twocents's reviews
711 reviews

Don't Let the Forest In by C.G. Drews

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1.5

What a cool idea that is let down by thin characters.
Borne by Jeff VanderMeer

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

5.0

Best thing VanderMeer has written.
The Rainfall Market by You Yeong-Gwang

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lighthearted mysterious reflective medium-paced

3.0

Sweet little story about a girl and her cat that wander a magical market where she can peer into alternate lives. 
Legion by Brandon Sanderson

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adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Really fascinating blend of psychosis and scifi.
Adrift in Currents Clean and Clear by Seanan McGuire

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1.0

Yeah... I was willing to give this series another chance, but this is probably the worst edited one yet with wildly inconsistent messaging.

Sloppy, repetitive prose (e.g. "It was an easy tool that made things easier." Yeah, no shit?). The "story" was more "we follow Nadya around for a bit, while she obsesses over Russia and her missing arm."

Speaking of, Nadya is PERFECT and doesn't need NO prosthetic and how DARE her adoptive parents (who BOUGHT A CHILD out of PERFECT RUSSIA) get her a prosthetic arm!!!! But teehee, when it's a magic arm from the other world, then it's fine and perfect, and actually she never wants to be without a right arm again. WTF?

There's also some commentary on immigrants when Alexi tries to murder Nadya (the immigrant to the other world) and confesses it's because of her immigration status and her "stealing" food and resources from the locals -- it is not subtle at all -- but then she offers him food, never tells anyone that he tried to kill her, and now they're besties, because one (1) free lunch turns mortal enemies into lovers.

It felt like a story that wanted to teach you a Lesson, but wasn't actually entire clear on what that Lesson was supposed to be.
I Want to Die but I Want to Eat Tteokbokki by Baek Se-hee

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2.5

The "chat transcript" presentation didn't really work for me, but it was fine.
The Rithmatist by Brandon Sanderson

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adventurous lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Loved this buddy duo fantasy/mystery.
The Wood at Midwinter by Susanna Clarke

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reflective

3.0

A pretty little story enhanced by the artwork.
Dark One: Forgotten by Brandon Sanderson, Dan Wells

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dark mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

The Mercy of Gods by James S.A. Corey

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dark mysterious tense 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

5.0

A violent first contact story with aliens who truly feel unknowable and alien.