my_book_hoard's reviews
248 reviews

The Dangerous Kingdom of Love by Neil Blackmore

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challenging emotional tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

Reclaimed by Seth Haddon

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challenging emotional funny hopeful fast-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

Every time I read a new book by Seth Haddon I think “he can’t possibly write a better one than the last one” and every time I am blown away while reading.

Reclaimed is the third book set in this world and AHHHH the way the world and religion and politics build off of each other is outstanding and I could read books set in this world forever (cries because this is the last book in this world)

This book follows Saba as he tries to clear his name after his magical/science device explodes wiping out part of the city, confronts his past, and tries to develop a less hateful view of his own body. While also developing an unlikely relationship with Zek, an ambassador from the country that invaded his.

Saba is such a complex and detailed character whose struggles with accepting his body and see himself as worthy were so well written that it felt like he was real. Saba’s relationship with his body and his trans-ness is so relatable to myself and many of my friends that at times it felt like my own thoughts were being written down on the page.

And never fear, because Seth Haddon knows how to write a fully fleshed out love interest as well. Zek is an extraordinary character, from his complicated relationship to his countries history and his role it, in through to the way Haddon explores Zek’s disability and his relationship to it. And for the breath of fresh air of giving us a love interest who doesn’t have the body of a fitness influencer.

This book does an outstanding job of exploring one’s relationship with their own body and how it affects their interactions with the world around them as well as with other people, while also showcasing how governments and empires will do anything to further their own causes.

I highly highly recommend Reclaimed (I’m already thinking about rereading it) and all of Seth Haddon’s existing work and I cannot wait to see what he writes next.

The Faceless Ones by Derek Landy

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challenging funny lighthearted fast-paced