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obscurepages's reviews
408 reviews
Where Black Stars Rise by Nadia Shammas, Marie Enger
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Okay I'm convinced that the copy I got from Libby is somehow defective??? ππ Either that or the fact that I need to read more this genre (eldritch horror). I mean, the synopsis sounds really good and I loved the artwork and color. But yeah, I am confused ππ I think I would have really loved this though.
Squire by Nadia Shammas
adventurous
challenging
funny
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
This YA/MG Middle Eastern-inspired fantasy is profound in every way. I know middle grade and graphic novels are usually ignored (ehem Goodreads π), but this was amazing.
Squire, in its essence, is a story about identity and culture, about glory and purpose, and about colonialist and imperialist agendas. Aiza wanted to join the military for glory and a better chance at life. But she soon found out just what the military truly represents, and what it does to her people.
The storytelling in this book was just so good. And themes were handled really wellβfrom the family to friendship to racism and colonialism. I also have to commend the writer because they kept the dialogue simple and straightforward, even though they were highlighting more serious or heavier themes. It made some scenes even more impactful for me. A couple of times in the book, I had to stop just to admire the scene I was reading.
Also, the artwork and the colors? They were amazing! And to discover that most of the art was inspired by the illustrator's trip to Jordan and Turkey? You just know that these authors care a lot about this story and want to make it the best it can be. I think they did a great job.
Some scenes just feel rushed/disjointed, but other than that, this book was just incredible.
Squire, in its essence, is a story about identity and culture, about glory and purpose, and about colonialist and imperialist agendas. Aiza wanted to join the military for glory and a better chance at life. But she soon found out just what the military truly represents, and what it does to her people.
The storytelling in this book was just so good. And themes were handled really wellβfrom the family to friendship to racism and colonialism. I also have to commend the writer because they kept the dialogue simple and straightforward, even though they were highlighting more serious or heavier themes. It made some scenes even more impactful for me. A couple of times in the book, I had to stop just to admire the scene I was reading.
Also, the artwork and the colors? They were amazing! And to discover that most of the art was inspired by the illustrator's trip to Jordan and Turkey? You just know that these authors care a lot about this story and want to make it the best it can be. I think they did a great job.
Some scenes just feel rushed/disjointed, but other than that, this book was just incredible.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Colonisation, War, Injury/Injury detail
Exit Strategy by Martha Wells
adventurous
challenging
funny
lighthearted
reflective
tense
fast-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
5.0
"My organic parts felt quivery, I had shrapnel stuck all over me, but I was still at 83 percent performance reliability. (It's good there's not a separate statistic for my mental performance reliability because I don't think even I would rate it as all that great at the moment.)"
OKAY *this* book is my favorite so far in the series ππ
This was sweet for me, in a way we've gone full circle. Because in this book we see Murderbot reunite with the people that kind of started this journey of self-discovery and free will. The first people Murderbot can consider as "friends". And Murderbot has grown so much, even they can see it. Here we see just how human and vulnerable and different Murderbot has gotten, and I can't help but feel proud. Yes, it's still not human and it doesn't like pretending to be human. But it feels things, it goes through emotions and has reactions. It's discovering things it likes, it still likes media and how they make it feel. Murderbot is discovering how it is to be human in some way and I love it π And them not knowing what to do, except watching media? So relatable π
Anyway, I just love this installment so much π₯Ή It's still action-packed of course, and it's funny, and it just takes you on a ride.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Injury/Injury detail
Love On The Second Read by Mica De Leon
emotional
funny
inspiring
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Romance fans will have fun with this I just know it ππ
This was just sweet and entertaining from start to finish. This gave me a lot of insights in the publishing scene here in the Philippines (and did it also reignite my dreams of working in publishing? Yeah kind of π) The story also played well with a lot of romance tropes, which can get funny and meta. On the other hand, this also discussed writing and tropes in science fiction and fantasy worlds, which was also entertaining for me.
Loved Emma and Kip as main characters. They're just the biggest nerds! But I also loved getting to know their journey and development as characters. They weren't perfect, for sure, (especially Emma with some of her questionable decisions lol), but I was rooting for them to grow.
I guess I just wished there was more time or more scenes where we see their relationship develop (or maybe this is just me wanting a lot of pining angst π) Either way, definitely wanted more on that area.
Also looking back as a whole, this book really fits with romcoms or love stories loved by many Filipinos! Most Filipinos are hopeless romantics and want that happy ending. It can get messy, it can get frustrating, but love is almost always something most of us really bet on.
Anyway overall, this was good. I'm not the most avid romance reader, but I did enjoy this!
Exact rating: 3.5
CW: sexual content on-page, death of a parent, grief, mentions of H*rry P*tter as well
This was just sweet and entertaining from start to finish. This gave me a lot of insights in the publishing scene here in the Philippines (and did it also reignite my dreams of working in publishing? Yeah kind of π) The story also played well with a lot of romance tropes, which can get funny and meta. On the other hand, this also discussed writing and tropes in science fiction and fantasy worlds, which was also entertaining for me.
Loved Emma and Kip as main characters. They're just the biggest nerds! But I also loved getting to know their journey and development as characters. They weren't perfect, for sure, (especially Emma with some of her questionable decisions lol), but I was rooting for them to grow.
I guess I just wished there was more time or more scenes where we see their relationship develop (or maybe this is just me wanting a lot of pining angst π) Either way, definitely wanted more on that area.
Also looking back as a whole, this book really fits with romcoms or love stories loved by many Filipinos! Most Filipinos are hopeless romantics and want that happy ending. It can get messy, it can get frustrating, but love is almost always something most of us really bet on.
Anyway overall, this was good. I'm not the most avid romance reader, but I did enjoy this!
Exact rating: 3.5
CW: sexual content on-page, death of a parent, grief, mentions of H*rry P*tter as well
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Grief, Death of parent
Mentions of Harry Potter when talking about literary works and literary banters/references
Nayra and the Djinn by Iasmin Omar Ata
challenging
emotional
funny
inspiring
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
3.75
This was really nice! Loved the colors and the art style in here. And also the way this book highlighted Muslim American identity, friendship, and young adulthood was so deliberate and relatable. I was questioning Nayra and her decisions, but I was also rooting for her and her journey! I do kinda wish Rami had more backstory, too.
I also liked that we got a glimpse of Islamic folklore in this story! Although I wish there was more, it was still nice and I loved the storytelling!
Some dialogues and panels can get confusing sometimes, and the tone sort of shifts from time to time for me. But other than that, this was just really entertaining and wholesome π₯Ή
CW: Islamophobia, bullying
I also liked that we got a glimpse of Islamic folklore in this story! Although I wish there was more, it was still nice and I loved the storytelling!
Some dialogues and panels can get confusing sometimes, and the tone sort of shifts from time to time for me. But other than that, this was just really entertaining and wholesome π₯Ή
CW: Islamophobia, bullying
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Islamophobia
Beyond the Gender Binary by Alok Vaid-Menon
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
5.0
Wow. Wow wow wow. This was a short read yes, but it's an insightful and impactful commentary on the harm gender binary brings to people and society.
The first few parts spoke about the author's personal journey and queer people in America. But as the book delved into faulty arguments and instances and the existence of queer people in other communities, the more I got angry and upset. Angry and upset because I see that as well in my own country, in the LGBTQ+ people here. This made me think so much about our own problems here, and how I still hope for the better. How we can move beyond the gender binary.
I think I won't forget about this book quite easily.
The first few parts spoke about the author's personal journey and queer people in America. But as the book delved into faulty arguments and instances and the existence of queer people in other communities, the more I got angry and upset. Angry and upset because I see that as well in my own country, in the LGBTQ+ people here. This made me think so much about our own problems here, and how I still hope for the better. How we can move beyond the gender binary.
I think I won't forget about this book quite easily.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Transphobia
Like Real People Do by E.L. Massey
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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? It's complicated
4.5
It is 2:30 AM and I'm giggling, on my bed, kicking my feet ππ This was so wholesome and pure and every thing I like about a fanfic (and I'm talking about all the pining, angst, fluff, and low stakes vibes) π₯Ή
I loved Eli and Alex and all their journey throughout this story. I loved how communication was so important as a foundation of their relationship. Also the mental health rep and the discussions about gender and sexuality? Precious.
And listen I know next to nothing about figure skating and hockey, but yeah I was rooting for Eli and Alex's games and competitions π You know what, there's just something about queer sports romance, I guess.
This truly does read and feel like a fanfic. And that for me, is a compliment.
Exact rating: 4.5/5
I loved Eli and Alex and all their journey throughout this story. I loved how communication was so important as a foundation of their relationship. Also the mental health rep and the discussions about gender and sexuality? Precious.
And listen I know next to nothing about figure skating and hockey, but yeah I was rooting for Eli and Alex's games and competitions π You know what, there's just something about queer sports romance, I guess.
This truly does read and feel like a fanfic. And that for me, is a compliment.
Exact rating: 4.5/5
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Mental illness, Car accident
Minor: Ableism
For the win by Catherine Dellosa
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
"But I am not an NPC. I refuse to be one."
If anyone saw me cry at 2 AM because of this book, NO YOU DID NOT. π
This was so, so good. It's short, it's simple, and it packs quite a punch. This book is very much a story about the good and the bad of experiencing young love, and the changes youth need to go through as we grow.
I love that this book highlighted the naivety and misguidedness of young love, the fear of things changing and things not going into plan, of how friendships and a good support system from family can be everything for someone, and how relationships are ultimately more than just love and attraction. The author got all of this on point and oh it was so good. Made my heart ache yes, but it was so, so good.
I also love how funny and light the writing style, but the storytelling still didn't shy away from these serious topics. I love the nostalgia the author created with Internet cafes π And the fact that Philippine mythology was a big part of the video game in the story! (Like how cool?!)
Overall, For the Win was just entertaining and deeply moving. If you need a good cry or you just want to be reminded of young love, this might be it for you π
Exact rating: 4.5
Thank you Penguin SEA and author for the e-ARC! This of course does not affect my overall opinion of the book.
If anyone saw me cry at 2 AM because of this book, NO YOU DID NOT. π
This was so, so good. It's short, it's simple, and it packs quite a punch. This book is very much a story about the good and the bad of experiencing young love, and the changes youth need to go through as we grow.
I love that this book highlighted the naivety and misguidedness of young love, the fear of things changing and things not going into plan, of how friendships and a good support system from family can be everything for someone, and how relationships are ultimately more than just love and attraction. The author got all of this on point and oh it was so good. Made my heart ache yes, but it was so, so good.
I also love how funny and light the writing style, but the storytelling still didn't shy away from these serious topics. I love the nostalgia the author created with Internet cafes π And the fact that Philippine mythology was a big part of the video game in the story! (Like how cool?!)
Overall, For the Win was just entertaining and deeply moving. If you need a good cry or you just want to be reminded of young love, this might be it for you π
Exact rating: 4.5
Thank you Penguin SEA and author for the e-ARC! This of course does not affect my overall opinion of the book.
Content Warnings
Minor: Alcoholism, Sexual content, Grief
Green Fuse Burning by Tiffany Morris
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
"Life was a like a language I couldn't speak."
Wow. I dove into this book not knowing much other than it's an Indigenous horror novella. What I got now is a brilliant character study of a woman struggling with her mental health, insecurities, Indigenous identity, her drive to create art, and her reconciling nature with life and death.
I have to say, the imagery and the prose in this book is something else. Something entirely its own.
Overall, this was an incredible mix of both unsettling and profound.
Wow. I dove into this book not knowing much other than it's an Indigenous horror novella. What I got now is a brilliant character study of a woman struggling with her mental health, insecurities, Indigenous identity, her drive to create art, and her reconciling nature with life and death.
I have to say, the imagery and the prose in this book is something else. Something entirely its own.
Overall, this was an incredible mix of both unsettling and profound.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Gore, Blood
Moderate: Grief, Death of parent
Minor: Body horror, Sexual content
Rogue Protocol by Martha Wells
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
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
4.5
Okay. This is probably the funniest installation so far?? I mean the plot is complex, just like with the first two books in the series. But idk, something about Murderbot being annoyed by humans and feelings and thinking like an introvert feels so funny and relatable at the same time π
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Murder, Injury/Injury detail