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alyxthebookdragon's reviews
137 reviews
The Sapling Cage by Margaret Killjoy
adventurous
hopeful
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? No
4.0
My first thought as I started this book was that this was this is the story of Alanna's brother Thom (by Tamora Pierce) if he were instead a trans girl-- Trading places with a friend who would rather be a knight, Lorel leaves home to learn to be a witch. I mean this comparison affectionately as I have a lot of love for the Alanna series. I've read that story as an excellent examination of gender, because Alanna dress s like a boy but maintains her identity. It's not about how you dress or look, it's about who you are. I love that The Sapling Cage dives more deeply into this, talks freely about transness, and Lorel finds herself and friends she can trust with her identify throughout the book.
Witches are hunted in this world, and it is only through learning to protect themselves and banding together that the covens survive. The magic system is interesting and beautiful, though not without potential for darkness. I love the youth who aren't afraid to stand up for what they know is right and the authority that eventually listens and stands with them.
Witches are hunted in this world, and it is only through learning to protect themselves and banding together that the covens survive. The magic system is interesting and beautiful, though not without potential for darkness. I love the youth who aren't afraid to stand up for what they know is right and the authority that eventually listens and stands with them.
The Nightmare Before Kissmas by Sara Raasch
emotional
funny
hopeful
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? No
5.0
I'm going to affectionately compare this to red white and royal blue, but just know it frustrates me when books are compared exclusively along similar plot points. This is two "rival" nations And two princes falling in love and a PR nightmare. But the tone is also similar to red white royal blue. The reverence with which love is spoken, the desire to do something more and better, to undo the mistakes of the past and build something more with the future. The sibling and friend relationships. So much of what I loved about rwrb is also in this.
The prince of Christmas is a fuck up who finds out he isn't as messed up as he thought, who grows into his good ideas and learns to stand on what he believes, which is anticapitalist, anti comidification of holiday and traditions. He fights to get back to when many traditions could all exist in their fullness, and I like that a lot. He learns hes worthy of love.
The king of Halloween married the Queen of Dia de los muertos, and I like the aspects of both that were brought in through their son, the prince of mischief and finding joy in hard times. The prince who loves ofrendas and reconnecting to those passed. The prince who can't swear without magically producing a jack-o'-lantern. Who isn't above using a little magic to tease a friend. Who is fiercely devoted to his duty, but learns to find love anyway.
These two are silly and mischievous and sickenly cute together. A great read, one I will want to revisit every year when the weather starts to turn towards fall and winter.
The prince of Christmas is a fuck up who finds out he isn't as messed up as he thought, who grows into his good ideas and learns to stand on what he believes, which is anticapitalist, anti comidification of holiday and traditions. He fights to get back to when many traditions could all exist in their fullness, and I like that a lot. He learns hes worthy of love.
The king of Halloween married the Queen of Dia de los muertos, and I like the aspects of both that were brought in through their son, the prince of mischief and finding joy in hard times. The prince who loves ofrendas and reconnecting to those passed. The prince who can't swear without magically producing a jack-o'-lantern. Who isn't above using a little magic to tease a friend. Who is fiercely devoted to his duty, but learns to find love anyway.
These two are silly and mischievous and sickenly cute together. A great read, one I will want to revisit every year when the weather starts to turn towards fall and winter.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Physical abuse
Stars in Your Eyes by Kacen Callender
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Sexual assault
A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft
adventurous
dark
hopeful
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
This is a sapphic romance with dark academia aspects. But more than that, I found it to be a book about four traumatized women. Some who cause damage and meet their end. Some who cause damage and heal. All of whom I found to be well rounded, well thought out, and compelling. I think people will find themselves drawn to each of these women, to their strengths and follies, to their hurts and their breakthroughs. This book is enjoyable, and one that will sit with you for a minute after you read it.
Deconstructing: Leaving Church, Finding Faith by Karla Kamstra
emotional
hopeful
informative
reflective
5.0
Full of grace and acceptance, a soft voice for the journey of those deconstructing.
Godkiller by Hannah Kaner
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
- 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
4.0
A child meant to be sacrificed to a fire god, saved by her father, grows up to be Viega-- god killer. Kissen soon finds herself a reluctant guardian of Ina, a child who has lost everything to fire. Despite her best efforts, Kissen grows attached as they travel to the land of wild gods to detach Ina from her God of white lies, they find themselves wrapped up in the political machinations of the king. I love Kissen's found family, those she calls siblings. She is gruff, but has a moral code that endears her to Elo- the baker Knight. They run from their pasts, but they can't outrun the forces chasing them.
Cursebreakers: A Novel by Madeleine Nakamura
dark
emotional
funny
slow-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? Yes
4.75
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. The dark political machinations, the fantasy elements, the lovable damaged characters. It is heartbreaking, it aches, it scrubs you raw and leave you feeling emptied in not necessarily a bad way. As someone with bipolar, I really appreciated this representation.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug abuse, Mental illness, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Police brutality, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail