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nouriareads's reviews
190 reviews
To Wield The Darkest Night by Beau Van Dalen
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.75
I was part of the ARC team for this book. This has not influenced my review.
The story shines through its characters, Sol and Yohan are extremely endearing. It’s a fated mates story, so even though it’s a little insta-lovey it makes sense here. In a nutshell, we follow Sol’s journey to self-acceptance, and his learning to take more space and be comfortable in his own skin. I love Yohan’s gentleness, he gives Sol space to be himself without making him feel guilty about the conflicting feelings and the self-doubt that come with him struggling to announce his trans identity to the world. I loved their conversations, tenderness, and how they validated their emotions. It’s really a story about two people seeking connection and finding it in each other, which I always love.
I liked the character development but the plot moved too fast and was a bit sidelined. I wish we had taken more time to establish Sol’s life in his village before Yohan’s arrival, their mission’s steps and their life after it was completed. I also wanted a little more in terms of worldbuilding. The magic system, with all its possibilities, and the lore sounded fascinating, I loved the glimpses we had but wanted it explored deeper.
It’s great if you’re looking for a character-driven cozy read set in a fantasy world, with low stakes and very high heat 🌶️ especially if you want some trans joy with that!!
The story shines through its characters, Sol and Yohan are extremely endearing. It’s a fated mates story, so even though it’s a little insta-lovey it makes sense here. In a nutshell, we follow Sol’s journey to self-acceptance, and his learning to take more space and be comfortable in his own skin. I love Yohan’s gentleness, he gives Sol space to be himself without making him feel guilty about the conflicting feelings and the self-doubt that come with him struggling to announce his trans identity to the world. I loved their conversations, tenderness, and how they validated their emotions. It’s really a story about two people seeking connection and finding it in each other, which I always love.
I liked the character development but the plot moved too fast and was a bit sidelined. I wish we had taken more time to establish Sol’s life in his village before Yohan’s arrival, their mission’s steps and their life after it was completed. I also wanted a little more in terms of worldbuilding. The magic system, with all its possibilities, and the lore sounded fascinating, I loved the glimpses we had but wanted it explored deeper.
It’s great if you’re looking for a character-driven cozy read set in a fantasy world, with low stakes and very high heat 🌶️ especially if you want some trans joy with that!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Deadnaming, Panic attacks/disorders, and Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Transphobia
Conte d'Anouvyn by Atelier Nymphae
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
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? Yes
4.5
Mis à part quelques scènes dont la fin est un peu abrupte, j’ai passé un excellent moment en compagnie de nos trois magiciennes!! Un récit rempli de magie, de sororité et d’aventure avec de magnifiques illustrations.
Shiori, Dihya et Aditi sont toutes les trois attachantes. Shiori ne se sent pas à sa place à Odalys, ce qui impacte sa santé mentale, et repousse l’aide de ses amies qui finissent par se décourager. Mais leur voyage va faire vivre une jolie évolution à Shiori, qui se rendra compte que ses amies ne veulent que son bien être et la soutenir. J’ai aussi beaucoup aimé découvrir la magie liée aux différentes Sororités. Ça me donne encore plus hâte pour la BD!!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness and Suicidal thoughts
Ce Que Les Corbeaux Nous Laissent by Sophie Leullier
challenging
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Je suis en amour devant les illustrations, les couleurs, les détails (notamment les tenues), les expressions des personnages: un style graphique de toute beauté!!
J’adore les histoires familiales et j’ai été très touchée par la relation entre Galswinthe et ses fils, c’est une mère exceptionnelle qui décide d’outrepasser son désir de vengeance pour être présente pour son fils. La BD explore le deuil et la différence de réactions qu’il suscite. Même s’ils ont chacun leur manière de réagir, au fond il y a des points communs. Si Tarik est rongé par la culpabilité et refuse de parler à sa mère, Galswinthe refuse également le soutien d’une personne qui lui est chère. Au final ils arrivent à faire la paix avec leur deuil, et retrouver une relation plus harmonieuse avec les autres mais surtout avec eux-mêmes. Un autre thème important est la vengeance. Est-elle réellement le chemin vers la guérison ou est-elle plus destructrice qu’autre chose?
En bref une BD magnifique avec de beaux messages ✨
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Violence, and Grief
Moderate: Alcohol
Œil de Dragon — l'Exil by Cha Sandmæl
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
C’est rafraichissant de voir de la représentation non-binaire (own-voice) dans une BD jeunesse et encore plus dans un univers où cette identité n’est pas le conflit principal!!
L’auteurice aborde les relations familiales compliquées et la pression clanique, le tout saupoudré d’un peu de trahison et d’amitié, avec un joli style graphique rempli de tons violets (c’était pour moi ça), rouges et bleus. J’aime particulièrement de design des elfes!! C’est un tome introductif, l’intrigue principale et les sous intrigues se mettent doucement en place, mais il y a de l’action pour équilibrer le rythme. On est sur une BD jeunesse donc il y a des petites facilités, mais elles ne sont pas dérangeantes, j’ai passé un excellent moment et je pense que ça peut plaire aux fans de DnD!!
Kha est très attachante et curieuse, c’est un plaisir de suivre sa découverte du monde de la surface et son amitié bourgeonnante avec la dragonne qu’iel rencontre, qui lui (nous) réserve une petite surprise.
C’est un excellent début de saga, j’ai hâte pour la suite, surtout d’en apprendre plus sur la magie et les codes de ce monde fantastique.
Merci à Johan et Albin Michel pour la découverte et l’envoi de la BD ✨
Content Warnings
Minor: Death of parent
The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw
dark
mysterious
tense
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? It's complicated
4.0
A good surprise, I didn’t expect to enjoy this novella as much as I did!! It has interesting mermaid lore, a revenge story and a cult involved in necromancy. It’s very gore and descriptive in terms of violence but is balanced by a tiny bit of romance which unexpectedly works well, especially given the book’s shortness.
I only had a bit of trouble with the prose: it’s too purple for me (“calcium scaffolding” to describe someone’s ribs please Mx 😭) but since it’s a novella it was fine. I would recommend it if you’re not squeamish, it’s perfect for the spooky season!!
Navigating With You by Jeremy Whitley
adventurous
emotional
funny
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
Thanks to Frank and Maverick for the Netgalley ARC, and for sending me a finished copy ✨
A lovely coming-of-age story!! It was so pleasing to see two people bond over a shared interest, it made me nostalgic for high school because I’ve also made friends through mangas. The GN takes time to establish each MC while simultaneously developing their relationship which was great to see blossom.
A lovely coming-of-age story!! It was so pleasing to see two people bond over a shared interest, it made me nostalgic for high school because I’ve also made friends through mangas. The GN takes time to establish each MC while simultaneously developing their relationship which was great to see blossom.
The drawings are cute, and it was nice to see pages of the manga. I loved how it mirrored Gabby’s relationship and that through discussions with Neesha about their respective interpretations she realised she might not be in a healthy relationship and started implementing boundaries.
This GN tackled many interesting themes like living with a disability, dealing with grief, being a child of divorce, and biphobia. But there were so many that not all of them got explored as deeply as I would’ve liked. However, they’re still important to depict in books, especially in YA. I also thought that a few scenes ended a little abruptly. That said, it was still an enjoyable read!!
Only for the Week by Natasha Bishop
emotional
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? Yes
4.5
The internet was right, I loved this!! I enjoyed the romance, but I especially liked the family drama and Janelle’s character development. It delves into toxic family relationships, Janelle has a strained relationship with her sister and mother who constantly disrespect her, but she puts their happiness before her own. I loved her journey to relearning her self-worth and implementing boundaries for her own happiness. Rome was a great love interest, he was effortlessly devoted to making Janelle stress less in whatever way she needed. They had chemistry and communicated openly with each other. The audiobook was amazing, both narrators did a fantastic job!!
We get Rome’s POV, so I wish he had a little more character development even if his perspective was interesting. It also gave insta-love from Janelle’s side, even though the author made me forget that very often, which is all I can ask for when it comes to tropes I like less.
If you don’t like spice this isn’t for you; there’s some romance, but the story is driven by the smut (and the drama) which is why I think it’s close to erotica. If you like to match your reads to the season, this would be a great summer read!!
Never Lie by Freida McFadden
mysterious
tense
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
3.0
I think it’s a little overhyped!! It’s definitely a page-turner, I loved the alternating timeline and the therapy session excerpts. The chapters are short, I was eager to read the next one after one ended so it was a quick read, and I had fun coming up with theories. Even if I found the writing just okay, I loved the audiobook narrator, she did an amazing job.
Where the author lost me is the plot. The presence of red herrings is part of the genre (happy that I guessed part of the twist though), but my issue is that the plot twist is inconsistent with the beginning of the book, many things in the first few chapters just don’t make sense or don’t add up after the reveal. These details seem to be there just to throw the reader off and the payoff is disappointing. It would’ve been more compelling as a third-person POV or if the author handled the narrator better.