ridleyreadsthings's Reviews (789)

Snarky characters, insanely creepy sorcerers, epic quests and gallows humour, Master of One took me on a ride, giving me elder scrolls meets game of thrones vibes. 

For a large chunk of this book I was unsure how I felt. Part of me wasn't sure if I was fully enjoying it, yet I couldn't put it down and found myself itching to pick it up when I wasn't reading it. 

I loved the characters- especially Rags. He was such a smartass and all around little shit - but I did have to keep reminding myself that he was 16 not 12 ; sometimes he read a little younger? I don't know if that's just me. 

The short chapters were refreshing and I enjoyed how well paced it was and the jumping character perspectives but i did slightly feel that while I enjoyed it, it did take something away from me getting to know the characters fully, and I felt a little like I was stumbling to keep up. 

That doesn't mean I didn't enjoy it. It was such a beautiful book with outstanding worldbuilding; a spectacular world shaded through with corruption and evil. I loved that the Fae were different from any other book I've read featuring Fae and I enjoyed Tal and Rags relationship. 

And that slow build romance. Dayyymn. Living for it. I loved that it was a diverse cast, and that it included a trans character. 

It was a great fantasy read and I cannot wait to see what happens in the next book, which I kinda need right away. 

I really enjoyed this - it was a fast, fun,  Romeo and Juliet retteling - two boys from opposite crime families coming together, finding their way in the world and developing feelings for each other. Your typical coming of age story, but you know, with the mob. 

I loved Matt and Jason, and Matt's brother, Luke. I also liked that we didn't see much from the crime/mob side of things considering Matt wants out - although it does affect the plot quiet a bit. The family dynamics were interesting. Some things were predictable, like Matt's actions and he was a little gullible but he's still a cinnamon roll who must be protected. 

I would have given it five stars but the ending felt so rushed to me and felt like it came out of nowhere, but it was still a satisfying conclusion. Plus the writing did seem a little...young adult? But I get that we are told things through the mind of a teenage boy, which I think people tend to forget in young adult books and nitpick at it by calling the writing style "amature."

It was swoon worthy, hot in places, dripping with sweetness in others. I really enjoyed The Love Interest and I am looking forward to the upcoming Gay Slasher coming out next year. 

Everything about this was too cute and perfect. I adore nick and Charlie 

This was a brilliant book - honestly, as a gay man, I didn't actually know much about HIV or AIDS. I knew the basics, the horror stories that come with all the fear and hate and stigma. 

This was such an enlightening read. The characters were adorable, and it was interesting to get insight into living with HIV from 3 different povs - someone who has just been diagnosed, someone who has been living with it for 3 years, and the third was dating the former, and freaked out when he found out his partner has HIV. Also all come from a background where all of their families reacted in different ways to them coming out. 

Following these young men on their journey as their lives intertwined was such a joy - it was heartfelt and tender, and sometimes tense and heartbreaking.

It was a stunning debut - it was informative, well written and funny with a great set of characters, who had amazing support group of friends that everyone needs in their lives. 

I rated it 4 stars, mainly because it felt kind of rushed towards the end, but I still enjoyed every minute of it. But other than that I can't really fault it much. I look forward to whatever books Lucas Rocha may write in the future. 

This book is a reminder that hate and prejudice (of all kinds) and the stigma surrounding HIV hold no place in this world. We all have different hopes and dreams, fears and anxieties, but we are all the same. I urge everyone to go pick up a copy, and educate yourself.