ahhhhhhlexa's reviews
457 reviews

Everything for Everyone: An Oral History of the New York Commune, 2052–2072 by Eman Abdelhadi, M.E. O'Brien

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challenging dark hopeful inspiring slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? N/A
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

This was genuinely such an eye opening and stimulating experience. Another great piece that falls into this speculative academic adjacent vibe I have been loving?? I liked engaging with this so much and felt it was so unique that I messaged the press being like "thanks for making me think". With so much going on right now I think this is a really healthy outlet to imagine the potential liberated futures. Still unanswered questions, glossing over of things that would need more attention, but as a thought experiment it really worked for me - even if it's just a starting point!
In the Jaded Grove by Anela Deen

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adventurous hopeful 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

3.0

I genuinely was rooting for the characters by the end! It took me a second to really grasp what was happening here and it wasn't perfectly paced but I had a good time reading. I would be interested in reading more from this author. 
Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

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

4.5

this huuuuuurt
Chlorine by Jade Song

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dark emotional tense 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

Sooo tense and kept me anticipating the climax the entire time (even knowing the inevitability).  There were times I loved the writing and times I felt it was a bit too unfocused, especially after the ~ event ~. I also struggled a little bit with the dialogue. I am SAT for whatever Jade Song publishes next tho. Also, not related to my review but damn if this isn't one of my favorite book covers of all time. 
Zami: A New Spelling of My Name: A Biomythography by Audre Lorde

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challenging emotional informative inspiring reflective slow-paced

3.5

Such an impactful read! A really thought-provoking story/life and a very interested genre/story telling method. I wish that I was reading this in community.
Elder Race by Adrian Tchaikovsky

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adventurous emotional mysterious sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

my god this was so clever and so emotional. I think this was pretty perfectly paced and the length made sense but I would be FERAL for a whole series in this setting. 
Deep End by Ali Hazelwood

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emotional funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

soooo insanely readable once it hit its stride! that being said, I do think the pace suffered in spots. pretty hot, I liked the couple lots, and I really actually liked the spots stuff lol.
Die With Your Lord by Sarah K.L. Wilson

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

2.0

Final book in a series I never should have continued so I don't feel like my review is valid. My biggest issues with this whole series was that the world and characters and plot points could have been pretty interesting if the overall series was better plotted. Most of the endgame worldbuilding was introduced as it became relevant to the progression of the story - therefore none of the fated stuff felt fated. 
Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo

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

3.0

I feel very unfit to review this book. I totally agree with the raving reviews that the characters are diverse and interesting, that the writing is successful in its mission. I also should have loved the format - extremely intriguing and well structured. So basically take my review with a grain of salt. I struggled with the atmosphere and writing - the writing style was so reflective that it felt very tell not show. The pacing also was off for me - some stories flowed so well and others I felt were bogged down by details I never saw the point in.