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elinordashwood's reviews
88 reviews
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
this is a very strange book, both in terms of pacing and plot. that being said, it's not a bad book by any means. i would say to try and come into this book with as few expectations as possible.
The Obelisk Gate by N.K. Jemisin
challenging
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
4.5
Home: Habitat, Range, Niche, Territory by Martha Wells
emotional
sad
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ayla i love you but please get some psychological help
Exit Strategy by Martha Wells
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
ayla mensah is the loml
The Faithless Hawk by Margaret Owen
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
my main problem with this book is that it didn't feel like it had any stakes, because literally nobody died!! (seriously, as much as i loved lakima, it would have been better for her death to actually be permanent) it was also very frustrating that the author had to nerf fie to keep her from being powerful enough to just destroy everything in the first place, because i would have much preferred to see her exploring what to do with her new-found power than just starting back from square 1. i also found fie to be much more irritating than in the first book, making rash decisions that i would expect from a more prototypical ya protagonist. that being said, i did actually enjoy the book for the most part and it was a fitting second book in a very good duology
The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
A really wonderful book that draws on the combined horrors of residential schools and environmental degradation through racial capitalism, albeit with a fantasy twist. Although I would have liked to see the fantasy aspect explored more in depth, as well as a greater sense of direction throughout the novel, (plus I could have done without the love triangle), it was overall a very good read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Genocide, Forced institutionalization, and Grief
Moderate: Child death, Blood, Medical content, and Kidnapping
Minor: Death of parent
The Underground Railroad by Colson Whitehead
challenging
dark
sad
medium-paced
4.0
I wish the concept of the actual railroad had been better explored, but it was overall a well-written book that did not shy away from the horrors of slavery.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Physical abuse, Racial slurs, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Slavery, Violence, Blood, and Grief
Felix Ever After by Kacen Callender
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
i absolutely hated the first 50 pages of this, so much so that i almost dnf'd it. in the end, i'm very happy i didn't, because this book is absolutely fantastic, it just takes some time to grow on you. if you're currently at the beginning of this book and struggling with it, i would definitely say to keep on going!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia
Minor: Homophobia