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stormywolf's reviews
814 reviews
All the Tides of Fate by Adalyn Grace
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
3.0
Audiobook Read by Natalie Naudus
Unabridged Length: 10.5 Hours
Listened at 2x Speed
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, a fine production that'll serve to get you through the story. As with most fantasy books, I always find it handy to have an audio pronouncing the foreign words, and this time is no different. No huge changes in the text, just a word added or dropped a couple times, probably in service to the flow. Still wish there were musical bits when its relevant to the story (like humming a shanty), but it's more uncommon to have them than not. So, maybe not one to hold up as a shining example of all that audiobooks could be, but a serviceable production that gets the job done and concludes the duology well.
Unabridged Length: 10.5 Hours
Listened at 2x Speed
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, a fine production that'll serve to get you through the story. As with most fantasy books, I always find it handy to have an audio pronouncing the foreign words, and this time is no different. No huge changes in the text, just a word added or dropped a couple times, probably in service to the flow. Still wish there were musical bits when its relevant to the story (like humming a shanty), but it's more uncommon to have them than not. So, maybe not one to hold up as a shining example of all that audiobooks could be, but a serviceable production that gets the job done and concludes the duology well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Body horror, Emotional abuse, Sexism, Violence, Blood, and Alcohol
Minor: Sexual content, Dementia, and Toxic friendship
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Part 1—Phantom Blood, Vol. 1 by Hirohiko Araki
adventurous
dark
funny
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
This month's pick in Maven of the Eventide's (aka Elisa Hansen's) Vampire Book Club was a first for me: my very first official (not fan-translated) Manga ever, and also my first foray into the world of JoJo. Sure, I've seen enough of JoJo here and there to know of him—his style, the references, and what have you—but I'd never actually gone and experienced it for myself. Not even an episode of the anime. So, with an open mind and bated breath, I took the plunge into the bizarre world of JoJo and DIO!
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I'm glad I took a chance with Phantom Blood. While it suffers a bit from its over-reliance on action over characters (possibly a product of its 80s publication), it still has enough quirkiness to keep it endearing. If you enjoy gothic horror, over-the-top villainy, 80s-inspired musclemen, or other Japanese entertainment (anime/manga) and you haven't checked out JoJo yet, I'd definitely recommend it. And if you're interested, check out the Vampire Book Club's synopsis and discussion, and join us in the future for more fangtastic and bizarre tales.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I'm glad I took a chance with Phantom Blood. While it suffers a bit from its over-reliance on action over characters (possibly a product of its 80s publication), it still has enough quirkiness to keep it endearing. If you enjoy gothic horror, over-the-top villainy, 80s-inspired musclemen, or other Japanese entertainment (anime/manga) and you haven't checked out JoJo yet, I'd definitely recommend it. And if you're interested, check out the Vampire Book Club's synopsis and discussion, and join us in the future for more fangtastic and bizarre tales.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Body horror, Death, Gore, Torture, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Bullying, Child death, Cannibalism, and Death of parent
Minor: Misogyny and Xenophobia
All the Stars and Teeth by Adalyn Grace
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
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
3.0
Audiobook Read by Shayna Small
Unabridged Length: 12.4 Hours
Listened at 2x Speed
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, this was a hard book to sit through, especially in the first half where Ferrick is most involved. I can't really blame the reader, Shayna Small, for the choice, as it had to have gone through direction/approval in order to be used, but I can't say it didn't affect my overall enjoyment either. Regardless, I'd still recommend this as a solid audiobook production, and I look forward to experiencing the sequel.
Unabridged Length: 12.4 Hours
Listened at 2x Speed
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, this was a hard book to sit through, especially in the first half where Ferrick is most involved. I can't really blame the reader, Shayna Small, for the choice, as it had to have gone through direction/approval in order to be used, but I can't say it didn't affect my overall enjoyment either. Regardless, I'd still recommend this as a solid audiobook production, and I look forward to experiencing the sequel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, and Blood
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Death, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Self harm, Torture, Violence, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
Minor: Sexual assault and Slavery
Much of the main character's magic is fueled by her/another's blood, teeth, and body parts, with fire being a main implement of torture.
The Gilda Stories by Jewelle Gomez
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
5.0
Audiobook Read by Adenrele Ojo
Unabridged Length: 11.9 Hours
Listened at 2x Speed
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, a great experience marred only by the website from which I obtained it. The audio does also include the Forward and Afterword from the 25th Anniversary editions, so if you haven't read the book since before 2016, you might want to check out at least that much. I'd say this is a good experience for both new and experienced audiobook listeners, and one I definitely won't be forgetting anytime soon.
Unabridged Length: 11.9 Hours
Listened at 2x Speed
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, a great experience marred only by the website from which I obtained it. The audio does also include the Forward and Afterword from the 25th Anniversary editions, so if you haven't read the book since before 2016, you might want to check out at least that much. I'd say this is a good experience for both new and experienced audiobook listeners, and one I definitely won't be forgetting anytime soon.
The Gilda Stories by Jewelle Gomez
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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
5.0
Breaking out of my reading slump to read last month's pick in Maven of the Eventide's (aka Elisa Hansen's) Vampire Book Club proved to be no easy feat. Unfortunately, my library did not carry the audiobook, and it turned out I had other obligations the night of the meeting. Luckily I found a copy of the audio online, and, as always, the book club meetings are saved for posterity, so while I wasn't there for the live discussion, I was able to participate in some ways (unlike the previous month's when my library didn't even carry a text copy for The Silver Kiss). And though I'd never heard of this book before the club picked it out, the premise seemed especially intriguing and I was eager to experience it. Let me just say, wow.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, this book will undoubtedly sit with me for quite sometime. From the characters, to the settings, to the long and tumultuous journey of self-discovery, I was wholly invested. The exploration of life, and what it means to live and love from the perspective of an outsider, along with powerful depictions of struggling to choose what's best for yourself and for those around you, even if that means starting over, were what impacted me the most. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in historical fiction, books featuring BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+ main characters, empowering women, Afrofuturism, or just a fresh, new take on vampires—even hailing from 30 years ago!
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, this book will undoubtedly sit with me for quite sometime. From the characters, to the settings, to the long and tumultuous journey of self-discovery, I was wholly invested. The exploration of life, and what it means to live and love from the perspective of an outsider, along with powerful depictions of struggling to choose what's best for yourself and for those around you, even if that means starting over, were what impacted me the most. I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in historical fiction, books featuring BIPOC and/or LGBTQIA+ main characters, empowering women, Afrofuturism, or just a fresh, new take on vampires—even hailing from 30 years ago!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Cursing, Death, Racial slurs, and Blood
Moderate: Body horror, Drug use, Sexual content, Suicide, Violence, Suicide attempt, and Alcohol
Minor: Biphobia, Drug use, Homophobia, Racism, Sexism, Sexual assault, Slavery, Stalking, Death of parent, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, and Colonisation
The Hellfire Club by Jake Tapper
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I saw this one when Tapper was doing the rounds on Late Night (I believe he was on both Colbert's and Meyer's shows) and decided to pick it up. Actually, he was doing the rounds for the sequel, The Devil May Dance, which sounded like an interesting depiction of the Kennedy's and their possible mob ties, so I figured I'd need to read its predecessor. I don't read much historical fiction these days, and even less centered around USA politics, so it was a bit of a gamble for me. In the end, I think I came out about even.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I think I enjoyed this book, but it didn't always make it easy on me. I appreciated the historical research, the mystery/thriller vibe, and the intelligence of the characters leading me through it, but I don't know if I want to return to such a downer of a mood. Yes, I know McCarthyism does eventually fall, but the parallels that run through the political climate of the 50s and today, and the seemingly unconquerable corruption at its heart, make the feigned happy ending just seem hollow and hopeless. I do plan on picking up the sequel, but a good break between then and now is in order. If you have any interest in politics or USA history, and don't mind a little conspiracy-thriller thrown into the mix, then you might check out The Hellfire Club and see if you might learn a thing or two. Just be sure to keep your wits about you, or have a super-smart partner close at hand.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I think I enjoyed this book, but it didn't always make it easy on me. I appreciated the historical research, the mystery/thriller vibe, and the intelligence of the characters leading me through it, but I don't know if I want to return to such a downer of a mood. Yes, I know McCarthyism does eventually fall, but the parallels that run through the political climate of the 50s and today, and the seemingly unconquerable corruption at its heart, make the feigned happy ending just seem hollow and hopeless. I do plan on picking up the sequel, but a good break between then and now is in order. If you have any interest in politics or USA history, and don't mind a little conspiracy-thriller thrown into the mix, then you might check out The Hellfire Club and see if you might learn a thing or two. Just be sure to keep your wits about you, or have a super-smart partner close at hand.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Homophobia, Racism, Violence, Antisemitism, Medical content, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol
Minor: Kidnapping, Car accident, and Pregnancy
The Hellfire Club by
dark
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Audiobook Read by Jake Tapper
Unabridged Length: 10 Hours
Listened at 2x Speed
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, a good audio production. I'd recommend having a copy of the text to reference, especially for the aforementioned fight scene, as the names and dates can get a little hard to remember (though that may just be me staying up too late). Then again, if you're just listening for pleasure (and not review/critique) it would probably work fine on its own.
Unabridged Length: 10 Hours
Listened at 2x Speed
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, a good audio production. I'd recommend having a copy of the text to reference, especially for the aforementioned fight scene, as the names and dates can get a little hard to remember (though that may just be me staying up too late). Then again, if you're just listening for pleasure (and not review/critique) it would probably work fine on its own.
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
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
Audiobook Read by Avi Roque
Unabridged Length: 13.8 Hours
Listened at 2.25x Speed
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, a great production and enjoyable reading experience that should satisfy any audiophile. But if you don't normally check out audiobooks, there is a big reason to check out this one: it includes an amazing Q&A session between the book's author, Aiden Thomas, and audiobook reader, Avi Roque, in which they each ask the other questions about their experiences writing & narrating this book. I'll admit, I never really think much about the audiobook readers beyond their performances, but it was great to learn about Avi's process, their struggles, and their joy in bringing this story to life. And I loved hearing the two of them just gush over each other, especially Aiden's excitement of learning the reader was going to be Latinx, Trans and Queer! Definitely an extra treat to top off a great audiobook.
Unabridged Length: 13.8 Hours
Listened at 2.25x Speed
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, a great production and enjoyable reading experience that should satisfy any audiophile. But if you don't normally check out audiobooks, there is a big reason to check out this one: it includes an amazing Q&A session between the book's author, Aiden Thomas, and audiobook reader, Avi Roque, in which they each ask the other questions about their experiences writing & narrating this book. I'll admit, I never really think much about the audiobook readers beyond their performances, but it was great to learn about Avi's process, their struggles, and their joy in bringing this story to life. And I loved hearing the two of them just gush over each other, especially Aiden's excitement of learning the reader was going to be Latinx, Trans and Queer! Definitely an extra treat to top off a great audiobook.
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
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
I think I first saw this one through my library's new release emails, but I've since seen it all over the web. I was especially drawn to this one, not only for my curiosity about the brujx traditions, but because of the trans main character. Having a trans sibling, I'm all for supporting the trans community and learning more about their experiences. On the other hand, with my grandma's recent passing I was very hesitant to dive into a book dealing directly with death and lost spirits, and so I ended up putting off reading at all for a couple months. But, after an overly long hiatus I decided to finally take the plunge and find out if this book was really worth all the hype.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, this book was a magical read. Cliche, I know, but being the first book I've ever read with a trans main character, and one of only a handful with a queer main character, I had a lot of hope riding on this to be great, and it delivered in spades. The story came off as entirely respectful of everyone involved, including those who fill some antagonist roles. And I know I've used the word "respect" far too many times already, but I'd also like to add "upbeat" as a descriptor, as this book manages to keep an uplifting and hopeful tone throughout its narrative, even when addressing the hardships and traumas that people in these communities often face. I will definitely be seeking out any and all stories Aiden chooses to tell (including any that return to Yadriel's neck of the woods!) and I encourage anyone and everyone to give Cemetery Boy a try. After all, most people only live once.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, this book was a magical read. Cliche, I know, but being the first book I've ever read with a trans main character, and one of only a handful with a queer main character, I had a lot of hope riding on this to be great, and it delivered in spades. The story came off as entirely respectful of everyone involved, including those who fill some antagonist roles. And I know I've used the word "respect" far too many times already, but I'd also like to add "upbeat" as a descriptor, as this book manages to keep an uplifting and hopeful tone throughout its narrative, even when addressing the hardships and traumas that people in these communities often face. I will definitely be seeking out any and all stories Aiden chooses to tell (including any that return to Yadriel's neck of the woods!) and I encourage anyone and everyone to give Cemetery Boy a try. After all, most people only live once.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Transphobia, Blood, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Deadnaming, Sexism, Violence, and Grief
Anno Dracula by Kim Newman
challenging
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It's time for the next vampire book for Maven of the Eventide's (aka Elisa Hansen's) Vampire Book Club! Of the three choices in the poll, this was definitely the most interesting to me. Jack the Ripper and various literary vampires all thrown together—what could possibly go wrong?
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, Anno Dracula had a lot of good things going for it, but definitely isn't for the faint of heart. It's not as character driven as I typically prefer, and could have done with some major pruning of excess characters and needless name-drops, but I'm sure literary buffs (especially of the Victorian era) or those well-versed in vampires would enjoy more of the references. And really, the story's main draw was its interesting exploration of vampires, their "attributes [as] addictions and handicaps rather than powers and potentials" (p. 403). So if you're looking for a vampire-infused romance or mystery you're better off elsewhere, but if you're craving a who's who cavalcade of vampires with a bit of political and moral intrigue on the side, then you might give this one a bite.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, Anno Dracula had a lot of good things going for it, but definitely isn't for the faint of heart. It's not as character driven as I typically prefer, and could have done with some major pruning of excess characters and needless name-drops, but I'm sure literary buffs (especially of the Victorian era) or those well-versed in vampires would enjoy more of the references. And really, the story's main draw was its interesting exploration of vampires, their "attributes [as] addictions and handicaps rather than powers and potentials" (p. 403). So if you're looking for a vampire-infused romance or mystery you're better off elsewhere, but if you're craving a who's who cavalcade of vampires with a bit of political and moral intrigue on the side, then you might give this one a bite.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Death, Gore, Racial slurs, Racism, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Religious bigotry, and Murder
Moderate: Medical content
Minor: Miscarriage, Sexual assault, Excrement, and Vomit