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obscurepages's reviews
397 reviews
The Unbroken by C.L. Clark
adventurous
challenging
dark
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
THIS BOOK MAKES ME WANT TO SCREAM INTO THE VOID.
This was so so good? I can't even begin to explain how. It was tense, it was brutal, and it unabashedly explored the different sides of love, loyalty, and imperialism/colonization. This was a whole damn journey and it was magnificent.
Full review will be posted soon on The Nerd Daily!
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
This was so so good? I can't even begin to explain how. It was tense, it was brutal, and it unabashedly explored the different sides of love, loyalty, and imperialism/colonization. This was a whole damn journey and it was magnificent.
Full review will be posted soon on The Nerd Daily!
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore and Violence
Moderate: Gun violence
Minor: Rape and Sexual assault
Colonization/imperialism
Kingston and the Magician's Lost and Found by Rucker Moses, Theo Gangi
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
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
This middle grade fantasy/mystery novel is full of magic and full of heart!
This was so fun to read. It's light and mysterious, but it was also very heartfelt especially since family was a big theme in the book. It was also filled with adventure (although I really wanted to see more thrill.) and plot twists! (I have to hand it to the authors, there were a couple of twists I didn't see!) Best of all was the magic/history of magic! When I was younger, I had a phase when I was so into magic and magicians! So seeing all the history of magic, especially of Black magicians incorporated into the story was really wonderful.
Overall, this was a great read and I'm sure both kids and adults will love this book! Full review on my blog soon!
Thank you so much MBC Books for sending me an ARC! This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
This was so fun to read. It's light and mysterious, but it was also very heartfelt especially since family was a big theme in the book. It was also filled with adventure (although I really wanted to see more thrill.) and plot twists! (I have to hand it to the authors, there were a couple of twists I didn't see!) Best of all was the magic/history of magic! When I was younger, I had a phase when I was so into magic and magicians! So seeing all the history of magic, especially of Black magicians incorporated into the story was really wonderful.
Overall, this was a great read and I'm sure both kids and adults will love this book! Full review on my blog soon!
Thank you so much MBC Books for sending me an ARC! This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Fat Chance, Charlie Vega by Crystal Maldonado
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I just finished this book five minutes ago, and though I have conflicting feelings about it, it left me with a smile on my face.
Fat Chance, Charlie Vega caught my attention a few months ago because of the fat rep! (And hello, look at that cover, it's gorgeous.) I'm so glad to have finally read it!
The thing is, yes, I loved the fat rep and the body positive message. Seriously, it was glorious. It was so lovely to see a brown, fat girl grow confident and comfortable with her body. At the same time, the plot... frustrated me a little bit. The sort-of miscommunication, the fallout with your best friend, the pettiness, it was all so frustrating for me. Several times in the book I wanted to shake Charlie and make her see reason. It's a good thing that the ending pulled through somehow, and Charlie achieved the last part of her character development, whew! I do wish Charlie's thing with her mom was more resolved though, I thought it was a bit lacking.
Still, this was a solid read! Those who are looking for romance, self-confidence, and a great body positive message will love this!
Exact rating: 3.5 stars! Full review on my blog soon!
E-arc from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Fat Chance, Charlie Vega caught my attention a few months ago because of the fat rep! (And hello, look at that cover, it's gorgeous.) I'm so glad to have finally read it!
The thing is, yes, I loved the fat rep and the body positive message. Seriously, it was glorious. It was so lovely to see a brown, fat girl grow confident and comfortable with her body. At the same time, the plot... frustrated me a little bit. The sort-of miscommunication, the fallout with your best friend, the pettiness, it was all so frustrating for me. Several times in the book I wanted to shake Charlie and make her see reason. It's a good thing that the ending pulled through somehow, and Charlie achieved the last part of her character development, whew! I do wish Charlie's thing with her mom was more resolved though, I thought it was a bit lacking.
Still, this was a solid read! Those who are looking for romance, self-confidence, and a great body positive message will love this!
Exact rating: 3.5 stars! Full review on my blog soon!
E-arc from Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia
Minor: Death of parent
The Knockout by Sajni Patel
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Wow, wow, wow. I enjoyed this one so much!
This was funny and inspiring, and it tackled several social issues and stereotypes. It tackled the stigma/prejudice towards female athletes in rougher sports, being shunned because of not conforming into the more traditional ways of a community (in this case, the Indian/Indian-American community), girls not looking "feminine" enough or girls having big muscles and abs. It was all so wonderful, so kudos to the author for this!
Also, I have to say, I rarely ship cishet characters/couples but Kareena and Amit were so cute! Loved the family and friendship themes in the book, of course. I also adored Kareena as a main character, she was fierce and passionate, but sometimes she can come off as too proud and too stubborn.
Lastly, I'm sure those who loved the k-drama Weighlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo will enjoy this as well! Exact rating: 4.5 stars
E-arc received via Edelweiss. Thank you Flux Books! (This, however, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.)
More detailed review on my blog soon!
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
This was funny and inspiring, and it tackled several social issues and stereotypes. It tackled the stigma/prejudice towards female athletes in rougher sports, being shunned because of not conforming into the more traditional ways of a community (in this case, the Indian/Indian-American community), girls not looking "feminine" enough or girls having big muscles and abs. It was all so wonderful, so kudos to the author for this!
Also, I have to say, I rarely ship cishet characters/couples but Kareena and Amit were so cute! Loved the family and friendship themes in the book, of course. I also adored Kareena as a main character, she was fierce and passionate, but sometimes she can come off as too proud and too stubborn.
Lastly, I'm sure those who loved the k-drama Weighlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo will enjoy this as well! Exact rating: 4.5 stars
E-arc received via Edelweiss. Thank you Flux Books! (This, however, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.)
More detailed review on my blog soon!
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Violence, and Medical content
Minor: Homophobia
Eyes That Kiss in the Corners by Joanna Ho
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book is EVERYTHING.
Joanna Ho's lyrical and powerful writing combined with Dung Ho's gorgeous illustrations resulted into an affirming and heartwarming story that teaches us to love and celebrate our Asian identity.
This was so sweet and tender. It explored the beauty of our identity and nurtured self love and confidence throughout the story. Family was also an important theme in this book, just as much as identity and self love. Both strength and hope can be found in the form of the women she looks up to (her Mama and Amah), and her own little sister who looks up to her. As another Asian kid (Filipino here!), I've seen how westerners and even our own(!) poke fun at others because of eyes like these. This story is what every Asian kid should have heard when they were younger, and a story that young kids should hear now. Because maybe, learning to love and accept ourselves is our own kind of revolution, too.
Joanna Ho's lyrical and powerful writing combined with Dung Ho's gorgeous illustrations resulted into an affirming and heartwarming story that teaches us to love and celebrate our Asian identity.
This was so sweet and tender. It explored the beauty of our identity and nurtured self love and confidence throughout the story. Family was also an important theme in this book, just as much as identity and self love. Both strength and hope can be found in the form of the women she looks up to (her Mama and Amah), and her own little sister who looks up to her. As another Asian kid (Filipino here!), I've seen how westerners and even our own(!) poke fun at others because of eyes like these. This story is what every Asian kid should have heard when they were younger, and a story that young kids should hear now. Because maybe, learning to love and accept ourselves is our own kind of revolution, too.
"My eyes that kiss in the corners and
glow like warm tea
are a revolution.
They are Mama
and Amah
and Mei-Mei.
They are me.
And they are beautiful."
Darius the Great Deserves Better by Adib Khorram
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
THIS WAS JUST AS BEAUTIFUL AS THE FIRST BOOK. SOMEONE PLEASE HOLD ME.
I was literally in tears as I finished this book. It was so good! Reading this sequel felt like coming home to a friend. Especially because I loved the first book and I missed Darius so much. I'm so glad we got another book and we see more of his story! The writing style was on point, the characters were amazing, the overall message of the book was heart-warming. I swear, this book is absolutely everything.
Full review on my blog soon!
I was literally in tears as I finished this book. It was so good! Reading this sequel felt like coming home to a friend. Especially because I loved the first book and I missed Darius so much. I'm so glad we got another book and we see more of his story! The writing style was on point, the characters were amazing, the overall message of the book was heart-warming. I swear, this book is absolutely everything.
Full review on my blog soon!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Homophobia, Mental illness, and Racism
Winter's Orbit by Everina Maxwell
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I just finished this book 5 minutes ago and now I'm so soft!
Damn, this was good. Equal parts exciting, funny, and romantic. The plot was a head-scratcher, and although there were times when the pacing was slow, it was still exciting. The writing style and prose were great, sharp yet can also be mellow sometimes and I loved that. Oh, and the main characters are two sweet, dumb boys who deserve all the world! *cries* Also, can I just say that the slowburn romance in this book made me want to tear my hair out. So good!
Damn, this was good. Equal parts exciting, funny, and romantic. The plot was a head-scratcher, and although there were times when the pacing was slow, it was still exciting. The writing style and prose were great, sharp yet can also be mellow sometimes and I loved that. Oh, and the main characters are two sweet, dumb boys who deserve all the world! *cries* Also, can I just say that the slowburn romance in this book made me want to tear my hair out. So good!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Moderate: Sexual content and Torture
Pixels of You by Yuko Ota, Ananth Hirsh
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was short and sweet, I adored reading this! Would have loved to know more about their world though, or see more of Indira and Fawn's relationship as they get to know each other. Still, this was such a nice story. The art in the e-arc is not final yet, which was a little bit of a bummer. But honestly, I feel like the final product will look beautiful!
I also appreciated that this book featured a character with chronic pain. I haven't read a lot of books like those. It was nice to see this kind of rep in books!
I also appreciated that this book featured a character with chronic pain. I haven't read a lot of books like those. It was nice to see this kind of rep in books!
Across the Green Grass Fields by Seanan McGuire
I also loved that plot twist in the end, as well as the little yet important lessons we're left with at the end of the story.
There was something so poetic and disturbing in that plot twist, and I guess this wouldn't be a Wayward Children book without its dark and whimsical atmosphere. I loved it, of course!
adventurous
dark
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
You know, at this point I am just so in love with every installment in this series.
Across the Green Grass Fields is another beautiful story in Wayward Children! I loved that there is an intersex character here and it just amazed me how this book showed us that there's no one way to be a girl, that we don't have to conform to everything—especially when it comes to gender identity and expression. I do wish it was tackled more though, and that I wish we could have seen the main character Regan truly embrace herself and tell others off (*cough* Laurel *cough*).
The world-building and the writing style, of course, was amazing. (What more did I expect, really)
Across the Green Grass Fields is another beautiful story in Wayward Children! I loved that there is an intersex character here and it just amazed me how this book showed us that there's no one way to be a girl, that we don't have to conform to everything—especially when it comes to gender identity and expression. I do wish it was tackled more though, and that I wish we could have seen the main character Regan truly embrace herself and tell others off (*cough* Laurel *cough*).
The world-building and the writing style, of course, was amazing. (What more did I expect, really)
"We can't stand here all day and expect the world to come to us."
I also loved that plot twist in the end, as well as the little yet important lessons we're left with at the end of the story.
"We have always held the land above the one who rules it."
There was something so poetic and disturbing in that plot twist, and I guess this wouldn't be a Wayward Children book without its dark and whimsical atmosphere. I loved it, of course!
Perfect on Paper by Sophie Gonzales
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The author mentioned that this was a book written because of biphobia, that this was written especially for bi/pan readers. I couldn't agree more.
This book was so, so wonderful, I feel like crying.
I feel like crying because it was validating and real and honest and perfect. The way this book tackled biphobia and bisexuality, as well as what it means to be queer/questioning, was so so good and heartfelt. In a way, it felt like an eye-opener. In a way, it felt like friend guiding you on, a friend who has your back.
Also, I have to mention, I had a smile on my face after reading the last page because it was just so heart-warming and satisfying. That's how much I adored this book.
That's it for me, for now. I'll ramble more about this book on my blog with a full review! Soon!
What a great book to start my 2021!
TW: internalized biphobia, confidential information accidentally getting leaked, a little bit of violence
A big thank you to Wednesday Books for sending me an ARC of Perfect on Paper! (This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.)
This book was so, so wonderful, I feel like crying.
I feel like crying because it was validating and real and honest and perfect. The way this book tackled biphobia and bisexuality, as well as what it means to be queer/questioning, was so so good and heartfelt. In a way, it felt like an eye-opener. In a way, it felt like friend guiding you on, a friend who has your back.
Also, I have to mention, I had a smile on my face after reading the last page because it was just so heart-warming and satisfying. That's how much I adored this book.
That's it for me, for now. I'll ramble more about this book on my blog with a full review! Soon!
What a great book to start my 2021!
TW: internalized biphobia, confidential information accidentally getting leaked, a little bit of violence
A big thank you to Wednesday Books for sending me an ARC of Perfect on Paper! (This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Biphobia, Toxic relationship, and Violence
Minor: Alcoholism