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gabberjaws's reviews
540 reviews
The Haunting of Hill House by Shirley Jackson
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Experimental Film by Gemma Files
Did not finish book. Stopped at 28%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 28%.
Not feeling this one at the moment. Will probably come back to it at some point.
The Clown Hunt by Judith Sonnet
Did not finish book. Stopped at 23%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 23%.
I thought I wouldn't be able to handle the gore, but that ended up being fine. I just didn't like the writing :(
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Gore, and Murder
The Lies of the Ajungo by Moses Ose Utomi
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
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? It's complicated
4.5
Moses Ose Utomi wasn't on my radar before this stunning cover caught my eye, but he is now.
This dark-fantasy, African-inspired novella is everything you want a fable to be. It strikes with precision and surety, and is incredibly effective in driving its message home. Utomi's writing is relatively simple, but there's a richness to it that I adore.
The Lies of the Ajungo was beautifully crafted and juuuust shy of perfection. What I personally found a little lacking was the exploration of Tutu's relationships with the people he loved - namely the people he met on his journey. I know it wouldn't have suited the fable-ness of this book very well, but I'd have really loved to see Tutu's relationships with Funme, Asilah, and Lami delved into a little more so that we could really feel the impact of the events of the book, and so that Tutu's emotions and decisions had bigger punch.
But that's just me, and I still think this was fantastic regardless. I can't wait to read more of Utomi's work.
This dark-fantasy, African-inspired novella is everything you want a fable to be. It strikes with precision and surety, and is incredibly effective in driving its message home. Utomi's writing is relatively simple, but there's a richness to it that I adore.
The Lies of the Ajungo was beautifully crafted and juuuust shy of perfection. What I personally found a little lacking was the exploration of Tutu's relationships with the people he loved - namely the people he met on his journey. I know it wouldn't have suited the fable-ness of this book very well, but I'd have really loved to see Tutu's relationships with Funme, Asilah, and Lami delved into a little more so that we could really feel the impact of the events of the book, and so that Tutu's emotions and decisions had bigger punch.
But that's just me, and I still think this was fantastic regardless. I can't wait to read more of Utomi's work.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Violence
To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0