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saoreads's reviews
142 reviews
A Crane Among Wolves by June Hur
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
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
4.5
It gives off a vibe where one has to be wary of many things—the environment itself feels traumatic. Watching tons of Korean historical dramas helps with the world-building. There’s a strong sensitivity to the words used when addressing the atrocities committed, and at times, the lines of thought may seem confusing, paradoxical, or even hypocritical. But at the end of the day, they were human—both good and bad. It's worth a read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Incest, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
The story began well, but the plot has become confusing. While some books allows readers to adapt gradually with world-building, this story's vagueness and inconsistent direction are problematic. The writing is undeniably beautiful and engaging, but the plot ultimately disappoints.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Violence, Blood, Grief, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
The Four Agreements: A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom by Don Miguel Ruiz
challenging
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Heading into 2025 with a fresh mindset and perspective, I feel inspired and challenged to grow as a whole. Reading this book has been an eye-opening experience, and while I may not fully embody the Four Agreements yet, I am committed to doing my best.
Aurora's End by Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
This book has once again tested my resolve to keep my emotions in check on the ride home. It’s an absolutely glorious story and easily my favorite read of 2024. Seamlessly blending multiple genres, it offers gradual world-building that feels immersive and natural. While I don’t have a single favorite character, each one brings unique traits you can’t help but love and embrace. This is exactly why I can’t stop reading science fiction and fantasy—they’re just too good!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Death, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Aurora Burning by Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
It should be a 5, but I hear none of one of my favorite characters in the last part, so this will wait until I read the final installment. There are still many unanswered questions, and the plot twists are enjoyable. While we can’t have it all, the newer discussions about the characters are pleasant.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Death, Gun violence, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, and War
Aurora Rising by Amie Kaufman, Jay Kristoff
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The world building is honestly smooth and soft to imagine; the traces of the galaxy being introduced have their own set of pacing that's defined with beauty. I do want to hear more of Zila's POV, and although Cat was not a character favorite, she was pivotal to the story. I can't wait to read the following installation.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Confinement, Death, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, and War
How Do You Live? by Genzaburō Yoshino
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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
5.0
It's the innocence of a child that wasn't shying away with curiosity and brimming with youth. At some point, reading it calls for a reminder for adults of how they once were, the way they live their lives, dreams, and purposes. It makes you fall back into deep reflections toward what you hold important in life and what matters. The reality of instances where we have shared experiences, individually gone through but something we can all relate to. This book should be read by people in the stage of their life who may forget themselves or be in a state of transformation; overall, it's a heartwarming reminder.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Death of parent
Before We Say Goodbye by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
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 amazing how, even after four books, the tone and the aspect of storytelling remain strong. It still makes me tear up. The moral lesson, I guess, at the end of it, wasn't about the plot but about different scenarios playing out within rigid and set rules. It's giving out huge lessons to readers when it comes to our relationships with people. The characters are lucky to have the chance to meet loved ones from the past again. Ever since book 1, this has been the theme, and it's deeply ingrained - subtle, but screaming that thought to me: instead of living with guilt and regrets, cherish your relationships. Although I wonder how long it takes before that reality hits, when that in itself is the truth.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
Freshwater by Akwaeke Emezi
dark
sad
tense
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
2.5
Much deeper than the surface, it touched on identity, mental health, and emotions. The extremes had mostly been carved out of reflections on relationships with other people. The vileness of others and the vileness within. It is a strange book with strange perceptions. But for one to account for, there wasn't much guidance to spare. There's a sense of rawness that offers no gentleness in words or in deeds. It cuts through corners straightforwardly, which causes panic. More or less, it provided insights into life without God, and the life surrounding it is a pity.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Death, Emotional abuse, Incest, Infidelity, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Pedophilia, Rape, Self harm, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Suicide attempt, Outing, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Days at the Morisaki Bookshop by Satoshi Yagisawa
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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? Yes
4.5
It was heartwarming and had a slice-of-life moment. It touched on the gullible instances and betrayals at first, which led the character to go find a sort of escape. It showed the need for a change of environment. To allow yourself to take a breather when burned out. To get in touch with a community you'll learn to love. The character stayed true to their personality and allowed autonomy, which was, in its truest form, humane.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Infidelity, Terminal illness, Pregnancy, and Gaslighting