prishukla's reviews
83 reviews

Goddess of the River by Vaishnavi Patel

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adventurous emotional mysterious tense medium-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

3.5

I really enjoyed Kaikeyi so was excited to dig into this one. About half of the way through, I found myself lost in this book, but not in a fun way. I was struggling to track what was happening on and off the page,l and I found myself skimming the latter third of the bookm overall enjoyable and adventurous, but perhaps I just wasn't in the right frame of mind to pick this up when I did.
Work for It by Talia Hibbert

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funny lighthearted 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? Yes

3.5

I adore Talia Hibbert , but this one wasn't my favorites. That said, it is still delightful and enjoyable! The characters are adorable and wonderful, and it's amazing to see a relationship between two queer men develop in a cozy romance setting. The characters are fully-formed complex people. Even though the pacing is fast, this is a bit of a slower burn. I would recommend!
Fevered Star by Rebecca Roanhorse

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adventurous dark mysterious tense 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? It's complicated

4.5

What an incredible follow-up to Black Sun. More world-building and expansion, with lots of political intrigue, fantastic elements, and character development. I genuinely didn't know where the plot was taking me and am not quite sure how the plot will resolve itself in the final book -- so excited to see where this goes! 
The Fake Boyfriend Fiasco by Talia Hibbert

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

A great, fast-paced Talia Hibbert read that parallels The Princess Trap to a certain extent (fake mate for pay turns into a genuine relationship)! Highly recommend if you're looking for 🌶️, laughter & fully developed characters as I've come to enjoy Talia Hibbert 's ability to cultivate! 
Quietly Hostile by Samantha Irby

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emotional funny lighthearted medium-paced

4.0

Another hilarious book of essays by Samantha Kirby. Such a good time with so many raw details, and also full of so much heart. 
Black Sun by Rebecca Roanhorse

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adventurous challenging dark inspiring mysterious reflective tense 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? It's complicated

4.75

Oh gosh! I came to this book from a BookTok recommendation list that also included The Broken Earth Trilogy by N.K. Jemisen. I had just finished that series and it had put me in a reading slump. From the moment I started The Black Sun, I was gripped. This is a book with multiple character perspectives, which I never once found confusing or troubling to follow. In fact, I appreciated how different characters helped not only with world-building, but for setting the stage for the cultural and political dynamics at play. A truly epic fantasy set in a magical analog of Pre-Colombian Americas, and I can't wait to devour the next two books. 
Tacky: Love Letters to the Worst Culture We Have to Offer by Rax King

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adventurous emotional funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced

4.0

I really enjoyed this book of essays about various pop culture touchstones from my millennial upbringing (America's Next Top Model, Sex and the City, The Sims, etc.). The author interprets these through her many dalliances, vices, family and friendships. It's truly a delight to read.
The Bright Sword by Lev Grossman

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 5%.
Meh, I just really couldn't get into this. I hope other find what they're looking for in this retelling 
Dark Restraint by Katee Robert

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 17%.
Meh -- I couldn't get into this one. Ariadne's fragility & the Minotaur's possessiveness was annoying me too much. I'll try again later? Maybe?
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful reflective medium-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? Yes

4.5

Oh gosh, I was surprised at how quickly I was sucked into this cute, quirky paranormal world and how much I adored Hart & Mercy (& Zeddie & Pen & Lil & Alma!) from the jump. I'm not someone who easily cries while reading, but this book got me. I followed the roller-coaster of the plot and characters' romance, sometimes feeling pangs in my chest as they made choices and bore the consequences. I highly recommend giving this book a chance. One of the more unique and enjoyable romances I've read in awhile.