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roseleebooks's reviews
227 reviews
The Buried and the Bound by Rochelle Hassan
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
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? No
5.0
This book was outstanding. The magical lore, setting, and characterizations were all so immersive. The audiobook was very well done, loved all three narrators. Can't wait for the next book!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Cursing, Death, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Child death
White Tears/Brown Scars by Ruby Hamad
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
An educational, researched book that examines the way in which White women and White feminism have historically upheld their own power at the expense of POC. An absolute necessary read if understanding the history and narrative of colonialism is beneficial to you.
Forged by Blood by Ehigbor Okosun
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This book introduces us to a world on the verge of war, seen through the eyes of Dèmi, a young Oluso (magic user). The Oluso are in hiding, magic is forbidden in their world, and Dèmi is hiding secrets that would get her killed by the rulers of the kingdom.
I loved how strong a person Dèmi is in this story. She is powerful and holds to her identity and ideals. A really wonderful MC to follow and I'm looking forward to seeing how she grows in the next book.
The pace of this book is very fast, and I found myself wishing for some more internal dialogue or reflection to help me frame the information. There is one particular chapter in which there are several reveals about multiple characters and I had to reread it and review a previous chapter to understand what was going on. There was a little more explanation/review of that information later in the book which I appreciated, but it would have been helpful closer to the events as well. I also felt the relationship/love interest subplot could have been developed more, but suspect this will be explored in the next book.We see Dèmi receive some warnings about the love interest so this may contribute to the plot going forward.
Although there were some things I thought could have been developed more, the world building, main character, and setup for the next book were all well done and I'll be looking forward to reading the rest of the story.
I loved how strong a person Dèmi is in this story. She is powerful and holds to her identity and ideals. A really wonderful MC to follow and I'm looking forward to seeing how she grows in the next book.
The pace of this book is very fast, and I found myself wishing for some more internal dialogue or reflection to help me frame the information. There is one particular chapter in which there are several reveals about multiple characters and I had to reread it and review a previous chapter to understand what was going on. There was a little more explanation/review of that information later in the book which I appreciated, but it would have been helpful closer to the events as well. I also felt the relationship/love interest subplot could have been developed more, but suspect this will be explored in the next book.
Although there were some things I thought could have been developed more, the world building, main character, and setup for the next book were all well done and I'll be looking forward to reading the rest of the story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Slavery, Torture, Violence, Xenophobia, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, Colonisation, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Rape
When Oceans Rise by Robin Alvarez
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a unique and engaging retelling. The story is paced well, supporting characters are well written, and the portrayal of a main character getting out of a toxic relationship compelling.
The narration took me a little while to get into but by the end I appreciated the way that Malaya was portrayed. Her tone and voice seems to grow and change with her.I wished there was more time for Malaya's relationship with Salvador to be shown, but can appreciate that that wasn't really the focus of the story.
This is a story of overcoming trauma told in a way that is at times sad, terrifying, joyful, and reflective. The various family dynamics are so well done throughout. I wish I'd had a chance to read this as a teenager when it would have given me so much perspective about choices and consequences.
The narration took me a little while to get into but by the end I appreciated the way that Malaya was portrayed. Her tone and voice seems to grow and change with her.
This is a story of overcoming trauma told in a way that is at times sad, terrifying, joyful, and reflective. The various family dynamics are so well done throughout. I wish I'd had a chance to read this as a teenager when it would have given me so much perspective about choices and consequences.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse, Toxic relationship, Gaslighting, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
How We End by L.M. Juniper
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I don't usually read a lot of zombie fiction but was intrigued by the premise of this one. LM Juniper has created an outstanding cast of characters. As they survive together and find a way to live through grief and terror, we are drawn into their experiences and perseverance. The plot was well paced and characters real and well-developed. Can't wait to read the next in series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Child death, Death, Drug abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Injury/Injury detail, and Pandemic/Epidemic
Moderate: Child abuse and Infidelity
The Forgotten Beasts of Eld by Patricia A. McKillip
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book was one that I read for the first time in high school. At that time it was solidified as a story that I've reread multiple times. I loved having an introduction from two authors who gave such beautiful insight and reflection on the book, and the artwork is stunning.
The twist of the damsel/wizard/witch in a tower is one I've never seen done quite this way by anyone else. Its tale of revenge, possession, love, and forgiveness is always beautiful to read. McKillip writes in a way that feels dreamlike, with long fantastical descriptions of even simple events.
There is one particular moment in this book that makes me uncomfortable, and it has to do with a character striking another. In the moment it seems out of character and is never directly addressed afterward.
Aside from this, the story continues to be one that invokes reflection on life, what it means to be part of the world, and ultimately love. I will continue to reread this and take something new away every time.
Thank you to Netgalley and Tachyon publications for an eARC of this book.
The twist of the damsel/wizard/witch in a tower is one I've never seen done quite this way by anyone else. Its tale of revenge, possession, love, and forgiveness is always beautiful to read. McKillip writes in a way that feels dreamlike, with long fantastical descriptions of even simple events.
There is one particular moment in this book that makes me uncomfortable, and it has to do with a character striking another. In the moment it seems out of character and is never directly addressed afterward.
Aside from this, the story continues to be one that invokes reflection on life, what it means to be part of the world, and ultimately love. I will continue to reread this and take something new away every time.
Thank you to Netgalley and Tachyon publications for an eARC of this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Physical abuse, Sexual assault, Violence, and Death of parent
The Gilded Crown by Marianne Gordon
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book about a young woman with the power to walk in death is an intriguing set up for a new series. Hellevir not only can walk in death, but for a price can to resurrect the dead. Her ability causes her to be called upon to raise the Princess to maintain the stability of the kingdom.
The story starts simply, and gains complexity as it goes on. By the end there are several plot threads and interactions which set up for the next installment in the series. Many of those plot threads are unresolved, but the book didn't feel incomplete which I appreciated. There are some very well-realized characterizations and Falvor and the man with dark eyes were both compelling. Falvor especially had an incredible story arc.
One of things I would wish to change would be for there to be more time spent on some of the relationships, Hellevir and Sullivain's relationship especially felt a little rushed to me, but this was fairly minor given that much of it seemed to be setup for the next book. I also wish we had seen more than just one aspect of the Queen's personality. It was discordant given that the other characters were so well done.
Overall I liked this book, I thought the writing was excellent and the plot cleverly expanded throughout. I'll be looking forward to the next one.
The story starts simply, and gains complexity as it goes on. By the end there are several plot threads and interactions which set up for the next installment in the series. Many of those plot threads are unresolved, but the book didn't feel incomplete which I appreciated. There are some very well-realized characterizations and Falvor and the man with dark eyes were both compelling. Falvor especially had an incredible story arc.
One of things I would wish to change would be for there to be more time spent on some of the relationships, Hellevir and Sullivain's relationship especially felt a little rushed to me, but this was fairly minor given that much of it seemed to be setup for the next book. I also wish we had seen more than just one aspect of the Queen's personality. It was discordant given that the other characters were so well done.
Overall I liked this book, I thought the writing was excellent and the plot cleverly expanded throughout. I'll be looking forward to the next one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child death, Death, Blood, Grief, Religious bigotry, Murder, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child abuse
The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I did not quite know what to expect when I picked this up, but by the end it packs a powerful story. This book has a quiet horror that builds as you read, with each story, memory, and stop in the journey further expanding the dystopian reality the characters are living in. It helps to have some historical reference to events such as the 60s Scoop, many of the horrors in this book have a historical reality that informs them. Overall this book offers hope in the face of horrors, in the building of communities and of connection to the natural world. Hope for those who dream.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Child death, and Death of parent
Moderate: Rape
The Man or the Monster by Aamna Qureshi
adventurous
challenging
emotional
reflective
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
5.0
This was an outstanding sequel. It forces the reader to confront the idea of forgiveness, of whether we are bound by the crimes of our past. Qureshi takes the ending of the first book and explores the consequences Durkhanai faces after she makes her choice. I appreciated the self doubt that she has and the continued character growth. I don't want to give away any of the story but will just say that this book does not disappoint. Again, the world building and characters are wonderful, and watching Durkhanai grow as a person was very rewarding. A strong ending to the duology!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death, Death, Death of parent, and War
Moderate: Xenophobia and Medical content