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the_wendybirb's reviews
52 reviews
Uprooted by Naomi Novik
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.75
I enjoyed the beginning, but further into the book the relationship and plot felt vague and forced. I gave the book to a friend who will enjoy it more. It's just not my cup of tea.
Dead Blondes and Bad Mothers: Monstrosity, Patriarchy, and the Fear of Female Power by Jude Ellison S. Doyle
dark
hopeful
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
The Dictionary of Lost Words by Pip Williams
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Against White Feminism: Notes on Disruption by Rafia Zakaria
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
Edit: Originally rated a 5, however I have since seen some evidence that there are false citations and plagiarism in the book. I haven't don't a dive to verify this for myself, but I am lowering my rating for the bit of evidence that I have seen.
Queen of the Conquered by Kacen Callender
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
+ Diverse setting and unique magic system
+ Tense pace that kept my stomach in knots til the end.
+ Twists
- Brutal & graphic depictions of slavery. Inspiration was drawn from the colonization of the Caribbean, so I wouldn't say it was superfluous.
- The main character gets lost in thoughts and has frequent flashbacks. It didn't bother me, but I could see how other readers may not like the pacing.
- The reveal of the Big Twist left something to be desired. I understand why it was revealed the way it was, but it was kinda "eh" compared to other parts of the book.
+ Tense pace that kept my stomach in knots til the end.
+ Twists
- Brutal & graphic depictions of slavery. Inspiration was drawn from the colonization of the Caribbean, so I wouldn't say it was superfluous.
- The main character gets lost in thoughts and has frequent flashbacks. It didn't bother me, but I could see how other readers may not like the pacing.
- The reveal of the Big Twist left something to be desired. I understand why it was revealed the way it was, but it was kinda "eh" compared to other parts of the book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racism, Slavery, Violence, Murder, and Colonisation
Moderate: Sexual violence, Suicide, Toxic relationship, and Fire/Fire injury
How Long 'til Black Future Month? by N.K. Jemisin
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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? It's complicated
5.0
Absolutely love this book. The stories are wonderful glimpses into other worlds and "What ifs".
The Hundred Thousand Kingdoms by N.K. Jemisin
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
4.75
DNFd it the first time around, because I wasn't in the headspace to listen to something so tense. But oh my goodness this book is wonderful!
The Legend of Eli Monpress by Rachel Aaron
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This is an omnibus of 3 different books. And I liked books 2 & 3 (The Spirit Rebellion and The Spirit Eater) much better than book 1 (The Spirit Thief). The later books showcase more of the lore and the overall world, while book 1 is a bit more simplistic. Luckily book 1 is fast paced, so it's relatively easy to blow through and get into the better stuff.
(Also, I think I'd rather read this as 3 separate books, instead of a thousand-page volume, but the individual covers are hideous, and I don't think I could tolerate that!)
(Also, I think I'd rather read this as 3 separate books, instead of a thousand-page volume, but the individual covers are hideous, and I don't think I could tolerate that!)