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sphynxreads's reviews
771 reviews
The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue by V.E. Schwab
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
How can a book be so beautifully melancholy? By now, you've probably heard just about everything you need to know about this book. How it's slow-going, how it feels pretentious, how it should have had more people of color, etc. But what can I say? To use current Internet slang, "the girlies who get it, get it." I think a lot of the criticism this book has garnered is a bit unfair, as to me it seems quite evident that there is something very intimate and personal about Schwab's approach to the story and the characters. That's not to say this book is anywhere near perfect. I think it could have been a bit shorter, had a more cohesive plot, and a clearer sense of direction, but at the end of the day the simple truth is that this book worked for me. The story kept me intrigued, I was invested in the characters, the pacing relaxed my nerves, and the writing while very straightforward and simple just tugged at my heartstrings in all the right moments. Definitely one of those books you just have to try out and finish to see if its for you or not, no way around it. As for myself, I'll be thinking about this book for a while.
My Shadow is Pink by Scott Stuart
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
5.0
A delightful, simple, yet touching story about what gender norms might mean to kids and why it matters that we don't shame them for who they are.
Giovanni's Room by James Baldwin
emotional
reflective
sad
fast-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? Yes
4.5
This was so incredibly well-written and yet so accessible that I did not anticipate just how many passages here left my jaw on the floor. I think I might be in love with James Baldwin's mind that I'll definitely pick up more of his works. It's such a haunting, honest, and tragic look into internalized homophobia and toxic masculinity that I think I'll have to revisit and annotate this book in the future. Highest of recommendations.
Locke & Key: Master Edition, Volume Three by Joe Hill
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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? Yes
5.0
Wow! My jaw is on the floor because of how everything came together in this finale. I honestly want to read the whole series again! This last volume was absolutely thrilling and had tons of action, magic, tragedy, and heart—all the workings of a great story! This definitely makes my top graphic novel series list.
Please Come Off-Book by Kevin Kantor
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.5
Wow, what an absolutely hard-hitting collection of poems! It has so much to say and gives you so much to think about regarding queerness, abuse, and identity. Highly recommend.
In Memoriam by Alice Winn
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I feel a bit conflicted about this book, mainly because I picked it up expecting a lot from it because it has been so hyped up by many reviewers whose opinions I trust and I ended up getting a lot less than I anticipated. See, I thought this would make me cry, wreck me to my core, and make me think about it for a long time, but alas, that hasn't been the case.
But that's not to say I didn't love this book. It is so heartfelt and the character work is probably the most exceptional I've read this year. There were many passages that I wanted to highlight and annotate in my copy, but I'm glad now that I didn't because it's looking like I'll unhaul it eventually. The parts that are strong are really strong, but the rest of the story feels like nothing particularly new to me.
If Tolkien (2019), All Quiet on the Western Front (2022), Julie Berry's Lovely War, and Madeline Miller's Song of Achilles had a child, it would be this book. A lot of it feels a bit formulaic, but that doesn't mean that the depiction of war, brotherhood in the military, and subdued queer romance weren't all great. Everything was done excellently; it just didn't feel very unique. All that to say, I did enjoy my time reading this, and Gaunt and Ellwood and all the other boys herein have my heart. If you are looking for a moving queer romance set during World War I, look no further than this book.
But that's not to say I didn't love this book. It is so heartfelt and the character work is probably the most exceptional I've read this year. There were many passages that I wanted to highlight and annotate in my copy, but I'm glad now that I didn't because it's looking like I'll unhaul it eventually. The parts that are strong are really strong, but the rest of the story feels like nothing particularly new to me.
If Tolkien (2019), All Quiet on the Western Front (2022), Julie Berry's Lovely War, and Madeline Miller's Song of Achilles had a child, it would be this book. A lot of it feels a bit formulaic, but that doesn't mean that the depiction of war, brotherhood in the military, and subdued queer romance weren't all great. Everything was done excellently; it just didn't feel very unique. All that to say, I did enjoy my time reading this, and Gaunt and Ellwood and all the other boys herein have my heart. If you are looking for a moving queer romance set during World War I, look no further than this book.
Nightwing, Vol. 1: Leaping into the Light by Tom Taylor
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
5.0
Ladies, gents, and non-binary friends, after 27 reads this year so far, I finally have a five star read! Took me long enough and I'm so glad I picked this up! This is my first foray into superhero comics and wow, was I utterly delighted! I honestly think I am entering my comics era because I loved this volume so much. The art is magnificent, the characters are compelling (read: Dick Grayson is incredibly hot), and the story was just solid from the worldbuilding to the heartfelt emotional moments. Absolutely brilliant! Definitely ordering the next volumes soon.
Lyra's Oxford by Philip Pullman
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A solid short read that's a lot better than the other short stories I've read from this world. I was reminded of why I love the magic in this series so much.
Special Delivery by Arnold Miles
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I received an eARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is my first real foray into gay erotica and I suppose I got pretty much what I expected. At its heart it's quite a sweet wholesome story about a man learning more about himself and a main character that a lot of gay people can only dream of encountering in that he is incredibly understanding, kind, and compassionate towards the love interest. I appreciate that this was a pretty straightforward light read that didn't have an annoying third act conflict, but I feel like I would have liked there to be more of an emotional punch because otherwise it wouldn't be that memorable of a story.
But alas, one doesn't really read erotica for the harrowing stuff. I really enjoyed the spice in this bkok. The sex scenes were pretty hot, but at times the descriptions felt rather repetitive, some of them didn't land quite well, and I was a bit annoyed whenever the narrator would break the fourth wall.
Overall a solid read but I wouldn't be rushing into anyone's DMs to recommend it.
This is my first real foray into gay erotica and I suppose I got pretty much what I expected. At its heart it's quite a sweet wholesome story about a man learning more about himself and a main character that a lot of gay people can only dream of encountering in that he is incredibly understanding, kind, and compassionate towards the love interest. I appreciate that this was a pretty straightforward light read that didn't have an annoying third act conflict, but I feel like I would have liked there to be more of an emotional punch because otherwise it wouldn't be that memorable of a story.
But alas, one doesn't really read erotica for the harrowing stuff. I really enjoyed the spice in this bkok. The sex scenes were pretty hot, but at times the descriptions felt rather repetitive, some of them didn't land quite well, and I was a bit annoyed whenever the narrator would break the fourth wall.
Overall a solid read but I wouldn't be rushing into anyone's DMs to recommend it.
A Hero for Wondla by Tony DiTerlizzi
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
relaxing
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? Yes
4.0
Absolutely captivating! I need more people to read this series because there's so much creativity put into it, from the world-building to the art itself. The story itself is not only engaging but thoughtful in its messaging. Can't wait to read the finale!