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obscurepages's reviews
374 reviews
- 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
4.0
Have to admit some parts were already a bit predictable (especially if you're a fan of Crazy Rich Asians 😂), some themes could have been explored more, and the romance could have had more to it, but I just enjoyed reading this a lot. I think it's because the writing style and the humor was just excellent.
Big thanks to Fully Booked PH and Get Underlined for sending over an e-arc my way! (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>.
Moderate: Alcoholism
Minor: Racism and Sexual content
- 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
3.5
Like I liked the writing style, and I loved the rep, I loved the two MC's own individual character arcs. But the two of them together? The romance? The chemistry? I wasn't that convinced 😠I mean up until 60-70%, I didn't love them as much as I imagined, and their chemistry was lacking (altho I did swoon in a few lines/scenes back there). I guess I wanted more?
Still a solid read tho. I definitely stayed for the character arcs and back stories 😆
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>.
Graphic: Alcoholism
Moderate: Sexual content and Car accident
Minor: Racism
- 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
5.0
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>.
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Outing
Moderate: Alcoholism and Homophobia
Minor: Sexual content and Acephobia/Arophobia
- 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
3.0
I loved the themes of gender and identity in this story, as well as friendship. But as for the romance, it's a no for me 😅 I can also appreciate that Mack is a messy character (YA characters are allowed to be messy and learn from it ofc). But this whole thing overall just did not work for me.
Minor: Homophobia and Transphobia
4.5
Figuring out your gender and sexuality is confusing and exciting and comforting and messy. It's all those things all at once. And the journey's not a simple and fast one too. It's a constant learning process. This book shows that so perfectly well. I am so glad I read this book 🥹
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Marking this book as part of reading challenge: #ReadQueerly2023.
- 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
CW: body horror, graphic violence, fatal injuries, injuries due to war, PTSD, amputation, animal death, mild transphobia
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Marking this book as part of reading challenge: #ReadQueerly2023.
Graphic: Animal death, Body horror, Death, Gore, Violence, Murder, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Homophobia and Transphobia
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I do wish there could have been more? Like I wanted to see and feel more emotion. I also felt like it would have been good to see the story to expand more on discovering sexuality, and family themes and conflicts (specifically, the estranged father/brother). I do get that this is the author's writing style though, and of course, considering this is literary fiction, it definitely focused more on the character and his experiences.
Overall, Kites in the Night is a solid read.
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Marking this book as part of reading challenge: #ReadQueerly2023.
Moderate: Homophobia and Misogyny
- 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
5.0
Also, I have to commend Mark Oshiro once again. If there's one thing they can do, it's to pull you in with masterful storytelling and riveting perspectives. This book did just that and more.
Full review on my blog soon.
CW: religious bigotry, religious abuse, conversion therapy camps, techniques and forms of conversion therapy, parental abuse (especially from adoptive parents), predatory adults, mentions of sexual assault/harassment, homophobia
Graphic: Child abuse, Homophobia, Religious bigotry, and Abandonment
Moderate: Sexual assault, Violence, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Racism
- 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
The Wicked Bargain has everything for me. Good characters, good plot/plot twists, good writing, representation among the characters, intriguing world-building/magic. It’s hard for me not to like this book, especially when I was hooked right from the start.
The writing style here is good, easy to follow. And yet, there’s a subtlety to it that adds to the mystery and the twists in the plot. I also appreciate how it pulls us back from Mar’s perspective and gives us some sort of flashback that is crucial to Mar’s story.
Speaking of Mar, the characters are amazing in this book. They definitely made this story so unique and exciting on its own. Mar is a compelling main character. You can see their grief and doubt, especially at the start of the story. It was nice to see them grow and accept their identity as the story went on. And of course, I loved the genderfluid demon, Dami. I love how confident they are in their skin and how they command the reader’s attention whenever they’re on the page. And Bas, I adored Bas. However, I wanted more of his characterization, maybe to dive a little deeper into his wants and aspirations.
As for the romance, I kind of expected more? But at the same time, I liked the softness and innocence of Bas and Mar’s relationship. They banter around, Bas annoys Mar sometimes, Mar remains unimpressed most of the time. They’re just funny and lovely together. I feel like I wanted to see more of that, more of their little moments together as well as pivotal moments in their relationship.
When it comes to the plot and the world-building, I loved the blend of magical elements and historical inspirations. On one hand you have Mar’s magia and El Diablo and the myth of the forbidden magic. But also, you get to see elements pulled from real life, like Latinx people resisting and fighting the Spanish colonization, and Carribean pirates and their life on the seas.
Though the plot seemed simple, you were easily pulled in and hooked into the story. Suddenly, you find yourself following Mar and the rest of these pirates into raids and shore leaves, demon deals, and bar fights. You’ll want to know what will happen next—if Mar will get the revenge they’re looking for, and if they will finally learn to wield their power. The story just gets better and better as you flip the page.
Overall, this book was a wonderful read, and it surely did not disappoint. And now, I want more stories from this world.
Graphic: Violence, Death of parent, and Murder
Moderate: Dysphoria
- 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
Also, this is a certified cozy read!