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titalindaslibrary's reviews
640 reviews
Code Dependent: Living in the Shadow of AI by Madhumita Murgia
challenging
informative
slow-paced
Definitely a book I'll be adding to my "necessary reading" pile. If you've also felt a bit overwhelmed by the potential impact of AI but weren't entirely certain what it all entailed, allow this to clarify that for you. Murgia does an excellent job covering the different aspects it impacts, and I am once again reminded that none of us are free until all of us are free.
So Thirsty by Rachel Harrison
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-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
3.0
Is this...Twilight fanfic?
I will admit it was an easy read, with fun, goofy moments. However it had some weird insta-love dynamics, a friendship that I'm not entirely sure I rooted for, and some annoying main character moments. Our main girl is just so self-loathing, it's no wonder I couldn't help thinking she was a grown up version of human Bella, unable to love herself until a hot vampire swoops in and declares her the love of his life.
I will admit it was an easy read, with fun, goofy moments. However it had some weird insta-love dynamics, a friendship that I'm not entirely sure I rooted for, and some annoying main character moments. Our main girl is just so self-loathing, it's no wonder I couldn't help thinking she was a grown up version of human Bella, unable to love herself until a hot vampire swoops in and declares her the love of his life.
How to Stand Up to a Dictator by Maria Ressa
dark
hopeful
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
Maria Ressa is incredible, and her unrelenting hope and determination is the grounding force I’ve been needing in this turbulent time.
Nightstrider by Sophia Slade
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
Okay, but for a 500+ page book this actually flew by for me!
This book definitely hits familiar fantasy beats, so there are predictable twists, but it’s done in such an enjoyable way I can’t complain that much. I love the dream world, the characters, and Slade manages to pull off four different POVs effortlessly.
I’m a sucker for an angsty, badass FMCs and Wren more than delivers on that. I liked that she’s actually skilled too, not just all talk and no competency (I’m sorry but some fantasy books have this annoying habit, so I’m glad to see that’s not the case here)!
Caine is an interesting perspective to explore a privileged, well-meaning-but-actually-enabling character. And I love that Ila calls him out on that shit right off the bat. While it takes some time for his passivity to morph into action, I’m very intrigued to see where his character arc takes him.
Oh, and Alaric being called “baker boy” made me giggle. I adore the nightmares in this hehehe! Those little details and bits of banter were a treat to encounter along the way. I’m eager to see how our band of characters grow into a found family (I can smell it on the horizon, all the pieces are here) now that their storylines have finally synced up!
Overall, this was a dark, emo baby, nightmare fantasy book that thoroughly swept me away! I can’t wait for Veilweaver!!
This book definitely hits familiar fantasy beats, so there are predictable twists, but it’s done in such an enjoyable way I can’t complain that much. I love the dream world, the characters, and Slade manages to pull off four different POVs effortlessly.
I’m a sucker for an angsty, badass FMCs and Wren more than delivers on that. I liked that she’s actually skilled too, not just all talk and no competency (I’m sorry but some fantasy books have this annoying habit, so I’m glad to see that’s not the case here)!
Caine is an interesting perspective to explore a privileged, well-meaning-but-actually-enabling character. And I love that Ila calls him out on that shit right off the bat. While it takes some time for his passivity to morph into action, I’m very intrigued to see where his character arc takes him.
Oh, and Alaric being called “baker boy” made me giggle. I adore the nightmares in this hehehe! Those little details and bits of banter were a treat to encounter along the way. I’m eager to see how our band of characters grow into a found family (I can smell it on the horizon, all the pieces are here) now that their storylines have finally synced up!
Overall, this was a dark, emo baby, nightmare fantasy book that thoroughly swept me away! I can’t wait for Veilweaver!!
The Last Hour Between Worlds by Melissa Caruso
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
4.0
A solid time-traveling fantasy! Very well paced, albeit I kind of wished the romance had been developed a bit more, but it was a sweet subplot. Highly recommend on audio, Moira Quirk is a gem!
The Shadow of the Gods by John Gwynne
Did not finish book. Stopped at 8%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 8%.
Soft DNF - just not in the mood right now
Odd Spirits by S.T. Gibson
emotional
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
3.75
I probably would feel more attached to this prequel novella if I read Evocation first…whoops! But this does make me intrigued to finally read that one now, so it did its job
Other Terrors: An Inclusive Anthology by Rena Mason, Vince A. Liaguno
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
Sadly, a majority of these short stories just didn't work for me. Most of those reasons are just personal preferences, but I think it's such a shame that what ended up being my favorite stories were tucked so far into the back. The shift in quality and skill with how those stories were told really made it stark how lackluster the previous ones were.
I Am Made of Death by Kelly Andrew
dark
mysterious
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
4.0
I'm a sucker for Andrew's particular blend of romance and horror. I believe her books falls under the "bubblegum horror" genre label, and this nails it to a T! Perhaps a bit predictable, but you know what? I enjoyed my time getting to the end. Plus, the Colton and Lane cameo made my day!