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bkwrm1317's reviews
215 reviews
Heart, Haunt, Havoc by Freydís Moon
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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? Yes
Update: this book was removed from Indie Ink 2023-24 due to the author pretending to be a writer of color/Latine/x, a gross misrepresentation of their identity/identities. I have also removed my ranking of the novel due to learning this, and will not be reading any additional writing by this writer (under any of their names). If you're curious, google their name and look into their many pen names, and why they moved away from trad pub (probably due to being problematic and doxxing folks who name that).
Finished reading this book for Indie Ink Judging on 3.30.24. The following review does not necessarily reflect how I judged the novel for the specific Indie Ink categories I judged it for:
Heart, Haunt, Havoc is quite dark and brooding, a bit funny, and really tender in the most lovely way.
Protagonist, Colin (really both main characters are protags of this story), is hired to complete a sort of exorcism of a house for Bishop. Little does Colin know that Bishop comes from a family line of brujería, where Tezcatlipoca, the Mexica (Aztec) god who governs the night sky, is connected directly to Bishop and offers Bishop a unique magic.
I am generally not a fan of romance, but there was just the right balance between sensual/romance-y scenes in this novella with plot and story arc, as well as individual character/protagonist growth. Further, Moon writes desire incredibly convincingly.
I loved the additional nerd references peppered into the novella here and there as well (e.g. listening to Critical Role, and how Moon intersperses these lighter references with the occult, demonic posession and integration, and angelic stuff a la Catholicism.
I will definitely be continuing this series outside of my Indie Ink judging capacity, as there are two more novellas already published in the series, and I can't wait to get to them likely later this year.
Check CWs and note that all minor CWs I've listed are either not emotionally charged or mostly in passing within the novel (e.g. animal death is part of a ritual sacrifice of a familiar, which is reanimated, so animal cruelty is not part of CWs, etc.).
Finished reading this book for Indie Ink Judging on 3.30.24. The following review does not necessarily reflect how I judged the novel for the specific Indie Ink categories I judged it for:
Heart, Haunt, Havoc is quite dark and brooding, a bit funny, and really tender in the most lovely way.
Protagonist, Colin (really both main characters are protags of this story), is hired to complete a sort of exorcism of a house for Bishop. Little does Colin know that Bishop comes from a family line of brujería, where Tezcatlipoca, the Mexica (Aztec) god who governs the night sky, is connected directly to Bishop and offers Bishop a unique magic.
I am generally not a fan of romance, but there was just the right balance between sensual/romance-y scenes in this novella with plot and story arc, as well as individual character/protagonist growth. Further, Moon writes desire incredibly convincingly.
I loved the additional nerd references peppered into the novella here and there as well (e.g. listening to Critical Role, and how Moon intersperses these lighter references with the occult, demonic posession and integration, and angelic stuff a la Catholicism.
I will definitely be continuing this series outside of my Indie Ink judging capacity, as there are two more novellas already published in the series, and I can't wait to get to them likely later this year.
Check CWs and note that all minor CWs I've listed are either not emotionally charged or mostly in passing within the novel (e.g. animal death is part of a ritual sacrifice of a familiar, which is reanimated, so animal cruelty is not part of CWs, etc.).
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Animal death, Death, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Blood, and Alcohol
The Fear of Winter by S.C. Sterling
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Received this book as part of an author giveaway on StoryGraph. Wasn't familiar with the author prior to reading and was a solidly middle of the line read for me. Characters weren't particularly complex/developed through the novel, and characters weren't particularly compelling for me. I generally enjoy more complex and compelling characters, hence the lower rating for this novel. Having read many thrillers and mysteries, the plot didn't make up for the weaker character development from my perspective.
Do check CWs, especially around self-harm, addiction, and domestic abuse for those who may be impacted by these.
Do check CWs, especially around self-harm, addiction, and domestic abuse for those who may be impacted by these.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Self harm, and Murder
Moderate: Alcoholism and Domestic abuse
Minor: Drug use and Sexual violence
The Name-Bearer by Natalia Hernandez
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
slow-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
3.5
Completed judge review for Indie Ink on 3.28.24.
The following is a personal review, and does not reflect judging for Indie Ink 2024 judging I completed:
This was a really interesting novel, although there were odd breaks in the progress of the overall story arc as the protagonist went from one place (geographically) to another. This created a slightly disjointed/jarring reader experience for me, and also made the pacing feel slower than it would have otherwise, I think. I'd suggest the pacing of the novel is slow/medium, with some sections more solidly in each category.
The world building, magic system, and overall story was distinctive, if not unique. I wasn't particularly compelled by the use of Spanish words/how they were integrated - it didn't feel as thoughtful as some other Latine bilingual authors' works are in their use of English and Spanish words.
The end of the novel represents a fairly unsatisfying cliffhanger for me personally, as a reader, but would likely feel more compelling for other readers.
All CWs as mild, as there is either a brief/not emotionally intense engagement in the text with the CW, or it is threatened/mentioned, but not done (e.g. sexual harassment rather than sexual violence, as it was a verbal threat towards the protagonist, but not one that was carried through or anywhere near that).
The following is a personal review, and does not reflect judging for Indie Ink 2024 judging I completed:
This was a really interesting novel, although there were odd breaks in the progress of the overall story arc as the protagonist went from one place (geographically) to another. This created a slightly disjointed/jarring reader experience for me, and also made the pacing feel slower than it would have otherwise, I think. I'd suggest the pacing of the novel is slow/medium, with some sections more solidly in each category.
The world building, magic system, and overall story was distinctive, if not unique. I wasn't particularly compelled by the use of Spanish words/how they were integrated - it didn't feel as thoughtful as some other Latine bilingual authors' works are in their use of English and Spanish words.
The end of the novel represents a fairly unsatisfying cliffhanger for me personally, as a reader, but would likely feel more compelling for other readers.
All CWs as mild, as there is either a brief/not emotionally intense engagement in the text with the CW, or it is threatened/mentioned, but not done (e.g. sexual harassment rather than sexual violence, as it was a verbal threat towards the protagonist, but not one that was carried through or anywhere near that).
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Death, Blood, Trafficking, and Sexual harassment
Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology by Shane Hawk, Theodore C. Van Alst Jr.
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- 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
4.5
I generally don’t enjoy short stories, but do like anthologies a bit more sometimes. I found so many new authors whose work I want to read here and thoroughly enjoyed near all of these dark fiction short stories.
Please do note CWs as there are a number to be aware of, and that shift from story to story.
Please do note CWs as there are a number to be aware of, and that shift from story to story.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Child abuse, Pedophilia, Racism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Torture, Xenophobia, Abandonment, and Colonisation
The Man Who Died Twice by Richard Osman
adventurous
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? No
4.0
This second installment of The Thursday Murder Club was just as solid as the first. Love Joyce, Elizabeth, Ron, Ibrahim, and their fellow pensioners. Donna, Chris, Patrice, Bogdan, and others liven up the pages and bring humor and insight into this mystery as it unfolds.
I loved getting to know a bit more about Elizabeth's time in MI5, and entering that world a bit more with her and her friends. I'll be looking out for the next novels in the series.
I loved getting to know a bit more about Elizabeth's time in MI5, and entering that world a bit more with her and her friends. I'll be looking out for the next novels in the series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Murder
Crimson Reign by Amélie Wen Zhao
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
A story of friendship, hope, courage, and adventure, Crimson Reign wraps up the Blood Heir trilogy súper solidly and cleanly.
We catch up with our main cast of characters over time at the beginning of the novel, and eventually get updated and adventures for the whole gang, converging on finding a particular artifact that can reverse the tide of Ana’s conflict with her aunt Morganya, who hopes to wield great power for herself only.
Character dev is stronger for some characters than others in this final book of the trilogy, and some of their flaws are examined (stubbornness, the desire to not let the people we love possibly be hurt, and much more).
I love that Ana realized the people are who should make decisions about their lives and futures.
Elements of romance, but no smut, and not a main focus of the novel. Some violence and gore (it is war, after all). Magic system doesn’t feel entirely unique but there are elements that are different/unique to the world built by Wen Zhao.
We catch up with our main cast of characters over time at the beginning of the novel, and eventually get updated and adventures for the whole gang, converging on finding a particular artifact that can reverse the tide of Ana’s conflict with her aunt Morganya, who hopes to wield great power for herself only.
Character dev is stronger for some characters than others in this final book of the trilogy, and some of their flaws are examined (stubbornness, the desire to not let the people we love possibly be hurt, and much more).
I love that Ana realized the people are who should make decisions about their lives and futures.
Elements of romance, but no smut, and not a main focus of the novel. Some violence and gore (it is war, after all). Magic system doesn’t feel entirely unique but there are elements that are different/unique to the world built by Wen Zhao.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and War
Minor: Xenophobia
The Ballad of Perilous Graves by Alex Jennings
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
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? No
3.5
I really loved the world building of this novel and how entrenched in NOLA it is.
The pacing was incredibly hard for me though (felt slow paced, given all the action that was happening), and I found myself wishing for some way to truncate.
The songs-as-characters magic and the ways in which tagging and other art forms were powerful magic represent a unique magic system I absolutely loved, though.
The pacing was incredibly hard for me though (felt slow paced, given all the action that was happening), and I found myself wishing for some way to truncate.
The songs-as-characters magic and the ways in which tagging and other art forms were powerful magic represent a unique magic system I absolutely loved, though.
Ashes of Gold by J. Elle
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
3.0
In this wrap of the duology, Ashes of Gold takes place near exclusively in Ghizon.
While there were some really great elements to this duology’s close, I felt often distracted and frustrated by the over emphasis on Rue’s being hard on herself and being self-critical while she found her inner strength and trust in herself.
This certainly won’t bother all readers, but hence my giving this book a 3 star rating. Elle’s ties to Houston and the Third Ward are part of what put me onto this series, so their not being present much (East Row crew) in this close to the duology was a bit of a disappointment, even if some folks were more present in this novel (Julius, etc).
Finally, as a reader I felt dissatisfied by the resolution of Jhamal’s dishonesty and complications in the plot, given so much of the novel was dedicated to Rue and Jhamal’s being stuck in a prison cell and Jhamal’s nursing Rue back to health.
While there were some really great elements to this duology’s close, I felt often distracted and frustrated by the over emphasis on Rue’s being hard on herself and being self-critical while she found her inner strength and trust in herself.
This certainly won’t bother all readers, but hence my giving this book a 3 star rating. Elle’s ties to Houston and the Third Ward are part of what put me onto this series, so their not being present much (East Row crew) in this close to the duology was a bit of a disappointment, even if some folks were more present in this novel (Julius, etc).
Finally, as a reader I felt dissatisfied by the resolution of Jhamal’s dishonesty and complications in the plot, given so much of the novel was dedicated to Rue and Jhamal’s being stuck in a prison cell and Jhamal’s nursing Rue back to health.
What Moves the Dead by T. Kingfisher
adventurous
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Equal parts dark Poe-esque gothic The Fall of the House of Usher and Moreno-Garcia nostalgic Mexican Gothic, but with a bright zinging splash of British wit and humor, this novella is a delight.
Mycology and how another species might interpret the signals in human bodies as relate to vision, speech, and more is what this novella centers on, via reflections on the after effects of war, creepy environs, and a house that’s falling apart, alongside some creepy hares who drag their bodies to and fro while staring at the protagonist. Throw in an aspiring woman scientist pissed at 1890s male scientific society, and you have a witty, gothic, very solid novella.
Mycology and how another species might interpret the signals in human bodies as relate to vision, speech, and more is what this novella centers on, via reflections on the after effects of war, creepy environs, and a house that’s falling apart, alongside some creepy hares who drag their bodies to and fro while staring at the protagonist. Throw in an aspiring woman scientist pissed at 1890s male scientific society, and you have a witty, gothic, very solid novella.
Vampires of El Norte by Isabel Cañas
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
Absolutely loved the descriptions of the landscapes of what is now south Texas.
A unique take on the vampire as beast/creature, rather than human beings turned to vampires as the more common take. The vampires of this novel are used and abused by the Texas Rangers in their pursuit of what is today South Texas/Northern Mexico.
Some minor/general novel arc spoilers below, so read with that in mind:
Nena and Néstor's struggles to overcome their own fear and shame in order to let their love flourish felt extremely real and well-executed by the author. I loved reading their story, as well as Nena's arc of finding her voice, getting out from under the thumb of her emotionally abusive father and manipulative mother, who are more about appearances and keeping up with the Joneses than their eldest daughter's needs or happiness.
Néstor realizing Nena is stronger when he supports her/that with his support she can face down literal monsters and can match him for bravery in that way is such a powerful moment in their character arcs.
I just really loved this one - it's another of those novels that felt like it was written just for me.
A unique take on the vampire as beast/creature, rather than human beings turned to vampires as the more common take. The vampires of this novel are used and abused by the Texas Rangers in their pursuit of what is today South Texas/Northern Mexico.
Some minor/general novel arc spoilers below, so read with that in mind:
Nena and Néstor's struggles to overcome their own fear and shame in order to let their love flourish felt extremely real and well-executed by the author. I loved reading their story, as well as Nena's arc of finding her voice, getting out from under the thumb of her emotionally abusive father and manipulative mother, who are more about appearances and keeping up with the Joneses than their eldest daughter's needs or happiness.
Néstor realizing Nena is stronger when he supports her/that with his support she can face down literal monsters and can match him for bravery in that way is such a powerful moment in their character arcs.
I just really loved this one - it's another of those novels that felt like it was written just for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, War, and Classism
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Gore, Blood, and Gaslighting