Scan barcode
obscurepages's reviews
397 reviews
Into the Light by Mark Oshiro
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Goosebumps. Goosebumps all over. This book is a dark and haunting journey into light of a boy broken and betrayed by the very people who claim they give love and healing. This speaks so much of what queer trans people (especially QTPOC) go through in real life, and how dangerous/destructive others' religious bigotry and dogma can be. I think I'm going to need a few days to process all of this tbh.
Also, I have to commend Mark Oshiro once again. If there's one thing they can do, it's to pull you in with masterful storytelling and riveting perspectives. This book did just that and more.
Full review on my blog soon.
CW: religious bigotry, religious abuse, conversion therapy camps, techniques and forms of conversion therapy, parental abuse (especially from adoptive parents), predatory adults, mentions of sexual assault/harassment, homophobia
Also, I have to commend Mark Oshiro once again. If there's one thing they can do, it's to pull you in with masterful storytelling and riveting perspectives. This book did just that and more.
Full review on my blog soon.
CW: religious bigotry, religious abuse, conversion therapy camps, techniques and forms of conversion therapy, parental abuse (especially from adoptive parents), predatory adults, mentions of sexual assault/harassment, homophobia
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Homophobia, Religious bigotry, and Abandonment
Moderate: Sexual assault, Violence, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Racism
conversion therapy camp, techniques in conversion therapy
The Wicked Bargain by Gabe Cole Novoa
adventurous
challenging
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
The minute I found out about this book, I wanted it. A pirate fantasy starring a transmasc nonbinary teen who seeks revenge?! It reminded me immediately of Our Flag Means Death! To make matters even more exciting, I also found out that Vico Ortiz, the amazing actor who plays the nonbinary pirate in OFMD, is going to narrate the audiobook. Since OFMD is my current obsession, I took this as a clear sign that I was meant to read this book. And I did. and I loved it!
The Wicked Bargain has everything for me. Good characters, good plot/plot twists, good writing, representation among the characters, intriguing world-building/magic. It’s hard for me not to like this book, especially when I was hooked right from the start.
The writing style here is good, easy to follow. And yet, there’s a subtlety to it that adds to the mystery and the twists in the plot. I also appreciate how it pulls us back from Mar’s perspective and gives us some sort of flashback that is crucial to Mar’s story.
Speaking of Mar, the characters are amazing in this book. They definitely made this story so unique and exciting on its own. Mar is a compelling main character. You can see their grief and doubt, especially at the start of the story. It was nice to see them grow and accept their identity as the story went on. And of course, I loved the genderfluid demon, Dami. I love how confident they are in their skin and how they command the reader’s attention whenever they’re on the page. And Bas, I adored Bas. However, I wanted more of his characterization, maybe to dive a little deeper into his wants and aspirations.
As for the romance, I kind of expected more? But at the same time, I liked the softness and innocence of Bas and Mar’s relationship. They banter around, Bas annoys Mar sometimes, Mar remains unimpressed most of the time. They’re just funny and lovely together. I feel like I wanted to see more of that, more of their little moments together as well as pivotal moments in their relationship.
When it comes to the plot and the world-building, I loved the blend of magical elements and historical inspirations. On one hand you have Mar’s magia and El Diablo and the myth of the forbidden magic. But also, you get to see elements pulled from real life, like Latinx people resisting and fighting the Spanish colonization, and Carribean pirates and their life on the seas.
Though the plot seemed simple, you were easily pulled in and hooked into the story. Suddenly, you find yourself following Mar and the rest of these pirates into raids and shore leaves, demon deals, and bar fights. You’ll want to know what will happen next—if Mar will get the revenge they’re looking for, and if they will finally learn to wield their power. The story just gets better and better as you flip the page.
Overall, this book was a wonderful read, and it surely did not disappoint. And now, I want more stories from this world.
The Wicked Bargain has everything for me. Good characters, good plot/plot twists, good writing, representation among the characters, intriguing world-building/magic. It’s hard for me not to like this book, especially when I was hooked right from the start.
The writing style here is good, easy to follow. And yet, there’s a subtlety to it that adds to the mystery and the twists in the plot. I also appreciate how it pulls us back from Mar’s perspective and gives us some sort of flashback that is crucial to Mar’s story.
Speaking of Mar, the characters are amazing in this book. They definitely made this story so unique and exciting on its own. Mar is a compelling main character. You can see their grief and doubt, especially at the start of the story. It was nice to see them grow and accept their identity as the story went on. And of course, I loved the genderfluid demon, Dami. I love how confident they are in their skin and how they command the reader’s attention whenever they’re on the page. And Bas, I adored Bas. However, I wanted more of his characterization, maybe to dive a little deeper into his wants and aspirations.
As for the romance, I kind of expected more? But at the same time, I liked the softness and innocence of Bas and Mar’s relationship. They banter around, Bas annoys Mar sometimes, Mar remains unimpressed most of the time. They’re just funny and lovely together. I feel like I wanted to see more of that, more of their little moments together as well as pivotal moments in their relationship.
When it comes to the plot and the world-building, I loved the blend of magical elements and historical inspirations. On one hand you have Mar’s magia and El Diablo and the myth of the forbidden magic. But also, you get to see elements pulled from real life, like Latinx people resisting and fighting the Spanish colonization, and Carribean pirates and their life on the seas.
Though the plot seemed simple, you were easily pulled in and hooked into the story. Suddenly, you find yourself following Mar and the rest of these pirates into raids and shore leaves, demon deals, and bar fights. You’ll want to know what will happen next—if Mar will get the revenge they’re looking for, and if they will finally learn to wield their power. The story just gets better and better as you flip the page.
Overall, this book was a wonderful read, and it surely did not disappoint. And now, I want more stories from this world.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Dysphoria
Always the Almost by Edward Underhill
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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? No
4.0
The rumors are true. This was a wonderful read! I loved Miles and his journey. I loved getting to know him as a pianist, and a queer trans kid who just wants to find himself and his joy.
Also, this is a certified cozy read!
Also, this is a certified cozy read!
Feed Them Silence by Lee Mandelo
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Okay I need to read more of Lee Mandelo's works. (I know Summer Sons have been on my radar for so loooonngg.)
This was definitely an interesting read. Here we see Sean's research and interest on wolves affect her real-life relationships and her mental health. But in this story we also see science clashing with ethics and moral values, a messed-up version of a parasocial relationship and its impact, and maybe how big corporations can take advantage of anything and make profits out of it.
Lots of themes were explored, lots of questions were also brought up to make readers wonder and think. Overall, and entertaining and solid read.
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Marking this book as part of reading challenge: #ReadQueerly2023.
This was definitely an interesting read. Here we see Sean's research and interest on wolves affect her real-life relationships and her mental health. But in this story we also see science clashing with ethics and moral values, a messed-up version of a parasocial relationship and its impact, and maybe how big corporations can take advantage of anything and make profits out of it.
Lots of themes were explored, lots of questions were also brought up to make readers wonder and think. Overall, and entertaining and solid read.
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Marking this book as part of reading challenge: #ReadQueerly2023.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death
Moderate: Infidelity, Medical content, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Racism
Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This whole book was a surprise 😭 I mean I had an idea I would like it, yes. But somehow I didn't know just how much it would affect me and throw me in a roller coaster through space.
I love the world-building and all the details the author put in this story. Those passages from books/journals/accounts about human race, the wars, even the insertion of philosophy and humanity? They all helped build and set the tone of the story, as well as the history and foundation.
I love the both the familiarity and surprise of the storytelling and the plot. Like it got me feeling I know what's going to happen next and that I've seen it before (naive soldier realizes how fucked up the system is and realizes not everything is what is seems). But then the author throws you into some sort of deep end and suddenly you're caught unawares. Several times I wanted to rip my hair out because of the plot twists and details, but oh I loved it.
And perhaps one of the best parts of the book is the main character herself, Kyr. She's so annoying. Well, I guess, not anymore. Because in those 400+ pages, she has annoyed me, frustrated me, confused me, made me sympathize with her, made me understand her, touched my heart, made me root for her. She made me love her. Kyr is such a complex and compelling character, and I just loved being on this journey with her.
Overall, Some Desperate Glory was an incredible and expansive book. If you give it a try you might like it too.
CW: death, genocide, murders, mentions of rape/sexual harassment, homophobia, transphobia/queerphobia
I love the world-building and all the details the author put in this story. Those passages from books/journals/accounts about human race, the wars, even the insertion of philosophy and humanity? They all helped build and set the tone of the story, as well as the history and foundation.
I love the both the familiarity and surprise of the storytelling and the plot. Like it got me feeling I know what's going to happen next and that I've seen it before (naive soldier realizes how fucked up the system is and realizes not everything is what is seems). But then the author throws you into some sort of deep end and suddenly you're caught unawares. Several times I wanted to rip my hair out because of the plot twists and details, but oh I loved it.
And perhaps one of the best parts of the book is the main character herself, Kyr. She's so annoying. Well, I guess, not anymore. Because in those 400+ pages, she has annoyed me, frustrated me, confused me, made me sympathize with her, made me understand her, touched my heart, made me root for her. She made me love her. Kyr is such a complex and compelling character, and I just loved being on this journey with her.
Overall, Some Desperate Glory was an incredible and expansive book. If you give it a try you might like it too.
CW: death, genocide, murders, mentions of rape/sexual harassment, homophobia, transphobia/queerphobia
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and War
Moderate: Death, Homophobia, Transphobia, and Murder
Minor: Rape and Sexual harassment
Vampires Never Get Old: Tales with Fresh Bite by Natalie C. Parker, Zoraida Córdova
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Loooovee how this anthology reinvents and reimagines vampire myth and lore! I also love the short commentaries after each story–tackling different aspects of the lore, the fresh twist that we see in the stories, as well as the questions that we ask ourselves when we think about vampires.
My favorites would have to be Mirrors, Windows & Selfies by Mark Oshiro, The Boy and the Bell by Heidi Heilig, and The Guidebook for the Newly Sired Desi Vampire by Samira Ahmed.
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Marking this book as part of reading challenge: #ReadQueerly2023.
My favorites would have to be Mirrors, Windows & Selfies by Mark Oshiro, The Boy and the Bell by Heidi Heilig, and The Guidebook for the Newly Sired Desi Vampire by Samira Ahmed.
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Marking this book as part of reading challenge: #ReadQueerly2023.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Blood
Moderate: Bullying, Sexual content, and Transphobia
Mysteries of Thorn Manor by Margaret Rogerson
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-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? No
4.0
The perfect novella to follow Sorcery of Thorns 🥹 I loved that the romance I was looking for in the first book, I found here. There was also a bit of world-building still too, which was nice.
Oh and yes, I freaking love Silas 😭
Read and reviewed as part of the tour stop hosted by Turn The Pages Tours!
Oh and yes, I freaking love Silas 😭
Read and reviewed as part of the tour stop hosted by Turn The Pages Tours!
Content Warnings
Minor: Death and Death of parent
Hell Followed with Us by Andrew Joseph White
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Maybe the real monsters are those who are willing do the most terrible things just for the sake of religious bigotry, and privilege, and hate.
This was such an incredible journey 😭 One filled with rage, fear, hope, and love. And clearly, a love letter to queer kids. I'm so glad to have read this 🤧
Full review soon 🤞
This was such an incredible journey 😭 One filled with rage, fear, hope, and love. And clearly, a love letter to queer kids. I'm so glad to have read this 🤧
Full review soon 🤞
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Gun violence, Homophobia, Transphobia, Violence, and Religious bigotry
Moderate: Sexual content
Misgendering, mention of deadname
Ravenfall by Kalyn Josephson
Finished this book! 😭 Whimsical and so heartfelt! From the Celtic mythology, to the magic and the world-building, to the characters, and the overall atmosphere–this book aced them all.
Maybe some of the plot were a bit predictable at first? But the last battle near the end still had a few surprises and I love it!
Also, I appreciate how this book had several moral lessons for the reader. 🥹
This magical MG novel is out September 6th!
Read my full review here: https://enthralledbookworm.wordpress.com/2022/08/14/arc-review-ravenfall/
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-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? No
4.0
Finished this book! 😭 Whimsical and so heartfelt! From the Celtic mythology, to the magic and the world-building, to the characters, and the overall atmosphere–this book aced them all.
Maybe some of the plot were a bit predictable at first? But the last battle near the end still had a few surprises and I love it!
Also, I appreciate how this book had several moral lessons for the reader. 🥹
This magical MG novel is out September 6th!
Read my full review here: https://enthralledbookworm.wordpress.com/2022/08/14/arc-review-ravenfall/
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, and Murder
Home Field Advantage by Dahlia Adler
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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? No
4.75
THIS BOOK IS EVERYTHING 😭 I'm crying and laughing and just basking in the magnificence of this book. The romance is exquisite, the characters are compelling, and the way this book tackled misogyny and homophobia is just incredible. Also, the queer rep is just too good here 😭
I just love this book a lot, definitely one of my top reads for this year!! 💜
I just love this book a lot, definitely one of my top reads for this year!! 💜
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Homophobia, Misogyny, and Religious bigotry
Also contains manipulation/blackmailing of a closeted character