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akira_outofthegravity's reviews
179 reviews
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
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? No
3.75
Not really scary but I love the theme of bravery, and how much Coraline loves her family.
PET by Akwaeke Emezi
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-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
Society has gotten rid of monsters, but when Jam accidentally summons Pet- a creature from her mother’s paintings- Pet reveals that there’s a monster nearby and it’s his job to get rid of it.
I like this book! It’s a great way for teens to learn about different identities and relationships, the friendship between the two main characters is great and the plot is very interesting. I’ve knocked off a point because the end frustrates me.
Redemptions brother is being (it is implied sexually) abused by his uncle, who is well loved by the family. The climax features Pet who wishes to punish him i.e. kill him- however Jam intervenes and asks him not to. This is, to me, utterly insane. It’s different with the current justice system where Black people are being abused by it, (Jam and Redeption and their families are Black), and so it makes sense that the death penalty doesn’t work in this society however, the uncle confesses- so why not kill him? It’s clear he’s done it, and what is the justice system- if it is indeed being scrutinised- going to do? The only plus side is that the uncle is exposed, one of his wives (I believe he is polyam) also confesses to knowing what he did, and so he is ostracised and dealt with that way. But Jams decision reeks of moral superiority, I get the message but I don’t think it’s appropriate for that situation, and it tarnishes an otherwise incredible book.
I like this book! It’s a great way for teens to learn about different identities and relationships, the friendship between the two main characters is great and the plot is very interesting. I’ve knocked off a point because the end frustrates me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Blood
The Moving Finger by Agatha Christie
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
Utter rubbish. The only Christie original so far that I’ve absolutely hated. This is a morning book that says nothing, has nothing and is nothing. Don’t read it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
History Is All You Left Me by Adam Silvera
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- 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
Sadness. Pure, concentrated sadness.
It sucks that Theo’s death is this new beginning for Griffin, like, I know it’s based on Silvera’s own experience but it’s like if Theo hadn’t died then Griffin would never have moved on? I don’t know. It’s well written and while I don’t really like Griffin I guess that’s kind of the point. Bittersweet.
It sucks that Theo’s death is this new beginning for Griffin, like, I know it’s based on Silvera’s own experience but it’s like if Theo hadn’t died then Griffin would never have moved on? I don’t know. It’s well written and while I don’t really like Griffin I guess that’s kind of the point. Bittersweet.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death
We Are the Ants by Shaun David Hutchinson
Henry’s brothers girlfriend miscarries their unborn child
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
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
After the suicide of his boyfriend and being abandoned by his best friend, Henry is left alone in the world. He’s in a toxic relationship with his bully, his awful older brother is going to be a dad, and his grandmother is slowly losing herself to dementia. Henry is also periodically kidnapped by aliens. They’ve now given him a choice, the world will blow up in a couple months time, and only Henry has the power to stop it. But will he find a reason to?
This book is everything I wanted A Little Life to be, it doesn’t shy away from its very delicate and sad subject matter, but Henry’s evolution into his better self is incredible and honestly gave me hope that I, too, could be semi functional one day. His suicidal ideation is very well written and the death of his boyfriend Jesse is very delicately handled, and shows the aftermath of that act without blaming anyone- including Jesse himself. All in all this is a heartbreaking story but it ends happily, which is all I can ask for.
This book is everything I wanted A Little Life to be, it doesn’t shy away from its very delicate and sad subject matter, but Henry’s evolution into his better self is incredible and honestly gave me hope that I, too, could be semi functional one day. His suicidal ideation is very well written and the death of his boyfriend Jesse is very delicately handled, and shows the aftermath of that act without blaming anyone- including Jesse himself. All in all this is a heartbreaking story but it ends happily, which is all I can ask for.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Homophobia, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Dementia, and Suicide attempt
Black Coffee by Charles Osborne, Agatha Christie
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
1.0
This is fucking AWFUL. I don’t know if it’s because it doesn’t adapt well to book (being a stage play first) or if the author who isn’t Christie just can’t write Poirot. Maybe both. Don’t bother picking this one up.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
The A.B.C. Murders by Agatha Christie
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Surprisingly good! A twist ending I didn’t see coming which was a lovely surprise.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Murder
The Gentleman's Guide to Getting Lucky by Mackenzi Lee
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
4.0
4* because it’s a novella- so there’s not a lot of story, but it’s super adorable and a great addition to Monty and Percy’s story!
A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
1.0
I feel like I’m missing something- I actually didn’t think I’d purchased the whole book. That’s it? Too short for any kind of real mystery or development.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie
dark
emotional
tense
medium-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
4.0
What can I say except it’s a classic for a reason! There are better Agatha Christie books, sure but this one is iconic and honestly one of the best.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, and Murder