murphyslaw's reviews
63 reviews
The Merciful Crow, by Margaret Owen
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
A fanciful world houses a very direct Jim Crow allegory in this book. Reminiscent of NK Jemisin’s worldbuilding and understanding of social dynamics.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
Moderate: Death of parent, Racism, and Xenophobia
Beyond the Ruby Veil, by Mara Fitzgerald
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Way darker and more distressing than I expected from a YA novel. Interesting commitment to a flawed main character in a way that makes me want to read the sequel and hopefully see the MC grow—and the origin of the world be explained more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Toxic relationship, and Murder
Minor: Death of parent
Beyond the Black Door, by A.M. Strickland
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No