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pages_with_panda's reviews
147 reviews
Something In The Water by Elijah Joseph
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
0.5
The story felt incredibly rushed and corny. The dialogue was unbelievable and lacked any kind of personality. None of the dialogue felt like it was coming from the characters, like you could just swapped any speech bubbles with any other person's and it wouldn't have mattered.
The characters all felt like caricatures and 1-dimensionial. We see zero development from any of them except for some forced language at the end, and they really reacted so unrealistic. For exampleDaniel gets over Lauren's death almost immediately, and we don't actually see any kind of reactions from anyone else...
The plot felt like it had 0 stakes and also 0 emotional weight to anything. The violence felt boring, even when done for shock value. The story didn't flow at all, it just felt like we were rushed from scene to scene without any kind of build-up or foreshadowing.
Then there were some casual racist jokes by characters that added nothing to the plot. One made by the big baddie and then another by Jeremy during what was supposed to be a tense time.
The illustrations were interesting. Incredibly gritty and realistic with a neat style. Really the only good thing about the story, although at times the characters looked creepy and too detailed? If that makes sense.
Anyways, I managed to finish it in one sitting because of how little pages there were, but maybe it could've benefited from an additional volume.
The characters all felt like caricatures and 1-dimensionial. We see zero development from any of them except for some forced language at the end, and they really reacted so unrealistic. For example
The plot felt like it had 0 stakes and also 0 emotional weight to anything. The violence felt boring, even when done for shock value. The story didn't flow at all, it just felt like we were rushed from scene to scene without any kind of build-up or foreshadowing.
Then there were some casual racist jokes by characters that added nothing to the plot. One made by the big baddie and then another by Jeremy during what was supposed to be a tense time.
The illustrations were interesting. Incredibly gritty and realistic with a neat style. Really the only good thing about the story, although at times the characters looked creepy and too detailed? If that makes sense.
Anyways, I managed to finish it in one sitting because of how little pages there were, but maybe it could've benefited from an additional volume.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, and Murder
Moderate: Racism
Warrior of the Drowned Empire by Frankie Diane Mallis
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
(Received an advanced copy from BookSprout and Frankie Diane Mallis!)
I didn’t realize how long this book was until AFTER I finished it. 700+ pages went by quickly, and at no point did I feel like it was dragging.
The pacing felt really good compared to the last book. We get action, romance, world-building, and knowing that this isonly book 4 of 7 really helped me with enjoying the ride.
Lyr and Rhyan are such a power couple and it was interesting to see them in some new environments! I wouldn’t say there was a lot of character development honestly; except by maybe one person. Also, Morgana’s POV was especially interesting to me and I can’t wait to see what she’s planning.
Despite the dangers that the main couple was in, I'm soo glad they were able to find alone time!! Loved that for them.
The multiple POVs seemed a bit excessive at first, especially of a certain character that I didn’t really like, but it ended up working out for plot reasons.
I loved all the parallels with the Lore, it felt like things were really coming together in this book, we even got a few surprises, but somehow this ended too quickly, despite the page length.
The ending was absolutelyheart-breaking!!
Looking forward to the next book!
I didn’t realize how long this book was until AFTER I finished it. 700+ pages went by quickly, and at no point did I feel like it was dragging.
The pacing felt really good compared to the last book. We get action, romance, world-building, and knowing that this is
Lyr and Rhyan are such a power couple and it was interesting to see them in some new environments! I wouldn’t say there was a lot of character development honestly; except by maybe one person. Also, Morgana’s POV was especially interesting to me and I can’t wait to see what she’s planning.
Despite the dangers that the main couple was in, I'm soo glad they were able to find alone time!! Loved that for them.
I loved all the parallels with the Lore, it felt like things were really coming together in this book, we even got a few surprises, but somehow this ended too quickly, despite the page length.
The ending was absolutely
Looking forward to the next book!
This Ends in Embers by Kamilah Cole
Elara being the older sister and having to deal with these new powers and trying to be so selfless versus how Faron was considered selfish for trying to save her family was so GOOD. I really loved their relationship and how much trust they had for each other. That was super refreshing to see and I'm glad we didn't have a miscommunication trope here.I especially liked them coming together at the end and having to fight together, and loved especially how they had to fight with each other's partner.
The characters were soo well done too. I loved Faron's rage and anger, Elara's patience and trust and even Reeve and Signey. There were so many casual Queer relationships as well, I loved the representation.
We get a little more action and fighting than in Book 1, and I still really liked the alternating POVs from both sisters, although near the action at the end I felt like the lost-time worked against us. I liked how they were both really able to grow and develop individually but really loved Faron's inner turmoil and how she wasforced to work with Iya.
This book spent a little more time with politics and seeing how the leaders dealt with the threat of war but that it was truly the people on the ground who had to live with it.
This is a YA book but I liked the little nods at how this could be a metaphor for the current US political climate, it could be too obvious for some.
For example,Faron spends the majority of the book wondering how she can come back form this, how her country will punish her, ect but we don't get any specifics on what happens to her?
Overall a solid story, great characters and development and the magic system was pretty cool. The pacing could've been better; the beginning of the book started off pretty slow with weeks passing by and nothing happening, and yet the ending and epilogue felt very rushed. I just wished it was longer!
adventurous
emotional
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
4.0
Book 2 continues right where SLTB left off. I think I enjoyed this book more than Book 1 actually.
Faron and Elara really switched stories here, but their connection to the gods and their reactions were interesting to see.
Faron and Elara really switched stories here, but their connection to the gods and their reactions were interesting to see.
"Being worshipped was hardly a good thing, and a pedestal was nothing but a clifftop to fall from."
Elara being the older sister and having to deal with these new powers and trying to be so selfless versus how Faron was considered selfish for trying to save her family was so GOOD. I really loved their relationship and how much trust they had for each other. That was super refreshing to see and I'm glad we didn't have a miscommunication trope here.
The characters were soo well done too. I loved Faron's rage and anger, Elara's patience and trust and even Reeve and Signey. There were so many casual Queer relationships as well, I loved the representation.
We get a little more action and fighting than in Book 1, and I still really liked the alternating POVs from both sisters, although near the action at the end I felt like the lost-time worked against us. I liked how they were both really able to grow and develop individually but really loved Faron's inner turmoil and how she was
This book spent a little more time with politics and seeing how the leaders dealt with the threat of war but that it was truly the people on the ground who had to live with it.
This is a YA book but I liked the little nods at how this could be a metaphor for the current US political climate, it could be too obvious for some.
"Life becomes not about living, but only about surviving. We deserve more than that."
Quote from the last Chapter:"Every day, we're going to wake up and we're going to try."
For example,
Overall a solid story, great characters and development and the magic system was pretty cool. The pacing could've been better; the beginning of the book started off pretty slow with weeks passing by and nothing happening, and yet the ending and epilogue felt very rushed. I just wished it was longer!
The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern
emotional
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Gothic, mysterious, a dash of romance and a magical circus? *Chef's kiss*
The atmosphere of this book was soo good. Victorian era with different POVs that peeled back layers of a mysterious challenge that left questions unanswered until the very end...
The pace was very slow and the beginning was a bit hard to get into because of how little info we're given. Hector and Mr H. pissed me off so much with their roundabout way of answering questions, but I guess that's just their characters.
The magic system wasn't explained at all, and the characters were a bit cliche, but the descriptions of the circus was amazing. Each new magic tent was filled with such unique demonstrations that I absolutely loved!
We're given so little information by the characters about anything, a lot of them speak in riddles and leave so much out that I just pushed through, but I really enjoyed this book. The ending was worth it, although a bit predictable in terms of the main couple. We don't get a lot of resolution beyond them, but still a very interesting read.
The atmosphere of this book was soo good. Victorian era with different POVs that peeled back layers of a mysterious challenge that left questions unanswered until the very end...
The pace was very slow and the beginning was a bit hard to get into because of how little info we're given. Hector and Mr H. pissed me off so much with their roundabout way of answering questions, but I guess that's just their characters.
The magic system wasn't explained at all, and the characters were a bit cliche, but the descriptions of the circus was amazing. Each new magic tent was filled with such unique demonstrations that I absolutely loved!
We're given so little information by the characters about anything, a lot of them speak in riddles and leave so much out that I just pushed through, but I really enjoyed this book. The ending was worth it, although a bit predictable in terms of the main couple. We don't get a lot of resolution beyond them, but still a very interesting read.
..."Why do we wind our watch?”
“Because everything requires energy,” she recites obediently, eyes still focused on her hand.
“We must put effort and energy into anything we wish to change.” (p. 20).
“People are naïve about such things...And they would rather write them off as evil than attempt to understand them. An unfortunate truth, but a truth nonetheless.” (p. 35).
“Scent is often underestimated, when it can be the most evocative.” (p. 134).
(where's Dr. Louks when you need her!)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse and Death
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Suicide, Blood, and Death of parent
Minor: Murder
Never Whistle at Night: An Indigenous Dark Fiction Anthology by Shane Hawk, Theodore C. Van Alst Jr.
dark
mysterious
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Ride or Die by Gail-Agnes Musikavanhu
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Fun, mysterious, YA book
I really got into the mystery and could feel the tension between Loli and X, I thought the idea of them being "pen pals" was so cool and I was excited to see how they kept managing to one-up each other.
Loli was an interesting, 3-dimensial character. She felt incredibly fleshed out. She's confident, but chaotic, but also selfish and stubborn, and I think it's refreshing to see a young Black woman be unapologetic. She did what she wanted and that made the story so stress-inducing because you're able to see down what road she's going...
The mystery behind X was really interesting, I found myself paying attention to all the side characters to really try to suss him out. The side characters weren't totally background players, they had their own roles and stories too which was nice but I think it would've been cool to see more from them.
One thing that was a bit disappointing was that we don't get any real closure on her character arc at the end...There were no real consequences for Loli, even at the end. The adults in this whole town, including the cops, let her do whatever she want and that took me out of the story a bit.
The story was still good, definitely would recommend!
(I added a minor content warning for gun violence, but no one actually gets hurt, just threatened)
I really got into the mystery and could feel the tension between Loli and X, I thought the idea of them being "pen pals" was so cool and I was excited to see how they kept managing to one-up each other.
Loli was an interesting, 3-dimensial character. She felt incredibly fleshed out. She's confident, but chaotic, but also selfish and stubborn, and I think it's refreshing to see a young Black woman be unapologetic. She did what she wanted and that made the story so stress-inducing because you're able to see down what road she's going...
The mystery behind X was really interesting, I found myself paying attention to all the side characters to really try to suss him out. The side characters weren't totally background players, they had their own roles and stories too which was nice but I think it would've been cool to see more from them.
One thing that was a bit disappointing was that we don't get any real closure on her character arc at the end...There were no real consequences for Loli, even at the end. The adults in this whole town, including the cops, let her do whatever she want and that took me out of the story a bit.
The story was still good, definitely would recommend!
(I added a minor content warning for gun violence, but no one actually gets hurt, just threatened)
Content Warnings
Minor: Gun violence and Car accident
So Let Them Burn by Kamilah Cole
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
fast-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
4.0
(I received a copy of this book for free from the publisher Little, Brown Book Group (UK) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review)
This was such a fun book!
The characters were interesting, the magic system was unique, but I felt like there wasn't a lot of action.
There was some great rep (racially and sexuality-wise) with Elara being into girls and casual Queer relationships (the queen having two moms for example). I also think Faron's relationship with Reeve was fun to watch develop, especially as their both dedicated to Elara.
It went by very fast, and for the first part I genuinely thought I had started on book 2 or something because what do you mean we missed a whole war!? So listening to the main characters talk about these wars and battles that had already happened was a bit confusing for a second, I wish we could've experienced that with the characters instead of as exposition or flashbacks.
I think I would've liked to see more exposition on the worldbuilding though, some things weren't clear enough for me but maybe it'll clear up in the next book.
The characters were great. Having the alternating POV from Faron and Elara made the story interesting and I really liked both sisters. I liked how (spoiler for the last chapters):they basically switched at the end too. Faron really went through some development, and I'm curious to see where her story goes. I did have to remind myself that they're still pretty young kids though, so give them some grace...
We didn't really see a lot of fighting or action until the very end, which was disappointing.Faron really only used her powers for "kid-stuff" rather than anything substantial, especially when it would've saved the life of someone close to her.
The majority of the book felt dedicated to Characters > Plot, and it did have some romance side-plots for each sister, which is a plus if you're a fan of that.
The twist ending was a bit predictable, but it's a YA book so I didn't expect anything super complicated. Over all really great, can't wait for book 2!
This was such a fun book!
The characters were interesting, the magic system was unique, but I felt like there wasn't a lot of action.
There was some great rep (racially and sexuality-wise) with Elara being into girls and casual Queer relationships (the queen having two moms for example). I also think Faron's relationship with Reeve was fun to watch develop, especially as their both dedicated to Elara.
It went by very fast, and for the first part I genuinely thought I had started on book 2 or something because what do you mean we missed a whole war!? So listening to the main characters talk about these wars and battles that had already happened was a bit confusing for a second, I wish we could've experienced that with the characters instead of as exposition or flashbacks.
I think I would've liked to see more exposition on the worldbuilding though, some things weren't clear enough for me but maybe it'll clear up in the next book.
The characters were great. Having the alternating POV from Faron and Elara made the story interesting and I really liked both sisters. I liked how (spoiler for the last chapters):
We didn't really see a lot of fighting or action until the very end, which was disappointing.
The majority of the book felt dedicated to Characters > Plot, and it did have some romance side-plots for each sister, which is a plus if you're a fan of that.
The twist ending was a bit predictable, but it's a YA book so I didn't expect anything super complicated. Over all really great, can't wait for book 2!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Blood
Moderate: War
Minor: Racial slurs, Racism, and Colonisation
Butcher & Blackbird by Brynne Weaver
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-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? It's complicated
4.0
Surprisingly tame + lighthearted for the amount of horror content? I thought it was going to be a lot darker but it was a surprisingly good romance?
The fact that they only killed other serial killers also helped their case...
The first half was very murdery/dark but then we transitioned into a kitchen/restaurant book and honestly that was a bit jarring...I kind of forget they were murderers with how relatively normal their lives were?
The Big Baddie was also a bit out of left field? It didn't seem plausible at all and was just a bit unexpected and not in a good way so I took off a star for that....
Spoiler Rant on the Antagonist:What kind of cover a lobotomized servant anyways? And he just spent months washing dishes and at a care home as a cover? Just to get closer to them? I feel like there were better ways of doing this...Esp. when it was Sloan's idea to drive him cross-country to give him a job. Also, I felt like he wasn't hinted at or teased at all? He just showed up and that's it?
Will probably pick up book 2
The first half was very murdery/dark but then we transitioned into a kitchen/restaurant book and honestly that was a bit jarring...I kind of forget they were murderers with how relatively normal their lives were?
The Big Baddie was also a bit out of left field? It didn't seem plausible at all and was just a bit unexpected and not in a good way so I took off a star for that....
Spoiler Rant on the Antagonist:
Will probably pick up book 2
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Cannibalism, and Murder
Moderate: Torture and Stalking
Minor: Child abuse, Vomit, Kidnapping, and Death of parent
CONTENT & TRIGGER WARNINGS from the author:
As much as Butcher & Blackbird is a dark romantic comedy and will
hopefully make you laugh through the madness, it's still dark! Please read
responsibly. If you have questions about this list, please don't hesitate to
contact me at brynneweaverbooks.com or on one of my social media plat-
forms (I'm most active on Instagram and TikTok).
• Eyeballs and eye sockets
• Amateur surgery
• Skin ornaments
• Chainsaws, axes, knives, scalpels—a lot of sharp objects
• Accidental cannibalism
• Not-so-accidental cannibalism
• Questionable use of a mummified corpse
• Lobotomized manservant
• Ill-advised use of kitchen implements
• I'm sorry about the cookies-and-cream ice cream (I'm not
really)
• Detailed sex scenes, which include (but are not limited to)
cock warming, rough sex, praise kink, anal, adult toys, chok-
ing, spitting, dom/sub interactions, genital piercings
• References to parental neglect and child abuse
• Parental loss (not depicted)
• References to child sexual assault (not in detail)
• It's a book about serial killers, so there's some generally
messed-up murder and chaos
• Parental loss (not depicted)
• References to child sexual assault (not in detail)
• It's a book about serial killers, so there's some generally messed-up murder and chaos
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
sad
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? It's complicated
5.0
Fairest of All by Serena Valentino
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0