. Both Bao and Linh were lovely characters to follow, and their struggles hit home. I have a soft spot for Linh in particular—I remember what it's like, being pressured to follow a specific academic course because a parent thinks that's for the best, even though your heart wants something else.
Because of the rivalry between the two families, I thought there would be more drama than there ended up being. Instead, Bao and Linh don't subscribe to their families' irrational hatred of each other, and I just really loved getting to see how they started interacting, and how the relationship grew from there. The problems they ran into were serious ones, not drummed up conflict for the sake of the story. The focus on food, culture, and family all brought something extra to the romance, and I thought the story was cohesive and well-written. The audiobook narrators also did a fantastic job.
Because of the rivalry between the two families, I thought there would be more drama than there ended up being. Instead, Bao and Linh don't subscribe to their families' irrational hatred of each other, and I just really loved getting to see how they started interacting, and how the relationship grew from there. The problems they ran into were serious ones, not drummed up conflict for the sake of the story. The focus on food, culture, and family all brought something extra to the romance, and I thought the story was cohesive and well-written. The audiobook narrators also did a fantastic job.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher
adventurous
emotional
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I truly don't know how Kingfisher managed to make me laugh out loud and then hold back tears within a handful of pages. The first part is a bit slow, but about halfway through it starts to pick up. I loved the way Kingfisher played around with small magic, and what that would look like. All the things Mona managed to do with dough were so fun to read about. The little gingerbread cookie was my favourite side character, followed closely by Bob.
There are a handful of (maybe overly) descriptive scenes that have to do with excrement that could've been excluded, but I ended up being pretty charmed by this book. The protagonist is fourteen and reads pretty young, and there's no romance to speak of, but there are still some darker themes here. I think it's okay for a younger audience, though.
There are a handful of (maybe overly) descriptive scenes that have to do with excrement that could've been excluded, but I ended up being pretty charmed by this book. The protagonist is fourteen and reads pretty young, and there's no romance to speak of, but there are still some darker themes here. I think it's okay for a younger audience, though.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gore, and Murder
The Darkness Outside Us by Eliot Schrefer
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? No
5.0
I recommend going into this blind. Don't even read the synopsis. This was so not what I was expecting it to be, and I had an amazing time reading it.
To me, this book is an excellent example of what YA should be. The plot is so smart, but it's still clearly for a YA audience. Some of the parts where I would expect an adult novel to dig deep into the hard scifi aspects are softened here, and that's exactly what the book needed.
I loved getting to see how Ambrose and Kodiak grow towards each other—there were parts that really hit me in the feels. There's an excellent balance of focus on the characters, combined with a compelling story. It'll take you on a ride if you let it.
To me, this book is an excellent example of what YA should be. The plot is so smart, but it's still clearly for a YA audience. Some of the parts where I would expect an adult novel to dig deep into the hard scifi aspects are softened here, and that's exactly what the book needed.
I loved getting to see how Ambrose and Kodiak grow towards each other—there were parts that really hit me in the feels. There's an excellent balance of focus on the characters, combined with a compelling story. It'll take you on a ride if you let it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Cancer and Suicide
A Study in Scarlet Women by Sherry Thomas
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I love it when authors write retellings where a lot of things get flipped around. A genderswapped Holmes, a genderswapped Watson, hints at a possible slow burn romance—honestly, a winning combination. I don't think this is one where the reader can unravel the mystery before Charlotte does, but I had a great time following her deductions. The characters have very distinct voices, and I'm really intrigued by the setup for Moriarty.
I highly recommend the audiobook by the way, the narrator is fantastic.
I highly recommend the audiobook by the way, the narrator is fantastic.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Rape, and Murder
Covenant, Vol. 1 by LySandra Vuong, explodikid
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This volume is mostly setup, but I'm definitely intrigued by where this is going. The art is great, and I enjoyed the humor and the characters. The dynamic between Sunny and Erza is already fun, and I can't wait to see how their relationship develops further.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore and Panic attacks/disorders
The Husky & His White Cat Shizun: Erha He Ta De Bai Mao Shizun (Novel) Vol. 1 by Rou Bao Bu Chi Rou
dark
emotional
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
Scrolling through my Kindle highlights to write this review just made me want to reread it, and honestly I think that probably tells you more than the actual review will. I'll still write it, though.
I want to start by saying that, out of all the danmei I've tried so far, this one hooked me the fastest. Meatbun's writing just clicks with my brain, and I think the translators have done a fantastic job in making it flow as well. But the story itself can't be ignored when it comes to intrigue. There's a whole first timeline that we don't know about, but we get to see tantalizing snippets, and there were moments where I needed to know how Mo Ran and Chu Wanning got from point A to point Z.
And then there's the reincarnation timeline, with its slow burn romance and damaged characters, and I was honestly eating it all up.
That said, Mo Ran and Chu Wanning are both idiots, so I can already tell this will be a very slow build with a lot of pain before the eventual payoff. But I have faith that it'll be worth it.
I want to start by saying that, out of all the danmei I've tried so far, this one hooked me the fastest. Meatbun's writing just clicks with my brain, and I think the translators have done a fantastic job in making it flow as well. But the story itself can't be ignored when it comes to intrigue. There's a whole first timeline that we don't know about, but we get to see tantalizing snippets, and there were moments where I needed to know how Mo Ran and Chu Wanning got from point A to point Z.
And then there's the reincarnation timeline, with its slow burn romance and damaged characters, and I was honestly eating it all up.
That said, Mo Ran and Chu Wanning are both idiots, so I can already tell this will be a very slow build with a lot of pain before the eventual payoff. But I have faith that it'll be worth it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Torture, and Murder
Moderate: Suicide
Solitaire by Alice Oseman
Did not finish book. Stopped at 17%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 17%.
Putting this down due to lack of interest. I am reading less and less YA, but I did really love Radio Silence back when I read it, so I wanted to give Oseman in novel form another try. However, the story failed to grip me by the time I got to 17%. I understand that Tori is probably depressed, but she was giving off "not like other girls" vibes. The same applies to Michael.