Scan barcode
csmoke85's reviews
179 reviews
Bestial Mouths by Brenda S. Tolian
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
I would like to thank NetGalley, RDS Publishing and Raw Dog Screaming Press for the opportunity to read this book.
Through the poetry in this book, I felt like I was in the roots of this magical, raw, feminine charged existence. Beautifully written and often moving. The author does well to take us through a journey in these primordial almost tribalistic words of verse. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and would recommend to other fellow poetry lovers.
Through the poetry in this book, I felt like I was in the roots of this magical, raw, feminine charged existence. Beautifully written and often moving. The author does well to take us through a journey in these primordial almost tribalistic words of verse. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and would recommend to other fellow poetry lovers.
The Wickedest by Caleb Femi
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Farrah, Straus, Giroux Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.
It took me a bit to get into the writing style in this book. I wasn’t really sure what The Wickedest was an underground scene or an upper class club? Maybe it’s a bit of both? Still, plenty of highlight worthy writing and flow in this book. I could this as being incredible read out loud as the writers thoughts and feelings really come through in this read. You can tell the author was passionate about the scene that The Wickedest invoked in themselves and others around them. This was an enjoyable read, and I like how the book was formatted.
It took me a bit to get into the writing style in this book. I wasn’t really sure what The Wickedest was an underground scene or an upper class club? Maybe it’s a bit of both? Still, plenty of highlight worthy writing and flow in this book. I could this as being incredible read out loud as the writers thoughts and feelings really come through in this read. You can tell the author was passionate about the scene that The Wickedest invoked in themselves and others around them. This was an enjoyable read, and I like how the book was formatted.
Murder on Christmas Eve by Ann Sutton
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A nice little cozy Christmas mystery. Perfect short read for holiday week. Interesting story, a bit predictable but still enjoyable to read.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder
Priest by Sierra Simone
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Suicide
Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry
emotional
funny
sad
medium-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
5.0
I’m sad it’s over! This was a phenomenal story that had me feeling so different emotions. I wasn’t expecting it be as funny as it was at times, and was pleasantly surprised. This is definitely a must read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Sexual content, Violence, and Pregnancy
The Last One at the Wedding by Jason Rekulak
dark
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
A snitching delivery driving with a vindictive, good digging daughter who has an old man kink.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Murder
Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo
adventurous
medium-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
3.5
About Time by Neil Hilborn
emotional
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
5.0
I own ever book Neil has written.
His cadence and way of writing is impeccable. Nobody can make me cry writing about a robot, but Neil did in this book. He writes in the poem Opportunity, Wake Up! “Her: the NASA engineers called the rover her, affectionately referred to her as Oppy. Oppy, this little robot so far from home, was only supposed to last for two months, and here she was fifteen years later.” A poem about the rover Oppy who lived a longer than expected life, but ultimately did not last.
Not all of Neil’s poems are quite as tragic as this, but all have his stylistic writing and prose. I highly recommend this book and any of his other books to anyone who enjoys poetry or great writing in general.
His cadence and way of writing is impeccable. Nobody can make me cry writing about a robot, but Neil did in this book. He writes in the poem Opportunity, Wake Up! “Her: the NASA engineers called the rover her, affectionately referred to her as Oppy. Oppy, this little robot so far from home, was only supposed to last for two months, and here she was fifteen years later.” A poem about the rover Oppy who lived a longer than expected life, but ultimately did not last.
Not all of Neil’s poems are quite as tragic as this, but all have his stylistic writing and prose. I highly recommend this book and any of his other books to anyone who enjoys poetry or great writing in general.
Like Mother, Like Mother by Susan Rieger
funny
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Thank you to The Dial Press, Random House and Goodreads for the opportunity to read this book.
Like Mother, Like Mother is moving story about multiple generations of strongly independent women. Lila grows up in a broken home with a horrible father. Her mother is sent away by father, and this sets the path for Lila. She grows up and becomes a fierce woman, not really anyone. She has children who are essentially raised by their father, and they in turn become fierce women as well. What became of Lila’s mother that was sent away becomes a big mystery to Lila’s children. Since her mother leaving was such a crucial part of Lila’s life.
This was a beautiful story of grief, love, loss, friendship and finding yourself. A reminder of all the paths that life can wind you down. I found myself crying at certain points. The characters are raw, witty and honest. This was a great read.
Like Mother, Like Mother is moving story about multiple generations of strongly independent women. Lila grows up in a broken home with a horrible father. Her mother is sent away by father, and this sets the path for Lila. She grows up and becomes a fierce woman, not really anyone. She has children who are essentially raised by their father, and they in turn become fierce women as well. What became of Lila’s mother that was sent away becomes a big mystery to Lila’s children. Since her mother leaving was such a crucial part of Lila’s life.
This was a beautiful story of grief, love, loss, friendship and finding yourself. A reminder of all the paths that life can wind you down. I found myself crying at certain points. The characters are raw, witty and honest. This was a great read.
The Poisoner by I.V. Ophelia
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A deliciously wicked cast of characters. I loved them and hated them all at the same time. Definitely a book for dark romance readers who like a villain. I enjoyed this story, especially the darkest parts.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Rape, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Stalking, and Murder