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notsobinaryart's reviews
130 reviews
How to Catch a Queen by Alyssa Cole
Did not finish book. Stopped at 24%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 24%.
Compared to Alyssa Cole’s other books in the series, this one seems much less cheery and hopeful. The constant manipulation and gaslighting from one of the significant side characters made the read not entertaining for me. The blatant misogyny also was something I didn’t expect to bother me as much as it did, but it was so severe in this country’s culture (or at least in their politics) that I couldn’t personally find enjoyment.
This isn’t to say it’s a bad book, but I would say to know what to expect before reading this book.
This isn’t to say it’s a bad book, but I would say to know what to expect before reading this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, Gaslighting
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Abandonment
Red String Theory by Lauren Kung Jessen
This is one of those book couples I see actually staying together, even if it took them too long to finally do so.
Favorite book of the year so far!
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.5
If you are looking for a super slow burn with a couple destined in the stars -- or through a set of many, many choices, depending on your views -- to be together, filled with the sweetest dialogue, nerdy yet sweet science comparisons, and conversations about faith versus fact ruling your life, this book is for you.
I related a lot to both love interests; science and belief that maybe the universe is feeding you signs is a conflicting conversation that goes on within my own head. I myself am an amateur artist and writer, and yet I almost majored in a STEM field, and I think someone in any end of the artistic to scientific spectrum could find this book enjoyable.
This is one of those book couples I see actually staying together, even if it took them too long to finally do so.
Favorite book of the year so far!
Raiders of the Lost Heart by Jo Segura
Beyond that, I see no romance between the two characters. They both show no actual romantic feelings, only constant lust and objectification, plus their constant hatred for each other. I'm an avid romance reader, so smut is not new to me; reading a romance that almost seems to center the male gaze, however, is a new one.
If this had been a book focused on only the archaeology, adventures, and the struggles of being a Latina in academia and professional fields, this would be a very different review. So many themes were almost realized, but never truly completed seemingly in favor of the romance.
adventurous
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
If I hadn't been reading this book for a book club, I would have DNFed this book so many times.
I wanted to like it so bad. Afterall, a romcom with a badass Latina archaeologist adventuring and researching her passion project into who might have been her ancestor? Sign me up!
Unfortunately, the romance overshadowed any other part of the book, and the romance was my whole problem with the book. Specifically, the male main character, Ford.
Ford is the definition of a privileged mediocre white man. Everywhere he is in his career he steals from her. This is not an exaggeration of general white privilege, he specifically steals her opportunities out from under her.
Unfortunately, the romance overshadowed any other part of the book, and the romance was my whole problem with the book. Specifically, the male main character, Ford.
Ford is the definition of a privileged mediocre white man. Everywhere he is in his career he steals from her. This is not an exaggeration of general white privilege, he specifically steals her opportunities out from under her.
I was hoping, somehow, everything would be explained away, or at least that Ford would undergo a significant change. However, the reasoning and story behind his decisions didn't make me view his character any better, in part because we were explained too late in the story to feel empathy and in part because it seemed like there could have been better options to remedy his situation.
Beyond that, I see no romance between the two characters. They both show no actual romantic feelings, only constant lust and objectification, plus their constant hatred for each other. I'm an avid romance reader, so smut is not new to me; reading a romance that almost seems to center the male gaze, however, is a new one.
If this had been a book focused on only the archaeology, adventures, and the struggles of being a Latina in academia and professional fields, this would be a very different review. So many themes were almost realized, but never truly completed seemingly in favor of the romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, Sexual content
The Kindred by Alechia Dow
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-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
4.25
Ghost Roast by Shawnelle Gibbs, Shawneé Gibbs
Our main character Chelsea is introduced as a pretty common teenager facing the balance between popularity, parental expectations, and being true to yourself. I immediately hated her friends as we are, at least in part, expected to. The story picks up when Chelsea starts a job at her father’s ghost elimination business, starting a big paranormal job on an old plantation.
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I went into Ghost Roast expecting a cute and quick read about a young girl seeing ghosts while her dad tries to find them, and I got that and so much more in this unexpectedly deep graphic novel.
Our main character Chelsea is introduced as a pretty common teenager facing the balance between popularity, parental expectations, and being true to yourself. I immediately hated her friends as we are, at least in part, expected to. The story picks up when Chelsea starts a job at her father’s ghost elimination business, starting a big paranormal job on an old plantation.
Ghost Roast doesn’t hesitate to delve into the racist history of the rebranded “manor” and its previous owners while still remaining overall a story of youth and hope. The book approaches the idea of ghosts head on, with the lead girl asking one of the ghosts if he used to enslave people like her.
As a white person, it’s not my place to give the final say if this is ultimately done right, but you can see all of the time and consideration that went into this story being what it is.
I rooted for everyone (okay except maybe the friends) in this story and wish them the best. The book felt complete, like it didn’t miss any context or need to be expanded upon, which I often struggle with in the genre. I’m excited to see what everyone in this team does next!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Slavery
Moderate: Death
Minor: Bullying, Violence
Big by Vashti Harrison
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
Absolutely beautiful story that I wish I had been given as a kid. The gorgeous art speaks volumes by itself, showing how restrictive the boxes we put on ourselves and others can be. The art used a simple color palette with almost all of the color focused on the main girl, showing how internal this book is meant to be. Every part of the art and story is intentional.
My only small critique is I wish there had been something more showing how she was able to change her mindset. A specific comment, another moment of her life, something that really sparked it instead of only crying and seeing various words floating. However, how this was done is powerful in itself, showing that she is the one that needs to believe in herself, that she can be brave and strong. Support is so crucial, but her being able to cause that change in herself is powerful.
I hope so many little kids are shown this book to show it’s okay to be big in your accomplishments, in your goals, in your voice, and in your body. Big is not bad! It can be so beautiful.
My only small critique is I wish there had been something more showing how she was able to change her mindset. A specific comment, another moment of her life, something that really sparked it instead of only crying and seeing various words floating. However, how this was done is powerful in itself, showing that she is the one that needs to believe in herself, that she can be brave and strong. Support is so crucial, but her being able to cause that change in herself is powerful.
I hope so many little kids are shown this book to show it’s okay to be big in your accomplishments, in your goals, in your voice, and in your body. Big is not bad! It can be so beautiful.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Fatphobia
After the Dragons by Cynthia Zhang
challenging
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Struggling between knowing what amount of my feeling for this book is it being not for me and what amount is me having some valid criticism.
Starting off, this book is a lot more literary fiction than a traditional fantasy story, which would have been better to know going into the book to set my expectations. It tries to make a balance, but falls a bit short on both aspects. It is a bit too on the nose for literary fiction, too light on fantastical elements and impersonal for most fantasy, leaving it in an awkward middle state.
The author reveals in the back of the book that this story was originally a short story but expanded upon to be a novella; I wish I could read that to compare. It again feels like it exists in a weird in between, not enough space to take on a more nuanced take yet the style and directness could be more impactful as a short story.
A much higher focus on character than any plot, which ultimately leaves the conclusion as unfinished on purpose. Even if the ending was purposely open ended, it lacked the directness of the rest of the book, making it feel less finished than intended. I was almost expecting to turn the page and there be another chapter, even while I was watching the page count dwindle before my eyes. This in part is me not used to reading character-only center books with no real focus on plot, so maybe the ending would leave those more used to literary fiction satisfied.
With all of those criticisms and complicated thoughts aside, this was still a beautiful book examining the strange tension created by loved ones and the person experiencing a condition disagreeing on medical care, processing feelings of newfound illness and limitations, complications of queer relationships amongst various levels of accepting crowds, racism, grief, and climate change. The latter of which impacts all of the other themes, showing how insidious climate change is and the intersectionality of issues on everyone and your psyche.
I might recommend this to someone who is looking for a character-driven literary low fantasy dealing with climate change and grief for yourself and loved ones.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Grief
Moderate: Death, Homophobia, Racism
The Power of Style by Christian Allaire
hopeful
informative
inspiring
4.5
Beautiful and quick read about the importance of style in showcasing our identities. Some of this is pretty basic things I already knew, but this is for a young adult audience and the way the book shows and tells stories is beautiful.
I loved hearing from a a wide variety of people, both like me and those that hold identities that I do not.
Short and easy read, I’d recommend to anyone who is into fashion or is trying to build confidence in rocking your own style and sense of self. Very easy to pick up and put back down, and would estimate it’d take most people around an hour to read.
I loved hearing from a a wide variety of people, both like me and those that hold identities that I do not.
Short and easy read, I’d recommend to anyone who is into fashion or is trying to build confidence in rocking your own style and sense of self. Very easy to pick up and put back down, and would estimate it’d take most people around an hour to read.
Content Warnings
Minor: Fatphobia, Homophobia, Racism, Sexism, Transphobia
Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.0
A fun and easy read, but I had some major issues with the book.
It’s a fun concept, showing The Villain being not a bad guy and having a sweet bubbly girl working for him. The characters are overall charming, and you do root for them even when they do less than ideal things.
The book was long, having unnecessary scenes that serve as fun little moments without furthering any obvious plot, which can be fine but don’t seem super well edited. The book is very on the nose, which isn’t bad for an easy read, but don’t expect some earth shattering revelations, new concepts, or major twists on any tropes. The characters weren’t super complex either, and we mostly only get surface level insight into the characters until we get a few moments of insight to their trauma, often in an info dumpy way.
One of my biggest issues is with some ableist tropes is at the climax of the book. In the end, you find out the sick disabled father was faking it all along. Not only is he faking, he’s faking to further his villainous intentions. This stereotype further perpetuates that many disabled people are actually faking it, which is incredibly harmful towards public perception of real disabled people. I am extremely tired of disabled people, even fake disabled people, being the villain, especially if it’s a direct tie to their villainy. Almost every disabled person has experienced ableists questioning their disability perpetuated by these harmful tropes.
If you’re looking for a fun read, it can be enjoyable, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to recommend this book.
It’s a fun concept, showing The Villain being not a bad guy and having a sweet bubbly girl working for him. The characters are overall charming, and you do root for them even when they do less than ideal things.
The book was long, having unnecessary scenes that serve as fun little moments without furthering any obvious plot, which can be fine but don’t seem super well edited. The book is very on the nose, which isn’t bad for an easy read, but don’t expect some earth shattering revelations, new concepts, or major twists on any tropes. The characters weren’t super complex either, and we mostly only get surface level insight into the characters until we get a few moments of insight to their trauma, often in an info dumpy way.
One of my biggest issues is with some ableist tropes is at the climax of the book.
If you’re looking for a fun read, it can be enjoyable, but I wouldn’t go out of my way to recommend this book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Confinement, Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Violence, Blood, Murder, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Gore, Alcohol
Minor: Animal cruelty, Drug abuse
Kiss Her Once For Me by Alison Cochrun
emotional
funny
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Abandonment