typedtruths's Reviews (1.8k)

a solid start to a series but a little tropey


🍂 Rep: Ben (mc) is poc and plus-sized; Sanami (sc) is Asian; Maria (sc) is latinx; Isaac (mc) and Ben are possibly queer?

🌻 Trigger warnings for blood/gore, death, animal attack, murder, imprisonment, and physical assault.

What a rollercoaster.

Pouding Skin was recommended to me because I am a diehard fan of [b:Sunset Park|25842991|Sunset Park (Five Boroughs, #2)|Santino Hassell|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1445081788s/25842991.jpg|45707493]. While both of these stories do share a lot of similarities - a bi male mc discovering his sexuality - it did not live up to my expectations. Maybe I got too attached to Colin and Daniel in Back Piece? Either way, this companion sequel was a decent contemporary romance but failed to captive me.

Characterwise, I adored Matt. He was such a sweetheart! And I have a weakness for both shy/awkward characters - hello, relatable - and tattoo artists. Jon, on the other hand, was a little bland. He was not a character I felt had any particular presence. I found myself anticipating Matt’s chapters but I did appreciate his character development, particularly his arc in the final third. It was very heartwarming.

I struggled to get into the story because of the plotline. It took a while to find its feet and I was never too sure what exactly it was focusing on; too many topics were touched upon and not followed through. I wanted more of Matt’s financial struggles, more about Jon’s job, more tattooing! Yes, Matt and Jon’s romance was actually quite sweet. I really got into it in the last half, to the point that I got a little teary-eyed, but I needed more from the story to stay engaged.

The repetitive smut didn’t help. Look, I’ve read enough adult contemporaries to know that sex scenes are all but guaranteed. I just think Witt took it a little too far this time. If more of it had been focused on Matt coming to terms with his sexuality, maybe it wouldn’t have bothered me so much but after about the fourth scene? I couldn’t help but roll my eyes. It was too much.

Overall? I think Pounding Skin had a lot of potential but its focus on repetitive smut let it down. Matt and Jon were a cute couple and decent protagonists. I just needed more from the story to truly get engaged. Will I read the sequel? Yes. Lucas was an intriguing character and I am on edge for more Colin and Daniel (and now, Matt) cameos.

🌻 Trigger warnings for needles and coming out themes.

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#1) The Woods, Vol. 1: The Arrow ★★★☆☆

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I decided to give Off Base a chance purely because it is the spinoff to [b:Connection Error|28807263|Connection Error (#gaymers, #3)|Annabeth Albert|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1465442518s/28807263.jpg|49020831], which I read for Diversity Bingo last year and quite enjoyed.

The romance was sweet. I liked that the roommates trope allowed for a lot of cute domestic scenes but the chemistry between Zach and Pike was slightly too reliant on events in the previous novel for me. I was lucky I had read that book before - so I understood the references - but it still made their relationship feel less developed than it was in reality.

Both of the characters were likeable enough and the plot kept me engaged easily. I did really appreciate that none of the difficulties of being in a relationship with a closeted partner was glossed over. However, the focus on Zack coming to terms with his sexuality and dealing with homophobic parents and workplace bullying meant that we got to know little else about him. I hate to insinuate that sexuality is not a big identifier but I felt that the author could have written a much more engaging and well-rounded story if Zack and Pike had more to them than their closeted/out status.

The fact that this book really highlighted the importance of support networks made me happy, though. It showed why labels can be so important to people: that they help you feel less alone and find people who share similar experiences with you.

Overall? This was a decent contemporary romance that tackled difficult topics with respect. I liked the characters - especially Zach - and the domesticity of the romance but I wanted a little more. I’d really recommend [b:Back Piece|34442289|Back Piece (Skin Deep Inc., #1)|L.A. Witt|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1489034053s/34442289.jpg|55550455] to any fans looking for something similar (and better, imo).

🌻 Trigger warnings for homomisia, bullying, workplace harassment, coming out themes, recounted child abuse, queermisic parents, serious injury to a loved one, and hospitals.

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• The focus on Ryan’s rehabilitation was probably why I enjoyed this so much. It was told so simply but with so much attention to details. I need to seek out some #ownvoices reviews but it read so realistically.
• I wish some topics had been discussed and not brushed over: the major age-gap, Ryan’s therapy, homophobia in the military, the character’s family, etc.
• I genuinely liked Josiah and Ryan as characters but I didn't love them. I needed more from them and some more, idk, feels (??) from their relationship to ship it.
• This was the most realistic long-distance relationship I have ever read. I loved that they hit obstacles and had to make a conscious effort to make their relationship work. The fact that they did it all because they genuinely wanted to be together added a whole other layer to their relationship.
• I was kind of uncomfortable that Josiah called himself a ‘spaz’ multiple times without it being addressed, and the fact that he called his dislike of hospitals a phobia. I don't know how many times I have to say it but phobias are real mental illnesses, not a casual throwaway term to describe your discomfort.
• Miscommunication is one of my least favourite romance tropes.
• I have no idea how to say this other than to be blunt: Albert’s sexytimes were awkward and just… not for me. I did not find them endearing but kind of cringe.
• The meet-cute was, well, cute but the hotel scene? Too much too soon! I was prepared for the book to go downhill from there but thankfully it picked up.
• Realistic ending! No over-the-top HEA.
• Would I read more of the #gaymers series? I don’t think so. I am tempted by the spin-off with Ryan’s friend Zack, however. We shall see.

I’d recommend [b:Back Piece|34442289|Back Piece (Skin Deep Inc., #1)|L.A. Witt|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1489034053s/34442289.jpg|55550455] or [b:Sunset Park|25842991|Sunset Park (Five Boroughs, #2)|Santino Hassell|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1445081788s/25842991.jpg|45707493] to any fans of this.

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4.5 stars

• This defied all of my expectations.
• It drew me in with its gorgeous characters, suspenseful mystery, kickass battle scenes, creative magical system, and intriguing politics.
• Martin writes with beautiful imagery.
• The characterisation was wonderful. I came to love every single one of them.
• The lack of romance was refreshing, especially when there was such a prominent m/f friendship.
• I have never read anything like this before - with its combination of magic and politics - and it really drew me in.
• The introduction was a little rushed though, and the vampire lore a tad sloppy.

• I loved it way more than I thought I would. Yeah, the marketing is a tad off - it’s not a horror, it is more of a suspense story - but really, marketing teams rarely get it right anymore. I don’t even pay attention to them honestly.
• Genuinely adored the characters. Makani was realistic, slightly unlikable and perfectly authentically herself. Loved it.
• Cute LI. Yeah, their relationship was rushed and started off oddly but it was sweet.
• AMAZING SCS!
• Reveals were a little too early. The ending a teensy bit too anticlimactic. Wanted more.
• Gore was real and there and gross. I obviously have a weak stomach compared to all the other reviewers. I thought it was enough - plenty enough.
• Just so much authenticity that I appreciated. Girls mentioning their periods and tampons. Pronouns discussions. Friends that actually talk to you when they have concerns about your partner and the nature of your relationship. Bad hair days.
• Grandparent characters are my weakness.
• Worth the hype, honestly.

Full review to come.

A Night Divided was a book which had been on my radar for a very long time, even before its release. I don’t know what it was exactly about this book that called out to me, but I just knew that I had to pick it up as soon as I could. Actually, the gorgeous cover probably played a large role in making me so enthused but my shallow motivations aside, I picked this book up excited and left it completely contented.

Middle grade is a tough field to tackle. A lot of authors struggle to understand that their target audience does not have to affect how their storylines play out and make the mistake of either having a writing style which is too juvenile or over-simplifying the plotline. I understand that readers who enjoy middle grade stories tend to be younger than young adult readers by definition but most authors (from my personal experience) do tend to take this too far. Luckily Nielsen is not one of those authors! Somehow she manages to completely capture the spirit and personality of twelve-year-old Greta without making her seem overly childish or obviously written by an adult. She also managed to flawlessly integrate some very difficult topics into the novel - without avoiding too many punches - and approach these topics in a way people of all ages can appreciate and take something away from.

Being critical, the story was a little slow to start. There were a few too many info-heavy sections during the first quarter and I can see why a lot of readers may struggle to get into the story. I, personally, could see why the author choose to do this - keeping in mind the fact fact that this is likely a lot of readers first introduction to the Berlin Wall/East Germany communism etc. - and thought that while it was a little too much at times, it was without a doubt still necessary.

What really made this story for me was the atmosphere. You could tell that Nielsen had done a lot of research into the era and she effortlessly weaved so many little tidbits into the story. The terror that Greta lived with everyday was tangible. It coated every decision she made and was practically palpable to us readers. The threat that she may be shot or her family thrown in prison (etc.) for nothing more than living next to a particular person - let alone any of Greta’s other actions - really brought this story to life. As awful as it sounds, I loved that Greta’s fear was so central to the story. I hear a lot of people in history classes ask why the Germans “let” these awful situations happen to their country and I think this book did a fantastic job in showing how little control the people of East Germany had in their lives during this period. The government’s influence in every aspect of society was obvious and very, very well done.

The characters also really brought this story to life. For a book where the plotline is as straightforward - and often repetitive - as A Night Divided’s plot, having a strong cast of characters is crucial. Luckily, Nielsen did a fantastic job with Greta and Fritz! Like I said before, Greta was a complex and three-dimensional protagonist. Her childish naivety was perfectly balanced with the strength she had to adopt to deal with her situation. She was cleverly developed across the story and we got to see how she adapted to all the obstacles thrown her way. I loved seeing her relationship with Fritz as well. They had some hilarious moments but it was their support of each other that really made my heart melt.

Overall?

For a middle grade novel and Nielsen’s first historical fiction, I’m so pleased with this story. If you think this book sounds likes something you’d enjoy or you would enjoy a different perspective of what it was like for ordinary citizens in East Berlin during this time, I would undeniably recommend A Night Divided. The writing style was perfect for the story and truly capture the era’s atmosphere. The characters were complex and Greta definitely left an impression of me. I think I need to continue on with this mini Nielsen marathon!

Although I did struggle with Zorn’s debut, [b:The Sky So Heavy|18169279|The Sky So Heavy|Claire Zorn|http://images.gr-assets.com/books/1373873118s/18169279.jpg|25537291], earlier this year and the mixed reviews were a little bit intimidating, I knew that I would have to give this story a chance… and I’m so glad I did! One Would Think the Deep was such an unexpectedly complex and gritty story which reduced me to a sobbing wreck. Narrated by the blessed little tragic cinnamon roll that is Sam, I loved how Zorn explored so many important themes within in such an engaging storyline. There is no doubt in my heart that this book is going to worm its way into Australian classic literature in the future.

What really made me adore this story was Zorn’s writing style. It was just so goddamn beautiful! I don’t know how she managed to weave her gorgeous prose into a story with such a bogan setting but somehow, the contrast just worked. I loved how her descriptives brought the town to life and also managed to capture the characters perfectly. It was so rich and emotive, bringing the grief and sadness of Sam’s story to the forefront of the reader’s minds without making the overarching plot seem bleak. I cannot believe this is the same author who penned The Sky So Heavy!

I also adored how Zorn made this story so goddamn Aussie. For non-Australians readers, I have a feeling the language - particularly Minty’s dialogue - is going to to be a bit challenging. It holds literally nothing back and references so many Australians things. It was just fantastic. I guess it has gotten to the point where I am so used to not knowing what American (or occasionally British) words mean - and having to Google them - that it was nice to sit back and revel in the extreme Aussie-ness of the story. Minty honestly made me laugh so many times because I know a couple of mates that talk just like that and I couldn’t help but think of them the whole time. I just really appreciate how authentic it was.

The characterisation was also on point. I adored Sam from the very depths of my soul. He was troubled and chaotic but also strangely relatable? You could tell that he had was just a genuinely good person going through a rough patch and I just wanted to reach into the pages and give him a big bear hug… or slap a little of sense into him so he’d stop underestimating himself and realise that he was brilliant and kind-hearted. His grief was so accurate and touching that I honestly lost wept a few times. The way Zorn created a flawed but redeemable protagonist and allowed us to delve into his development across the story was simply brilliant. I could have asked for a more well-written character!

However, Sam was not the only well-written character. All of the secondary characters were complex and gritty with the perfect amount of attention spent on developing them as well. Ruby was probably my favourite character. She was so feisty and spirited! I loved that she held back no punches and didn’t let anyone else tell her what do or how to act. The fact that Minty and Shane, Aunt Lorraine, and Nana were all simultaneously unlikable, realistic and redeemable made me so happy. I love that Zorn made sure her supposed ‘antagonists’ - even Shane - had complex motivations and backstories so we were able to understand and even empathise with their situation. Getting to see the characters’ relationships with Sam foster really made the story shine.

Something else that will please a lot of readers is that the minor romance which takes place is barely even a romance. It was more of an exploration of Sam’s growing relationship with Gretchen if that makes sense. I loved, loved, loved that it was not in the slightest bit sappy or over-the-top. It was more about how these two characters formed this supportive friendship and let it help each of them grow as individuals.

The feminist themes and discussions that were intertwined within the story were brilliant. How they made my heart sing with joy! This story truly revolves around Sam’s grief and there are multiple discussions/presentations of how society pressured him to respond to this tragedy in specifics ways. I loved that it touched on the idea that crying was considered an effeminate trait and how Sam really struggled with this. Ruby’s characters also brought attention to the sexism present in the surfing industry during the 90s. I loved that none of it was glossed over. We got to see Shane and Minty with their obvious misogynistic viewpoint presents their side of the issue and we also saw how it affected the female surfers like Ruby. It was cleverly and seamlessly woven into the story without seeming at all preachy.

The thing which let this story down - and you could probably tell that this was heading towards a five-star read for me - was the ending. Oh God, it was awful! I love a good open ending. When most of the story is wrapped up or there is heavy indication of how the story will end past the final page, then an open ending is great for leaving readers with a bit of hope. However, this story did not wrap anything up. It just… ended. It was so abrupt! I hated being left in the dark and not knowing exactly what was going to happened to my beautiful little Sam. I am still so furious about this and it really brought my overall enjoyment down a notch.

Overall?

This was such a beautifully written story. If you couldn’t tell already, I adored it a whole lot. I thought Sam was an incredibly complex and well-written protagonist. I loved seeing his development across the story and the writing style truly captured his grief without making the story too depressing as a whole. The secondary characters, the setting, the themes - they were all done so well. I definitely recommend this book if you enjoy Australian contemporaries and you aren’t afraid of a few tears.