pastelhellion's reviews
132 reviews

Gods of Want: Stories by K-Ming Chang

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challenging dark mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • 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

3.5

An interesting short story collection. A few of these were fantastic and I would read a novella or full book dedicated to them. But there are a few that I didn't connect with as well. 

However, I really enjoyed the themes of family, queerness, sibling love and myths that are present throughout. 
Anna by Niccolò Ammaniti

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challenging dark emotional mysterious sad 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

What would happen if a virus wiped out everyone who's gone through puberty be like? What  would life be like for the children left behind to fend for themselves? What drives the little lost children as they grow up and inherit the earth? 

Unbelievably sad, but in such a good way. I really enjoyed how Ammaniti tied together seemingly random pieces of information to create a rich world. So much happens in what isn't a very long book. 
You'd Look Better as a Ghost by Joanna Wallace

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dark funny mysterious 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? Yes

4.75

I loved this! I was going through a reading slump and this brought me right out. I can usually figure out twists, but this kept me on my toes. 

This book is so funny, and at times so dark and explores serious themes without altering the vibe. If you enjoyed 'Dexter', you'll enjoy Claire's antics. Highly recommend!
Black Sheep by Rachel Harrison

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dark funny tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

The beginning and ending are great, but there's a chunk in the middle that drags on a bit too long in my opinion. 

Pacing is really the only issue I have with this, as it took me a bit to get through. I still had fun reading but not as much as I'd hoped. I think it would make for a decent limited series/movie adaptation. Do give it a read! 
The Hole by Hiroko Oyamada

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mysterious reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

An interesting albeit weird read. A woman reflecting on life, choices and cycles.  

It was trying for unnerving and tense, and while it was in places - it felt lacking. The strangeness could have been dialled up.
The Harpy by Megan Hunter

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challenging dark emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

A Perfect Day to Be Alone by Nanae Aoyama

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funny hopeful lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Sometimes I found Chizu unlikeable, but she was very human. A pleasant read of a young woman trying to find her place in the world, and reflecting on life as she lives with an elderly lady for a year.
Universal Harvester by John Darnielle

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challenging dark emotional mysterious tense slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.75

Solidly written, but I felt I had no idea where things were going for a good portion. However, Darnielle paints a vivid picture of rural Iowa and creates such a strong nostalgia for the time of VCRs, Oldsmobiles and dial-up internet. 

Presents as a horror novel and it is tense for a while, but then slowly morphs into a story of grief and loss. Not quite sure it hit the mark but I did enjoy watching it unfold. 
Bear by Marian Engel

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challenging funny reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

An interesting read. It's beautifully written, and I definitely felt transported to the time period and to the Canadian wilderness. 

However, she does fuck a bear. So there's that. Lol 
Come Closer by Sara Gran

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challenging dark mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.5

Loved this, absolutely tore through it. This slow creeping dread as Amanda slowly changes is delivered deliciously.