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readingrobin's reviews
2310 reviews
Squire & Knight: Wayward Travelers by Scott Chantler
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-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
Loved that the author was adamant in making this follow up an extension of the first story rather than a retread. Squire gets a lesson in humility, learning that it's not only the brawny ones that are susceptible to boasting.
Don't Call the Wolf by Aleksandra Ross
Did not finish book. Stopped at 78%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 78%.
I just slowly lost interest the longer I went on with this book. Sure, it was nice to see a story based on Polish folklore, but there was nothing really that engrossed me or made the characters that memorable. I'm usually a quick reader so if a book is taking me two months to read, it's clear that I really don't intend on finishing it.
Godkiller by Hannah Kaner
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Witcher comparisons are incredibly on point here, but not in a disparaging way. I liked the world building, which was not incredibly cryptic or overly complicated. There were moments that dragged a little more than others, which became a bit of an issue since I was reading this for a short reading challenge, but I made it through.
I will agree that the romance felt somewhat out of nowhere. Kissen didn't really seem like the sort of character to have an impromptu tryst while trying to protect a charge,though I am glad she chose to live more for Inara's sake than wanting to come back for Eno.
I will agree that the romance felt somewhat out of nowhere. Kissen didn't really seem like the sort of character to have an impromptu tryst while trying to protect a charge,
Life in the Present: A Joyful Collection of Comics About Living in the Moment by Liz Climo
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
Heartwood Hotel Book 1: A True Home by Kallie George
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Read this for a work reading challenge and I don't think I was in the right mindset for a cutesy animal story. It's sweet for younger kids but the wolf enthusiast in me couldn't help but think "well wolves have to eat too."
This Place: 150 Years Retold by Sonny Assu, Katherena Vermette, Kateri Akiwenzie-Damm, Jen Storm, Rachel Qitsualik-Tinsley, David A. Robertson, Brandon Mitchell, Niigaanwewidam James Sinclair, Richard Van Camp, Sean Qitsualik-Tinsley, Chelsea Vowel
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
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
An impactful, informative anthology that was a great introduction for me as an American reader to the history of indigenous peoples in Canada. There was a variety of styles that were all engrossing in their own ways, though the presentation of "Rosie" was probably my favorite.
Call of the Jersey Devil by Aurelio Voltaire
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This exactly the kind of book one would imagine Aurelio Volatire, goth icon that he is, would make. Perfect for fans of The Evil Dead, this truly is a campy creature feature of a book starring a cast of shitty mall goths, a washed up goth singer (who looks very familiar if you remember the Voltaire of the 90s), and that cryptid asshole, the Jersey Devil.
I kind of admire Voltaire for his shameless insert in the form of Villy Bats, it really ups the B movie vibes. The story flows so seamlessly, with a slow lead up until we finally get to the gloriously gorey bits. It does have quite a cinematic feel, which is natural since this originally took form as a film script. Movies are hell to make so I'm glad Voltaire was able to make this story alive in some way.
There was some word usage that gave me some ick."Retard" and "ass rape(in a joking context)" were used a little too much for my liking but they were mostly used by a character that gets killed off first so you know, glad it was easy for me not to empathize with him. Plus this was written back in the day where edge humor thrived so take all that with a grain of salt.
Either way, glad I read it once and got some glorious cheese horror.
I kind of admire Voltaire for his shameless insert in the form of Villy Bats, it really ups the B movie vibes. The story flows so seamlessly, with a slow lead up until we finally get to the gloriously gorey bits. It does have quite a cinematic feel, which is natural since this originally took form as a film script. Movies are hell to make so I'm glad Voltaire was able to make this story alive in some way.
There was some word usage that gave me some ick.
Either way, glad I read it once and got some glorious cheese horror.
Wynd Book Three: Throne in the Sky by James Tynion IV
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
James more series please. I need it.
Home by Nnedi Okorafor
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
While this sequel feels more like a bridge between the first and third installments than a story in its own right, I did enjoy the personal journey Binti made as she returns home to see her family and reflect on the changes in her life.
A Universe of Wishes by Dhonielle Clayton
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-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
3.0
This is the second "We Need Diverse Books" collection I've read after Fresh Ink. This was a decent collection of stories, of course some a bit more standout than others.
My favorites would include:
Cristal y Ceniza - Wonderful take on Cinderella, a fairy tale that usually doesn't really intrigue me, but I love the updates to this one.
The Takeback Tango - A story following the reclamation of treasured artifacts from a museum, a great warranted heist ensues.
The Weight - Just vibed with the voice and storytelling in this one.
The Coldest Spot in the Universe - Absolutely heartbreaking and slightly terrifying as we watch a teen's final moments before succumbing to a dying earth and an alien race studying her notes long after she has passed.
Longer Than the Threads of Time - The ending alone. Ooof.
Habibi - Such great distinct voices with a lot of heart.
My favorites would include:
Cristal y Ceniza - Wonderful take on Cinderella, a fairy tale that usually doesn't really intrigue me, but I love the updates to this one.
The Takeback Tango - A story following the reclamation of treasured artifacts from a museum, a great warranted heist ensues.
The Weight - Just vibed with the voice and storytelling in this one.
The Coldest Spot in the Universe - Absolutely heartbreaking and slightly terrifying as we watch a teen's final moments before succumbing to a dying earth and an alien race studying her notes long after she has passed.
Longer Than the Threads of Time - The ending alone. Ooof.
Habibi - Such great distinct voices with a lot of heart.