eggbeater's reviews
1206 reviews

What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

This was a really spooky retelling of Poe's The Fall of the House of Usher. It was very well done. The main character reminded me of Becky Chambers' characters.
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver

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adventurous dark funny tense fast-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

A vigilante serial killer romance is definitely better than a vanilla romance for me. This was pretty fun. The only problem I have was that she seemed to give up too much of herself for him. That always annoys me in any romance. However, I really liked the whole spider vibe and I liked the plots twists.
Mister Magic by Kiersten White

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slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

 I respect the author's reason for writing this book, which she explains in her acknowledgements. The story felt like it never got off the ground, and I'm not sure why it was labeled horror. 
Bindle Punk Bruja by Desideria Mesa

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adventurous dark emotional 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

4.0

This book will make you want a cigarette, even if you have never smoked. It romanticizes smoking so much that this ex smoker with seriously itchy. So be forewarned.

I was really into it. I had trouble putting it down, but there were a few details that struck me as implausible. Certain involvement with mobsters and where bodies ended up didn't make sense to me. 

The book was more historical fiction than fantasy. There were elements of magic, but the atmosphere was very 1925. The author did a good job with that. The racism, misogyny, and homophobia tracked.
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The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi

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dark emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This book was heartbreaking. The characters were imperfect in a relatable way, and it made me really consider different LGBTQ circumstances and what they might be like living in Nigeria.
The Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy by Anne Ursu

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dark emotional informative inspiring reflective sad tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

 This book is kind of like a light Handmaid's Tale for middle graders. I dig it. It is more of a feminist fable than a magical fantasy. 
I Only Read Murder by Will Ferguson, Ian Ferguson

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funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

I enjoyed the exaggerated character of Miranda. I know actors. Sometimes they act like they are always on screen. I found this to be tongue-in-cheek, lighthearted, quirky fun. I did not even come close to guessing the killer.
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo

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slow-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? It's complicated

3.25

 My expectations of this book were too high. The Familiar Tropes. 
Damnation Spring by Ash Davidson

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challenging emotional informative sad medium-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? Yes

5.0

I love a book that makes me consider different circumstances and perspectives. The logging industry, and all of its complications, was not previously on my radar at all. This book brought to light legitimate worker concerns as well as environmental issues. There didn't seem to be easy answers. I really felt for the characters and the hardships and dilemmas they faced. This was a great book.
Victim by Andrew Boryga

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challenging dark reflective 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

3.5