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obscurepages's reviews
408 reviews
Snapdragon by Kat Leyh
adventurous
challenging
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
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
5.0
NOT ME CRYING BECAUSE I DID NOT EXPECT TO FIND SUCH A WHOLESOME, DELIGHTFUL STORY ๐ญ
Picked this up as part of my Halloween reads. Ended up reading a wonderful story about queer love through the years, queer identity, the magic around us, and finding your own power ๐ฅน๐ฅน๐ฅน
This was just so, so good. The art, the colors, the storytelling, the atmosphere?? I just loved everything about this ๐ญ I need to see more people talk about this book.
Picked this up as part of my Halloween reads. Ended up reading a wonderful story about queer love through the years, queer identity, the magic around us, and finding your own power ๐ฅน๐ฅน๐ฅน
This was just so, so good. The art, the colors, the storytelling, the atmosphere?? I just loved everything about this ๐ญ I need to see more people talk about this book.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Bullying, Death, Homophobia, Transphobia
After Lambana: Myth and Magic in Manila: A Graphic Novel by Mervin Malonzo, Eliza Victoria
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Okay this was good. I love the concept, the story, the world-building (hello Filipino mythology and magic ๐ญ), but I feel like it needs a bit more polishing.
It can get a bit confusing in some scenes/timelines. However, I have to say the story was atmospheric and the plot twists were just so good. Because of that, it felt like this book packed quite a punch even though this was a short read.
Would have loved to see more stories from this world ๐ฅบ The Filipino mythology interweaved with urban/modern life? Very nice. Loved the small bit of queer rep as well. And the colors were on point!
It can get a bit confusing in some scenes/timelines. However, I have to say the story was atmospheric and the plot twists were just so good. Because of that, it felt like this book packed quite a punch even though this was a short read.
Would have loved to see more stories from this world ๐ฅบ The Filipino mythology interweaved with urban/modern life? Very nice. Loved the small bit of queer rep as well. And the colors were on point!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Murder
Minor: Mental illness, Suicide
You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Okay reading the last two chapters of this book is a complete roller coaster ride ๐ญ๐ But that ending? You know what, I love it.
Did I wish it was a bit scarier or had more lore? Yeah, a bit. But did I love the graphic writing style? Yes, I do ๐ญ Because the scenes come so vividly to my mind and that kind of gives me the feeling of watching a movie.
I love Charity and Bezi. I don't know, but I think they do embody what Final Girls stand for. Hope and resilience.
Overall, this was just wildly fun and entertaining. And if you love slashers and the final girl trope, you might want to give this a try.
Did I wish it was a bit scarier or had more lore? Yeah, a bit. But did I love the graphic writing style? Yes, I do ๐ญ Because the scenes come so vividly to my mind and that kind of gives me the feeling of watching a movie.
I love Charity and Bezi. I don't know, but I think they do embody what Final Girls stand for. Hope and resilience.
Overall, this was just wildly fun and entertaining. And if you love slashers and the final girl trope, you might want to give this a try.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
Artificial Condition by Martha Wells
adventurous
challenging
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
And just like the first book, this was funny as hell too ๐ญ๐ I particularly loved it when Murderbot, with thousands of new media in storage, chose to rewatch their comfort show instead. They're just like me fr ๐
I think I like the pacing and character build-up better in the first book though. However, I just really loved the writing style and the tone of the book. The perfect balance of funny and suspenseful.
I think I like the pacing and character build-up better in the first book though. However, I just really loved the writing style and the tone of the book. The perfect balance of funny and suspenseful.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gore, Violence, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Sexual content
All Systems Red by Martha Wells
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
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
4.5
I have absolutely no expectations about this except there's a murderbot who wants to watch TV shows?? I was not prepared for how hilarious and relatable and exciting this was ๐ญ๐ So yep. That's another fave for me ๐
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Violence, Blood, Murder, Injury/Injury detail
This Dark Descent by Kalyn Josephson
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
tense
fast-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? No
4.75
THIS WAS ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT WTF WTF ๐ญ๐
I've only read middle grade from Kalyn Josephson, so while I was expecting something good, I also didn't know much yet about their writing style in YA. But wow wow wow wow.
<b>The world-building was complex and enchanting, the characters were all compelling, the political intrigue was just suspenseful, the plot was carefully woven and definitely stress-inducing </b> ๐ญ๐ I was actually a little afraid I wouldn't really connect to this book because it's about horse-racing. But damn, how wrong was I. Because this was more than just horse-racing. It was about the bad and ugly sides of humanity, the immense power that the elites hold, about our own desires, and coming to terms with our own power and growing in confidence. <b> This was just brilliant, riveting, and breathtaking. </b>
(I also just loved seeing aroace/demi rep, as well as bi rep from the two main characters ๐ฅน)
This took me in a rollercoaster ride I never really expected, and for that, this book is one of my favorites this year ๐ญ
Full review in my blog soon!
(Received an e-arc from the author in exchange for an honest review.)
I've only read middle grade from Kalyn Josephson, so while I was expecting something good, I also didn't know much yet about their writing style in YA. But wow wow wow wow.
<b>The world-building was complex and enchanting, the characters were all compelling, the political intrigue was just suspenseful, the plot was carefully woven and definitely stress-inducing </b> ๐ญ๐ I was actually a little afraid I wouldn't really connect to this book because it's about horse-racing. But damn, how wrong was I. Because this was more than just horse-racing. It was about the bad and ugly sides of humanity, the immense power that the elites hold, about our own desires, and coming to terms with our own power and growing in confidence. <b> This was just brilliant, riveting, and breathtaking. </b>
(I also just loved seeing aroace/demi rep, as well as bi rep from the two main characters ๐ฅน)
This took me in a rollercoaster ride I never really expected, and for that, this book is one of my favorites this year ๐ญ
Full review in my blog soon!
(Received an e-arc from the author in exchange for an honest review.)
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, Gore, Gun violence, Torture, Violence, Blood, Antisemitism, Death of parent, War, Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Bullying, Sexual content, Grief
Squad by Maggie Tokuda-Hall
challenging
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.75
Okay so this had potential, but I feel like a couple of elements fell flat.
The sisterhood and the found family that I was initially expecting was just not there. Or it was there, but it was a skewed version. The way the MC tried so hard to fit into these girls was just not working (or maybe I'm just too introverted for this ๐) Also the fatphobia and the racist micro aggressions from your supposed "friends"?? No thanks ๐ญ
The feminist theme was good at first too (werewolves preying on boys who manipulate and take advantage of girls). But then it got weird. I know they got desperate and they were starving and all, but still doesn't sit right with me.
That being said, the art style and the colors was just too good. I loved flipping the page and getting to see the art there. I also loved the queer/sapphic rep. That one was a lovely surprise.
The sisterhood and the found family that I was initially expecting was just not there. Or it was there, but it was a skewed version. The way the MC tried so hard to fit into these girls was just not working (or maybe I'm just too introverted for this ๐) Also the fatphobia and the racist micro aggressions from your supposed "friends"?? No thanks ๐ญ
The feminist theme was good at first too (werewolves preying on boys who manipulate and take advantage of girls). But then it got weird. I know they got desperate and they were starving and all, but still doesn't sit right with me.
That being said, the art style and the colors was just too good. I loved flipping the page and getting to see the art there. I also loved the queer/sapphic rep. That one was a lovely surprise.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Fatphobia, Gore, Racism, Rape, Sexual assault, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Murder
Mermaids Never Drown: Tales to Dive For by Natalie C. Parker, Zoraida Cรณrdova
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
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? No
4.75
Listen I liked Vampires Never Get Old, but I think Mermaids Never Drown is on another level ๐ญ๐
This was brilliantly executedโall the stories captured the essence of a mermaid's beauty, power, and danger as a myth, while also bringing a new twist or significance from the authors' various perspectives. We see queer identity, romance, environmental issues, racism, self-discovery, and so much more.
Overall, these stories just worked so good together and this anthology is one for the books. I can't wait to see a third installment from this series!
Exact rating: 4.75/5
Full review on my blog soon!
(Received an e-arc from the publisher as part of the upcoming tour with Turn the Pages Tour. This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.)
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 reading challenge: <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/reading_challenges/de133357-4196-421b-8d50-0445bfec4ec3/">#ReadQueerly2023</a>.
This was brilliantly executedโall the stories captured the essence of a mermaid's beauty, power, and danger as a myth, while also bringing a new twist or significance from the authors' various perspectives. We see queer identity, romance, environmental issues, racism, self-discovery, and so much more.
Overall, these stories just worked so good together and this anthology is one for the books. I can't wait to see a third installment from this series!
Exact rating: 4.75/5
Full review on my blog soon!
(Received an e-arc from the publisher as part of the upcoming tour with Turn the Pages Tour. This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.)
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 reading challenge: <a href="https://app.thestorygraph.com/reading_challenges/de133357-4196-421b-8d50-0445bfec4ec3/">#ReadQueerly2023</a>.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gore, Blood, Grief
Minor: Racism, Classism
Confetti Realms by Nadia Shammas
adventurous
challenging
funny
mysterious
reflective
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
3.75
Okay this was cute? But also I kind of wanted more ๐ญ๐
This had the perfect amount of spooky and whimsicalโblending horror and fantasy to create and atmospheric setting! Loved the queer, diverse fast as well. Though I feel like some of the pacing and the build up of characters and the drama were a bit off.
I also feel like it ended abruptly? Like in an open ending kind of way. Which is a shame because it wasn't until near the end that we started learning more about the characters and their inner struggles.
Love the art style and the colors as well! I feel like these really captured the otherworldliness of the strange new realm. I would have liked to know more about that world-building though!
Overall, this was fun and entertaining. But it also got deep and introspective, which was definitely a plus for me.
Exact rating: 3.75โญ๏ธ
(Received an e-arc via NetGalley! This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.)
This had the perfect amount of spooky and whimsicalโblending horror and fantasy to create and atmospheric setting! Loved the queer, diverse fast as well. Though I feel like some of the pacing and the build up of characters and the drama were a bit off.
I also feel like it ended abruptly? Like in an open ending kind of way. Which is a shame because it wasn't until near the end that we started learning more about the characters and their inner struggles.
Love the art style and the colors as well! I feel like these really captured the otherworldliness of the strange new realm. I would have liked to know more about that world-building though!
Overall, this was fun and entertaining. But it also got deep and introspective, which was definitely a plus for me.
Exact rating: 3.75โญ๏ธ
(Received an e-arc via NetGalley! This, of course, did not affect my overall opinion of the book.)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders
Minor: Cancer, Homophobia, Transphobia
Night of the Living Queers by Alex Brown, Shelly Page
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.0
This was everything I imagined it to be!
When I heard that this YA Horror Anthology centers queer and BIPOC characters (and by queer authors of color), I was ecstatic! And now I can say, it didn't let me down.
This whole anthology was filled with creepy and creative short stories that are full of heart, boldness, humor, and terror. I love the every story offered a unique twist, that every story had a new perspective on what things are scary and terrifying. I also love that I got to see various cultures and identities in every story, and this just added a lot more love and soul.
Some of my favorites are Guested (Rebecca Kim Wells), Rocky Road with Caramel Drizzle (Kosoko Jackson), Leyla Mendoza and the Last House on the Lane (Maya Gittelman), and Hey There, Demons (Tara Sim).
Of course, thank you so much Wednesday Books for the e-arc! (This did not affect my overall opinion of the book)
Full review on my blog soon!
When I heard that this YA Horror Anthology centers queer and BIPOC characters (and by queer authors of color), I was ecstatic! And now I can say, it didn't let me down.
This whole anthology was filled with creepy and creative short stories that are full of heart, boldness, humor, and terror. I love the every story offered a unique twist, that every story had a new perspective on what things are scary and terrifying. I also love that I got to see various cultures and identities in every story, and this just added a lot more love and soul.
Some of my favorites are Guested (Rebecca Kim Wells), Rocky Road with Caramel Drizzle (Kosoko Jackson), Leyla Mendoza and the Last House on the Lane (Maya Gittelman), and Hey There, Demons (Tara Sim).
Of course, thank you so much Wednesday Books for the e-arc! (This did not affect my overall opinion of the book)
Full review on my blog soon!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gore, Homophobia, Racism, Violence, Blood, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Alcoholism, Child abuse