mynameismarines's reviews
1076 reviews

My experience with One Dark Window was underwhelming at best and downright frustrating at worst. While it isn’t the worst thing I’ve ever read, that's about the nicest thing I have to say about it.

The premise has potential, but the execution left much to be desired. The worldbuilding was shallow, with no sense of depth or scope beyond the immediate plot. The magic system, while simple enough to follow, lacked any real foundation or explanation. Soft magic systems can and do work for me when they are paired with strong character development, thematic resonance, or other narrative strengths, but here, the magic felt unsupported by every other element, existing without purpose or interest.

Similarly, the characters felt underdeveloped. At first, I was mostly fine with the FMC, but she got worse as the story progressed. She lacked awareness and struggled to follow even the most obvious plot developments. The reader was often ten steps ahead of her, and not in a satisfying way. A significant late-story reveal, framed as a shocking twist, was so telegraphed that it might as well have been an anvil.

I also struggled a ton with the writing style. The prose was repetitive, particularly in its descriptions of characters’ faces and expressions. I know people seem to really like the atmosphere and the aesthetics here, but as far as I can tell, that atmosphere is mostly just telling us a thousand times how foggy it is. Beyond the ever-present fog, there was little to build a sense of place. Conversations were stilted, with characters overusing each other’s names, often in unnatural and unnecessary ways. 

We got even more repetition in the Nightmare’s dialogue, which consisted entirely of simplistic rhymes. While likely intended to create an eerie or unsettling effect, the execution came across as grating. 

The middle section of the story was the most bearable, but as the ending approached and the protagonist’s obliviousness persisted, my enjoyment waned further.

Honestly, maybe two stars is generous.

4.5 stars

Raybearer is a well-crafted YA fantasy that excels in worldbuilding, character dynamics, and subverting familiar tropes. Ifueko's storytelling is rich with cultural depth, and her world is nicely imagined. The story feeds the reader information gradually, never overwhelming with exposition, and creates a world that feels both intricate and immersive. The magic system, while compelling, isn't a very detailed one. This may leave readers with questions about the finer details, but the strength of the worldbuilding allows the magic to feel grounded enough to work. 

I found the concepts of Ray and the Council fascinating. I loved how they allowed Ifueko to explore interconnected relationships, especially since the characters are another highlight. The platonic relationships are given just as much weight as the romantic ones. 

Tarisai, our protagonist, is a capable, thoughtful heroine navigating a complex and often unjust world. I do think skipping around in time weakens some of the character building, which means that Tarasai is stronger for the role she plays within the story and her interactions with others rather than her individuality.

Still, I enjoyed this very much.

Reading Annie Bot was a visceral experience. There were certain scenes I felt deeply and moments that left me choked by emotions. The writing is simple and straightforward, almost plain, but the matter-of-fact style suits the narrative, reflecting Annie's naive and straightforward perspective. That simple language also wonderfully contrasts the story's emotional weight and makes its darker themes even more jarring.

At its heart, the book is an exploration of autonomy, humanity, and abuse, told through the lens of an AI’s growing awareness and her relationship with her owner. The parallels to real-world misogyny and gendered violence are stark and effective, offering a chilling reflection of present realities through the speculative lens of a not-so-distant future. It’s a story that is both hard to look away from and difficult to sit with, as it accurately captures the dynamics of an abusive relationship.

The pacing isn't perfect. Much of the book is dedicated to the slow buildup of tension, immersing the reader in Annie’s growing self-awareness and the toxic dynamic between her and her owner. This deliberate pacing contrasts sharply with an ending that arrives in a sudden and jarring rush. While the resolution itself is satisfying and thematically fitting, the abrupt execution makes the story feel unbalanced.

Another weakness is the book's handling of race and intersectionality. The AI bot, Annie, is modeled after her owner’s Black ex-wife, and while the story hints at the dynamics of their interracial relationship, it doesn’t explore them with the depth they warrant. The ex-wife and another Black character, a friend of the protagonist, are both positioned as antagonistic figures in ways that feel underexamined.

For this to work, you have to be okay with a story that prioritizes emotional impact over scientific plausibility. If you stop to wonder at the robotics of it all, I'm sure you will be distracted or disappointed. If you can just accept the premise, however, Annie Bot rewards readers with a compelling exploration of human (and not-quite-human) nature. 

Truly a masterclass in storytelling. Layered and beautiful, <i>The Spear Cuts Through Water</i> is a genre-defying epic with deep roots in oral tradition. This is not a book that will hand-feed you, but it will deeply reward you for time and attention. It's immersive and feels fresh as it weaves together first, second, and third-person perspectives to deliver a deeply human story of belonging and redemption. It's a love story, an epic quest, and a testament to the enduring power of stories passed down through generations.

I cannot wait to read this one again. It has the potential to become a favorite of all time.