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spacerkip's reviews
266 reviews
Devil Darling Spy by Matt Killeen
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Bloodchild and Other Stories by Octavia E. Butler
challenging
dark
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Being Ace: An Anthology of Queer, Trans, Femme, and Disabled Stories of Asexual Love and Connection by Madeline Dyer
2.25
I truly wish I liked more of the stories in this, but very few felt like actual explorations of asexuality to me, and more like regular short stories where the main characters name-dropped their identities in the beginning and then moved on. Even as an ace(aro) reader, I found this collection hard to connect with, and often lacking depth.
That being said, Third Star and Festa Falls were genuinely engaging. They were the only two short stories I actively liked, and I thought they each pulled on themes of ace-ness quite well. I'd love to read (or possibly write!) more stories like them in the future.
That being said, Third Star and Festa Falls were genuinely engaging. They were the only two short stories I actively liked, and I thought they each pulled on themes of ace-ness quite well. I'd love to read (or possibly write!) more stories like them in the future.
Bunnybirds #1 by Natalie Linn
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- 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
A cute story with some very cute bunnies.
From an art standpoint, I loved the visuals of this novel. There were a lot of original and unique fantasy creatures. The bunnies were adorable. The use of colored pencils made everything look soft and smooth, especially during the dream sequences. And everytime a character reacted to something by making bug eyes with no mouth, I did in fact lose it.
The story is also fun and insightful. Embracing the full spectrum of your emotions - both the "good" and the unpleasant - is a constructive message for the targeted age bracket. The three main characters bounced well off of each other, and they informed a well-balanced group dynamic.
I'm looking forward to seeing where this series goes in the future!
From an art standpoint, I loved the visuals of this novel. There were a lot of original and unique fantasy creatures. The bunnies were adorable. The use of colored pencils made everything look soft and smooth, especially during the dream sequences. And everytime a character reacted to something by making bug eyes with no mouth, I did in fact lose it.
The story is also fun and insightful. Embracing the full spectrum of your emotions - both the "good" and the unpleasant - is a constructive message for the targeted age bracket. The three main characters bounced well off of each other, and they informed a well-balanced group dynamic.
I'm looking forward to seeing where this series goes in the future!
All Systems Red by Martha Wells
dark
funny
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, and Violence
Moderate: Body horror, Cursing, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
The Empire of Gold by S.A. Chakraborty
challenging
hopeful
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
5.0
The only reason I didn't cry more was because I listened to the audiobook while driving and didn't want to die.
A satisfying end to one hell of a good series.
A satisfying end to one hell of a good series.
The Last Bloodcarver by Vanessa Le
dark
slow-paced
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.0
A promising premise that turned out lacking depth. The use of medically-informed healing magic drew me in at the beginning, but wasn't enough to prop up flat characters, or to convince me I wasn't reading an unedited first draft. The introduction of a sudden (and I compelling) love interest two-thirds into the book drove me over the edge. I mostly skimmed until the end.
The Kingdom of Copper by S.A. Chakraborty
adventurous
tense
- 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
Knowing that there's still another book in the series was honestly the most stressful part of reading this. Watching all the different plotlines come together and knowing it all must go catastrophically wrong had me yelling in my car on multiple occasions. (I read this via audiobook on my daily commute. Apologies to those who thought I was road raging at them at red lights.)
I really fell in love with Ali as a character in this book. The timeskip provided him with the appropriate room to grow and come into his own as an active force, rather than a reactive one. I loved seeing him spark loyalty in those around him and rise as a leader. I think the author does wonderful job of showing how a character sees themself and internally justifies their own actions. You can follow the logic of a POV character and understand why they act the way they do, then switch POV and feel completely different about them once you see their actions from the outside.
I am once again going against my usual habits and picking up the next book as soon as I can. As soon as I finish some other library books...it is SO over for me.
I really fell in love with Ali as a character in this book. The timeskip provided him with the appropriate room to grow and come into his own as an active force, rather than a reactive one. I loved seeing him spark loyalty in those around him and rise as a leader. I think the author does wonderful job of showing how a character sees themself and internally justifies their own actions. You can follow the logic of a POV character and understand why they act the way they do, then switch POV and feel completely different about them once you see their actions from the outside.
I am once again going against my usual habits and picking up the next book as soon as I can. As soon as I finish some other library books...it is SO over for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Alcoholism, Child death, Emotional abuse, Violence, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Slavery, Trafficking, and Fire/Fire injury