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sunflower_fantasy's reviews
46 reviews
Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.25
This had an enchanting synopsis and a promising start, but for me, it just didn’t deliver.
Although the world building clearly had beautiful elements, it felt rushed and lacked description and vivid imagery. In actuality, this describes the whole book… rushed. The pacing felt off and I couldn’t connect with any of the characters, nor did I care about them. It only got mildly interesting towards the end when the twist was revealed, but even that felt flat and I would’ve preferred more of an insight or gradual development within the narrative.
Also… these are the kind of love stories I hate.
Although the world building clearly had beautiful elements, it felt rushed and lacked description and vivid imagery. In actuality, this describes the whole book… rushed. The pacing felt off and I couldn’t connect with any of the characters, nor did I care about them. It only got mildly interesting towards the end when the twist was revealed, but even that felt flat and I would’ve preferred more of an insight or gradual development within the narrative.
Also… these are the kind of love stories I hate.
Frying Plantain by Zalika Reid-Benta
emotional
lighthearted
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? Yes
3.75
I read this slowly over a week in between reading another book. It didn’t wholly capture my attention and occasionally felt a bit flat, but it was a cosy compilation of short interconnected stories that formed Kara’s coming-of-age. It felt homely, confusing, and frustrating as it explored the isolation of diaspora children and expectations thrust onto young Black girls by mothers and grandmothers who want to protect them. Reid-Benta tells emotional stories without spelling them out.
Mirrored Heavens by Rebecca Roanhorse
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
slow-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? Yes
5.0
An incredible read!!!
It brings together all loose ends perfectly. I want more stories set in this world.
It brings together all loose ends perfectly. I want more stories set in this world.
Skin Folk by Nalo Hopkinson
2.0
Rounded down from 2.5. This was a pleasant read, but I didn’t enjoy all of the stories. I had to push myself through some of them. Fisherman was good though.
Heart of the Sun Warrior by Sue Lynn Tan
adventurous
emotional
4.5
Ah. I feel sad that I’ve completed this duology. While not quite as good as the first book in my opinion, it definitely picks up in Part III. The writing style is beautiful throughout and the ending gives me all the feels.
I want to re-read them again & again
Cons: some big emotional / character changing events happen in the first part of the book & I feel like they’re swept over too quickly.
I want to re-read them again & again
Cons: some big emotional / character changing events happen in the first part of the book & I feel like they’re swept over too quickly.
Tales of the Celestial Kingdom by Sue Lynn Tan
lighthearted
4.25
Beautiful short stories expanding the universe I fell in love with. All centred on love & burgeoning relationships which was cute.
The Obelisk Gate by N.K. Jemisin
3.0
A slow read, but glad I finally finished it. Now I can go onto the third!
The Fifth Season by N.K. Jemisin
5.0
Breathtaking.
I was gripped. Quite literally held at the edge of my seat. In awe. It’s dark, seductive, unexpected and harrowing. You have definitely entered adult fantasy territory.
I’ve been meaning to read some N. K. Jemisin for a while, but put it off for various unimportant reasons. In retrospect, it’s better that I did this and familiarised myself with more fantasy fiction beforehand… This book wasn’t an easy read. Jemisin makes you work to be a part of her intricately original world. She masterfully plays with perspective, character, and time to create an immersive heartbreaking world that pieces you together just as much as it pulls you apart.
The Fifth Season tells the story of a world that is routinely ruptured by cataclysmic events. Within this world, a woman named Essun (you) must travel the apocalyptic world in search of your daughter who has been kidnapped by your husband.
Pros: The magic system is embedded in the nature of the world. The lore is vast and unreliable. Character development is major.
Cons (?): At times a challenging read which requires a lot of detailed visualisation. This is where the originality lies though. There are some things you just won’t understand, it’s better to make peace with that
I was gripped. Quite literally held at the edge of my seat. In awe. It’s dark, seductive, unexpected and harrowing. You have definitely entered adult fantasy territory.
I’ve been meaning to read some N. K. Jemisin for a while, but put it off for various unimportant reasons. In retrospect, it’s better that I did this and familiarised myself with more fantasy fiction beforehand… This book wasn’t an easy read. Jemisin makes you work to be a part of her intricately original world. She masterfully plays with perspective, character, and time to create an immersive heartbreaking world that pieces you together just as much as it pulls you apart.
The Fifth Season tells the story of a world that is routinely ruptured by cataclysmic events. Within this world, a woman named Essun (you) must travel the apocalyptic world in search of your daughter who has been kidnapped by your husband.
Pros: The magic system is embedded in the nature of the world. The lore is vast and unreliable. Character development is major.
Cons (?): At times a challenging read which requires a lot of detailed visualisation. This is where the originality lies though. There are some things you just won’t understand, it’s better to make peace with that