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obscurepages's reviews
374 reviews
Nayra and the Djinn by Iasmin Omar Ata
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? No
3.75
This was really nice! Loved the colors and the art style in here. And also the way this book highlighted Muslim American identity, friendship, and young adulthood was so deliberate and relatable. I was questioning Nayra and her decisions, but I was also rooting for her and her journey! I do kinda wish Rami had more backstory, too.
I also liked that we got a glimpse of Islamic folklore in this story! Although I wish there was more, it was still nice and I loved the storytelling!
Some dialogues and panels can get confusing sometimes, and the tone sort of shifts from time to time for me. But other than that, this was just really entertaining and wholesome 🥹
CW: Islamophobia, bullying
I also liked that we got a glimpse of Islamic folklore in this story! Although I wish there was more, it was still nice and I loved the storytelling!
Some dialogues and panels can get confusing sometimes, and the tone sort of shifts from time to time for me. But other than that, this was just really entertaining and wholesome 🥹
CW: Islamophobia, bullying
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Islamophobia
Beyond the Gender Binary by Alok Vaid-Menon
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Wow. Wow wow wow. This was a short read yes, but it's an insightful and impactful commentary on the harm gender binary brings to people and society.
The first few parts spoke about the author's personal journey and queer people in America. But as the book delved into faulty arguments and instances and the existence of queer people in other communities, the more I got angry and upset. Angry and upset because I see that as well in my own country, in the LGBTQ+ people here. This made me think so much about our own problems here, and how I still hope for the better. How we can move beyond the gender binary.
I think I won't forget about this book quite easily.
The first few parts spoke about the author's personal journey and queer people in America. But as the book delved into faulty arguments and instances and the existence of queer people in other communities, the more I got angry and upset. Angry and upset because I see that as well in my own country, in the LGBTQ+ people here. This made me think so much about our own problems here, and how I still hope for the better. How we can move beyond the gender binary.
I think I won't forget about this book quite easily.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia and Transphobia
Like Real People Do by E.L. Massey
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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? It's complicated
4.5
It is 2:30 AM and I'm giggling, on my bed, kicking my feet ðŸ˜ðŸ˜‚ This was so wholesome and pure and every thing I like about a fanfic (and I'm talking about all the pining, angst, fluff, and low stakes vibes) 🥹
I loved Eli and Alex and all their journey throughout this story. I loved how communication was so important as a foundation of their relationship. Also the mental health rep and the discussions about gender and sexuality? Precious.
And listen I know next to nothing about figure skating and hockey, but yeah I was rooting for Eli and Alex's games and competitions 😂 You know what, there's just something about queer sports romance, I guess.
This truly does read and feel like a fanfic. And that for me, is a compliment.
Exact rating: 4.5/5
I loved Eli and Alex and all their journey throughout this story. I loved how communication was so important as a foundation of their relationship. Also the mental health rep and the discussions about gender and sexuality? Precious.
And listen I know next to nothing about figure skating and hockey, but yeah I was rooting for Eli and Alex's games and competitions 😂 You know what, there's just something about queer sports romance, I guess.
This truly does read and feel like a fanfic. And that for me, is a compliment.
Exact rating: 4.5/5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Mental illness, and Car accident
Minor: Ableism
For the win by Catherine Dellosa
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.5
"But I am not an NPC. I refuse to be one."
If anyone saw me cry at 2 AM because of this book, NO YOU DID NOT. 😂
This was so, so good. It's short, it's simple, and it packs quite a punch. This book is very much a story about the good and the bad of experiencing young love, and the changes youth need to go through as we grow.
I love that this book highlighted the naivety and misguidedness of young love, the fear of things changing and things not going into plan, of how friendships and a good support system from family can be everything for someone, and how relationships are ultimately more than just love and attraction. The author got all of this on point and oh it was so good. Made my heart ache yes, but it was so, so good.
I also love how funny and light the writing style, but the storytelling still didn't shy away from these serious topics. I love the nostalgia the author created with Internet cafes 😆 And the fact that Philippine mythology was a big part of the video game in the story! (Like how cool?!)
Overall, For the Win was just entertaining and deeply moving. If you need a good cry or you just want to be reminded of young love, this might be it for you 😆
Exact rating: 4.5
Thank you Penguin SEA and author for the e-ARC! This of course does not affect my overall opinion of the book.
If anyone saw me cry at 2 AM because of this book, NO YOU DID NOT. 😂
This was so, so good. It's short, it's simple, and it packs quite a punch. This book is very much a story about the good and the bad of experiencing young love, and the changes youth need to go through as we grow.
I love that this book highlighted the naivety and misguidedness of young love, the fear of things changing and things not going into plan, of how friendships and a good support system from family can be everything for someone, and how relationships are ultimately more than just love and attraction. The author got all of this on point and oh it was so good. Made my heart ache yes, but it was so, so good.
I also love how funny and light the writing style, but the storytelling still didn't shy away from these serious topics. I love the nostalgia the author created with Internet cafes 😆 And the fact that Philippine mythology was a big part of the video game in the story! (Like how cool?!)
Overall, For the Win was just entertaining and deeply moving. If you need a good cry or you just want to be reminded of young love, this might be it for you 😆
Exact rating: 4.5
Thank you Penguin SEA and author for the e-ARC! This of course does not affect my overall opinion of the book.
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcoholism, Sexual content, and Grief
Green Fuse Burning by Tiffany Morris
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
4.0
"Life was a like a language I couldn't speak."
Wow. I dove into this book not knowing much other than it's an Indigenous horror novella. What I got now is a brilliant character study of a woman struggling with her mental health, insecurities, Indigenous identity, her drive to create art, and her reconciling nature with life and death.
I have to say, the imagery and the prose in this book is something else. Something entirely its own.
Overall, this was an incredible mix of both unsettling and profound.
Wow. I dove into this book not knowing much other than it's an Indigenous horror novella. What I got now is a brilliant character study of a woman struggling with her mental health, insecurities, Indigenous identity, her drive to create art, and her reconciling nature with life and death.
I have to say, the imagery and the prose in this book is something else. Something entirely its own.
Overall, this was an incredible mix of both unsettling and profound.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Gore, and Blood
Moderate: Grief and Death of parent
Minor: Body horror and Sexual content
Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
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
4.5
Okay. This is probably the funniest installation so far?? I mean the plot is complex, just like with the first two books in the series. But idk, something about Murderbot being annoyed by humans and feelings and thinking like an introvert feels so funny and relatable at the same time ðŸ˜
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Snapdragon by Kat Leyh
adventurous
challenging
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
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
5.0
NOT ME CRYING BECAUSE I DID NOT EXPECT TO FIND SUCH A WHOLESOME, DELIGHTFUL STORY ðŸ˜
Picked this up as part of my Halloween reads. Ended up reading a wonderful story about queer love through the years, queer identity, the magic around us, and finding your own power 🥹🥹🥹
This was just so, so good. The art, the colors, the storytelling, the atmosphere?? I just loved everything about this 😠I need to see more people talk about this book.
Picked this up as part of my Halloween reads. Ended up reading a wonderful story about queer love through the years, queer identity, the magic around us, and finding your own power 🥹🥹🥹
This was just so, so good. The art, the colors, the storytelling, the atmosphere?? I just loved everything about this 😠I need to see more people talk about this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Bullying, Death, Homophobia, and Transphobia
After Lambana: Myth and Magic in Manila: A Graphic Novel by Mervin Malonzo, Eliza Victoria
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Okay this was good. I love the concept, the story, the world-building (hello Filipino mythology and magic ðŸ˜), but I feel like it needs a bit more polishing.
It can get a bit confusing in some scenes/timelines. However, I have to say the story was atmospheric and the plot twists were just so good. Because of that, it felt like this book packed quite a punch even though this was a short read.
Would have loved to see more stories from this world 🥺 The Filipino mythology interweaved with urban/modern life? Very nice. Loved the small bit of queer rep as well. And the colors were on point!
It can get a bit confusing in some scenes/timelines. However, I have to say the story was atmospheric and the plot twists were just so good. Because of that, it felt like this book packed quite a punch even though this was a short read.
Would have loved to see more stories from this world 🥺 The Filipino mythology interweaved with urban/modern life? Very nice. Loved the small bit of queer rep as well. And the colors were on point!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and Murder
Minor: Mental illness and Suicide
You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Okay reading the last two chapters of this book is a complete roller coaster ride ðŸ˜ðŸ˜‚ But that ending? You know what, I love it.
Did I wish it was a bit scarier or had more lore? Yeah, a bit. But did I love the graphic writing style? Yes, I do 😠Because the scenes come so vividly to my mind and that kind of gives me the feeling of watching a movie.
I love Charity and Bezi. I don't know, but I think they do embody what Final Girls stand for. Hope and resilience.
Overall, this was just wildly fun and entertaining. And if you love slashers and the final girl trope, you might want to give this a try.
Did I wish it was a bit scarier or had more lore? Yeah, a bit. But did I love the graphic writing style? Yes, I do 😠Because the scenes come so vividly to my mind and that kind of gives me the feeling of watching a movie.
I love Charity and Bezi. I don't know, but I think they do embody what Final Girls stand for. Hope and resilience.
Overall, this was just wildly fun and entertaining. And if you love slashers and the final girl trope, you might want to give this a try.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Artificial Condition by Martha Wells
adventurous
challenging
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
And just like the first book, this was funny as hell too ðŸ˜ðŸ˜‚ I particularly loved it when Murderbot, with thousands of new media in storage, chose to rewatch their comfort show instead. They're just like me fr 😂
I think I like the pacing and character build-up better in the first book though. However, I just really loved the writing style and the tone of the book. The perfect balance of funny and suspenseful.
I think I like the pacing and character build-up better in the first book though. However, I just really loved the writing style and the tone of the book. The perfect balance of funny and suspenseful.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual content