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neuroqueer's reviews
375 reviews
Find Him Where You Left Him Dead by Kristen Simmons
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Overall: B-
First off, I want to say how much I appreciated that we are immediately thrown into the horror right in the first chapter. The first few chapters show each of the four characters having an interaction with a ghostly apparition of - or related to - their presumed dead friend Ian.
As for the horror, there a few nicely done disturbing moments. There is mutilation and monsters abound. At times the antagonists of the book felt a bit campy but the passable if not good campy. The Japanese folklore used as the background was done pretty well. I initially was mixed on the method of some kids from Cincinnati (Cleveland?) messing with a Japanese card game ending up in up in a mythical creepy plane of existence but on reflection, it was done decently (WAY better than how Americans end up with mystical Japanese forces in the Grudge movies).
Unfortunately, none of the characters were very likable. Their growth throughout the novel was noticeable but didn't change how I felt about them by the end. The hostility that they all had at the beginning does cool off but some of the comments made to each other made me question how they were friends (flashbacks to their earlier years did not change this). At times, the book can be too preachy. Madeline and Emerson having some struggle Olympics in one scene was annoying. However, I appreciated the representation here, particularly for ace characters which is not always common in YA novels.
Overall, "Find Him Where I Left Him Dead" is an interesting concept for a story but unfortunately, the characters were not likable enough for me to be willing to check out the sequel. If you enjoy YA horror with some LGBT+ representation and Japanese folklore, then this may be worth checking out.
First off, I want to say how much I appreciated that we are immediately thrown into the horror right in the first chapter. The first few chapters show each of the four characters having an interaction with a ghostly apparition of - or related to - their presumed dead friend Ian.
As for the horror, there a few nicely done disturbing moments. There is mutilation and monsters abound. At times the antagonists of the book felt a bit campy but the passable if not good campy. The Japanese folklore used as the background was done pretty well. I initially was mixed on the method of some kids from Cincinnati (Cleveland?) messing with a Japanese card game ending up in up in a mythical creepy plane of existence but on reflection, it was done decently (WAY better than how Americans end up with mystical Japanese forces in the Grudge movies).
Unfortunately, none of the characters were very likable. Their growth throughout the novel was noticeable but didn't change how I felt about them by the end. The hostility that they all had at the beginning does cool off but some of the comments made to each other made me question how they were friends (flashbacks to their earlier years did not change this). At times, the book can be too preachy. Madeline and Emerson having some struggle Olympics in one scene was annoying. However, I appreciated the representation here, particularly for ace characters which is not always common in YA novels.
Overall, "Find Him Where I Left Him Dead" is an interesting concept for a story but unfortunately, the characters were not likable enough for me to be willing to check out the sequel. If you enjoy YA horror with some LGBT+ representation and Japanese folklore, then this may be worth checking out.
Ushers by Joe Hill
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Overall: B+
This is a short, creative horror story that has great writing, premise and pacing but the ending was predictable.
This is a short, creative horror story that has great writing, premise and pacing but the ending was predictable.
Not the Most Romantic Thing by Carrie Vaughn
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-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? No
4.25
Overall: A
Time: Marked and Mended by Carrie Vaughn
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-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? No
4.25
Overall: A
Ghost 19 by Simone St. James
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Overall: B+
Even Though I Knew the End by C.L. Polk
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Overall: A
Seducing Scylla by Lex Logan
Did not finish book. Stopped at 27%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 27%.
I got bored and wasn't feeling writing. It is fine writing but just couldn't get into it.
The Cynic's Christmas Conundrum: A Novelette by L.M. Bennett
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Overall: C+
"The Cynic's Christmas Conundrum: A Novelette" is a quick holiday romance story featuring two queer women of color. While the story centers on Amara and River's burgeoning relationship, it could benefit from deeper exploration and clearer pacing.
Amara and River are likable protagonists, and their connection is cute to follow. However, the story feels rushed - particularly in the middle and towards the end where the timeline becomes confusing. I wasn't sure how long it had been between River watching opera singer Amara's performace and her New Year's Eve announcement.
The story primarily unfolds within the two leads' apartments and has limited exploration of Brooklyn outside of throwaway lines. The setting feels generic and could easily have taken place in another city like Portland or Seattle.
The cover art is visually appealing. It showcases the two gorgeous women embracing against a beautiful cityscape backdrop. However, the typography leaves much to be desired.
Overall, "The Cynic's Christmas Conundrum" presents a sweet wintery romance with between two characters with interesting and unique professions (an opera singer and graphic designer). However, the initial conflict between Amara and River felt weak. The relationship felt more like a "weak dislike to lovers" rather than "enemies to lovers." This book includes an explicit sex scene. It is a quick read for those looking for a lighthearted wlw romance.
"The Cynic's Christmas Conundrum: A Novelette" is a quick holiday romance story featuring two queer women of color. While the story centers on Amara and River's burgeoning relationship, it could benefit from deeper exploration and clearer pacing.
Amara and River are likable protagonists, and their connection is cute to follow. However, the story feels rushed - particularly in the middle and towards the end where the timeline becomes confusing. I wasn't sure how long it had been between River watching opera singer Amara's performace and her New Year's Eve announcement.
The story primarily unfolds within the two leads' apartments and has limited exploration of Brooklyn outside of throwaway lines. The setting feels generic and could easily have taken place in another city like Portland or Seattle.
The cover art is visually appealing. It showcases the two gorgeous women embracing against a beautiful cityscape backdrop. However, the typography leaves much to be desired.
Overall, "The Cynic's Christmas Conundrum" presents a sweet wintery romance with between two characters with interesting and unique professions (an opera singer and graphic designer). However, the initial conflict between Amara and River felt weak. The relationship felt more like a "weak dislike to lovers" rather than "enemies to lovers." This book includes an explicit sex scene. It is a quick read for those looking for a lighthearted wlw romance.
Princess Floralinda and the Forty-Flight Tower by Tamsyn Muir
adventurous
dark
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Tantie Merle and the Farmhand 4200 by R.S.A. Garcia
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0