Scan barcode
gossamer_lens's reviews
1362 reviews
Nona the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
5.0
These books are crazy and amazing. It was refreshing to feel like the mysteries were clearly identified during the whole book. The ending was a crazy set of twists. I cannot wait for the 4th book!
Saga of Viera by Time Princess
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I loved the first leg of this story that was dropped a couple of years ago. Getting part 2 made my end of summer! I love fantasy, I love these choose-your-own-adventure books. It was a real treat getting to re-enter this world. Just a fun and delightful story that I think Time Princess managed to wrap up really well.
The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
medium-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
5.0
This book as a "after death" tale was gripping and very unique. I was hooked from the first chapter and it was amazing how deftly Karunatilaka turned my initial interest in how the main character died into more compelling intrigue as the book continued. I appreciated how much I learned about a culture and history I knew shamefully little about before reading. The discussions around power, lgbtq+ matters, and patriarchy were profound and interesting.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has the stomach for some mildly graphic descriptions of gore and the effects of war.
I would recommend this book to anyone who has the stomach for some mildly graphic descriptions of gore and the effects of war.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Xenophobia, and War
Moderate: Confinement, Genocide, Hate crime, Homophobia, Racial slurs, Sexism, Suicide, Police brutality, Kidnapping, Grief, Religious bigotry, Car accident, Death of parent, Murder, and Abandonment
The Kiss Quotient by Helen Hoang
Did not finish book. Stopped at 3%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 3%.
I cannot express how off-putting a book post 2018 using the term "Asperger's" is. I could excuse characters using the term. But the actual book synopsis not using the actual diagnosis term is frustrating.
But I pushed on... And then I hit the main character having the most ridiculous in-office conversation with a sleeze of a man. I didn't get how non of her thoughts/dialogue seemed to register being uncomfortable with the hr violation of a man who pushed into her office. Then I was perplexed by her going "maybe he is right that I need to have more sex".... And then she looked up male escort services on her WORK COMPUTER?!?
Color that all by her references to her her work are vague and clearly the author knows nothing of the tech world... And that she seems to not have any internal motivation for what the books plot is... I just cannot.
Doesn't help that when I hit the male escorts narrative he clearly feels forced to do his work for the money. How fun that neither of the protagonists are actually into what the plot is doing to them. Yuck.
But I pushed on... And then I hit the main character having the most ridiculous in-office conversation with a sleeze of a man. I didn't get how non of her thoughts/dialogue seemed to register being uncomfortable with the hr violation of a man who pushed into her office. Then I was perplexed by her going "maybe he is right that I need to have more sex".... And then she looked up male escort services on her WORK COMPUTER?!?
Color that all by her references to her her work are vague and clearly the author knows nothing of the tech world... And that she seems to not have any internal motivation for what the books plot is... I just cannot.
Doesn't help that when I hit the male escorts narrative he clearly feels forced to do his work for the money. How fun that neither of the protagonists are actually into what the plot is doing to them. Yuck.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Sexual assault, and Sexual harassment
Xeni by Rebekah Weatherspoon
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I am shocking myself with giving this a 4 star... it's cute and fast read that I enjoyed. I never picture myself as a romance girly... and than sometimes I decide to pick something out and surprise myself. I wasn't into some of the spicer scenes... but I really liked the main character's personality and found myself enjoying the romantic parts and the setting felt grounded while still being idyllic and cute. Was definitely there for Xeni!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Sexual content
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Racism
The Library of the Unwritten by A.J. Hackwith
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-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
3.75
A solidly fun book but not much else to it. I think the characters were supposed to be very loveable, but I just felt like I kept being told that and didn't really get the chance to connect with them. I kept expecting a little more weight or dimension to be given to them, but I think they were just unfortunately swept up in the plotline too much to give me enough to hold onto. I appreciated the diversity of the crew and the nods to pan/bisexuality... but with one too many plot twists, I called a million pages ahead, not much description for the world-building, and a lack of character depth... I was left wanting. I don't think I will find myself going after reading the sequels. That all said, I enjoyed it while it lasted.
Happy Stories, Mostly by Norman Erikson Pasaribu
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
I wish I could give this a higher rating. Like many short story collections, this was very hit or miss. The first couple of stories had me wanting to DNF, but I knew there was potential, and with it being such a short book I pushed on. I was very glad to have done so when I got to the 3rd and then 4th story. I think possibly rearranging the stories could have helped this collection move along with better pacing and let the stories more naturally build into each other. I wish the intro didn't make me think Vampires were going to pop up... and ultimately I'm glad I read it because it had some refreshing and interesting pieces I hope to stick in my memory for a while.
The Wrath & the Dawn, Season 2 by SilvesterVitale, Renée Ahdieh
Did not finish book. Stopped at 31%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 31%.