Reviews with content warning for Sexual assault - Black Water Sister

Overall, I quite liked this book! I'm not super into fantasy, but the story was rooted in "real life" enough, even with the supernatural elements, that it kept me hook once it took off about halfway through. Ah Ma was probably my favorite character, haha! If you're looking for a book to ease you into fantasy, I recommend this book!

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unseasonedmayo's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional 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

4.25

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thestarlesscasea's review against another edition

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adventurous dark emotional hopeful informative 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? Yes

4.0

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abijmieds's review against another edition

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adventurous challenging dark emotional funny mysterious medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

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veggiestrawenjoyer13's review against another edition

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emotional mysterious tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

I started this book during a reading slump and unfortunately, it did not pull me out of it. Still, it was an enjoyable read. I got used to the writing style and the characters were interesting. Once the plot picked up more, I felt more compelled to keep reading. It’s definitely an entertaining book and the idea is really unique. I’m used to romance books, so I had hoped there would be more. The representation was realistic and relatable, though. The big reveal towards the end didn’t leave me satisfied, and I only finished it so that I could start another book. I can see where someone would love this story, but I think it’s just not my cup of tea. It was an average reading experience for me, as much as I wanted to love it.

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emreads0's review against another edition

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dark emotional tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I feel like this could have been a common story that pushed the envelope but fell flat instead. The family dynamics are SPOT on as Jess, our mc, is post college in the US and helping her aging parents move back home to Malaysia with the rest of the family. Aunties, Uncles, and other extended family being overbearing and overwhelming was so accurate, it was triggering haha.

When Jess starts hearing a voice in her head, she thinks she is going crazy. It is her grandmother, Ah Ma, who is aggressive and stubborn to say the least. Jess is sent on a wild and dangerous journey to learn more about her family, fighting people and gods to find out the truth.

Jess being gay was the most frustrating part of the story, for good and bad. The author wanted to show how homophobic older generations can be, but it was used more as a plot device more than anything. We see that Jess is scared to come out because of how her family will react. It is even an issue the god, Black Water Sister, points out to Jess in a nightmare. So why the fuck is it never answered in the story? We are left to wonder about it even though it was a huge part of Jess's fears and area of possible growth.

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