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anchovysaurus's reviews
241 reviews
The Mermaid in the Millpond by Lucy Strange
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Exploitative child labour is a dark theme for a middle grade audience, but I believe it's worthwhile for younger readers to explore grim settings. Perhaps the intention is to evoke compassion in the reader, which is definitely one of the book's key themes.
My only criticism is that the story covers its topics superficially. I wish that it had explored the grief, defence mechanisms, and empathy a bit more.
However, I really appreciate that Bess and Dot have a [somewhat] happy ending! I was so stressed because I thought Dot would be killed off.
My only criticism is that the story covers its topics superficially. I wish that it had explored the grief, defence mechanisms, and empathy a bit more.
Black Water Sister by Zen Cho
adventurous
emotional
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Moderate: Rape
The Story of a Seagull and the Cat who Taught Her to Fly by Luis Sepúlveda
hopeful
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
3.25
Come Closer by Sara Gran
dark
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.5
As a whole, Come Closer ultimately deals with relatable fears like lack of bodily autonomy and abandonment. Instead of being scary, I found the story to be quite sad, especially in the final third of the book. I do also wonder if the possession is meant to be an allegory for substance abuse , considering the slow descent and spiralling consequences.
Yellowface by R.F. Kuang
RF Kuang's social commentary is usually on point, and her commentary on the publishing industry's machinations is superb. It's helpful to know that the main character is insufferable before reading the book, but the point is to sit with her and realise how she sees the world.
The thriller aspect, however, seemed unnecessary. It might've been more satisfying to seeJune's downward spiral and voluntary confession . Nevertheless, the thriller plotline sets up June's villain arc , which is still a satisfying ending.
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
“They’re not worried we’re going to offend, like, all of China?”
“Well, the book’s going to be published in the West, Junie. So who really cares?”
RF Kuang's social commentary is usually on point, and her commentary on the publishing industry's machinations is superb. It's helpful to know that the main character is insufferable before reading the book, but the point is to sit with her and realise how she sees the world.
The thriller aspect, however, seemed unnecessary. It might've been more satisfying to see
Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn
Personally, I think that Tassie and Georgeanne Towgate's fates should've been swapped. Executing Tassie would've made a stronger statement about the Council's leadership and Georgeanne had reformed and suffered [she ate twigs in her migration, for goodness' sake] enough.
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? No
3.75
Content Warnings
Minor: Child abuse
Garlic & the Vampire by Bree Paulsen
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Garlic and the Vampire had impeccable illustrations that brought Garlic's world to life. I particularly enjoyed the scale of the human-to-vegetable drawings.