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whatthe_didijustread's reviews
128 reviews
The Adirondack Witch by Patrick Reuman
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Two Minutes With The Devil by Matt Micheli
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
"Because the Devil only eats your bones if you open your eyes,” Michael said. “Everybody knows that.”
In a world of Huffy's and Mongooses, treehouses and Mountain Dew, a group of young boys in their own Goonies-inspired way, try to figure out the reason behind the missing kids in their neighborhood. What they uncover is a deadly game called Two Minutes with the Devil. Could this be the cause of all the missing kids? Or is it something even more sinister?
I'm a fan of Matt Micheli's work (specifically The White-i will not stop recommending that one) So when he asked me if I'd be interested in checking out a story set in the 80's about a dark children's game, of course I said yes.
This story hits all the nostalgia points, kids on bikes hanging out in treehouses drinking Mountain Dew and looking at nudie magazines with not a care in the world except to be home before dark. Or so they think.
If you like Stranger Things, Stephen King, 80's nostalgia vibes or creepy games then this one's for you. It comes out tomorrow 6/2 but is available for preorder.
In a world of Huffy's and Mongooses, treehouses and Mountain Dew, a group of young boys in their own Goonies-inspired way, try to figure out the reason behind the missing kids in their neighborhood. What they uncover is a deadly game called Two Minutes with the Devil. Could this be the cause of all the missing kids? Or is it something even more sinister?
I'm a fan of Matt Micheli's work (specifically The White-i will not stop recommending that one) So when he asked me if I'd be interested in checking out a story set in the 80's about a dark children's game, of course I said yes.
This story hits all the nostalgia points, kids on bikes hanging out in treehouses drinking Mountain Dew and looking at nudie magazines with not a care in the world except to be home before dark. Or so they think.
If you like Stranger Things, Stephen King, 80's nostalgia vibes or creepy games then this one's for you. It comes out tomorrow 6/2 but is available for preorder.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death
My Dress-Up Darling, Vol. 1 by Shinichi Fukuda
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
BuzzFeed Unsolved Supernatural: 101 True Tales of Hauntings, Demons, and the Paranormal by Ryan Bergara, Shane Madej
funny
medium-paced
3.0
"Ladies in white just gettin' chucked into every one of these ghost stories like bonus fries in a Five Guys bag."
I've never heard of this show(?) but the audiobook was available at the library and I like paranormal/supernatural/spooky tales so figured I check it out.
The actual book itself (narrated by someone else) seems pretty funny and it sounds like there are some pictures in the book as well, which is always a plus for me but the audiobook has fun added commentary from the hosts, Ryan Bergara and Shane Madej, which is a nice added perk since I can't see the pictures on the audiobook version.
I would recommend the audiobook for a casual listen if you like paranormal/supernatural/spooky stories with a little bit of a jokey kind of spin on it.
I can't speak to the physical book since it sounds like you get a slightly different experience with that version but I'm sure it's equally as entertaining.
I've never heard of this show(?) but the audiobook was available at the library and I like paranormal/supernatural/spooky tales so figured I check it out.
The actual book itself (narrated by someone else) seems pretty funny and it sounds like there are some pictures in the book as well, which is always a plus for me but the audiobook has fun added commentary from the hosts, Ryan Bergara and Shane Madej, which is a nice added perk since I can't see the pictures on the audiobook version.
I would recommend the audiobook for a casual listen if you like paranormal/supernatural/spooky stories with a little bit of a jokey kind of spin on it.
I can't speak to the physical book since it sounds like you get a slightly different experience with that version but I'm sure it's equally as entertaining.
The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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
4.0
"But there was a reason your husband sliced out your tongue, was there not? He was afraid, one way or another, of the voice that beats in your lungs, your hurricane scream. You frightened him. How men fear things that can't be quieted."
I really liked this one. I liked how lyrical the writing was and the relationship between the Mermaid and the Plague Doctor, ugh, so beautiful. I'm going to say this was a very tender read but don't let that fool you. There were still some pretty graphic scenes and intense themes as well.
If you're looking for a more mature, gothic-style retelling of The Little Mermaid then I would recommend this one.
Thanks to Tor Nightfire Publishing for the ARC.
I really liked this one. I liked how lyrical the writing was and the relationship between the Mermaid and the Plague Doctor, ugh, so beautiful. I'm going to say this was a very tender read but don't let that fool you. There were still some pretty graphic scenes and intense themes as well.
If you're looking for a more mature, gothic-style retelling of The Little Mermaid then I would recommend this one.
Thanks to Tor Nightfire Publishing for the ARC.
Man, Fuck This House by Brian Asman
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"They sure don't make them like this anymore. Solid, solid construction. This thing'll still be standing when we're long gone, I'll tell you that."
Man, I thought this one was so much fun. It wasn't what I expected at all. I went into it thinking it was going to be a haunted house story but was surprised by the direction it went. It could almost be a prequel to All Hail the House Gods, which I also loved. I can definitely see myself reading those together as a sort of double feature in the future.
This was perfect for a quick weekend read.
If you like sentient house stories then this one's for you.
Man, I thought this one was so much fun. It wasn't what I expected at all. I went into it thinking it was going to be a haunted house story but was surprised by the direction it went. It could almost be a prequel to All Hail the House Gods, which I also loved. I can definitely see myself reading those together as a sort of double feature in the future.
This was perfect for a quick weekend read.
If you like sentient house stories then this one's for you.
The Angel Maker by Alex North
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Wilder Girls by Rory Power
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5