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obscurepages's Reviews (410)
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
P. Djèlí 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
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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
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
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.
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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
challenging
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
Kelly Quindlen keeps making Netflix adaptation-worthy teen romcom books and I am here for it!
She Drives Me Crazy was such a funny, chaotic, sweet read. I love the drama of it all, and I love that it featured messy characters who make stupid decisions along the way. They learned from it and they found their real selves along, too. This book also highlighted how hard it can be letting go and healing from a toxic relationship, with Scottie and her ex Tally.
I have to say though, the romance between Scottie and Irene felt a little rushed at times, and I feel like the Indian-American rep could be better? Also, in a way, Scottie pressured Irene on coming out by agreeing to fake date her. That's never the nicest nor the easiest things.
Overall, I still enjoyed reading this one! All the sapphic goodness and the chaotic drama were so good.
Full review will be posted soon as part of She Drives Me Crazy Bookstagram hosted by Pride Book Tours! Thank you Fierce Reads and Pride Book Tours for sending a finished copy my way! (This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.)
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
She Drives Me Crazy was such a funny, chaotic, sweet read. I love the drama of it all, and I love that it featured messy characters who make stupid decisions along the way. They learned from it and they found their real selves along, too. This book also highlighted how hard it can be letting go and healing from a toxic relationship, with Scottie and her ex Tally.
I have to say though, the romance between Scottie and Irene felt a little rushed at times, and I feel like the Indian-American rep could be better? Also, in a way, Scottie pressured Irene on coming out by agreeing to fake date her. That's never the nicest nor the easiest things.
Overall, I still enjoyed reading this one! All the sapphic goodness and the chaotic drama were so good.
Full review will be posted soon as part of She Drives Me Crazy Bookstagram hosted by Pride Book Tours! Thank you Fierce Reads and Pride Book Tours for sending a finished copy my way! (This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.)
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
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:
No
One of my most anticipated releases this year!
Okay, so this took a little while to build up, but the way it showed how confusing and hard it can be figuring out your sexuality, getting new feelings you never thought you'd have, the fear and doubts... it was all so honest and heartfelt.
The miscommunication/lack of communication trope is a little strong in this one, and I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. It's that feeling you wish the characters would just talk, lol!
Loved that friendship and finding new things about yourself are two big aspects in this book. It was beautiful, and I loved seeing our main character go through her character development.
This was a very solid read and I know a lot of people will enjoy reading this too!
E-arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Full review on my blog soon!
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Okay, so this took a little while to build up, but the way it showed how confusing and hard it can be figuring out your sexuality, getting new feelings you never thought you'd have, the fear and doubts... it was all so honest and heartfelt.
The miscommunication/lack of communication trope is a little strong in this one, and I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. It's that feeling you wish the characters would just talk, lol!
Loved that friendship and finding new things about yourself are two big aspects in this book. It was beautiful, and I loved seeing our main character go through her character development.
This was a very solid read and I know a lot of people will enjoy reading this too!
E-arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Full review on my blog soon!
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Content Warnings
Moderate: Biphobia
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
reflective
tense
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:
No
One of my anticipated releases this year! I don't know how to explain this but, I wasn't completely blown away, and yet I was also invested???
The plot was intriguing, but it can get confusing. I feel like the pacing and the writing style could also be better. Fortunately, all the action really makes you anticipate! And I think it was the characters and the world-building that won me over. The diverse cast and their journeys were a joy to read about and I loved learning about the different kinds of aliens, and their customs and culture.
Now that I think about it, this book was also poignant in its own way. It talked about leaving legacies, finding your own self, making friends and creating your own kind of family with your own people. It was beautiful.
Of course, I also love the fact that this was so, so queer. Some of the characters even use neopronouns? I think this is a first I've seen in YA. Overall, a solid read! Exact rating 3.5 stars.
TW: violence, murder, torture (mild), homophobia, transphobia
(Received an e-arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.)
The plot was intriguing, but it can get confusing. I feel like the pacing and the writing style could also be better. Fortunately, all the action really makes you anticipate! And I think it was the characters and the world-building that won me over. The diverse cast and their journeys were a joy to read about and I loved learning about the different kinds of aliens, and their customs and culture.
Now that I think about it, this book was also poignant in its own way. It talked about leaving legacies, finding your own self, making friends and creating your own kind of family with your own people. It was beautiful.
Of course, I also love the fact that this was so, so queer. Some of the characters even use neopronouns? I think this is a first I've seen in YA. Overall, a solid read! Exact rating 3.5 stars.
TW: violence, murder, torture (mild), homophobia, transphobia
(Received an e-arc from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Homophobia, Torture, Transphobia, Murder
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
reflective
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
I was already emotional when I read the Introduction. I should have took that as a sign that this book will hurt me and comfort me all at the same time.
This book just hits too hard, hits too close to home. All the fatphobic remarks I've received and experienced, I see it all in this book. And all the frustration and the doubt and the confidence I'm recollecting, I feel it all in this book as well. Every Body Shines showed the different kinds of bias and microaggressions we go through. But it also showed fat people challenging fatphobia, celebrating their bodies, being their own person, and showing that being fat has nothing to do with their worth. I also loved the fact that these stories featured a diverse set of characters (POC, queer) in a diverse set of genres and worlds. It was stunning and I couldn't help but adore each and every single story in their own way.
I have a lot more to say, but I'll save them up for my full review for The Nerd Daily!
TW: fatphobia, misogyny (a few remarks), racism (a few remarks)
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This book just hits too hard, hits too close to home. All the fatphobic remarks I've received and experienced, I see it all in this book. And all the frustration and the doubt and the confidence I'm recollecting, I feel it all in this book as well. Every Body Shines showed the different kinds of bias and microaggressions we go through. But it also showed fat people challenging fatphobia, celebrating their bodies, being their own person, and showing that being fat has nothing to do with their worth. I also loved the fact that these stories featured a diverse set of characters (POC, queer) in a diverse set of genres and worlds. It was stunning and I couldn't help but adore each and every single story in their own way.
I have a lot more to say, but I'll save them up for my full review for The Nerd Daily!
TW: fatphobia, misogyny (a few remarks), racism (a few remarks)
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia
Minor: Misogyny, Racism
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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:
No
So guess who was crying while she was reading the last few chapters of this book?! I'm not saying it's me but... it's me lol.
This was so, so good I swear! Here's what I liked about A Sugar and Spite:
✔ has wholesome Filipino rep
✔ highlighted Filipino culture all throughout the book! AAAHHHHH
✔ has good character development
✔ was funny but also poignant
✔ has good friendship and family themes
✔ it touched on several issues such as bullying, being an outcast, colorism, being poor in a society like ours, even having queer parents, etc
✔ has magic mixed with modern day life
✔ has LOVABLE PETS
I read this book within 24 hours and I swear it left me all soft and gooey inside. I know kids, especially Filipino/Filipino diaspora, (and maybe even teens and adults!) will find comfort and love in this book. I am so thankful to have read this.
Author interview and/or full review will be posted soon as part of A Sugar and Spite Blog Tour hosted by TBR and Beyond Tours.
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
This was so, so good I swear! Here's what I liked about A Sugar and Spite:
✔ has wholesome Filipino rep
✔ highlighted Filipino culture all throughout the book! AAAHHHHH
✔ has good character development
✔ was funny but also poignant
✔ has good friendship and family themes
✔ it touched on several issues such as bullying, being an outcast, colorism, being poor in a society like ours, even having queer parents, etc
✔ has magic mixed with modern day life
✔ has LOVABLE PETS
I read this book within 24 hours and I swear it left me all soft and gooey inside. I know kids, especially Filipino/Filipino diaspora, (and maybe even teens and adults!) will find comfort and love in this book. I am so thankful to have read this.
Author interview and/or full review will be posted soon as part of A Sugar and Spite Blog Tour hosted by TBR and Beyond Tours.
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Racism
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Diving into this book, reading the content warnings, I knew I had to be prepared. I was excited for it because the synopsis sounds so interesting, but of course, I was also very hesitant. Now I've finished it! And it's sooooooo... I don't even have the word for it right now. 😂 See, it's unique but also very unnerving--unique because it blended magic and the supernatural with society, unnerving because this book featured sadomasochism and sexual/mental abuse so graphically and tried to show that the process of healing is not an easy one. It's brutal and raw, and some scenes made my skin crawl, but damn if this didn't take me on its own kind of journey.
I think that's all I can say for now. Full review will be posted soon as part of a tour hosted by Pride Book Tours! Hopefully, I'll have gathered my thoughts by then!
TW: sadomasochism, rape, sexual assault and abuse, torture, psychological abuse, manipulation, violence
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I think that's all I can say for now. Full review will be posted soon as part of a tour hosted by Pride Book Tours! Hopefully, I'll have gathered my thoughts by then!
TW: sadomasochism, rape, sexual assault and abuse, torture, psychological abuse, manipulation, violence
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexual assault, Torture, Violence
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I have so many thoughts about this book??? This was lyrical, haunting, and so so creative! Also, as a Filipino, I love that some of these stories are the stories I grew up hearing, but now with unique modern twists. Simply incredible.
There were a few lines/comments that didn't sit right with me, but overall, reading this was a breathtaking journey.
Full review will be posted soon as part of the Never Have I Ever Bookstagram Tour hosted by Pride Book Tours!
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
There were a few lines/comments that didn't sit right with me, but overall, reading this was a breathtaking journey.
Full review will be posted soon as part of the Never Have I Ever Bookstagram Tour hosted by Pride Book Tours!
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore, Blood
Minor: Deadnaming, Eating disorder, Homophobia, Sexual assault
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
This was both creepy and exciting, I couldn't help but adore it!
First and foremost, what I loved about this book is how creepy and atmospheric it was! I love the concept of Bright World and how this strange and dangerous place is no place for humans.
The characters, especially the MC Amparo, was riveting to read as well. They're not the most flawless main character out there, if anything they have so much flaws and make so many mistakes. But the journey they take on throughout the story was fascinating and I loved seeing them change because of it. Despite this, I still wanted to know more about them, particularly their back story and/or their family. I just feel like that department lacked a bit.
However, I also have to say that I loved how the plot twists manifest in this book! They come slowly and subtly, and the next thing you know it's right in front of you. Several times in the book I was surprised with the little plot twists the author set up throughout the story. I absolutely enjoyed that.
Overall, this queer graphic novel seems so promising and I can't wait for the second volume! 👏
A big thank you to Oni Press for sending me an e-arc, in exchange for an honest review!
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
First and foremost, what I loved about this book is how creepy and atmospheric it was! I love the concept of Bright World and how this strange and dangerous place is no place for humans.
The characters, especially the MC Amparo, was riveting to read as well. They're not the most flawless main character out there, if anything they have so much flaws and make so many mistakes. But the journey they take on throughout the story was fascinating and I loved seeing them change because of it. Despite this, I still wanted to know more about them, particularly their back story and/or their family. I just feel like that department lacked a bit.
However, I also have to say that I loved how the plot twists manifest in this book! They come slowly and subtly, and the next thing you know it's right in front of you. Several times in the book I was surprised with the little plot twists the author set up throughout the story. I absolutely enjoyed that.
Overall, this queer graphic novel seems so promising and I can't wait for the second volume! 👏
A big thank you to Oni Press for sending me an e-arc, in exchange for an honest review!
Find me elsewhere: Instagram | Twitter | Blog
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore, Violence
Minor: Torture