You need to sign in or sign up before continuing.
Scan barcode
2treads's reviews
411 reviews
Daughter of the Merciful Deep by Leslye Penelope
dark
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I generally like the way Penelope spins a tale and this one was enjoyable. If I had to complain about something it would be that enough of thebstory did not take place beyond the waves of the lake.
The use of actual history and cultural structures is what drew me to this book, to see how they would be used to craft another way of showcasing a Black town that would soon be targeted because of its strategic location and how the people would react.
I loved the feel of this small community that had its own societal hierarchy even though everyone worked together for the success of Awenasa and the inclusion of the orisa who would have come over with the ancestors and how they survived and aided their believers.
The use of actual history and cultural structures is what drew me to this book, to see how they would be used to craft another way of showcasing a Black town that would soon be targeted because of its strategic location and how the people would react.
I loved the feel of this small community that had its own societal hierarchy even though everyone worked together for the success of Awenasa and the inclusion of the orisa who would have come over with the ancestors and how they survived and aided their believers.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Violence, and Fire/Fire injury
The Water Outlaws by S.L. Huang
challenging
dark
funny
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Huang's retelling is so well done that I didn't even have to know the original story in order to fully immerse myself in this world. A story of chosen family, standing against tyranny veiled in loyalty to the empire, defying the many ways in which men oppress and disadvantage women, and forging a path for a new empire to rise.
They blend philosophy, alchemical study and interests, political intrigue, and martial arts with attention to period, character development and world building. Nothing lacks detail and this along with the dialogue only increased my interest and enjoyment.
With perspectives from multiple characters, the world opens up on the page, with its hierarchical structures, political spheres, corruption, and exploitations. The depiction of imperial powers and government reach versus the idea of equality and justice that is sought by brave, exiled, and reviled individuals is clearly rendered.
I enjoyed the ways that plans are made and carried out, the ways that opposing forces parry and attempt to outwit each other is immensely enjoyable to me. Overall a well-written retelling with a focus on the characters and their motivations, as well as the complexities of certain decisions that push us towards an eventual future.
They blend philosophy, alchemical study and interests, political intrigue, and martial arts with attention to period, character development and world building. Nothing lacks detail and this along with the dialogue only increased my interest and enjoyment.
With perspectives from multiple characters, the world opens up on the page, with its hierarchical structures, political spheres, corruption, and exploitations. The depiction of imperial powers and government reach versus the idea of equality and justice that is sought by brave, exiled, and reviled individuals is clearly rendered.
I enjoyed the ways that plans are made and carried out, the ways that opposing forces parry and attempt to outwit each other is immensely enjoyable to me. Overall a well-written retelling with a focus on the characters and their motivations, as well as the complexities of certain decisions that push us towards an eventual future.
One Hundred Shadows by Hwang Jungeun
Did not finish book. Stopped at 22%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 22%.
The spare and repetitive nature of the style of writing dampened my interest.
Small Gods of Calamity by Sam Kyung Yoo
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
I quite enjoyed this horroresque story. Based in the cultural structure of Korea with focus on the spirit world, Gods of Small Calamity follows a police officer who is also gifted with seeing beyond the physical world into the realm of ghosts and other spirits. These spirits that Han-gil and his adoptive sister are tasked with exorcising are small yet malevolent and can cause a lot of death and loss.
There is a focus on the vulnerability of our main character and those he holds close or keeps himself apelart from because of what he sees and does. I like stories that tackle the humanness of individuals and how they interact with memory and loss.
There is a focus on the vulnerability of our main character and those he holds close or keeps himself apelart from because of what he sees and does. I like stories that tackle the humanness of individuals and how they interact with memory and loss.
Blood at the Root by LaDarrion Williams
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
challenging
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Masquerade by O.O. Sangoyomi
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
In the Shadow of the Fall by Tobi Ogundiran
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I came into this being familiar with the main character as she appears in a short story from Ogundiran's anthology. I like that he is creating a wider story arc around this character and her place in the world which she is questioning. Do I wish it was longer for more development, yes. But I will see what he brings in the followup novella.
The Haunting of Tram Car 015 by P. Djèlí Clark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
It's always a great time with a P. DJELI book. I enjoy his steampunk stories so much. The creativity and interest that he is able to craft is unmatched and makes these reads the more immersive.
On The Fox Roads by Nghi Vo
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0