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bookishdamzel's reviews
299 reviews
The Scarlet Alchemist by Kylie Lee Baker
adventurous
dark
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
5.0
Graceling by Kristin Cashore
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
~ Read For Bookish Besties November BOTM ~
I have to say, I had a fun time reading this one. It was simple, yet really good. I flew through this book in a day. It's told from a third person pov and the writing + story flowed pretty well.
Graceling is set in the world of the Royal Continent that is divided into seven kingdoms. As the name suggests, there are "Gracelings" or those that have a very particular talent that they excel at. Although these people have these talents, graces are often frowned upon and feared.
Katsa, our main protagonist, is graced with killing. She's able to take down a man with a single blow. She's infamous for her actions in all the kingdoms of this world. Though she begins to struggle with that fact and how she is used by the king, her uncle.
You find Katsa in the Middluns on a rescue mission of somebody imprisoned in another court. She encounters a stranger along this mission and determines they may or may not be a threat, but she'll cross that bridge when she gets to it. She soon finds out that this stranger she encountered is Po, the Grandson of the man she had just rescued, and he is also graced.
This story takes Katsa and Po across the Middluns into Sunder and beyond to "find info" as to why Po's grandfather was kidnapped in the first place. They find themselves growing close and learn things about themselves they wouldn't have otherwise.
I have to say, I had a fun time reading this one. It was simple, yet really good. I flew through this book in a day. It's told from a third person pov and the writing + story flowed pretty well.
Graceling is set in the world of the Royal Continent that is divided into seven kingdoms. As the name suggests, there are "Gracelings" or those that have a very particular talent that they excel at. Although these people have these talents, graces are often frowned upon and feared.
Katsa, our main protagonist, is graced with killing. She's able to take down a man with a single blow. She's infamous for her actions in all the kingdoms of this world. Though she begins to struggle with that fact and how she is used by the king, her uncle.
You find Katsa in the Middluns on a rescue mission of somebody imprisoned in another court. She encounters a stranger along this mission and determines they may or may not be a threat, but she'll cross that bridge when she gets to it. She soon finds out that this stranger she encountered is Po, the Grandson of the man she had just rescued, and he is also graced.
This story takes Katsa and Po across the Middluns into Sunder and beyond to "find info" as to why Po's grandfather was kidnapped in the first place. They find themselves growing close and learn things about themselves they wouldn't have otherwise.
Circe by Madeline Miller
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I'm beginning to think Madeline Miller may be an auto buy author from now on for me. I'm amazed at how she can take minor characters of ancient greek mythology and make a great story that follow relatively close to the events that are known of them.
I absolutely love the character driven story of Circe. This book spans the many years of Circe, an immortal Titan goddess, that was cast out for her practice of magic. The author did so well creating a morally grey character, where at times you want to root for her and other times, she seems overbearing and cruel. She's a immortal god, that fears and loves, that's ruthless and patient. You can see all sides of this character throughout the story and I think that's what I loved about this book.
The writing is absolutely gorgeous and it's something I loved in her other book Song of Achilles. I think she does well with greek retellings and it feels well researched with what little is known of the characters she chooses to write.
Definitely recommend to those that enjoy a book that focuses mainly on the actions, thoughts and reflections of characters, as well as those that love mythology.
I absolutely love the character driven story of Circe. This book spans the many years of Circe, an immortal Titan goddess, that was cast out for her practice of magic. The author did so well creating a morally grey character, where at times you want to root for her and other times, she seems overbearing and cruel. She's a immortal god, that fears and loves, that's ruthless and patient. You can see all sides of this character throughout the story and I think that's what I loved about this book.
The writing is absolutely gorgeous and it's something I loved in her other book Song of Achilles. I think she does well with greek retellings and it feels well researched with what little is known of the characters she chooses to write.
Definitely recommend to those that enjoy a book that focuses mainly on the actions, thoughts and reflections of characters, as well as those that love mythology.
The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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
3.0
The Only Good Indians was an up and down hill for me to get through. I enjoyed it enough to finish, but wouldn't necessarily call it a fave.
Things I liked about the book:
- the atmosphere is absolutely phenomenal, it really does give a haunting and eery vibe throughout the book up until the very end
- the themes of tradition, violation, revenge, justification, & cyclical trauma are well done
- the decisions of characters permeate the entire story
Things I'm iffy on:
- the only character you spend the most time with is Lewis, most other characters are very rushed through making it very hard to care about the others..
- however, the book is told from the person who is haunting Lewis and his buddies, so yes there is an unreliable narrator but you get to ponder whether their actions is justified or not and contributes to the cyclical trauma at hand
- the descent into madness Lewis has is okay, knowing the narrator is the elk, but i'd much more prefer having Lewis from the first person going through the thoughts in his head and the decisions he makes and the slow creep of madness that way.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, and I think its worth the read. But, it's not a favorite of mine.
Things I liked about the book:
- the atmosphere is absolutely phenomenal, it really does give a haunting and eery vibe throughout the book up until the very end
- the themes of tradition, violation, revenge, justification, & cyclical trauma are well done
- the decisions of characters permeate the entire story
- the only character you spend the most time with is Lewis, most other characters are very rushed through making it very hard to care about the others..
- however, the book is told from the person who is haunting Lewis and his buddies, so yes there is an unreliable narrator but you get to ponder whether their actions is justified or not and contributes to the cyclical trauma at hand
- the descent into madness Lewis has is okay, knowing the narrator is the elk, but i'd much more prefer having Lewis from the first person going through the thoughts in his head and the decisions he makes and the slow creep of madness that way.
Overall, I enjoyed this book, and I think its worth the read. But, it's not a favorite of mine.
The Prince's Dearest Guards by Beau Van Dalen
adventurous
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.5
Read for MM Summer Pride Challenge 2023 and August BOTM Pick
This was a quick read and fun to get through. I do have issues with the fact that it was super fast paced and insta lovey, but I think that's part of the appeal too in some ways if you go in knowing its a smutty novella with a trans masc MC and his body guards he acquires after reaching his name day.
I enjoyed it enough to finish tho and I'd be into seeing how the characters go in a sequel.
This was a quick read and fun to get through. I do have issues with the fact that it was super fast paced and insta lovey, but I think that's part of the appeal too in some ways if you go in knowing its a smutty novella with a trans masc MC and his body guards he acquires after reaching his name day.
I enjoyed it enough to finish tho and I'd be into seeing how the characters go in a sequel.
Love Kills Twice by Rien Gray
dark
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
4.0
Read for MM Summer Pride 2023
For the 18+ crowd!
This was a supet quick and fun read. A bit insta lovey, but in the context of it only being 120 pages or so it'd probably be considered medium burn. I had fun with it tho!!
Obviously, check content warnings before hand!
For the 18+ crowd!
This was a supet quick and fun read. A bit insta lovey, but in the context of it only being 120 pages or so it'd probably be considered medium burn. I had fun with it tho!!
Obviously, check content warnings before hand!
Carmilla by J. Sheridan Le Fanu
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Read for MM Summer Pride Challenge 2023
"I have been in love with no one, and never shall... unless it should be with you"
You know I love my gothic reads!! This has the eerie and dreadful atmosphere & imagery, the melancholy, and the tragedy.
This vampire novel predates Dracula by 20+ years and it has lgbtq themes. I definitely recommend to those who want a quick and gothic read!
"I have been in love with no one, and never shall... unless it should be with you"
You know I love my gothic reads!! This has the eerie and dreadful atmosphere & imagery, the melancholy, and the tragedy.
This vampire novel predates Dracula by 20+ years and it has lgbtq themes. I definitely recommend to those who want a quick and gothic read!
Heart, Haunt, Havoc by Freydís Moon
dark
emotional
mysterious
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? Yes
4.0
Read for MM Summer Pride Challenge 2023
For the 18+ crowd!
I listened to the audiobook while reading the ebook for this one. I loved the narration of the audiobook.
I loved the premise of this book! Bishop, needing someone to cleanse their haunted home and holding on to secrets, and Colin, a priest who's hired by Bishop to cleanse the home. As they both interact in the home and secrets are unraveled, they find themself bonding over a shared grief of losing a loved one and find comfort in each other.
I think the only downside for me was the pace, I think if this book had a medium or even slowburn pace and gave time to world build more and sit with events, it would have been a 5 star for me. Regardless tho, I did love the characters, the depictions of grief are well done, and I loved the different forms of magic and mysticism in this <3
Check content warnings before heading in. This is a book with sex scenes with horror elements as well so be warned.
For the 18+ crowd!
I listened to the audiobook while reading the ebook for this one. I loved the narration of the audiobook.
I loved the premise of this book! Bishop, needing someone to cleanse their haunted home and holding on to secrets, and Colin, a priest who's hired by Bishop to cleanse the home. As they both interact in the home and secrets are unraveled, they find themself bonding over a shared grief of losing a loved one and find comfort in each other.
I think the only downside for me was the pace, I think if this book had a medium or even slowburn pace and gave time to world build more and sit with events, it would have been a 5 star for me. Regardless tho, I did love the characters, the depictions of grief are well done, and I loved the different forms of magic and mysticism in this <3
Check content warnings before heading in. This is a book with sex scenes with horror elements as well so be warned.
A Flame in the Night by Morgan Dante
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-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
5.0
Read for MM Summer Pride Challenge 2023
For the 18+ Crowd!
I loved the gothic setting in 1920s Paris. Absolutely adored Claire and Leon, and even more so after Matthias comes into the picture. The revenge Claire had at the end was amazing, I love that for her. This was a super quick, dark and spicy novel. Will definitely be reading the author's backlog and new releases <3
Please check the content warnings before reading!
More notably: recollection of off screen SA, PTSD, and blood.
For the 18+ Crowd!
I loved the gothic setting in 1920s Paris. Absolutely adored Claire and Leon, and even more so after Matthias comes into the picture. The revenge Claire had at the end was amazing, I love that for her. This was a super quick, dark and spicy novel. Will definitely be reading the author's backlog and new releases <3
Please check the content warnings before reading!
More notably: recollection of off screen SA, PTSD, and blood.
Cutting Your Teeth by Caylan MacRae
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
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
4.5
Read for MM Summer Pride Challenge 2023
This was a great indie debut! It was well paced and I loved the urban fantasy setting. I loved the found family between Ezra, Killian, and Mari. The vampires are more reminiscent of old vampire lore and there's a mix of other supernatural beings in this book.
I'll definitely be waiting for the sequel to this just to see the banter between the trio again and see what happens with Ezra after the ending reveal!
This was a great indie debut! It was well paced and I loved the urban fantasy setting. I loved the found family between Ezra, Killian, and Mari. The vampires are more reminiscent of old vampire lore and there's a mix of other supernatural beings in this book.
I'll definitely be waiting for the sequel to this just to see the banter between the trio again and see what happens with Ezra after the ending reveal!