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takarakei's reviews
516 reviews
Her Majesty's Royal Coven by Juno Dawson
adventurous
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? It's complicated
3.75
This read like a very pointed story directed at The Author Who Shall Not Be Named…Which like I’m here for! A world like ours but there are witches (the witches are in power) the warlocks (aka men) are like a separate thing. Set in the UK…. And the whole plot revolves around inclusion of trans people (or lack there of) in a binary system.
It felt a tad dated or basic in terms of discussions of trans people, but that’s definitely my opinion as someone who knows trans/non-binary people irl and interacts with the community. For the average person perhaps this will be a great starting point to trans inclusion and why it matters especially in feminism.
I wish the magic system was explained a bit better. The witches seemed to be able to do almost anything which just seemed a bit too convenient at parts. I would also say it generally leans much more character driven vs plot even tho there is some plot. I did appreciate the multiple POVs cause I think that structure really worked for this story. I can’t say whether I will continue the series or not
It felt a tad dated or basic in terms of discussions of trans people, but that’s definitely my opinion as someone who knows trans/non-binary people irl and interacts with the community. For the average person perhaps this will be a great starting point to trans inclusion and why it matters especially in feminism.
I wish the magic system was explained a bit better. The witches seemed to be able to do almost anything which just seemed a bit too convenient at parts. I would also say it generally leans much more character driven vs plot even tho there is some plot. I did appreciate the multiple POVs cause I think that structure really worked for this story. I can’t say whether I will continue the series or not
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Transphobia, and Violence
Moderate: Child abuse, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Grief, Murder, Toxic friendship, and War
Minor: Domestic abuse, Infidelity, and Dysphoria
The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2023 by R.F. Kuang, John Joseph Adams
emotional
mysterious
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
4.5
I’ve not read many short story anthologies (I keep buying them and not reading them 💀) but I bought this specifically because R. F. Kuang is my favorite author, and because I knew it included a short story by Alix Harrow which I had previously read and loved. Rereading The Six Deaths of the Saint hit even harder and it was definitely my favorite. Rabbit Test made me stare into space after I finished in the “I’m having a crisis” way.
Overall, I really enjoyed most of the stories. There were only a couple that I could take or leave.
I did a few stories on audio and tandem while reading and the audio was also good, different narrators for each story.
Overall, I really enjoyed most of the stories. There were only a couple that I could take or leave.
I did a few stories on audio and tandem while reading and the audio was also good, different narrators for each story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Death, Gun violence, Misogyny, Racism, Blood, Abortion, Pregnancy, and War
The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I can definitely see myself rereading this book. It's a bit of a fever dream on a first read, and knowing where it was going, I think it would make an interesting re-read.
A story that weaves together between chapters in the past and present all surrounding the life of Indigo Maxwell-Casteñada, told from her husband's pov and her childhood friend in the past. Very atmospheric and character driven, the plot is really just the mystery of Indigo as a person being unraveled. Super creepy, eerie and unnerving at parts. Like being in a nightmare (but it's not horror persay). I found I really couldn't put it down!
It's rather a hard book to describe, so if the synopsis sounds good I recommend you try it!
A story that weaves together between chapters in the past and present all surrounding the life of Indigo Maxwell-Casteñada, told from her husband's pov and her childhood friend in the past. Very atmospheric and character driven, the plot is really just the mystery of Indigo as a person being unraveled. Super creepy, eerie and unnerving at parts. Like being in a nightmare (but it's not horror persay). I found I really couldn't put it down!
It's rather a hard book to describe, so if the synopsis sounds good I recommend you try it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Child abuse, Pedophilia, Sexual content, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, and Classism
Minor: Animal death, Death, Blood, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove by Rati Mehrotra
Katyani was a great MC; very strong, fierce and independent. As a capable bodyguard she is self-confident. But her past is a bit of a mystery and that unravels throughout this book to many plot twists and turns. The magic system wasn't really explained, so that definitely would've added points if it was more robust. Perhaps the world was just a bit too ambitious and I would've happily read another 100 pages to really round out the world building/magic etc.
There is a slow-burn romance that was alright, not my fav romance. It felt a little disjointed at parts due to plot things. I found the ending in general to be a bit rushed feeling and again I would've read another chapter or two to really finish it off well.
For a debut fantasy this was great and I'll def keep an eye on this author!
adventurous
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? It's complicated
3.75
- STANDALONE FANTASY huzzah!
- Indian inspired
- political intrigue
Katyani was a great MC; very strong, fierce and independent. As a capable bodyguard she is self-confident. But her past is a bit of a mystery and that unravels throughout this book to many plot twists and turns. The magic system wasn't really explained, so that definitely would've added points if it was more robust. Perhaps the world was just a bit too ambitious and I would've happily read another 100 pages to really round out the world building/magic etc.
There is a slow-burn romance that was alright, not my fav romance. It felt a little disjointed at parts due to plot things. I found the ending in general to be a bit rushed feeling and again I would've read another chapter or two to really finish it off well.
For a debut fantasy this was great and I'll def keep an eye on this author!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal death, Sexism, and War
Ruin and Rising by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
welp, i finished the series finally
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and War
Moderate: Animal death, Death, Torture, Toxic relationship, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual content
The Cloisters by Katy Hays
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I couldn't help but draw some stark comparisons to The Secret History. And while yes that book is the birth of dark academia, this one didn't quite add enough 'newness' to the genre to be super impactful. Does it show how the echelon of academia forces people to do some wild things? Sure, but so do so many other books and they do it better.
I think part of the issue was the characters really didn't draw me in. They were rather surface level and I didn't feel super invested in them. It's not even that they're all kinda shitty, cause I can get down with a morally gray character, but they were just kinda blah.
The Tarot history was interesting but I also didn't feel like it was in depth enough. We would get tidbits and then they'd just kind of move on. I kept expecting something more involved especially with the advisor/boss character (idr his name).
Overall I didn't hate it but also rather forgettable.
ENDINGThe twist at the end with her father was a shock, but I question the inclusion of it except to perhaps establish Ann's character as someone who could kill and move on with her life.
Spice: 2.5/5 (closed door)
I think part of the issue was the characters really didn't draw me in. They were rather surface level and I didn't feel super invested in them. It's not even that they're all kinda shitty, cause I can get down with a morally gray character, but they were just kinda blah.
The Tarot history was interesting but I also didn't feel like it was in depth enough. We would get tidbits and then they'd just kind of move on. I kept expecting something more involved especially with the advisor/boss character (idr his name).
Overall I didn't hate it but also rather forgettable.
ENDING
Spice: 2.5/5 (closed door)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder, Toxic friendship, and Classism
Moderate: Drug use, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Alcohol
Minor: Eating disorder and Sexual content
The Wren in the Holly Library by K.A. Linde
I was not expecting to enjoy this as much as I did, but THIS is good romantasy!!! It was a fun read! Is the world building all that complex or deep? nah, it's our world but with monsters (vampires, werewolves, trolls etc) and a 'monster-treaty' that was enacted to keep humans semi-safe. Urban setting - NYC is a big part of the book. As someone who doesn't live there that was whatever to me, but someone who does might either love or hate the references.
Kierse is really good at sneaking, stealing and picking locks. She has made her living as a thief-for-hire and while on a job she encounters a powerful monster who has an offer she can't refuse. To steal a highly coveted powerful object in exchange for... a lot of money. Kierse is an orphan who's had a rough life and her friends are her world. It is single pov, but there are these 'interlude' chapters from some secondary character's pov which I thought really rounded out the story.
I wouldn't say the romance is strictly a Beauty and the Beast retelling, but there are some of those vibes. As part of the job she takes on Kierse has to live in this monster's house, so it's forced proximity.
I'll def be continuing the series... once it's written :')
Spice: 3.5/5
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? Yes
4.25
- romantasy
- urban fantasy
- monsters
- both MC's are bi+
- heists
- smidge of found family
- Celtic myths
I was not expecting to enjoy this as much as I did, but THIS is good romantasy!!! It was a fun read! Is the world building all that complex or deep? nah, it's our world but with monsters (vampires, werewolves, trolls etc) and a 'monster-treaty' that was enacted to keep humans semi-safe. Urban setting - NYC is a big part of the book. As someone who doesn't live there that was whatever to me, but someone who does might either love or hate the references.
Kierse is really good at sneaking, stealing and picking locks. She has made her living as a thief-for-hire and while on a job she encounters a powerful monster who has an offer she can't refuse. To steal a highly coveted powerful object in exchange for... a lot of money. Kierse is an orphan who's had a rough life and her friends are her world. It is single pov, but there are these 'interlude' chapters from some secondary character's pov which I thought really rounded out the story.
I wouldn't say the romance is strictly a Beauty and the Beast retelling, but there are some of those vibes. As part of the job she takes on Kierse has to live in this monster's house, so it's forced proximity.
I'll def be continuing the series... once it's written :')
Spice: 3.5/5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Child abuse and Trafficking
Minor: Physical abuse, Medical content, Death of parent, Abandonment, and War
Kierse was raised by a brutal man who physically abused her
Racism as Zoological Witchcraft: A Guide to Getting Out by Aph Ko
informative
fast-paced
4.5
This was so good! I think it's important to know that this book is rather conceptual in what it's trying to do, in the analogies and ideas it's presenting. It's definitely not a 'how-to' guide. Aph Ko proposes many questions she doesn't necessarily have the answers to, but that's because the questions are MASSIVE. She's really proposing a whole new way to think about social justice and animal rights. She also uses media critique to get these points across. Definitely watch the movie Get Out before reading to understand her points.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Slavery, Police brutality, and Colonisation
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Genocide, and Gun violence
Minor: Racial slurs
The Weavers of Alamaxa by Hadeer Elsbai
Did not finish book. Stopped at 33%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 33%.
unfortunately it's been a long time since I read the first book and it's just too slow paced for me right now
The Warm Hands of Ghosts by Katherine Arden
dark
emotional
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
3.75
Me chronically never reading blurbs to never knowing what I’m getting into is just my vibe.
Anyway the only thing I knew about this was like ghosts(?) and something about a violin which is what sold me initially.
But it’s a commentary for sure on war. It’s set during WWI and I actually really enjoyed the authors note at the end which talked about all the research she did and gave some more context for her reasons to write this book. I just love a good
Authors note.
It’s told in dual pov between Laura in the ‘present’ 1918 and her brother in the past a few months before. It was interesting to read a book that centered a brother sister relationship. It generally reads very much historical fiction with some fantasy/odd things sprinkled in.
Speaking of, I will say I was a bit confused even at the end with the whole plot line of this mysterious sort of evil character (name is escaping me so that maybe shows how memorable it was) who is sort of feeding off the emotionally weak. The violin ended up being just a part of what this nefarious being uses to manipulate people. I think maybe if the plot had leaned in to it a bit more it would’ve felt more integrated, but as I said it reads really more like hist fiction. Which if that’s your genre you’d probably love this. It just didn’t quite work for me.
That being said there was some beautiful prose and I did overall enjoy the story. There’s a little romance in there which I really enjoyed. The stern doctor was one of my fav characters
Anyway the only thing I knew about this was like ghosts(?) and something about a violin which is what sold me initially.
But it’s a commentary for sure on war. It’s set during WWI and I actually really enjoyed the authors note at the end which talked about all the research she did and gave some more context for her reasons to write this book. I just love a good
Authors note.
It’s told in dual pov between Laura in the ‘present’ 1918 and her brother in the past a few months before. It was interesting to read a book that centered a brother sister relationship. It generally reads very much historical fiction with some fantasy/odd things sprinkled in.
Speaking of, I will say I was a bit confused even at the end with the whole plot line of this mysterious sort of evil character (name is escaping me so that maybe shows how memorable it was) who is sort of feeding off the emotionally weak. The violin ended up being just a part of what this nefarious being uses to manipulate people. I think maybe if the plot had leaned in to it a bit more it would’ve felt more integrated, but as I said it reads really more like hist fiction. Which if that’s your genre you’d probably love this. It just didn’t quite work for me.
That being said there was some beautiful prose and I did overall enjoy the story. There’s a little romance in there which I really enjoyed. The stern doctor was one of my fav characters
Content Warnings
Graphic: War and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, Gun violence, Mental illness, Blood, Medical content, Grief, and Medical trauma