avilareads's reviews
40 reviews

The Loop by Ben Oliver

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adventurous dark tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This book brought back the preteen version of myself and their obsession with dystopian stories like the maze runner trilogy. such a competent book exploring a genuinely horrifying manifestation of Jeremy Bentham’s panopticon thought experiment and how psychologically devastating internment is for children just beginning to develop. so many twists and turns and tension- loved it and i will be continuing the trilogy which is big for me!
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Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh

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adventurous dark emotional tense medium-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? Yes

5.0

One of the best science fiction novels I have ever read. There are some incredible explorations of bio essentialism, imperialism, revenge, and cult mentality in this. One of the strongest points of this novel is the difficult and harrowing process of de-radicalization and the depths of consequence when it comes to cult programming. such an incredible novel!!!! and queer!!! and emotional!!!! i loved it. 
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Journey Into the Whirlwind by Eugenia Ginzburg

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challenging emotional informative reflective tense slow-paced
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The Fortunate Fall by Cameron Reed

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adventurous reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

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The Russian Revolution 1917-1932 by Sheila Fitzpatrick

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read for history class
Descender Compendium by Jeff Lemire

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adventurous dark tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

this is the pinnacle of science fiction, truly. political intrigue, questions about humanity and the consequences of its actions against those they consider inferior, etc. plus, EXCELLENT robots with INCREDIBLE lore and as much moral grey-ness as humanity. 100/10
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The Man Who Fell to Earth by Walter Tevis

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mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.75

Absolutely loved this book and the fact that they casted David Bowie in the movie might be the most perfect casting in cinematic history!!!!
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Mockingbird by Walter Tevis

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reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? No

3.75

Such a fascinating novel, but I would have loved it so so so much more if there was less from Paul’s perspective and more from Spofforth‘s. But there are some genuinely interesting and unique takes on robotic morality and existence. One thing about me, I love androids who have a fascination and desire for death. The most annoying part of this book is the constant male perspective about how horny he is for any nice woman. Spofforth for the win. 
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I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman

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dark emotional reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

a uniquely feminine take on hopelessness in a post-dystopian world that seems endless and vacant. as someone who adores mccarthy’s the road, this novel is a masterclass on writing. 
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We Have Always Been Here by Lena Nguyen

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adventurous dark mysterious tense medium-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? Yes

5.0

Incredibly written, and so well paced and cultivated into a really amazing science fiction novel. it is so refreshing to read a unique and riveting sci-fi! so glad i gave this one a try. also, i fucking love androids. 
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