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fictionandflora's reviews
160 reviews
This Wretched Valley by Jenny Kiefer
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Lunar New Year Love Story by Gene Luen Yang
emotional
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The Tusks of Extinction by Ray Nayler
dark
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
CW: graphic depictions of animal death and human death; capitalism and its consequences; exploitation
At times sentimental and infuriating, beautiful and disgusting; Ray Naylor creates a story that allows us not only to see through the eyes of those protecting or exploiting animals but also though the eyes of one who is now in the position to be the exploited animal.
I was invested the whole way through and though my preference is for less POVs every single one provided important context and shape to the overall story.
At times sentimental and infuriating, beautiful and disgusting; Ray Naylor creates a story that allows us not only to see through the eyes of those protecting or exploiting animals but also though the eyes of one who is now in the position to be the exploited animal.
I was invested the whole way through and though my preference is for less POVs every single one provided important context and shape to the overall story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death and Death
Moderate: Vomit
Reborn as a Demonic Tree by Xkarnation
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
What a fun time! I picked this up because I love an inhuman perspective and this delivered.
Ashton dies and finds himself reincarnated in the “body” of a Demonic Tree Sapling. We follow along as he slowly unravels the rules of this world and his own existence.
I enjoyed this book a lot, the pacing was pretty good and I found myself interested in all of the characters, even the ones who annoyed me (looking at you Stella).There were some parts that I felt were dragged out or repetitive but also it’s a 700+ page book so it’s whatevs.
I will say that I find it incredibly odd that in a work that is admittedly based in Chinese Cultivation Arts and culture there is not a single Chinese person. Everyone is snow white with the names to prove it. Ashton, Stella, Diane, Wesley…I could go on but you get the point. It was honestly very distracting and made it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story.
Ashton dies and finds himself reincarnated in the “body” of a Demonic Tree Sapling. We follow along as he slowly unravels the rules of this world and his own existence.
I enjoyed this book a lot, the pacing was pretty good and I found myself interested in all of the characters, even the ones who annoyed me (looking at you Stella).There were some parts that I felt were dragged out or repetitive but also it’s a 700+ page book so it’s whatevs.
I will say that I find it incredibly odd that in a work that is admittedly based in Chinese Cultivation Arts and culture there is not a single Chinese person. Everyone is snow white with the names to prove it. Ashton, Stella, Diane, Wesley…I could go on but you get the point. It was honestly very distracting and made it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Pack of Lies by Charlie Adhara
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
1.5
Picked this up with low expectations and it still somehow managed to fall short.
The story follows Julian and Eli as the try to solve the mysteries surrounding a local legend. Julien is an actor looking into the mysterious note left behind by his crytpzoologist brother and Eli is a werewolf with “a dark past” managing a local shelter for werewolves in need.
I liked Julien for the most part and thought he could have been a really interesting and complex character if the author gave him a chance. Instead he’s sidelined by the authors obvious favoritism towards Eli, who’s personality I’m sure is meant to be charismatic and flirty but was generally just annoying and mean spirited. They have absolutely no chemistry and the banter was bleh. I liked Eli more when he wasn’t interacting with Julien but every time they were on page together I could feel myself loosing interest. The third act conflict was both highly predictable and convoluted. I was almost believing in their relationship and that dashed any hope I had. Unfortunate
They mystery(s) we’re interesting enough to keep me engaged and was often the only thing keeping the book in my hand.
The story follows Julian and Eli as the try to solve the mysteries surrounding a local legend. Julien is an actor looking into the mysterious note left behind by his crytpzoologist brother and Eli is a werewolf with “a dark past” managing a local shelter for werewolves in need.
I liked Julien for the most part and thought he could have been a really interesting and complex character if the author gave him a chance. Instead he’s sidelined by the authors obvious favoritism towards Eli, who’s personality I’m sure is meant to be charismatic and flirty but was generally just annoying and mean spirited. They have absolutely no chemistry and the banter was bleh. I liked Eli more when he wasn’t interacting with Julien but every time they were on page together I could feel myself loosing interest. The third act conflict was both highly predictable and convoluted. I was almost believing in their relationship and that dashed any hope I had. Unfortunate
They mystery(s) we’re interesting enough to keep me engaged and was often the only thing keeping the book in my hand.
Empty Smiles by Katherine Arden
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Cold Storage by David Koepp
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
3.0
The premise is interesting however the pacing isn’t great. The extended introduction on characters felt like the author was trying to meet a word requirement. And the pov switches (often with out contextualizing time in relation to other scenes) pause the momentum. Though this is the type of story that would do well with a decent amount of action and suspense, neither were well utilized and the ending felt rushed. I fee like you can tell this was written by someone more used to working in a visual medium.
That all being said, it’s a quick read and if your just looking for something to spend sometime with this isn’t a bad choice.
That all being said, it’s a quick read and if your just looking for something to spend sometime with this isn’t a bad choice.
Acting the Part by Z.R. Ellor
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0