zellburke's reviews
28 reviews

Cultish: The Language of Fanaticism by Amanda Montell

informative reflective medium-paced

3.5

I don't want to say Amanda Montell is a #bossbabe, so instead I'll go with #linguisticlord (maybe that's just as bad)

Cultish (noun): clique slang taken to the extreme

The Raven Boys by Maggie Stiefvater

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

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

3.5

Entertaining and magic filled. Chainsaw and the house of psychic women have my heart. 

Just hoping Gansey isn't still annoying when the series ends.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Alcoholism, Child abuse, and Domestic abuse

Minor: Sexism and Classism

A Prayer for the Crown-Shy by Becky Chambers

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing fast-paced

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

5.0

An endearing duo in a cozy story. Each description of food, nature, and thing is a warm hug.

Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Aoki

challenging dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad 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? Yes

4.75

Aliens, Demons, Violin Prodigies - What more could you ask for?

Also, the characters were each charming, added something unique to the story, and were brought to life with masterful writing.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Child abuse, Racism, Sexism, Transphobia, and Murder

Moderate: Sexual assault and Sexual harassment

Minor: War

A Psalm for the Wild-Built by Becky Chambers

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing fast-paced

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

5.0

Hot tea in a warm mug on a cold evening.

Kiss Her Once for Me by Alison Cochrun

funny hopeful inspiring 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

4.75

I need a Powell's trip
I need a meet-cute
I need expensive coffee
I need to learn how to skii
AND I need a less cringey ending - but oh well

Also, the Oregon references have my heart
The lesbian and Bi gals have my heart
Dylan has my heart
Meemaw has my heart
Katherine has my heart <33333

Vengeful by V.E. Schwab

adventurous dark mysterious tense fast-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

4.25

Q: Why did I want one serial killer to survive and another one to rot?
A: Because Victor.

Also, my dying thoughts would 100% be "This is so Embarrassing" - so do with that what you will.

Alone With You in the Ether by Olivie Blake

hopeful reflective medium-paced

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

3.5

I don't know if I want to be in a character's head this much - I don't even like being in my own head

But the bees - honestly MVPs