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onthesamepage's reviews
952 reviews
The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna
dark
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
3.0
This reads on the younger side of YA when it comes to the maturity of the characters, but the world itself is very dark, and the characters really go through it. I found it easy to read and pretty compelling. The part I didn't buy into is the romance. To me, there wasn't enough build-up between Deka and Keita to justify it. The relationship between Deka and the other girls on the other hand was fleshed out, and I loved seeing the found family developing throughout the book. I also really liked the world and the lore, and am curious to see where the story goes from here.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Torture, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Death and Physical abuse
Minor: Animal death and Rape
Heartstopper Volume 2 by Alice Oseman
emotional
lighthearted
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
5.0
So apparently all the aww-worthy moments were waiting for me in Volume 2. I really enjoyed this—Tao especially was a pleasant surprise. I understood his anger in the adaptation, but it was nice to just see him being a good friend here, instead of being mad at Charlie. I don't know if that will still happen in the next volume, though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
Heartstopper Volume 1 by Alice Oseman
emotional
lighthearted
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
3.0
I wonder if I would've felt differently about this if I had read it before watching the adaptation, because I loved the first season a lot and this just doesn't hit the same way for me. But that's also a me problem when it comes to graphic novels in general, I think—I really love the idea of the medium, but I don't always connect as easily to the stories, because I end up reading them too fast. I did enjoy reading this, though, and the adaptation seems to be pretty faithful so far.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Bullying and Homophobia
Death in the Spires by KJ Charles
dark
mysterious
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
4.5
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
If you love If We Were Villains, may I recommend this book? I think the two have quite a few things in common, but this one is historical and, if my memory serves me right, more diverse. I loved it more, but this will be down to personal preference. I do think if you liked one, you'll have a good time with the other at least.
What can I even say about K.J. Charles at this point without sounding like a broken record? The writing? Super engaging, as usual. The characters? I was invested within the first couple of pages, also as usual. The relationships? Not just the romances, but all the different dynamics within the Seven Wonders were so good. And for a book that isn't even about a romance, why did the romantic elements still thrill me so much?
As a mystery, it probably could have been a bit tighter, or more effective, but I honestly just didn't care. I wanted to know what had happened, I wanted to see Jem reconnect with these people he once loved so dearly. I was salivating to get to his meeting with Nicky, because so much is made of him in the flashbacks, and it did not disappoint.
I don't know if this is the kind of book where you can predict the twists, or sleuth along with the main character, because as the reader you're missing a lot of information. But I liked how everything unraveled in the end, and if Charles chooses to write more mysteries, I'm there for them all.
If you love If We Were Villains, may I recommend this book? I think the two have quite a few things in common, but this one is historical and, if my memory serves me right, more diverse. I loved it more, but this will be down to personal preference. I do think if you liked one, you'll have a good time with the other at least.
What can I even say about K.J. Charles at this point without sounding like a broken record? The writing? Super engaging, as usual. The characters? I was invested within the first couple of pages, also as usual. The relationships? Not just the romances, but all the different dynamics within the Seven Wonders were so good. And for a book that isn't even about a romance, why did the romantic elements still thrill me so much?
As a mystery, it probably could have been a bit tighter, or more effective, but I honestly just didn't care. I wanted to know what had happened, I wanted to see Jem reconnect with these people he once loved so dearly. I was salivating to get to his meeting with Nicky, because so much is made of him in the flashbacks, and it did not disappoint.
I don't know if this is the kind of book where you can predict the twists, or sleuth along with the main character, because as the reader you're missing a lot of information. But I liked how everything unraveled in the end, and if Charles chooses to write more mysteries, I'm there for them all.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Homophobia, Racism, and Violence
Moderate: Rape and Murder
Song of the Six Realms by Judy I. Lin
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I'm having a hard time reviewing this book, because there's not much to latch onto, unfortunately. I think it was well-written and easy to read, and the lore was interesting. I liked the role music played in the story. But I think what I should have cared about the most is the romance between Xue and Jinglang, and unfortunately it left me fairly cold. Part of that is because the emotional developments feel like they mostly happened off-page. We're told that Xue is developing feelings for him, but we don't really dig into that, other than a few moments where they comfort each other, or a handful of kisses in the last quarter of the book. But I just couldn't feel connected to either of them.
The pacing of the story is fairly slow as well, until the last 20% or so, which was a lot of big explanations in a way that took me by surprise. Up to that point, the author had a deft hand when it came to explaining the world, but that last part made me feel bombarded with new information. I saw some of the twists coming, while others surprised me. I think there was potential for some really heartwarming relationships, but it just didn't go deep enough.
The ending is kind of open, which I didn't mind, but there's also a lot that gets mentioned early on but never explained, like why Xue's family was punished, and a few things that smack of plot convenience.
I'm having a hard time reviewing this book, because there's not much to latch onto, unfortunately. I think it was well-written and easy to read, and the lore was interesting. I liked the role music played in the story. But I think what I should have cared about the most is the romance between Xue and Jinglang, and unfortunately it left me fairly cold. Part of that is because the emotional developments feel like they mostly happened off-page. We're told that Xue is developing feelings for him, but we don't really dig into that, other than a few moments where they comfort each other, or a handful of kisses in the last quarter of the book. But I just couldn't feel connected to either of them.
The pacing of the story is fairly slow as well, until the last 20% or so, which was a lot of big explanations in a way that took me by surprise. Up to that point, the author had a deft hand when it came to explaining the world, but that last part made me feel bombarded with new information. I saw some of the twists coming, while others surprised me. I think there was potential for some really heartwarming relationships, but it just didn't go deep enough.
The ending is kind of open, which I didn't mind, but there's also a lot that gets mentioned early on but never explained, like why Xue's family was punished, and a few things that smack of plot convenience.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
If the Shoe Fits by Julie Murphy
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This is a classic case of "should've picked this up sooner". It spent a couple of years on my shelves, because every time I thought about picking it up, something made me hesitate, and honestly, it was unwarranted. This was a really fun read, and I found myself gravitating towards it and wanting to pick it up once I'd started. Cindy quickly endeared herself to me. I loved her moments with Henry, and I'm just a sucker for a good Cinderella retelling anyway.
The ending did feel a bit like a letdown. There is a third act conflict, and I think the couple spent a bit too long apart with not enough payoff at the very end. Other than that, though, I'd definitely recommend this if you're in the mood for something fun and light.
The ending did feel a bit like a letdown. There is a third act conflict, and I think the couple spent a bit too long apart with not enough payoff at the very end. Other than that, though, I'd definitely recommend this if you're in the mood for something fun and light.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Fatphobia, and Grief
Every Rising Sun by Jamila Ahmed
adventurous
slow-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
3.0
ARC provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I had mixed feelings about this one. On the one hand, I appreciated this take on the story of Shaherazade, with frequent references to Islam, and the historical context of Saladin. The first half had me hooked and interested to see what would come next. Unfortunately, even though they travel and join Saladin in his fight against Richard the Lionheart, I found myself getting bored with Shaherazade's stories, and increasingly frustrated with the choices she was making, even though I could understand why this is the route the author took to tell this story. There was a lot of emphasis on how much power her stories hold, to the point that she was able to influence mighty kings, but I thought that part was kind of farfetched. I did like some of the tales, but others had a lot of blasphemy as well in a way that made me feel uncomfortable. This is very much a personal thing, however, and I think most people will enjoy this book.
I had mixed feelings about this one. On the one hand, I appreciated this take on the story of Shaherazade, with frequent references to Islam, and the historical context of Saladin. The first half had me hooked and interested to see what would come next. Unfortunately, even though they travel and join Saladin in his fight against Richard the Lionheart, I found myself getting bored with Shaherazade's stories, and increasingly frustrated with the choices she was making, even though I could understand why this is the route the author took to tell this story. There was a lot of emphasis on how much power her stories hold, to the point that she was able to influence mighty kings, but I thought that part was kind of farfetched. I did like some of the tales, but others had a lot of blasphemy as well in a way that made me feel uncomfortable. This is very much a personal thing, however, and I think most people will enjoy this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Infidelity, Murder, and War
The Beauty of Your Face by Sahar Mustafah
While this book isn't about the occupation and colonisation of Palestine, there are references to Afaf's family being forcibly removed from their home by settlers. Ultimately I think this book is about living somewhere and not feeling like you belong, and the different paths your life can end up taking, depending on how you deal with that. Afaf's mother was longing for her homeland, to the point that she could not continue to live away from it. Afaf forged a new home, with a new family, and a new community around her, despite the othering that she faced, from Muslims and non-Muslims alike. It's about the power of a hijab, which gives so much to the women wearing it, and also emboldens people with hate in their heart for a piece of cloth.
There's a lot of commentary within the book about discrimination from outside the Muslim community, especially in the wake of 9/11, but also from within it, and how the community can sometimes hide the sins of some of its members, to the detriment of others. I really appreciated that the author decided to deal with this topic, because it's a difficult one to tackle.
sad
tense
slow-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
This story isn't really about a school shooting, even though that is kind of the plot driver. If anything, I felt that the chapters digging into the shooter's past distracted from Afaf's history, which was more compelling to me. But then I found Afaf very compelling. It's rare for me to read a book where the main character has such an intricate and complicated relationship with Islam. Afaf doesn't grow up religious, but when her father turns to God and Islam later in his life, Afaf finds herself suddenly part of a community that embraces her fully, without reservation. But it doesn't come easy to her, and she continues to struggle with trying to be a good Muslim in a way that I found very relatable. Perfect Muslims don't exist—we all make mistakes, but it's how we deal with them that speaks to strength of faith. But there's also a beauty in that journey towards God, and in the love for Islam and for the hijab.
When she was nine years old, the girls in her Brownies troop told Azmia she was lucky she didn't look Muslim. She'd come home fighting tears and begging Afaf's permission to begin wearing hijab.
While this book isn't about the occupation and colonisation of Palestine, there are references to Afaf's family being forcibly removed from their home by settlers. Ultimately I think this book is about living somewhere and not feeling like you belong, and the different paths your life can end up taking, depending on how you deal with that. Afaf's mother was longing for her homeland, to the point that she could not continue to live away from it. Afaf forged a new home, with a new family, and a new community around her, despite the othering that she faced, from Muslims and non-Muslims alike. It's about the power of a hijab, which gives so much to the women wearing it, and also emboldens people with hate in their heart for a piece of cloth.
So this is what it's come down to? A piece of fabric? And yet what power it had held from the first time she'd slipped it on at Kowkab's house, a stranger in the mirror staring back at her. Her hijab had become a thing that attracted sheer hatred, fear. And yet where would she be without it?
There's a lot of commentary within the book about discrimination from outside the Muslim community, especially in the wake of 9/11, but also from within it, and how the community can sometimes hide the sins of some of its members, to the detriment of others. I really appreciated that the author decided to deal with this topic, because it's a difficult one to tackle.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Gun violence, Racism, Violence, Islamophobia, and Mass/school shootings
Moderate: Child abuse, Physical abuse, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Genocide and Colonisation
To Be Taught, If Fortunate by Becky Chambers
tense
slow-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
My feelings about this little novella went from, "oh, this beginning is intriguing," to "this is a lot of science and I'm not sure how much I care about it, hopefully something else happens soon," and finally to "this is horrible I feel so tense wtf is happening." It definitely took me on a journey.
The first half is pretty slow, but after that the tension steadily builds until I had a knot in my stomach. I'm sure for scientists the climax and the reason for how this book starts is very exciting, but I will admit I was expecting something a bit more bombastic as the driver for this novella. So all in all, this was a slow start, great middle, and the very end was kind of lackluster. Definitely worth a read, though, since it's pretty short.
The first half is pretty slow, but after that the tension steadily builds until I had a knot in my stomach. I'm sure for scientists the climax and the reason for how this book starts is very exciting, but I will admit I was expecting something a bit more bombastic as the driver for this novella. So all in all, this was a slow start, great middle, and the very end was kind of lackluster. Definitely worth a read, though, since it's pretty short.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty and Animal death
Moderate: Suicide attempt
Minor Detail by Adania Shibli
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
It astonishes me how Shibli manages to paint such a complete picture of life under colonization in such a short book. The prose isn't flowery at all but very straightforward, and yet it packs a punch. The book is split into two parts—the first part deals with a group of Israeli soldiers as they patrol a segment of the desert, and capture (and rape) a young Palestinian woman. The second part follows another Palestinian woman, many years after the rape, who reads about this incident and becomes obsessed with retracing it. Both parts hit hard for different reasons, but I found myself especially affected by the latter one. The character read as neurodivergent to me, and following her in her daily life, with all the restrictions and fears and anxieties imposed upon her by the colonial state, was heartbreaking.
I truly can't recommend this enough, but do check out the content warnings before starting.
I truly can't recommend this enough, but do check out the content warnings before starting.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Physical abuse, Violence, Murder, and Colonisation
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Rape