2treads's reviews
465 reviews

Fangs So Bright & Deadly by Piper J. Drake

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

The Gods Below by Andrea Stewart

dark hopeful tense medium-paced

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

3.75

Stewart's #thegodsbelow kept me interested and engaged from start to finish. With several MCs that all added different dimensions to the plot and pacing, where loyalties, family, religious zeal, political and social standing weaving a hearty tale.

Hakara only wants what is best for her sister and works toward that everyday, but when they are separated, she makes certain decisions that could make the difference in reuniting. I love any story that gives me the many dynamics that come with families: obligation, guilt, sacrifice, love, loss, and grief. Add in the presence of gods and a maniacal play for ultimate power and worship, and Stewart has begun a series that if handled right can only get stronger. 

I loved the way power is explored and exploited by characters for their own ends, how friendships form and evolve, how betrayal and bargaining can lead to finding one's own path.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Violence

New Suns 2: Original Speculative Fiction by People of Color by Nisi Shawl

medium-paced

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

3.0

Anthologies like these always have interesting short stories that introduce me to new authors through their shorter works. Stories are also a way of showcasing an author's imagination and narrative style which is a good indication for me asnto whether their writing is for me.

A Song to Drown Rivers by Ann Liang

tense fast-paced

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

3.5

I loved the premise of this book and enjoyed the execution for the most part. The only thing I wanted more of was detailed descriptions of Xishi's training. The fast pace of the plot may have hurt more than helped the evolution of the story, but enough was done in setting the political scene at court and the machinations of both concubines and advisors to maintain favour to keep me engaged.

Know thine enemy is the foundation of this read. For only then can you defeat them. Enough was done with character building for the reader to form opinions of each of the main characters and to follow their actions in the page. Definitely a read I'd recommend.

The Last Days of Terranova by Manuel Rivas
Did not finish book. Stopped at 23%.

The prose was rambly, aimless. I wanted more of a focus on his family and the love they had for books and literature.

We Speak Through the Mountain by Premee Mohamed

challenging fast-paced

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

3.0

Spider by Azma Dar

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

3.0

I don't normally read domestic thrillers but this one caught my eye and boy oh boy did Sophie ever have my interest piqued. Three husbands and with each one, Sophie weaves her tale of woe, leaving the reader wondering just what exactly is wrong with their pictures.

Ordinary Monsters by J.M. Miro

dark mysterious sad tense slow-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? No

4.0

Miro's Ordinary Monsters is a sweeeping dark tale of power, villainy and villains. I love how he plays with what the reader will see as heroism vs villainy. There is a touch of X-Men influenc  here and I love that.

Stories that deal with found and chosen family, morally grey characters, vulnerable characters, evil intentions, greed, and loss will always be a draw to me. The only thing I can say that is a drawback to this book is its length. 

It deals with complicated relationships and identity, and is very atmospheric. Suitable for fall reading as a Halloween-esque read.

I also spotted that LOTR FOTR scene. IYKYK.

Saints of Storm and Sorrow by Gabriella Buba

challenging sad tense medium-paced

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

3.5

This was an interesting read which I enjoyed. Buba was able to draw me into the experiences and reactions of her characters as she painted a story of colonization and religious oppression. I wanted more of a fleshing out of the story of Lunurin and the goddess and her mother and aunt's fear of her possession. 

The colonization aspect really resonated with me and the ways in which it is used to strip resources and control the population of the colonized.

I liked how she approached the queer relationship and how religiosity can affect and lead to betrayal of one's beloved. I also loved seeing Lunurin accept her role and responsibility to not only who she loved but her people as a whole.

The Fertile Earth by Ruthvika Rao

challenging sad medium-paced

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

3.5

A story that focuses through a family and their position, on the classism and colourism that exists in India and affects Vijaya's relationship with her mother and uncle. 

Rao traces the changes in friendship and the hope for a deeper relationship between Vijaya and Krishna after a tragic accident that further leads to the deterioration of her familial relationship. I felt the disappointment and hurt that festers here because of  secrets kept and how communication occurs in scorn and anger.

Also in the background is the rise of communist leanings as the teachings become popular among the lower castes of poor working families and individuals, which leads to increases in resentment and eventually violence.