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374 reviews
The White Guy Dies First: 13 Scary Stories of Fear and Power by Terry J. Benton-Walker
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.25
This is one of my most anticipated reads for 2024 and it did not disappoint!! AAAAAHHHHH
This feels very much like a love letter to the horror genre. All stories showed that horror is not only meant to scareβit's meant to disturb you, inspire you, deliver stark truth, make you realize things around you, and so much more.
All short stories here focus on a specific genre, and as a whole I thought they were cohesive and work well together as an anthology! Some of my faves were Best Served Cold (H.E. Edgmon), Docile Girls (Chloe Gong), Everything's Coming Up Roses (Tiffany D. Jackson), and Gray Grove (Alexis Henderson).
Also I seriously love how I discovered some new authors here? Authors I haven't read from before!
Overall this was excellent for me, and I know horror fans and enthusiasts will enjoy this as well!
Will post a detailed review on the blog!
Exact rating: 4.25 βοΈ
Thank you so much to the publisher (Tor Teen) and NetGalley for this e-arc!
CW: blood, gore, violence, racism, misogyny, generational trauma/ancestral trauma, murder, death, body horror, fatal wounds, bullying, transphobia
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Marking this book as part of my reading challenge: <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/reading_challenges/fcf9e7dc-39a5-49e2-9f7d-a243f5073985">#ReadQueerly2024</a>.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Violence, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Homophobia, Misogyny, Racism, Transphobia, and Xenophobia
Minor: Bullying, Sexual assault, and Sexual content
Lakelore by Anna-Marie McLemore
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
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
5.0
Okay this was perfection??? π₯Ή I've had this on my TBR for quite some time now. Thanks to me being a mood reader (and Libby), I started reading and listening to the audiobook π
Three things stand out to me particularly: the poetic prose, the neurodivergent and mental illness rep, and the discussions on gender identity.
The prose is just amazing, and the writing style is so vivid. This book not only gives you incredible imagery (especially when talking about the lake and its magic), but also delves deep into the characters and their thoughts and emotions. I think the narrators also had a part in that, because they really did bring their characters to life. I could feel every emotion in every word as I was listening to the audiobook version. These two nonbinary, neurodivergent, brown kids are so precious and I loved reading/listening to their journey. In more ways than I imagined, I was able to relate to them throughout the book.
The neurodivergent and mental illness rep, I didn't really expect? Or maybe it's just been a while since I read the synopsis π Either way, I thought these were so written so well. I could particularly relate with Bastian and their anxiety. And maybe that lead me to see the plot twist/moral lesson early? But I am definitely not complaining π If anything, it just gave me more affirmation with how I try to deal with <i>*my*</i> own anxiety and stress. And I really really love that.
And of course, the queer rep in this book is just magnificent. There were discussions about gender identity, dysphoria, and experiences. And it just made me appreciate how there's really no singular experience or guideline in being queer or trans or nonbinary. No one can really tell us about our gender except ourselves βit's a spectrum, it comes in waves, and it's beautiful. (My favorite part definitely has to be Lore and Bastian talking about "gender forecasts", and in one scene Bastian says theirs is "nonbinary with a chance of stars" π₯Ή)
This book is just really precious π and it made me feel tons of emotions, so yes 5 stars π
This is also my first audiobook with Vico Ortiz!? Oh my beloved π
Three things stand out to me particularly: the poetic prose, the neurodivergent and mental illness rep, and the discussions on gender identity.
The prose is just amazing, and the writing style is so vivid. This book not only gives you incredible imagery (especially when talking about the lake and its magic), but also delves deep into the characters and their thoughts and emotions. I think the narrators also had a part in that, because they really did bring their characters to life. I could feel every emotion in every word as I was listening to the audiobook version. These two nonbinary, neurodivergent, brown kids are so precious and I loved reading/listening to their journey. In more ways than I imagined, I was able to relate to them throughout the book.
The neurodivergent and mental illness rep, I didn't really expect? Or maybe it's just been a while since I read the synopsis π Either way, I thought these were so written so well. I could particularly relate with Bastian and their anxiety. And maybe that lead me to see the plot twist/moral lesson early? But I am definitely not complaining π If anything, it just gave me more affirmation with how I try to deal with <i>*my*</i> own anxiety and stress. And I really really love that.
And of course, the queer rep in this book is just magnificent. There were discussions about gender identity, dysphoria, and experiences. And it just made me appreciate how there's really no singular experience or guideline in being queer or trans or nonbinary. No one can really tell us about our gender except ourselves βit's a spectrum, it comes in waves, and it's beautiful. (My favorite part definitely has to be Lore and Bastian talking about "gender forecasts", and in one scene Bastian says theirs is "nonbinary with a chance of stars" π₯Ή)
This book is just really precious π and it made me feel tons of emotions, so yes 5 stars π
This is also my first audiobook with Vico Ortiz!? Oh my beloved π
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Bullying, Racism, Transphobia, and Dysphoria
Inuyasha, Volume 07 by Rumiko Takahashi
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
reflective
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? Yes
4.25
Another introspective installment! In this one, two arcs stand out to me: Them learning more about the connection between Inuyasha's demon blood and Tetsusaiga, and Kagome being her own self.
Love Inuyasha's arc here. His demon self saves him in times of need, but he also realizes he loses himself (and his soul) every time he transforms. And then he realizes he doesn't want that, especially if he can't protect Kagome π I think he's come a long way, and we see just how much Kagome has changed him and how he realizes what he wants because of her.
One of my favorite arcs in the anime is Kagome being controlled by the Dark Priestess. Making Kagome kill Inuyasha, nostalgic of how Kikyo was made to kill him? Priceless π but also it shows how strong and how different Kagome is, and how she's her own person. Not a reincarnation, not a twin, or whatever.
Also I'd like to add! Found family is kind of a big theme in this installment as well! Like the characters are realizing how much they've changed and how they're not alone anymore because they have friends now. I love that.
Love Inuyasha's arc here. His demon self saves him in times of need, but he also realizes he loses himself (and his soul) every time he transforms. And then he realizes he doesn't want that, especially if he can't protect Kagome π I think he's come a long way, and we see just how much Kagome has changed him and how he realizes what he wants because of her.
One of my favorite arcs in the anime is Kagome being controlled by the Dark Priestess. Making Kagome kill Inuyasha, nostalgic of how Kikyo was made to kill him? Priceless π but also it shows how strong and how different Kagome is, and how she's her own person. Not a reincarnation, not a twin, or whatever.
Also I'd like to add! Found family is kind of a big theme in this installment as well! Like the characters are realizing how much they've changed and how they're not alone anymore because they have friends now. I love that.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Inuyasha, Volume 06 by Rumiko Takahashi
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
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? No
4.0
This is such a pretty interesting volume.
For one, Rumiko Takahashi keeps making hot villains and monsters omg how am I supposed to NOT root for them π Kidding aside, the art and character design just slaps.
Another is that, apparently this is the volume that hurt me the most as a kid in the anime π I'm talking about Inuyasha "choosing" Kikyo and Kagome accepting that she will always come second and staying beside Inuyasha's side even though it hurts her. Like that hurt me as a kid/teen. Unrequited love is so fcking painful, I don't wish it on anyone. Still I remember being a bit mad at Kagome for being a martyr and a masochist. But I was also mad at Inuyasha for not being straight with Kagome.
HOWEVER, reading the manga now, I keep wondering, does Inuyasha even love Kikyo? All his thoughts and POV seem like he feels immense guilt and moral responsibility or obligation to Kikyo so he needs to protect her, rather than needing to protect her because he loves her. And this guilt and responsibility definitely clouds his judgement. Apparently he would "go to hell" with Kikyo if that's what she wanted? That doesn't sound like love to me π and yet, he also admits, he feels "calm and light" with Kagome. Tell me right now who is he really supposed to be with ππ
What happened to Kikyo and Inuyasha fifty years ago was tragic and disgusting (on part of Naraku manipulating the whole thing). But it's clear that this will affect their actions and decisions further, and create a truly complicated situation between Inuyasha, Kagome, and Kikyo.
Also demon Inuyasha finally appears in this volume! π Human Inuyasha still has my heart tho. Oh and more Kohaku arc in the next one!
For one, Rumiko Takahashi keeps making hot villains and monsters omg how am I supposed to NOT root for them π Kidding aside, the art and character design just slaps.
Another is that, apparently this is the volume that hurt me the most as a kid in the anime π I'm talking about Inuyasha "choosing" Kikyo and Kagome accepting that she will always come second and staying beside Inuyasha's side even though it hurts her. Like that hurt me as a kid/teen. Unrequited love is so fcking painful, I don't wish it on anyone. Still I remember being a bit mad at Kagome for being a martyr and a masochist. But I was also mad at Inuyasha for not being straight with Kagome.
HOWEVER, reading the manga now, I keep wondering, does Inuyasha even love Kikyo? All his thoughts and POV seem like he feels immense guilt and moral responsibility or obligation to Kikyo so he needs to protect her, rather than needing to protect her because he loves her. And this guilt and responsibility definitely clouds his judgement. Apparently he would "go to hell" with Kikyo if that's what she wanted? That doesn't sound like love to me π and yet, he also admits, he feels "calm and light" with Kagome. Tell me right now who is he really supposed to be with ππ
What happened to Kikyo and Inuyasha fifty years ago was tragic and disgusting (on part of Naraku manipulating the whole thing). But it's clear that this will affect their actions and decisions further, and create a truly complicated situation between Inuyasha, Kagome, and Kikyo.
Also demon Inuyasha finally appears in this volume! π Human Inuyasha still has my heart tho. Oh and more Kohaku arc in the next one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, and Blood
Inuyasha, Volume 05 by Rumiko Takahashi
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
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? It's complicated
4.25
Another great installment! We meet a lot of new recurring characters here like Rin, Koga (my beloved), and Kagura.
But also, I like the fact that this volume felt a bit more introspective? Or in a way more character-driven. With Kikyo and her agenda (again can she leave Kagome alone omfg), Inuyasha mastering the Tetsusaiga, Sesshomaru knowing more about Tenseiga and meeting Rin. It just seems like a lot of character development and a bit of character study and I really liked that.
Also I really have to say I like the author/creator's way of creating symbolism, particularly with Inuyasha and Sesshomaru's swords choosing them and what that means for their characters and the story. That's some good stuff right there π₯Ή
But also, I like the fact that this volume felt a bit more introspective? Or in a way more character-driven. With Kikyo and her agenda (again can she leave Kagome alone omfg), Inuyasha mastering the Tetsusaiga, Sesshomaru knowing more about Tenseiga and meeting Rin. It just seems like a lot of character development and a bit of character study and I really liked that.
Also I really have to say I like the author/creator's way of creating symbolism, particularly with Inuyasha and Sesshomaru's swords choosing them and what that means for their characters and the story. That's some good stuff right there π₯Ή
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual content
Inuyasha, Volume 04 by Rumiko Takahashi
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
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
4.5
Omg it keeps getting better and better?!
In this volume we finally get Sango as an official part of the team! And the gang is complete omg! I love seeing all of them together, and then we get to see them working together as a team for the first time ever π₯Ή I love the dynamics as a group and we're also seeing some dynamics with Inuyasha & Miroku and then Kagome & Sango!
We also get to learn more about the origin of the Shikon jewel. The author just knows how to pull parallels, like it's so good.
In other news, Naraku is truly an evil mastermind who keeps planning traps and blackmails. Like first, the wounded Winded Tunnel, and then Kohaku. Ugh I hate him, yes.
Also why is it that sometimes Kagome just stands around when everybody's fighting in this volume ππ But then she also gets fed up with Naraku making a fool out of Inuyasha and she ends up destroying and purifying Naraku's fake body?!? My girl is whipped, I'm afraid π
OH AND JINENJI'S STORY IS HERE IN THIS VOLUME AAAAHHH. That's one of my favorites π₯Ή
AND!!! I'm not saying I cried at the part where Inuyasha was opening up to Kagome... but yes that's what I'm saying π
Anyway, some art/panels just feel weird or disproportionate, but honestly other than that, this perfection.
In this volume we finally get Sango as an official part of the team! And the gang is complete omg! I love seeing all of them together, and then we get to see them working together as a team for the first time ever π₯Ή I love the dynamics as a group and we're also seeing some dynamics with Inuyasha & Miroku and then Kagome & Sango!
We also get to learn more about the origin of the Shikon jewel. The author just knows how to pull parallels, like it's so good.
In other news, Naraku is truly an evil mastermind who keeps planning traps and blackmails. Like first, the wounded Winded Tunnel, and then Kohaku. Ugh I hate him, yes.
Also why is it that sometimes Kagome just stands around when everybody's fighting in this volume ππ But then she also gets fed up with Naraku making a fool out of Inuyasha and she ends up destroying and purifying Naraku's fake body?!? My girl is whipped, I'm afraid π
OH AND JINENJI'S STORY IS HERE IN THIS VOLUME AAAAHHH. That's one of my favorites π₯Ή
AND!!! I'm not saying I cried at the part where Inuyasha was opening up to Kagome... but yes that's what I'm saying π
Anyway, some art/panels just feel weird or disproportionate, but honestly other than that, this perfection.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
InuYasha, Volume 3 by Rumiko Takahashi
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
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? Yes
4.5
OKAY I love this volume?? Like we get introduced to Onigumo/Naraku lore here, and then what really happened with Kikyo, Inuyasha, and Naraku. And you know what, I gotta hand it to Naraku, what he did was truly evil and manipulative like damn π
Also Kikyo??? Yeah I'm still mad about her pinning Kagome to that tree and making her watch her interaction with Inuyasha loooorrddd π if she didn't want Kagome to interfere, she could have killed her or knocked her out. But no she wanted her to watch??? Girl be for real ππ
Anyway. Human Inuyasha makes another appearance in this as well! I love him with all my heart, I'm afraid π₯²π Inuyasha's humanity and soul is also discussed, and I don't know, but I just love it. Inuyasha's humanity is a part of him, and contrary to what he may think, it makes him strong than any other full demon out there.
We also get introduced to Sango and Kokahu here! π I always thought their story is one of the saddest in the anime and it just makes my heart hurt. It's no different here in the manga π₯²
Excited to continue to Volume 4!
Exact rating: 4.5
Also Kikyo??? Yeah I'm still mad about her pinning Kagome to that tree and making her watch her interaction with Inuyasha loooorrddd π if she didn't want Kagome to interfere, she could have killed her or knocked her out. But no she wanted her to watch??? Girl be for real ππ
Anyway. Human Inuyasha makes another appearance in this as well! I love him with all my heart, I'm afraid π₯²π Inuyasha's humanity and soul is also discussed, and I don't know, but I just love it. Inuyasha's humanity is a part of him, and contrary to what he may think, it makes him strong than any other full demon out there.
We also get introduced to Sango and Kokahu here! π I always thought their story is one of the saddest in the anime and it just makes my heart hurt. It's no different here in the manga π₯²
Excited to continue to Volume 4!
Exact rating: 4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Inuyasha (Vizbig Edition), Vol. 2 by Rumiko Takahashi
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.25
Oohh. We get the introduction to Kikyo and Miroku in this issue! I love that. (I'm still indifferent when it comes to Kikyo, and Miroku is still the sly monk I know from the anime π) And human Inuyasha?! I still remember having the biggest crush on his human form lol
I also love how Inuyasha mangas are just so funny? Lmao, like how did the creator blend gore, trauma, humor, and romance altogether? π
I also love how Inuyasha mangas are just so funny? Lmao, like how did the creator blend gore, trauma, humor, and romance altogether? π
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore and Violence
Minor: Sexual content
Inuyasha, Vol. 1 by Rumiko Takahashi
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.0
Listening to the InuYasha OST and having a new ereader led me here π
Reading this manga is literally an impulse decision, but Inuyasha anime is one of my childhood faves! It's one that I always cherish and go back to. Now, I'm looking forward to reading the entire manga series (I'm gonna need a lot of energy and time for this π) and just immersing in the story.
Love this first one so far. The art is amazing and the storytelling is immersive. Like I love how the panels just draw your attention to the story or the current dialogue, even if a panel is as simple as it can be. Also lmao I almost always forget that some of the scenes here are traumatic for children ππ
Anyway, love Kagome. Inuyasha, you better treat her right π€
Reading this manga is literally an impulse decision, but Inuyasha anime is one of my childhood faves! It's one that I always cherish and go back to. Now, I'm looking forward to reading the entire manga series (I'm gonna need a lot of energy and time for this π) and just immersing in the story.
Love this first one so far. The art is amazing and the storytelling is immersive. Like I love how the panels just draw your attention to the story or the current dialogue, even if a panel is as simple as it can be. Also lmao I almost always forget that some of the scenes here are traumatic for children ππ
Anyway, love Kagome. Inuyasha, you better treat her right π€
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Steven Universe: Anti-Gravity by Talya Perper
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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
4.0
Wanted to read a few short graphic novels to get rid of my book slump and I found this one on Libby!
Love love Steven Universe, and this was really cute π₯Ί I'm not usually the biggest fan of Ronaldo, but I do think he's interesting π His part here was just written well!
I think just some of the art feels inconsistent to me, especially when thinking of the art in the actual series. Other than that, this was such a good short read π₯Ή
Love love Steven Universe, and this was really cute π₯Ί I'm not usually the biggest fan of Ronaldo, but I do think he's interesting π His part here was just written well!
I think just some of the art feels inconsistent to me, especially when thinking of the art in the actual series. Other than that, this was such a good short read π₯Ή