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voxvenati's reviews
172 reviews
Leech by Hiron Ennes
dark
emotional
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
Unique and goddamn refreshing. I earnestly cannot say I’ve read something like this before, and it was so very welcome.
So many of the things I could say in favor of this book are spoilers, but even the premise alone is a treat. I can’t express how often I’m let down after a promising synopsis and excellent first chapter. This was not one of those times.
Every chapter builds. Tension. Drama. Intrigue. Every character was crisp and distinct. Every nugget of world building fascinated me. The dialect of the locals. The fables. The history. I am left wanting. Ravenous for more.
It’s dense. It can be clinical at times. I loved it because it fits the narrative. And it does start to change.
I have never had a book reveal the narrator’s pronouns/gender so deep into the story, only to have me second guessing all my previous assumptions.
I have never had such a seamless experience reading about LGBTQ+ characters where they just are. It isn’t clumsy or ham-fisted. It’s natural. It’s real. It was so fucking good.
And my dear dead gods, the slow reveal of the post-apocalypse, that the Institute and Pseudomycota are a part of that of that too? Exquisite.
The only reason this wasn’t a full 5 stars is because I never got that overwhelming sense of dread. Still, pretty damn close.
This is all said with the understanding this is a horror. There are some difficult topics. There is medical horror, body horror, and all sorts of other things. Read the content warnings if you have triggers.
But if the premise piques your interest, and if you’re not too squeamish, this is a must read.
So many of the things I could say in favor of this book are spoilers, but even the premise alone is a treat. I can’t express how often I’m let down after a promising synopsis and excellent first chapter. This was not one of those times.
Every chapter builds. Tension. Drama. Intrigue. Every character was crisp and distinct. Every nugget of world building fascinated me. The dialect of the locals. The fables. The history. I am left wanting. Ravenous for more.
It’s dense. It can be clinical at times. I loved it because it fits the narrative. And it does start to change.
I have never had such a seamless experience reading about LGBTQ+ characters where they just are. It isn’t clumsy or ham-fisted. It’s natural. It’s real. It was so fucking good.
And my dear dead gods, the slow reveal of the post-apocalypse, that the Institute and Pseudomycota are a part of that of that too? Exquisite.
The only reason this wasn’t a full 5 stars is because I never got that overwhelming sense of dread. Still, pretty damn close.
This is all said with the understanding this is a horror. There are some difficult topics. There is medical horror, body horror, and all sorts of other things. Read the content warnings if you have triggers.
But if the premise piques your interest, and if you’re not too squeamish, this is a must read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child death, Death, Gore, Infidelity, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Medical trauma, and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Chronic illness, Confinement, Miscarriage, Rape, Sexual assault, Suicide, Pregnancy, and Alcohol
Minor: Animal cruelty, Eating disorder, and Cannibalism
Query by Zilla Novikov
emotional
funny
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? It's complicated
4.75
This was such a delightful read. I laughed. I surprised myself by crying. I had a fantastic time.
I almost don’t want to discuss specifics, because I went in knowing very little and was pleasantly surprised at every turn. What I will say is that the structure/formatting made this so much fun. Like a game. And the narrator was a treat.
I could have read another dozen letters.
All opinions are my own. Thank you to Zilla and the publisher for an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
I almost don’t want to discuss specifics, because I went in knowing very little and was pleasantly surprised at every turn. What I will say is that the structure/formatting made this so much fun. Like a game. And the narrator was a treat.
I could have read another dozen letters.
All opinions are my own. Thank you to Zilla and the publisher for an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
The Pain of Pleasure by Amy Grace Loyd
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
slow-paced
3.5
This book is a bit difficult to rate. Every piece on its own was strong - I enjoyed the characters, the topics, the prose - but it was hard to read. Intensely literary and at times clinical.
The plot was entirely character focused, and I’m not usually a fan of that, but it did work here. It just isn’t my usual sort of read.
There’s a bit of a mystery element to this work as well, and it turned out not to be about that so much as about the character. So, regarding that, I was a bit disappointed. I had also expected more of a religious element, but it wasn’t really there.
It was a gorgeous book, but very dense. Though there were certainly passages that made me feel deeply, it felt at times almost like reading a textbook.
All opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
The plot was entirely character focused, and I’m not usually a fan of that, but it did work here. It just isn’t my usual sort of read.
There’s a bit of a mystery element to this work as well, and it turned out not to be about that so much as about the character. So, regarding that, I was a bit disappointed. I had also expected more of a religious element, but it wasn’t really there.
It was a gorgeous book, but very dense. Though there were certainly passages that made me feel deeply, it felt at times almost like reading a textbook.
All opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
Silver Nitrate by Silvia Moreno-Garcia
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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
4.75
Delicious. I ate this up. Old horror films, cults, dark magic - a beautiful mix.
I loved both main characters. Montserrat and Tristán were utterly delightful. Both of them flawed and real. Fucked up in perfectly matched ways.
The pacing of the book was phenomenal. Some said it was a slow start, but I was never bored - the look into the Mexican film industry kept me engaged.
I liked the magic system - it made sense. And the overall vibes throughout were immaculate.
The only thing that I could have done with more of was a deeper look into the cult. We got a great look at the original members - Abel and all them - but we didn’t get much of the current day cult/cultists. I would have liked to see it.
It was a delight to read, and I will need to go out and buy a copy to annotate for my second read through!
All opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
I loved both main characters. Montserrat and Tristán were utterly delightful. Both of them flawed and real. Fucked up in perfectly matched ways.
The pacing of the book was phenomenal. Some said it was a slow start, but I was never bored - the look into the Mexican film industry kept me engaged.
I liked the magic system - it made sense. And the overall vibes throughout were immaculate.
The only thing that I could have done with more of was a deeper look into the cult.
It was a delight to read, and I will need to go out and buy a copy to annotate for my second read through!
All opinions are my own. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy in return for my honest review.
The Scourge Between Stars by Ness Brown
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This novella was a quick read, filled with some really good bits. I think I would have enjoyed it more if some things had been more fleshed out - characters named/built up, science delved into, more lore - but it is a novella. Expected.
That being said, it wasn’t all that scary, any twists weren’t too twisty, and I had a hard time keeping track of many of the secondary characters.
I loved Watson, loved the ending, liked Jack more than a lot of horror protags. Worth the read if the synopsis sounds intriguing to you.
That being said, it wasn’t all that scary, any twists weren’t too twisty, and I had a hard time keeping track of many of the secondary characters.
I loved Watson, loved the ending, liked Jack more than a lot of horror protags. Worth the read if the synopsis sounds intriguing to you.
All of Us Villains by C.L. Herman, Amanda Foody
dark
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? Yes
3.75
I liked this book, but it definitely feels YA. I could never get 100% past that and immerse myself in the story, but it was dark and brooding and fairly gory for what it was. I enjoyed the worldbuilding.
I liked the characters. Or liked to dislike some of them. They were all distinct and interesting. MacTavish is a good…hm…side character? Alistair is also fun, especially during his pathetic moments.
I do hope Hendry somehow makes it out of this…my baby boy…both of these brothers are just absolute sopping wet little meow meows.
The plot gets a little iffy. It’s where the YA of the book is the most visible imo. The book overall is fine - we do get some answers - but it’s not enough to feel satisfied with the plot by the end. There is just so much going on that is not resolved.
I will be reading the second book despite all qualms. The writing and characters and world pulled me through. Hope the duology ends on a banger.
I liked the characters. Or liked to dislike some of them. They were all distinct and interesting. MacTavish is a good…hm…side character? Alistair is also fun, especially during his pathetic moments.
The plot gets a little iffy. It’s where the YA of the book is the most visible imo. The book overall is fine - we do get some answers - but it’s not enough to feel satisfied with the plot by the end. There is just so much going on that is not resolved.
I will be reading the second book despite all qualms. The writing and characters and world pulled me through. Hope the duology ends on a banger.
The Salt Grows Heavy by Cassandra Khaw
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Gorgeous, gory, dripping with purple prose, and unexpected. This was an incredible leap from Nothing But Blackened Teeth and everything I wanted out of a dark fairytale.
Also, the audiobook narrator was phenomenal.
Also, the audiobook narrator was phenomenal.
Amari and the Night Brothers by B.B. Alston
adventurous
lighthearted
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
4.5
This was a very sweet, fluffy fantasy. Easy to consume in long sprints. The magical world does feel similar to Artemis Fowl. And while there are some references to harder topics, it still feels like a soft world. Not easy for Amari, but manageable. She has people on her side.
It does read very young, but it’s middle grade. It feels like a perfect fit for 8-10 yo readers. 11+ might find it a little predictable, but it’s a fun little world that everyone can get something out of.
Overall, it was very cute! I will be reading the rest of the series. If I was 8, I would have devoured these, and my rating is from that perspective.
It does read very young, but it’s middle grade. It feels like a perfect fit for 8-10 yo readers. 11+ might find it a little predictable, but it’s a fun little world that everyone can get something out of.
Overall, it was very cute! I will be reading the rest of the series. If I was 8, I would have devoured these, and my rating is from that perspective.
Save the Cat! Writes a Young Adult Novel by Jessica Brody
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.75
Jessica Brody approached the topic with a good mix of humor, clear instruction, and plenty of examples to back it up. I read this to help a friend with their YA novel, but the content is applicable across the board.
I compared a bit with the original Save the Cat! Writes a Novel, and the YA edition does seem to have some new content, or expanded content, especially in regards to plotting a series. Some chapters are also formatted in an easier-to-consume way. An upgrade overall, I think.
Worth the read if you’re an author - YA or otherwise!
I compared a bit with the original Save the Cat! Writes a Novel, and the YA edition does seem to have some new content, or expanded content, especially in regards to plotting a series. Some chapters are also formatted in an easier-to-consume way. An upgrade overall, I think.
Worth the read if you’re an author - YA or otherwise!
A Court of Wings and Ruin by Sarah J. Maas
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
0.0
This ending was just so bad. At least the first book was campy, which made it fun to a degree. And the second book…it was bad, but somehow not as boring as this one.
How the fuck are you going to have a book about war and have no depth? No humanity? Nothing that feels real? Everything was superficial. Action for action’s sake. Smh. This was just embarrassing to read tbh.
No one died? For real?? The stakes are nonexistent at this point. I should not be surprised, given SJM’s track record with this series.
Oh, also, gotta love the war crimes our “good guys” are committing. Love that for us. Ex: killing a surrendering enemy, waterboarding/death by torture/drowning, etc…
The magic “system” degrades further with each book - I doubt even Sarah Janet knows what the fuck is happening here.
Poor Lucien is reduced to nothing in this book. He deserved better. What the fuck was that bullshit “quest”???
And what the fuck did SJM do with Tamlin?? A whole lot of NOTHING. This fandom’s obsession with him had me prepared for some heinous shit, but this little baby boy did nothing at all except pout. The fuck?
Not a single thing that was set up had a meaningful payoff. Elain’s Sight. The Carver. Fucking character arcs (Rhys needs to learn to rely on others and not drain himself to the point of death. Oh? He did that anyway? Okay.) Smh. Really amateur writing here. Learn how to set up some real plot threads before wasting my time on hundreds of pages of this bullshit.
I don’t want to keep going, and SJM does not deserve my time or yours. There are better authors out there.
How the fuck are you going to have a book about war and have no depth? No humanity? Nothing that feels real? Everything was superficial. Action for action’s sake. Smh. This was just embarrassing to read tbh.
Oh, also, gotta love the war crimes our “good guys” are committing. Love that for us. Ex: killing a surrendering enemy, waterboarding/death by torture/drowning, etc…
The magic “system” degrades further with each book - I doubt even Sarah Janet knows what the fuck is happening here.
Poor Lucien is reduced to nothing in this book. He deserved better. What the fuck was that bullshit “quest”???
And what the fuck did SJM do with Tamlin?? A whole lot of NOTHING. This fandom’s obsession with him had me prepared for some heinous shit, but this little baby boy did nothing at all except pout. The fuck?
Not a single thing that was set up had a meaningful payoff. Elain’s Sight. The Carver. Fucking character arcs (Rhys needs to learn to rely on others and not drain himself to the point of death. Oh? He did that anyway? Okay.) Smh. Really amateur writing here. Learn how to set up some real plot threads before wasting my time on hundreds of pages of this bullshit.
I don’t want to keep going, and SJM does not deserve my time or yours. There are better authors out there.