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orangewitchling's reviews
88 reviews
The Dangers of Smoking in Bed by Mariana Enríquez
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
adventurous
challenging
dark
informative
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
If I could give this book a higher rating, I would. The research involved and the way the plot was woven was outstanding for an incredibly long book. It can be exhausting and it's not something I could read in a sitting, but at the same time, I was unable to put it down and I want to reread it. I'm not a huge fan of descriptive .
writing, but it worked perfectly for the plot and it made the setting come alive as I read it.
This is a book for whoever likes historical slightly creepy novels, it was hard to read at times, because I'm originally from a communist country and it brought memories, but i think that's a plus for the writer because I could connect with the plot.
writing, but it worked perfectly for the plot and it made the setting come alive as I read it.
This is a book for whoever likes historical slightly creepy novels, it was hard to read at times, because I'm originally from a communist country and it brought memories, but i think that's a plus for the writer because I could connect with the plot.
The Bad Ones by Melissa Albert
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
For a young adult novel, it was fairly well written if not for the language used a bit flourished but it felt more poetic than obnoxious, otherwise I would have DNF immediately.
I liked the plot and I liked it more because it focused on friendship, loss and trauma. There was the bit of romance, but it was not the center just a side story and it was not dramatic so I find it more like a palate cleanser from all the mystery.
This was comfy horror and I'm glad I gave it a chance, it read fast enough and entertaining enough for me to not jump to the last chapters and find out, although I had an idea of where the story was going, the ending was still satisfying enough.
I liked the plot and I liked it more because it focused on friendship, loss and trauma. There was the bit of romance, but it was not the center just a side story and it was not dramatic so I find it more like a palate cleanser from all the mystery.
This was comfy horror and I'm glad I gave it a chance, it read fast enough and entertaining enough for me to not jump to the last chapters and find out, although I had an idea of where the story was going, the ending was still satisfying enough.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, and Toxic friendship
Mary: An Awakening of Terror by Nat Cassidy
dark
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
What My Bones Know: A Memoir of Healing from Complex Trauma by Stephanie Foo
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
5.0
One of the best books I've read, it was a great autobiography and it allowed me to.dp my own healing by reading it. It's in my reread pile and I've been recommending it nonstop.
Pachinko by Min Jin Lee
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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? N/A
5.0
If I had a highest rating to give I’d give it, this book deserves every accolade and raving review.
The writing and tone of the story was outstanding, the author didn’t use any unnecessary metaphors nor descriptions to fill pages, every sentence had a purpose to show the situation through the characters point of view. The author managed to let even the smallest character shine in its own light, which is a feat on its own. I was able to see each character’s perspective and relate to their plight.
This is a multigenerational story with all the realistic and historical ups and downs, there were many moments of heartbreak that felt relatable and triggering. The characters were complex and morally gray at times like any human, which helped the story be believable at a core level.
I adored Sunja and Kyunghee, they were women of their time that continuously showed strength and resilience through all the hardship. My favorite male characters were Mozasu and Solomon, they were so wholesome and lovely.
The writing and tone of the story was outstanding, the author didn’t use any unnecessary metaphors nor descriptions to fill pages, every sentence had a purpose to show the situation through the characters point of view. The author managed to let even the smallest character shine in its own light, which is a feat on its own. I was able to see each character’s perspective and relate to their plight.
This is a multigenerational story with all the realistic and historical ups and downs, there were many moments of heartbreak that felt relatable and triggering. The characters were complex and morally gray at times like any human, which helped the story be believable at a core level.
I adored Sunja and Kyunghee, they were women of their time that continuously showed strength and resilience through all the hardship. My favorite male characters were Mozasu and Solomon, they were so wholesome and lovely.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Infertility, Miscarriage, Misogyny, Racism, Rape, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Violence, Police brutality, Trafficking, Grief, Stalking, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and War
Craft: Stories I Wrote for the Devil by Ananda Lima
Did not finish book. Stopped at 62%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 62%.
I tried, I truly tried, but I couldn’t figure out what kind of horror stories these were. I truly don’t think these are horror at all, there was a hint of cannibalism and a possible haunting, but they felt more like metaphors for mental health and family trauma.
The whole “author” and “devil” as characters premise was interesting, but everything in the book felt disconnected and if there was a double meaning to them, I couldn’t figure it out.
There were some references about the fears and struggles of being an immigrant, which I hoped it would be explored more in the depth, but the stories and characters felt half-cooked.
The writing style was not linear and the stories were convoluted like the author couldn’t make up their mind about what they wanted to convey, which was frustrating as a reader. I think the premise was interesting and the stories with more development could’ve been great, but I was too busy being confused to actually enjoy them and at the end I was frustrated so DNF.
The whole “author” and “devil” as characters premise was interesting, but everything in the book felt disconnected and if there was a double meaning to them, I couldn’t figure it out.
There were some references about the fears and struggles of being an immigrant, which I hoped it would be explored more in the depth, but the stories and characters felt half-cooked.
The writing style was not linear and the stories were convoluted like the author couldn’t make up their mind about what they wanted to convey, which was frustrating as a reader. I think the premise was interesting and the stories with more development could’ve been great, but I was too busy being confused to actually enjoy them and at the end I was frustrated so DNF.
Shoko's Smile by Choi Eunyoung
challenging
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
This has to be one of the best books I’ve ever read, the writing style fit so well the stories. Initially I thought it was slow paced until I understood the writing approach and I think it’s genius.
The stories are not related, the characters are from different generations and age groups; but the stories show an emotional and mental trip of their human experience through specific historical events.
I was bawling my eyes out and the emotional experience felt real and relatable as a reader and an outsider to Korean history. I learned so much about the events that the book touched on and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
The stories are not related, the characters are from different generations and age groups; but the stories show an emotional and mental trip of their human experience through specific historical events.
I was bawling my eyes out and the emotional experience felt real and relatable as a reader and an outsider to Korean history. I learned so much about the events that the book touched on and I can’t wait to read more from this author.
Black Sheep by Rachel Harrison
dark
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This is the creepiest of all the books I’ve read from this author, but it was comfy horror in my opinion. I found the plot entertaining, even though it was triggering at times.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, and Gaslighting
Ink Blood Sister Scribe by Emma Törzs
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
It was an entertaining read, I liked the overall plot and the writing was fairly good. I wasn’t super invested in the characters, except Nicholas who found funny and confident in a self-deprecating way. The other characters weren’t bad, just not developed to their full potential. Specially Joanna and Collins, who were supporting characters disguising as contributing main characters. I appreciate I didn’t have to eye roll their “love story” because it was left in the start of an attraction and potential of more. This was a comfy thriller that I wouldn’t mind readings a follow up story, but it’s perfectly fine as a standalone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Grief, Murder, Gaslighting, and Classism