I am already familiar with this story from season one of the animated adaptation, but it was a thoroughly enjoyable read even though I already knew what would happen. I just adore these characters, and felt the plot was fast-paced and at times tense. The author creates an awesome atmosphere that really grabs the reader and takes them out of reality while they are reading. I am excited to enter into uncharted territory when I dive into volume 2!

Content Warnings

Castle Swimmer, Season 2 by Wendy Lian Martin

Go to review page

adventurous emotional funny 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

As expected, I enjoyed season 2 of this web comic just as much as I enjoyed season one. This season included many of the aspects I loved about the first, such as lovable characters and interesting plot twists. The addition of new characters was a joy and I love our new cast just as much as I enjoyed the characters we know from season 1. While I don't often enjoy multi-POV stories as I always end up favoring one character and/or plotline over another, I can't say the same for this comic; while Kappa and Siren are separated, I enjoyed both of their POVs just as much as the other. I am thoroughly excited for season 3 of this comic!

Content Warnings

Castle Swimmer, Season 1 by Wendy Lian Martin

Go to review page

adventurous funny 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

I just...very very very much enjoyed the first season of this webcomic! I found the characters to be quite lovable, and the plot was interesting and fast-paced. The characters were well-rounded and complicated, and there were a few times where I was genuinely surprised by plot twists. A great queer webcomic that I definitely recommend!

Content Warnings

Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg

Go to review page

challenging dark emotional reflective sad 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

4.0

Phew, this was a challenging and difficult read. Feinberg tackles some truly difficult and painful topics in this book, and zie does so raw and emotionally. It is not a book for the faint of heart, but one that I feel is necessary. As a queer person, it is important to me to keep our history close to heart, and this book, though a work of fiction, is a heavy reminder of our community's difficult history. While I was admittedly not always a fan of the writing and found it at times to be a bit stiff and slow, overall I think this is an important, relevant, and necessary book that I definitely recommend. And as much as our main character, Jess, sometimes drove me crazy with the decisions that she made, I felt very close with her as a character and appreciated very much her difficult journey through gender, sexuality, and poverty.

I am grateful to Feinberg for ensuring that Stone Butch Blues would be made available for free digitally on hir website, https://www.lesliefeinberg.net/.

Content Warnings

Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens

Go to review page

adventurous dark mysterious reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0

I purchased this book before I was aware of the controversy surrounding Owens and her ex-husband, and figured since I already paid for it I would read it, especially given the high reviews. To be honest, it was quite disappointing. I found none of the characters except perhaps Jumpin' and his wife to be likable. While the descriptions of the marsh were often beautiful, the plot and characters were flat, predictable, and boring. This is a highly overrated book in my opinion, and one that I certainly do not recommend, controversy aside.

Content Warnings

Dolly on Dolly: Interviews and Encounters with Dolly Parton by Dolly Parton, Randy L. Schmidt

Go to review page

funny inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

3.0

Like many other reviews of this book say, this is an enjoyable book if you want to learn more about Parton, her media presence, and her carefully crafted brand. However, as it is a collection of Parton's interviews over the decades, it does become quite repetitive and therefore slightly boring at times. One could read one or two Parton interviews per era and get the gist of things. You do learn a bit about Parton (what, of course, she is willing to reveal), but it is far from a biographical work. I would recommend for true Parton enthusiasts or those that are truly interested in understanding the crafting of a media presence/personal brand that celebrities do quite purposefully.

Content Warnings

Horizon Zero Dawn Vol. 2: Liberation by Anne Toole

Go to review page

adventurous fast-paced

4.0

More...

theinfinitebookcase's reviews 534 reviews

theinfinitebookcase's reviews
534 reviews