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serinas's reviews
331 reviews
Nova Terra: The Secret of Galeeza by Garland Redvine
Did not finish book. Stopped at 9%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 9%.
The beginning was boring and the writing was bad, I honestly couldn't push through it. The dialogue was awkward asf, and I wasn't hooked on the story.
I might try again at a later time, but I doubt it.
I might try again at a later time, but I doubt it.
Compound Fracture by Andrew Joseph White
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
3.5
This was an ARC provided by NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Compound Fracture will be released September 3rd 2024.
I rated it 3.5 stars. This was hard to rate. There were lots of great stuff, but also some 'points' and plots that missed.
First off, the good stuff. The story took turns that I did not expect, but it was still somewhat realistic. The story was good and solid, and had me intrigued and hooked pretty early on. I was not sure where the story was headed, but I was not disappointed with the result!
The queer representation and disability representation are a big plus, and was handled really well. I'm bisexual myself, and could definitely relate to many of the queer struggles that were mentioned in Compound Fracture.
On to the 'bad' stuff. I feel like many parts of the book were dragged out, to the point that I forgot where I was in the story. The inner monologue was important, but at some points it went on for pages when it shouldn't have.
I also think the relationship between the characters had much more potential that wasn't used. The only relationship I found 'deeper' was Miles' relationship with his parents and Connor. There was so much more to explore with Dallas and the other characters, and this was honestly a missed opportunity. The sub-plot with Dallas had so much potential, but fell flat, in my opinion.
Overall, I enjoyed Compound Fracture and would definitely recommend it. I haven't read anything by Andrew Joseph White (yet, I haven't finished The Spirit Bares Its Teeth), so I can't compare it to earlier books.
I might also be harsher than most, as none of the reviews by others mention what I considered 'bad'😅
I rated it 3.5 stars. This was hard to rate. There were lots of great stuff, but also some 'points' and plots that missed.
First off, the good stuff. The story took turns that I did not expect, but it was still somewhat realistic. The story was good and solid, and had me intrigued and hooked pretty early on. I was not sure where the story was headed, but I was not disappointed with the result!
The queer representation and disability representation are a big plus, and was handled really well. I'm bisexual myself, and could definitely relate to many of the queer struggles that were mentioned in Compound Fracture.
On to the 'bad' stuff. I feel like many parts of the book were dragged out, to the point that I forgot where I was in the story. The inner monologue was important, but at some points it went on for pages when it shouldn't have.
I also think the relationship between the characters had much more potential that wasn't used. The only relationship I found 'deeper' was Miles' relationship with his parents and Connor. There was so much more to explore with Dallas and the other characters, and this was honestly a missed opportunity. The sub-plot with Dallas had so much potential, but fell flat, in my opinion.
Overall, I enjoyed Compound Fracture and would definitely recommend it. I haven't read anything by Andrew Joseph White (yet, I haven't finished The Spirit Bares Its Teeth), so I can't compare it to earlier books.
I might also be harsher than most, as none of the reviews by others mention what I considered 'bad'😅
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Blood
Minor: Homophobia, Transphobia, and Vomit
The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
tense
medium-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
5.0
I rated it 5 stars. The prose is complicated and intricate, and everything could be a quote. The writing itself is an art, with a style that I haven't seen before. This book is telling the story in a pretty unique way, that I loved. We get several POVs from different time periods, and it was woven so well. I can't explain how much I loved this writing style and prose, it felt like I was reading poetry.
I was worried that I would get lost early on, but I had no problem reading this. The book also has no chapters in the first 100 pages, so beware of that. I truly can't explain the writing style, but it feels like a play? You'll have to read it yourself to understand, 'cause I can't explain it.
This was marvellous. I would definitely recommend this book, and it's a standalone as well - so no commitment to a series.
And just so you know - this is a love story.
I was worried that I would get lost early on, but I had no problem reading this. The book also has no chapters in the first 100 pages, so beware of that. I truly can't explain the writing style, but it feels like a play? You'll have to read it yourself to understand, 'cause I can't explain it.
This was marvellous. I would definitely recommend this book, and it's a standalone as well - so no commitment to a series.
And just so you know - this is a love story.
Medusa of the Roses by Navid Sinaki
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This was an ARC provided by NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Medusa of the Roses is to be released August 13th 2024.
I rated it 3.5. I feel like this story was not meant for me, and the writing style wasn't something that I'd usually go for. I also finished it in a rush while I was sick before it expired on NetGalley.
The story was interesting and got me hooked at times, but it felt dragged out. I wanted to know more, but was always 'stuck' in a scene that felt irrelevant. Sometimes it became relevant later on, but it still made it hard to read at times. Because of all the stuff that happened throughout, I wasn't sure what the story was anymore. I felt like the plot drowned in all the other sub-plots, and not in a good way. Honestly, I can't even tell if the book was too short or too long. I didn't get what I felt like was promised in the summary, and that disappointed me.
It was easy to read as the language Navid uses isn't too complicated, but the setting of Iran made me search the meaning of a few words here and there. It didn't disturb the flow of the story, as most words were familiar. Navid also used an easier vocabulary, which made it easy to read.
I know the review makes it seem like the book is bad, but it truly wasn't. It just wasn't for me - the writing style and the way the story was told wasn't to my taste. I couldn't put the book down when I hit about 40 percent, so it was obviously good in some regards.
The title of the book is also really clever, but you'll understand more if you read the book.
If you want a unique book about queerness, it's most definitely for you.
I rated it 3.5. I feel like this story was not meant for me, and the writing style wasn't something that I'd usually go for. I also finished it in a rush while I was sick before it expired on NetGalley.
The story was interesting and got me hooked at times, but it felt dragged out. I wanted to know more, but was always 'stuck' in a scene that felt irrelevant. Sometimes it became relevant later on, but it still made it hard to read at times. Because of all the stuff that happened throughout, I wasn't sure what the story was anymore. I felt like the plot drowned in all the other sub-plots, and not in a good way. Honestly, I can't even tell if the book was too short or too long. I didn't get what I felt like was promised in the summary, and that disappointed me.
It was easy to read as the language Navid uses isn't too complicated, but the setting of Iran made me search the meaning of a few words here and there. It didn't disturb the flow of the story, as most words were familiar. Navid also used an easier vocabulary, which made it easy to read.
I know the review makes it seem like the book is bad, but it truly wasn't. It just wasn't for me - the writing style and the way the story was told wasn't to my taste. I couldn't put the book down when I hit about 40 percent, so it was obviously good in some regards.
The title of the book is also really clever, but you'll understand more if you read the book.
If you want a unique book about queerness, it's most definitely for you.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Sexual content
Minor: Suicide and Murder
How We Began by L.M. Juniper
adventurous
dark
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? It's complicated
4.0
I just read How We End and craved more of this universe, so I jumped straight into How We Began. This is a novella with different MCs. It's 75 pages and a prequel to How We End.
We meet Marianne - a patient who has survived being bitten by one of the Infected. Marianne's lack of symptoms suggests that she is immune, which leads to the hope of a vaccine or cure. But soon the lab is breached, and she needs to run away. What will she do to survive, and is she truly immune?
It was a solid read, and a great introduction to the How We Survive series. Some parts felt rushed and could've been written more in depth, and Marianne figured stuff out pretty quick - considering her memory was wiped.
Other than that, I truly have no complaints. The MCs are loveable, the plot thickens, and the world is still ending. I truly hope we get more books soon, as I'd love to see where the story goes. I'd recommend to read How We End first, as this one might spoil what happens there.
I will definitely continue this series when more books are published.
We meet Marianne - a patient who has survived being bitten by one of the Infected. Marianne's lack of symptoms suggests that she is immune, which leads to the hope of a vaccine or cure. But soon the lab is breached, and she needs to run away. What will she do to survive, and is she truly immune?
It was a solid read, and a great introduction to the How We Survive series. Some parts felt rushed and could've been written more in depth, and Marianne figured stuff out pretty quick - considering her memory was wiped.
Other than that, I truly have no complaints. The MCs are loveable, the plot thickens, and the world is still ending. I truly hope we get more books soon, as I'd love to see where the story goes. I'd recommend to read How We End first, as this one might spoil what happens there.
I will definitely continue this series when more books are published.
How We End by L.M. Juniper
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
I came across this book on TikTok, and I didn't give it much thought at the time I saw it. But recently I've been wanting to read more found family-tropes, as well as more LGBTQA+ literature, and How We End crossed my mind. We meet BIPOC and queer main characters here, which is right up my alley!
We are quickly introduced to two POVs: Jack and Liv. Jack is on the tub on his way to meet Megan, his fiancée. Liv is fresh out of prison, and at a bar for the first time in a while. Suddenly the tub stops for several hours before Jack gets to meet Megan, the lights go out, and random people come knocking on Liv's car while she's sleeping off the hangover. Before they can do anything, the apocalypse is coming, and the strangers Jack and Liv need to make alliances. Infected are roaming the streets, and they have to do everything in their power to survive.
It's an easy read, and I know London well enough to 'see' where the characters are, and there was a map in the book if you aren't familiar with London. This made it easy to get into, and I really needed that during my reading slump!
The chapters are short, but not disruptive to the plot and story. It's mainly plot-driven, but the characters are also important. The characters makes the found family trope after all, so they are of great importance too.
I have tried to read books about zombie apocalypses before, and I didn't really enjoy them. That was also the reason why I dismissed the book the first time I saw it. But the found family trope really made this work for me, and I loved the characters so much. Jack and Liv, and the other sidekicks, were so loveable. You'll definitely come across several characters that you'll love, just like I did. The plot isn't that complicated or intricate, but I really needed something easy while I was in a reading slump.
I will definitely continue this series!
We are quickly introduced to two POVs: Jack and Liv. Jack is on the tub on his way to meet Megan, his fiancée. Liv is fresh out of prison, and at a bar for the first time in a while. Suddenly the tub stops for several hours before Jack gets to meet Megan, the lights go out, and random people come knocking on Liv's car while she's sleeping off the hangover. Before they can do anything, the apocalypse is coming, and the strangers Jack and Liv need to make alliances. Infected are roaming the streets, and they have to do everything in their power to survive.
It's an easy read, and I know London well enough to 'see' where the characters are, and there was a map in the book if you aren't familiar with London. This made it easy to get into, and I really needed that during my reading slump!
The chapters are short, but not disruptive to the plot and story. It's mainly plot-driven, but the characters are also important. The characters makes the found family trope after all, so they are of great importance too.
I have tried to read books about zombie apocalypses before, and I didn't really enjoy them. That was also the reason why I dismissed the book the first time I saw it. But the found family trope really made this work for me, and I loved the characters so much. Jack and Liv, and the other sidekicks, were so loveable. You'll definitely come across several characters that you'll love, just like I did. The plot isn't that complicated or intricate, but I really needed something easy while I was in a reading slump.
I will definitely continue this series!
Woman at Point Zero by Nawal El Saadawi
dark
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Woman at Point Zero is about Firdaus, a woman who has been sentenced to death after she killed a man. Firdaus speaks about her childhood in poverty, SA, being a sex worker and hating men. This is a true story, that Nawal El Saadawi is retelling, from Firdaus' perspective.
It's a short book, about 150 pages, but a powerful read about womanhood. Many women can probably relate to Firdaus and understand her hatred, and it was a story that greatly impacted me. This is a story about the character Firdaus and her life, and not a plot-driven story, so be aware of that.
I struggled at times with the writing style - there are many details that are described in depth, and sometimes it was too much. There were terms that I've never heard of, as I'm not muslim or Egyptian, but this was not an issue. A quick Google search helped, and it didn't make me enjoy the book any less.
It was a good pacing that I enjoyed, that was a great mix of not too slow, but not too fast.
It's a short book, about 150 pages, but a powerful read about womanhood. Many women can probably relate to Firdaus and understand her hatred, and it was a story that greatly impacted me. This is a story about the character Firdaus and her life, and not a plot-driven story, so be aware of that.
I struggled at times with the writing style - there are many details that are described in depth, and sometimes it was too much. There were terms that I've never heard of, as I'm not muslim or Egyptian, but this was not an issue. A quick Google search helped, and it didn't make me enjoy the book any less.
It was a good pacing that I enjoyed, that was a great mix of not too slow, but not too fast.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Misogyny, Physical abuse, Rape, and Sexual assault
She Who Knows by Nnedi Okorafor
adventurous
mysterious
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? It's complicated
5.0
I got this as an ARC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
She Who Knows is about Najeeba and her life before she gives birth to Onyesonwu from Who Fears Death.
Salt is the resource that makes the village Adoro 5 thrive, and every year families in town go to the salt lake to collect salt and sell it. Okeke people and Nuru people can't go to the lakes, and are dependent on the Osu'nu to collect the salt. Najeeba is 13 and going on the salt roads for the first time with her dad and brothers - but this trip changes her. It's the start of her new life, but the second trip when she is 14 is even stranger. Once she turns 16, everything has changed.
My only complaint is that it should've been a longer book - I want more of Najeebas story!
I love Nnedi Okorafors storytelling and writing style, and She Who Knows is pretty similiar to her earlier books in that way. The plot isn't complicated or intricate, but interesting enough to make you want more.
I feel like this book has a focus on Najeeba as a character and how she evolves, not necessarily a plot in the traditional sense where you fight evil or have a goal. This will definitely make She Who Knows a book that is not to everyones liking, but I enjoyed it so much!
She Who Knows is a prequel, but I feel like you don't have to read it before Who Fears Death unless you want to. You read it in the order you want to, which is great.
She Who Knows is about Najeeba and her life before she gives birth to Onyesonwu from Who Fears Death.
Salt is the resource that makes the village Adoro 5 thrive, and every year families in town go to the salt lake to collect salt and sell it. Okeke people and Nuru people can't go to the lakes, and are dependent on the Osu'nu to collect the salt. Najeeba is 13 and going on the salt roads for the first time with her dad and brothers - but this trip changes her. It's the start of her new life, but the second trip when she is 14 is even stranger. Once she turns 16, everything has changed.
My only complaint is that it should've been a longer book - I want more of Najeebas story!
I love Nnedi Okorafors storytelling and writing style, and She Who Knows is pretty similiar to her earlier books in that way. The plot isn't complicated or intricate, but interesting enough to make you want more.
I feel like this book has a focus on Najeeba as a character and how she evolves, not necessarily a plot in the traditional sense where you fight evil or have a goal. This will definitely make She Who Knows a book that is not to everyones liking, but I enjoyed it so much!
She Who Knows is a prequel, but I feel like you don't have to read it before Who Fears Death unless you want to. You read it in the order you want to, which is great.
In the Garden Behind the Moon: A Memoir of Loss, Myth, and Magic by Alexandra A. Chan
lighthearted
reflective
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
I got this ARC on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
In the Garden Behind the Moon: A Memoir of Loss, Myth, and Magic is about Alexandra A. Chan, but mostly her family and loss. She lost both of her parents in a short amount of time. This is a dedication and storytelling of her parents' life, but also Chan's life after her loss. In the Garden Behind the Moon searches for meaning, and finding love and joy again in Chan's everyday life.
I rated it 4/5 stars. It's hard to rate a memoir, especially as I haven't read a lot of them, but I truly enjoyed this book. I'm looking past the fact that memoirs aren't for me, as I feel that it isn't fair to lower the rating because of the genre.
The start was slow, but after the second 'book' I found interest in what I read. The pictures and undertones of magic truly pulled this book together, and made it enjoyable and fairly easy to read.
I loved the way the story was told, from Chan's parents' met to the day they died. The journey after the loss was sad, but made me hopeful. One might find healing in the stories of loved ones, and looking at the past is not always a bad thing.
This wasn't particularly funny or entertaining to read, as it was sad, but it was a hopeful read. It was a great way to honor Chan's parents', and a lovely read.
In the Garden Behind the Moon: A Memoir of Loss, Myth, and Magic is about Alexandra A. Chan, but mostly her family and loss. She lost both of her parents in a short amount of time. This is a dedication and storytelling of her parents' life, but also Chan's life after her loss. In the Garden Behind the Moon searches for meaning, and finding love and joy again in Chan's everyday life.
I rated it 4/5 stars. It's hard to rate a memoir, especially as I haven't read a lot of them, but I truly enjoyed this book. I'm looking past the fact that memoirs aren't for me, as I feel that it isn't fair to lower the rating because of the genre.
The start was slow, but after the second 'book' I found interest in what I read. The pictures and undertones of magic truly pulled this book together, and made it enjoyable and fairly easy to read.
I loved the way the story was told, from Chan's parents' met to the day they died. The journey after the loss was sad, but made me hopeful. One might find healing in the stories of loved ones, and looking at the past is not always a bad thing.
This wasn't particularly funny or entertaining to read, as it was sad, but it was a hopeful read. It was a great way to honor Chan's parents', and a lovely read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent
Minor: Racism
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
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? It's complicated
4.5
I have never tried to read a cozy fantasy, and I've heard great things about Legends and Lattes. After many recommendations, I decided to finally give the genre, and the book, a try!
Legends and Lattes is about Viv, an orc who wants a new beginning. For decades she used violence and strength to live life and work, but now she is done - and her new life starts with a coffee shop. She meets many new people, but also new challenges to overcome.
This was honestly amazing. It was easy to read and get into, and I loved the characters so much.
There's a minor plot, but the focus is on the coffee shop and the friends Viv make. The characters are well-written, and have depth. The focus is the MC, Viv, but we still learn a lot about her friends. I feel like we could've seen more and learnt more about Cal or the others. This was still cozy and I loved them so much, but there was potential for more story here. The actual plot was also predictable, but I didn't mind, as this was low-stakes, cozy fantasy.
This is cozy fantasy, so there is little to no action. Still, I loved the story and coffee shop. It's a short book as well, which I needed at the time I read it.
Legends and Lattes was a great introduction to cozy fantasy, and I think I might read more books of this genre.
Legends and Lattes is about Viv, an orc who wants a new beginning. For decades she used violence and strength to live life and work, but now she is done - and her new life starts with a coffee shop. She meets many new people, but also new challenges to overcome.
This was honestly amazing. It was easy to read and get into, and I loved the characters so much.
There's a minor plot, but the focus is on the coffee shop and the friends Viv make. The characters are well-written, and have depth. The focus is the MC, Viv, but we still learn a lot about her friends. I feel like we could've seen more and learnt more about Cal or the others. This was still cozy and I loved them so much, but there was potential for more story here. The actual plot was also predictable, but I didn't mind, as this was low-stakes, cozy fantasy.
This is cozy fantasy, so there is little to no action. Still, I loved the story and coffee shop. It's a short book as well, which I needed at the time I read it.
Legends and Lattes was a great introduction to cozy fantasy, and I think I might read more books of this genre.