smtvash's reviews
498 reviews

The Deep by Rivers Solomon

adventurous emotional reflective tense medium-paced

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

4.0

A very interesting exercise in concept and storytelling with an amazing story at its center about culture, history, pain, community, and survival.
Though I feel this concept has so much potential and filled with possibility, The Deep is still a satisfying, thought-provoking tale.

All the Lovers in the Night by Mieko Kawakami

challenging emotional funny reflective tense

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

4.5

Vagabonds! by Eloghosa Osunde

dark emotional hopeful mysterious sad tense medium-paced

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

4.5

A mixture of a concept novel and an anthology, Vagabonds is a contemporary exploration of everyday people in Lagos who want to break free from the social norms established in the city.  

Eloghosa Osunde uses myth, fable, and lyrical prose to do this and gives a voice to women, queer people, the poor, and the corrupt in the process.
This one's going to stick with me and it's got one hell of an ending.

Loved this one.

The Ten Thousand Doors of January by Alix E. Harrow

adventurous emotional hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

A wondrous, sweet ode to stories. Soft-fantasy-adventure about overcoming oppressive forces.
A little undercooked but there's some strong emotional moments here that I've come to love  

Alix E. Harrow for.

Private Rites by Julia Armfield

dark mysterious reflective tense medium-paced

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

4.0

A dark, moody tale about family, legacy, and the dissonance between personal growth and social survival. This book is a VIBE and was perfect for the chaos that is the world.

All Systems Red by Martha Wells

dark funny mysterious fast-paced

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

4.0

A unique, funny take on the autonomous android trope injected with the darkness of capitalist horrors. Super quick and easy to read, an enjoyable romp.

Shark Heart: A Love Story by Emily Habeck

emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

A metaphor for terminal/long term illness and disease and the effects it has on those affected by it. The truths of what's normalized and what's needed during a relationship going through this (romantic, friendship, familial). 

One Room Angel by Harada

hopeful inspiring mysterious medium-paced

4.0

Don't Call it Mystery (Omnibus) Vol. 3-4 by Yumi Tamura

4.75

Salem's Lot by Stephen King

dark mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5