wellreadsquid's reviews
69 reviews

Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw

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dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

0.5

Honestly, this was a terrible read for me. I'll explain more on my blog, but suffice to say, it was a disjointed mess of ideas that had no real clarity or organization. 
Neon Gods by Katee Robert

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

2.5

rereading this, I have no idea why I liked this. I'm pretty sure I had a long stint of bad books and finally was able to get back into reading with this. Ya know, the same reason I decided to read it again. 

I'll have a nice long review about this where I rant once i get my thoughts together, but all I can say is that I see why people liked it... if they've never read a good BDSM romance before. Its new and fresh for some people, for someone like me... negative.

I'll end with this: 

The ending literally made me say out loud "Oh FUCK you!" in the most derogatory way possible. 

I need the world of Erotica to come a little harder. 
Of Charms, Ghosts and Grievances by Aliette de Bodard

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adventurous dark emotional funny lighthearted mysterious relaxing tense fast-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? It's complicated

5.0

I've been practically eating up everything to do with Thaun and Asmodeus even though I have yet to read the main series. She has not disappointed me with this and the character development between the two of them is so wonderful especially since it shows them having real conflict with each other and having to learn to solve it even though they're a couple. 

I'll have a full review on my site but for now I just want to say I hope Bodard writes another. I hope this is not the last we see of Thaun and Asmodeus.
Our Torsos Align: Human X Monster Love by Ryo Sumiyoshi

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I can't describe how much I enjoyed these little stories. I think my favorite however is the twisted one called Inhuman Flower. 

These stories are perfect for the monster lover in me and I hope to get more of Ryo Sumiyoshi's work. Everything he does is absolutely breathtaking. 
Boy Meets Maria by PEYO

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective sad tense 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? Yes

5.0

I truly enjoyed Arima's conflict with his gender. The only downside is that I wish he hadn't been assaulted, but it made perfect sense to the plot as to why he was the way he was and how he was able to overcome it. 

This is a short and sweet BL story that I plan to keep on my shelf. Though it doesn't explore gender too hard, the implication is that Arima is genderfluid and is struggling with how to live that way. I love the conflict and the reflective nature of his struggle. Definitely a must read. 
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The Vegetarian by Han Kang

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challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This was an intense and difficult read, one I'm happy to have completed. Watching the way everyone experienced Yeong-hye suffering while Yeong-hye never once got a say in her suffering was so disheartening. I'm going to be writing a much longer review on my blog if you want my full thoughts. 
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Of Dragons, Feasts and Murders by Aliette de Bodard

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adventurous dark emotional funny lighthearted mysterious 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

This novella was so amazing. Thaun and Asmodeus are now my favorite book couple next to Wei Wuxian and Lan Zhan. I also really enjoyed the court politics. It was the perfect pace with a really good resolution that didn't feel rushed. I love this woman, she has me in a chokehold! 
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Monotone Blue by Nagabe

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emotional funny lighthearted reflective sad 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

5.0

This is an adorable little love story. I didn't know what to expect but the art drew me in. I would say kids shouldn't read it but it's a sweet teen love story that I think anybody can enjoy. 
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After Dark by Haruki Murakami

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing sad 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? Yes

3.5

 
I really enjoyed this and once I'm done ruminating on it, I'll have more to say. For now, this was a beautiful study of a troubled teen who needed to be reminded to be brave and that even though she is distant from her family, she can still always come home. 

I really enjoyed the fact that all of the loose ends weren't wrapped up because why would it all resolve in one night? You simply take everything as it settles and move on into the morning. 

It's a very fast-moving narrative with a daisy-chain type of plot. Though not his best, it is undeniably Murakami's! 

 
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The Hellbound Heart by Clive Barker

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dark emotional mysterious reflective tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

 This is my first Clive Barker Read. I am a huge fan of the Hellraiser series and I can say with very real honesty, the book is much better. 

It will definitely not be for everyone as it deals with very intense subject matters alongside the horror aspect. But I would invite anyone to give it a try! 
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