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justinkhchen's reviews
571 reviews
Beyond the Highland Mist by Karen Marie Moning
1.75
A rather pointless cringe, sporadically funny and features some beautiful prose, Beyond the Highland Mist as a whole is still mostly a forgettable mess. I do find instances of its time travel comedy endearing (trying to recreate coffee, someone getting transported mid-coitus, etc.), and the intensely flowery, overwrought writing can hit, but those instances are marred by the shallowness of its protagonists (the biggest conundrum the heroine faced was she hates that she loves hot men, and the hero was dumb as a rock), over-reliance on the miscommunication trope, and a nonsensical villain adding no logical stake to the plot (I'm still confused regarding the why of it all).
If one approaches Beyond the Highland Mist as a silly comedic time travel rom-com (and disregard some of its dated language use), then this can potentially fare better, but as someone who picks up no more than 1 historical romance a month, I wish I've read something a little more worthwhile.
***Historical Hellions Book Club | Octorber 2024 Selection***
If one approaches Beyond the Highland Mist as a silly comedic time travel rom-com (and disregard some of its dated language use), then this can potentially fare better, but as someone who picks up no more than 1 historical romance a month, I wish I've read something a little more worthwhile.
***Historical Hellions Book Club | Octorber 2024 Selection***
Graveyard Shift by M.L. Rio
2.75
Great concept but woefully under-cooked, judged plainly without any context, Graveyard Shift feels like a publisher's cash grab, rushing something out the door to take advantage of the resurgence of If We Were Villains on social media.
Which is a bit of a shame because I had fond memory of reading If We Were Villains, and was excited to finally receive new material from M.L. Rio. On the surface, Graveyard Shift offers exactly what I want: dark academia atmosphere, lyrical writing, and a cast of personalities, but the story greatly suffocates in the current novella format: too many characters, too much info-dump, and no time for proper plot development, emotional investment, or a satisfying conclusion — this feels like an outline for a full-length novel disguising as a finished, marketable product.
Unfortunately Graveyard Shift falls victim of today's cultural quick turnaround; if time were allowed, this could've been the next gothic novel everyone is looking forward to in a couple years, but alas we end up with a unfinished whimper that's a shadow of the author's true potential, just to meet a calendar deadline.
Which is a bit of a shame because I had fond memory of reading If We Were Villains, and was excited to finally receive new material from M.L. Rio. On the surface, Graveyard Shift offers exactly what I want: dark academia atmosphere, lyrical writing, and a cast of personalities, but the story greatly suffocates in the current novella format: too many characters, too much info-dump, and no time for proper plot development, emotional investment, or a satisfying conclusion — this feels like an outline for a full-length novel disguising as a finished, marketable product.
Unfortunately Graveyard Shift falls victim of today's cultural quick turnaround; if time were allowed, this could've been the next gothic novel everyone is looking forward to in a couple years, but alas we end up with a unfinished whimper that's a shadow of the author's true potential, just to meet a calendar deadline.
The Kamogawa Food Detectives by Hisashi Kashiwai
3.0
Mouthwatering food description, but not offering much else, still testing water to see whether Japanese 'comfort literature' is for me or not, The Kamogawa Food Detectives lands solidly in the mildly enjoyable category — inoffensive, but also alarmingly disposable.
Which is a shame because I love elements of this: the quaint, everyday setting, the cat cameo (admittedly very adorable), and the touch of magical realism. But the plotting is repetitive and lazy (each chapter re-establishing the setting readers are already familiar with, and recycling the same dialog/scene with different characters) and the glossy positivity sentiment reads like advertisement rather than anything actually heartfelt. Even though the words 'food detectives' is in the title, there's barely any 'detecting' — we skip straight from exposition to perfectly executed meals.
Midnight Diner is a manga series I would highly recommend with a similar premise, The Kamogawa Food Detectives feels like a pale imitator in comparison; I don't dislike it, but feel like there are other channels getting my cozy fill rather than this. This popular sub-genre remains something I like in concept, but have yet winning me over in execution.
Which is a shame because I love elements of this: the quaint, everyday setting, the cat cameo (admittedly very adorable), and the touch of magical realism. But the plotting is repetitive and lazy (each chapter re-establishing the setting readers are already familiar with, and recycling the same dialog/scene with different characters) and the glossy positivity sentiment reads like advertisement rather than anything actually heartfelt. Even though the words 'food detectives' is in the title, there's barely any 'detecting' — we skip straight from exposition to perfectly executed meals.
Midnight Diner is a manga series I would highly recommend with a similar premise, The Kamogawa Food Detectives feels like a pale imitator in comparison; I don't dislike it, but feel like there are other channels getting my cozy fill rather than this. This popular sub-genre remains something I like in concept, but have yet winning me over in execution.
Everyone This Christmas Has a Secret by Benjamin Stevenson
5.0
An on-the-nose Christmas special, I've been enjoying this meta murder mystery series ever since Everyone in My Family Has Killed Someone, and this holiday themed novella is another home-run for fans of Benjamin Stevenson's unique mix of classic murder mysteries homage, self-deprecating humor, and the fourth-wall breaking writing style.
Despite its shorter length, Benjamin Stevenson still manages to pack a robust roster of suspects, and the reveal is just as intricate (and very holiday themed) as the series' novel entries. I wouldn't recommend starting fresh with this (there are references to events happened in previous books), but it's a no-brainer for series readers looking for something festive and murderous.
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**
Despite its shorter length, Benjamin Stevenson still manages to pack a robust roster of suspects, and the reveal is just as intricate (and very holiday themed) as the series' novel entries. I wouldn't recommend starting fresh with this (there are references to events happened in previous books), but it's a no-brainer for series readers looking for something festive and murderous.
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**
You Better Watch Out by James S. Murray, Darren Wearmouth
3.75
A fast-paced, 'turn-off-your-brain' popcorn thriller, if you have read The Stowaway from a few years back, the same writing duo has delivered another bingeable, adrenaline-filled story with holiday-themed set pieces.
The synopsis does a decent job at keeping majority of its plot under wrap (highly recommend going into this knowing as little as possible, since it's barely longer than a novella), but if you're expecting a mystery with logical backbone, just know this novel is putting more emphasis on spectacle rather than 'making sense'. There are also a couple odd writing choices: one regarding a specific character's full name (nearly identical to a real-life individual—but why?). And the other is its epilogue, which feels unnecessarily tacked on and trying too hard to create a shared universe with the writers' other work.
Even though it does feel like I'm pointing out flaws as I'm objectively reviewing You Better Watch Out, there's no denying I was having a lot of fun while reading (the audiobook is perfectly produced): hooked me from the get-go, grossed me out by its violence, and even surprised me with its reveal. Not at all a literary masterpiece, but definitely high on entertainment value.
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**
The synopsis does a decent job at keeping majority of its plot under wrap (highly recommend going into this knowing as little as possible, since it's barely longer than a novella), but if you're expecting a mystery with logical backbone, just know this novel is putting more emphasis on spectacle rather than 'making sense'. There are also a couple odd writing choices: one regarding a specific character's full name (nearly identical to a real-life individual—but why?). And the other is its epilogue, which feels unnecessarily tacked on and trying too hard to create a shared universe with the writers' other work.
Even though it does feel like I'm pointing out flaws as I'm objectively reviewing You Better Watch Out, there's no denying I was having a lot of fun while reading (the audiobook is perfectly produced): hooked me from the get-go, grossed me out by its violence, and even surprised me with its reveal. Not at all a literary masterpiece, but definitely high on entertainment value.
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**
She's Always Hungry by Eliza Clark
4.75
An eclectic collection of vivid, imaginative work, if you have not yet read from Eliza Clark, this short stories collection is a great point of entry. I really enjoyed Boy Parts, but can acknowledge its literary 'edginess' might not be everyone's cup of tea. She's Always Hungry on the other hand feels more 'loose and fun' readable and less like the author is writing to win prestigious accolades. Overall highly recommend!
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Build a Body Like Mine: 3.5 stars
A decent opener. While the reveal isn't particularly surprisingly, the buildup and overall execution really makes it tongue in cheek and darkly comedic.
The Problem Solver: 3 stars
There's a point to this, but overall a little stagnant due to it's very short length.
She's Always Hungry: 4.25 stars
An off-kilter, dark and imaginative folklore—I can see why this ends up being the marquee story for the collection. Vibe-wise reminiscent of Lapvona by Ottessa Moshfegh.
The Shadow Over Little Chitaly: 5 stars
A collection of food delivery reviews about a mystical Chinese-Italian restaurant. Did Eliza write this while she was high!? This is so silly (in a great way) and oddly mouth-watering, love it!
Hollow Bones: 5 stars
A sci-fi body horror fever dream packed with haunting, surrealist imagery. There's a surprising amount of world building here—now I need the full-length novel taking place in this universe!
Goth GF: 4 stars
A welcoming palette cleanser after a series of out-there, fantastical stories. A candid and grounded depiction of a submissive male, in style that is more reminiscent of the Eliza Clark I'm familiar with (reminds me of Boy Parts).
Extinction Event: 4.25 stars
An extremely effective eco-thriller, vividly envisioned and rightfully anxiety-inducing.
Nightstalkers: 4 stars
Another very nice change of pace with a slice of life teenage angst.
Shake Well: 4.5 stars
This feels like a great fusion of the two modes this collection is operating under so far: depiction of contemporary anxiety (towards beauty in this case) and potent dosage of grotesqueness.
The King: 5 stars
A satirical tale of barbaric power struggle between 2 Gods after global destruction — love the snarky humor in this one!
Company Man: 4 stars
A dream-like psychological suspense with a great setup, the reveal turns out to be a tad predictable.
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**
- - -
Build a Body Like Mine: 3.5 stars
A decent opener. While the reveal isn't particularly surprisingly, the buildup and overall execution really makes it tongue in cheek and darkly comedic.
The Problem Solver: 3 stars
There's a point to this, but overall a little stagnant due to it's very short length.
She's Always Hungry: 4.25 stars
An off-kilter, dark and imaginative folklore—I can see why this ends up being the marquee story for the collection. Vibe-wise reminiscent of Lapvona by Ottessa Moshfegh.
The Shadow Over Little Chitaly: 5 stars
A collection of food delivery reviews about a mystical Chinese-Italian restaurant. Did Eliza write this while she was high!? This is so silly (in a great way) and oddly mouth-watering, love it!
Hollow Bones: 5 stars
A sci-fi body horror fever dream packed with haunting, surrealist imagery. There's a surprising amount of world building here—now I need the full-length novel taking place in this universe!
Goth GF: 4 stars
A welcoming palette cleanser after a series of out-there, fantastical stories. A candid and grounded depiction of a submissive male, in style that is more reminiscent of the Eliza Clark I'm familiar with (reminds me of Boy Parts).
Extinction Event: 4.25 stars
An extremely effective eco-thriller, vividly envisioned and rightfully anxiety-inducing.
Nightstalkers: 4 stars
Another very nice change of pace with a slice of life teenage angst.
Shake Well: 4.5 stars
This feels like a great fusion of the two modes this collection is operating under so far: depiction of contemporary anxiety (towards beauty in this case) and potent dosage of grotesqueness.
The King: 5 stars
A satirical tale of barbaric power struggle between 2 Gods after global destruction — love the snarky humor in this one!
Company Man: 4 stars
A dream-like psychological suspense with a great setup, the reveal turns out to be a tad predictable.
**This ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Much appreciated!**
We'll Prescribe You a Cat by Syou Ishida
3.5
So, so cute, I want someone to prescribe me a cat! If you want something comforting and soul-cleansing, We'll Prescribe You a Cat is an easy read well worth picking up.
In the similar vein to the popular Before the Coffee Gets Cold series, this novel also features a series of interconnected stories centering around a mystical location (a clinic that sends its patients home with cats). As much as I enjoy its magical realism tone, and the adorable description of cats, I still find the 'message' of these narratives overly explicit, shallow, and IG post-esque (along the line of 'self-care is important', 'don't over-stress' etc.). Wish it has just focused on being sweet and lovable instead of trying to spoon-feed life lessons — then again, perhaps this has something to do with Japan being a more performance-based society.
In the similar vein to the popular Before the Coffee Gets Cold series, this novel also features a series of interconnected stories centering around a mystical location (a clinic that sends its patients home with cats). As much as I enjoy its magical realism tone, and the adorable description of cats, I still find the 'message' of these narratives overly explicit, shallow, and IG post-esque (along the line of 'self-care is important', 'don't over-stress' etc.). Wish it has just focused on being sweet and lovable instead of trying to spoon-feed life lessons — then again, perhaps this has something to do with Japan being a more performance-based society.
I'm a Fan by Sheena Patel
2.75
I get it, but don't enjoy it, I have to give props to I'm a Fan for accomplishing its intent: writing from the perspective of an extremely bitter, non-White female intellectual. Intensely unlikable, the protagonist remains a fascinating psyche to dive into as the reader traverses the blurred line between objective observation on societal biases, or weaponizing them unjustly due to unorthodox personal affairs.
Presented as series of self-contained, stream of consciousness vignettes, with a loose narrative thread, I'm a Fan will work better in small doses. Approaching it like a traditional novel, not only is the narrative drive lacking, there are also repetitive chapters where I find echoing the same sentiment over and over.
As a literary exercise, I understand its relevance and importance—shedding light on the gray area when we discuss sensitive subjects such as racism and patriarchy—the discussion becomes more complicated when emotions/human behaviors are in the way. I just think its highbrow execution (it oozes 'I'm a very relevant piece of work' vibe) might prevent readers from experiencing its sentiment fully.
Presented as series of self-contained, stream of consciousness vignettes, with a loose narrative thread, I'm a Fan will work better in small doses. Approaching it like a traditional novel, not only is the narrative drive lacking, there are also repetitive chapters where I find echoing the same sentiment over and over.
As a literary exercise, I understand its relevance and importance—shedding light on the gray area when we discuss sensitive subjects such as racism and patriarchy—the discussion becomes more complicated when emotions/human behaviors are in the way. I just think its highbrow execution (it oozes 'I'm a very relevant piece of work' vibe) might prevent readers from experiencing its sentiment fully.
We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer
3.75
The format I chose kind of distracted from my overall enjoyment, I consumed We Used to Live Here via its audiobook, which in retrospect might not be ideal for a story sprinkled with subtle clues requiring active participation — wish I had a book where I could easily flip back and forth. In theory this novel is right up my alley in both concept and execution, I think I will truly bond with it with a physical re-read in the near future.
Marketed as a straight forward thriller (I actually think its marketing of 'Get Out meets Parasite' is more of a misdirection), in reality We Used to Live Here is much more surreal, interwoven, and psychological. I really enjoy the supplementary materials accompanying the main story (the objective perspectives complimenting the emotional one), as well as elements to decode to get even more clues (well worth a quick Google search on Reddit after reading). Formally it reminds me a bit of I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid, though thematically vastly different.
Take my current rating with a grain of salt, as it is almost no fault to We Used to Live Here itself, and more due to the passive nature of audiobook, which is working against a story that requires reader to be fully engaged rather than multi-tasking. Will have to revisit this one!
**The Book Troop Book Club September 2024 Selection**
Marketed as a straight forward thriller (I actually think its marketing of 'Get Out meets Parasite' is more of a misdirection), in reality We Used to Live Here is much more surreal, interwoven, and psychological. I really enjoy the supplementary materials accompanying the main story (the objective perspectives complimenting the emotional one), as well as elements to decode to get even more clues (well worth a quick Google search on Reddit after reading). Formally it reminds me a bit of I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid, though thematically vastly different.
Take my current rating with a grain of salt, as it is almost no fault to We Used to Live Here itself, and more due to the passive nature of audiobook, which is working against a story that requires reader to be fully engaged rather than multi-tasking. Will have to revisit this one!
**The Book Troop Book Club September 2024 Selection**