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clacksee's reviews
1115 reviews
Black Thorn by Sarah Hilary
dark
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? Yes
4.75
I want to read about Agnes and Errol’s adventures once they finally escape her horrible family! With Odie and Bette, too, of course.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism and Gaslighting
Moderate: Child abuse, Racism, Rape, Sexual violence, and Pregnancy
Minor: Animal death and Self harm
Love on the Line: How to Recover from Romance Scams Gracefully and Without Victimisation Extended and Re-edited by Elina Juusola
Did not finish book. Stopped at 33%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 33%.
Well. I’m sure creating this work was hugely cathartic for the author. I hope it helped her recover from what was undoubtedly a horrible situation that no one should have to go through.
I was getting TERFy / SWERFy vibes that were making me quite wary. But then the author straight-up compared – I kid you not – pornography, romance novels, and romance scams. She says that all three are designed to manipulate people into spending money. Which is a really gross thing to say.
Also, the unedited, stream-of-consciousness writing style is hard work.
I was getting TERFy / SWERFy vibes that were making me quite wary. But then the author straight-up compared – I kid you not – pornography, romance novels, and romance scams. She says that all three are designed to manipulate people into spending money. Which is a really gross thing to say.
Also, the unedited, stream-of-consciousness writing style is hard work.
The Truth by Terry Pratchett
adventurous
funny
mysterious
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
This was the first Pratchett book I ever read, some 20 years ago. And it’s still one of my favourites. What surprised me in this re-read was just how relevant it is to the state of the world in 2025.
Dead Mile by Jo Furniss
mysterious
tense
fast-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? Yes
4.75
Unique premise paired with great execution. Interesting characters and gripping storytelling.
One thing I will say… Before you read this, look up Anne Sacoolas.
One thing I will say… Before you read this, look up Anne Sacoolas.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny and Car accident
The Cat Who Caught A Killer by L.T. Shearer
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
Hmmm. Right. So, this book.
This is expertly written. The characters are rich and vivid. The writing is immersive. The plot is predictable, but gripping.
And yet…
I want to love this book. I really do. But I cannot. The conservative (and Conservative) leanings are just too transparent.
There’s repeated Covid denialism. There’s the implication that the scrutiny into the Metropolitan Police has resulted in them no longer doing proper cop work (Macpherson report – what’s that?). There’s the gross (and I mean gross) stereotypes of immigrants. There’s the way (wealthy Tory) Westminster council is shown in sharp contrast to less wealthy Labour-run councils.
Oh, and let’s not forget the main character and her friends are members of the Conservative Party.
So, yeah. I wanted to like it. But no.
This is expertly written. The characters are rich and vivid. The writing is immersive. The plot is predictable, but gripping.
And yet…
I want to love this book. I really do. But I cannot. The conservative (and Conservative) leanings are just too transparent.
There’s repeated Covid denialism. There’s the implication that the scrutiny into the Metropolitan Police has resulted in them no longer doing proper cop work (Macpherson report – what’s that?). There’s the gross (and I mean gross) stereotypes of immigrants. There’s the way (wealthy Tory) Westminster council is shown in sharp contrast to less wealthy Labour-run councils.
Oh, and let’s not forget the main character and her friends are members of the Conservative Party.
So, yeah. I wanted to like it. But no.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Terminal illness, Fire/Fire injury, and Classism
Minor: Police brutality
Neo Chongqing Glitch: A Cyberpunk Crime Thriller Novella by W J Sam
challenging
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
This one felt less like being immersed in a great story and more like listening to someone tell me about a great story. Great idea, but I struggled with the execution.
The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.75
This book was an absolute joy. Found family. Ace joy. A slightly magical cat.
The List by Yomi Adegoke
challenging
dark
emotional
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
5.0
I hate it – not because it’s a bad book but because it shouldn’t need to exist.
This is a story of the intersection between rape culture and racism – and one couple caught in between the two.
I don’t know who needs to hear this, but if you’re in a relationship with a man and someone accuses him of abuse and you’re not 187% confident that it’s not true … that’s not a relationship you should continue. If you feel like maybe, possibly, under certain circumstances, it could be true … get out while you still can.
This is a story of the intersection between rape culture and racism – and one couple caught in between the two.
I don’t know who needs to hear this, but if you’re in a relationship with a man and someone accuses him of abuse and you’re not 187% confident that it’s not true … that’s not a relationship you should continue. If you feel like maybe, possibly, under certain circumstances, it could be true … get out while you still can.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Infidelity, and Rape
Moderate: Child abuse, Misogyny, Racism, Toxic relationship, and Gaslighting
Minor: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide
Trust: A Fractured Fable by Jeanne Ryckmans
informative
3.75
I read this one for research as my next book involves romance fraud. Interesting case. No names are given but identity of the man at the heart of this is easily found by a quick google.
I found the information quite compelling, yet the structure wasn't as coherent as I might wish.
I found the information quite compelling, yet the structure wasn't as coherent as I might wish.
Loud: Accept Nothing Less Than the Life You Deserve by Drew Afualo
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
This feminism really is for everyone. This is a manifesto on living your best life despite toxic masculinity being so deeply engrained in our society.
Don’t forget to mock the patriarchy. Every chance you get.
Don’t forget to mock the patriarchy. Every chance you get.