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obscurepages's Reviews (410)
Let me start this review by saying that you need to add this book to your TBR lists right now. Where We Go From Here is the one that broke the curse of me suffering through disappointing contemporary reads. This book will make your heart curl with pain, it will make your heart jump in excitement and romance, and it will make your heart hope for something.
Where We Go From Here is a deeply heartwarming story about friendship, found family, and the journey to overcoming your fears. Above all, it is a highly informative novel that shines light into HIV and aims to stop the stigma that surrounds it. It follows the story of three young men in Brazil, whose lives intertwine because of one significant day at the clinic. Ian just found out he’s HIV-positive, Victor just found out he’s negative, and Henrique has been living with HIV for three years now. Their lives intersect when Victor comforts Ian after they meet at the clinic, and suggests that he should meet Henrique. The story hits it off from there.
The writing style is great and I was impressed with how distinct the characterisation was despite the multiple, alternating point of views. The storyline is light and funny at the right times, but the author is also not afraid to point out the nuances of HIV and the prejudice aimed at those who live with the virus. A few times, though, I felt like the dialogue can go on and the character’s inner thoughts would fade away, which is a setback since I would love to see more of their thoughts and feelings.
What I love most about this book is the three main characters and their perspectives. Ian just found out about his results and he’s scared more than anything. I remember reading some of his early chapters and just feeling so scared as he is. Henrique, on the other hand, has been living with HIV for years now and although he has already overcome the initial fear Ian is feeling, he also has his own struggles with his relationships and the prejudice he deals with. Meanwhile, Victor is happy about his negative results, but conflicted about his and Henrique’s relationship. I found Victor’s perspective particularly interesting because he’s still biased and he still carries the prejudice and the stigma so many people are perpetuating to this day. But as I read through the book, he changes and he tries to understand Henrique, and I love that. Reading the story through their perspectives allowed me to absorb their different lives and see just how people can deal with HIV in different ways.
This book is also very educational. As someone who had little knowledge about HIV prior to reading this book, I welcomed and appreciated all the information I got. There are numerous facts about HIV all throughout the book—about how it actually affects the body, the medicine an HIV-positive person should take, the best practices they should do to control their condition, and more. The author also brought forth the idea that those who have HIV can live great lives, and that they are in fact living great lives. The author did this so wonderfully and I believe whoever reads this book will be enlightened just as I am.
I believe a story such as Where We Go From Here is important and necessary and can make an impact to all kinds of people. Henrique, Victor, and Ian’s stories need to be heard because their stories are those of hundreds and maybe thousands of people as well. This is exactly the story people need to read, whether they are a part of the LGBTQ+ community or not, whether they are HIV positive or not.
(This review was first published on The Nerd Daily.)
Where We Go From Here is a deeply heartwarming story about friendship, found family, and the journey to overcoming your fears. Above all, it is a highly informative novel that shines light into HIV and aims to stop the stigma that surrounds it. It follows the story of three young men in Brazil, whose lives intertwine because of one significant day at the clinic. Ian just found out he’s HIV-positive, Victor just found out he’s negative, and Henrique has been living with HIV for three years now. Their lives intersect when Victor comforts Ian after they meet at the clinic, and suggests that he should meet Henrique. The story hits it off from there.
The writing style is great and I was impressed with how distinct the characterisation was despite the multiple, alternating point of views. The storyline is light and funny at the right times, but the author is also not afraid to point out the nuances of HIV and the prejudice aimed at those who live with the virus. A few times, though, I felt like the dialogue can go on and the character’s inner thoughts would fade away, which is a setback since I would love to see more of their thoughts and feelings.
What I love most about this book is the three main characters and their perspectives. Ian just found out about his results and he’s scared more than anything. I remember reading some of his early chapters and just feeling so scared as he is. Henrique, on the other hand, has been living with HIV for years now and although he has already overcome the initial fear Ian is feeling, he also has his own struggles with his relationships and the prejudice he deals with. Meanwhile, Victor is happy about his negative results, but conflicted about his and Henrique’s relationship. I found Victor’s perspective particularly interesting because he’s still biased and he still carries the prejudice and the stigma so many people are perpetuating to this day. But as I read through the book, he changes and he tries to understand Henrique, and I love that. Reading the story through their perspectives allowed me to absorb their different lives and see just how people can deal with HIV in different ways.
This book is also very educational. As someone who had little knowledge about HIV prior to reading this book, I welcomed and appreciated all the information I got. There are numerous facts about HIV all throughout the book—about how it actually affects the body, the medicine an HIV-positive person should take, the best practices they should do to control their condition, and more. The author also brought forth the idea that those who have HIV can live great lives, and that they are in fact living great lives. The author did this so wonderfully and I believe whoever reads this book will be enlightened just as I am.
I believe a story such as Where We Go From Here is important and necessary and can make an impact to all kinds of people. Henrique, Victor, and Ian’s stories need to be heard because their stories are those of hundreds and maybe thousands of people as well. This is exactly the story people need to read, whether they are a part of the LGBTQ+ community or not, whether they are HIV positive or not.
(This review was first published on The Nerd Daily.)
I feel like I just got hit by a bus. How does Tamsyn Muir manage to do this to me every single time?! Anyway. Gtg. I need to cry and process every part of this brilliant book.
Full review will be posted soon on The Nerd Daily.
Full review will be posted soon on The Nerd Daily.
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Felix Ever After is a story that needs to be heard, a story that needs to be amplified. It’s honest and raw, it’s heartbreaking, and it’s absolutely beautiful.
tw: bullying/harassment, misgendering, deadnaming, forced outing, transphobia, racism
~
This book is just so good from start to finish. The writing style is great and there’s something poetic and mellow about it that provokes emotion and thoughts out of the reader.
I loved the characters, especially Felix! He's so precious and talented and passionate, but he's insecure and confused about a lot of things. And though we seem him make mistakes, we also see him go through everything and learn and grow. I liked Ezra and his friendship with Felix. And in a weird way, I liked Declan, too. However, Leah has got to be my favorite. She is the absolute best and I’m so glad Felix has a friend like her.
The plot is relatively simple, and I almost thought it was going to be predictable. However, I have to applaud the author as they did a really good job telling the story. There were little details and plot twists that really managed to get through me (and the fact that I never saw them coming is just so great!). As a whole, it was also a journey of self-discovery, of self-love, and learning to realize and accept that you deserve something good as well. I loved that.
I also loved how family is a big part of the story, and that it talked about exploring and questioning one’s gender identity and/or sexuality (so awesome and wholesome!). I also particularly loved how Felix and Leah cuts off a few toxic “friends” out of their lives, because this is how it should be.
Callender also said in the Author’s Note that this book is very personal to them. And I can see it, I can feel it all throughout the book. It’s so heartfelt and deeply moving(and if I cried in some parts of the book, no one needs to know). This is the story of many Black trans and queer youth out there, and we need to listen to them and support them, rather than bring them down and make them think they’re not a real person.
Overall, Felix Ever After is one of the most beautiful books I’ve read. Now I’m going to need someone to turn it into a movie (please) because this is a masterpiece.
(This review was first published on Enthralled Bookworm.)
tw: bullying/harassment, misgendering, deadnaming, forced outing, transphobia, racism
~
This book is just so good from start to finish. The writing style is great and there’s something poetic and mellow about it that provokes emotion and thoughts out of the reader.
I loved the characters, especially Felix! He's so precious and talented and passionate, but he's insecure and confused about a lot of things. And though we seem him make mistakes, we also see him go through everything and learn and grow. I liked Ezra and his friendship with Felix. And in a weird way, I liked Declan, too. However, Leah has got to be my favorite. She is the absolute best and I’m so glad Felix has a friend like her.
The plot is relatively simple, and I almost thought it was going to be predictable. However, I have to applaud the author as they did a really good job telling the story. There were little details and plot twists that really managed to get through me (and the fact that I never saw them coming is just so great!). As a whole, it was also a journey of self-discovery, of self-love, and learning to realize and accept that you deserve something good as well. I loved that.
I also loved how family is a big part of the story, and that it talked about exploring and questioning one’s gender identity and/or sexuality (so awesome and wholesome!). I also particularly loved how Felix and Leah cuts off a few toxic “friends” out of their lives, because this is how it should be.
Callender also said in the Author’s Note that this book is very personal to them. And I can see it, I can feel it all throughout the book. It’s so heartfelt and deeply moving
Overall, Felix Ever After is one of the most beautiful books I’ve read. Now I’m going to need someone to turn it into a movie (please) because this is a masterpiece.
(This review was first published on Enthralled Bookworm.)
It's official, Elizabeth Acevedo is amazing. I loved The Poet X when I read it. I should have known I would love this one, too! This was such a beautiful book! There's so much story here--about families (and how messy they can be), about identity, about race, about being a woman, about dreams and passion, about healing. I was working while I was listening to the audiobook, and I swear, it took all my strength not to cry. Kudos to the author and the other narrator! They did so good!
This book was a great read! It's fast-paced and adventurous which makes it a real page-turner. It also has a fantastic world-building and magic system, and readers will definitely immerse in it! (I mean, y'all it has a glossary!).
It features a strong main character determined to make a name for herself and be something more than an orphan. However, the characterization and character development lacked for me. She was so focused on her best friend Saengo(which just led me to think there should have been something romantic between them), and although she had a new (and interesting) power, she didn't even use it much throughout the whole book. That said, it's just the first book. The journey will definitely continue on and I would love to see Sirscha's character develop more.
There were several twists and turns as well and those were exciting because I didn't see some of them coming. Plus some of the plot twists make the world-building and the history richer and more mysterious, I can't wait to know more about it!
Overall, this is a pretty solid book and I'm excited for the sequel!
Thank you Page Street Publishing for sending me a finished copy!
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It features a strong main character determined to make a name for herself and be something more than an orphan. However, the characterization and character development lacked for me. She was so focused on her best friend Saengo
There were several twists and turns as well and those were exciting because I didn't see some of them coming. Plus some of the plot twists make the world-building and the history richer and more mysterious, I can't wait to know more about it!
Overall, this is a pretty solid book and I'm excited for the sequel!
Thank you Page Street Publishing for sending me a finished copy!
Find me elsewhere: Blog | Instagram | Twitter
I had high expectations for this one, and although it didn't quite hit all the sweet spots for me, it was still an enjoyable read.
Luc is one messy character, and we see him fuck up in more ways than necessary, but he's been traumatized in the past and we see him coping and trying to overcome it. Oliver, on the other hand, is a sweetheart, and I would have loved if there were more character development on his part. As for the romance, Oliver and Luc are sweet together, but I feel like their relationship are underdeveloped. I would have liked to see their relationship grow more throughout the book.
The writing was fine, it was humorous and heartfelt. However, I did find myself zoning out a few times. I'm not sure if it's because of Luc as a narrator and he tends to ramble on or because of the pacing of events.
Family was also a big part in the story and I liked that it showed that sometimes our own families are the ones who hurt us and damages us the most. Luc and Oliver's circle of friends, on the other hand, are great.
Overall, this feels like 3.5 star-read for me. I'm kind of sad I didn't end up loving this as much as I imagined.
(I received an e-arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Sourcebooks Casablanca!)
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Luc is one messy character, and we see him fuck up in more ways than necessary, but he's been traumatized in the past and we see him coping and trying to overcome it. Oliver, on the other hand, is a sweetheart, and I would have loved if there were more character development on his part. As for the romance, Oliver and Luc are sweet together, but I feel like their relationship are underdeveloped. I would have liked to see their relationship grow more throughout the book.
The writing was fine, it was humorous and heartfelt. However, I did find myself zoning out a few times. I'm not sure if it's because of Luc as a narrator and he tends to ramble on or because of the pacing of events.
Family was also a big part in the story and I liked that it showed that sometimes our own families are the ones who hurt us and damages us the most. Luc and Oliver's circle of friends, on the other hand, are great.
Overall, this feels like 3.5 star-read for me. I'm kind of sad I didn't end up loving this as much as I imagined.
(I received an e-arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you Sourcebooks Casablanca!)
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This book feels so much like a love letter to authors and book lovers. Wow.
It seriously has some of the most beautiful prose I've ever read. Mix that with interesting characters, a high stakes plot that is both ominous and unpredictable, and just the right humor, and you'll arrive with this wonderful book. Also, it has similar vibes as Supernatural and The Good Place, so if you like these shows, pick up this book right now!
Anyway, I have so much more to say. Full review soon!
Find me elsewhere: Blog | Instagram | Twitter
It seriously has some of the most beautiful prose I've ever read. Mix that with interesting characters, a high stakes plot that is both ominous and unpredictable, and just the right humor, and you'll arrive with this wonderful book. Also, it has similar vibes as Supernatural and The Good Place, so if you like these shows, pick up this book right now!
Anyway, I have so much more to say. Full review soon!
Find me elsewhere: Blog | Instagram | Twitter
tl;dr: Cemetery Boys is all kinds of amazing. From the rich world-building, the lush writing, to the lovable characters, and the nuances and struggles of being transgender, this book will make you fall in love.
~
I’m convinced Aiden Thomas is a mastermind. because this book is just too good. It’s lush, it’s well-crafted, and best of all, it will get you invested.
Things were a little slow in the first half, but I swear, the plot was carefully thought out and the climax of the story was brilliantly done! Admittedly, all my theories about the plot were right, but that just made the story more exciting for me! The lush and captivating writing also added more impact as I was reading.
The characters stood out so wonderfully, and I couldn’t help but love all of them. Yadriel is too precious for this world, and a lot of times in the book I just wanted to hug him. The same goes for Julian. At one point, he’s described as “electric and beautiful like a thunderstorm”, and I think it’s the perfect description for Julian. Maritza is also her own hero, with her own struggles to overcome, and I adored her character arc.
When it comes to the the romance, I am DEAD. It was so good! There were lots of pining and angst, and I have to applaud the author because they had me rooting for Yadriel and Julian’s relationship! I would protect these two with my life.
I also love that this book highlighted the nuances and struggles of someone who’s transgender—from the most significant ones (such as deadnaming and misgendering) and even to the simplest ones (like Yadriel using the boy’s comfort room for the first time). Despite this, Cemetery Boys also showed love and acceptance. It was so raw and heartfelt and I loved that!
The world-building and the magic system were also rich, and I believe the readers will truly see Latinx culture throughout this book. Family is also a recurring theme in the story. From Julian’s own band of family, to Yadriel’s own family. It was beautiful and melancholic, because it showed that no family really is perfect, but there is still room for growth and acceptance if we try.
Overall, Cemetery Boys is a fantastic read. For those who are looking for their next favorite read, this is it!
(This review was first published on Enthralled Bookworm.)
Find me elsewhere: Blog | Instagram | Twitter
~
I’m convinced Aiden Thomas is a mastermind. because this book is just too good. It’s lush, it’s well-crafted, and best of all, it will get you invested.
Things were a little slow in the first half, but I swear, the plot was carefully thought out and the climax of the story was brilliantly done! Admittedly, all my theories about the plot were right, but that just made the story more exciting for me! The lush and captivating writing also added more impact as I was reading.
The characters stood out so wonderfully, and I couldn’t help but love all of them. Yadriel is too precious for this world, and a lot of times in the book I just wanted to hug him. The same goes for Julian. At one point, he’s described as “electric and beautiful like a thunderstorm”, and I think it’s the perfect description for Julian. Maritza is also her own hero, with her own struggles to overcome, and I adored her character arc.
When it comes to the the romance, I am DEAD. It was so good! There were lots of pining and angst, and I have to applaud the author because they had me rooting for Yadriel and Julian’s relationship! I would protect these two with my life.
I also love that this book highlighted the nuances and struggles of someone who’s transgender—from the most significant ones (such as deadnaming and misgendering) and even to the simplest ones (like Yadriel using the boy’s comfort room for the first time). Despite this, Cemetery Boys also showed love and acceptance. It was so raw and heartfelt and I loved that!
The world-building and the magic system were also rich, and I believe the readers will truly see Latinx culture throughout this book. Family is also a recurring theme in the story. From Julian’s own band of family, to Yadriel’s own family. It was beautiful and melancholic, because it showed that no family really is perfect, but there is still room for growth and acceptance if we try.
Overall, Cemetery Boys is a fantastic read. For those who are looking for their next favorite read, this is it!
(This review was first published on Enthralled Bookworm.)
Find me elsewhere: Blog | Instagram | Twitter
Bone Crier’s Moon is an addictive and adventurous book with an enthralling world-building, dramatic plot twists, and moving characters. I simply loved it!
(Full review will be posted on March 8, 2020 as part of the Bone Crier's Moon Blog Tour hosted by The Fantastic Flying Book Club.)
(Full review will be posted on March 8, 2020 as part of the Bone Crier's Moon Blog Tour hosted by The Fantastic Flying Book Club.)
(7.11.2020) Third read: I was having trouble picking my next read, so I decided to reread this rollercoaster of a series instead. And damn it, I still have a LOT of feelings for this book. I love my dumb, chaotic children.
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(6.24.2019) Second read: I just finished this series four days ago but I'm still not over it, so I decided to read it all over again. I keep noticing new things this time around, and I realized the slow burn romance is already starting here albeit in really, really subtle hints. It just makes me love it more. *cries*
___________________________
(6.13.2019) Several friends on Instagram have suggested this book to me, and since it was free on Kindle, I decided to give it a try and include it on my TBR for Pride Month!
This was truly an interesting read.
The writing style was fine for me. It's not poetic or too emotional or anything like that. Instead it was dark and straightforward, and really lets the characters stand out. I love the author's use of metaphors; there's something about them that's both melancholic and harsh. There are minor grammatical errors (just a couple of missed commas), but otherwise, it's all good.
The characters (which happen to be my favorite part of the story) got me hooked. They were all so intriguing, mysterious, and unpredictable, and with the way the story is being told, I got invested in them and their own stories and journeys. Some of them (okay maybe a lot) were a tad annoying and maybe psychotic, but I really wanted to know more of them. Neil Josten, our main character, is definitely an intriguing character, and I just can't help wanting to witness his journey as he moves forward in this new chapter in his life.
The plot is interesting as well. It contains a lot of elements and factors which just makes me more curious as a reader. Right now, this first book seemed more like prologue as it mainly introduced the characters, the world, the game, and everything else. I feel it's just getting started, and I am anticipating more from the sequel!
Actual rating is 3.5 stars! I'll make a series review and post it on my blog after I finish binge reading the whole series (it got me hooked alright! hahaha!).
ALSO, trigger warnings: mentions of murder, child abuse, drug abuse.
Find me elsewhere: Blog | Instagram | Twitter
___________________________
(6.24.2019) Second read: I just finished this series four days ago but I'm still not over it, so I decided to read it all over again. I keep noticing new things this time around, and I realized the slow burn romance is already starting here albeit in really, really subtle hints. It just makes me love it more. *cries*
___________________________
(6.13.2019) Several friends on Instagram have suggested this book to me, and since it was free on Kindle, I decided to give it a try and include it on my TBR for Pride Month!
This was truly an interesting read.
The writing style was fine for me. It's not poetic or too emotional or anything like that. Instead it was dark and straightforward, and really lets the characters stand out. I love the author's use of metaphors; there's something about them that's both melancholic and harsh. There are minor grammatical errors (just a couple of missed commas), but otherwise, it's all good.
The characters (which happen to be my favorite part of the story) got me hooked. They were all so intriguing, mysterious, and unpredictable, and with the way the story is being told, I got invested in them and their own stories and journeys. Some of them (okay maybe a lot) were a tad annoying and maybe psychotic, but I really wanted to know more of them. Neil Josten, our main character, is definitely an intriguing character, and I just can't help wanting to witness his journey as he moves forward in this new chapter in his life.
The plot is interesting as well. It contains a lot of elements and factors which just makes me more curious as a reader. Right now, this first book seemed more like prologue as it mainly introduced the characters, the world, the game, and everything else. I feel it's just getting started, and I am anticipating more from the sequel!
Actual rating is 3.5 stars! I'll make a series review and post it on my blog after I finish binge reading the whole series (it got me hooked alright! hahaha!).
ALSO, trigger warnings: mentions of murder, child abuse, drug abuse.