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danielcasey's reviews
131 reviews
The Blighted Stars by Megan E. O'Keefe
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Focused world-building creates a rich backdrop for this tense sci-fi survival story that borders on thriller
Funny Story by Emily Henry
funny
lighthearted
fast-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? No
3.75
A quick, pleasant read
Orbital by Samantha Harvey
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
There is rarely space for meditative fiction. Plotless but beyond merely atmospheric, Orbital ponders. Specifically, it attempts to elucidate the emotions and thoughts around communication & connection. It is ruminative and, thus, requires serious thought & emotional engagement from readers. This is the reason why it is a quality work & why so many fail in their reading of it.
The Bog Wife by Kay Chronister
dark
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The prose is smooth and carries a simple depth allowing the plot to unfold at an even pace. In the final quarter the story takes a disappointing turn embracing fantasy which undercuts the psychological tension & weakens the overall story. I feel it would have been more impactful if the novel had steered into realism rather than the magical at the end.
Leather & Lark by Brynne Weaver
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
After reading the first book in this series, I’ve committed to the whole. The storytelling is very cinematic in the sense that it easily evokes imagining the chapters as scenes. The violence & the fucking are diverting if not silly (but that’s the nature of the genre, it’s only as serious as you take it) but the actual plot holds firm.
Become Ungovernable: An Abolition Feminist Ethic for Democratic Living by H.L.T. Quan
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Written in a plain, direct language avoiding jargon or dense analysis, this succeeds I show readers how elitism has constructed/infected our ideas about democracy. Disparity and oligarchy is a feature of the system & not a bug. However, the author is able to present alternatives meant to take power back & dismantle democratic elitism in favor of community wherein all are responsible for/to all
Fang Fiction by Kate Stayman-London
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
3.5
I primarily experienced this book in audio format while traveling. Amber Benson (of Buffy the Vampire fame) did a wonderful job performing as the characters. It was funny and satirical while being entirely earnest — which is the strength of the story. It was cute & diverting
Native Nations: A Millennium in North America by Kathleen DuVal
informative
reflective
medium-paced
4.5
Focusing on five indigenous nations, this history gives us a view of the native peoples removed from colonialism (but ignorant of its impact) so we can see how these societies develop their culture. I was especially impressed by how these nations turned away from hierarchical rule to a more defuse rule in response to cataclysm