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lilradridinghood's reviews
387 reviews
Dear Wendy by Ann Zhao
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
There were some parts toward the end that were really sweet and made me happy, but overall it was not an enjoyable experience. First of all, the rivalry does not escalate naturally. They are too quick to throw shade at each other and engage with each other's posts for no reason. I don't understand why they're friends as Jo and Sophie either. I feel like the only thing tying them together is the fact that they are aroace. I get how amazing it can be to find someone you share that with, but I think a relationship needs more than that. I also don't like how quick Jo is to criticize Sophie's immigrant parents. Jo was honestly just a jerk in general. However, I do appreciate the representation, and despite their online hostility toward each other, they both give pretty good advice. I do wish it was a bit less explanatory though, especially since it is about characters who already know they're aroace.
The Amazing Beasts of Philippine Mythology: When You Have to Say: Excuse Me, Mister Monster Sir! (Bilingual English and Filipino Texts) by The Ang Ink Artists Collective
informative
5.0
I love the range of art styles and creatures. It's great that the descriptions are in both Tagalog and English so I can try to practice reading Tagalog.
The World's End by Rin Chupeco
3.5
Just interesting enough to keep me going until I finished it; the prophecies got kinda annoying
Content Warnings
Minor: Suicide
Is Love the Answer? by Uta Isaki
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Mala & the Mask of Gold by Jaime Martin Ko Atilano
adventurous
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
I'm not really a fan of the siblings' narrative voices and the unnatural dialogue, but they do suit the story in a way. I find the plot really compelling and love the incorporation of Filipino mythology. It's definitely a very special book.
Restore Me by Tahereh Mafi
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It's ok. I wish Juliette and Warner's narrative voices were more distinct from each other. This book is definitely the start of a whole new story arc, but it's too early for me to say whether it's worth continuing after the third book.
The Hurricane Wars by Thea Guanzon
Did not finish book. Stopped at 41%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 41%.
Excessive description and worldbuilding. I can't imagine getting through the book without skimming most of it. Characters are boring. The guy goes from wanting to kill her to lowkey pining for her without any realistic development. I cannot go on.
The Death I Gave Him by Em X. Liu
Did not finish book. Stopped at 44%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 44%.
eloquent prose but boring characters
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm
Penguindrum (Light Novel) Vol. 1 by Kei Takahashi, Kunihiko Ikuhara
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
I found it pretty meh even as a fan of the show. It keeps changing POV which can be kinda jarring. But it's still interesting to get the characters' internal thoughts (except when we get more of Kanba's disgusting feelings for Himari 😬).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Incest
Monstress, Vol. 1: Awakening by Marjorie Liu
fast-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
4.0
VERY dark but Kippa is my precious little fox child and I love her