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blithesquesttoread's reviews
476 reviews
Wondrous - an aro/ace coming of age story by A Colorful Reader
5.0
I gave it a lot of thought about how I wanted to review this but aahhh there's nothing much to say except that GO READ THIS WEBTOON IT'S SUPER AWESOME!
With such few aroace content coming to light, it was honestly nothing short of a miracle when I found wondrous. Before I begin pls note that aroace experiences cannot be defined same for everyone and while a good portion might perfectly sync with Paisley and her experience, there might be equally good portion who wouldn't.
If I have to convince you to read this Webcomic in a few words, I would say aroace, diverse Queer cast and lovely art. But that's not it.
It so wonderfully navigates how it feels to be aroace in a very allonormative world, with people constantly enforcing sexual and romantic attraction while narrating how "the one" will definitely come in your life and making you fall in love and all that stuff. Her doubts, her fear of coming out to her friend - everything resonated very deeply with me and aahh another reading is due soon <3
Another thing I appreciated a lot about this Webcomic is that every page had a content warning in case something triggering might happen in the following pages!
With such few aroace content coming to light, it was honestly nothing short of a miracle when I found wondrous. Before I begin pls note that aroace experiences cannot be defined same for everyone and while a good portion might perfectly sync with Paisley and her experience, there might be equally good portion who wouldn't.
If I have to convince you to read this Webcomic in a few words, I would say aroace, diverse Queer cast and lovely art. But that's not it.
It so wonderfully navigates how it feels to be aroace in a very allonormative world, with people constantly enforcing sexual and romantic attraction while narrating how "the one" will definitely come in your life and making you fall in love and all that stuff. Her doubts, her fear of coming out to her friend - everything resonated very deeply with me and aahh another reading is due soon <3
Another thing I appreciated a lot about this Webcomic is that every page had a content warning in case something triggering might happen in the following pages!
The Holiday Switch by Tif Marcelo
4.0
I didn't realize how long it has been since I read this book... but I am even more surprised that it seems like I finished it just yesterday.
There were a couple of reasons why I chose to read this book: Filipino representation (pls, I will read any book which has Asian rep), Christmas/Holiday setting and the fact that it is YA. I have read many Christmas stories but it is rare to see YA added to the specific holiday mix. Oh and did I mention that our main character - Lila - works at a gift shop where she is running her free library? And the gorgeous cover. These are all the reasons why this book caught my eye. But these aren't the only reasons why I kept on reading it.
First of all, I really liked how the book started. The plot setting was honestly very amazing - the author discussed the holiday festivities but it didn't overwhelm the other elements of the book. And oh wow Lila writes book reviews and reading her journey through writing blogs and working was very interesting. Not to mention the books and their reviews mentioned in the book.
Lila works at the Bookworm Inn's gift shop, owned by her mother's friend, where she started working from a young age because of her free library. Before going off to the college, she wants to work as many hours as she can to ensure that her college funding is sorted out without her burdening her parents. But her plans are kept on hold as the extra working hours are given to a newbie - Teddy - and right from the beginning they don't see eye to eye.
The interactions that took place between Lila and Teddy in the beginning were really amusing and it was even better to see how their relationship grew. Dating is never a light subject in an Asian household and it clearly showed in the book with the characters being hesitant to discover their relationship dynamics but at the same time wanting to explore things while taking it slow.
Another amazing part of the book was the familial bonding. Lila was super close to her family and her actions, thoughts and literally everything else told us that time and again. The family interactions were so cute and sweet to read about, and picturing them in my head was definitely amazing. Apart from that, while the book was set in festive season there were a few important topics that were discussed. One of such was Teddy, his family dynamics and the "secret" he was keeping in. While it wouldn't be considered to be that big, it were the intentions and feelings that mattered behind him keeping the secret. A different kind of familial bond was seen during that moment and I was here for that.
Other than that what caught my attention in the book was - how Teddy's aunt had to be at okayish terms with her family because she decided to seek her dreams and her passion regarding how she wanted to work. That was a part which isn't uncommon to see. Another thing was how Lila's family navigated through the whole process of not only being financially unstable but also dealing with online hate comments, invasion of privacy etc. It was also very interesting to see the character development throughout the novel and how the characters decided to go after what they truly wanted. I am not kidding when I say I wanted this book to go on a little longer!
Trigger Warnings: discussion of concussion, dealing with financial insecurity and online hate comments and invasion of privacy
Note: I was provided with an arc of this book in exchange of an honest review
There were a couple of reasons why I chose to read this book: Filipino representation (pls, I will read any book which has Asian rep), Christmas/Holiday setting and the fact that it is YA. I have read many Christmas stories but it is rare to see YA added to the specific holiday mix. Oh and did I mention that our main character - Lila - works at a gift shop where she is running her free library? And the gorgeous cover. These are all the reasons why this book caught my eye. But these aren't the only reasons why I kept on reading it.
First of all, I really liked how the book started. The plot setting was honestly very amazing - the author discussed the holiday festivities but it didn't overwhelm the other elements of the book. And oh wow Lila writes book reviews and reading her journey through writing blogs and working was very interesting. Not to mention the books and their reviews mentioned in the book.
Lila works at the Bookworm Inn's gift shop, owned by her mother's friend, where she started working from a young age because of her free library. Before going off to the college, she wants to work as many hours as she can to ensure that her college funding is sorted out without her burdening her parents. But her plans are kept on hold as the extra working hours are given to a newbie - Teddy - and right from the beginning they don't see eye to eye.
The interactions that took place between Lila and Teddy in the beginning were really amusing and it was even better to see how their relationship grew. Dating is never a light subject in an Asian household and it clearly showed in the book with the characters being hesitant to discover their relationship dynamics but at the same time wanting to explore things while taking it slow.
Another amazing part of the book was the familial bonding. Lila was super close to her family and her actions, thoughts and literally everything else told us that time and again. The family interactions were so cute and sweet to read about, and picturing them in my head was definitely amazing. Apart from that, while the book was set in festive season there were a few important topics that were discussed. One of such was Teddy, his family dynamics and the "secret" he was keeping in. While it wouldn't be considered to be that big, it were the intentions and feelings that mattered behind him keeping the secret. A different kind of familial bond was seen during that moment and I was here for that.
Other than that what caught my attention in the book was - how Teddy's aunt had to be at okayish terms with her family because she decided to seek her dreams and her passion regarding how she wanted to work. That was a part which isn't uncommon to see. Another thing was how Lila's family navigated through the whole process of not only being financially unstable but also dealing with online hate comments, invasion of privacy etc. It was also very interesting to see the character development throughout the novel and how the characters decided to go after what they truly wanted. I am not kidding when I say I wanted this book to go on a little longer!
Trigger Warnings: discussion of concussion, dealing with financial insecurity and online hate comments and invasion of privacy
Note: I was provided with an arc of this book in exchange of an honest review
Own Your Period by Chella Quint, Giovana Medeiros
4.0
I honestly love reading to know as much as I can about menstruation and any book talking about periods while not directing it to "only girl child" is something I like forward to reading. And this book did well in expressing periods through an inclusive lens and I also loved how it provided period positivity for the younger audience - from discussing various stereotypes and stigmas and breaking them and also discussing menstrual and vaginal health. It also discussed products that can be used while menstruation and basically provided an information guide to physiological, anatomical and psychological conditions that might be present due to menstruation. Another thing that I really liked was the discussion about menopause and the hormonal changes that usually take place in menstruators due to menstrual cycle throughout the month. And not gonna lie, I am very happy that I got to read it and my much younger self would have appreciated it.
But, well, there were certain things that could have been included in the book because they are equally, if not more so, imperative to talk about. There are a lot of illnesses related to periods and just giving mentioning it and saying that diagnosis might help doesn't really helps. This is actually more important keeping in mind that many people don't go for a diagnosis that easily. A more detailed discussion could have taken place for the same.
Another thing that I wasn't personally comfortable with is the supposed "normalization" of period pain. I guess it is safe to assume that people who will be aware about period positivity so highlighting it as something really, idk, fascinating? won't be comfortable with everyone. I know about this because of two reasons: a) I love being sensitized about menstruation and at the same time letting others know about it and b) I personally don't like periods at all. It is a personal discomfort I have been dealing with since a long time and honestly the period books should really also talk about the not so okay parts about periods that menstruators have to deal with.
I really recommend checking out Holly's review for the same.
Note: I was provided an arc copy of this book in exchange of an honest review
But, well, there were certain things that could have been included in the book because they are equally, if not more so, imperative to talk about. There are a lot of illnesses related to periods and just giving mentioning it and saying that diagnosis might help doesn't really helps. This is actually more important keeping in mind that many people don't go for a diagnosis that easily. A more detailed discussion could have taken place for the same.
Another thing that I wasn't personally comfortable with is the supposed "normalization" of period pain. I guess it is safe to assume that people who will be aware about period positivity so highlighting it as something really, idk, fascinating? won't be comfortable with everyone. I know about this because of two reasons: a) I love being sensitized about menstruation and at the same time letting others know about it and b) I personally don't like periods at all. It is a personal discomfort I have been dealing with since a long time and honestly the period books should really also talk about the not so okay parts about periods that menstruators have to deal with.
I really recommend checking out Holly's review for the same.
Note: I was provided an arc copy of this book in exchange of an honest review
Would You Like To Be A Family? by Koyama
3.0
This manga has a cutee collection of different stories of m/m romance and how a few people ended up not only discovering their sexuality, but also their what they were missing in life. It also includes graphic sex scenes between two couples. I do recommend it to people who are looking for a short and sweet lgbtq+ manga to read!
Paradise on Fire by Jewell Parker Rhodes
5.0
Trigger Warnings: Wildfire, death due to fire, mentions of death due to gunfire, burns and scars, mentions of death, mentions of racism and lack of resources
There’s a very important thing I wanna say about this book – it needs to be read by people. Addy’s character is so well portrayed and developed throughout the book, it was really amazing to read about. And the book discussed certain really necessary themes – climate change and wildfires, trauma and BIPOC struggles.
The book is relatively short. It’s a book that took me around 3-4 hours to finish across two days but what’s imperative is that the hours I spent without reading it, I was constantly thinking about the book and things related to it. The book quickly gave us a glimpse of how Addy lived – and more than that, how she constantly battled her childhood trauma. Her character was intricately written with a kid’s innocence and an adult’s wisdom. She was very much into maps and escape paths and later on she realized how much nature meant for her, somewhere she felt home.
There were many characters apart from Addy and their stories briefly passed by me, maybe because they weren’t the center of the story. I actually appreciated how Addy’s distance from her camp mates not only told us about Addy or the character growth, but it also made me feel weirdly connected to them. Granted, there were some people – especially Jamie and Dylan – who were hard to connect with but seeing the book and their characteristics, it seemed that it was how their character was supposed to be. I especially loved the few glimpses we got to see in everyone’s past, especially Leo, Jay and Nessa.
Coming onto the story setting, the book does get a bit intense from the second half as the wildfire starts. I swear I don't know how they all made it to safety and I am pretty sure it wouldn't have been possible if Addy wasn't present there. I live at a pace where the summer beats down real hard but I honestly cannot imagine the struggle people have to go through while battling wildfires. Why it was intense to read? Because people were hurting but the nature was also hurting so much, it was honestly very painful. The afterword especially caught my attention. The book is small, it is centered around kids but it is relevant to everyone.
The book also discussed the living patterns of black kids in the city. The discussions didn't ran deep and they weren't introduced as a means to criticize, rather it told the real experiences of people and the struggles they faced. One of which was not being able to experience wilderness and survival methods, the other being swimming which was crucial for their survival.
I loved how map making was seen as an art instead of hobby because I personally learned a thing or two about map making and topography. As the copy I had was an early copy, the art accompanying the text wasn’t visible but oh boy am I excited to see it! What more I liked about this book was the focus on environment and global warming. Paradise on Fire didn’t only give me a sense of motivation to explore and nurture the nature around me, it also provided me with few insights about forests and mountaineering.
I especially loved to see Addy's arc development and her friends - Nessa, DeShon and Jay. Survival isn't an easy thing to do and the way they navigated through the wildfire and the struggle together, was really amazing to see. Overall, I recommend this book multifold! Honestly it's amazing and the missing parts of the book (like the art) will come with the book's publication.
I was provided with an arc copy in exchange of honest review
There’s a very important thing I wanna say about this book – it needs to be read by people. Addy’s character is so well portrayed and developed throughout the book, it was really amazing to read about. And the book discussed certain really necessary themes – climate change and wildfires, trauma and BIPOC struggles.
The book is relatively short. It’s a book that took me around 3-4 hours to finish across two days but what’s imperative is that the hours I spent without reading it, I was constantly thinking about the book and things related to it. The book quickly gave us a glimpse of how Addy lived – and more than that, how she constantly battled her childhood trauma. Her character was intricately written with a kid’s innocence and an adult’s wisdom. She was very much into maps and escape paths and later on she realized how much nature meant for her, somewhere she felt home.
There were many characters apart from Addy and their stories briefly passed by me, maybe because they weren’t the center of the story. I actually appreciated how Addy’s distance from her camp mates not only told us about Addy or the character growth, but it also made me feel weirdly connected to them. Granted, there were some people – especially Jamie and Dylan – who were hard to connect with but seeing the book and their characteristics, it seemed that it was how their character was supposed to be. I especially loved the few glimpses we got to see in everyone’s past, especially Leo, Jay and Nessa.
Coming onto the story setting, the book does get a bit intense from the second half as the wildfire starts. I swear I don't know how they all made it to safety and I am pretty sure it wouldn't have been possible if Addy wasn't present there. I live at a pace where the summer beats down real hard but I honestly cannot imagine the struggle people have to go through while battling wildfires. Why it was intense to read? Because people were hurting but the nature was also hurting so much, it was honestly very painful. The afterword especially caught my attention. The book is small, it is centered around kids but it is relevant to everyone.
The book also discussed the living patterns of black kids in the city. The discussions didn't ran deep and they weren't introduced as a means to criticize, rather it told the real experiences of people and the struggles they faced. One of which was not being able to experience wilderness and survival methods, the other being swimming which was crucial for their survival.
I loved how map making was seen as an art instead of hobby because I personally learned a thing or two about map making and topography. As the copy I had was an early copy, the art accompanying the text wasn’t visible but oh boy am I excited to see it! What more I liked about this book was the focus on environment and global warming. Paradise on Fire didn’t only give me a sense of motivation to explore and nurture the nature around me, it also provided me with few insights about forests and mountaineering.
I especially loved to see Addy's arc development and her friends - Nessa, DeShon and Jay. Survival isn't an easy thing to do and the way they navigated through the wildfire and the struggle together, was really amazing to see. Overall, I recommend this book multifold! Honestly it's amazing and the missing parts of the book (like the art) will come with the book's publication.
I was provided with an arc copy in exchange of honest review
It All Comes Back to You by Farah Naz Rishi
4.0
Trigger Warnings: Loss of parent, emotional abuse and restrictive parents, mentions of terminal disease, theme discussions of grief and guilt, mentions of bullying and drug abuse and islamophobia, mention of arson and
Okay, not gonna lie, I am still struggling to process my feelings towards this book because it was like a package of emotions - heartbreak, love, suffering, hate and frustration among others. The fact that this book started on a high note and continued throughout the book with that note is so amazing !
The book is told with dual perspective - of Deen and Kiran - and some snippets of conversation from the Cambria. Now, it is quite obvious that they are the main characters in the book, but the story's plot is highly focused around Deen's and Kiran's protectiveness of their siblings, Faisal and Amira respectively. It is also around their past experiences and how their decisions, or shall I say schemes, are concentrated towards what happened. Now let me tell you the book might come across as rom-com or enemies to lovers, but I really don't want to categorize this book as any of those. It's not fluffy at all unless certain cute moments in between. The book heavily focuses on familial relations. Although, there is a possibility of love happening between our main leads...
I really liked the flow of the story and how the events didn't seem to be forced. The story flew naturally and I was very hooked to it. The setting and the character representation was also very spot on. I was especially... engrossed? in the story because of the desi representation and the snippets of culture I could see throughout the book. While I am not really into visiting weddings, trust me desi weddings are fun but at the same time soo exhausting! And they are basically one whole day of interaction with people you didn't even know existed. But moving on, I really enjoyed reading the whole journey of them navigation through the wedding.
Honestly, the moments when I heard urdu being spoken in the book, the Bollywood mentions and especially the song from Padmaavat (the book didn't mention which song it was from the movie, but I have a feeling it was "Ek Dil Ek Jaan"), the sweets and the festivities were extremely refreshing. The thing where I stumbled a bit was the characters. I understand why Faisal and Deen weren't willing to talk about their past and I understand how Kiran felt after her mom's death and the fast moving events - marriage etc. in the book but I still couldn't make sense of the schemes she organized to break the wedding. And it was even more frustrating to see how Faisal and Amira actually believed those events. I know the whole point was to tell us that it was too soon for them to marry, but the lack of communication - it is a common trope and it was used plentiful in this book.
Furthermore, the book also discussed some really important things, of which bullying, restrictive parents, drug usage and parental loss were in the center. And yes, the plot of the book was surrounded around this more than the romance. There were some really sweet parts in the book, but overall, I don't think it can be seen as a fluffy read. As I said, miscommunication and some questionable decisions were a few things that you will encounter every few chapters in the book, so while you might like the story, there is a possibility it might seem a bit excessive at some parts.
There was character development present in the book and while we did see all of them questioning their actions throughout the book, I wasn't particularly fully satisfied with it. There was something I felt was missing but I haven't still figured out what. But I am not lying when I say that this book can be adapted as an amazing Bollywood movie and I swear I will watch it multiple times because it will be just as much thrilling. And yes, I do recommend this book A LOT because the dancing bits, the chasing after dreams trope, the realization of what they have been doing and what they want etc. will not let you put this book down. And I can't guarantee, but there is a possibility that this book might make you cry, at least towards this end. And trust me, your emotions will be running high when reading this book!!
I was provided with an arc copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
Spoiler
felonyOkay, not gonna lie, I am still struggling to process my feelings towards this book because it was like a package of emotions - heartbreak, love, suffering, hate and frustration among others. The fact that this book started on a high note and continued throughout the book with that note is so amazing !
The book is told with dual perspective - of Deen and Kiran - and some snippets of conversation from the Cambria. Now, it is quite obvious that they are the main characters in the book, but the story's plot is highly focused around Deen's and Kiran's protectiveness of their siblings, Faisal and Amira respectively. It is also around their past experiences and how their decisions, or shall I say schemes, are concentrated towards what happened. Now let me tell you the book might come across as rom-com or enemies to lovers, but I really don't want to categorize this book as any of those. It's not fluffy at all unless certain cute moments in between. The book heavily focuses on familial relations. Although, there is a possibility of love happening between our main leads...
Spoiler
they get to know that the person they have been crushing on through Cambria is the other one and while they know that they can start something, they don't because everything is messy. However we do get a glimmer of hope for a possible future.I really liked the flow of the story and how the events didn't seem to be forced. The story flew naturally and I was very hooked to it. The setting and the character representation was also very spot on. I was especially... engrossed? in the story because of the desi representation and the snippets of culture I could see throughout the book. While I am not really into visiting weddings, trust me desi weddings are fun but at the same time soo exhausting! And they are basically one whole day of interaction with people you didn't even know existed. But moving on, I really enjoyed reading the whole journey of them navigation through the wedding.
Honestly, the moments when I heard urdu being spoken in the book, the Bollywood mentions and especially the song from Padmaavat (the book didn't mention which song it was from the movie, but I have a feeling it was "Ek Dil Ek Jaan"), the sweets and the festivities were extremely refreshing. The thing where I stumbled a bit was the characters. I understand why Faisal and Deen weren't willing to talk about their past and I understand how Kiran felt after her mom's death and the fast moving events - marriage etc. in the book but I still couldn't make sense of the schemes she organized to break the wedding. And it was even more frustrating to see how Faisal and Amira actually believed those events. I know the whole point was to tell us that it was too soon for them to marry, but the lack of communication - it is a common trope and it was used plentiful in this book.
Furthermore, the book also discussed some really important things, of which bullying, restrictive parents, drug usage and parental loss were in the center. And yes, the plot of the book was surrounded around this more than the romance. There were some really sweet parts in the book, but overall, I don't think it can be seen as a fluffy read. As I said, miscommunication and some questionable decisions were a few things that you will encounter every few chapters in the book, so while you might like the story, there is a possibility it might seem a bit excessive at some parts.
There was character development present in the book and while we did see all of them questioning their actions throughout the book, I wasn't particularly fully satisfied with it. There was something I felt was missing but I haven't still figured out what. But I am not lying when I say that this book can be adapted as an amazing Bollywood movie and I swear I will watch it multiple times because it will be just as much thrilling. And yes, I do recommend this book A LOT because the dancing bits, the chasing after dreams trope, the realization of what they have been doing and what they want etc. will not let you put this book down. And I can't guarantee, but there is a possibility that this book might make you cry, at least towards this end. And trust me, your emotions will be running high when reading this book!!
I was provided with an arc copy of the book in exchange for an honest review
This Wonderful Season With You by Atsuko Yusen
May contain spoilers
Oh, this manga proved to be good but at the same time questionable and now I am confused as to what rating I should give it, so I am just gonna list down my opinions here.
First of all, the artwork was really good! The character design as well as the placements of words seemed good to read through so that was a really good thing about it. Furthermore, it discussed - in just a few chapters - some really important things related to bullying, divorce and homophobia.
However, there were a few things that I found really uncomfortable. Starting with the "segregation" and name calling of supposedly two different sects of people. I mean it's nothing new and can be seen really everywhere, it felt that it was being unnecessarily being dragged here and formed the major plot of "opposites attract". It would have been much better if the story just highlighted personality differences instead of physical (big guy and small guy) and social (loved by everyone and called a mushroom by everyone else) differences.
But more than that, the fact that Enoki was willing to change... to build up his physique just to satisfy Shirataki, didn't swim well with me. The manga ended up finishing on a note where it portrayed that Enoki doing something he isn't comfortable with was okay just because he was in love with Shirataki and wanted to do so for him. Which brings me to the whole topic of consent and boundaries and... guilt tripping? The "love scene" at the end was honestly not what I was anticipating and it was just so wrong on every level. Enoki expressed before how he wasn't ready to have sex with Shirataki (it was also because he felt insecure about his body) but even after working out or whatever, he wasn't ready but he wanted to do it out of his love. And Shirataki expressed how he was frustrated when Enoki said "wait" without giving explanation because of which Enoki felt bad and decided to give it a go. Shirataki even imposed this absurd three times wait and then stop rule which he followed but then after Enoki said wait three times, he said how he was really looking forward to have sex with Enoki due to which he finally said "let's go all the way". I mean it was wrong on all levels.
That whole scene really bugged me a lot. The consent, boundaries and affirmative response in a sexual relationship (well, all kinds of relationships honestly) is really important which this manga didn't end up portraying well.
Trigger Warnings: Homophobia, bullying, divorce, name calling, graphic sex
I received an arc copy in exchange of an honest review
Oh, this manga proved to be good but at the same time questionable and now I am confused as to what rating I should give it, so I am just gonna list down my opinions here.
First of all, the artwork was really good! The character design as well as the placements of words seemed good to read through so that was a really good thing about it. Furthermore, it discussed - in just a few chapters - some really important things related to bullying, divorce and homophobia.
However, there were a few things that I found really uncomfortable. Starting with the "segregation" and name calling of supposedly two different sects of people. I mean it's nothing new and can be seen really everywhere, it felt that it was being unnecessarily being dragged here and formed the major plot of "opposites attract". It would have been much better if the story just highlighted personality differences instead of physical (big guy and small guy) and social (loved by everyone and called a mushroom by everyone else) differences.
But more than that, the fact that Enoki was willing to change... to build up his physique just to satisfy Shirataki, didn't swim well with me. The manga ended up finishing on a note where it portrayed that Enoki doing something he isn't comfortable with was okay just because he was in love with Shirataki and wanted to do so for him. Which brings me to the whole topic of consent and boundaries and... guilt tripping? The "love scene" at the end was honestly not what I was anticipating and it was just so wrong on every level. Enoki expressed before how he wasn't ready to have sex with Shirataki (it was also because he felt insecure about his body) but even after working out or whatever, he wasn't ready but he wanted to do it out of his love. And Shirataki expressed how he was frustrated when Enoki said "wait" without giving explanation because of which Enoki felt bad and decided to give it a go. Shirataki even imposed this absurd three times wait and then stop rule which he followed but then after Enoki said wait three times, he said how he was really looking forward to have sex with Enoki due to which he finally said "let's go all the way". I mean it was wrong on all levels.
That whole scene really bugged me a lot. The consent, boundaries and affirmative response in a sexual relationship (well, all kinds of relationships honestly) is really important which this manga didn't end up portraying well.
Trigger Warnings: Homophobia, bullying, divorce, name calling, graphic sex
I received an arc copy in exchange of an honest review
Crumbs: Season 1 by Whitherling
For non-book records, review text and ratings are hidden. Only mood, pace, and content warnings are visible.
And They Lived Happily Ever After by Therese Beharrie
5.0
Where do I even begin with this book y'all? It's such an amazing read... Fight me if you think it wasn't good
The Gilded Ones by Namina Forna
5.0
The Gilded Ones was a splendid book to read! I loved how women were the powerful center in this whole novel. And the second thing that I really loved about it was that was how there was a different intake to patriarchy and misogyny.
I mean in a general sense it is often seen that to show empowerment, these concepts are usually neglected to have a more serene outlook, but the thing about this novel was that it was very much in your face from the starting. The ritual, the masks etc. is so similar to what we see even now in many patriarchal society to somehow ‘tame’ women and the same was seen in this novel too. Women empowerment was seen by actively dismantling this very oppressive system. Furthermore, racism and colorism were also explored greatly throughout the book.
It’s after a long time that I read such a refreshing fantasy novel exploring so many topics! I am really eager to read the second installment and get to know more about the world setting.
Trigger Warnings: Rape, Torture, Graphic Violence, Colorism, Trauma Abuse
I was provided with an arc copy by the publisher in exchange for an honest review!
I mean in a general sense it is often seen that to show empowerment, these concepts are usually neglected to have a more serene outlook, but the thing about this novel was that it was very much in your face from the starting. The ritual, the masks etc. is so similar to what we see even now in many patriarchal society to somehow ‘tame’ women and the same was seen in this novel too. Women empowerment was seen by actively dismantling this very oppressive system. Furthermore, racism and colorism were also explored greatly throughout the book.
It’s after a long time that I read such a refreshing fantasy novel exploring so many topics! I am really eager to read the second installment and get to know more about the world setting.
Trigger Warnings: Rape, Torture, Graphic Violence, Colorism, Trauma Abuse
I was provided with an arc copy by the publisher in exchange for an honest review!