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shereadytoread's Reviews (824)
informative
This was a pretty good read. I think it is a good option for both someone that is well-versed in parapsychology, but also someone that is newly interested as it will introduce a lot of basic theories and concepts before expanding on them. I do think that this author comes with a clear view that he is a believer, and at points appears biased in how they are interpreting information. But he does present counter arguments of ways that paranormal phenomena can be explained, just in a separate chapter rather than when he is presenting his argument directly. Overall, not a bad read.
medium-paced
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
So overall this book was interesting and kept me entertained. The main plot is based around a suspenseful mystery of the ghost character's death. It is told in 3 POVs of the ghost, empath and werewolf. There were some points that it seemed overcomplicated for no reason, but I think they were suppose to be plot twists? It didn't really come off as that because there was little build so we already were not sure what to expect. After I purchased this book, I realized it was a Wattpad book ... and it does read like a wattpad story where chapters are written one at a time rather than a cohesive preplanned plot.
A point for me is that there was representation of an intersex, nonbinary Asian character. Now as I don't identify with those groups, I am not a clear judge on problematic representation but I will say it came off as exoticizing. This queer character is also a sex worker based in japanese folklore who gives everyone a Japanese nickname. It just felt like ... a lot.
A point for me is that there was representation of an intersex, nonbinary Asian character. Now as I don't identify with those groups, I am not a clear judge on problematic representation but I will say it came off as exoticizing. This queer character is also a sex worker based in japanese folklore who gives everyone a Japanese nickname. It just felt like ... a lot.
This book had perfect setting, atmosphere and build until it took a STRONG left turn into a sexual haunting that culminates in sexual assault on female characters (one of whom is a child). The issue is that there is no reason for the haunting to manifest in that way. It is never explained and the root of the haunting is not sexual in any way so it served no purpose and really undermined the rest of the story for me. In addition there seems to be a specific choice that all the women in the book are unlikable and all the men are so kind and agreeable and do nothing wrong (outside of one man who is at odds with the MMC). I mean almost every single one. The wife's friends are argumentative, the wife pushed him to move and this is her fault, the daughter is mean for no reason, the realtor he blatantly states he "doesn't like for no specific reason". I mean ... this book was a case study in I don't like women and also there is a ghost.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault
During a scene in the first few pages where she is being attacked, she reflects on why she didn't have to "put up" with that type of behavior from a man, one of which being that she is "mixed" so she has "long, full hair". *cue eye roll*. On to the next book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse
Moderate: Gun violence
adventurous
dark
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I really enjoyed this book. Each of the main characters had very distinct personalities and the conflicting relationships added interesting subplots to the main story. The pacing of the story was well-done. My only real issue with this book is the cast was too big for the size of the book and the intricacy of the magic system. Each of the 4 girls is a different type of witch, plus supporting characters that are their own types of witch and other creatures. While it was all really interesting, it unfortunately was too short to fully explore these different types of magic along with their backstories (which I thought were all very well conceived). Overall, I really really enjoy the story; I just wish it was longer with more exploration of all the concepts presented.
emotional
reflective
I can't say enough good things about this book. The variety of essays included run the spectrum of sexuality and gender identities. Some of the entries are fictionalized or narrative based reflections and others are memoir style reflections. There are a few that are more specifically informational but those were the minority. I have the print of this book but I did listen to the audiobook which I think worked well because there is a lot of different narrators for each chapter which makes them stick out more than reading them print without a voice to imagine for each one.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
N/A
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
4.5 rounded up. Overall this was an excellent read! I enjoyed the background of the fantasy elements that were built into the general world.
Pros:
- great representation of deaf character including the limitations of accommodations and aids, as well as general difficulty in accessing individualized accommodations
- plot was engaging with both a mystery and urban fantasy adventure
- good supporting characters that were actively involved throughout the story
- plot twists (?) or reveals that worked well in pushing the story forward
Cons:
- slightly repetitive language in how the main character is described
- some unnecessary repetitive filler in the formation of the friendship between the two main characters (honestly how many times do I need to hear “you’re suppose to stay away from her” before you tell me why! And repeated “every morning in class blah blah lol)
Potentially relevant information: One of the primary characters is a Muslim woman who wears a hijab. I have seen concerns that this character engaging in the ability/magic she does is problematic. I have read the full review of one of the sensitivity readers who read for and approved of this representation due to it being an innate ability/power as all the other characters have, not engaging in a magic practice.
Pros:
- great representation of deaf character including the limitations of accommodations and aids, as well as general difficulty in accessing individualized accommodations
- plot was engaging with both a mystery and urban fantasy adventure
- good supporting characters that were actively involved throughout the story
- plot twists (?) or reveals that worked well in pushing the story forward
Cons:
- slightly repetitive language in how the main character is described
- some unnecessary repetitive filler in the formation of the friendship between the two main characters (honestly how many times do I need to hear “you’re suppose to stay away from her” before you tell me why! And repeated “every morning in class blah blah lol)
Potentially relevant information: One of the primary characters is a Muslim woman who wears a hijab. I have seen concerns that this character engaging in the ability/magic she does is problematic. I have read the full review of one of the sensitivity readers who read for and approved of this representation due to it being an innate ability/power as all the other characters have, not engaging in a magic practice.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism
Moderate: Child death, Violence, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Confinement, Fire/Fire injury
This book was really boring. Well-written but dull.
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a fun queer YA rom-com. The basic plot is a bit predictable from the start, but the subplots are really well done and tie into the story in a way that keeps the plot moving at good pace. My only real complaint was that the family conflicts which were very serious and apparent throughout seemed quickly wrapped up and excused toward the end. The banter in this book was fun and quotable in a quirky way. The cast of characters all foiled well. I enjoyed this one.
Disclaimer: I received a gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Disclaimer: I received a gifted ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Homophobia, Vomit