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lowkeymarie's reviews
557 reviews
The Last Murder at the End of the World by Stuart Turton
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
It's interesting to see the mixed reviews on this! I was coming into this halfway expecting to DNF it, as I had previously tried to read Evelyn Hardcastle and been horribly bored by it. But the synopsis of this one sounded so intriguing that I just had to pick it up.
I was hooked within the first few pages and it just never let me go. I could see how the conclusion would be unsatisfying for some readers, but it worked well enough for me.
I was hooked within the first few pages and it just never let me go. I could see how the conclusion would be unsatisfying for some readers, but it worked well enough for me.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and Murder
Masquerade by O.O. Sangoyomi
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
I am so glad I impulsively grabbed this at the library based on the stunning cover art! What a ride! I am not familiar with the story of Persephone tbh, so I really never knew what to expect from the story, which made for a very engaging read for me. I enjoyed the plot and characters, but more than anything else, the atmosphere and setting of the book were so damn good. The descriptions of clothing, hairstyles, food, etc., made for a very rich reading experience.
I'm looking forward to what else this author comes out with!
I'm looking forward to what else this author comes out with!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Slavery, Violence, Kidnapping, and Murder
Moderate: Rape, Fire/Fire injury, and War
Die, Vol. 1: Fantasy Heartbreaker by Kieron Gillen
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Airplane Mode: An Irreverent History of Travel by Shahnaz Habib
adventurous
challenging
informative
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
4.25
This was an impulse Libby checkout after seeing it on the Goodreads summer reading post recently, and I'm glad I followed that impulse because I really enjoyed this. The author's perspective on tourism and travel was an interesting and valuable one, and I was fascinated by all the history (global and personal) she revealed in each section.
Garlic & the Witch by Bree Paulsen
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.25
Just as precious as the first. 🥹
How to Love: A Guide to Feelings & Relationships for Everyone by Alex Norris
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
Absolutely adorable, wholesome, and hilarious!
How Long 'til Black Future Month? by N.K. Jemisin
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Morning Glory Milking Farm by C.M. Nascosta
lighthearted
medium-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? No
2.5
Pardon My Frenchie by Farrah Rochon
Did not finish book. Stopped at 34%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 34%.
I received a copy of this book through a Goodreads giveaway. Unfortunately, it's a DNF @ just over the halfway point.
The main characters are only just kind of starting to show some sparks of interest in each other at the halfway point. And up to then, they've had very little chemistry, no real banter, and I honestly just don't even want them together because the guy is such an arrogant, boring ass. He takes over care of his beloved grandmother's dog yet has no respect for it, nor does he make any real attempt to bond with the dog for at least half the book. He's also just generally insufferable and judgmental. And right before I DNF'd, he ran a red light and it's just not addressed at all? Fuck that.
There were some things that I did like, such as the MFC and her relationship with her teenage sisters of whom she has guardianship; the grandmother of the MMC was also a delight. But overall what I read of this was a big disappointment. ☹️
The main characters are only just kind of starting to show some sparks of interest in each other at the halfway point. And up to then, they've had very little chemistry, no real banter, and I honestly just don't even want them together because the guy is such an arrogant, boring ass. He takes over care of his beloved grandmother's dog yet has no respect for it, nor does he make any real attempt to bond with the dog for at least half the book. He's also just generally insufferable and judgmental. And right before I DNF'd, he ran a red light and it's just not addressed at all? Fuck that.
There were some things that I did like, such as the MFC and her relationship with her teenage sisters of whom she has guardianship; the grandmother of the MMC was also a delight. But overall what I read of this was a big disappointment. ☹️
Under the Naga Tail: A True Story of Survival, Bravery, and Escape from the Cambodian Genocide by Mae Bunseng Taing
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
3.0
Note: I received a digital copy of this book through a goodreads giveaway.
The writing really captured the experience of receiving the oral history of an elder, which I think makes it all the more personal and affecting. But as someone very ignorant of this section of history, the book was majorly lacking in context, making it sometimes hard to follow. Even a little blurb giving some historical context at the start of each section or chapter would have elevated the narrative a lot, in my opinion. (Although a silver lining is that it made me much more curious to read up about the Cambodian genocide, and Cambodia in general.)
The writing really captured the experience of receiving the oral history of an elder, which I think makes it all the more personal and affecting. But as someone very ignorant of this section of history, the book was majorly lacking in context, making it sometimes hard to follow. Even a little blurb giving some historical context at the start of each section or chapter would have elevated the narrative a lot, in my opinion. (Although a silver lining is that it made me much more curious to read up about the Cambodian genocide, and Cambodia in general.)