elliel_nook's Reviews (601)

I requested and received this book from NetGalley. My thoughts are my own. 

This is a very cute and informative art book. My favorite section was the "Bonus Character Familiars" section. I've not seen many books that offer detailed steps for both character and animal drawings. Overall very enjoyable and informative!

I requested and received this book from NetGalley. 

I learned so much from this book, encountered new (to me) identities, and gained a sense of community. As a queer disabled trans person I needed this book. And I believe I will continue to need this book for the rest of my existence. A constant reminder that I am not alone in my identity or my pain. 

 I can't pinpoint what exactly about this book rubs me the wrong way. 

Thinking more about it... It's probably the blatant disrespect for people's spirituality and beliefs. The characters are magical in a they have powers sense. So, I'd understand if the characters were upset by non magical people practicing spiritual magic. But to have the characters consistently diss it while simultaneously using tarot as a motif and chapter names is a bit weird to me.

It made me angry in the uncomfortable I don't want to be in this room kind of way. 

It has its good parts. The gender differences in this book feel so unique and realistic. Unapologetic is a better word for it. And the premise is amazing. Trans witches going up against AI sounds so cool. 

I just convinced myself to continue reading this book right now. It's almost put me in a reading slump and I don't want that. 

Disappointed because I was so excited to read this book. 

I requested and received this book from booksirens. My thoughts are my own. 

"Landlocked in Foreign Skin" bleeds queer rage through every page. I loved the ending but I want to scream. I did not see the twist coming. This book was far darker than I ever expected. It was also so good. I don't think I've read another book written in quite the same way.  

But, you absolutely need to read the content warnings before you pick it up. 

Now that was a truly epic journey through space. I'm so excited for book 2!

I'm so glad I requested and grateful that I received this book from NetGalley. 

"This is Not a Vampire Story" by Simon Doyle has exactly the kind of heartbreak I expect from the story of an immortal being. Victor, the main character , is such a soft person. I greatly enjoyed reading his story, it is as dark and heartbreaking as it is peaceful and heartwarming. He is my favorite character. My second favorite character is Gloria (I would love to hear her story someday). 

There are so many things I loved about this book. (Some are too spoilery to share). The characters, the setting, how the story is structured jumping between the past and present, and the overall connection between love & death. I think this is a book I could reread again and still cry just as much if not more than I have now. So, be warned this story hurts. But, I also found it oddly peaceful (not all of it), there is just something about the ending that gave me peace. 

Finally I just want to say remember to check content warnings. There's a lot of dark stuff that happens in this book both on and off page. Overall, "This is Not a Vampire Story" is a book I'm glad I read. I feel like it was something I needed in this moment.