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bkwrm1317's reviews
213 reviews
Embargo on Hope (Star Marked #1) by Justin Doyle
Did not finish book. Stopped at 6%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 6%.
Really weird physical descriptions of characters were a big turn off during slush phase reading this one. E.g. comparing someone's arms to having a gorilla for a mother, calling their lips/chin/other physical attributes "oversized" which often elicits thoughts of subtle (or not so subtle) racism towards Black folks, even if that was not the author's intent. Didn't flow particularly well.
Beautiful World: Part 1 by Bill Sharrock
Did not finish book. Stopped at 2%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 2%.
Unfortunately the file transferred incredibly strangely to Kindle, and the rest of the team didn't particularly recommend. Nixed during slush phase for SPSFC4.
Authority by Jeff VanderMeer
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-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
A much more confusion portion of this trilogy from my read, but enjoyable nonetheless. I’ll be looking forward to wrapping up this series and seeing what happens to Control/John and the rest as Area X is increasingly out of control in this ecohorror series.
Sisters of the Lost Nation by Nick Medina
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-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
5.0
Medina’s Sisters of the Lost Nation will reel in readers with the plot, but absorb them with the reflections and themes about 2S folks, MMIW/R (missing and murdered indigenous women/relatives), and more.
While the Takoda people are an amalgamation of many tribal peoples, they are representative of so many Indigenous and Tribal experiences in the US.
I really enjoyed the folk horror elements of the story, including the revenge-seeking rolling head. While not my typical five star novel, this one really kept me engaged and turning the pages.
While the Takoda people are an amalgamation of many tribal peoples, they are representative of so many Indigenous and Tribal experiences in the US.
I really enjoyed the folk horror elements of the story, including the revenge-seeking rolling head. While not my typical five star novel, this one really kept me engaged and turning the pages.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Transphobia and Xenophobia
Minor: Pedophilia, Sexual violence, Trafficking, and Kidnapping
Some Desperate Glory by Emily Tesh
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
My first read by this author did not disappoint. I really enjoyed the multiple timelines and play with time-space with the technology of the Wisdom. While this wasn’t a 5 star read for me it WAS solid!
Check CWs. Really a very solid debut novel.
Check CWs. Really a very solid debut novel.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and War
Minor: Child abuse, Homophobia, Rape, Sexual violence, and Sexual harassment
Please note some of the CWs are in passing/due to the nature of multiple timelines/iterations of reality/the present.
Disability and Empire: Class, U.S. Imperialism, and the Struggle for Disability Justice by Joyce Chediac, John Peter Daly, Jane Cutter, Sunil Freeman
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
3.75
An interesting (and quick) foray into what it means to be disabled under empire in the United States in the 21st century (and some history), as well as how the US empire has disabled people all over the world. Some interesting ideas and possibilities explored in examples outside of capitalist imperialist medical systems for disability rights and disabled folks.
A Little Hatred by Joe Abercrombie
Did not finish book. Stopped at 68%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 68%.
This felt like a slog at every step. Really truly just not for me 🤷🏽♀️ characters didn’t feel compelling nor relatable, just made me sleepy every single time I picked it up.
The Otherwise Normal Life of Charlton Smith by J.R. Bennett
Did not finish book. Stopped at 0%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 0%.
Read the first three or so chapters and did not get any more invested in the story nor main character (what felt like a self absorbed, whiny man for me personally). Might be enjoyable for fans of works that are fantastical and attempt to follow in the footsteps of the British greats. Not sure I see the same greatness here, but it’s simply not for me.
The Changeling by Victor LaValle
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
What a journey this one was! Kept me up til 2:30a then finished the next afternoon!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture
Moderate: Body horror
My Best Friend's Exorcism by Grady Hendrix
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
3.5
Solid middle of the line read of Hendrix on this one. Not my favorite, but not bad either. Components I really enjoyed included brother Lemon and his antics, among others.