sunshinestark's Reviews (376)

lighthearted fast-paced
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Look, everyone in this bar is dumb as hell (except Seiji who genuinely does not get social cues - I will not accept slander of him) and this was kind of written like a bad fanfic but I enjoyed it a lot. It’s a fun, silly, romp that helped lessen my anxiety over Covid-19. The rivals to lovers romance I wanted to see happen did not, though I’m still hopeful because the seeds are RIGHT THERE, just let them bloom! The romance we did get was best friends to lovers + pretend dating with so much mutual pining paired with obliviousness on both sides. Friendship is a strong plot point through the entire book, leading to many moments where I went ‘aww’ and others where I rolled my eyes at the boys’ shenanigans. It’s also a direct continuation of Fence Vol 4 of the comic series, so if you wanted more after that ended, be sure to get this.

 I do think something got lost a little in translation going from comic to novel. Some of the writing and dialogue is stilted or felt.. clumsy? Awkward? Way too many ‘bros’ for sure. I have never read this author before so I don’t know if this is just their style, but either way, this was an ARC provided by Edelweiss+ so I have hope some of this will get improved on before it publishes. BUT if they don’t, I mean, still read it. I’m sure we’ve all read worse fics on AO3! Does it really matter if it isn’t perfect if it makes you smile & makes your day better? 
funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I’m always genuinely pleased to find a story that centers around fandom. For years I’ve found my home in fandom and fanfiction, so seeing it be presented in a positive way always makes me feel good. On top of that, I am in love with stories where the love interest of a fat main character loves that person irrevocably, finding them to be beautiful and sexy without reservation. This is one of those stories. It is a wonderful love story, both about two people falling in love and about their love for fandom. 

(It also absolutely doesn’t hurt that this read as a complete roast of the trajectory Game of Thrones went over it’s many seasons and the character assassination that happened, especially in the final seasons.) 

In summary: If you’ve liked other fandom based stories you will love reading about an actor trying to vent his frustration with the show through a secret fanfiction persona. If you’re a fan of body positive romances you’ll find joy in the unwavering love Marcus has for April and her body.  And finally, if you‘ve enjoyed  ‘celebrity falls in love with a fan’ plot in movies, books, or fic you’ll want to read this ASAP. 
lighthearted fast-paced
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes

When I first saw this graphic novel I wasn't sure I would like it but decided to give it a try anyway after reading good reviews online. I'm very glad I decided to! While fencing, and sports in general, are not my favorite thing I found this first volume to be fun, focusing equally on the fencing aspect and characters in a way that made me care about them and actually become interested in the fencing portions. 

Paper Girls, Vol. 1

Brian K. Vaughan

DID NOT FINISH

DNF @ like 1%

Not really into reading something where so quick in insults are: faggot and AIDS patient. 

Fuck that. 
reflective slow-paced

I’m not sure what age the girls in this story are, but I’m assuming around middle school age (12-14) because they mention high school boys a few times. There is a lot to relate to in terms of how teens this age act - smoking, drinking, lying to parents, bullying, and Valentine seems to be suffering from depression but rather than addressing any of these things and really exploring why they do this or why it’s harmful, it seems to be glorifying it. I am of course coming from the mindset of someone in my 30s who exhibited all of these behaviors as a teen and wish I hadn’t due to the harm it caused me. It’s not for me, I won’t be reading the rest of the volumes, and I’d urge caution in recommending it to a teenager to read unless you (presumably as an adult) are ready and willing to discuss how those behaviors can be dangerous! As always though, what’s not for me might work perfectly for someone else who isn’t clouded by my personal experiences. 
funny lighthearted fast-paced
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

During the Great Pandemic of 2020, during which I have many times fallen further into my depression and felt hopeless and uninspired with everything I've tried to read, Giant Days gave me a fun, engaging story to dive into and I loved every part of it. You will fall in love with the endearing flaws of each character and not want the story to end when the volume is over because it will give you another world to live in where you'll find joy and laughter (and yes, even a little heartbreak as it goes on) when the real world around is especially bleak.
adventurous dark mysterious fast-paced
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes