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receal's reviews
4 reviews
A Memory Called Empire by Arkady Martine
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? Yes
3.5
A great set up for a fun and interesting political sci-fi that couldn't hold my interest to the end. I believe it's fast pace and limited ability to explore integral characters to the story other than the main character was the reason why.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Xenophobia
The Traitor Baru Cormorant by Seth Dickinson
adventurous
dark
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
For a historical fantasy book with a great set up on the evils of colonialism and power, I was quite disappointed that I couldn't connect with the main character Baru. It felt like I was always on the cusp of getting a deeper look into Baru but then suddenly pushed to the next plot point. And despite feeling this, the pacing was quite slow. Loved the concept of the plot but the execution was uninspiring. Same with the characters; an interesting cast put together and yet their motivations, interactions and opinion from Baru felt flat and lifeless. To put it simply, I'm very curious about what may happen in the next book but won't be reading it do to how much this book's execution bore me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Torture, Excrement, Colonisation, and War
Moderate: Biphobia and Body horror
Saving Max by Antoinette van Heugten
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse
House Rules by Jodi Picoult
adventurous
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death