Scan barcode
robinainthood's reviews
28 reviews
The Broken Wings by جبران خليل جبران, Kahlil Gibran, Anthony Rizcallah Ferris
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
5.0
Contains some of the most gut-wrenchingly romantic prose I've ever read, and quite inspiring to me as a writer whose bread and butter is (excessive) theatrical romance and insufferable tragedy.
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller
adventurous
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Slow moving with a strong finish. Definitely does not live up to the hype, through no fault of Miller's. Readers talk about this book like it's some kind of modern classic or masterpiece, but the truth is that the book is just... pretty good. That's it, really.
I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Given the title and premise, I expected some kind of feminist metaphor in the dystopian oppression of The Women. Imagine my pleasant surprise to find this was not so much about men (vs. women) and moreso about mankind, and what it means to be human. The contradictory, stubborn, ironic nature of it. The frustrating hyperawareness of time (and therefore one's own impending, inevitable end), the struggle in finding meaning in the journey, the reckless longing for the destination. The comforts and sorrows, the beauties and horrors, the mysteries and intuitions that define what it means to be alive.
The yearning for answers that will never be found, to questions that are all the wrong ones to begin with, much like Harpman leaves the reader.
The yearning for answers that will never be found, to questions that are all the wrong ones to begin with, much like Harpman leaves the reader.
Dying to Meet You by Kate Klise
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This was one of my favorite books as a kid!! Had so much fun rereading this 💖
Flames of Chaos by Amelia Hutchins
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
2.0
This was...... something. I was very tempted to give this book a one star but, like, here's the thing; it was entertaining. Albeit, in the same way shitty reality tv is entertaining. Like, "God, these people suck and this is such garbage content but why can't I stop watching?"
Anyway, this book is fun to read if you don't take it seriously--and especially if you hate read it with friends or something--otherwise just skip this one, I think. It's way too long to be this bad.
(Also, that disclaimer at the beginning was such a red flag to begin with. "caveman-like asshole" ???? ma'am???)
Anyway, this book is fun to read if you don't take it seriously--and especially if you hate read it with friends or something--otherwise just skip this one, I think. It's way too long to be this bad.
(Also, that disclaimer at the beginning was such a red flag to begin with. "caveman-like asshole" ???? ma'am???)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Bullying, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Where We Go When All We Were Is Gone by Sequoia Nagamatsu
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
What a gorgeously written collection of stories!! This book felt like a love letter to Japan as much as it felt like a bittersweet embrace for humanity. There were so many emotional stories that left me staring at my ceiling with a swollen heart upon finishing them, and so many clever tales of japanese mythologies and folklore that felt so personal and, I'd imagine, nostalgic.
I'm still processing all of my thoughts on this but I've come to the easiest conclusion I've ever made; Sequoia Nagamatsu is now one of my favorite authors of all time.
I couldn't be more excited to pick up his new novel (it just came out today!!). This book will definitely be making it to my top ten this year, for sure.
I'm still processing all of my thoughts on this but I've come to the easiest conclusion I've ever made; Sequoia Nagamatsu is now one of my favorite authors of all time.
I couldn't be more excited to pick up his new novel (it just came out today!!). This book will definitely be making it to my top ten this year, for sure.
White Fragility: Why It's So Hard for White People to Talk About Racism by Robin DiAngelo
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Games We Play by Dana Isaly
What I Loved
This book was, honestly, a pleasant surprise for me. The steamy scenes were hot and enjoyable to read, and for a change, I actually enjoyed the characters. The object of affection, Quin, is a defiant and headstrong journalist who knows what she wants. She's not a plain Jane like most of our female love interests in stories like this; she's on the curvy and chubby side with tattoos and piercings, a fiery attitude, and energy to match her dominant counterpart. Speaking of our mysterious protagonist, Joker is a seductive and possessive streamer with dark fantasies and pleasures, deciding very quickly what he wants out of their exchange. You can't go wrong.
What I Didn't Love
Short, sweet, and to the point, this book ends at a 154-page mark; I started and finished it in 2 hours. To be clear, I'm impressed with how well the story was written in such a short amount of pages! The characters had genuine personality - I found myself invested in them despite only knowing them for a short amount of time - and the scenes were all fun to read. My only criticism is that it wasn't long enough! Joker's possessiveness and Quin's relentless defiance could have been really spicy and fun to experience in other contexts outside of their sexual encounters. Similar to Fifty Shades of Grey, I suppose, but minus the one-sidedness and lack of consent in their relationship. Gross.
Conclusion
Overall, I enjoyed this book and had fun reading it which is arguably the most important thing a book can do. It's by no means a knock-your-socks-off masterpiece but it was fun and hot and if it's your thing, the writing definitely holds up!
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
"Do you like that you can make me weak?"
What I Loved
This book was, honestly, a pleasant surprise for me. The steamy scenes were hot and enjoyable to read, and for a change, I actually enjoyed the characters. The object of affection, Quin, is a defiant and headstrong journalist who knows what she wants. She's not a plain Jane like most of our female love interests in stories like this; she's on the curvy and chubby side with tattoos and piercings, a fiery attitude, and energy to match her dominant counterpart. Speaking of our mysterious protagonist, Joker is a seductive and possessive streamer with dark fantasies and pleasures, deciding very quickly what he wants out of their exchange. You can't go wrong.
"I wanted this kiss to communicate something to her I was too afraid to say out loud."
What I Didn't Love
Short, sweet, and to the point, this book ends at a 154-page mark; I started and finished it in 2 hours. To be clear, I'm impressed with how well the story was written in such a short amount of pages! The characters had genuine personality - I found myself invested in them despite only knowing them for a short amount of time - and the scenes were all fun to read. My only criticism is that it wasn't long enough! Joker's possessiveness and Quin's relentless defiance could have been really spicy and fun to experience in other contexts outside of their sexual encounters. Similar to Fifty Shades of Grey, I suppose, but minus the one-sidedness and lack of consent in their relationship. Gross.
Conclusion
Overall, I enjoyed this book and had fun reading it which is arguably the most important thing a book can do. It's by no means a knock-your-socks-off masterpiece but it was fun and hot and if it's your thing, the writing definitely holds up!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Violence
Minor: Eating disorder and Suicide attempt
Starlight on the Snow by Mariah L. Stevens
What I Loved
Steamy romances with black love interests are hard to come by and this one did not disappoint. I felt myself in Tayshia, too (toxic as she can be). It's really nice to see someone that looks like you and even feels like you represented the way Taysia was through Ash's point of view. Like, truly warmed my heart and made me feel seen and worthy of desire. As silly as it seems, reading romance after romance featuring white-centered protagonists and love interests gets to you sometimes, when you look like me. So, yeah. It was nice. :)
The passionate, tension-filled relationship between Ash and Tayshia is so intoxicating! I found myself physically reacting to certain scenes (hands on mouth, eyes widening, cheeks flushing, inaudible screeching... you know, the usual). The protectiveness that he feels for her, even before their relationship becomes anything more than bitter acquaintances, making him act in ways he's not used to. The wholesome sexual exchanges they have, where consent and checking in come first, and where the act is centered around her pleasure and comfort. The screaming matches that take place, losing control, saying and doing things they don't mean to say or do out of furious passion and suppressed sexual tension. These two are so addicting!
The explicit/difficult themes are all written tastefully and with grace, too. I personally don't find anything in this book particularly triggering because I haven't been through most of it myself, but this doesn't necessarily make it easy to bear. Some of it does hit home, and what doesn't is still troubling to read. While the subject matter is difficult, though, the way it's written is done with great consideration, avoids unnecessary graphic detail, and doesn't glorify or romanticize anything. Still, heed the trigger warnings if you struggle/have struggled with anything listed.
What I Didn't Love
I'll be very honest with you. When I say this is a slow burn... it is slow . The story actually kind of feels like it drags for a while before it gets anywhere near what you signed up for when starting it. In my opinion, the events between chapters 1-4 (which come to approximately 70 pages altogether) are pretty unnecessary, as they essentially function as backstory and could easily have been revealed over the course of the story starting at chapter 5 instead. This would have given more merit as to why our two main characters hate each other so much from the jump without it feeling baseless and forced. It's important content but probably would've done better through subtle implications and shocking revelations.
Beyond that, the two main characters and objects of affection, Ash and Tayshia, don't even act on their sexual tension untilchapter 16 when they share their first kiss and a spicy scene (finally) ensues. Of course, the story is about so much more than smut so I'm not saying this is a flaw in the plot. In fact, the agonizing build-up makes the moment they do finally act on their feelings that much more satisfying. The issue wasn't that it took so long to get there, but rather that there weren't enough scenes between the two in the meantime to make the wait easier to endure. Scenes that force their relationship to blossom, that make their coming together, in the end, inevitable. That being said, the wait was definitely, definitely worth it.
Conclusion
All things considered, this was an addicting and thrilling read! I've been in a reading rut lately and Starlight is the first book I've finished in months, and in one day no less! I'm super excited to read the rest of the series; it feels good to be excited about reading again :)
Shameless self-promo time; I made a playlist for this book! I'll be adding to it as I continue through the series if you're interested <3
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I finished this book in one day! Once I started getting into the nitty-gritty I couldn't put it down. Definitely worth picking up if you're into steamy, protective, pining, relatively toxic romances. I was also lucky enough to speak briefly with the author and she's the sweetest there is!
She was sitting out in the middle of a snow-covered field, shivering because she thought no one was watching.
What I Loved
Steamy romances with black love interests are hard to come by and this one did not disappoint. I felt myself in Tayshia, too (toxic as she can be). It's really nice to see someone that looks like you and even feels like you represented the way Taysia was through Ash's point of view. Like, truly warmed my heart and made me feel seen and worthy of desire. As silly as it seems, reading romance after romance featuring white-centered protagonists and love interests gets to you sometimes, when you look like me. So, yeah. It was nice. :)
The passionate, tension-filled relationship between Ash and Tayshia is so intoxicating! I found myself physically reacting to certain scenes (hands on mouth, eyes widening, cheeks flushing, inaudible screeching... you know, the usual). The protectiveness that he feels for her, even before their relationship becomes anything more than bitter acquaintances, making him act in ways he's not used to. The wholesome sexual exchanges they have, where consent and checking in come first, and where the act is centered around her pleasure and comfort. The screaming matches that take place, losing control, saying and doing things they don't mean to say or do out of furious passion and suppressed sexual tension. These two are so addicting!
The explicit/difficult themes are all written tastefully and with grace, too. I personally don't find anything in this book particularly triggering because I haven't been through most of it myself, but this doesn't necessarily make it easy to bear. Some of it does hit home, and what doesn't is still troubling to read. While the subject matter is difficult, though, the way it's written is done with great consideration, avoids unnecessary graphic detail, and doesn't glorify or romanticize anything. Still, heed the trigger warnings if you struggle/have struggled with anything listed.
The past was certain. But the present was ever-changing. Tumultuous. Something he could influence.
What I Didn't Love
I'll be very honest with you. When I say this is a slow burn... it is slow . The story actually kind of feels like it drags for a while before it gets anywhere near what you signed up for when starting it. In my opinion, the events between chapters 1-4 (which come to approximately 70 pages altogether) are pretty unnecessary, as they essentially function as backstory and could easily have been revealed over the course of the story starting at chapter 5 instead. This would have given more merit as to why our two main characters hate each other so much from the jump without it feeling baseless and forced. It's important content but probably would've done better through subtle implications and shocking revelations.
Beyond that, the two main characters and objects of affection, Ash and Tayshia, don't even act on their sexual tension until
Conclusion
All things considered, this was an addicting and thrilling read! I've been in a reading rut lately and Starlight is the first book I've finished in months, and in one day no less! I'm super excited to read the rest of the series; it feels good to be excited about reading again :)
Shameless self-promo time; I made a playlist for this book! I'll be adding to it as I continue through the series if you're interested <3
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Child abuse, Cursing, Drug abuse, Drug use, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Rape, Self harm, Sexual content, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Grief, Mass/school shootings, Religious bigotry, Death of parent, and Dysphoria
Moonlight upon the Sea by Mariah L. Stevens
What I Loved
To start, my biggest critique of the first book was the pacing. It started off slow and stayed that way for longer than necessary, but with Moonlight this wasn't an issue anymore! The story picks up right where it should and flows naturally and satisfyingly after that, with more scenes between our protagonists than you could ever ask for. My other issue (if I can even call it that) was the writing style which, in retrospect, isn't even an issue for me anymore. I've read much worse YA/NA (this week, in fact), and this author stands above the average in my opinion! The dialogue feels so natural and real, like how young adults actually talk and not how YA authors tend to think we talk... if that makes sense? And the descriptions/narration are so well written, seeing the pages come to life in your head comes easier than ever. I'm officially rescinding this aspect of my first review - the writing style is wonderful!
The mystical aspect of this story took me by surprise as well, something I wasn't expecting going into the series, but it's so agonizingly beautiful!The way Stevens explores PTSD and healing through dreams (dreamwalking, as it's called in the book) is so uniquely captivating, so ethereal and heartwrenching. A divine fate drawing unlikely forces inevitably together as one. A love that is, in some ways, forbidden yet destined to come alive despite the obstacles it might face. Two broken souls meant invariably to be mended by the other, making themselves whole once again. I mean, are you kidding?? Rip my heart out of my chest and stomp it into the ground next time, it'll hurt less!!
What I Didn't Love
I have nothing negative to say about this one, y'all. Literally, just read it. Do yourself a favor if you haven't been convinced by now. You're welcome.
Conclusion
This series has me in a chokehold, Ms. Stevens. Free me so I may know peace.
(Also, I'm convinced that Janelle Monae's Don't Judge Me was written specifically and exclusively for Ash and Tayshia. You cannot prove me wrong.)
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
fast-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
5.0
Wow wow wow! The second installment in The Apricity Series is everything I could ever ask for and more!! This series has surprised me and seems to only get better with each book.
They went back and forth, around and around, and then they feigned indifference. Anything to keep each other.
What I Loved
To start, my biggest critique of the first book was the pacing. It started off slow and stayed that way for longer than necessary, but with Moonlight this wasn't an issue anymore! The story picks up right where it should and flows naturally and satisfyingly after that, with more scenes between our protagonists than you could ever ask for. My other issue (if I can even call it that) was the writing style which, in retrospect, isn't even an issue for me anymore. I've read much worse YA/NA (this week, in fact), and this author stands above the average in my opinion! The dialogue feels so natural and real, like how young adults actually talk and not how YA authors tend to think we talk... if that makes sense? And the descriptions/narration are so well written, seeing the pages come to life in your head comes easier than ever. I'm officially rescinding this aspect of my first review - the writing style is wonderful!
The mystical aspect of this story took me by surprise as well, something I wasn't expecting going into the series, but it's so agonizingly beautiful!
"I'll try again and again and again until He lets me have it."
What I Didn't Love
I have nothing negative to say about this one, y'all. Literally, just read it. Do yourself a favor if you haven't been convinced by now. You're welcome.
Conclusion
This series has me in a chokehold, Ms. Stevens. Free me so I may know peace.
(Also, I'm convinced that Janelle Monae's Don't Judge Me was written specifically and exclusively for Ash and Tayshia. You cannot prove me wrong.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Cursing, Drug use, Eating disorder, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Rape, Self harm, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Vomit, Grief, Religious bigotry, and Dysphoria
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Physical abuse, Racism, Suicidal thoughts, and Death of parent