Scan barcode
takarakei's reviews
502 reviews
Blood Over Bright Haven by M.L. Wang
Neutral:
What I think could've been improved:
In the end I do think this book is worth a read if you're a dark academia fan. I just don't think it's the best thing I've ever read.
dark
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Ok I have mixed feelings about this. Preface: I finally read an arc I had from the self-published version, so I don't know how much/if any editing was done since it's now being trad published. I hope they did, because I think there is a lot of potential here! Also, I have read this author's other book Sword of Kaigen and was in the minority of people who didn't like it, so I went in with some heavy skepticism.
What I liked:
What I liked:
- As one of THE biggest Babel fans out there, this had similar vibes. They are still VERY different books (and this doesn't even touch Babel on many levels), but yes I've seen the comparison and I do think it's generally appropriate.
- This is a good dark academia book, and those elements were done really well. I liked that the magical school setting was more like a graduate/research setting. Definitely set this apart from many university set dark academias I've read.
- The world building was interesting and unique. Wanting to learn more about it kept me reading. Related to that there's a mysterious nature to the first half of the book as Sciona and Thomil unravel things. And when those things start to come to light it's definitely a page turner.
- I think the commentary this book is making on real-world-issues is very apt and important, and is also done well.
Neutral:
- There is quite a bit of brutal, gruesome and disturbing things that happen right from the get-go (and even more later on in the book) so just be aware.
What I think could've been improved:
- Once the main 'reveal' happens I think we spent too much time with Sciona's hand-wringing and reckoning with what to do. Like yes, it's shocking and world changing, but at a certain point I just needed her to get on with it. I felt myself just wanting the ending to come.
- But then the actual climax/ending of the book happens super fast, and also very late in the book (like at 90% in I checked to make sure this was a standalone) and that didn't leave enough time for any resolution. After I finished I still had a LOT of logistical questions about how this world goes forward. This unfortunately was also my issue with Sword of Kaigen...
- So generally there were some pacing issues.
In the end I do think this book is worth a read if you're a dark academia fan. I just don't think it's the best thing I've ever read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, Misogyny, Racism, Sexual assault, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Animal death, Genocide, Suicidal thoughts, and Death of parent
Minor: Rape and Cannibalism
The Undertaking of Hart and Mercy by Megan Bannen
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
This is for sure a quirky semi-cozy fantasy romance retelling of You've Got Mail. I have some qualms with that movie, but I think they were mostly alleviated in this version. Yes, there is letter writing at the beginning as part of the romance setup and that is cute. Yes, the guy still has ALL the information (aka finds out her identity and has to keep a secret) - a trope I dislike. But, at least he isn't also the villain trying to put her family's business out of business (this is my biggest issue with the movie) - that instead is another bigger mortuary, and there's a side plot regarding that as well.
The romance is def the strong point here. There's great banter - Hart and Mercy are set up as antagonistic from the get-go (I would not say they're enemies, they just don't like each other, but often have to see each other for work). I liked the dual pov, and I did some with audio so that narration was good as well. Mercy is a strong character and I like the way she handles things especially with the inevitable conflict in the relationship. Hart is just one of those guys who needs therapy and a hug. There is definitely a grumpy-sunshine element here. Also both MC's are tall, like tall tall (I think Hart is described as being 6'9" o_o)
As someone who reads a lot of fantasy the world-building in this left a lot to be desired. Things just weren't really explained all that well and whenever they were talking about Tanria I was often a little confused. Some things I just had to accept I wasn't going to know the 'why' behind (like your appendix is the source of your soul... oooook???). I tried to just kind of glaze over those parts, but there is a point in the book where suddenly it becomes important and I was left a bit frustrated for not being able to fully comprehend. It felt a bit like the book was trying to do a few too many things: Mercy dealing with family dynamics, Hart dealing with his personal past, then the family business is failing, and on top of that the town is at stake from stuff coming over from Tanria... so yeah this book didn't need to be so complicated and long!!!
The romance is def the strong point here. There's great banter - Hart and Mercy are set up as antagonistic from the get-go (I would not say they're enemies, they just don't like each other, but often have to see each other for work). I liked the dual pov, and I did some with audio so that narration was good as well. Mercy is a strong character and I like the way she handles things especially with the inevitable conflict in the relationship. Hart is just one of those guys who needs therapy and a hug. There is definitely a grumpy-sunshine element here. Also both MC's are tall, like tall tall (I think Hart is described as being 6'9" o_o)
As someone who reads a lot of fantasy the world-building in this left a lot to be desired. Things just weren't really explained all that well and whenever they were talking about Tanria I was often a little confused. Some things I just had to accept I wasn't going to know the 'why' behind (like your appendix is the source of your soul... oooook???). I tried to just kind of glaze over those parts, but there is a point in the book where suddenly it becomes important and I was left a bit frustrated for not being able to fully comprehend. It felt a bit like the book was trying to do a few too many things: Mercy dealing with family dynamics, Hart dealing with his personal past, then the family business is failing, and on top of that the town is at stake from stuff coming over from Tanria... so yeah this book didn't need to be so complicated and long!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, and Sexual content
Moderate: Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal death, Cancer, and Sexism
Mercy is an undertaker so if dead bodies etc grosses you out this is def not the book for you
Mercy's sister is pregnant (just to be clear that it's not the MC).
Dawnshard by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
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
4.25
Rsyn was a fun character to follow for this little novella, I really enjoyed her pov. It definitely felt like a lot of things in this book will be important for like future future Cosmere stuff, like not even this series perhaps or like maybe the second series of Stormlight ........
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Body horror, and Death
Moderate: Violence and Medical trauma
Minor: Animal death, Bullying, Suicidal thoughts, and Blood
How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang
emotional
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? It's complicated
4.5
As a big sister, this book made me cry. There were some absolutely beautiful and heartbreaking moments.
The reviews for this book are so harsh and I truly don’t get it. First of all, this is not a second chance romance: the two MC barely knew each other in high school let alone had any romance between them. Simply going to the same school (and being linked by the tragedy that occurred then) is not qualification for second chance romance. This is just two people with a complicated past coming together to overcome said past.
This book is told in dual pov and it switches mid chapter, which I think was aided by the great narration. I think it also lended to this reading like a movie (which makes sense since the author is a screenwriter). I’m not sure why people are so averse to this.
People think it’s insta love? Or was too fast?????? I… no. The only thing I can think of is that because the POVs are not chapter long maybe it reads as if it’s moving faster plot wise because the pov switches more often?! But I am extremely averse to instalove and this was not that. I thought the romance was so well done and hot 🥵 yes there is (good!!) spice.
So why not 5 stars?: mild spoilersthere is a third act breakup which is heavily forecasted based on the circumstances, and yet it still was hard to read. And it does drag on a tad, I just personally prefer either no breakup or like an easily resolved one. But I am a little forgiving considering the circumstances. And after it’s resolved the ending felt a little rushed.
This book also deals heavily with first generation American children dynamics with their parents. And I thought that was handled with care and thoughtfulness.
Overall I think this is a really beautiful romance that deals with grief at it’s core so maybe it’s not for everyone but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
The reviews for this book are so harsh and I truly don’t get it. First of all, this is not a second chance romance: the two MC barely knew each other in high school let alone had any romance between them. Simply going to the same school (and being linked by the tragedy that occurred then) is not qualification for second chance romance. This is just two people with a complicated past coming together to overcome said past.
This book is told in dual pov and it switches mid chapter, which I think was aided by the great narration. I think it also lended to this reading like a movie (which makes sense since the author is a screenwriter). I’m not sure why people are so averse to this.
People think it’s insta love? Or was too fast?????? I… no. The only thing I can think of is that because the POVs are not chapter long maybe it reads as if it’s moving faster plot wise because the pov switches more often?! But I am extremely averse to instalove and this was not that. I thought the romance was so well done and hot 🥵 yes there is (good!!) spice.
So why not 5 stars?: mild spoilers
This book also deals heavily with first generation American children dynamics with their parents. And I thought that was handled with care and thoughtfulness.
Overall I think this is a really beautiful romance that deals with grief at it’s core so maybe it’s not for everyone but I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Sexual content, Suicide, Grief, and Car accident
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Drug use
Can't Spell Treason Without Tea by Rebecca Thorne
Did not finish book. Stopped at 51%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 51%.
I fear this is exactly what I thought it would be… which is just too cozy for my taste. If you’re a fan of cozy fantasy tho this is probs right up your alley
Piranesi by Susanna Clarke
challenging
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
WOW!!!
I personally think this book is best gone into knowing as little as possible. The only thing I would say is be ready for a weird ride. The first 1/3 of the book you are gonna be confused and like "wtf am I reading" but STICK WITH IT!!! It's so hard to even describe this book without giving too much away. I want to read everything anyone has ever written about this book to delve further into analysis of it. I personally am going to be thinking about it for a long time to come.
One of the most unique books I've read also. There's not a strong 'plot' per say, besides the mystery of the world, but trying to piece together what is even going on was enough for me. The ending brought tears to my eyes.
I also find it a good sign when I finish a book and immediately think "I can't wait to reread this"!
I personally think this book is best gone into knowing as little as possible. The only thing I would say is be ready for a weird ride. The first 1/3 of the book you are gonna be confused and like "wtf am I reading" but STICK WITH IT!!! It's so hard to even describe this book without giving too much away. I want to read everything anyone has ever written about this book to delve further into analysis of it. I personally am going to be thinking about it for a long time to come.
One of the most unique books I've read also. There's not a strong 'plot' per say, besides the mystery of the world, but trying to piece together what is even going on was enough for me. The ending brought tears to my eyes.
I also find it a good sign when I finish a book and immediately think "I can't wait to reread this"!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Kidnapping, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Mental illness, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Toxic friendship
Minor: Excrement, Vomit, and Murder
Her Majesty's Royal Coven by Juno Dawson
adventurous
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? It's complicated
3.75
This read like a very pointed story directed at The Author Who Shall Not Be Named…Which like I’m here for! A world like ours but there are witches (the witches are in power) the warlocks (aka men) are like a separate thing. Set in the UK…. And the whole plot revolves around inclusion of trans people (or lack there of) in a binary system.
It felt a tad dated or basic in terms of discussions of trans people, but that’s definitely my opinion as someone who knows trans/non-binary people irl and interacts with the community. For the average person perhaps this will be a great starting point to trans inclusion and why it matters especially in feminism.
I wish the magic system was explained a bit better. The witches seemed to be able to do almost anything which just seemed a bit too convenient at parts. I would also say it generally leans much more character driven vs plot even tho there is some plot. I did appreciate the multiple POVs cause I think that structure really worked for this story. I can’t say whether I will continue the series or not
It felt a tad dated or basic in terms of discussions of trans people, but that’s definitely my opinion as someone who knows trans/non-binary people irl and interacts with the community. For the average person perhaps this will be a great starting point to trans inclusion and why it matters especially in feminism.
I wish the magic system was explained a bit better. The witches seemed to be able to do almost anything which just seemed a bit too convenient at parts. I would also say it generally leans much more character driven vs plot even tho there is some plot. I did appreciate the multiple POVs cause I think that structure really worked for this story. I can’t say whether I will continue the series or not
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Transphobia, and Violence
Moderate: Child abuse, Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Grief, Murder, Toxic friendship, and War
Minor: Domestic abuse, Infidelity, and Dysphoria
The Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy 2023 by R.F. Kuang, John Joseph Adams
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I’ve not read many short story anthologies (I keep buying them and not reading them 💀) but I bought this specifically because R. F. Kuang is my favorite author, and because I knew it included a short story by Alix Harrow which I had previously read and loved. Rereading The Six Deaths of the Saint hit even harder and it was definitely my favorite. Rabbit Test made me stare into space after I finished in the “I’m having a crisis” way.
Overall, I really enjoyed most of the stories. There were only a couple that I could take or leave.
I did a few stories on audio and tandem while reading and the audio was also good, different narrators for each story.
Overall, I really enjoyed most of the stories. There were only a couple that I could take or leave.
I did a few stories on audio and tandem while reading and the audio was also good, different narrators for each story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Death, Gun violence, Misogyny, Racism, Blood, Abortion, Pregnancy, and War
The Last Tale of the Flower Bride by Roshani Chokshi
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I can definitely see myself rereading this book. It's a bit of a fever dream on a first read, and knowing where it was going, I think it would make an interesting re-read.
A story that weaves together between chapters in the past and present all surrounding the life of Indigo Maxwell-Casteñada, told from her husband's pov and her childhood friend in the past. Very atmospheric and character driven, the plot is really just the mystery of Indigo as a person being unraveled. Super creepy, eerie and unnerving at parts. Like being in a nightmare (but it's not horror persay). I found I really couldn't put it down!
It's rather a hard book to describe, so if the synopsis sounds good I recommend you try it!
A story that weaves together between chapters in the past and present all surrounding the life of Indigo Maxwell-Casteñada, told from her husband's pov and her childhood friend in the past. Very atmospheric and character driven, the plot is really just the mystery of Indigo as a person being unraveled. Super creepy, eerie and unnerving at parts. Like being in a nightmare (but it's not horror persay). I found I really couldn't put it down!
It's rather a hard book to describe, so if the synopsis sounds good I recommend you try it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Child abuse, Pedophilia, Sexual content, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, and Classism
Minor: Animal death, Death, Blood, Death of parent, and Alcohol
Night of the Raven, Dawn of the Dove by Rati Mehrotra
Katyani was a great MC; very strong, fierce and independent. As a capable bodyguard she is self-confident. But her past is a bit of a mystery and that unravels throughout this book to many plot twists and turns. The magic system wasn't really explained, so that definitely would've added points if it was more robust. Perhaps the world was just a bit too ambitious and I would've happily read another 100 pages to really round out the world building/magic etc.
There is a slow-burn romance that was alright, not my fav romance. It felt a little disjointed at parts due to plot things. I found the ending in general to be a bit rushed feeling and again I would've read another chapter or two to really finish it off well.
For a debut fantasy this was great and I'll def keep an eye on this author!
adventurous
mysterious
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? It's complicated
3.75
- STANDALONE FANTASY huzzah!
- Indian inspired
- political intrigue
Katyani was a great MC; very strong, fierce and independent. As a capable bodyguard she is self-confident. But her past is a bit of a mystery and that unravels throughout this book to many plot twists and turns. The magic system wasn't really explained, so that definitely would've added points if it was more robust. Perhaps the world was just a bit too ambitious and I would've happily read another 100 pages to really round out the world building/magic etc.
There is a slow-burn romance that was alright, not my fav romance. It felt a little disjointed at parts due to plot things. I found the ending in general to be a bit rushed feeling and again I would've read another chapter or two to really finish it off well.
For a debut fantasy this was great and I'll def keep an eye on this author!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Animal death, Sexism, and War