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madmadmaddymad's reviews
195 reviews
Peak by Stella Williams
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
5.0
Short? I won’t fault it tho, because it’s top teir smut!
The author is local and a friend sent me a link to their website, I figured I would check it out, and I’m so glad I did. Best 99¢ I’ve spent today. This one is for the monster fuckers!
The author is local and a friend sent me a link to their website, I figured I would check it out, and I’m so glad I did. Best 99¢ I’ve spent today. This one is for the monster fuckers!
Skin of the Sea by Natasha Bowen
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I feel a little conflicted about this one.
The first 100 pages are really compelling and had me hooked. But the middle act sort of feels like running into a brick wall. I’m not sure if it’s a structure issue or a pacing issue, or if it’s just my own inexperience with African mythology and folklore, but I had trouble keeping my momentum, and very nearly lost interest.
The last 50 pages are phenomenal, though. I enjoyed the high stakes and the entire final act. I had been wondering what Simi would do about her growing feelings for Kola, and it’s very bittersweet how things were left, but such is the life of a mermaid.
The first 100 pages are really compelling and had me hooked. But the middle act sort of feels like running into a brick wall. I’m not sure if it’s a structure issue or a pacing issue, or if it’s just my own inexperience with African mythology and folklore, but I had trouble keeping my momentum, and very nearly lost interest.
The last 50 pages are phenomenal, though. I enjoyed the high stakes and the entire final act. I had been wondering what Simi would do about her growing feelings for Kola, and it’s very bittersweet how things were left, but such is the life of a mermaid.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Violence, and Trafficking
Moderate: Death, Gore, and Blood
Heartstopper Volume 4 by Alice Oseman
emotional
hopeful
informative
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? Yes
5.0
Poor Charlie, oh, Charlie…
I hope this is as dark as it gets for Heartstopper. It’s heavy stuff but the art and the storytelling deals with this topic so well. I also love the message that we need more than just love sometimes. Love cannot heal a mental illness.
It matters a lot to see these issues depicted in such a caring way - but I miss the joyful boys in love sweetness. I just hope the next issue is slightly more lighthearted!
I hope this is as dark as it gets for Heartstopper. It’s heavy stuff but the art and the storytelling deals with this topic so well. I also love the message that we need more than just love sometimes. Love cannot heal a mental illness.
It matters a lot to see these issues depicted in such a caring way - but I miss the joyful boys in love sweetness. I just hope the next issue is slightly more lighthearted!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder, Mental illness, and Self harm
Heartstopper Volume 3 by Alice Oseman
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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? Yes
5.0
I genuinely love this so much!
It feels so good to read. It’s the best. I love how complicated it is when they’re trying to come out. I love Tao, and the reveal that he might have been the one to out Charlie to the school. You can tell he feels terrible about it! And you can tell Charlie feels terrible about keeping his relationship a secret from his friend. It’s so realistic how these things are depicted, and it makes my heart ache.
Charlie goes through a lot in this one. I was so proud of him for standing up to Harry. He really needed to hear that! I hope he still keeps trying to redeem himself.
Gah this comic is amazing ❤️
It feels so good to read. It’s the best. I love how complicated it is when they’re trying to come out. I love Tao, and the reveal that he might have been the one to out Charlie to the school. You can tell he feels terrible about it! And you can tell Charlie feels terrible about keeping his relationship a secret from his friend. It’s so realistic how these things are depicted, and it makes my heart ache.
Charlie goes through a lot in this one. I was so proud of him for standing up to Harry. He really needed to hear that! I hope he still keeps trying to redeem himself.
Gah this comic is amazing ❤️
Content Warnings
Graphic: Eating disorder and Outing
Heartstopper Volume 2 by Alice Oseman
emotional
inspiring
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? Yes
5.0
I love this series omg
Nick’s journey of reconciling his sexuality is so sweet and heartfelt.
And Charlie is always there for him and loves him so much. Oh, my god, the pacing of this comic is incredible!
Nick’s journey of reconciling his sexuality is so sweet and heartfelt.
And Charlie is always there for him and loves him so much. Oh, my god, the pacing of this comic is incredible!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Violence and Outing
Girl, Serpent, Thorn by Melissa Bashardoust
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I really liked this one.
It’s YA, and the premise is a little dense and took me a minute to get into, but it took me by surprise. It’s got so many fairytale elements and it’s really excellent and exciting.
I was simping for the villain. I didn’t want to, but I was. I’M SORRY, HE HAD DAVID BOWIE FROM LABYRINTH VIBES.
Just excellent, wonderful storytelling, and a thrilling conclusion. The magical creatures were all really fun and cool. I loved Parvaneh and the pariks! And of course, it has a nice happy ending, where the MC embraces what makes her different, what makes her “monstrous.”
It’s YA, and the premise is a little dense and took me a minute to get into, but it took me by surprise. It’s got so many fairytale elements and it’s really excellent and exciting.
I was simping for the villain. I didn’t want to, but I was. I’M SORRY, HE HAD DAVID BOWIE FROM LABYRINTH VIBES.
Just excellent, wonderful storytelling, and a thrilling conclusion. The magical creatures were all really fun and cool. I loved Parvaneh and the pariks! And of course, it has a nice happy ending, where the MC embraces what makes her different, what makes her “monstrous.”
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror
Heartstopper Volume 1 by Alice Oseman
emotional
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? Yes
5.0
I’ve been meaning to read this one for a while, and it did not disappoint!
It’s very sweet, very heartwarming, just a slow and gentle friends-to-lovers story about two boys at an all boys school. Charlie is out and gay, used to be bullied, but things are better for him this year. Nick is questioning his sexuality and he really likes Charlie, but does he like him more than as a friend? (I think we all know the answer is yes.)
It’s very sweet, very heartwarming, just a slow and gentle friends-to-lovers story about two boys at an all boys school. Charlie is out and gay, used to be bullied, but things are better for him this year. Nick is questioning his sexuality and he really likes Charlie, but does he like him more than as a friend? (I think we all know the answer is yes.)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
Minor: Bullying and Homophobia
Lore Olympus: Volume Two by Rachel Smythe
funny
lighthearted
sad
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
5.0
In some ways, I think I prefer the vertical format of the webtoons app to this hardbound edition. The phone call between Hades and Persephone, as well as the moment he rescues her from Tower 4 were more coherent to read when I could dedicate my attention to one panel at a time.
However.
I love this comic so much, and I’m thrilled to add a second volume to my bookshelf. Colorful and vibrant, excellent pace and storytelling. Can’t wait to get my hands on Volume 3!
However.
I love this comic so much, and I’m thrilled to add a second volume to my bookshelf. Colorful and vibrant, excellent pace and storytelling. Can’t wait to get my hands on Volume 3!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault and Toxic relationship
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
dark
reflective
sad
slow-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? Yes
3.0
I wanted to like this book. Unfortunately, the last act kind of soured the experience for me.
This one would have been 4 or even 5 stars if it weren’t for the homophobia and transphobia and graphic violence against queer people. As it stands, I’ll give it 3 stars, because I liked MOST of the book.
The entire book and the build of their relationship is so compelling. They had such a sweet and loving friendship. I just wanted them to gently fall in love. I did NOT like the twist.
Dante is the victim of a hate crime, and it’s this event that causes Aristotle to reconcile with his internalized homophobia and finally come out to him and his family.
And the subplot of Ari wanting to know more about his estranged brother who is in prison resolves in a horrifying, transphobic plot twist. I almost shut the book, because I was so upset. But I was 90% finished with it at that point and I figured I might as well see it through to the end. I JUST WISH THAT HAD NOT BEEN INCLUDED. I know things like that happen in real life, but I hated reading about it and I felt like it kind of came out of nowhere. Also, Ari is transphobic and even misgenders the victim. I just hated it. It really upset me.
This one would have been 4 or even 5 stars if it weren’t for the homophobia and transphobia and graphic violence against queer people. As it stands, I’ll give it 3 stars, because I liked MOST of the book.
The entire book and the build of their relationship is so compelling. They had such a sweet and loving friendship. I just wanted them to gently fall in love. I did NOT like the twist.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Hate crime, Homophobia, and Transphobia
Yes, Roya by C. Spike Trotman
- 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
Hot!
I didn’t know I was into Fem dom stuff until I read this. Roya is an incredible woman.
The smut is hot stuff, but I also really like the story.
Wylie is a skinny, awkward virgin trying to make it in the comic industry. One day he meets Joseph, the artist behind a famous syndicated newspaper comic. Joseph has a secret - he hasn’t drawn a line in years. His wife Roya is the real mastermind behind his fame. Because of racism, she has agreed to allow Joseph to take the credit for her work. It’s easier for the industry to accept a white man than a black woman.
Wylie understands.
The three of them enter into a sexual relationship and really rock Wylie’s world. This comic is polyamorous and fantastically kinky. 5 stars, and I bought it in both black-and-white and color!
I didn’t know I was into Fem dom stuff until I read this. Roya is an incredible woman.
The smut is hot stuff, but I also really like the story.
Wylie is a skinny, awkward virgin trying to make it in the comic industry. One day he meets Joseph, the artist behind a famous syndicated newspaper comic. Joseph has a secret - he hasn’t drawn a line in years. His wife Roya is the real mastermind behind his fame. Because of racism, she has agreed to allow Joseph to take the credit for her work. It’s easier for the industry to accept a white man than a black woman.
Wylie understands.
The three of them enter into a sexual relationship and really rock Wylie’s world. This comic is polyamorous and fantastically kinky. 5 stars, and I bought it in both black-and-white and color!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism and Sexism