Scan barcode
obscurepages's reviews
374 reviews
All Systems Red by Martha Wells
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.5
I have absolutely no expectations about this except there's a murderbot who wants to watch TV shows?? I was not prepared for how hilarious and relatable and exciting this was 😭😂 So yep. That's another fave for me 😂
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
This Dark Descent by Kalyn Josephson
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
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? No
4.75
THIS WAS ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT WTF WTF 😭😂
I've only read middle grade from Kalyn Josephson, so while I was expecting something good, I also didn't know much yet about their writing style in YA. But wow wow wow wow.
<b>The world-building was complex and enchanting, the characters were all compelling, the political intrigue was just suspenseful, the plot was carefully woven and definitely stress-inducing </b> 😭😂 I was actually a little afraid I wouldn't really connect to this book because it's about horse-racing. But damn, how wrong was I. Because this was more than just horse-racing. It was about the bad and ugly sides of humanity, the immense power that the elites hold, about our own desires, and coming to terms with our own power and growing in confidence. <b> This was just brilliant, riveting, and breathtaking. </b>
(I also just loved seeing aroace/demi rep, as well as bi rep from the two main characters 🥹)
This took me in a rollercoaster ride I never really expected, and for that, this book is one of my favorites this year 😭
Full review in my blog soon!
(Received an e-arc from the author in exchange for an honest review.)
I've only read middle grade from Kalyn Josephson, so while I was expecting something good, I also didn't know much yet about their writing style in YA. But wow wow wow wow.
<b>The world-building was complex and enchanting, the characters were all compelling, the political intrigue was just suspenseful, the plot was carefully woven and definitely stress-inducing </b> 😭😂 I was actually a little afraid I wouldn't really connect to this book because it's about horse-racing. But damn, how wrong was I. Because this was more than just horse-racing. It was about the bad and ugly sides of humanity, the immense power that the elites hold, about our own desires, and coming to terms with our own power and growing in confidence. <b> This was just brilliant, riveting, and breathtaking. </b>
(I also just loved seeing aroace/demi rep, as well as bi rep from the two main characters 🥹)
This took me in a rollercoaster ride I never really expected, and for that, this book is one of my favorites this year 😭
Full review in my blog soon!
(Received an e-arc from the author in exchange for an honest review.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Gore, Gun violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Antisemitism, Death of parent, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying, Sexual content, and Grief
Squad by Maggie Tokuda-Hall
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Okay so this had potential, but I feel like a couple of elements fell flat.
The sisterhood and the found family that I was initially expecting was just not there. Or it was there, but it was a skewed version. The way the MC tried so hard to fit into these girls was just not working (or maybe I'm just too introverted for this 😂) Also the fatphobia and the racist micro aggressions from your supposed "friends"?? No thanks 😭
The feminist theme was good at first too (werewolves preying on boys who manipulate and take advantage of girls). But then it got weird. I know they got desperate and they were starving and all, but still doesn't sit right with me.
That being said, the art style and the colors was just too good. I loved flipping the page and getting to see the art there. I also loved the queer/sapphic rep. That one was a lovely surprise.
The sisterhood and the found family that I was initially expecting was just not there. Or it was there, but it was a skewed version. The way the MC tried so hard to fit into these girls was just not working (or maybe I'm just too introverted for this 😂) Also the fatphobia and the racist micro aggressions from your supposed "friends"?? No thanks 😭
The feminist theme was good at first too (werewolves preying on boys who manipulate and take advantage of girls). But then it got weird. I know they got desperate and they were starving and all, but still doesn't sit right with me.
That being said, the art style and the colors was just too good. I loved flipping the page and getting to see the art there. I also loved the queer/sapphic rep. That one was a lovely surprise.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia, Gore, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, and Murder
Mermaids Never Drown: Tales to Dive For by Natalie C. Parker, Zoraida Córdova
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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? No
4.75
Listen I liked Vampires Never Get Old, but I think Mermaids Never Drown is on another level 😭👏
This was brilliantly executed—all the stories captured the essence of a mermaid's beauty, power, and danger as a myth, while also bringing a new twist or significance from the authors' various perspectives. We see queer identity, romance, environmental issues, racism, self-discovery, and so much more.
Overall, these stories just worked so good together and this anthology is one for the books. I can't wait to see a third installment from this series!
Exact rating: 4.75/5
Full review on my blog soon!
(Received an e-arc from the publisher as part of the upcoming tour with Turn the Pages Tour. This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.)
Find me elsewhere: <a href="http://www.instagram.com/obscure.pages/">Instagram</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/lxndrnae">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://enthralledbookworm.wordpress.com/">Blog</a>
Marking this book as part of reading challenge: <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/reading_challenges/de133357-4196-421b-8d50-0445bfec4ec3/">#ReadQueerly2023</a>.
This was brilliantly executed—all the stories captured the essence of a mermaid's beauty, power, and danger as a myth, while also bringing a new twist or significance from the authors' various perspectives. We see queer identity, romance, environmental issues, racism, self-discovery, and so much more.
Overall, these stories just worked so good together and this anthology is one for the books. I can't wait to see a third installment from this series!
Exact rating: 4.75/5
Full review on my blog soon!
(Received an e-arc from the publisher as part of the upcoming tour with Turn the Pages Tour. This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.)
Find me elsewhere: <a href="http://www.instagram.com/obscure.pages/">Instagram</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/lxndrnae">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://enthralledbookworm.wordpress.com/">Blog</a>
Marking this book as part of reading challenge: <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/reading_challenges/de133357-4196-421b-8d50-0445bfec4ec3/">#ReadQueerly2023</a>.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gore, Blood, and Grief
Minor: Racism and Classism
Confetti Realms by Nadia Shammas
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
reflective
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
3.75
Okay this was cute? But also I kind of wanted more 😭😂
This had the perfect amount of spooky and whimsical—blending horror and fantasy to create and atmospheric setting! Loved the queer, diverse fast as well. Though I feel like some of the pacing and the build up of characters and the drama were a bit off.
I also feel like it ended abruptly? Like in an open ending kind of way. Which is a shame because it wasn't until near the end that we started learning more about the characters and their inner struggles.
Love the art style and the colors as well! I feel like these really captured the otherworldliness of the strange new realm. I would have liked to know more about that world-building though!
Overall, this was fun and entertaining. But it also got deep and introspective, which was definitely a plus for me.
Exact rating: 3.75⭐️
(Received an e-arc via NetGalley! This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.)
This had the perfect amount of spooky and whimsical—blending horror and fantasy to create and atmospheric setting! Loved the queer, diverse fast as well. Though I feel like some of the pacing and the build up of characters and the drama were a bit off.
I also feel like it ended abruptly? Like in an open ending kind of way. Which is a shame because it wasn't until near the end that we started learning more about the characters and their inner struggles.
Love the art style and the colors as well! I feel like these really captured the otherworldliness of the strange new realm. I would have liked to know more about that world-building though!
Overall, this was fun and entertaining. But it also got deep and introspective, which was definitely a plus for me.
Exact rating: 3.75⭐️
(Received an e-arc via NetGalley! This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Cancer, Homophobia, and Transphobia
Night of the Living Queers by Shelly Page, Alex Brown
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.0
This was everything I imagined it to be!
When I heard that this YA Horror Anthology centers queer and BIPOC characters (and by queer authors of color), I was ecstatic! And now I can say, it didn't let me down.
This whole anthology was filled with creepy and creative short stories that are full of heart, boldness, humor, and terror. I love the every story offered a unique twist, that every story had a new perspective on what things are scary and terrifying. I also love that I got to see various cultures and identities in every story, and this just added a lot more love and soul.
Some of my favorites are Guested (Rebecca Kim Wells), Rocky Road with Caramel Drizzle (Kosoko Jackson), Leyla Mendoza and the Last House on the Lane (Maya Gittelman), and Hey There, Demons (Tara Sim).
Of course, thank you so much Wednesday Books for the e-arc! (This did not affect my overall opinion of the book)
Full review on my blog soon!
When I heard that this YA Horror Anthology centers queer and BIPOC characters (and by queer authors of color), I was ecstatic! And now I can say, it didn't let me down.
This whole anthology was filled with creepy and creative short stories that are full of heart, boldness, humor, and terror. I love the every story offered a unique twist, that every story had a new perspective on what things are scary and terrifying. I also love that I got to see various cultures and identities in every story, and this just added a lot more love and soul.
Some of my favorites are Guested (Rebecca Kim Wells), Rocky Road with Caramel Drizzle (Kosoko Jackson), Leyla Mendoza and the Last House on the Lane (Maya Gittelman), and Hey There, Demons (Tara Sim).
Of course, thank you so much Wednesday Books for the e-arc! (This did not affect my overall opinion of the book)
Full review on my blog soon!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gore, Homophobia, Racism, Violence, Blood, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Alcoholism and Child abuse
The Deep by Rivers Solomon
challenging
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
tense
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
5.0
STOP. THIS BOOK IS INCREDIBLE 😭
Intersex merfolk who are descendants of pregnant African slaves women? A clever and compelling story about individuality and community, and history's significance towards the people in the present? A story that highlights intergenerational trauma and its impact? A story that highlights the need to discover personal identity while still wanting to connect with your people's history? This book is ALL of these, and it's also so much more.
Brilliantly written, this book is steeped with folklore and world-building and introspective themes. The perspectives, which can switch from the MC to an ancestor, highlight amazing storytelling from the author.
Overall, this was poignant and it was powerful. Definitely one of my top reads for the year. 🥹
Intersex merfolk who are descendants of pregnant African slaves women? A clever and compelling story about individuality and community, and history's significance towards the people in the present? A story that highlights intergenerational trauma and its impact? A story that highlights the need to discover personal identity while still wanting to connect with your people's history? This book is ALL of these, and it's also so much more.
Brilliantly written, this book is steeped with folklore and world-building and introspective themes. The perspectives, which can switch from the MC to an ancestor, highlight amazing storytelling from the author.
Overall, this was poignant and it was powerful. Definitely one of my top reads for the year. 🥹
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Mental illness, Slavery, and Grief
The Marrow Thieves by Cherie Dimaline
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
reflective
tense
slow-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
Wow wow wow. I think I have goosebumps 😭 This was an incredible book. It's both harrowing and compelling, this is a story you won't forget soon.
There's something so visceral and melancholic in the writing style, but there's also the tiniest bits of humor and I love that. I also love how this book is just filled with hope and love, just as much as it's filled with grief. It speaks so much of what humans have done to the environment (since their world is now broken because of global warming) and other people (the way Native Americans are being hunted). Language and culture is a big part of this story too and it is beautifully profound.
Overall, an such an incredible story. Glad I was able to discover and read this book!
(Lots of CWs for this one tho please take care of yourselves. CW: residential schools, violence, colonial trauma, racism, genocide, death, grief, torture, sexual assault, pedophilia, injuries)
There's something so visceral and melancholic in the writing style, but there's also the tiniest bits of humor and I love that. I also love how this book is just filled with hope and love, just as much as it's filled with grief. It speaks so much of what humans have done to the environment (since their world is now broken because of global warming) and other people (the way Native Americans are being hunted). Language and culture is a big part of this story too and it is beautifully profound.
Overall, an such an incredible story. Glad I was able to discover and read this book!
(Lots of CWs for this one tho please take care of yourselves. CW: residential schools, violence, colonial trauma, racism, genocide, death, grief, torture, sexual assault, pedophilia, injuries)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Racism, Sexual assault, Torture, Violence, Murder, and Colonisation
Moderate: Genocide, Violence, and Grief
Steven Universe Vol. 1 by Jeremy Sorese
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
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
Right Where I Left You by Julian Winters
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.0
I think maybe Julian Winters just knows how to give readers a good summer teen story 🥹
This book gave me friendships and family, it gave me pining and angst, it gave me fandoms and geeks, and it gave me precious best friends-to-lovers trope.
I related to a lot of things in this book, and more often than not, I found myself relating to Isaac and his social anxiety/awkwardness, but also his desire to belong. Romance had lots of pining and angst which was a surprise for me somehow?? 😂 And the lack of communication gave me a bit of a headache, but it's a good one 😆
Overall, I just really enjoyed reading this.
This book gave me friendships and family, it gave me pining and angst, it gave me fandoms and geeks, and it gave me precious best friends-to-lovers trope.
I related to a lot of things in this book, and more often than not, I found myself relating to Isaac and his social anxiety/awkwardness, but also his desire to belong. Romance had lots of pining and angst which was a surprise for me somehow?? 😂 And the lack of communication gave me a bit of a headache, but it's a good one 😆
Overall, I just really enjoyed reading this.