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dreareads_'s reviews
259 reviews
The Waning by Wunmi Aramiji
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
The Waning is a really cool concept for a fantasy story that never fully reached its potential.
I am not sure if this book is purposely trying to be part of the romantasy genre but it does not work. It has the same weaknesses as many other romantasy books do:
- The romance is under developed (tbh the weakest point of the story)
- The fantasy world building was clunky and lacked cohesion
- The plot felt like multiple different scenes without much connective tissue in between.
Ironically, even though the book is over 400 pages I think it could have used more time in building the characters and world around us. While I liked Meera just fine, I was never fully captivated by her journey and the battle against the evil king.
I will say that there is one scene in the middle of the book where the powers of the king are revealed that showcased how good the book COULD be.
I am not sure if this book is purposely trying to be part of the romantasy genre but it does not work. It has the same weaknesses as many other romantasy books do:
- The romance is under developed (tbh the weakest point of the story)
- The fantasy world building was clunky and lacked cohesion
- The plot felt like multiple different scenes without much connective tissue in between.
Ironically, even though the book is over 400 pages I think it could have used more time in building the characters and world around us. While I liked Meera just fine, I was never fully captivated by her journey and the battle against the evil king.
I will say that there is one scene in the middle of the book where the powers of the king are revealed that showcased how good the book COULD be.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Body horror, Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Misogyny, Torture, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Toxic friendship, and War
Lady Macbeth by Ava Reid
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
Okay....
I will link my video review because I do not have the time to type out all of my thoughts at the moment, BUT I do want to warn everyone that this book is <b> full of anti Scottish xenophobia </b> that is not confronted nor unpacked in the story.
Forget the boring depiction of Lady Macbeth, or the horrific rape scene that is immediately followed by a sex scene with a love interest that is simply considered good because he didn't rape her even though he wanted to , or the dragon shapeshifter. The real downfall of this book is the constant description of Scottish people as uncivilized, blood thirsty, patriarchal, brutes while the English were given enough grace to seem sexist but civilized.
I cannot in good conscience recommend this book, and if I am honest I do not think I will be reading another Ava Reid book any time soon.
Video Review: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DA6KAZCAbl1/?igsh=aXFuNXppbmN6NHJy
I will link my video review because I do not have the time to type out all of my thoughts at the moment, BUT I do want to warn everyone that this book is <b> full of anti Scottish xenophobia </b> that is not confronted nor unpacked in the story.
Forget the boring depiction of Lady Macbeth, or the horrific
I cannot in good conscience recommend this book, and if I am honest I do not think I will be reading another Ava Reid book any time soon.
Video Review: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DA6KAZCAbl1/?igsh=aXFuNXppbmN6NHJy
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Body horror, Confinement, Death, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Grief, Murder, and Gaslighting
Our Share of Night by Mariana Enríquez
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
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
Holy fuck. I can’t even explain what happened I just know it did and I am shaken.
This is a horrible, terrible book that I loved reading.
It’ is also the kind of book where if you were to stop at a random page nothing is happening, but when something is happening you want it to stop happening, and even when nothing is happening the way Enriquez writes she makes you feel everything that’s happening outside of the page.
The ending was both satisfying and horribly unsatisfying. I can’t get my thoughts straight just yet but wow wow wow.
TW:Ableism, Addiction, Alcoholism, Body horror, Body shaming, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Gun violence, Hate crime, Homophobia, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Self harm, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Vomit, Kidnapping, Grief, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
This is a horrible, terrible book that I loved reading.
It’ is also the kind of book where if you were to stop at a random page nothing is happening, but when something is happening you want it to stop happening, and even when nothing is happening the way Enriquez writes she makes you feel everything that’s happening outside of the page.
The ending was both satisfying and horribly unsatisfying. I can’t get my thoughts straight just yet but wow wow wow.
TW:Ableism, Addiction, Alcoholism, Body horror, Body shaming, Child abuse, Child death, Chronic illness, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Genocide, Gore, Gun violence, Hate crime, Homophobia, Mental illness, Misogyny, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Self harm, Slavery, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Terminal illness, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Vomit, Kidnapping, Grief, Religious bigotry, Medical trauma, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, War, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Nocturna by Maya Motayne
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book single handily ruined the word “maldito” for me….
The book was a combination of all your favorite fantasy books (HP, Lord of the Rings, etc) but infused with Latin American culture. It did felt like all the stereotypes about Latin Americans were thrown into the story but not in a way that was mocking, but more in an attempt to find relatability within the community.
Simply, a very cute/fun fantasy book that when I started reading it I knew it would be no more nor less than 4 stars and I was right.
The book was a combination of all your favorite fantasy books (HP, Lord of the Rings, etc) but infused with Latin American culture. It did felt like all the stereotypes about Latin Americans were thrown into the story but not in a way that was mocking, but more in an attempt to find relatability within the community.
Simply, a very cute/fun fantasy book that when I started reading it I knew it would be no more nor less than 4 stars and I was right.
Tentacle by Rita Indiana
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
More like a 3.5 for queer Latinx ✨
(My review is a message I sent to a dear friend of mine about the book)
I have many thoughts! But mainly I think it was a very purposefully unnerving story that forces you to be uncomfortable. I didn’t like the trans rep in the beginning (tbh I think this is an overall issue of a cis person not understanding transgender people (although idk if it was the author or the translator at fault)).
A very interesting approach to the history of the Dominican Republic. The combination of Caribbean indigenous and African religions wasn’t my favorite. Almost a bit orientalist tbh.
But overall kind of love how uncomfortable it made me feel from the characters, to the political commentary, to the ending.
A very unique experience
(My review is a message I sent to a dear friend of mine about the book)
I have many thoughts! But mainly I think it was a very purposefully unnerving story that forces you to be uncomfortable. I didn’t like the trans rep in the beginning (tbh I think this is an overall issue of a cis person not understanding transgender people (although idk if it was the author or the translator at fault)).
A very interesting approach to the history of the Dominican Republic. The combination of Caribbean indigenous and African religions wasn’t my favorite. Almost a bit orientalist tbh.
But overall kind of love how uncomfortable it made me feel from the characters, to the political commentary, to the ending.
A very unique experience
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Body horror, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Hate crime, Homophobia, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Racism, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Transphobia, Violence, Grief, Death of parent, Murder, Toxic friendship, Sexual harassment, Colonisation, and Dysphoria
Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
It’s 2.5 but Goodreads won’t let me give half stars.
HOLY MISCOMMUNICATION BATMAN!
From the title not properly representing what the story is about to a romance story predicated on the dumbest miscommunication trope ever created this book simply was not enjoyable to me.
*slight spoiler* the use of vampires as tools for colonizers is a very interesting premise, and when it was explored the horror of it all really came through the page. I wanted more of the body horror, of the tension rising as colonizers presented a higher threat than any supernatural creature could. The potential of the story was RIGHT THERE
Unfortunately, this was all background to one of the most lackluster romances I have ever read. The set up for their conflict was so stupid I couldn’t stop rolling my eyes. Even when the miscommunication was solved, the “she’s rich he’s poor their love isn’t possible” set up felt so inconsequential that I was annoyed we spent any time on it.
On top of all of this, the character of Nena was one of the most annoying female characters I have ever read. She’s a professional victim that is written like a girlboss reminiscent of the 2000s YA craze. There was one particular chapter where I simply wanted to throw my book into the ocean out of frustration with Nena.
Also, I usually love the use of Spanish in books but here it was nonsensical and felt like it was being sprinkled in without much reason (not even in a manner that reflected bilingual speech)
I gave it 2.5 because when the horror comes in it really works, especially when showing the pains of colonialism. Unfortunately the rest was just.. not it.
HOLY MISCOMMUNICATION BATMAN!
From the title not properly representing what the story is about to a romance story predicated on the dumbest miscommunication trope ever created this book simply was not enjoyable to me.
*slight spoiler* the use of vampires as tools for colonizers is a very interesting premise, and when it was explored the horror of it all really came through the page. I wanted more of the body horror, of the tension rising as colonizers presented a higher threat than any supernatural creature could. The potential of the story was RIGHT THERE
Unfortunately, this was all background to one of the most lackluster romances I have ever read. The set up for their conflict was so stupid I couldn’t stop rolling my eyes. Even when the miscommunication was solved, the “she’s rich he’s poor their love isn’t possible” set up felt so inconsequential that I was annoyed we spent any time on it.
On top of all of this, the character of Nena was one of the most annoying female characters I have ever read. She’s a professional victim that is written like a girlboss reminiscent of the 2000s YA craze. There was one particular chapter where I simply wanted to throw my book into the ocean out of frustration with Nena.
Also, I usually love the use of Spanish in books but here it was nonsensical and felt like it was being sprinkled in without much reason (not even in a manner that reflected bilingual speech)
I gave it 2.5 because when the horror comes in it really works, especially when showing the pains of colonialism. Unfortunately the rest was just.. not it.
A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I’m kind of obsessed with this book.
I guess I’m a sucker for a book written in sarcasm. ✨
I guess I’m a sucker for a book written in sarcasm. ✨
A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlí Clark
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Ugh P. Djèlí Clark does it again.
This was an extremely fun mystery with badass lesbians, religious feminists (Hadia I love you), and an alternative history where djinn helped fight off the colonization of Egypt. Clark simply has a nack for writing interesting characters that even when they toe the line of caricatures he keeps the audience connected by the emotional heft built in each scene. In true Clark form, the book is filled with social and political commentary that sometimes is subtle and other it hits you across the face with it. For me that is not a problem, because it fits within the context of the story. For others? I am not sure.
There is a lot to love about this book but I particularly enjoyed the themes of understanding religion and faith in the context of a world where djinn and gods are real. The religious commentary throughout the book and its willingness to explore the intersections between faith, power, colonization, and manipulation really puts this book above other fantasy stories. The presence of a false prophet juxtaposed with the rest of the cast and their own believes creates the space for truly fascinating character dynamics.
I do think that the book suffers from what is known as the "MCU third act" problem where the big climax of the story feels like a random collection of action scenes that undercut some of the best parts of the book. I can see how, if you do not love the characters, the third act can feel rushed and too surface level compared to the first 75% of the book.
Anyways. I had a great time reading this book.
This was an extremely fun mystery with badass lesbians, religious feminists (Hadia I love you), and an alternative history where djinn helped fight off the colonization of Egypt. Clark simply has a nack for writing interesting characters that even when they toe the line of caricatures he keeps the audience connected by the emotional heft built in each scene. In true Clark form, the book is filled with social and political commentary that sometimes is subtle and other it hits you across the face with it. For me that is not a problem, because it fits within the context of the story. For others? I am not sure.
There is a lot to love about this book but I particularly enjoyed the themes of understanding religion and faith in the context of a world where djinn and gods are real. The religious commentary throughout the book and its willingness to explore the intersections between faith, power, colonization, and manipulation really puts this book above other fantasy stories. The presence of a false prophet juxtaposed with the rest of the cast and their own believes creates the space for truly fascinating character dynamics.
I do think that the book suffers from what is known as the "MCU third act" problem where the big climax of the story feels like a random collection of action scenes that undercut some of the best parts of the book. I can see how, if you do not love the characters, the third act can feel rushed and too surface level compared to the first 75% of the book.
Anyways. I had a great time reading this book.
The Factory by Hiroko Oyamada
challenging
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
For a book where nothing really happens, it will stick with me. It is the kind of book where the author trusts you to create your own meaning with the story.
TW:
TW:
Bored Gay Werewolf by Tony Santorella
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
sad
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
3.0
Pretty funny, and absurd in the best kind of way but more emotional than I expected. Enjoyed the exploration of toxic masculinity. I just wished it trusted the audience enough to not explain EVERY SINGLE FEELING AND CONFLICT our main character experienced.
TW:
TW: