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bookishdamzel's reviews
299 reviews
Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas
adventurous
dark
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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
4.5
I took my time reading this one and I really enjoyed the ride.
This is a slow paced, his-fic romance set in 1840s Mexico with a bit of the supernatural added in. I really enjoyed Nena and Nestor's moments together. The pining from Nestor omg, loved it so much. I think the double POV really helped me get through this one.
This is a slow paced, his-fic romance set in 1840s Mexico with a bit of the supernatural added in. I really enjoyed Nena and Nestor's moments together. The pining from Nestor omg, loved it so much. I think the double POV really helped me get through this one.
Independence by Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Independence is a book set during the Partition in 1940s British India. There are multiple POVs and its really compelling.
There's a lot heartache and love in this. I loved seeing each individual sisters' pov and the love they share even as they go their own way, doing what they believe is right for them! Even through fights and things that don't go as plan, their bond continues.
I think this was a solid read and enjoyed my time with it!
There's a lot heartache and love in this. I loved seeing each individual sisters' pov and the love they share even as they go their own way, doing what they believe is right for them! Even through fights and things that don't go as plan, their bond continues.
I think this was a solid read and enjoyed my time with it!
The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man by James Weldon Johnson, Arna Bontemps
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The Autobiography of an Ex-Coloured Man is well written literary fic book with the writing style of a memoir.
The narrator's name is never revealed. You only learn that he has a biracial background and that he doesn't fit perfectly in either side of his heritage (being half black & half white). He grew up having the privilege of being light-skinned and white passing (unless somebody knew of his background - which he learned later on in life). As an adult, he tries to learn more about black culture in the south and finds that he loves jazz and church/choir music, the people, etc. He begins embracing this half of his heritage more, however still struggles with himself as he travels around the world. Ultimately the man decides to choose the safety of his white passing appearance for his wife and children, who do not know he's biracial after seeing a public lynching. Instead of embracing his black heritage & himself as a biracial man. He effectively turned his head away from the horrors people, like himself, faced in the book that is rooted in real history.
There's plenty more to be said on this book and I do think it's worth the read! I enjoyed it for what it was and from my understanding this book inspired a lot of Harlem Renaissance authors of the time!
The narrator's name is never revealed. You only learn that he has a biracial background and that he doesn't fit perfectly in either side of his heritage (being half black & half white). He grew up having the privilege of being light-skinned and white passing (unless somebody knew of his background - which he learned later on in life). As an adult, he tries to learn more about black culture in the south and finds that he loves jazz and church/choir music, the people, etc. He begins embracing this half of his heritage more, however still struggles with himself as he travels around the world.
There's plenty more to be said on this book and I do think it's worth the read! I enjoyed it for what it was and from my understanding this book inspired a lot of Harlem Renaissance authors of the time!
The Wicked and the Willing by Lianyu Tan
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
slow-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
3.0
This is an 18+ Dark F/F Romance!!!
I had a hard time getting into this one, although I liked all the characters. The book seemed to drag on a bit too far for me. Obviously, there's dark content since it is a dark romance & I'd recommend checking out Lianyu Tan's website for the full list of content warnings.
I enjoyed the setting, the vampire/vampire coven element, dark atmosphere, and the fact you get to choose your own ending depending on who you wanted Gean Choo to be with in the end. There's also a bonus "Choose Yourself" ending too, although I haven't read it.
I had a hard time getting into this one, although I liked all the characters. The book seemed to drag on a bit too far for me. Obviously, there's dark content since it is a dark romance & I'd recommend checking out Lianyu Tan's website for the full list of content warnings.
I enjoyed the setting, the vampire/vampire coven element, dark atmosphere, and the fact you get to choose your own ending depending on who you wanted Gean Choo to be with in the end. There's also a bonus "Choose Yourself" ending too, although I haven't read it.
Calling of Light by Lori M. Lee
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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? Yes
5.0
Calling of Light was such a great ending to a series.
Lee mentions that her first drafts of Forest of Souls (Book 1 of the Shamanborn Series) started in 2014 in her afternotes and you can see the improvement in her craft in each book since. Personally, I think this is the best book out the series with how well done the book wraps up everything.
My favorite thing about the Shamanborn series, and especially in Calling of Light, is the friendship between Sircha and Saengo. They're tied together so well and I absolutely love their love for one another. Sircha struggles with the thought of losing Saengo and letting her be on her own a lot of the series, which is very understandable seeming as Saengo is infected with the rot that can be barely be contained. I'm glad this book challenged it more, as well as showing a bit of that risk. I enjoy their interactions together and the mountain scenes were probably some of my favorite of them together.
I also think Sircha's interactions with the Soulless were well done in this. Showing Sircha's similarities to ancient shamanborn of the Soulless' time, being one of only few of their kind as a Soulrender. It also shows Sircha dealing with the fact that she either could either use her craft like the Soulless or ultimately choose her craft for good and not be held down to stereotypes. I think this book shows the growth in Sircha's character well and I enjoyed that aspect too. Also, showing a glimmer of the Soulless as human in some instances had a lot of impact as well, with regards to what he and those close to him had been through in the conquests.
Although not seen as much, I do like Prince Meilek, Theyen, & Kendara as side characters as well. They aren't the main focus but they do contribute to Sircha's growth and the plot of the story while also being their own person. Each one of them has their own distinct objectives and motivations for doing things and how they act even being far removed from what Sircha is doing at any given point. I think their interactions with Sircha in this book are well done and add to the theme of friendship. Alsoooo, that Kendara scene man, if you know, you know.
I also want to mention how I felt like the series gradually grew in brightness with each book and by the ending/last chapter it felt the most hopeful and the brightest. It was probably intentional but it was a random thought that came to mind to describe how I pictured scenes/atmosphere.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book (and series) and would love to see more of Lee's work in the future!! I think this series has a great atmosphere, characters, magic system and world building/lore. I'd definitely recommend this for dark YA fantasy enjoyers!!
Disclaimer: I received Calling of Light as an ARC and I'm voluntarily leaving this review. Thank you to Hear Our Voices for giving me the opportunity to be on one of y'all's arc tours!
Lee mentions that her first drafts of Forest of Souls (Book 1 of the Shamanborn Series) started in 2014 in her afternotes and you can see the improvement in her craft in each book since. Personally, I think this is the best book out the series with how well done the book wraps up everything.
My favorite thing about the Shamanborn series, and especially in Calling of Light, is the friendship between Sircha and Saengo. They're tied together so well and I absolutely love their love for one another. Sircha struggles with the thought of losing Saengo and letting her be on her own a lot of the series, which is very understandable seeming as Saengo is infected with the rot that can be barely be contained. I'm glad this book challenged it more, as well as showing a bit of that risk. I enjoy their interactions together and the mountain scenes were probably some of my favorite of them together.
I also think Sircha's interactions with the Soulless were well done in this. Showing Sircha's similarities to ancient shamanborn of the Soulless' time, being one of only few of their kind as a Soulrender. It also shows Sircha dealing with the fact that she either could either use her craft like the Soulless or ultimately choose her craft for good and not be held down to stereotypes. I think this book shows the growth in Sircha's character well and I enjoyed that aspect too. Also, showing a glimmer of the Soulless as human in some instances had a lot of impact as well, with regards to what he and those close to him had been through in the conquests.
Although not seen as much, I do like Prince Meilek, Theyen, & Kendara as side characters as well. They aren't the main focus but they do contribute to Sircha's growth and the plot of the story while also being their own person. Each one of them has their own distinct objectives and motivations for doing things and how they act even being far removed from what Sircha is doing at any given point. I think their interactions with Sircha in this book are well done and add to the theme of friendship. Alsoooo, that Kendara scene man, if you know, you know.
I also want to mention how I felt like the series gradually grew in brightness with each book and by the ending/last chapter it felt the most hopeful and the brightest. It was probably intentional but it was a random thought that came to mind to describe how I pictured scenes/atmosphere.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book (and series) and would love to see more of Lee's work in the future!! I think this series has a great atmosphere, characters, magic system and world building/lore. I'd definitely recommend this for dark YA fantasy enjoyers!!
Disclaimer: I received Calling of Light as an ARC and I'm voluntarily leaving this review. Thank you to Hear Our Voices for giving me the opportunity to be on one of y'all's arc tours!
Sorrowland by Rivers Solomon
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-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
5.0
Buddy Read w/ Sea <3
I absolutely loved this book!! This book is so gnarly, yet so good.
First off, the character work on Vern is so well done and can have such a gnawing effect on you. Like the amount of things this character went through in this story is just absolutely wild and seeing her process it and act in some moments was just incredible. I love Vern with the whole of my heart man.
The atmosphere of this book is so gruesome and dark, very southern gothic coded. It's modern day, but has a cult and supernatural touch to it. It's hard to describe to without spoiling a lot of aspects to it.
The main theme of this book is survival and resilience through everything you're put through. Its so well done in this book.
I don't know how to talk about this book without spoiling, I loved this so much and I'm still thinking about it a week and half later after finishing it. I want to read Solomon's other works, I have a feeling I will love them.
I recommend this to people who don't shy away from dark and gruesome plots and morally grey characters. If you want clean and wholesome, please look elsewhere, this is not for you.
I absolutely loved this book!! This book is so gnarly, yet so good.
First off, the character work on Vern is so well done and can have such a gnawing effect on you. Like the amount of things this character went through in this story is just absolutely wild and seeing her process it and act in some moments was just incredible. I love Vern with the whole of my heart man.
The atmosphere of this book is so gruesome and dark, very southern gothic coded. It's modern day, but has a cult and supernatural touch to it. It's hard to describe to without spoiling a lot of aspects to it.
The main theme of this book is survival and resilience through everything you're put through. Its so well done in this book.
I don't know how to talk about this book without spoiling, I loved this so much and I'm still thinking about it a week and half later after finishing it. I want to read Solomon's other works, I have a feeling I will love them.
I recommend this to people who don't shy away from dark and gruesome plots and morally grey characters. If you want clean and wholesome, please look elsewhere, this is not for you.
Faebound by Saara El-Arifi
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Buddy Read w/ Sea <3
I think this was a fun book, but not necessarily a favorite of mine. I enjoyed the povs of Yeeran and Lettle and their respective destinies/fate & romances. I loved El-Arifi's take on elven lore and the magical system she built! I'm willing to give the second book a try to see what happens especially with Rayan where he is now..
I think this was a fun book, but not necessarily a favorite of mine. I enjoyed the povs of Yeeran and Lettle and their respective destinies/fate & romances. I loved El-Arifi's take on elven lore and the magical system she built! I'm willing to give the second book a try to see what happens especially with Rayan where he is now..
Broken Web by Lori M. Lee
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
The strongest element of the Shamanborn series is the relationship between Sircha and Saengo. I love their interactions and am I always excited to see them on the same page together. Unfortunately, Saengo wasn't in this one as much as I'd hope but I still loved when she was there. A lot Sircha's actions are for Saengo, it is one of the main reasons she puts herself against ancient magic that threatens her and everyone else, as well as having an ability that hasn't been seen in centuries. Saengo is also under threat because of her being tied to Sircha as a familiar.
The threat of a centuries old Shaman, who's untouchable and hasn't been seen in literal hundreds of years to the people in the series, is a great driving force for a lot of conflict. Where kingdoms are already against each other, with a tyrannical Queen in the empire hunting Shaman and the forest of souls bordering others - creating tension.
I felt like this book suffered from middle book syndrome, where the first book was great and this one seemed to drag on a little bit too much. I enjoyed the threat of the Soulless and learning how he has been connected to prominent families while also dealing with Prince Meilek's Queen sister at the same time. However, it moved too slowly for my liking - even though I enjoyed this lore building.
Overall, I still love the dark atmosphere, politics, and Sircha's and Saengo's relationship. I think it's still a great book, there was just something missing for me to fully love it.
The threat of a centuries old Shaman, who's untouchable and hasn't been seen in literal hundreds of years to the people in the series, is a great driving force for a lot of conflict. Where kingdoms are already against each other, with a tyrannical Queen in the empire hunting Shaman and the forest of souls bordering others - creating tension.
I felt like this book suffered from middle book syndrome, where the first book was great and this one seemed to drag on a little bit too much. I enjoyed the threat of the Soulless and learning how he has been connected to prominent families while also dealing with Prince Meilek's Queen sister at the same time. However, it moved too slowly for my liking - even though I enjoyed this lore building.
Overall, I still love the dark atmosphere, politics, and Sircha's and Saengo's relationship. I think it's still a great book, there was just something missing for me to fully love it.
Jade Fire Gold by June CL Tan
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Jade Fire Gold is such a solid standalone fantasy debut!
I really enjoyed the Chinese mythology influence in this book. I'm a sucker for any book with immortal and ancient magic being involved, but I think this one does it well. The themes of revenge, breaking generational cycles, generational trauma, & choosing your own way in life despite what is expected of you are well done too.
I enjoyed the dual-pov of Ahn and Altan, seeing both of their own thoughts, secrets, etc. However, I do think the characters are a bit one noted personality wise (either naive or stubborn, or both), while both are trying to figure out who they are and finding comfort in each other in the process. It's probably my only gripe, outside of pacing. They both tend to stay stubborn and don't show super immense growth. But, I enjoyed their povs enough to enjoy my time reading it. I also love the slow-burn between them and them being oblivious to each other's feelings lol.
Plot & world-building wise, I think the chasing of the mythical weapon that appears to be a myth to everybody, except those that are involved is pretty cool. Again, I just like immortal magic/entities and them dealing with fate, so.. I also enjoyed how queer normative the world was and that the side characters felt like they were actually part of the story instead of just stand ins. I like Altan's backstory of being an exiled prince and Ahn not knowing her past (or who she's connected to).
There wasn't much that I didn't like about this book. Again the characters may seem one-noted at times and the pacing near the end is a bit jarring, like it was in a rush to wrap up would be my only complaints. Otherwise, I'd definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a standalone fantasy with Chinese mythology influence & dual-pov.
CW: murder, oppression, childhood trauma, sexual harassment, violence, suicide (i may be missing more but it does have some dark themes in this book)
I really enjoyed the Chinese mythology influence in this book. I'm a sucker for any book with immortal and ancient magic being involved, but I think this one does it well. The themes of revenge, breaking generational cycles, generational trauma, & choosing your own way in life despite what is expected of you are well done too.
I enjoyed the dual-pov of Ahn and Altan, seeing both of their own thoughts, secrets, etc. However, I do think the characters are a bit one noted personality wise (either naive or stubborn, or both), while both are trying to figure out who they are and finding comfort in each other in the process. It's probably my only gripe, outside of pacing. They both tend to stay stubborn and don't show super immense growth. But, I enjoyed their povs enough to enjoy my time reading it. I also love the slow-burn between them and them being oblivious to each other's feelings lol.
Plot & world-building wise, I think the chasing of the mythical weapon that appears to be a myth to everybody, except those that are involved is pretty cool. Again, I just like immortal magic/entities and them dealing with fate, so.. I also enjoyed how queer normative the world was and that the side characters felt like they were actually part of the story instead of just stand ins. I like Altan's backstory of being an exiled prince and Ahn not knowing her past (or who she's connected to).
There wasn't much that I didn't like about this book. Again the characters may seem one-noted at times and the pacing near the end is a bit jarring, like it was in a rush to wrap up would be my only complaints. Otherwise, I'd definitely recommend this book if you're looking for a standalone fantasy with Chinese mythology influence & dual-pov.
CW: murder, oppression, childhood trauma, sexual harassment, violence, suicide (i may be missing more but it does have some dark themes in this book)
Forest of Souls by Lori M. Lee
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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
> Western Fantasy w/ Asian Rep
> Elemental Magic w/ a mixture western/pagan inspired magic
> Creepy & Dangerous Forest
> Tyrannical Government & fractured kingdoms
> Single POV
This was a fun & easy read! I enjoyed the dark atmosphere and the magic that Sirscha gains. I think Sirscha can be a little repetitive, but ultimately she's really unsure of herself from the jump. She's dealt with being an orphan, lower on the hierarchical scale, always put down for her appearance and status. She gains a power that goes beyond herself and I'm wondering how she'll handle it in the next two books! Her love for Sango is the main reason she keeps going and along the way she learns new things about the government she was once meant to serve, & about herself.
I'd definitely recommend if you want a dark ya fantasy (inspired by traditional western fantasy) written by a bipoc author!
Disclaimer: I received Forest of Souls as an arc and I'm voluntarily leaving this review.
> Elemental Magic w/ a mixture western/pagan inspired magic
> Creepy & Dangerous Forest
> Tyrannical Government & fractured kingdoms
> Single POV
This was a fun & easy read! I enjoyed the dark atmosphere and the magic that Sirscha gains. I think Sirscha can be a little repetitive, but ultimately she's really unsure of herself from the jump. She's dealt with being an orphan, lower on the hierarchical scale, always put down for her appearance and status. She gains a power that goes beyond herself and I'm wondering how she'll handle it in the next two books! Her love for Sango is the main reason she keeps going and along the way she learns new things about the government she was once meant to serve, & about herself.
I'd definitely recommend if you want a dark ya fantasy (inspired by traditional western fantasy) written by a bipoc author!
Disclaimer: I received Forest of Souls as an arc and I'm voluntarily leaving this review.