obscurepages's reviews
410 reviews

When I say that Jordan Ifueko is a master storyteller, I mean it!!! Omfg.

Diving back into the world of Raybearer universe was so interesting. Not only because I loved the Raybearer duology, but also because it would be fascinating to see what happens after the world has toppled the exploitative governments and people in power. Like yes, common people have taken back what's theirs and have ridden nobles. What's next after the revolution? Will they flourish? Will it stay the same?

Here in The Maid and the Crocodile, we have Small Sade and the Crocodile. Small Sade was such a compelling main character. And she's not a Chosen One, she's not a queen. She's a maid, an orphan. And I love that her journey perfectly showed us that we can choose to be something else or more. And that we deserve something better. Small Sade's story is a tale of discovering self-worth, allowing yourself to be angry at the system not designed to help you win, and still looking out for others and remaining grounded.

As for the Crocodile, Raybearer fans will know who he is! And yet, we still have a lot to know more about him. He was already so charming in Redemptor, but this story, I think, really built up his character and allowed him to fully complete his arc. Because while I liked him in Redemptor, there were some things about him that bothered me then—things that we could still see in him in this story. It was nice to see him realize those on his own.

(Also I had to remind myself, while 10 years have passed, Zuri still remained the same. He's that nineteen-year-old boy-king so desperate to fix the world and yet still so clueless to the world and its people.)

 

Now, the story might be an extension of the Raybearer universe, but the problems were very much a reflection of the real world. Ableism, child labor still happening in different parts of the world, violence against women and pregnant women from their very own partners, class discrimination, and laborers being exploited and treated badly despite their significance in societies. It was all so real. And we see Small Sade live in a world where she has experienced and seen all of this, and we see how these have shaped her as a person and how these will impact her decisions in the future. Of course, it was also a good way to highlight how horrific these are in the world, bringing awareness—and anger—to every reader.

As for the romance, this was just perfection. Because while Small Sade and the Crocodile had immediate chemistry, it took a while for their romance to simmer. And you know what? I'm quite alright with that. Sometimes, romance doesn't need to be flashy and bold; it needs to be patient. And that's what this was. Also I love that this book is being marketed as "romantic fantasy" and not romantasy. I think "romantasy" comes with both expectations and implications that wouldn't have fit The Maid and the Crocodile. Yes it did have romance, but it wasn't a big part of the plot that could alter the story altogether. And I don't know about others, but I really love my fantasy novels that way. 😆

And of course, let me mention the writing style and the overall storytelling, because this was just exquisite. This had minimal action (maybe even less action in Raybearer and Redemptor, nothing more than small instances of rioting and a building crumbling down, really). But the story held so much substance that you're never really bored. The way the author knows how to pull emotions out of you and steer you in the next direction after a plot twist is just so freaking good. Because how do you go from feeling giddy to feeling remorseful in one scene? 😂 And how do you write such a great plot twist in a fantasy, but it's like the calmest scene ever?? The author really knows how to tell a good story, hands down. So, hats off to her. Another thing, second person POV was also used here in a very unique way, and I think it really worked. Not only did it add to the storytelling, but it also had impact and significance in the right moments. I thought that was really clever.

If I had anything to nitpick, maybe I just wished that more justice was brought upon the villains of this book, particularly the ones who hurt Sade. But I kind of also understand why that wasn't part of the book. That wasn't the focus or the essence of the story. (I will hold a grudge for Sade lol, I hope [redacted] and [redacted] rots in hell).

Overall, this is such a powerful standalone fantasy in the same universe as Raybearer. I am so glad to have read it. 🥹

(ALSO, SAPPHICS STAY WINNING YES)

Thank you so much to Abrams Books/Pique Beyond for sending an advanced copy my way! This, of course, did not impact my overall opinion of the book.

CW: pregnancy, childbirth, domestic violence, ableism, limb injuries, child labor, death of a parent, suicidal ideation, suicide attempts (off-page) 

I just screamed into my pillow, this was absolutely incredible storytelling 😭

Thank goodness I reread Rarybearer bc diving into Redemptor, you're immediately taken into another world. One with more expansive world-building, same beautiful writing style, and new characters. Redemptor is expansive and clever and it just takes you in.

I admit the new set of characters set me off a bit, I feel like this needed a cast of characters just so I can keep up 😭😂 I would have also loved to know more about these new characters better? But I can't really say that soured my opinions of the book, because this book still had good characterization, particularly Tarisai, Dayo, Ai Ling, Sanjeet, as well as other minor characters like Min Ja and Ye Eun. Like Redemptor feels like it's most plot-driven, but the characterizations are still good. The conversations between Tarisai and Dayo? Sanjeet? Ai Ling? Adukeh and Adebimpe? I loved it 😭

Also I have to say, Tarisai makes it to the list of my favorite main characters. As a reader, yoh root for her and you feel her suffering. You feel her guilt, you feel her compassion, you feel her need to be loved and her need to create a world worth living. Some of her decisions I don't agree with (I don't want to spoil that much 😆), but her self-realizations at the end? And her character arc as a whole? I just really love it 🥹

Oh and the plot! Kudos to Jordan Idueko because she is a genius storyteller. I love how reading the whole book is just "I don't know what happens next...wait what", but you find everything irresistible and you enjoy the ride 😂 There's one plot twist that I should have seen coming, but it's so clever. And there's also one plot twist that I predicted! (I felt proud because this book is a rollercoaster okay 😂) Overall, this was just an incredible story. A fitting finish to a great start. 

Raybearer and Redemptor are only a duology and yet it feels like I read more than two books. Truly chef's kiss. Proud to say they are now one of my favorites.

Exact rating: 5 just because 

CW: death, war, murder, grief, trauma, death of a parent, death of children (sacrifice), enslaved dead children, fatal injuries, limb injuries, discussions of pregnancy/abortion

You know that meme/scene with Homelander saying "It was perfect. Perfect. Down to the last minute detail." Yeah, that. That was me after rereading this book 😂

For a moment I was actually a bit scared diving into this again, thinking my opinions would change (since I will be rereading after four years). But you know what? My opinion is still very much the same: Raybearer is one of the best YA fantasy novels I've read. If anything, my love for this book just soared to new heights.

This is just so perfect—from the writing, to the world-building, the magic system, the pacing, the characterization, the intricacies of the plot. There's also a lot to learn in this book, a lot of things that we can notice in our own reality. Misogyny, toxic masculinity, histories being erased, governments failing their own people, just for example. You get so engrossed with the story and with Tarisai's character that you just go along the emotions with her. You root for her, and you feel for her. There's also not much action if you think about it, but the overall suspense and the political atmosphere just keep you engaged throughout the entire story. That for me is a feat right there.

You can also tell there's so much love and effort put into this book and it paid off. It worked, and it's such an incredible experience reading this from start to finish 🥹

Exact rating: 1 million stars

CW: death, murder, grief, trauma, death of a parent, death of children (sacrifice), child abuse/neglect

You know what, I've forgotten a lot about the anime already, but the arc of the Band of the Seven? This has to be one of my favorites! I loooveee Jakotsu! That character is someone I will forget easily. Suikotsu was also such an interesting character, he has to be my next favorite after Jakotsu. (And I never expected the manga would actually mention multiple personality disorder ((dissociative identity disorder now)) because I don't remember that from the anime! I loved his character and the friendship he formed with Kikyo, even though it was just for a little bit. Also Rumiko Takahashi just knows how to make awesome character designs for villains. Bankotsu was looking a little too attractive, not gonna lie 😂

Also, can I just say that I love the dynamic between Kagome, Inuyasha, and Koga. Like yes it's a love triangle, but their dynamic is funny and light, even though it's still filled with tension. And the fact Koga just let Kagome be with Inuyasha because she was so worried for her safety? He knows he lost in that one 😅 (And I'm also not going to lie, the tension between Inuyasha and Koga is getting a little uhh... fruity 👀 Definitely not complaining tho lol)

And then we go to Miroku and Sango! I love seeing the two of them on the mission together. Miroku using the Wind Tunnel for Sango even though it will kill him? Perfection.

Also we see Human Inuyasha again! YES THANK YOU. 

Is this a ghost story? Definitely, yes. But is this also a significant story tackling the importance of mental health and establishing boundaries, while also touching on people's outlook on death itself? Oh, absolutely.

This graphic novel is just so precious and so surprising 🥺 I knew I'd be getting a peculiar, paranormal story (the MC is literally a ghost therapist 😆), but I wasn't prepared for how profound it was going to be. It touched on a lot of important topics, the main ones being mental health advocacy and establishing boundaries. Dorian communicates with the dead and helps them move onto the afterlife, but in doing so he's also sacrificing a part of himself and his own mental health. This isn't exactly healthy, and definitely not in real life for us. I just really loved how the whole story doubles down on that and the readers get to realize that along with Dorian.

Also love the little bit of mythology and lore in this story! Ghosts, banshees, Death's door, Grim Reaper? I love it. Also there is a ghost cat, that's a whole star, right there. 😂

And of course the romantic subplot! It wasn't too major or anything, but it was so cute and sweet? I also saw from the author that the MC is bi/ace so that's also a wonderful surprise 🥹

As for the art and color, AMAZING. I did notice the art tend to be a bit blurry? But maybe that's just my e-arc, ofc that might not be final. But the art and style is so good, and I have no trouble following the dialogue and conversations between two or more characters. Also the character designs are incredible!

I could also argue that this isn't YA but maybe more on NA, just based in the characters since they seem older (but not yet middle aged). Overall, this was just a wholesome treat, and everything wrapped up nicely for me.

Exact rating: 4.00⭐️

Thank you so much to the publisher (Penguin Teen) and NetGalley for this e-arc! 

CW: death, grief, trauma, discussions about mental health/burnout, diseases, injuries, blood

Okaayyyy! So we're still looking for Naraku and Naraku doesn't run out of plans damn 😂 He can be creative, not gonna lie. I thought at first his antics were getting a little repetitive. 

Love the character development in this ofc. The Red Tetsusaiga, Sesshomaru "saving" Rin, Inuyasha trying to protect Kohaku still.

There's also the underlying theme about humanity again. Naraku wants to cast out his human self so desperately. But we're (readers + Inugang) starting to see that being human is a different kind of strength, not something to be ashamed of. 

And we finally meet the Band of Seven! Some of them at least. Jakotsu is finally here! And omfg I remember being confused if they're a boy or a girl, but I just know I really love the character design 😂 Of course now, I get my answer that he's a "flamboyant gay" (according to Google. Still, my headcanon is they're genderfluid/genderqueer 😆

Excited for the next volume! 

This is one of my most anticipated reads for 2024 and it did not disappoint!! AAAAAHHHHH

This feels very much like a love letter to the horror genre. All stories showed that horror is not only meant to scare—it's meant to disturb you, inspire you, deliver stark truth, make you realize things around you, and so much more.

All short stories here focus on a specific genre, and as a whole I thought they were cohesive and work well together as an anthology! Some of my faves were Best Served Cold (H.E. Edgmon), Docile Girls (Chloe Gong), Everything's Coming Up Roses (Tiffany D. Jackson), and Gray Grove (Alexis Henderson).

Also I seriously love how I discovered some new authors here? Authors I haven't read from before! 

Overall this was excellent for me, and I know horror fans and enthusiasts will enjoy this as well!

Will post a detailed review on the blog! 

Exact rating: 4.25 ⭐️

Thank you so much to the publisher (Tor Teen) and NetGalley for this e-arc! 

CW: blood, gore, violence, racism, misogyny, generational trauma/ancestral trauma, murder, death, body horror, fatal wounds, bullying, transphobia

Find me elsewhere: <a href="http://www.instagram.com/obscure.pages/">Instagram</a> | <a href="http://www.twitter.com/lxndrnae">Twitter</a> | <a href="https://enthralledbookworm.wordpress.com/">Blog</a>

Marking this book as part of my reading challenge: <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/reading_challenges/fcf9e7dc-39a5-49e2-9f7d-a243f5073985">#ReadQueerly2024</a>.

Okay this was perfection??? 🥹 I've had this on my TBR for quite some time now. Thanks to me being a mood reader (and Libby), I started reading and listening to the audiobook 😂

Three things stand out to me particularly: the poetic prose, the neurodivergent and mental illness rep, and the discussions on gender identity.

The prose is just amazing, and the writing style is so vivid. This book not only gives you incredible imagery (especially when talking about the lake and its magic), but also delves deep into the characters and their thoughts and emotions. I think the narrators also had a part in that, because they really did bring their characters to life. I could feel every emotion in every word as I was listening to the audiobook version. These two nonbinary, neurodivergent, brown kids are so precious and I loved reading/listening to their journey. In more ways than I imagined, I was able to relate to them throughout the book.

The neurodivergent and mental illness rep, I didn't really expect? Or maybe it's just been a while since I read the synopsis 😅 Either way, I thought these were so written so well. I could particularly relate with Bastian and their anxiety. And maybe that lead me to see the plot twist/moral lesson early? But I am definitely not complaining 😭 If anything, it just gave me more affirmation with how I try to deal with <i>*my*</i> own anxiety and stress. And I really really love that.

And of course, the queer rep in this book is just magnificent. There were discussions about gender identity, dysphoria, and experiences. And it just made me appreciate how there's really no singular experience  or guideline in being queer or trans or nonbinary. No one can really tell us about our gender except ourselves —it's a spectrum, it comes in waves, and it's beautiful. (My favorite part definitely has to be Lore and Bastian talking about "gender forecasts", and in one scene Bastian says theirs is "nonbinary with a chance of stars" 🥹)

This book is just really precious 😭 and it made me feel tons of emotions, so yes 5 stars 😂

This is also my first audiobook with Vico Ortiz!? Oh my beloved 😭

Another introspective installment! In this one, two arcs stand out to me: Them learning more about the connection between Inuyasha's demon blood and Tetsusaiga, and Kagome being her own self.

Love Inuyasha's arc here. His demon self saves him in times of need, but he also realizes he loses himself (and his soul) every time he transforms. And then he realizes he doesn't want that, especially if he can't protect Kagome 😭 I think he's come a long way, and we see just how much Kagome has changed him and how he realizes what he wants because of her. 

One of my favorite arcs in the anime is Kagome being controlled by the Dark Priestess. Making Kagome kill Inuyasha, nostalgic of how Kikyo was made to kill him? Priceless 😭 but also it shows how strong and how different Kagome is, and how she's her own person. Not a reincarnation, not a twin, or whatever.

Also I'd like to add! Found family is kind of a big theme in this installment as well! Like the characters are realizing how much they've changed and how they're not alone anymore because they have friends now. I love that.

This is such a pretty interesting volume.

For one, Rumiko Takahashi keeps making hot villains and monsters omg how am I supposed to NOT root for them 😂 Kidding aside, the art and character design just slaps.

Another is that, apparently this is the volume that hurt me the most as a kid in the anime 😂 I'm talking about Inuyasha "choosing" Kikyo and Kagome accepting that she will always come second and staying beside Inuyasha's side even though it hurts her. Like that hurt me as a kid/teen. Unrequited love is so fcking painful, I don't wish it on anyone. Still I remember being a bit mad at Kagome for being a martyr and a masochist. But I was also mad at Inuyasha for not being straight with Kagome.

HOWEVER, reading the manga now, I keep wondering, does Inuyasha even love Kikyo? All his thoughts and POV seem like he feels immense guilt and moral responsibility or obligation to Kikyo so he needs to protect her, rather than needing to protect her because he loves her. And this guilt and responsibility definitely clouds his judgement. Apparently he would "go to hell" with Kikyo if that's what she wanted? That doesn't sound like love to me 😭 and yet, he also admits, he feels "calm and light" with Kagome. Tell me right now who is he really supposed to be with 😭😂

What happened to Kikyo and Inuyasha fifty years ago was tragic and disgusting (on part of Naraku manipulating the whole thing). But it's clear that this will affect their actions and decisions further, and create a truly complicated situation between Inuyasha, Kagome, and Kikyo.


Also demon Inuyasha finally appears in this volume! 😆 Human Inuyasha still has my heart tho. Oh and more Kohaku arc in the next one!