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dannilmp's reviews
70 reviews
Mindwalker by Kate Dylan
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-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? Yes
3.75
I haven't read a fast paced book in quite a while and Mindwalker did not disappoint! It felt very reminiscent of the times I spent rereading The Hunger Games triology or the Divergent trilogy. I felt Mindwalker offered a more futuristic esq version of a dystopian YA novel.
I adored the complexity and levels of detail to the characters, their personalities and backstories. Adding to this was the constant train of thought of 'how would I deal with such a world' and 'do I think technology should be developed and used in this way'. Those questions and the constant pondering meant I kept thinking about this book long after I had finished those final pages.
My only personal disappointment was with the ending itself, it felt a little too all things fall perfectly together for our main protagonists and I would have prefered the ending to have been a little bit more gritty and dark, fitting with the overall tone and theme of the rest of the book. I am looking forward to reading the sequel though.
I adored the complexity and levels of detail to the characters, their personalities and backstories. Adding to this was the constant train of thought of 'how would I deal with such a world' and 'do I think technology should be developed and used in this way'. Those questions and the constant pondering meant I kept thinking about this book long after I had finished those final pages.
My only personal disappointment was with the ending itself, it felt a little too all things fall perfectly together for our main protagonists and I would have prefered the ending to have been a little bit more gritty and dark, fitting with the overall tone and theme of the rest of the book. I am looking forward to reading the sequel though.
Sofia Khan is Not Obliged by Ayisha Malik
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-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? It's complicated
3.25
This was a book I picked up for the Storygraph read around the world challenge, and not a book that would have caught my eye usually. Typically I don't read many contemporary romance stories and while this one did have its quirks, it hasn't drastically changed my opinion on the genre.
While I enjoyed the focus of a romance story not being centred around a white british character this time, I just didn't find these sets of characters or their life stories particulary enjoyable to read about. The topics of conversation, the worries these girls share and their views and opinions on men just didn't click with me at all.
It wasn't an entirely shame of a read though and I did like the ending of the story, but felt it wasn't really all that realistic a scenario in real life, but then romance novels have always felt that way to me.
While I enjoyed the focus of a romance story not being centred around a white british character this time, I just didn't find these sets of characters or their life stories particulary enjoyable to read about. The topics of conversation, the worries these girls share and their views and opinions on men just didn't click with me at all.
It wasn't an entirely shame of a read though and I did like the ending of the story, but felt it wasn't really all that realistic a scenario in real life, but then romance novels have always felt that way to me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism and Islamophobia
The Tattoo Murder by Akimitsu Takagi
dark
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
The Tattoo Murder offers a good mental challenge while reading if you want to try and solve both the locked room mystery and the murder itself. I found the concept of someone murdering in order to steal body art interesting, as well as the detail and explanation that went into both the murder itself and the social views around tattoos at the time period as well.
While I had zero expectations of being able to solve the locked room mystery, I was quite suprised by how detailed the mystery was and I felt unless you really knew about Japanese house construction, it would have been nearly impossible to solve how the room remained locked.
This was a good book and an enjoyable read, including the time I spent trying to construct the timeline of the murder! I was able to work out the murderer but only just before the big reveal itself. While this was a good book, now that I know who the murderer is, I would not read it again, hence the three star review.
While I had zero expectations of being able to solve the locked room mystery, I was quite suprised by how detailed the mystery was and I felt unless you really knew about Japanese house construction, it would have been nearly impossible to solve how the room remained locked.
This was a good book and an enjoyable read, including the time I spent trying to construct the timeline of the murder! I was able to work out the murderer but only just before the big reveal itself. While this was a good book, now that I know who the murderer is, I would not read it again, hence the three star review.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Blood, Murder, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Mental illness
Minor: Sexual content
I'm Travelling Alone by Samuel Bjørk
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was a gripping story, certainly with your typical not run of the mill cops with their own loads of baggage each and a view that some rules are just guidelines, but they will stop at nothing to get the job done! I would not recommend this book if you are averse to child murder or murder descriptions as this story does not shy away from those.
Going through Holger and Mia's story and getting to know them better was a good read. I especially enjoyed seeing how Mia's brain works and how she comes to her conclusions, but the story did make her feel a little bit like a supercomputer rather than human. The ending to this book seemed fitting with all the characters fates and I enjoyed how the end section of the story linked back to the beginning in a way.
Admittedly, sometimes I did get confused about who we were following, why we were following and what their importance was to the rest of the story, especially regarding the two young boys and the wood cult, for lack of a better term.
Going through Holger and Mia's story and getting to know them better was a good read. I especially enjoyed seeing how Mia's brain works and how she comes to her conclusions, but the story did make her feel a little bit like a supercomputer rather than human. The ending to this book seemed fitting with all the characters fates and I enjoyed how the end section of the story linked back to the beginning in a way.
Admittedly, sometimes I did get confused about who we were following, why we were following and what their importance was to the rest of the story, especially regarding the two young boys and the wood cult, for lack of a better term.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Injury/Injury detail
La Belle Sauvage by Philip Pullman
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.75
While La Belle Sauvage was a good story in itself and I enjoyed the connection back to the His Dark materials set, I must admit it has been a while since I read the original trilogy so I cannot remember the importance of a character named Malcom. I enjoyed watching Malcom mature through the decisions and trials that he faces.
I still think this series maintains a level of mysticism similar to the original trilogy, however I think a re-read of the His Dark Materials set would be needed for me to make any more solid connections, but more details about the compasses and how they work was intriguing. Moreover, I think reading this book just made me pine for the original, as these hold a special place in my heart.
There was one small little section of this book that made me raise an eyebrow and it would be the minior reference to pedophilia, I did not see the neccessity of such a dark inclusion within the book. The story would have been the same without the mention, but the fact it was there threw me off slightly. I'm hoping for no similar references in later books in this new series.
I still think this series maintains a level of mysticism similar to the original trilogy, however I think a re-read of the His Dark Materials set would be needed for me to make any more solid connections, but more details about the compasses and how they work was intriguing. Moreover, I think reading this book just made me pine for the original, as these hold a special place in my heart.
There was one small little section of this book that made me raise an eyebrow and it would be the minior reference to pedophilia, I did not see the neccessity of such a dark inclusion within the book. The story would have been the same without the mention, but the fact it was there threw me off slightly. I'm hoping for no similar references in later books in this new series.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Pedophilia
The Dragon's Promise by Elizabeth Lim
challenging
emotional
hopeful
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? It's complicated
4.0
While I think this is a decent expansion on the story of Six Crimson Cranes, this book may not have necessarily needed writing but I think offered a fitting conclusion to Raikaima's part of the story.
I found the determination that Shiori goes through to fufill her stepmother's wish touching and a level of growth and maturity in Shiori that I don't think you would see in most older teenagers. However, the new characters we were introduced to didn't hold my attention as much, the dragons seemed a little lackluster and I found I didn't really care for their politics or their ruling, or even their realm in general.
Putting these criticisms to one side, I found the ending of this book to be satisying if not a little bittersweet between Shiori and her love. It felt like a fitting use of mythology to inspire this ending, and I am very much looking forward to reading the prequel book following Raikaima's early life.
I found the determination that Shiori goes through to fufill her stepmother's wish touching and a level of growth and maturity in Shiori that I don't think you would see in most older teenagers. However, the new characters we were introduced to didn't hold my attention as much, the dragons seemed a little lackluster and I found I didn't really care for their politics or their ruling, or even their realm in general.
Putting these criticisms to one side, I found the ending of this book to be satisying if not a little bittersweet between Shiori and her love. It felt like a fitting use of mythology to inspire this ending, and I am very much looking forward to reading the prequel book following Raikaima's early life.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Blood, and Grief
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-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
4.5
Six Crimson Cranes is based on real world mythology, which is exactly why I picked this book up and I don't feel I was disappointed in any way. We follow a young princess, exiled from home and cursed by her own wicked stepmother as she tries to keep her family together as one.
This is a feel good story and comes to a satisfying conclusion following a whole colourful cast of magical individuals with different abilities, strenghts and weaknesses. If I had to fault anything, it would be that Shiori's behaviour did occasionally get on my nerves but then again she is a young adult and is going to have those personality traits that aren't so glamorous.
This is a feel good story and comes to a satisfying conclusion following a whole colourful cast of magical individuals with different abilities, strenghts and weaknesses. If I had to fault anything, it would be that Shiori's behaviour did occasionally get on my nerves but then again she is a young adult and is going to have those personality traits that aren't so glamorous.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, and Death of parent
Moderate: Animal death and Violence
Minor: War
Babel by R.F. Kuang
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
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
Babel is not a book I thought I would find myself picking up this year. Initially I had heard of it in comparison to Donna Tarrt's The Secret History. As I found the second book a struggle to read in places, I did not have much hope for Babel but was pleasantly suprised!
Babel is an engaging read encouraging the reader to reflect on the progression of colonisation from the United Kingdom but with a magical element in the form of translation pairs and the power these posess to accomplish great things. From start to end you can see the detail into research into Language, History, Colonisation and Cultures that Kuang has gone to in order to create this informed book. Personally I think the addition of the explanation footnotes was brilliant otherwise there are many times I wouldn't have really understood certain references or situations.
I personally couldn't find fault with this book aside from the pace feeling slow for the first 3/4 and then the ending feeling quite rapid and rushed in comparison. The ending of this book and the meaning around it are what captivated me the most and has stuck with me since I finished reading this book. I certainly prefered Babel to The Secret History.
Babel is an engaging read encouraging the reader to reflect on the progression of colonisation from the United Kingdom but with a magical element in the form of translation pairs and the power these posess to accomplish great things. From start to end you can see the detail into research into Language, History, Colonisation and Cultures that Kuang has gone to in order to create this informed book. Personally I think the addition of the explanation footnotes was brilliant otherwise there are many times I wouldn't have really understood certain references or situations.
I personally couldn't find fault with this book aside from the pace feeling slow for the first 3/4 and then the ending feeling quite rapid and rushed in comparison. The ending of this book and the meaning around it are what captivated me the most and has stuck with me since I finished reading this book. I certainly prefered Babel to The Secret History.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Racial slurs, Violence, Xenophobia, and Colonisation
Moderate: Racial slurs, Suicide, and Death of parent
Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
tense
medium-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? It's complicated
5.0
I do love a good magic system themed story and Children of Blood and Bone did not disappoint. A story about journey, self-discovery and a potentially world changing quest to bring back magic. I enjoyed all the character interactions and the growth that they all go through while trying to find themselves and their places in the world and with each other.
The in depth description and detailing of the magic system and how this is inspired by West African mythology has made me want to go and read more material relating to it as well! I feel it is difficult to describe a magic system with just the right amount of detail but Adeyemi nails this beautifully.
However, I feel there were a couple of typical standard sort of romance tropes that honestly, this book just did not need. While watching romance blossom is nice, I don't feel it added any extra level of depth to the storytelling and the story would still have been just as beautiful without. As I didn't dislike the romance, this story still gets 5 stars in my book and I am looking forward to reading the sequel when I have fully processed the book I just finished reading.
The in depth description and detailing of the magic system and how this is inspired by West African mythology has made me want to go and read more material relating to it as well! I feel it is difficult to describe a magic system with just the right amount of detail but Adeyemi nails this beautifully.
However, I feel there were a couple of typical standard sort of romance tropes that honestly, this book just did not need. While watching romance blossom is nice, I don't feel it added any extra level of depth to the storytelling and the story would still have been just as beautiful without. As I didn't dislike the romance, this story still gets 5 stars in my book and I am looking forward to reading the sequel when I have fully processed the book I just finished reading.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Death of parent, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Genocide, Slavery, and War
Cuba: My Revolution by Dean Haspiel, Inverna Lockpez, José Villarrubia
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
3.0
A book I chose for my Storygraph Read Around the World 2023 prompt. I feel the comic style of this novel really helped to get its points across to the reader, especially the use of mainly black and white artwork with little hints of colour here and there. While the book was very straightforward in explaining the author's experiences and giving an insight into the state of Cuba at the time, because of my own lack of knowledge of world history I feel there were some points that I either missed or did not fully grasp. It has sparked my interest to learn more about Cuban history and the revolution.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Torture