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readerpants's reviews
1893 reviews
Full Speed to a Crash Landing by Beth Revis
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.0
A fast-paced space romp, with almost as much banter as plot (a lot). Ada is running a con -- she tells us, dropping clues throughout -- to find Space Tech for Space Reasons that are only vaguely explored. There's a friendly crew, a hot yet sharply observant government operative who's up for some bangin', and a space suit she loves a lot. (The hot government investigator man is named Rian, and it's hard not keep thinking of Rian Johnson, because this is bringing some heavy Glass Onion puzzle vibes ) The chemistry between Ada and her space suit is much stronger than between her and Rian; I would actually be intrigued by a version of this that removes the "romance" altogether.
The worldbuilding may be a little thin, but this is a zippy, undemanding read that will appeal to YA readers who would rather go along for the ride than the feels.
Copy generously provided by the publisher.
The worldbuilding may be a little thin, but this is a zippy, undemanding read that will appeal to YA readers who would rather go along for the ride than the feels.
Copy generously provided by the publisher.
A Tempest of Tea by Hafsah Faizal
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
THERE'S that Six of Crows energy. Warning: cliffhanger!!
Loved the switching POV (very effective esp for pacing!), the heist-y details, the fuck colonialism worldbuilding, and the filled-out side characters. Honestly the pacing was EXCELLENT, and the different sections worked super well for me. I'd have loved to spend more time with Spindrift, like in the tea house, but I can see how that could have gotten in the way of the tight plotting.
Loved the switching POV (very effective esp for pacing!), the heist-y details, the fuck colonialism worldbuilding, and the filled-out side characters. Honestly the pacing was EXCELLENT, and the different sections worked super well for me. I'd have loved to spend more time with Spindrift, like in the tea house, but I can see how that could have gotten in the way of the tight plotting.
The Friendship Study by Ruby Barrett
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
No villains on the page, two people juggling pain and uncertainty and insecurity, and good friendships - lots that I like here. My heart is always a little broken and tender for women characters who are certain they talk too much and stress about it.
Something Like Love by Beverly Jenkins
adventurous
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
I love Henry Adams, the historical information, and the characters. The writing style of the older titles like this one don't totally work for me emotionally but YMMV!
This Could Be Us by Kennedy Ryan
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
- 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
5.0
Bunt!: Striking Out on Financial Aid by Ngozi Ukazu
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
A quick and easy charmer.
Into the Sunken City by Dinesh Thiru
3.5
3.5 stars, rounding up for all the representation and the setting! The romance didn't really land, probably because in general there was a lot of info dumping and just telling what the characters were thinking. Def didn't pack the emotional punch of Six of Crows. But a fast paced and interesting enough read.
We Got the Beat by Jenna Miller
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Awwww. I loved that the characters felt like remarkably believable teens in 2024, especially the way they stepped up for each other and clearly had access to a lot of Tumblr therapy lingo (in an endearing way). So much teen media feels like a throwback to mean 80s movies, and it drives me bonkers because I see that so rarely in real life.
Loved the friendships, loved the passion for the newspaper, and v v v much loved the adults. A charmer.
Loved the friendships, loved the passion for the newspaper, and v v v much loved the adults. A charmer.
Stars in Your Eyes by Kacen Callender
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
- 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
3.75
I'm not entirely sure how to rate/review this. Need to sit on it for a while, I think.
Not a sweet, fluffy read it, definitely not YA despite the author's having focused on younger readers in the past. Heavy on the trauma, though with an eventual HEA/HFN. NOT a match for a high school library (v explicit, rape on page).
Not a sweet, fluffy read it, definitely not YA despite the author's having focused on younger readers in the past. Heavy on the trauma, though with an eventual HEA/HFN. NOT a match for a high school library (v explicit, rape on page).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Biphobia, Body shaming, Bullying, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Sexual violence, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Abandonment, and Alcohol
With Love, from Cold World by Alicia Thompson
- 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