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obscurepages's reviews
374 reviews
Incredible Doom by Matthew Bogart
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Okay, this was incredible (pun intended? lol)! I didn't have much expectations for this, only that I found the premise so interesting. Now I can say that I am pleasantly surprised!
Incredible Doom was simple, yet so poignant. It showed the magnificence of using computers and the internet for the first time. And it also highlighted how amazing and comforting it can be, as it helps in connecting people and forging unexpected friendships. It also featured queer characters, which I didn't expect! I loved that.
Anyone looking for a fast and yet moving read, this graphic novel is for you!
Thank you so much to Epic Reads/Harper Alley for sending over a finished copy! This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.
Full review on my blog soon!
CW: child abuse, domestic abuse, bullying, violence
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Incredible Doom was simple, yet so poignant. It showed the magnificence of using computers and the internet for the first time. And it also highlighted how amazing and comforting it can be, as it helps in connecting people and forging unexpected friendships. It also featured queer characters, which I didn't expect! I loved that.
Anyone looking for a fast and yet moving read, this graphic novel is for you!
Thank you so much to Epic Reads/Harper Alley for sending over a finished copy! This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.
Full review on my blog soon!
CW: child abuse, domestic abuse, bullying, violence
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, and Violence
Never Kiss Your Roommate by Philline Harms
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-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
4.0
Oh, this was so so good! In a way, it reads like a fanfic and I love that. (Also, when I say a book reads like a fanfic, I mean it as a compliment. We appreciate fanfics in this house. 🥰) It has all the fluff and the drama (especially towards the end of the book!), and it was funny and touching at the same time as well.
This was simple and straightforward, but I loved seeing the characters come together and achieve character development. Also, the tropes in this book are just some of my favorites! Enemies to lovers, sunshine and grumpy (who turns soft because of sunshine lol), and more!
Would have loved if there was more mystery about the Watcher though. I thought it was a pretty easy solve. Nonetheless, this was a great read and I enjoyed it a lot!
Thank you so much to Wattpad Books for sending over an ARC! This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.
Full review on my blog soon!
CW: toxic/abusive relationships, kidnapping, violence (mild), blood (mild)
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
This was simple and straightforward, but I loved seeing the characters come together and achieve character development. Also, the tropes in this book are just some of my favorites! Enemies to lovers, sunshine and grumpy (who turns soft because of sunshine lol), and more!
Would have loved if there was more mystery about the Watcher though. I thought it was a pretty easy solve. Nonetheless, this was a great read and I enjoyed it a lot!
Thank you so much to Wattpad Books for sending over an ARC! This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.
Full review on my blog soon!
CW: toxic/abusive relationships, kidnapping, violence (mild), blood (mild)
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse and Toxic relationship
Minor: Homophobia, Violence, and Blood
Daughter of Sparta by Claire M. Andrews
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Greek mythology retelling, fierce female warrior as MC, enemies to lovers (sort of? lol), thrilling adventure... I swear, this book has all the right elements! This was definitely a solid read!
The first half, though it was action-packed, felt a little lethargic. Lethargic in a way that I wasn't invested in the characters or their dynamics yet. Once I got past that first half though, it got better. I got to know the characters a little better, saw their chemistry slowly form. That for me made the story more enjoyable.
I loved how the author reimagined Daphne and Apollo's tale (plus other stories!). I always found Daphne and Apollo's tale lacking and melancholic in a way. However, in this book, we see a different kind of Daphne and Apollo, we see a different dynamic between them, and of course, a different endgame.
Oh and, not to spoil anything but I adored the overall ending. It's not what I expected, but I thought it was fitting.
Exact rating 3.75/5! Full review will be posted soon on The Nerd Daily.
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
The first half, though it was action-packed, felt a little lethargic. Lethargic in a way that I wasn't invested in the characters or their dynamics yet. Once I got past that first half though, it got better. I got to know the characters a little better, saw their chemistry slowly form. That for me made the story more enjoyable.
I loved how the author reimagined Daphne and Apollo's tale (plus other stories!). I always found Daphne and Apollo's tale lacking and melancholic in a way. However, in this book, we see a different kind of Daphne and Apollo, we see a different dynamic between them, and of course, a different endgame.
Oh and, not to spoil anything but I adored the overall ending. It's not what I expected, but I thought it was fitting.
Exact rating 3.75/5! Full review will be posted soon on The Nerd Daily.
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Misogyny
A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlà Clark
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Y'ALL THIS BOOK IS PERFECT OKAY 😠IT'S EVERYTHING I EVER WANTED AND MORE EVER SINCE I READ THE FIRST NOVELLA, A DEAD DJINN IN CAIRO.
PLOT WAS INTRICATE, AN ABOLUTE PAGE TURNER. THE CHARACTERS WERE CHARMING AND COMPELLING, YOU'LL BE ROOTING FOR THEM SOON. SAPPHIC ROMANCE WAS SO GOOD I THINK I SWOONED TOO MANY TIMES. WORLD-BUILDING WAS JUST AMAZING, I MEAN THE MYTHOLOGY AND THE LORE, AS WELL AS THE CULTURE WAS JUST SO RICH. HUMOR WAS ON POINT, FROM START TO FINISH. IT ALSO HIGHLIGHTED ISSUES LIKE MISOGYNY, RACISM, COLONIZATION. I SWEAR, THIS IS EVERYTHING. I'M SO IN LOVE WITH IT.
SO FAR, THIS BOOK IS THE BEST THING I READ THIS YEAR. *SCREAMS*
ALSO I AM SO SORRY FOR THE ALL CAPS. I HAVE A LOT OF FEELINGS.
E-arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.
Full review on my blog soon!
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
PLOT WAS INTRICATE, AN ABOLUTE PAGE TURNER. THE CHARACTERS WERE CHARMING AND COMPELLING, YOU'LL BE ROOTING FOR THEM SOON. SAPPHIC ROMANCE WAS SO GOOD I THINK I SWOONED TOO MANY TIMES. WORLD-BUILDING WAS JUST AMAZING, I MEAN THE MYTHOLOGY AND THE LORE, AS WELL AS THE CULTURE WAS JUST SO RICH. HUMOR WAS ON POINT, FROM START TO FINISH. IT ALSO HIGHLIGHTED ISSUES LIKE MISOGYNY, RACISM, COLONIZATION. I SWEAR, THIS IS EVERYTHING. I'M SO IN LOVE WITH IT.
SO FAR, THIS BOOK IS THE BEST THING I READ THIS YEAR. *SCREAMS*
ALSO I AM SO SORRY FOR THE ALL CAPS. I HAVE A LOT OF FEELINGS.
E-arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.
Full review on my blog soon!
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore and Violence
Minor: Misogyny and Racism
The Haunting of Tram Car 015 by P. Djèlà Clark
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
P. Djèlà Clark just knows how to surprise you. He knows how to build curiosity and tension, create momentum, and then surprise you with the best twist there is. He did it in A Dead Djinn in Cairo, and he did it again here in The Haunting of Tram Car 015. And y'all, I love it! I love it so much, AAAHHHH.
I immediately fell in love with the world in A Dead Djinn in Cairo, I knew I just had to get back to this universe (and I'm so glad we're finally getting a full novel? HELLOOOOO). Though this one has a different set of main characters, it still has the same action and humor and otherworldly mystique the first novella has. Apart from the paranormal and the exciting plot, I loved the focus on women and equality as well. I really enjoyed reading this one.
And now, I am ready to read Master of Djinn! And thank goodness I have an e-arc, AAAAAHHHHHH
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
I immediately fell in love with the world in A Dead Djinn in Cairo, I knew I just had to get back to this universe (and I'm so glad we're finally getting a full novel? HELLOOOOO). Though this one has a different set of main characters, it still has the same action and humor and otherworldly mystique the first novella has. Apart from the paranormal and the exciting plot, I loved the focus on women and equality as well. I really enjoyed reading this one.
And now, I am ready to read Master of Djinn! And thank goodness I have an e-arc, AAAAAHHHHHH
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Content Warnings
Minor: Misogyny, Sexism, and Violence
Firebreak by Nicole Kornher-Stace
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Okay, this is hands down one of my top reads this 2021!
CW: violence, kidnapping, torture, capitalism, police brutality
Wow wow wow! I was excited to dive into this book, primarily because of two reasons: 1) the synopsis sounds so good! and 2) there is aro/ace rep. I didn't know what else to expect here in Firebreak. But now that I've finished it, I am just so in awe of it.
The world-building is spot on and immersive, the writing style is so good, the characters (especially Mal) are compelling, the plot is thrilling (hell, several plot twists knocked me off guard), even Mal's platonic crush is such a refreshing element, and overall, it's just such an irresistibly good book!
Think Hunger Games, but with a VR war game, social media, and capitalist megacorporations that need to be dismantled. Queer SFF lovers, you need to add this to your TBRs!
If I could rate this more than 5 stars, I would do so in a heartbeat. (Also, I can't help but think this would make such a good movie?!) Full review on my blog soon!
A big thanks to Saga SFF/Gallery Books for sending an ARC my way! This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
CW: violence, kidnapping, torture, capitalism, police brutality
Wow wow wow! I was excited to dive into this book, primarily because of two reasons: 1) the synopsis sounds so good! and 2) there is aro/ace rep. I didn't know what else to expect here in Firebreak. But now that I've finished it, I am just so in awe of it.
The world-building is spot on and immersive, the writing style is so good, the characters (especially Mal) are compelling, the plot is thrilling (hell, several plot twists knocked me off guard), even Mal's platonic crush is such a refreshing element, and overall, it's just such an irresistibly good book!
Think Hunger Games, but with a VR war game, social media, and capitalist megacorporations that need to be dismantled. Queer SFF lovers, you need to add this to your TBRs!
If I could rate this more than 5 stars, I would do so in a heartbeat. (Also, I can't help but think this would make such a good movie?!) Full review on my blog soon!
A big thanks to Saga SFF/Gallery Books for sending an ARC my way! This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore and Violence
Moderate: Torture, Police brutality, and Kidnapping
She Drives Me Crazy by Kelly Quindlen
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Kelly Quindlen keeps making Netflix adaptation-worthy teen romcom books and I am here for it!
She Drives Me Crazy was such a funny, chaotic, sweet read. I love the drama of it all, and I love that it featured messy characters who make stupid decisions along the way. They learned from it and they found their real selves along, too. This book also highlighted how hard it can be letting go and healing from a toxic relationship, with Scottie and her ex Tally.
I have to say though, the romance between Scottie and Irene felt a little rushed at times, and I feel like the Indian-American rep could be better? Also, in a way, Scottie pressured Irene on coming out by agreeing to fake date her. That's never the nicest nor the easiest things.
Overall, I still enjoyed reading this one! All the sapphic goodness and the chaotic drama were so good.
Full review will be posted soon as part of She Drives Me Crazy Bookstagram hosted by Pride Book Tours! Thank you Fierce Reads and Pride Book Tours for sending a finished copy my way! (This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.)
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
She Drives Me Crazy was such a funny, chaotic, sweet read. I love the drama of it all, and I love that it featured messy characters who make stupid decisions along the way. They learned from it and they found their real selves along, too. This book also highlighted how hard it can be letting go and healing from a toxic relationship, with Scottie and her ex Tally.
I have to say though, the romance between Scottie and Irene felt a little rushed at times, and I feel like the Indian-American rep could be better? Also, in a way, Scottie pressured Irene on coming out by agreeing to fake date her. That's never the nicest nor the easiest things.
Overall, I still enjoyed reading this one! All the sapphic goodness and the chaotic drama were so good.
Full review will be posted soon as part of She Drives Me Crazy Bookstagram hosted by Pride Book Tours! Thank you Fierce Reads and Pride Book Tours for sending a finished copy my way! (This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.)
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
Cool for the Summer by Dahlia Adler
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
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? No
4.0
One of my most anticipated releases this year!
Okay, so this took a little while to build up, but the way it showed how confusing and hard it can be figuring out your sexuality, getting new feelings you never thought you'd have, the fear and doubts... it was all so honest and heartfelt.
The miscommunication/lack of communication trope is a little strong in this one, and I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. It's that feeling you wish the characters would just talk, lol!
Loved that friendship and finding new things about yourself are two big aspects in this book. It was beautiful, and I loved seeing our main character go through her character development.
This was a very solid read and I know a lot of people will enjoy reading this too!
E-arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Full review on my blog soon!
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Okay, so this took a little while to build up, but the way it showed how confusing and hard it can be figuring out your sexuality, getting new feelings you never thought you'd have, the fear and doubts... it was all so honest and heartfelt.
The miscommunication/lack of communication trope is a little strong in this one, and I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. It's that feeling you wish the characters would just talk, lol!
Loved that friendship and finding new things about yourself are two big aspects in this book. It was beautiful, and I loved seeing our main character go through her character development.
This was a very solid read and I know a lot of people will enjoy reading this too!
E-arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Full review on my blog soon!
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Content Warnings
Moderate: Biphobia
Victories Greater Than Death by Charlie Jane Anders
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
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
3.5
One of my anticipated releases this year! I don't know how to explain this but, I wasn't completely blown away, and yet I was also invested???
The plot was intriguing, but it can get confusing. I feel like the pacing and the writing style could also be better. Fortunately, all the action really makes you anticipate! And I think it was the characters and the world-building that won me over. The diverse cast and their journeys were a joy to read about and I loved learning about the different kinds of aliens, and their customs and culture.
Now that I think about it, this book was also poignant in its own way. It talked about leaving legacies, finding your own self, making friends and creating your own kind of family with your own people. It was beautiful.
Of course, I also love the fact that this was so, so queer. Some of the characters even use neopronouns? I think this is a first I've seen in YA. Overall, a solid read! Exact rating 3.5 stars.
TW: violence, murder, torture (mild), homophobia, transphobia
(Received an e-arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.)
The plot was intriguing, but it can get confusing. I feel like the pacing and the writing style could also be better. Fortunately, all the action really makes you anticipate! And I think it was the characters and the world-building that won me over. The diverse cast and their journeys were a joy to read about and I loved learning about the different kinds of aliens, and their customs and culture.
Now that I think about it, this book was also poignant in its own way. It talked about leaving legacies, finding your own self, making friends and creating your own kind of family with your own people. It was beautiful.
Of course, I also love the fact that this was so, so queer. Some of the characters even use neopronouns? I think this is a first I've seen in YA. Overall, a solid read! Exact rating 3.5 stars.
TW: violence, murder, torture (mild), homophobia, transphobia
(Received an e-arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Homophobia, Torture, Transphobia, and Murder
Every Body Shines: Sixteen Stories about Living Fabulously Fat by Cassandra Newbould
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
I was already emotional when I read the Introduction. I should have took that as a sign that this book will hurt me and comfort me all at the same time.
This book just hits too hard, hits too close to home. All the fatphobic remarks I've received and experienced, I see it all in this book. And all the frustration and the doubt and the confidence I'm recollecting, I feel it all in this book as well. Every Body Shines showed the different kinds of bias and microaggressions we go through. But it also showed fat people challenging fatphobia, celebrating their bodies, being their own person, and showing that being fat has nothing to do with their worth. I also loved the fact that these stories featured a diverse set of characters (POC, queer) in a diverse set of genres and worlds. It was stunning and I couldn't help but adore each and every single story in their own way.
I have a lot more to say, but I'll save them up for my full review for The Nerd Daily!
TW: fatphobia, misogyny (a few remarks), racism (a few remarks)
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
This book just hits too hard, hits too close to home. All the fatphobic remarks I've received and experienced, I see it all in this book. And all the frustration and the doubt and the confidence I'm recollecting, I feel it all in this book as well. Every Body Shines showed the different kinds of bias and microaggressions we go through. But it also showed fat people challenging fatphobia, celebrating their bodies, being their own person, and showing that being fat has nothing to do with their worth. I also loved the fact that these stories featured a diverse set of characters (POC, queer) in a diverse set of genres and worlds. It was stunning and I couldn't help but adore each and every single story in their own way.
I have a lot more to say, but I'll save them up for my full review for The Nerd Daily!
TW: fatphobia, misogyny (a few remarks), racism (a few remarks)
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia
Minor: Misogyny and Racism