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goblingirlreads's reviews
818 reviews
A Magical Girl Retires by Park Seolyeon
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
3.0
A Magical Girl Retires has a million dollar premise. As a hardcore Sailor Moon lover, I was excited to read about an atypical magical girl. She starts the book at 29 and completely depressed, ready to take her own life, until the clairvoyant magical girl finds her and tells her that her destiny is different. She begins to awaken her powers and learn what that destiny is. This started so strong and I loved the illustrations opening each chapter. Unfortunately, from there it didn't keep me hooked all the way through. It was too simplistic for me. Often, I didn't get enough details about things that really excited me, and then I got too many details in areas that felt unimportant. I enjoyed myself but it's not something I'm racing to recommend to others.
Manhunt by Gretchen Felker-Martin
Did not finish book. Stopped at 4%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 4%.
Extreme from page 1 means there's nowhere to go from here. Don't love the writing style and not in the mood for something this angry even if it's completely righteous anger.
The Scourge Between Stars by Ness Brown
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.0
Unfortunately the good writing is hidden behind a premise that is very lackluster. If you've seen Alien, you don't need to read this. It doesn't add anything new to the genre and often feels like a cheap rip off. I see this author's potential and want to see something a little more unique and interesting.
Glass Houses by Madeline Ashby
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
4.0
Big thank you to Netgalley and Tor for my e-arc of this book. All opinions are my own!
Really, really enjoyed this one. The near future "Black Mirror-esque" world was spot on. I do think tech companies are partially to blame for a dystopian societal collapse! Believable and a perfect match for my tastes. This book could have been very dark, and it absolutely has it's moments of darkness, but there were moments of satire that had me laughing out loud. The tone here really worked for me, and drew me into the story. There are some great twists and turns - some of them surprising and others pretty clear from the beginning. I'm normally not a big fan of modern thrillers because the twists feel cheap to me. This book did not feel cheap. It felt intentional, smart, and the twists were a welcome continuation to a story that was already good rather than a big reveal you have to sit around and wait for. Endings are hard to land. I did want a little more from this ending but overall, this is a winner for me. A compelling and tense story that also has a lot to say about the ethics and safety of a heavy tech world and future. Definitely recommend it and I'm excited for others to read it!
Really, really enjoyed this one. The near future "Black Mirror-esque" world was spot on. I do think tech companies are partially to blame for a dystopian societal collapse! Believable and a perfect match for my tastes. This book could have been very dark, and it absolutely has it's moments of darkness, but there were moments of satire that had me laughing out loud. The tone here really worked for me, and drew me into the story. There are some great twists and turns - some of them surprising and others pretty clear from the beginning. I'm normally not a big fan of modern thrillers because the twists feel cheap to me. This book did not feel cheap. It felt intentional, smart, and the twists were a welcome continuation to a story that was already good rather than a big reveal you have to sit around and wait for. Endings are hard to land. I did want a little more from this ending but overall, this is a winner for me. A compelling and tense story that also has a lot to say about the ethics and safety of a heavy tech world and future. Definitely recommend it and I'm excited for others to read it!
The Unbroken by C.L. Clark
Did not finish book. Stopped at 50%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 50%.
I'm a character reader and I hate everyone so I really can't continue
A Fox in My Brain by Lou Lubie
informative
3.0
This has more to do with expectations but this actually felt like a textbook. Very informative about bipolar and specifically cyclothymia when I would've loved for it to be more character/narrative driven. Still good just not really what I was hoping for
Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow by Tom King
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
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
This comic is simply incredible. A story that stays interesting. A meditation on revenge, darkness, and genocide and how we move through a dark world and find our values, stand with our morals. Besides that the art is phenomenal, the character development is great, the writing style is compelling. I simply cannot find a flaw.
I Was a Teenage Slasher by Stephen Graham Jones
dark
emotional
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
4.0
Big thanks to Netgalley and Saga Press for my e-arc. I'm a big fan of SGJ and his voice. This book is no exception. I found it to be really unique take on the slasher genre. It's genuinely messed - the graphic gory kills are not messing around. Despite that, it's also a very heartfelt read I really liked Tolly and Amber by the end. If you like SGJ, this is another hit. If you haven't read SGJ, I'm not sure what you'll think. He has a unique way of writing horror that you either love and can't get enough of or don't understand at all. I'm on the side of love, for sure, and feel honored I got to read this one in advance!
Hallowe'en Party by Agatha Christie
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Can't get over the slow middles to all these books but the beginning and the end are great so I still give them decent ratings!
The Poisons We Drink by Bethany Baptiste
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
3.0
A lot of strong ideas in this book, almost too many stuffed tightly together. I enjoyed it but ultimately, the pacing, and the high stress that builds between the characters didn't make it the most pleasant read for me. I think this author has so much potential and there were parts and sections that I loved - Tyrell was my favorite! I hope this book finds its audience for sure and can say that despite it's flaws it's still a solid read.