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hwesta's reviews
418 reviews
Harrow the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir
challenging
dark
mysterious
- Loveable characters? No
3.5
Not for me, I think. The first 2/3 is being confused and trying to piece things together from hints while following around a bunch of messed-up cruel people, alternating with a bizarre alternate Gideon-the-Ninth plot. It picks up towards the end and a lot of stuff is explained/recontextualized, but not enough of an emotional payoff for me.
よつばと! 15 by Kiyohiko Azuma
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
4.5
Unexpectedly poignant ending
Better Living Through Algorithms by Naomi Kritzer
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
5.0
A mysterious app that seemingly just wants the best for you. Honestly I wish this was real, despite the (acknowledged) privacy issues
So Much Cooking by Naomi Kritzer
emotional
hopeful
sad
4.0
This is a charming story of a pandemic as told through the food blog of someone who takes in several children whose parents aren't around. I like the story but it's a rough read in 2023, especially since it was published in 2015
What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher
dark
mysterious
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I don't read a lot of horror, and the handful of times I have it hasn't done much for me even when I could tell the book was otherwise well written. I had to stop reading this book two or three times because I was so unsettled and needed to step away.
Very good book, I enjoyed the characters, I enjoyed the underpinnings of the horrible things, I never want to think about mushrooms or hares again
Very good book, I enjoyed the characters, I enjoyed the underpinnings of the horrible things, I never want to think about mushrooms or hares again
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Death, Gore, Terminal illness, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Suicide, Grief, and Murder
Minor: Sexism, Vomit, and War
The Lost Steersman by Rosemary Kirstein
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book did not go where I expected, and definitely did some interesting things. It explored a new and unexpected area of the world, with lots to learn, and several revelations that recontextualizrd things we'd already seen. I also enjoyed spending time with another Steerswoman.
よつばと! 13 by Kiyohiko Azuma, あずま きよひこ
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
As always, funny and enjoyable. I really enjoyed seeing Yotsuba's grandmother show up
The Outskirter's Secret by Rosemary Kirstein
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
Off to the Outskirts! I really enjoyed getting to know the Outskirters and their customs and how that ties into the greater world building that Rowan figures out at the end. I have some complaints about the details of the ecology, but overall it was fun to get to everyone and see Rowan piece together the world