Reviews tagging 'Racism'

Siren Queen by Nghi Vo

87 reviews

_n_m_'s review against another edition

dark emotional reflective sad 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? No

5.0

A perfect mix of fantasy, and asian-american west coast history, while exploring queer issues in old-timey Hollywood.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Homophobia, Racism, Sexism, Sexual harassment, and Classism

flyingryndeer's review against another edition

emotional mysterious reflective

4.25

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Racism and Sexism

Moderate: Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, and Physical abuse

thisiskellyok's review against another edition

adventurous challenging dark inspiring mysterious slow-paced

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

3.75

This book read like a fever dream. I enjoyed it. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Misogyny and Racism

melodyseestrees's review against another edition

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

5.0

This book is dark and uses magical realism as a magnifying glass to explore concepts within stardom that are quite toxic and harmful. There were characters that I wish had been explored more as their lightness was a breath of fresh air. There were story threads that weren't quite tied securely.

For example Jane appears and disappears without much interaction in the story. The parents just get replica dolls of both of their daughters and choose to live in delusion? Said dolls have the presence and ability to abuse the daughter that stayed? This could have been magic or the actions of deluded parents trying to prevent at least one child from defying expectations or growing into her own person but it wasn't explored so we'll never know. I did somewhat appreciate how the relationship with Tara went as it is something to be said about idol worship.

The audiobook is a fantastic experience, especially since the lyrical nature of the writing feels very natural. This is a person directly telling you the story. I fear this technique would not translate as readily to the page. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Homophobia, Racial slurs, Racism, and Sexual content

Moderate: Misogyny, Toxic relationship, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, and Sexual harassment

Minor: Body horror, Sexual assault, Abortion, and Cultural appropriation

narzibenoucdel's review against another edition

adventurous dark reflective 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? No

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Racial slurs, Racism, and Sexism

Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Homophobia, Misogyny, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Violence, Pregnancy, and Sexual harassment

abarnakwn_ourcolourfulpages's review against another edition

I was really looking forward to reading this book, as I've loved Nghi Vo's Singing Hills Cycle. Unfortunately, I think the content of this particular novel is a bit too disturbing/triggering for me in the current head space I'm in. I will definitely be revisiting at a better time!

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body shaming, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, and Alcohol

Moderate: Death of parent, Sexual harassment, and Classism

rstankievech's review against another edition

challenging dark reflective 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? Yes

4.0

Loved the vibes and thr world.  I want to know more about all the magic in this world.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Racism

szuum's review against another edition

dark mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Homophobia, Misogyny, Racial slurs, Racism, and Sexual content

Moderate: Sexual assault, Pregnancy, and Fire/Fire injury

iridescentdreams's review against another edition

dark reflective 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? No

4.0

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Racism, Torture, and Toxic relationship

Minor: Sexual violence

hexgnome13's review against another edition

dark emotional mysterious sad medium-paced

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

5.0

This book is gorgeous, raw, and unflinching. It takes Golden Age Hollywood into the realms of the far and never looks back. I loved it

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Racism and Sexism

Minor: Racial slurs