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fangirljeanne's reviews
1180 reviews
Clean Break by Abby Vegas
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Losers: Part I by Harley Laroux
dark
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Biphobia, Bullying, Child abuse, Confinement, Cursing, Drug use, Gun violence, Homophobia, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Self harm, Sexism, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, Toxic friendship, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
How Horror Works in Books and Film by Shannon Scott
informative
fast-paced
4.0
Great introductory overview to the genre.
Dark Water Daughter by H.M. Long
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
House of Odysseus by Claire North
emotional
reflective
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Women!
Cruel Seduction by Katee Robert
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-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
4.0
Fables & Other Lies by Claire Contreras
Did not finish book. Stopped at 0%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 0%.
I didn’t like the audiobook. Will try reading the ebook instead.
The Coven by Harper L. Woods
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Read for research.
I have a personal problem with overwhelming themes of Christianity in witch stories. This story is steeped in a heavily contemporary Christian interpretation of Satanism and witchcraft. Which makes it feel less witchy and more of a dark messiah story, that in execution isn’t nearly as interesting as it sounds.
The world building was very interesting, lots of potential. But didn’t really exist beyond info dumpy plot points that gracelessly forced the story forward. The romance felt insta-lust to insta-love with little actually relationship development. The FMC is a passive pawn in trying very hard to act like a “strong female character.” She’s reactionary, and her primary motivation isn’t actually her own. She’s less a reluctant hero and more of a super powered dog toy being pushed and pulled between the various powers that be in the story.
The MMC is equally hollow. Yes, he does evil and thinks sexy thoughts. But much of her actions are justified by plot machinations that are later revealed in a rush. Thus he’s just a horny teacher who act like a teenage boy, and less like an ageless immortal demon with some grand evil plan.
The sex scenes are okay, but are overshadowed by some really gross puritanical ideas about virginity and sin, which feels weirdly out of place for a witch who’s powers are grounded in nature. Making sex less about enjoyment or emotional intimacy and more about vulnerability and power.
Overall this is books just fails to be anything more than a string of shocking twists and sex scenes with little real plot or a developed story.
The internalized misogyny is heavy in this one. Fending figures of power are either dead, antagonist, or the FMC.
Meh
I have a personal problem with overwhelming themes of Christianity in witch stories. This story is steeped in a heavily contemporary Christian interpretation of Satanism and witchcraft. Which makes it feel less witchy and more of a dark messiah story, that in execution isn’t nearly as interesting as it sounds.
The world building was very interesting, lots of potential. But didn’t really exist beyond info dumpy plot points that gracelessly forced the story forward. The romance felt insta-lust to insta-love with little actually relationship development. The FMC is a passive pawn in trying very hard to act like a “strong female character.” She’s reactionary, and her primary motivation isn’t actually her own. She’s less a reluctant hero and more of a super powered dog toy being pushed and pulled between the various powers that be in the story.
The MMC is equally hollow. Yes, he does evil and thinks sexy thoughts. But much of her actions are justified by plot machinations that are later revealed in a rush. Thus he’s just a horny teacher who act like a teenage boy, and less like an ageless immortal demon with some grand evil plan.
The sex scenes are okay, but are overshadowed by some really gross puritanical ideas about virginity and sin, which feels weirdly out of place for a witch who’s powers are grounded in nature. Making sex less about enjoyment or emotional intimacy and more about vulnerability and power.
Overall this is books just fails to be anything more than a string of shocking twists and sex scenes with little real plot or a developed story.
The internalized misogyny is heavy in this one. Fending figures of power are either dead, antagonist, or the FMC.
Meh
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal death, Child abuse, Child death, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Gore, Mental illness, Misogyny, Self harm, Torture, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Death of parent, Abandonment, and Sexual harassment
Dirty Wicked Prince by Eden O'Neill
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Read this for research. The writing is competent. The sex scenes are decent. The plot is bit of a convoluted mess that vilifies a survivor of intimate partner abuse, by framing her as a sexual predator. It’s pretty repugnant choice, imo.
The bully scenario is excused away by a misunderstanding and the FMC being “too aggressive.” Which is also a strike for me, as her fearlessness in the face of threats is a big part of what I like about her.
In the end, it was informative read that helped me deconstruct the tenants of this subgenre. But can’t recommend it, especially to survivors of intimate partner abuse. The internalized misogyny is thick in this one.
The bully scenario is excused away by a misunderstanding and the FMC being “too aggressive.” Which is also a strike for me, as her fearlessness in the face of threats is a big part of what I like about her.
In the end, it was informative read that helped me deconstruct the tenants of this subgenre. But can’t recommend it, especially to survivors of intimate partner abuse. The internalized misogyny is thick in this one.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Adult/minor relationship, Alcoholism, Bullying, Confinement, Cursing, Death, Domestic abuse, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Infidelity, Physical abuse, Sexism, Sexual content, Toxic relationship, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Abandonment, Sexual harassment, and Classism
The Pool Boy by Nikki Sloane
emotional
hopeful
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0