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bookishdamzel's reviews
299 reviews
Sweet Vengeance by Viano Oniomoh
dark
funny
tense
fast-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? N/A
4.0
For the 18+ Crowd
- Dark Revenge Plot
- Demon x Human Romance
- Short Read; Insta Lust
I really enjoyed the interactions between Joy and Malachi in this one. Joy has been through a lot of things and wants revenge, with this she summons Malachi (a demon with his own past & trauma) to help her out.
Content Warnings from Viano Oniomoh's website:
Mentions, discussions, references, and descriptions of sexual assault (as a past event); mentions, discussions, and depictions of murder; mentions, discussions, and references to slavery and imprisonment (as a past event); religious imagery; trauma; PTSD; blood drinking; violence; gore; (blink and you’ll miss it) dominance/submission; references to a main character being drugged at a bar (as a past event); loss of parents via a plane crash (as a past event); mention of a hysterectomy in relation to debilitating fibroids; and explicit sex scenes.
- Demon x Human Romance
- Short Read; Insta Lust
I really enjoyed the interactions between Joy and Malachi in this one. Joy has been through a lot of things and wants revenge, with this she summons Malachi (a demon with his own past & trauma) to help her out.
Content Warnings from Viano Oniomoh's website:
Mentions, discussions, references, and descriptions of sexual assault (as a past event); mentions, discussions, and depictions of murder; mentions, discussions, and references to slavery and imprisonment (as a past event); religious imagery; trauma; PTSD; blood drinking; violence; gore; (blink and you’ll miss it) dominance/submission; references to a main character being drugged at a bar (as a past event); loss of parents via a plane crash (as a past event); mention of a hysterectomy in relation to debilitating fibroids; and explicit sex scenes.
Nothing But Blackened Teeth by Cassandra Khaw
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This was an okay read, nothing super horrid or anything, a bit eerie at best.
A wedding is planned in an old Heian mansion where a bride died waiting for her husband. The wedding brings childhood friends together again in a haunted setting and things go awry.
Recommend to those that enjoy yokai, haunted scenarios and horror movie tropes. It's also a super short read so that's also a plus.
A wedding is planned in an old Heian mansion where a bride died waiting for her husband. The wedding brings childhood friends together again in a haunted setting and things go awry.
Recommend to those that enjoy yokai, haunted scenarios and horror movie tropes. It's also a super short read so that's also a plus.
The Psychology of Time Travel by Kate Mascarenhas
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Read for 12 Recs from 12 Friends in 12 Months Challenge
- recommended by Nienke <3
I had a lot of fun with this read!! It was a multi-pov, time traveling sci-fi with a bit of a crime mystery. It was fun to follow the characters jumping between time and space while dealing with a corrupt business and cruel head of the company/founder of time travel.
Normally, I'm not the one to enjoy a lot of sci-fi but this was a fun one and I'd recommend it!!
- recommended by Nienke <3
I had a lot of fun with this read!! It was a multi-pov, time traveling sci-fi with a bit of a crime mystery. It was fun to follow the characters jumping between time and space while dealing with a corrupt business and cruel head of the company/founder of time travel.
Normally, I'm not the one to enjoy a lot of sci-fi but this was a fun one and I'd recommend it!!
Yona of the Dawn, Vol. 32 by Mizuho Kusanagi
adventurous
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Chapters 182-187
Volumes like these remind me why this series needs an anime reboot or continuation.
This continues the tournament arranged to show off the dragons powers, although some things happen that prevent the Yellow and Blue Dragons powers to be shown. The series and characters are beginning to be nostalgic with Hak voluntarily being a foot soldier, Gulfan (Su-Won’s bird) flying with Hak. Su-won almost feeling comfort with Yona and Hak, but Yona especially. But, the volume ends with a secret that will cost Yona, the Dragons, Yun and Hak’s life if it got out. So, Yona is shown pushing everybody away to protect them.
This one had a bit of action in the beginning ~ which is why I think this would be so good animated again. (I can be hopeful okay!!)
Volumes like these remind me why this series needs an anime reboot or continuation.
This continues the tournament arranged to show off the dragons powers, although some things happen that prevent the Yellow and Blue Dragons powers to be shown. The series and characters are beginning to be nostalgic with Hak voluntarily being a foot soldier, Gulfan (Su-Won’s bird) flying with Hak. Su-won almost feeling comfort with Yona and Hak, but Yona especially. But, the volume ends with a secret that will cost Yona, the Dragons, Yun and Hak’s life if it got out. So, Yona is shown pushing everybody away to protect them.
This one had a bit of action in the beginning ~ which is why I think this would be so good animated again. (I can be hopeful okay!!)
Up from Slavery by Booker T. Washington
informative
slow-paced
3.0
Read for Local Library Challenge Prompt: A Book Set or Written in the 1900s
Up From Slavery was originally published in 1900, around 35 years after slavery was abolished in the United States. This is an autobiography by Booker T. Washington; he was born into slavery, lived through the Civil War, saw the abolition of slavery, and lived through the reconstruction era in the south.
The book focuses on his early life for a few chapters, but then leans heavily into him creating the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama and his want for creating his idea of success for those that were freed. He wanted to instill a sense of education, both written and hands on, a major focus on industry, and gaining property. (Basically the "American Dream")
Washington also seemed to brush off the effects that slavery had on some people, along with one chapter of him brushing off the forced assimilation of natives almost in mocking when it came to their hair being cut and things of that nature?? Idk it was very odd. But those were his thoughts I guess?
He's also very repetitive at points, which makes the book rough to get through. However, I think it is something worth reading and learning about Washington’s experience.
Up From Slavery was originally published in 1900, around 35 years after slavery was abolished in the United States. This is an autobiography by Booker T. Washington; he was born into slavery, lived through the Civil War, saw the abolition of slavery, and lived through the reconstruction era in the south.
The book focuses on his early life for a few chapters, but then leans heavily into him creating the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama and his want for creating his idea of success for those that were freed. He wanted to instill a sense of education, both written and hands on, a major focus on industry, and gaining property. (Basically the "American Dream")
Washington also seemed to brush off the effects that slavery had on some people, along with one chapter of him brushing off the forced assimilation of natives almost in mocking when it came to their hair being cut and things of that nature?? Idk it was very odd. But those were his thoughts I guess?
He's also very repetitive at points, which makes the book rough to get through. However, I think it is something worth reading and learning about Washington’s experience.
The Sword of Kaigen by M.L. Wang
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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
5.0
Read for All Us Bookworms Bookclub Pick for January!
TLDR
- Military Fantasy with Hierarchical and Patriarchal Society
- Immaculate Character Study: A Mother with a hidden past and her Son, the eldest, who struggles growing up and learning more about his society.
- Topics: Traditional vs Modernity; Generational Trauma; Family Dynamics; Colonization; the effects of War; and so much more.
This is a slow paced fantasy that'll hit you in the gut by the end. This was so good and I feel like I should have picked it up sooner, but I'm glad I picked it up this month. The character work is the thing that shines in this fantasy, not to say I don't love the world and the power of god like humans. But for me, Misaki and Mamoru shined in this. You get to see Misaki (the mother of Mamoru and wife of second eldest Takeru Matsuda) both present day and past pov from her, you learn about her past, what she's been through with her marriage, & how it's led to the present day. Then you see from Mamoru (the eldest of the 4 sons of Takeru and Misaki) and his struggle growing up, meeting Kwang, and learning that the empire may not be what it seems. The story is dark and the characters are dark and complex. I think the biggest take away from TSOK is to live, learn from the past, and try to create/do something better.
Absolutely loved this one and I totally recommend it <3
TLDR
- Military Fantasy with Hierarchical and Patriarchal Society
- Immaculate Character Study: A Mother with a hidden past and her Son, the eldest, who struggles growing up and learning more about his society.
- Topics: Traditional vs Modernity; Generational Trauma; Family Dynamics; Colonization; the effects of War; and so much more.
This is a slow paced fantasy that'll hit you in the gut by the end. This was so good and I feel like I should have picked it up sooner, but I'm glad I picked it up this month. The character work is the thing that shines in this fantasy, not to say I don't love the world and the power of god like humans. But for me, Misaki and Mamoru shined in this. You get to see Misaki (the mother of Mamoru and wife of second eldest Takeru Matsuda) both present day and past pov from her, you learn about her past, what she's been through with her marriage, & how it's led to the present day. Then you see from Mamoru (the eldest of the 4 sons of Takeru and Misaki) and his struggle growing up, meeting Kwang, and learning that the empire may not be what it seems. The story is dark and the characters are dark and complex. I think the biggest take away from TSOK is to live, learn from the past, and try to create/do something better.
Absolutely loved this one and I totally recommend it <3
A Lesson in Vengeance by Victoria Lee
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-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? Yes
4.0
Book 4 of 2024
January Bookish Besties Bookclub Pick
I haven't read a dark academia book in a while and I think this one was a solid one to listen to!
Felicity Morrow comes back to Dalloway (a high society boarding school) after a break due to seemingly losing her mind and grieving the loss of her best-friend Alex. She then meets and is instantly obsessed with a new student, Ellis - who's a child prodigy when it comes to writing.
This book mostly focuses on Felicity and Ellis, a couple of morally-grey, rich girls. They both have secrets held close and both twisted in their own right. The atmosphere is very dark, but overall the magic is there to be mocked really. This is mostly character work at play rather than the backstory of the school, magic, background characters, etc.
I enjoyed it for what it was and would recommend to those that like a slow, atmospheric dark academia that mostly focuses on it's main characters!
January Bookish Besties Bookclub Pick
I haven't read a dark academia book in a while and I think this one was a solid one to listen to!
Felicity Morrow comes back to Dalloway (a high society boarding school) after a break due to seemingly losing her mind and grieving the loss of her best-friend Alex. She then meets and is instantly obsessed with a new student, Ellis - who's a child prodigy when it comes to writing.
This book mostly focuses on Felicity and Ellis, a couple of morally-grey, rich girls. They both have secrets held close and both twisted in their own right. The atmosphere is very dark, but overall the magic is there to be mocked really. This is mostly character work at play rather than the backstory of the school, magic, background characters, etc.
I enjoyed it for what it was and would recommend to those that like a slow, atmospheric dark academia that mostly focuses on it's main characters!
The Silk Roads: A New History of the World by Peter Frankopan
challenging
informative
medium-paced
3.0
Book 3 of 2024
I think this book would benefit those new to learning about world history and the evolution of the silk road and trade in general. I was hoping to get something new out of this, but unfortunately did not. I was hoping to read/listen to more about how ideas/religions/ and cultures were passed during the time of the Silk Road, it did briefly but not as much as I hoped.
By the end of the book, the main focus was on trade and material goods overall and how the UK and US became involved in early 1900s in the middle east and onwards into the aftermath of 9/11 and the policies surrounding that.
Overall, I think it's a good (but considerably long) read/listen for those who aren't familiar with trade in the east from early civilization to modern era. I also think this could be good for both history majors to study and those in the general public to read since it is written concisely and it's easy to read.
I think this book would benefit those new to learning about world history and the evolution of the silk road and trade in general. I was hoping to get something new out of this, but unfortunately did not. I was hoping to read/listen to more about how ideas/religions/ and cultures were passed during the time of the Silk Road, it did briefly but not as much as I hoped.
By the end of the book, the main focus was on trade and material goods overall and how the UK and US became involved in early 1900s in the middle east and onwards into the aftermath of 9/11 and the policies surrounding that.
Overall, I think it's a good (but considerably long) read/listen for those who aren't familiar with trade in the east from early civilization to modern era. I also think this could be good for both history majors to study and those in the general public to read since it is written concisely and it's easy to read.
Witch Hat Atelier, Volume 1 by Kamome Shirahama
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Book 1 of 2024
I really enjoyed this one and can see why a lot of people recommend it! Absolutely love the art in this and I think the story is simple but interesting enough to continue!! <3
I really enjoyed this one and can see why a lot of people recommend it! Absolutely love the art in this and I think the story is simple but interesting enough to continue!! <3
Night Sky with Exit Wounds by Ocean Vuong
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
slow-paced
3.0
Book 2 of 2024
Read for Diverse Baseline Challenge: January Prompt 1 - Collection of Poetry
I'm not an expert on poetry, but I can appreciate a poem when I read them. This was at times hard to read for me because I'm not used to poetry and different styles of poems. But, it was an okay read and most of the poems are beautifully written. I do know this is more of a memoir in the style of poetry and I think that's cool.
I'd recommend to those that already enjoy poetry or want a different way of experiencing a non-fic memoir.
Read for Diverse Baseline Challenge: January Prompt 1 - Collection of Poetry
I'm not an expert on poetry, but I can appreciate a poem when I read them. This was at times hard to read for me because I'm not used to poetry and different styles of poems. But, it was an okay read and most of the poems are beautifully written. I do know this is more of a memoir in the style of poetry and I think that's cool.
I'd recommend to those that already enjoy poetry or want a different way of experiencing a non-fic memoir.