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1591 reviews
A Sign of Affection, Volume 3 by suu Morishita
One standout moment for me was realizing how holding hands affects Yuki's ability to sign—such a subtle, everyday thing that I’d never considered before. It was a humbling realization about how much I take for granted in communication, and it made the story resonate even more deeply.
The art remains breathtakingly beautiful, with its depth, grace, and humor shining through. The facial expressions are especially delightful, adding layers of emotion and wit to the narrative. The story also continues to warm my heart with Itsuomi's determination to learn sign language for Yuki. It’s a simple yet profound act of love and care, showing how far he’s willing to go to connect with her on her terms.
This volume is a testament to how small acts of understanding and adaptation can build bridges between people. I’m excited to see where Yuki and Itsuomi’s journey takes them next. This manga isn’t just a romance—it’s an emotional, visual masterpiece that leaves a lasting impact. Highly recommended!
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Volume 3 of A Sign of Affection continues to deliver the sweetness and charm that makes this series so special. This installment had me squealing, laughing, and giggling with every turn of the page. The creators' attention to detail in portraying sign language is nothing short of incredible. It’s both a celebration and a powerful reminder of how vital and nuanced communication is.
One standout moment for me was realizing how holding hands affects Yuki's ability to sign—such a subtle, everyday thing that I’d never considered before. It was a humbling realization about how much I take for granted in communication, and it made the story resonate even more deeply.
The art remains breathtakingly beautiful, with its depth, grace, and humor shining through. The facial expressions are especially delightful, adding layers of emotion and wit to the narrative. The story also continues to warm my heart with Itsuomi's determination to learn sign language for Yuki. It’s a simple yet profound act of love and care, showing how far he’s willing to go to connect with her on her terms.
This volume is a testament to how small acts of understanding and adaptation can build bridges between people. I’m excited to see where Yuki and Itsuomi’s journey takes them next. This manga isn’t just a romance—it’s an emotional, visual masterpiece that leaves a lasting impact. Highly recommended!
The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
The story explores the lingering effects of trauma, cultural displacement, and the systemic discrimination faced by Native Americans. From the beginning, Jones highlights these struggles in a way that is thought-provoking and unflinching. The author successfully brings the reader into the world of his characters, exposing the pains and injustices they endure. However, the execution of the story didn’t quite work for me.
I struggled with the writing style, finding it confusing and difficult to follow, especially in the early chapters. The narrative felt disjointed at times, which made it hard for me to immerse myself fully. It wasn’t until the end that the pieces finally came together, and while the twist at the conclusion added an interesting layer to the story, it wasn’t enough to redeem my overall experience.
In terms of horror, I didn’t find the book particularly scary, though it certainly leaned into the weird and surreal. Jones creates an unsettling atmosphere, but it lacked the tension and fear I expect from a horror novel.
That said, I can see why many readers might love this book. It’s thought-provoking and deeply rooted in cultural significance. For me, however, it felt like a missed connection—an intriguing concept that didn’t quite hit the mark. If you enjoy strange, unsettling tales with a message, this might be a good fit for you. But if you’re looking for a straightforward or terrifying horror story, you might find this one a bit lacking.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Stephen Graham Jones’ The Only Good Indians is a unique blend of horror, cultural commentary, and supernatural revenge. While I appreciated the themes and messages woven throughout the story, the book ultimately wasn’t for me.
The story explores the lingering effects of trauma, cultural displacement, and the systemic discrimination faced by Native Americans. From the beginning, Jones highlights these struggles in a way that is thought-provoking and unflinching. The author successfully brings the reader into the world of his characters, exposing the pains and injustices they endure. However, the execution of the story didn’t quite work for me.
I struggled with the writing style, finding it confusing and difficult to follow, especially in the early chapters. The narrative felt disjointed at times, which made it hard for me to immerse myself fully. It wasn’t until the end that the pieces finally came together, and while the twist at the conclusion added an interesting layer to the story, it wasn’t enough to redeem my overall experience.
In terms of horror, I didn’t find the book particularly scary, though it certainly leaned into the weird and surreal. Jones creates an unsettling atmosphere, but it lacked the tension and fear I expect from a horror novel.
That said, I can see why many readers might love this book. It’s thought-provoking and deeply rooted in cultural significance. For me, however, it felt like a missed connection—an intriguing concept that didn’t quite hit the mark. If you enjoy strange, unsettling tales with a message, this might be a good fit for you. But if you’re looking for a straightforward or terrifying horror story, you might find this one a bit lacking.
Moonstruck Vol. 1: Magic to Brew by Clayton Cowles, Caitlin Quirk, Shae Beagle, Grace Ellis, Kate Leth
The protagonist, Julie, is a Latina, chubby, queer werewolf—a representation that’s refreshing and empowering. Her love interest, Selena, is a Black, queer centaur, and their f/f romance is adorable and heartwarming. The standout, though, is Chet, the non-binary side character who steals the show with their hilarious antics and kindhearted nature. Imagine a blend of Kenji (from Bee and Puppycat) and Kuzco (from The Emperor's New Groove)—equal parts snarky and sweet. Chet had me laughing out loud and rooting for them every step of the way!
What makes Moonstruck truly shine is its art. The character designs are vibrant, their expressions are packed with emotion, and the world is rich with a magical aesthetic that pulls you in. Every page feels alive with personality and charm, making it impossible to put down.
However, the plot doesn’t quite match the brilliance of the visuals. Julie’s sudden uptightness about her werewolf form feels out of place, especially since the world normalizes monster characters. It left me wishing for more insight into her internal conflict. The villain, while intriguing, deserved a deeper dive—they had so much potential to be a standout antagonist.
Still, the joy of experiencing Moonstruck outweighs its shortcomings. The blend of humor, heart, and magic makes it a book I’ll eagerly revisit. And with such an endearing cast, I’m already counting the days until I can pick up the next volume. If you’re looking for a fun, inclusive graphic novel with lovable mythological creatures, Moonstruck is a must-read!
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-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? Yes
4.0
Moonstruck Vol. 1 is an absolute delight! This whimsical graphic novel blends mythology, magic, and modern-day charm to create a story that’s as enchanting as its cast of characters. While it falters slightly in storytelling, the breathtaking art and lovable characters more than make up for it.
The protagonist, Julie, is a Latina, chubby, queer werewolf—a representation that’s refreshing and empowering. Her love interest, Selena, is a Black, queer centaur, and their f/f romance is adorable and heartwarming. The standout, though, is Chet, the non-binary side character who steals the show with their hilarious antics and kindhearted nature. Imagine a blend of Kenji (from Bee and Puppycat) and Kuzco (from The Emperor's New Groove)—equal parts snarky and sweet. Chet had me laughing out loud and rooting for them every step of the way!
What makes Moonstruck truly shine is its art. The character designs are vibrant, their expressions are packed with emotion, and the world is rich with a magical aesthetic that pulls you in. Every page feels alive with personality and charm, making it impossible to put down.
However, the plot doesn’t quite match the brilliance of the visuals. Julie’s sudden uptightness about her werewolf form feels out of place, especially since the world normalizes monster characters. It left me wishing for more insight into her internal conflict. The villain, while intriguing, deserved a deeper dive—they had so much potential to be a standout antagonist.
Still, the joy of experiencing Moonstruck outweighs its shortcomings. The blend of humor, heart, and magic makes it a book I’ll eagerly revisit. And with such an endearing cast, I’m already counting the days until I can pick up the next volume. If you’re looking for a fun, inclusive graphic novel with lovable mythological creatures, Moonstruck is a must-read!
Pumpkinheads by Rainbow Rowell
The artwork is truly the standout feature of this book. Hicks' vibrant illustrations bring the pumpkin patch to life, full of whimsical charm and autumnal warmth. It’s clear a lot of love went into the visual storytelling, and I found myself lingering on certain pages to soak in the gorgeous details.
Rowell’s writing is as easygoing and conversational as ever, perfectly suited for the dialogue-heavy interactions between the main characters, Deja and Josiah. Their banter feels natural, like listening to two close friends chat during their shift at a seasonal job. However, the plot itself left much to be desired. It was predictable, repetitive, and, at times, dull.
The most memorable part of the book for me wasn’t the central love story or the friends’ final night of adventure—it was Buck the goat. Released by a group of rogue children, Buck runs wild throughout the pumpkin patch, stealing scenes and injecting some much-needed humor into an otherwise uninspired story. The fact that a running gag involving a mischievous goat stood out more than the actual plot says a lot about how unremarkable the rest of the book felt.
The ending was sweet and tied things up nicely, but it wasn’t enough to make me fully invest in the story. While Pumpkinheads wasn’t a bad read by any means, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. That said, if you’re looking for a quick, visually stunning, and seasonally appropriate read, this might be worth picking up. Just don’t expect it to be a game-changer.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Rainbow Rowell’s Pumpkinheads, with art by Faith Erin Hicks, is a light and visually stunning graphic novel that captures the cozy, festive vibes of a Halloween-themed pumpkin patch. While the story was pleasant enough, it ultimately didn’t leave a lasting impression on me.
The artwork is truly the standout feature of this book. Hicks' vibrant illustrations bring the pumpkin patch to life, full of whimsical charm and autumnal warmth. It’s clear a lot of love went into the visual storytelling, and I found myself lingering on certain pages to soak in the gorgeous details.
Rowell’s writing is as easygoing and conversational as ever, perfectly suited for the dialogue-heavy interactions between the main characters, Deja and Josiah. Their banter feels natural, like listening to two close friends chat during their shift at a seasonal job. However, the plot itself left much to be desired. It was predictable, repetitive, and, at times, dull.
The most memorable part of the book for me wasn’t the central love story or the friends’ final night of adventure—it was Buck the goat. Released by a group of rogue children, Buck runs wild throughout the pumpkin patch, stealing scenes and injecting some much-needed humor into an otherwise uninspired story. The fact that a running gag involving a mischievous goat stood out more than the actual plot says a lot about how unremarkable the rest of the book felt.
The ending was sweet and tied things up nicely, but it wasn’t enough to make me fully invest in the story. While Pumpkinheads wasn’t a bad read by any means, it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. That said, if you’re looking for a quick, visually stunning, and seasonally appropriate read, this might be worth picking up. Just don’t expect it to be a game-changer.
Manhunt by Gretchen Felker-Martin
The treatment of queer people in Manhunt feels painfully close to reality at times, which makes the story hit harder but can also make it a challenging read. This dystopian world is bleak and sad, filled with body horror, explicit scenes of rape, and brutal killings of trans individuals. These elements, though well-written, may feel unnecessarily salacious at times, pushing the boundaries of reader comfort. It’s a book that doesn’t pull punches, for better or worse, and that rawness is part of its power but also its
difficulty.
That said, Felker-Martin’s writing is undeniably skilled, weaving grotesque action sequences with moments of reflection and sharp commentary on societal constructs. The narrative explores the collapse of gender ideals in a dystopia ruled by violence, and while it’s tough to stomach, it’s also thought-provoking. The world she creates is grotesque and fascinating, with plenty of over-the-top, off-the-wall dystopian madness that keeps the pages turning.
This isn’t a book for everyone, and I wouldn’t recommend it lightly. It’s for readers who enjoy niche horror that doesn’t shy away from brutality or pushback against societal norms. If you’re comfortable with intense, triggering content and are intrigued by the idea of a dystopia reframed through queer and trans experiences, Manhunt is worth checking out.
Despite its flaws, the book left me curious about what Felker-Martin has in store for the future. There’s clear talent and vision here, and I’ll definitely be exploring more of her work. Manhunt is not just a story—it’s a confrontational, visceral experience. Proceed with caution, but if you’re ready, prepare for a brutal ride.
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Gretchen Felker-Martin’s Manhunt is a visceral, unapologetic horror story that delivers a unique and unflinching take on the apocalypse. Think The Walking Dead meets Mad Max but filtered through the harrowing lens of gender, transphobia, and patriarchy—both as literal and figurative specters haunting its pages. While the story is undeniably effective in its horror, it’s not an easy book to get through, particularly due to its intense exploration of themes and its unrelenting depiction of violence and suffering.
The treatment of queer people in Manhunt feels painfully close to reality at times, which makes the story hit harder but can also make it a challenging read. This dystopian world is bleak and sad, filled with body horror, explicit scenes of rape, and brutal killings of trans individuals. These elements, though well-written, may feel unnecessarily salacious at times, pushing the boundaries of reader comfort. It’s a book that doesn’t pull punches, for better or worse, and that rawness is part of its power but also its
difficulty.
That said, Felker-Martin’s writing is undeniably skilled, weaving grotesque action sequences with moments of reflection and sharp commentary on societal constructs. The narrative explores the collapse of gender ideals in a dystopia ruled by violence, and while it’s tough to stomach, it’s also thought-provoking. The world she creates is grotesque and fascinating, with plenty of over-the-top, off-the-wall dystopian madness that keeps the pages turning.
This isn’t a book for everyone, and I wouldn’t recommend it lightly. It’s for readers who enjoy niche horror that doesn’t shy away from brutality or pushback against societal norms. If you’re comfortable with intense, triggering content and are intrigued by the idea of a dystopia reframed through queer and trans experiences, Manhunt is worth checking out.
Despite its flaws, the book left me curious about what Felker-Martin has in store for the future. There’s clear talent and vision here, and I’ll definitely be exploring more of her work. Manhunt is not just a story—it’s a confrontational, visceral experience. Proceed with caution, but if you’re ready, prepare for a brutal ride.
A Fragile Enchantment by Allison Saft
The setting is enchanting, with a magical system that comes at a deadly cost to its users—a concept I adore. Saft includes some LGBTQI+ representation, though it’s only lightly touched upon.
The romance between the main characters had its sweet moments, but overall, it didn’t feel developed enough to make me fully invested. While there were a few cute scenes, the connection between the characters wasn’t strong enough to be entirely believable.
The abrupt and unsatisfactory ending left me feeling unfulfilled, as it didn’t tie up the threads of the story in a satisfying way. While A Fragile Enchantment had its highlights and a charming foundation, it ultimately didn’t leave the lasting impression I’d hoped for.
If you enjoy soft, atmospheric fantasy with a touch of romance and don’t mind a slower pace, this book might still be worth exploring.
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Allison Saft’s A Fragile Enchantment offers a beautifully imagined world and an intriguing premise, but while the book had its moments, it fell short of fully delivering on its potential.
The setting is enchanting, with a magical system that comes at a deadly cost to its users—a concept I adore. Saft includes some LGBTQI+ representation, though it’s only lightly touched upon.
The romance between the main characters had its sweet moments, but overall, it didn’t feel developed enough to make me fully invested. While there were a few cute scenes, the connection between the characters wasn’t strong enough to be entirely believable.
The abrupt and unsatisfactory ending left me feeling unfulfilled, as it didn’t tie up the threads of the story in a satisfying way. While A Fragile Enchantment had its highlights and a charming foundation, it ultimately didn’t leave the lasting impression I’d hoped for.
If you enjoy soft, atmospheric fantasy with a touch of romance and don’t mind a slower pace, this book might still be worth exploring.
Pure by Jennifer L. Armentrout
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The second installment in the Covenant series takes us on a wild ride of intense emotions and high stakes. While it doesn’t deliver the answers to the big questions raised in the first book, it more than compensates with an intricate and suspenseful plot that thickens with every chapter. Though it can be frustrating to have so many mysteries left unresolved, this slow burn feels necessary to flesh out the characters and the world they inhabit. It leaves us eagerly anticipating what’s to come while pulling us into the lives of the characters.
Alex continues to shine as a fierce, witty, and incredibly strong heroine. She faces even more turmoil in this book, constantly finding herself caught in situations beyond her control. Yet, despite the chaos, she remains true to her core—brave, sharp-tongued, and unyielding. This is one of the reasons I love her; no matter how tough things get, she holds her ground, even if it means getting into more trouble along the way.
The tension in Pure is palpable, and the stakes are higher than ever, but the real gut punch comes with the loss of one of my favorite characters. It was heartbreaking and left me feeling raw and emotional. Even though the story doesn't quite move forward in the grand sense, this character-driven development and deepening relationships are crucial for the series. However, the cliffhanger-like ending, with so many unanswered questions, definitely leaves you craving more answers.
Pure is a thrilling follow-up that ups the emotional intensity while expanding the world of the Covenant series. It may not have all the answers, but it's an exciting and heart-wrenching chapter that leaves you eagerly awaiting the next book.
Alex continues to shine as a fierce, witty, and incredibly strong heroine. She faces even more turmoil in this book, constantly finding herself caught in situations beyond her control. Yet, despite the chaos, she remains true to her core—brave, sharp-tongued, and unyielding. This is one of the reasons I love her; no matter how tough things get, she holds her ground, even if it means getting into more trouble along the way.
The tension in Pure is palpable, and the stakes are higher than ever, but the real gut punch comes with the loss of one of my favorite characters. It was heartbreaking and left me feeling raw and emotional. Even though the story doesn't quite move forward in the grand sense, this character-driven development and deepening relationships are crucial for the series. However, the cliffhanger-like ending, with so many unanswered questions, definitely leaves you craving more answers.
Pure is a thrilling follow-up that ups the emotional intensity while expanding the world of the Covenant series. It may not have all the answers, but it's an exciting and heart-wrenching chapter that leaves you eagerly awaiting the next book.
Sweet Nightmare (Deluxe Limited Edition) by Tracy Wolff
The highlight for me was the budding romance between Clementine, the protagonist, and Jude, a broody yet compelling character. Jude quickly became my favorite, because we learn more about his complicated past as the story progresses. Beneath his tough exterior, he's a character with depth, and his interactions with Clementine are both sweet and genuine, adding a nice touch of warmth to the otherwise dark and mysterious setting.
The story hit its stride in the later chapters, especially when a major twist left Clementine reeling in the final moments. That cliffhanger was intense, making me wish I had the second book right away!
Sweet Nightmare is a promising start to a series with plenty of room to grow, and I'm excited to see where Clementine and Jude’s journey takes them next. If you enjoy paranormal stories with complex characters, slow-burn romance, and some thrilling twists, this one is worth checking out!
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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
4.0
Sweet Nightmare introduces us to Calder Academy, an isolated island where juvenile paranormals—vampires, werewolves, witches, dark fae, and more—are sent to learn control. Still, for some, it's more like a prison. As the first book in a series, the story is understandably slow to start, with a significant focus on world-building to establish the rules and intricacies of this supernatural society. While the beginning took its time, I found myself more engaged as the plot picked up towards the middle and end, especially once the connection to "nightmares" became clearer.
The highlight for me was the budding romance between Clementine, the protagonist, and Jude, a broody yet compelling character. Jude quickly became my favorite, because we learn more about his complicated past as the story progresses. Beneath his tough exterior, he's a character with depth, and his interactions with Clementine are both sweet and genuine, adding a nice touch of warmth to the otherwise dark and mysterious setting.
The story hit its stride in the later chapters, especially when a major twist left Clementine reeling in the final moments. That cliffhanger was intense, making me wish I had the second book right away!
Sweet Nightmare is a promising start to a series with plenty of room to grow, and I'm excited to see where Clementine and Jude’s journey takes them next. If you enjoy paranormal stories with complex characters, slow-burn romance, and some thrilling twists, this one is worth checking out!
Immortal Dark by Tigest Girma
Kidan is a character I found myself both rooting for and fearing. She’s caring, but there’s a ruthless, even unhinged edge to her, which makes her development throughout the book both unpredictable and captivating. Watching her wrestle with her identity and her place in a dangerous world felt raw and real, and I loved how her perspective on both the world and herself shifted as the story unfolded.
The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Kidan and Susenyos is the highlight of this novel. I’ve never seen two characters despise each other more intensely, and their tension practically ignites off the page. Their relationship is built on genuine hatred, and Girma masterfully navigates the slow burn as their animosity grows into something more complex. If you’re a fan of enemies-to-lovers, this one feels like the real deal—none of the watered-down versions. The level of loathing and tension between these two characters kept me on the edge of my seat.
However, the beginning of the book is a bit slow, with the pacing struggling to gain momentum. But once it does, the plot takes off. The mix of dark academia, the secret society at Uxlay University, and the rising stakes in Kidan’s world all work to build a deep sense of unease and suspense. By the time the climax hit, I was completely hooked, unable to put the book down.
Girma leaves the reader hanging at the end with just enough intrigue to make you desperate for more, and I, for one, cannot wait for the second book. The potential of this story is immense, and with such rich world-building and complex characters, I’m excited to see where this series goes next. Immortal Dark is a thrilling, dark read that promises even more intense revelations and betrayals to come.
dark
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
4.5
Immortal Dark is a decadent, Gothic tale that drips with dark magic, bloody politics, and twisted family secrets. Tigest Girma weaves a fascinating world where shadowy alliances and ruthless ambition fuel a story you can't ignore. At its heart is Kidan, a complex and compelling protagonist whose journey through Uxlay University is haunting and thrilling.
Kidan is a character I found myself both rooting for and fearing. She’s caring, but there’s a ruthless, even unhinged edge to her, which makes her development throughout the book both unpredictable and captivating. Watching her wrestle with her identity and her place in a dangerous world felt raw and real, and I loved how her perspective on both the world and herself shifted as the story unfolded.
The enemies-to-lovers dynamic between Kidan and Susenyos is the highlight of this novel. I’ve never seen two characters despise each other more intensely, and their tension practically ignites off the page. Their relationship is built on genuine hatred, and Girma masterfully navigates the slow burn as their animosity grows into something more complex. If you’re a fan of enemies-to-lovers, this one feels like the real deal—none of the watered-down versions. The level of loathing and tension between these two characters kept me on the edge of my seat.
However, the beginning of the book is a bit slow, with the pacing struggling to gain momentum. But once it does, the plot takes off. The mix of dark academia, the secret society at Uxlay University, and the rising stakes in Kidan’s world all work to build a deep sense of unease and suspense. By the time the climax hit, I was completely hooked, unable to put the book down.
Girma leaves the reader hanging at the end with just enough intrigue to make you desperate for more, and I, for one, cannot wait for the second book. The potential of this story is immense, and with such rich world-building and complex characters, I’m excited to see where this series goes next. Immortal Dark is a thrilling, dark read that promises even more intense revelations and betrayals to come.
Four Eids and a Funeral by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé, Adiba Jaigirdar
However, my biggest issue with the book was how the story itself felt like a series of disjointed events. While things would happen, the consequences or emotional impacts of those moments often felt glossed over. It was like moving from one scene to the next without fully exploring the ripple effects of the previous one. This made the pacing feel a bit off, as if the plot lacked a deeper sense of connection and flow.
Despite this, I did enjoy reading it. There were moments when the cultural representation shined, and I could see the unique voices of both authors coming through. Four Eids and a Funeral is an enjoyable read with great humor, but it left me wishing for a more tightly woven story. I would recommend it to readers looking for something light and relatable, but with the caveat that the plot might sometimes feel a bit uneven.
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
3.75
Four Eids and a Funeral had so much potential, and while I enjoyed many aspects of the book, it fell a little short of my expectations. I liked both of the main characters—Faridah and Adiba did a great job crafting them to be relatable and often funny. The humor throughout the story brought a lightness that I appreciated.
However, my biggest issue with the book was how the story itself felt like a series of disjointed events. While things would happen, the consequences or emotional impacts of those moments often felt glossed over. It was like moving from one scene to the next without fully exploring the ripple effects of the previous one. This made the pacing feel a bit off, as if the plot lacked a deeper sense of connection and flow.
Despite this, I did enjoy reading it. There were moments when the cultural representation shined, and I could see the unique voices of both authors coming through. Four Eids and a Funeral is an enjoyable read with great humor, but it left me wishing for a more tightly woven story. I would recommend it to readers looking for something light and relatable, but with the caveat that the plot might sometimes feel a bit uneven.