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madmadmaddymad's reviews
188 reviews
The Bear and the Nightingale by Katherine Arden
challenging
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I really enjoyed this book. It was very much like reading a fairytale. All the different aspects of the world came together to build an exciting story. And I love our girl Vasya, wirh her strength of heart for the spirits of her house. I liked how her stepmother could also see the spirits - but from her perspective they were demons and devils. I liked the play of witchcraft and religion in this book - the torment and turmoil it put its characters through.
Also, Konstantin gave me such Judge Claud Frolo vibes.
Also, Konstantin gave me such Judge Claud Frolo vibes.
In the Lives of Puppets by TJ Klune
emotional
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Well, this book kicked my butt a little. I kept putting it down and not having an easy time picking it back up again. It’s very weird - but it has a certain kind of charm.
Gives me Undertale vibes with the human character, Victor.
Gives me Detroit: Become Human vibes with the machine characters, particularly Hap.
I just really enjoyed the weird, disjointed, fairy-tale nature of it, especially all the nods to the tale of Pinocchio. I loved the subtle romance. The Katniss-and-Peeta style kiss when he was fighting his programming.
It was a good book. I’m not sure if it’s my favorite by TJ Klune, but I definitely think it still earns a 5 out of 5 from me.
Gives me Undertale vibes with the human character, Victor.
Gives me Detroit: Become Human vibes with the machine characters, particularly Hap.
I just really enjoyed the weird, disjointed, fairy-tale nature of it, especially all the nods to the tale of Pinocchio. I loved the subtle romance. The Katniss-and-Peeta style kiss when he was fighting his programming.
It was a good book. I’m not sure if it’s my favorite by TJ Klune, but I definitely think it still earns a 5 out of 5 from me.
Heartsong by TJ Klune
emotional
mysterious
sad
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
This is such a phenomenal book. It’s unbelievably heartbreaking what Robbie goes through, and a testament to the world that TJ Klune set up that I could be so moved by such a premise about supernatural mind fuckery. What Robbie went through was so powerful. I was cheering him on when he broke free. I was on the verge of tears when he didn’t want to remember his past. I loved the ending, the value of a pack, the bonds that surround him, it was enough to make me feel like I was being sung home by the Bennet pack.
Also, the seamless way this book addresses the supernatural mating bond trope and includes an asexual person, just!!!!! I can’t think of a more wonderful book. This is one of my all time faves.
Also, the seamless way this book addresses the supernatural mating bond trope and includes an asexual person, just!!!!! I can’t think of a more wonderful book. This is one of my all time faves.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Confinement, Emotional abuse, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Gore, Violence, and Death of parent
Minor: Kidnapping and Abandonment
Lola & the Millionaires: Part Two by Kathryn Moon
adventurous
emotional
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Sexy! I do love the orgy scenes. Wow. This book had like 50% more sex than the first one. And boy, was it hot!
I also enjoyed the fall of Lola’s walls as one by one she let herself into the pack and into each guy’s bond. She really came so far from the scared little beta who was always beating herself up mentally at the beginning of book one. I like a book where the characters can be sexually and emotionally fulfilled.
Ending was pure cheese, but I do love the Leo/Lola dynamic and I’m so proud of her for being able to come to terms with her life as a beta and her importance to the pack.
I also enjoyed the fall of Lola’s walls as one by one she let herself into the pack and into each guy’s bond. She really came so far from the scared little beta who was always beating herself up mentally at the beginning of book one. I like a book where the characters can be sexually and emotionally fulfilled.
Ending was pure cheese, but I do love the Leo/Lola dynamic and I’m so proud of her for being able to come to terms with her life as a beta and her importance to the pack.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual violence, Kidnapping, Stalking, and Murder
Minor: Drug use
Lola & the Millionaires: Part One by Kathryn Moon
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This book is so polyamorous, and so sexy!
I was won over almost immediately by Leo, I loved the pizza sex scene and how kind and caring he was. Rakim won me over seriously quickly, too! Omega schemes, so blatant in his flirtation and his sexuality, but oh my god what a heartthrob. His heat and the orgy scene was so, so, so sexy, and so well written! I love smut but wow. WOW. Fantastic
I just wanted Lola to let her guard down and fall all the way in love. She came so far in this book. It’s an intense omegaverse romance with no shortage of sexy hunky men trying to work their way into her heart…. But they really seem to care about her and her comfort! And normally, I’d read a book like this, and pick out my favorite boyfriend but I’m really team pack on this one.
Also, FUCK YOU Indy. You disgust me. Get out of her life, you loser.
I was won over almost immediately by Leo, I loved the pizza sex scene and how kind and caring he was. Rakim won me over seriously quickly, too! Omega schemes, so blatant in his flirtation and his sexuality, but oh my god what a heartthrob. His heat and the orgy scene was so, so, so sexy, and so well written! I love smut but wow. WOW. Fantastic
I just wanted Lola to let her guard down and fall all the way in love. She came so far in this book. It’s an intense omegaverse romance with no shortage of sexy hunky men trying to work their way into her heart…. But they really seem to care about her and her comfort! And normally, I’d read a book like this, and pick out my favorite boyfriend but I’m really team pack on this one.
Also, FUCK YOU Indy. You disgust me. Get out of her life, you loser.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders and Stalking
Moderate: Emotional abuse and Rape
Minor: Sexual assault and Sexual violence
The Magician King by Lev Grossman
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I love magical boys, and Quentin is a favorite of mine.
This story lights up my imagination with its world. I love the multiverse aspect. And the introduction of Julia’s story was really interesting and exciting… but I hated the gruesome rape scene with all my heart.
I’m gonna keep reading this story… because I’ve gotta see how the adventure finally ends.
This story lights up my imagination with its world. I love the multiverse aspect. And the introduction of Julia’s story was really interesting and exciting… but I hated the gruesome rape scene with all my heart.
I’m gonna keep reading this story… because I’ve gotta see how the adventure finally ends.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape
Candied by Rebecca Massey
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Uniquely sexy.
It’s part monster romance and part furry porn. I do enjoy the variety.
The consent is definitely dubious, which I usually hate, but I felt okay about it in this story because every time FMC tells MMC ‘no’ you get to read about her feeling desperately horny and ready for him. I wish she felt comfortable asking for what she wants, but I understand that demons can be scary. Even demons in a non-threatening Easter Bunny outfit.
Also, the twist where she accidentally summoned the demon of gluttony instead of the demon of lust was funny as hell. Lots of funny, hilarious moments, mixed with lots of kinky sex, as well as food kink, feeder kink, ass eating, and genitals so massive the act of sex leaves a bruise.
It’s part monster romance and part furry porn. I do enjoy the variety.
The consent is definitely dubious, which I usually hate, but I felt okay about it in this story because every time FMC tells MMC ‘no’ you get to read about her feeling desperately horny and ready for him. I wish she felt comfortable asking for what she wants, but I understand that demons can be scary. Even demons in a non-threatening Easter Bunny outfit.
Also, the twist where she accidentally summoned the demon of gluttony instead of the demon of lust was funny as hell. Lots of funny, hilarious moments, mixed with lots of kinky sex, as well as food kink, feeder kink, ass eating, and genitals so massive the act of sex leaves a bruise.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Vomit
Deadly Games by Lindsay Buroker
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Okay, this adventure series continues to be compelling and fun
Did I really just read three books before Sicarius and Amaranthe kissed, though? What? Are you kidding? Please ravish each other, I don’t know how much more of this I can take lol
Did I really just read three books before Sicarius and Amaranthe kissed, though? What? Are you kidding? Please ravish each other, I don’t know how much more of this I can take lol
The Magicians by Lev Grossman
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-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
Magical academic books are really my thing. I love how this one invoked Harry Potter, Narnia, and other fantasy staples.
It’s actually my second time reading it - my cousin recommended this to me years ago since I used to be such a Potterhead. I only read this one, though, and somehow never continued with the series, although I have watched the show on Syfy. I wonder how similar it is? Everyone in the show is so incredibly stylish, but this book makes it seem like they’re a bunch of bookish dorks.
I find it weird how little of Julia we get to see in this book! And how weird that I remembered her so vividly. It’s strange to read a book years later and half remember certain things - I remember the scene with the fox sex really grossing me out the first time I read this book as a teenager…. And somehow I COMPLETELY missed the fact that Quentin has a threesome! You go Quentin! Good for you! (Except for the part where you’re violently depressed about it. Sir! I like it better when I can root for you! Can you cheer the fuck up?)
This book is very well written but somehow, the prose can get a little verbose and run out through my brain before I actually digest what I’ve read.
I think that’s why it made such an entertaining re-read!
Anyway.
I love magical boys, and magical worlds with magical schools. This is exactly the type of book I love to read.
It’s actually my second time reading it - my cousin recommended this to me years ago since I used to be such a Potterhead. I only read this one, though, and somehow never continued with the series, although I have watched the show on Syfy. I wonder how similar it is? Everyone in the show is so incredibly stylish, but this book makes it seem like they’re a bunch of bookish dorks.
I find it weird how little of Julia we get to see in this book! And how weird that I remembered her so vividly. It’s strange to read a book years later and half remember certain things - I remember the scene with the fox sex really grossing me out the first time I read this book as a teenager…. And somehow I COMPLETELY missed the fact that Quentin has a threesome! You go Quentin! Good for you! (Except for the part where you’re violently depressed about it. Sir! I like it better when I can root for you! Can you cheer the fuck up?)
This book is very well written but somehow, the prose can get a little verbose and run out through my brain before I actually digest what I’ve read.
I think that’s why it made such an entertaining re-read!
Anyway.
I love magical boys, and magical worlds with magical schools. This is exactly the type of book I love to read.
Found by the Lake Monster by Lillian Lark
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This is some of the strangest smut I’ve ever read.
Knotting, anal sex, and egg depositing… I’m sort of shocked that my foray into monster romance hasn’t yielded more works like this one.
And god bless you Lillian Lark for all the fun and non problematic monster fucking I could ask for!
Knotting, anal sex, and egg depositing… I’m sort of shocked that my foray into monster romance hasn’t yielded more works like this one.
And god bless you Lillian Lark for all the fun and non problematic monster fucking I could ask for!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pregnancy