thatchickcanwrite's reviews
13 reviews

Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler

challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective tense 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

My first 5-star read of 2025. So poignant, and it genuinely felt almost prophetic at times with how similar some of the events in the book are to current events; and only a few of those felt like extreme versions of current events. Many of them felt like...right now.
But, to speak of the story itself, I really fell in love with the main character. Her sharing ability reminded me of the importance of radical empathy and of the importance of building community and mutual aid. It was introspective, soft at times, terrifying at times, spoke of the lengths that parents will go to to protect and care for their children (as well as some horrible things parents can do to children), and overall nigh impossible to put down.
I read this via audiobook, but am planning to get a physical copy that I can reread and annotate later in the year; see how much is still the same as in this incredible and yet terrifying book!

Content Warnings

Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao

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adventurous dark emotional inspiring mysterious tense fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

This book stroked an old rage in me, and I love every moment of it. Wu Zeitan is an absolute LEGEND, and I found myself thinking of that "Good for her" meme several times throughout the book.
I honestly cannot believe it took me this long to read this epic story and am looking forward to reading the sequel.
The only thing is that I wish there was more detail in certain areas. The action sections have a feeling of the events being relayed much later (like Zeitan is telling a story over drinks) versus the more emotional and introspective sections which really feel like you are in the moment and riding through the rollercoaster of those parts alongside her (like one of her concubines, one might say).
It doesn't detract from the story enough to not enjoy the absolute wild ride that is Iron Widow.
Seriously, when

she just straight up murdered her shitty family, and conquered Chang'an

I was SCREAMING!!!

Tempest, Take Me Home by Charlie Knight

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective 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

4.75

Being able to enjoy this ARC read had been an absolute privilege. I've always enjoyed Knight's work as an editor, writer, advocate, and teacher.
Tempest Take Me Home is a beautiful debut novel that was as cozy as it was adventurous. The characters all know and love each other, which really shines through as they all interact throughout the book. While there are treasure hunts and glory to be had, they aren't the MAIN focus of the story. Rather, it's the love and trust (including the breaking and rebuilding of that trust) that fuels this story. That's why I say it's cozy; while there is a lot going on that many would say is not generally part of a cozy read, much of the violence in the book is subverted through cleverness, and there is such heartwarming post-adventure aftercare that each of the characters provide each other that to me cozy definitely fits into the main themes of the story.
That being said, I feel that the driving point behind the main adventure hook could have used more build-up; perhaps in a prologue? It doesn't detract much from the book, mind you, but it did feel a bit out of nowhere when it was introduced.
Regardless, Tempest Take Me Home is a fantastic read I couldn't put down, and it is 100% worth your time!

Content Warnings