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pewter's reviews
85 reviews
Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
With loads of recommendations and hype for this book, I had my bar set quite high coming in, and I can totally understand why people are enamoured with this book. Gideon has a strong voice, there is a wide cast of characters from different houses à la Hunger Games; suspense and tension collide with lovingly described environment and complex world building. Yep, it's a decent book.
The good stuff:
The things that work for me are often what don't work for others - I love being dropped off in sci-fi land with a ton of complex jargon. I don't mind being left out of the loop on how things work, part of the fun is when it clicks. I also think there were some really well built reader assumptions that lead to some decent surprises.
Normally I don't have a ton of patience for copious environmental description (looking at you, Tolkien) but Gideon the Ninth does it decently. I found myself carefully reading each new setting, each characters appearance, as it was gently described and enjoyed imagining it. Sometimes it was too much and challenged the pacing - it's hard to pay attention to detailed descriptions of bone monsters while they're speeding towards you, or be interested in a room during a chase - but for the most part it was well done.
I also really feel invested in science fiction fantasy of necromancy. Not usually into edgy, cool gothy stuff but the bones are there (get it?) for a good magic system with lots of fun potential. Like a video game, each new part of necromancy we discovered as a reader felt like earning a new skill or weapon to move to the next level. Maybe a bit too much like a video game, but whatever.
Now for the less exciting:
I really think what people love here are probably the parts I don't - I don't love snark. Every character has the perfect comeback. Dialogue with constant quips and cleverness leaves no vulnerability and no room for me to join in and empathize, because everyone in this book is a cool smartass - even the narrative, and I'm just not.
The book also suffers a little dissonance between what we're told as readers, and how the characters act. At the beginning, we are told some important facts about Gideon: most importantly, she holds a long and deep seated deathly hatred towards Harrow. We're told Gideon is a rule breaker, has been planning her escape for a decade, can be selfish and definitely is snarky - not knowing when to keep her mouth shut.
When the main plot begins, this is mostly thrown away. "I hate Harrow!" She thinks as acts otherwise, obeys the rules, keeps her mouth shut and her head down, and acts rather selfless - dreams of escape forgotten. So which is it? I am having a hard time believing what you're telling me. At least this tends to get better with time.
I don't enjoy characters who hate each other on a deeply personal level. Enemies (of circumstance, like opposing factions) to lovers works for me because there is room to realize each other's flaws, fight the system, etc. Enemies (of character, of deep personal wronging) to lovers rarely works for me because the author never sells me the forgiveness. A lifetime of wrongs becoming right in a fortnight? Unforgivable acts being forgotten because the power of love? Nah. I can suspend my disbelief for the skeletons, but not the forgiveness. And because of this huge gap, I just don't feel the payoff on the ending. Doesn't feel earned.
A bit difficulty sprouts when the tension and seriousness don't match the humor or relief, and I was challenged by the pacing for sure. Contemporary dialogue and references aren't for me, but I think there's lots of room for it and it didn't detract at all.
So yeah, it's a decent read. I would recommend it to people who like smartass TV shows with mean characters, sci-fi fans (for the jargon), enemies-to-lovers fans, people who want to try something written in a contemporary voice, mystery fans / thriller fans.
The good stuff:
The things that work for me are often what don't work for others - I love being dropped off in sci-fi land with a ton of complex jargon. I don't mind being left out of the loop on how things work, part of the fun is when it clicks. I also think there were some really well built reader assumptions that lead to some decent surprises.
Normally I don't have a ton of patience for copious environmental description (looking at you, Tolkien) but Gideon the Ninth does it decently. I found myself carefully reading each new setting, each characters appearance, as it was gently described and enjoyed imagining it. Sometimes it was too much and challenged the pacing - it's hard to pay attention to detailed descriptions of bone monsters while they're speeding towards you, or be interested in a room during a chase - but for the most part it was well done.
I also really feel invested in science fiction fantasy of necromancy. Not usually into edgy, cool gothy stuff but the bones are there (get it?) for a good magic system with lots of fun potential. Like a video game, each new part of necromancy we discovered as a reader felt like earning a new skill or weapon to move to the next level. Maybe a bit too much like a video game, but whatever.
Now for the less exciting:
I really think what people love here are probably the parts I don't - I don't love snark. Every character has the perfect comeback. Dialogue with constant quips and cleverness leaves no vulnerability and no room for me to join in and empathize, because everyone in this book is a cool smartass - even the narrative, and I'm just not.
The book also suffers a little dissonance between what we're told as readers, and how the characters act. At the beginning, we are told some important facts about Gideon: most importantly, she holds a long and deep seated deathly hatred towards Harrow. We're told Gideon is a rule breaker, has been planning her escape for a decade, can be selfish and definitely is snarky - not knowing when to keep her mouth shut.
When the main plot begins, this is mostly thrown away. "I hate Harrow!" She thinks as acts otherwise, obeys the rules, keeps her mouth shut and her head down, and acts rather selfless - dreams of escape forgotten. So which is it? I am having a hard time believing what you're telling me. At least this tends to get better with time.
I don't enjoy characters who hate each other on a deeply personal level. Enemies (of circumstance, like opposing factions) to lovers works for me because there is room to realize each other's flaws, fight the system, etc. Enemies (of character, of deep personal wronging) to lovers rarely works for me because the author never sells me the forgiveness. A lifetime of wrongs becoming right in a fortnight? Unforgivable acts being forgotten because the power of love? Nah. I can suspend my disbelief for the skeletons, but not the forgiveness. And because of this huge gap, I just don't feel the payoff on the ending. Doesn't feel earned.
A bit difficulty sprouts when the tension and seriousness don't match the humor or relief, and I was challenged by the pacing for sure. Contemporary dialogue and references aren't for me, but I think there's lots of room for it and it didn't detract at all.
So yeah, it's a decent read. I would recommend it to people who like smartass TV shows with mean characters, sci-fi fans (for the jargon), enemies-to-lovers fans, people who want to try something written in a contemporary voice, mystery fans / thriller fans.
Gearbreakers by Zoe Hana Mikuta
emotional
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? It's complicated
1.75
I love giant mechs, queerness, found family, and political intrigue. So why didn't I love this book? A few reasons: the writing, characters, world building, and pace.
Firstly, I found I just couldn't suspend my disbelief. Other similar tales, (Hunger Games, The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet, or Hell Followed With Us), or even those targeting a younger Audience (Animorphs), do a better job convincing me of the world, the tech, or the people. Gearbreakers exposition lore doesn't match what is shown on page, does not stand up to any investigation of plot holes or questions. Gearbreakers just doesn't feel real.
Gearbreakers has the YA pieces. But all these ingredients together- the too-quippy teens, absent adults, and miraculous capers, and it just oozes eyerolling impossibility. Each secondary character is the same cardboard cutout with one quirk swapped out. The dialogue is constant witty snark. The bad characters are BAD. The good characters are GOOD. There is no development. Is it enemies to lovers when they aren't ever really enemies on-page? Is it slow burn if they are very clearly in love immediately and never waver?
Stories like these normally explore a push and pull of action and consequences, war and trauma. But there is no cause-and-effect on screen here; it is all previous trauma and no hesitation about violence or child soldiers. I am told the stakes are always at 1000%, which is exhausting. Kids with unbeatable magic gloves and no ups or downs. Those 1000% stakes aren't ever shown, just told.
What made this read harder is the writing and pace. The text is elaborate and demands attention, but the pace is breakneck. The mix is a difficult-to-follow blend of long emotional scenes mixed with short bursts the main plot, in a beautiful but challenging prose that isn't easy to follow. This, paired with POV swaps between two similar characters and floating dialogue that tends to have no owner, makes reading a chore.
I really really wanted to love this. I was looking forward to it and was so excited. And now I doubt I'll pick up the sequel, and instead opt to just find a synopsis.
Firstly, I found I just couldn't suspend my disbelief. Other similar tales, (Hunger Games, The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet, or Hell Followed With Us), or even those targeting a younger Audience (Animorphs), do a better job convincing me of the world, the tech, or the people. Gearbreakers exposition lore doesn't match what is shown on page, does not stand up to any investigation of plot holes or questions. Gearbreakers just doesn't feel real.
Gearbreakers has the YA pieces. But all these ingredients together- the too-quippy teens, absent adults, and miraculous capers, and it just oozes eyerolling impossibility. Each secondary character is the same cardboard cutout with one quirk swapped out. The dialogue is constant witty snark. The bad characters are BAD. The good characters are GOOD. There is no development. Is it enemies to lovers when they aren't ever really enemies on-page? Is it slow burn if they are very clearly in love immediately and never waver?
Stories like these normally explore a push and pull of action and consequences, war and trauma. But there is no cause-and-effect on screen here; it is all previous trauma and no hesitation about violence or child soldiers. I am told the stakes are always at 1000%, which is exhausting. Kids with unbeatable magic gloves and no ups or downs. Those 1000% stakes aren't ever shown, just told.
What made this read harder is the writing and pace. The text is elaborate and demands attention, but the pace is breakneck. The mix is a difficult-to-follow blend of long emotional scenes mixed with short bursts the main plot, in a beautiful but challenging prose that isn't easy to follow. This, paired with POV swaps between two similar characters and floating dialogue that tends to have no owner, makes reading a chore.
I really really wanted to love this. I was looking forward to it and was so excited. And now I doubt I'll pick up the sequel, and instead opt to just find a synopsis.
Hell Followed with Us by Andrew Joseph White
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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
4.25
Really enjoyed both the story and how it was written. It wasn't too colloquial but still had an organic narrative rhythm and some excellent lines. But mainly the world built here is not at all unimaginable, and the themes of found family and queer joy are easy to embrace and not hammy. I think this truly does encompass many of the dissonances we queer folk encounter, from our bodies to how people see us, to struggles with religion and Heaven. Wild ride.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Confinement, Cursing, Deadnaming, Death, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Hate crime, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Torture, Toxic relationship, Transphobia, Violence, Blood, Excrement, Vomit, Kidnapping, Grief, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Death of parent, Murder, Abandonment, Dysphoria, and War
If This Book Exists, You're in the Wrong Universe by Jason Pargin
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
The fourth installment of John Dies at the End leans more into the wild plot train and less on the characters personalities, and I would have really liked to have seen the wider cast hinted at during #3, as well as more of John, surprisingly - his difficulties in the previous book are ignored here but I was interested in that. I don't think this is quite as powerful as book 2 or 3- it definitely felt more like a throwback to book 1? Either way, I'm always gonna read these things.
One Last Stop by Casey McQuiston
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Cute. I'm not sure what I was expecting, since I don't usually pick up this type of read and was just looking for some different queer media. It's cutesy beach read, not much of an adventure or anything.
Ducks: Two Years in the Oil Sands by Kate Beaton
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
3.75
We Cape Bretoners have always had to live in two places for the sake of the almighty dollar, and this story just feels so validating. This deep yearning from home is portrayed lovingly and carefully by Beaton in lyrics and accents, alongside of a deeper fear of losing one's self to a place. Frightening and phenomenal - this is a must read for anyone who's had to leave home, but also for those of us who have empty seats at the table.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Addiction, Body shaming, Bullying, Cancer, Chronic illness, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Violence, Grief, Stalking, Car accident, Gaslighting, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Colonisation
Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
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
I honestly think duologies are the perfect set-up for me. It seems recently that my top reads are two-book series, and this is another great read. I was invested in the twists and turns of the heist(s) and capers, not to mention the interesting and dynamic character interactions and light socio-political world building. Of course, the plots and scheming take my suspension of disbelief to it's limits, but I can accept some slightly ridiculous leaps of faith for the great character interactions. Looking forward to more by this author!
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
emotional
tense
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
4.75
This was great. I picked it up on a whim, and was thoroughly engrossed in the city of Ketterdam, the cast of characters with their backstories and motivations, and the twists and turns. I'm generally not a fan of the stereotypical "asshole genius" character build, but each of the individual crew has their time to shine. I also appreciate that they have one-on-one time with each other in odd pairs too, making for some great conversation. Very fun, and now will need to investigate the rest of the author's works.
Seven Devils by Elizabeth May, L.R. Lam
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
3.75
You know, it's a little silly, but it also has a lot of great character work, with big plot arcs, good action, and fun twists. It's a sci-fi spy book, really, that focuses mostly on the people as opposed to the tech. I think the beginning is the weakest part, where it feels like "first time authors", but it avoids many of the errors that sci-fi often has. This could have been too jargony, too detailed. It could have tried to over-explain everything, but it didn't.
Was it silly? Yeah, a bit. If I was going to be picky, I could point out plot holes or argue about poor decisions from characters. But here's the thing - I didn't really care while reading it, because it felt like some of my favourite older reads - my old YA sci-fi and fiction, Animorphs for instance, or Star Wars, or The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet . I could suspend my disbelief because it was mostly about relationships and fun action.
The focus was where it needed to be, and it didn't treat the reader like an idiot when some sci-fi novels do. So for that, I'm happy and I'd definitely spend time with the sequel, as I imagine the authors will have improved even more by then.
Was it silly? Yeah, a bit. If I was going to be picky, I could point out plot holes or argue about poor decisions from characters. But here's the thing - I didn't really care while reading it, because it felt like some of my favourite older reads - my old YA sci-fi and fiction, Animorphs for instance, or Star Wars, or The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet . I could suspend my disbelief because it was mostly about relationships and fun action.
The focus was where it needed to be, and it didn't treat the reader like an idiot when some sci-fi novels do. So for that, I'm happy and I'd definitely spend time with the sequel, as I imagine the authors will have improved even more by then.
Crier's War by Nina Varela
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
0.5
An incredibly impatient book, shoving plot and characters together faster than they possibly have time to grow. This is definitely closer to pre-teen interest, with most detail or intelligent sense dropped in favour of breakneck, unbelievable pace. The plot is a straight line, just rapid-fire, unedited ideas stuffed in as tightly as possible with no time to care whatsoever about the characters. I endured this
bag of confetti and wasn't even rewarded with an ending.
bag of confetti and wasn't even rewarded with an ending.