174 reviews by:

alyxthebookdragon

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This was a sweet little romance. It's set in the same world as Raybearer, but you don't necessarily have to read the duology first. I liked the further examination of the world from the perspective of a disabled orphan. The way the relationship developed was intriguing. And I love a revolutionary undertone. 
emotional sad slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: No
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

This book was just not for me. I didn't like the characters. I see what the author was trying to do with the themes if grief, but it didn't resonate with me.
informative fast-paced

This is a great overview of a lot of identies and a perfect launching point for your research. It goes over a lot of the major discussions and concerns within each of the communities to give you a good idea of what you should be researching into. If you're new to writing an identity not your own, this is a great book to pick up. 
lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No

The snark is playful and the romance is cute, but there are a lot of colloquialisms that don't feel well informed. I didn't feel minority characters were well portrayed. There's an attempt made to understand a character handicapped by not being able to use technology, but ultimately I was left wanting more depth. And I really don't love the mentally ill as villain trope.
dark emotional slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

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emotional hopeful fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Hijinks, shenanigans, high stakes, and all the feelings. A cute romance with plenty of of dumb soft boy moments, but also discussions on immigration and recovering from abusive relationships.

Han is autistic and the miscommunications are so real and relatable. I love the way Kenny accommodates him, and the ways he shows love back to Kenny. 

I received and ALC from Libro.fm
adventurous emotional hopeful medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

This is a really lovely end to this duology! There is always the worry that second books will pale in comparison to the first. I think this one is just as well crafted and interesting as the first, Iove the message of this book, and it wraps things up nicely.

 This book is seriously under hyped. Really stunning fantasy world, steeped in rich history. I love a character who craves a better world and who goes after that dream with everything they have. And the interpersonal relationships were top tier! 

 This book is devastating and excellent. A series of essays that talk through disability, queerness, activism, kink, and more. Johanna Hedva has a lot to say, and they say it well.

I read a post once about hope, how she isn't palatable or small. Hope is down in the muck, bruised, bleeding, and raising herself up after getting beat down once again. This books feels that way. 

"What happens if we don't forfeit but still get in the ring? What happens if we know we're going to lose the fight but we do not give up? Our strategy will change."

HOW TO TELL WHEN WE WILL DIE is blunt and honest, taking up space, claiming what it needs. It is compassion and mutual care, tearing down socially acceptable walls that keep people apart.