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storykath's reviews
129 reviews
A Thousand Ships by Natalie Haynes
Did not finish book. Stopped at 30%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 30%.
Too often with "mythology retold from the women's perspectives", it ends up being "the exact same story but there were some women there and they heard what was going on". Hearing the women's inner thoughts and feelings was nice, but not unique or engaging enough to keep me going. Maybe things pick up later in the book, but my library loan expired and I'm not planning to try again.
Delilah Green Doesn't Care by Ashley Herring Blake
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Once again, I got my hopes up that the next sapphic romance I read would be different, and I was mostly wrong.
When Delilah Green returns to her hometown to photograph her estranged stepsister's wedding, all she wants is a paycheck (and maybe to cause some chaos). However, she can't deny the chemistry between herself and the maid of honour, single mom Claire.
The other thing we can't deny is the numerous tropes squeezed in, many of which felt forced and incomplete. To name a few: only one bed! A romantic bet! Miscommunication! Grumpy-sunshine! Many of them came across as arbitrary, like the author just wanted to fit in as many trends as possible.
I can't say for certain if these characters are acting their age throughout the novel (not being 30 myself), but a lot of the conflicts and conversations come off as immature to me. Conflicts could have been more easily resolved if the characters bothered to take a minute to clarify and be honest. I just can't stand a plot that's only dragged out due to misunderstandings and not due to, you know, actual plot.
When Delilah Green returns to her hometown to photograph her estranged stepsister's wedding, all she wants is a paycheck (and maybe to cause some chaos). However, she can't deny the chemistry between herself and the maid of honour, single mom Claire.
The other thing we can't deny is the numerous tropes squeezed in, many of which felt forced and incomplete. To name a few: only one bed! A romantic bet! Miscommunication! Grumpy-sunshine! Many of them came across as arbitrary, like the author just wanted to fit in as many trends as possible.
I can't say for certain if these characters are acting their age throughout the novel (not being 30 myself), but a lot of the conflicts and conversations come off as immature to me. Conflicts could have been more easily resolved if the characters bothered to take a minute to clarify and be honest. I just can't stand a plot that's only dragged out due to misunderstandings and not due to, you know, actual plot.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, and Death of parent
Minor: Bullying, Cursing, Grief, Abandonment, and Alcohol
The 22 Murders of Madison May by Max Barry
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
This incredibly fast-paced book was a quick two-day read for me, and it was enjoyably gripping, if not a phenomenal piece of writing.
Everything about this book was executed well - the pacing, the writing style, the characters, the concept. It just wasn't groundbreaking to me. Once the multiverse concept was established, there weren't many other clever worldbuilding elements. The characters are distinct and interesting, but they also aren't surprising or nuanced. I enjoyed the POV shifts and the subtle way that some information vwad repeated in different ways by different characters.
This may not be a life-changing sci-fi thriller, but it's more than adequate as a quick, engaging read.
Everything about this book was executed well - the pacing, the writing style, the characters, the concept. It just wasn't groundbreaking to me. Once the multiverse concept was established, there weren't many other clever worldbuilding elements. The characters are distinct and interesting, but they also aren't surprising or nuanced. I enjoyed the POV shifts and the subtle way that some information vwad repeated in different ways by different characters.
This may not be a life-changing sci-fi thriller, but it's more than adequate as a quick, engaging read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Stalking, and Murder
Moderate: Violence and Blood
Minor: Police brutality
She Who Became the Sun by Shelley Parker-Chan
adventurous
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The monk Zhu Chongba is swept up in an ongoing war between Mongolian rulers and Nanren rebels, but there is much more to the situation, the adversaries, and Zhu herself than meets the eye.
This book felt longer than its 400 pages, which was both a strength and weakness. There's so much that happens - towards the end, I found myself looking back at the beginning with incredulity about how much the situation and characters had changed. I had truly been taken on a journey with the protagonists. On the other hand, I also found that some parts of this book dragged. When the plot became saturated with politics or an ongoing battle, I found it hard to stay invested, but it was always worth it to power through. Parker-Chan guides us through all the intrigues and betrayals fairly well; there's generally enough context to keep up with the revolving cast of characters and their various motivations, but at times there were intentions that were implied and not totally clear.
The changes in perspectives were engaging, and I enjoyed seeing each protagonist from the others' perspectives. Zhu Chongba in particular comes across very differently depending on whether we see her from her own perspective or someone else's. The characters were all enjoyably complex and morally nuanced, and while I can't relate to the overarching themes of fate, greatness, and vengeance, I could clearly see how those factors drove the characters in their every decision and action.
I'm curious to see what comes next in this series, and I hope that we can continue to explore these characters and see their continued redemptions and/or corruptions.
This book felt longer than its 400 pages, which was both a strength and weakness. There's so much that happens - towards the end, I found myself looking back at the beginning with incredulity about how much the situation and characters had changed. I had truly been taken on a journey with the protagonists. On the other hand, I also found that some parts of this book dragged. When the plot became saturated with politics or an ongoing battle, I found it hard to stay invested, but it was always worth it to power through. Parker-Chan guides us through all the intrigues and betrayals fairly well; there's generally enough context to keep up with the revolving cast of characters and their various motivations, but at times there were intentions that were implied and not totally clear.
The changes in perspectives were engaging, and I enjoyed seeing each protagonist from the others' perspectives. Zhu Chongba in particular comes across very differently depending on whether we see her from her own perspective or someone else's. The characters were all enjoyably complex and morally nuanced, and while I can't relate to the overarching themes of fate, greatness, and vengeance, I could clearly see how those factors drove the characters in their every decision and action.
I'm curious to see what comes next in this series, and I hope that we can continue to explore these characters and see their continued redemptions and/or corruptions.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Sexism, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, Murder, and War
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexual content, Slavery, Toxic relationship, and Grief
Minor: Animal death, Child death, Infidelity, Xenophobia, Medical content, and Alcohol
Count Your Lucky Stars by Alexandria Bellefleur
emotional
lighthearted
fast-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
3.0
"Reunion with first love" meets "roommate AU" meets "miscommunication as a plot device" meets "mutual pining" in Count Your Lucky Stars.
This book was...fine. I was determined to see it through to the end, but it was less because I cared about the story and more because I knew it wouldn't take me that long and I might as well do it. The pacing was all over the place, and the characters' turmoil was either boringly repetitive or instantly resolved, no in between. So much of the plot felt contrived, and there wasn't enough charm in the rest of the narrative to let me suspend my disbelief, as is often the case with other romance novels.
I preferred Bellefleur's other sapphic romance, Written in the Stars, and I can't quite pinpoint why. Both had similar arcs, but Count Your Lucky Stars was too all over the place for me.
This book was...fine. I was determined to see it through to the end, but it was less because I cared about the story and more because I knew it wouldn't take me that long and I might as well do it. The pacing was all over the place, and the characters' turmoil was either boringly repetitive or instantly resolved, no in between. So much of the plot felt contrived, and there wasn't enough charm in the rest of the narrative to let me suspend my disbelief, as is often the case with other romance novels.
I preferred Bellefleur's other sapphic romance, Written in the Stars, and I can't quite pinpoint why. Both had similar arcs, but Count Your Lucky Stars was too all over the place for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Toxic relationship
Minor: Death of parent and Alcohol
Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo
emotional
hopeful
sad
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? No
5.0
Lily is an Asian American teen living in San Francisco's Chinatown in the 1950s. Last Night at the Telegraph Club follows her as she discovers her sexuality, navigates racism, and deals with the widespread fear of communism in her community.
I loved practically everything about this book. Coming-of-age stories are hit or miss for me, but Lily's narration was charming, realistic, and immersive. She's a believably flawed teenager who's discovering herself and the world around her in a way that makes everything she describes seem fresh and interesting. I was totally invested in Lily's worldview while also being aware of the fact that there were bigger things she wasn't seeing or registering. Very skillfully written!
The flashback chapters in different characters' perspectives took me by surprise, and overall they didn't add much to my enjoyment of the book. I would often put the book down when I got to these chapters, partly because it was a natural stopping point and partly because I was disappointed not to be continuing Lily's story. These chapters did provide a helpful look into Lily's family's backgrounds and perspectives, but I wonder if these could have been incorporated in a different way that didn't pull me out of Lily's narrative so starkly.
Altogether, the writing style, the characters, the subject matter...they all worked together so well and created a story that drew me in and got a grip on my heart. I'm incredibly excited to reread this one and relive Lily's journey.
I loved practically everything about this book. Coming-of-age stories are hit or miss for me, but Lily's narration was charming, realistic, and immersive. She's a believably flawed teenager who's discovering herself and the world around her in a way that makes everything she describes seem fresh and interesting. I was totally invested in Lily's worldview while also being aware of the fact that there were bigger things she wasn't seeing or registering. Very skillfully written!
The flashback chapters in different characters' perspectives took me by surprise, and overall they didn't add much to my enjoyment of the book. I would often put the book down when I got to these chapters, partly because it was a natural stopping point and partly because I was disappointed not to be continuing Lily's story. These chapters did provide a helpful look into Lily's family's backgrounds and perspectives, but I wonder if these could have been incorporated in a different way that didn't pull me out of Lily's narrative so starkly.
Altogether, the writing style, the characters, the subject matter...they all worked together so well and created a story that drew me in and got a grip on my heart. I'm incredibly excited to reread this one and relive Lily's journey.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Lesbophobia
Moderate: Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Sexual content, and Alcohol
Minor: Miscarriage, Racial slurs, Police brutality, and Toxic friendship
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
2.5
In a futuristic war, male pilots operate gigantic mechas with energy provided by female concubines, often resulting in the concubines' deaths. When Wu Zetian becomes a concubine with the intent of avenging her sister's death, her power and tenacity take the army by storm.
I'm still so conflicted about what I think of this book. The idea of it, and many of the tropes, are fascinating and engaging. I wanted to love the hints of Zetian's corruption arc, the challenging of a long-held system, the magical elements of qi and Chrysalises and Hunduns.
But I just didn't love them. The execution of the plot and character arcs did not strike a chord with me. I felt like I barely understood the magic/qi system, with the five elements and spirit armor and such, and everything that happened felt pretty unbelievable, except I had no basis to refute it thanks to not having a solid grasp of the world itself. This book tried to fit so much into it, and my impression is that the quality of the story and its themes is degraded as a result.
This is a very #girlpower book, which is not a problem in and of itself, but it got to the point where I was rolling my eyes at Zetian's stilted words of empowerment. I find it hard to believe that an uneducated teenage girl in a violently patriarchal society would be able to so effortlessly analyze the roots of misogyny and discrimination, no matter how outspoken and clever she is. She always seems to figure out everything right away and always make the best possible decision.
Along the same lines, the characters are all very black or white. While the 'good guys' do some morally questionable things, it's all for the 'greater good' and is justified without anyone feeling conflicted about it. The 'bad guys' are wholly unlikeable, with no motivations beyond selfishness and greed. If the 'good guys' appear to have any flaws to begin with, they're later waved away through exposition of their trauma, or the revelation that they actually had good intentions. I was annoyed by the protagonists' moral untouchability, and I was desperate for them to have any actual flaws that wouldn't be explained away or that would have actual consequences for them. The only exceptions to the black-and-white characterization might be some of the pilots and their partners, like Qieluo, but with the rapid pace and jam-packed storytelling, we hardly get to focus on them.
To be fair, I made it about halfway through the book before all of these problems really started to wear on me - I had hope in the first half that the plot would pick up and that I'd get to know the characters and the world better. My hopes were disappointed, but I was far enough in that I forced myself to finish it. The conclusion and epilogue did hook me, so I might try the next book in the series at some point, but I don't expect to be blown away.
Also, like, triple check the content warnings on this one, because it does get pretty dark and gruesome.
I'm still so conflicted about what I think of this book. The idea of it, and many of the tropes, are fascinating and engaging. I wanted to love the hints of Zetian's corruption arc, the challenging of a long-held system, the magical elements of qi and Chrysalises and Hunduns.
But I just didn't love them. The execution of the plot and character arcs did not strike a chord with me. I felt like I barely understood the magic/qi system, with the five elements and spirit armor and such, and everything that happened felt pretty unbelievable, except I had no basis to refute it thanks to not having a solid grasp of the world itself. This book tried to fit so much into it, and my impression is that the quality of the story and its themes is degraded as a result.
This is a very #girlpower book, which is not a problem in and of itself, but it got to the point where I was rolling my eyes at Zetian's stilted words of empowerment. I find it hard to believe that an uneducated teenage girl in a violently patriarchal society would be able to so effortlessly analyze the roots of misogyny and discrimination, no matter how outspoken and clever she is. She always seems to figure out everything right away and always make the best possible decision.
Along the same lines, the characters are all very black or white. While the 'good guys' do some morally questionable things, it's all for the 'greater good' and is justified without anyone feeling conflicted about it. The 'bad guys' are wholly unlikeable, with no motivations beyond selfishness and greed. If the 'good guys' appear to have any flaws to begin with, they're later waved away through exposition of their trauma, or the revelation that they actually had good intentions. I was annoyed by the protagonists' moral untouchability, and I was desperate for them to have any actual flaws that wouldn't be explained away or that would have actual consequences for them. The only exceptions to the black-and-white characterization might be some of the pilots and their partners, like Qieluo, but with the rapid pace and jam-packed storytelling, we hardly get to focus on them.
To be fair, I made it about halfway through the book before all of these problems really started to wear on me - I had hope in the first half that the plot would pick up and that I'd get to know the characters and the world better. My hopes were disappointed, but I was far enough in that I forced myself to finish it. The conclusion and epilogue did hook me, so I might try the next book in the series at some point, but I don't expect to be blown away.
Also, like, triple check the content warnings on this one, because it does get pretty dark and gruesome.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Body horror, Confinement, Death, Misogyny, Sexism, Torture, Violence, Blood, Murder, Alcohol, and War
Moderate: Ableism and Child abuse
Minor: Domestic abuse, Gore, Rape, Grief, Death of parent, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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 came in expecting another silly lesbian romance, wonderful in its way but not remarkable. What I got was a one-day binge-read that had me laughing and crying and cheering the whole way through.
Each with their own motivations, basketball player Scottie and cheerleading captain Irene hatch a fake-dating scheme, despite their strong dislike for one another. As you might expect, their animosity soon gives way to other feelings, but each girl's past and emotional baggage challenge them to grow and heal.
What really struck a chord with me in She Drives Me Crazy was the real, messy, heart-aching depiction of breakups and healing. Scottie's relationship with her ex, Tally, is complicated and painful and undefined, and there's no attempt to oversimplify it or brush it away. It's something I've rarely seen in the romance genre, at least not in a way that's so centered and relatable. Scottie's pain and emotions are so human, in the sense that I was often frustrated with her but always rooting for her.
Sure, there are many cheesy high-school-romance moments in this book, and tropes like the mean girl bully and the cliquey-ness of high school can be over the top. Somehow, that didn't reduce my enjoyment of the story! I could suspend my disbelief and appreciate the wonderful narrative coming together.
Once again, She Drives Me Crazy has exceeded my expectations. Even with its fairly simple prose and neatly-wrapped storylines, it hit close to home and provided me with much-needed heartache, comfort, and joy.
Each with their own motivations, basketball player Scottie and cheerleading captain Irene hatch a fake-dating scheme, despite their strong dislike for one another. As you might expect, their animosity soon gives way to other feelings, but each girl's past and emotional baggage challenge them to grow and heal.
What really struck a chord with me in She Drives Me Crazy was the real, messy, heart-aching depiction of breakups and healing. Scottie's relationship with her ex, Tally, is complicated and painful and undefined, and there's no attempt to oversimplify it or brush it away. It's something I've rarely seen in the romance genre, at least not in a way that's so centered and relatable. Scottie's pain and emotions are so human, in the sense that I was often frustrated with her but always rooting for her.
Sure, there are many cheesy high-school-romance moments in this book, and tropes like the mean girl bully and the cliquey-ness of high school can be over the top. Somehow, that didn't reduce my enjoyment of the story! I could suspend my disbelief and appreciate the wonderful narrative coming together.
Once again, She Drives Me Crazy has exceeded my expectations. Even with its fairly simple prose and neatly-wrapped storylines, it hit close to home and provided me with much-needed heartache, comfort, and joy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Toxic relationship, Lesbophobia, and Alcohol
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Grief
Minor: Cursing, Drug use, Car accident, Outing, and Injury/Injury detail
To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A four-person astronaut crew explores life-filled planets light-years away from Earth, thanks to the technology of somaforming. As they explore each new world, they learn more about the universe, and also about themselves, each other, and human nature. As they leave Earth farther behind, they must confront the possibility of what they will find when they eventually return.
I am a big Becky Chambers fan - the Wayfarers series has a special place in my heart. To Be Taught isn't too far removed from Wayfarers, in that it's speculative, cozy sci-fi with diverse characters and engaging moral quandaries. That being said, To Be Taught doesn't quite live up to Wayfarers for me. I miss the multiple perspectives and lengthier narratives that get sacrificed in novella form. Some of the science is believable and well-explained, while other aspects feel less fleshed-out. For instance, the narrator Ariadne's role on the crew often feels contrived; she doesn't actually do much as the ship's engineer, which conveniently leaves her with plenty of opportunity to help the others and thus observe and narrate their actions. When she does act in her role, she can be indecisive and unscientific, with a lot of "probably"s and "I don't know"s that never get methodically addressed like I would expect.
As always with Becky Chambers, To Be Taught is an interesting, easy-to-read sci-fi that effectively uses outer space and science to reflect inwardly on humanity. While I can't rave as much about this novella compared to any of the Wayfarers books, I am still glad to have it on my shelf.
I am a big Becky Chambers fan - the Wayfarers series has a special place in my heart. To Be Taught isn't too far removed from Wayfarers, in that it's speculative, cozy sci-fi with diverse characters and engaging moral quandaries. That being said, To Be Taught doesn't quite live up to Wayfarers for me. I miss the multiple perspectives and lengthier narratives that get sacrificed in novella form. Some of the science is believable and well-explained, while other aspects feel less fleshed-out. For instance, the narrator Ariadne's role on the crew often feels contrived; she doesn't actually do much as the ship's engineer, which conveniently leaves her with plenty of opportunity to help the others and thus observe and narrate their actions. When she does act in her role, she can be indecisive and unscientific, with a lot of "probably"s and "I don't know"s that never get methodically addressed like I would expect.
As always with Becky Chambers, To Be Taught is an interesting, easy-to-read sci-fi that effectively uses outer space and science to reflect inwardly on humanity. While I can't rave as much about this novella compared to any of the Wayfarers books, I am still glad to have it on my shelf.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Cursing
Minor: Death, Gun violence, Sexual content, Medical content, and Injury/Injury detail