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imskylow's reviews
262 reviews
A Torch Against the Night by Sabaa Tahir
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
sad
tense
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? No
4.5
This was very good but also very hard to read with all of the genocide and torture happening in our world right now. There were definitely several times I had to put the book down and take a break.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Physical abuse, Torture, Violence, and War
An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
tense
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? No
4.5
Pleasantly surprised by this novel. I feel like I haven’t read a good political fantasy YA in a long while. All the characters have depth and emotion and the conflict feels real, too real at times especially with the genocides happening in the world. Laia is a fabulous FMC. She’s determined without being arrogant and unfeeling. She’s not a pick-me, she’s an I’ll-try-my-best. Elias is an intriguing character as well. A++
Content Warnings
Graphic: Physical abuse, Racism, Slavery, Violence, Xenophobia, Police brutality, Trafficking, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying and Blood
Yours Truly by Abby Jimenez
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
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
This book is everything. It’s honestly one of the top books of the year for me. It’s a love letter to all of us that deal with anxiety. The right person for you will not find you to be a burden. In this book, Jacob, find himself falling for Briana, a woman who is not trying to make him be anyone other than who he is. His anxiety is not an issue for her and not the reason that keeps them apart. In fact, she so seamlessly supports him by taking the guess work out of outings. I was stunned when the character listed: where they were meeting, how loud it would be, who would be there, where to park and such. It’s written to be such a small thing for Briana to do but means to world to Jacob. Honestly, I found myself falling for both MCs. Jacob is so selfless and willing to show up even if it makes him uncomfortable. I love his willingness to communicate even if it’s not via usual methods. We love a letter writer. Both are so cognizant of each other’s needs without making it a big deal. I am in love with this book. I’m in love with this whole cast of characters. I was strapped in the entire time. This one is going to go down as one of my favorites.
The Dragon's Bride by Katee Robert
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
It was fine. It felt like Kate’s Robert was really scratching the surface of what monster romance could be. It didn’t have the thrilling aspect I seek in books like this. It was pretty average and underwhelming.
Filthy Rich Vampire by Geneva Lee
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
It’s smutty vampire trash but I eat it up nonetheless. There is a “I have to make them hate me so they leave even though I love them” break up; so, points off for that. It’s not revolutionary. But it’s fun.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death and Violence
Vicious by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
It’s honestly just not my taste in books. I don’t really have any criticism besides the constant flash back making it drag for me. Also there were some pretty convenient characters placed in this book. But I know other people love it. So don’t let my star count sway you from reading it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Child abuse, Death, Gun violence, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Self harm, Suicide, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Medical trauma, Suicide attempt, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
The Gentleman's Book of Vices by Jess Everlee
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Alcohol
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Outing
Masters of Death by Olivie Blake
Did not finish book. Stopped at 77%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 77%.
It’s giving “I’ve had a bunch of OCs I’ve created over the years since middle school that really don’t have a single thing to do with each other but I’m gonna pick them up and smush the whole crowd into one confusing book.”
Problem is, these OCs (original characters) are 0% interesting because I haven’t spent my whole life loving them and building their back story like Olivie Blake has. No, I only get a passing glimpse through a narrow, foggy window and that my friends just isn’t enough. I’m still confused about what “the game” the whole book has been about even is and I’ve read 3/4th of it. I cannot dedicate more hours to this. I’m sorry.
Problem is, these OCs (original characters) are 0% interesting because I haven’t spent my whole life loving them and building their back story like Olivie Blake has. No, I only get a passing glimpse through a narrow, foggy window and that my friends just isn’t enough. I’m still confused about what “the game” the whole book has been about even is and I’ve read 3/4th of it. I cannot dedicate more hours to this. I’m sorry.
All the Feels by Olivia Dade
Did not finish book. Stopped at 81%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 81%.
These are the kinds of plus size books that I, a plus size person, cannot stand. The first book in the series was fine but this book introduced themes and feelings of shame that I absolutly hate. I think this needs to stand as a reminder that "representation is not acceptance". This book features a self-conscious FMC who doesn't believe she should be cared for or adored by a movie actor because of her size and the way that she looks. Not only that, but even when she does allow him to show her affection she is constantly spiraling and considering if her being with him is healthy for his career or if he's going to end up losing his entire life because he feels the need to defend her.
<img src="https://tenor.com/view/jackie-b-sigh-gif-22841640".
Look, I get it. I understand. I too probably would be questioning everything if a handsome, funny, straight-sized man started absolutely hitting on me, but I don't want to read these books just like how I, as a bisexual woman, am tired of reading about LGBTQ+ novels that are only about hiding, getting outed and coming out. I know this exists and I know this is real life but I don't read fiction to experience the darkness in my brain. I read it to escape. All I'm asking is for are books that feature plus size individuals and all the daily difficulties that come with it, WITHOUT the shame and the need for external validation. I feel like we've had enough of those books. Heck, the characters can even be frustrated with the world and how it works! But I'm tired of people hating themselves.
<img src="https://tenor.com/view/jackie-b-sigh-gif-22841640".
Look, I get it. I understand. I too probably would be questioning everything if a handsome, funny, straight-sized man started absolutely hitting on me, but I don't want to read these books just like how I, as a bisexual woman, am tired of reading about LGBTQ+ novels that are only about hiding, getting outed and coming out. I know this exists and I know this is real life but I don't read fiction to experience the darkness in my brain. I read it to escape. All I'm asking is for are books that feature plus size individuals and all the daily difficulties that come with it, WITHOUT the shame and the need for external validation. I feel like we've had enough of those books. Heck, the characters can even be frustrated with the world and how it works! But I'm tired of people hating themselves.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia
Feast of Sparks by Sierra Simone
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
INCEST. YOU HEARD IT HERE FIRST.
This whole ethereal, pagan ritual romance/ erotica is absolutly SPOILED by INCEST.
I'm only getting around to reviewing this an whole month later and I'm still angry. I don't understand how Sierra Simone could possibly think that THIS was the twist the book needed. And I'm not even labeling this as spoilers because really it should be a content warning. Even if it may or may not turn out to be true in later books, a character in this book is absolutely destroyed because they decided to go to an orgy and have a relationship with someone that they FULLY BELIEVED was their SIBLING. Problem is, I don't think this character would honestly do that. I've seen nothing from him that would lead me to believe he would keep this secret and still decide to have sex with their sibling. This book honestly would have had four or five stars until that last chapter and honestly, I don't think I can trust Sierra Simone as an author anymore. I don't have it in me. Not only were the characters betrayed, so was I. SO WAS I.
This whole ethereal, pagan ritual romance/ erotica is absolutly SPOILED by INCEST.
I'm only getting around to reviewing this an whole month later and I'm still angry. I don't understand how Sierra Simone could possibly think that THIS was the twist the book needed. And I'm not even labeling this as spoilers because really it should be a content warning. Even if it may or may not turn out to be true in later books, a character in this book is absolutely destroyed because they decided to go to an orgy and have a relationship with someone that they FULLY BELIEVED was their SIBLING. Problem is, I don't think this character would honestly do that. I've seen nothing from him that would lead me to believe he would keep this secret and still decide to have sex with their sibling. This book honestly would have had four or five stars until that last chapter and honestly, I don't think I can trust Sierra Simone as an author anymore. I don't have it in me. Not only were the characters betrayed, so was I. SO WAS I.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Incest, Sexual assault, Toxic relationship, Toxic friendship, and Abandonment
Moderate: Bullying and Violence