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obscurepages's reviews
408 reviews
Fat and Queer: An Anthology of Queer and Trans Bodies and Lives by Bruce Owens Grimm, Tiff Joshua T.J. Ferentini, Miguel M. Morales
challenging
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
This book, y'all. This book.
At first, I thought this was going to be a quick, easy read, instead I got an incredible, moving anthology. There are personal essays and anecdotes, poems, and pieces that just really dive into fatness and gender and how these two impact each other. As another queer, fat person, this was both amazing and overwhelming--taking all these personal experiences and opinions and stories that I never thought I'd connect with but turns out they're exactly what I needed.
I love how diverse the contributors and the pieces are. I love how every part criticizes and challenges the fatphobic society and perspective most people have. I love how every piece also talked about gender and sexuality and their fluidity.
I don't have any more words (I don't even think I can explain it properly *cries*), but this was truly impactful. I hope many more fat and queer people find this book.
Exact rating: 4.5
CW: fatphobia, body shaming, bullying, racism, rape/sexual assault, anxiety/panic attacks, sexual content, suicide/suicidal thoughts
E-arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.
At first, I thought this was going to be a quick, easy read, instead I got an incredible, moving anthology. There are personal essays and anecdotes, poems, and pieces that just really dive into fatness and gender and how these two impact each other. As another queer, fat person, this was both amazing and overwhelming--taking all these personal experiences and opinions and stories that I never thought I'd connect with but turns out they're exactly what I needed.
I love how diverse the contributors and the pieces are. I love how every part criticizes and challenges the fatphobic society and perspective most people have. I love how every piece also talked about gender and sexuality and their fluidity.
I don't have any more words (I don't even think I can explain it properly *cries*), but this was truly impactful. I hope many more fat and queer people find this book.
Exact rating: 4.5
CW: fatphobia, body shaming, bullying, racism, rape/sexual assault, anxiety/panic attacks, sexual content, suicide/suicidal thoughts
E-arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.
Jay's Gay Agenda by Jason June
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
Okay, this was so chaotic and full of teenage drama. 70% of the time, I was just annoyed at the MC's life choices. Despite that, this book was also funny and heartfelt. I'm also reminded that characters can be flawed and imperfect, and that the beauty lies in their journey to admitting their mistakes and correcting it. Jay's character arc is an example of that, and I loved it.
This book also talked about stereotypes, the good and the bad. How it's okay to fall into a stereotype, but it also doesn't mean that that particular stereotype is true for everybody. I liked their conversation about that.
And perhaps my favorite thing about this book is how it highlighted how amazing it is to find the people that you click with, people you can connect with, your community. Finding your community can change your life for the better and change the way you carry and express yourself. Really love that.
Exact rating: 3.5
Thank you so much to Epic Reads for sending a finished copy of this book! (This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.)
This book also talked about stereotypes, the good and the bad. How it's okay to fall into a stereotype, but it also doesn't mean that that particular stereotype is true for everybody. I liked their conversation about that.
And perhaps my favorite thing about this book is how it highlighted how amazing it is to find the people that you click with, people you can connect with, your community. Finding your community can change your life for the better and change the way you carry and express yourself. Really love that.
Exact rating: 3.5
Thank you so much to Epic Reads for sending a finished copy of this book! (This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.)
Pumpkin by Julie Murphy
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I lost a few hours of sleep because of this book, but I swear it was all worth it. Pumpkin is the cutest and most precious! Nothing but wholesomeness and learning to be your true self and confronting your doubts (and of course, a dash of angst, romance, and teen drama, but I love it!)
I love the character development, seeing Waylon be his true self and try to give their small town a chance was so good. I love the vulnerability in this book and I appreciate that so much. There was one quote from Waylon's mom when she said, "Not everything has to be sarcastic or edgy. It's okay to be vulnerable and sincere." and that absolutely stuck with me.
I also love that it speaks to a lot of fat, queer teens, as well as those who just want to fit in. I know younger me would have loved this book. ðŸ˜
Thank you so much Epic Reads for sending me a copy of this book! This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.
See the rest of my Pride Month TBR here!!
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
I love the character development, seeing Waylon be his true self and try to give their small town a chance was so good. I love the vulnerability in this book and I appreciate that so much. There was one quote from Waylon's mom when she said, "Not everything has to be sarcastic or edgy. It's okay to be vulnerable and sincere." and that absolutely stuck with me.
I also love that it speaks to a lot of fat, queer teens, as well as those who just want to fit in. I know younger me would have loved this book. ðŸ˜
Thank you so much Epic Reads for sending me a copy of this book! This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.
See the rest of my Pride Month TBR here!!
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia, Homophobia
Trouble Girls by Julia Lynn Rubin
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
It's my first read for Pride Month and I'm so glad to say I enjoyed it! Trouble Girls was a great read! It was dark, poetic, gritty, and poignant.
The overall story is a very real and heartbreaking example of what women go through because of terrible men. The characters were also compelling, and I was particularly moved by the MC's perspective. Also, it's very hard to explain it, but this book just makes you feel things. It takes you on such an emotional and haunting journey on finding freedom and love, and running from your fears. Overall, I enjoyed this one.
CW: sexual abuse/sexual harassment, rape, attempted rape, blood, gore (mild), domestic abuse, toxic relationships
Thank you so much to Wednesday Books for sending over an ARC! This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.
(Check out the rest of my Pride Month TBR!)
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
The overall story is a very real and heartbreaking example of what women go through because of terrible men. The characters were also compelling, and I was particularly moved by the MC's perspective. Also, it's very hard to explain it, but this book just makes you feel things. It takes you on such an emotional and haunting journey on finding freedom and love, and running from your fears. Overall, I enjoyed this one.
CW: sexual abuse/sexual harassment, rape, attempted rape, blood, gore (mild), domestic abuse, toxic relationships
Thank you so much to Wednesday Books for sending over an ARC! This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.
(Check out the rest of my Pride Month TBR!)
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual violence
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, Blood
Minor: Domestic abuse, Gore, Toxic relationship
Incredible Doom by Matthew Bogart
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
reflective
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
4.5
Okay, this was incredible (pun intended? lol)! I didn't have much expectations for this, only that I found the premise so interesting. Now I can say that I am pleasantly surprised!
Incredible Doom was simple, yet so poignant. It showed the magnificence of using computers and the internet for the first time. And it also highlighted how amazing and comforting it can be, as it helps in connecting people and forging unexpected friendships. It also featured queer characters, which I didn't expect! I loved that.
Anyone looking for a fast and yet moving read, this graphic novel is for you!
Thank you so much to Epic Reads/Harper Alley for sending over a finished copy! This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.
Full review on my blog soon!
CW: child abuse, domestic abuse, bullying, violence
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Incredible Doom was simple, yet so poignant. It showed the magnificence of using computers and the internet for the first time. And it also highlighted how amazing and comforting it can be, as it helps in connecting people and forging unexpected friendships. It also featured queer characters, which I didn't expect! I loved that.
Anyone looking for a fast and yet moving read, this graphic novel is for you!
Thank you so much to Epic Reads/Harper Alley for sending over a finished copy! This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.
Full review on my blog soon!
CW: child abuse, domestic abuse, bullying, violence
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Domestic abuse, Violence
Never Kiss Your Roommate by Philline Harms
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
Oh, this was so so good! In a way, it reads like a fanfic and I love that. (Also, when I say a book reads like a fanfic, I mean it as a compliment. We appreciate fanfics in this house. 🥰) It has all the fluff and the drama (especially towards the end of the book!), and it was funny and touching at the same time as well.
This was simple and straightforward, but I loved seeing the characters come together and achieve character development. Also, the tropes in this book are just some of my favorites! Enemies to lovers, sunshine and grumpy (who turns soft because of sunshine lol), and more!
Would have loved if there was more mystery about the Watcher though. I thought it was a pretty easy solve. Nonetheless, this was a great read and I enjoyed it a lot!
Thank you so much to Wattpad Books for sending over an ARC! This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.
Full review on my blog soon!
CW: toxic/abusive relationships, kidnapping, violence (mild), blood (mild)
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
This was simple and straightforward, but I loved seeing the characters come together and achieve character development. Also, the tropes in this book are just some of my favorites! Enemies to lovers, sunshine and grumpy (who turns soft because of sunshine lol), and more!
Would have loved if there was more mystery about the Watcher though. I thought it was a pretty easy solve. Nonetheless, this was a great read and I enjoyed it a lot!
Thank you so much to Wattpad Books for sending over an ARC! This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.
Full review on my blog soon!
CW: toxic/abusive relationships, kidnapping, violence (mild), blood (mild)
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Content Warnings
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship
Minor: Homophobia, Violence, Blood
Daughter of Sparta by Claire M. Andrews
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
Greek mythology retelling, fierce female warrior as MC, enemies to lovers (sort of? lol), thrilling adventure... I swear, this book has all the right elements! This was definitely a solid read!
The first half, though it was action-packed, felt a little lethargic. Lethargic in a way that I wasn't invested in the characters or their dynamics yet. Once I got past that first half though, it got better. I got to know the characters a little better, saw their chemistry slowly form. That for me made the story more enjoyable.
I loved how the author reimagined Daphne and Apollo's tale (plus other stories!). I always found Daphne and Apollo's tale lacking and melancholic in a way. However, in this book, we see a different kind of Daphne and Apollo, we see a different dynamic between them, and of course, a different endgame.
Oh and, not to spoil anything but I adored the overall ending. It's not what I expected, but I thought it was fitting.
Exact rating 3.75/5! Full review will be posted soon on The Nerd Daily.
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
The first half, though it was action-packed, felt a little lethargic. Lethargic in a way that I wasn't invested in the characters or their dynamics yet. Once I got past that first half though, it got better. I got to know the characters a little better, saw their chemistry slowly form. That for me made the story more enjoyable.
I loved how the author reimagined Daphne and Apollo's tale (plus other stories!). I always found Daphne and Apollo's tale lacking and melancholic in a way. However, in this book, we see a different kind of Daphne and Apollo, we see a different dynamic between them, and of course, a different endgame.
Oh and, not to spoil anything but I adored the overall ending. It's not what I expected, but I thought it was fitting.
Exact rating 3.75/5! Full review will be posted soon on The Nerd Daily.
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, Murder
Moderate: Misogyny
A Master of Djinn by P. Djèlà Clark
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Y'ALL THIS BOOK IS PERFECT OKAY 😠IT'S EVERYTHING I EVER WANTED AND MORE EVER SINCE I READ THE FIRST NOVELLA, A DEAD DJINN IN CAIRO.
PLOT WAS INTRICATE, AN ABOLUTE PAGE TURNER. THE CHARACTERS WERE CHARMING AND COMPELLING, YOU'LL BE ROOTING FOR THEM SOON. SAPPHIC ROMANCE WAS SO GOOD I THINK I SWOONED TOO MANY TIMES. WORLD-BUILDING WAS JUST AMAZING, I MEAN THE MYTHOLOGY AND THE LORE, AS WELL AS THE CULTURE WAS JUST SO RICH. HUMOR WAS ON POINT, FROM START TO FINISH. IT ALSO HIGHLIGHTED ISSUES LIKE MISOGYNY, RACISM, COLONIZATION. I SWEAR, THIS IS EVERYTHING. I'M SO IN LOVE WITH IT.
SO FAR, THIS BOOK IS THE BEST THING I READ THIS YEAR. *SCREAMS*
ALSO I AM SO SORRY FOR THE ALL CAPS. I HAVE A LOT OF FEELINGS.
E-arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.
Full review on my blog soon!
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
PLOT WAS INTRICATE, AN ABOLUTE PAGE TURNER. THE CHARACTERS WERE CHARMING AND COMPELLING, YOU'LL BE ROOTING FOR THEM SOON. SAPPHIC ROMANCE WAS SO GOOD I THINK I SWOONED TOO MANY TIMES. WORLD-BUILDING WAS JUST AMAZING, I MEAN THE MYTHOLOGY AND THE LORE, AS WELL AS THE CULTURE WAS JUST SO RICH. HUMOR WAS ON POINT, FROM START TO FINISH. IT ALSO HIGHLIGHTED ISSUES LIKE MISOGYNY, RACISM, COLONIZATION. I SWEAR, THIS IS EVERYTHING. I'M SO IN LOVE WITH IT.
SO FAR, THIS BOOK IS THE BEST THING I READ THIS YEAR. *SCREAMS*
ALSO I AM SO SORRY FOR THE ALL CAPS. I HAVE A LOT OF FEELINGS.
E-arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.
Full review on my blog soon!
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore, Violence
Minor: Misogyny, Racism
The Haunting of Tram Car 015 by P. Djèlà Clark
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
P. Djèlà Clark just knows how to surprise you. He knows how to build curiosity and tension, create momentum, and then surprise you with the best twist there is. He did it in A Dead Djinn in Cairo, and he did it again here in The Haunting of Tram Car 015. And y'all, I love it! I love it so much, AAAHHHH.
I immediately fell in love with the world in A Dead Djinn in Cairo, I knew I just had to get back to this universe (and I'm so glad we're finally getting a full novel? HELLOOOOO). Though this one has a different set of main characters, it still has the same action and humor and otherworldly mystique the first novella has. Apart from the paranormal and the exciting plot, I loved the focus on women and equality as well. I really enjoyed reading this one.
And now, I am ready to read Master of Djinn! And thank goodness I have an e-arc, AAAAAHHHHHH
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
I immediately fell in love with the world in A Dead Djinn in Cairo, I knew I just had to get back to this universe (and I'm so glad we're finally getting a full novel? HELLOOOOO). Though this one has a different set of main characters, it still has the same action and humor and otherworldly mystique the first novella has. Apart from the paranormal and the exciting plot, I loved the focus on women and equality as well. I really enjoyed reading this one.
And now, I am ready to read Master of Djinn! And thank goodness I have an e-arc, AAAAAHHHHHH
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Content Warnings
Minor: Misogyny, Sexism, Violence
Firebreak by Nicole Kornher-Stace
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Okay, this is hands down one of my top reads this 2021!
CW: violence, kidnapping, torture, capitalism, police brutality
Wow wow wow! I was excited to dive into this book, primarily because of two reasons: 1) the synopsis sounds so good! and 2) there is aro/ace rep. I didn't know what else to expect here in Firebreak. But now that I've finished it, I am just so in awe of it.
The world-building is spot on and immersive, the writing style is so good, the characters (especially Mal) are compelling, the plot is thrilling (hell, several plot twists knocked me off guard), even Mal's platonic crush is such a refreshing element, and overall, it's just such an irresistibly good book!
Think Hunger Games, but with a VR war game, social media, and capitalist megacorporations that need to be dismantled. Queer SFF lovers, you need to add this to your TBRs!
If I could rate this more than 5 stars, I would do so in a heartbeat. (Also, I can't help but think this would make such a good movie?!) Full review on my blog soon!
A big thanks to Saga SFF/Gallery Books for sending an ARC my way! This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
CW: violence, kidnapping, torture, capitalism, police brutality
Wow wow wow! I was excited to dive into this book, primarily because of two reasons: 1) the synopsis sounds so good! and 2) there is aro/ace rep. I didn't know what else to expect here in Firebreak. But now that I've finished it, I am just so in awe of it.
The world-building is spot on and immersive, the writing style is so good, the characters (especially Mal) are compelling, the plot is thrilling (hell, several plot twists knocked me off guard), even Mal's platonic crush is such a refreshing element, and overall, it's just such an irresistibly good book!
Think Hunger Games, but with a VR war game, social media, and capitalist megacorporations that need to be dismantled. Queer SFF lovers, you need to add this to your TBRs!
If I could rate this more than 5 stars, I would do so in a heartbeat. (Also, I can't help but think this would make such a good movie?!) Full review on my blog soon!
A big thanks to Saga SFF/Gallery Books for sending an ARC my way! This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence
Moderate: Torture, Police brutality, Kidnapping