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neuroqueer's reviews
354 reviews
This World Is Not Yours by Kemi Ashing-Giwa
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Overall: B+
The book started off sluggish, but by the middle, it picked up, and I couldn't put it down. The premise of colonizing a planet with a sentient "Mother Nature" in goop form was really intriguing, but there needed to be more world building. Character development was arguably the strongest aspect of the book. Vinh and Amara's toxic relationship, along with their dynamic with Jesse, was compelling. However, I think the focus on this dynamic weakened the horror aspects of the story. While I haven't read many books with environmental horror, I felt like more could have been done here.
I could have used more horror elements and world building, but what is there is genuinely fascinating. This story will stick with me for a while.
The book started off sluggish, but by the middle, it picked up, and I couldn't put it down. The premise of colonizing a planet with a sentient "Mother Nature" in goop form was really intriguing, but there needed to be more world building. Character development was arguably the strongest aspect of the book. Vinh and Amara's toxic relationship, along with their dynamic with Jesse, was compelling. However, I think the focus on this dynamic weakened the horror aspects of the story. While I haven't read many books with environmental horror, I felt like more could have been done here.
I could have used more horror elements and world building, but what is there is genuinely fascinating. This story will stick with me for a while.
Fence, Vol. 6: Redemption by C.S. Pacat
adventurous
funny
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? No
4.0
Overall: A-
Fence #5 by C.S. Pacat
adventurous
funny
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? No
4.0
Overall: A-
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 1 by Koyoharu Gotouge
adventurous
dark
inspiring
fast-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? No
4.25
Overall: A
I can see why this manga is so popular. It still has all the typical tropes found in shounen manga but it was still enjoyable.
I can see why this manga is so popular. It still has all the typical tropes found in shounen manga but it was still enjoyable.
Mashle: Magic and Muscles, Vol. 1 by Hajime Komoto
adventurous
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? No
4.25
Overall: A
If One Punch Man and Harry Potter had a baby.
If One Punch Man and Harry Potter had a baby.
Ghost Girl by Ally Malinenko
adventurous
dark
emotional
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? No
2.75
Overall: C+
"Ghost Girl" is a spooky middle school novel that could've benefited from more finesse. Zee, an eleven year old girl with a knack for storytelling, discovers that she can talk to ghosts. This coincides with a sinister new principal taking over the school.
The writing style seems engaging for middle schoolers but the paranormal elements are underdeveloped. It felt like more could have been done exploring Zee's ability.
Zee is a headstrong, compelling lead while her best friend Elijah provides a sympathetic static foil to her. Principal Scratch is a hammy villain that goes into chewing the scenery territory at various points.
There were few plot contrivances, plot holes and unnecessary elements. It felt a bit rushed and repetitive at points. My biggest gripe is with Nellie's character arc. Nellie's process of going from bully to buddy was jarring and unearned. This little girl said the most heinous crap to Zee. It's the type of heinous stuff that adults get punched in the face for while onlookers just nod in agreement and ask to get a few licks in themselves.To top it off, there seems to be a budding romance between Elijah and Nellie. Firstly, there is so much going on in the book that this element isn't needed. Secondly, I don't know a person who would date their best friend's bully. This whole idea is just out of place story-wise.
I really liked the initial ideas in this book. With better execution and better character development, it could have been expanded into an amazing series like "Small Spaces." As it stands, it seems destined to be a standalone novel which may be for the best.
"Ghost Girl" is a spooky middle school novel that could've benefited from more finesse. Zee, an eleven year old girl with a knack for storytelling, discovers that she can talk to ghosts. This coincides with a sinister new principal taking over the school.
The writing style seems engaging for middle schoolers but the paranormal elements are underdeveloped. It felt like more could have been done exploring Zee's ability.
Zee is a headstrong, compelling lead while her best friend Elijah provides a sympathetic static foil to her. Principal Scratch is a hammy villain that goes into chewing the scenery territory at various points.
There were few plot contrivances, plot holes and unnecessary elements. It felt a bit rushed and repetitive at points. My biggest gripe is with Nellie's character arc. Nellie's process of going from bully to buddy was jarring and unearned. This little girl said the most heinous crap to Zee. It's the type of heinous stuff that adults get punched in the face for while onlookers just nod in agreement and ask to get a few licks in themselves.
I really liked the initial ideas in this book. With better execution and better character development, it could have been expanded into an amazing series like "Small Spaces." As it stands, it seems destined to be a standalone novel which may be for the best.
Barda by Ngozi Ukazu
adventurous
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? No
4.0
Full Shift by Jennifer Dugan, Kit Seaton
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
Overall: B+
Full Shift is a good coming-of-age graphic novel that I think anyone can relate to, queer or not. The story revolves around Tessa, a young werewolf struggling to connect with her pack after the death of her father as well as her feelings towards her friend Maddie. The romance and grief aspects are handled quite well. The artwork is lovely. The characters are vividly drawn and their personalities - whether in human, werewolf, or wolf form - explode through the page.
My main gripe is while I can resonate with Tessa's emotional journey, she's not particularly likable or memorable. Otherwise, this is a recommendable book for someone looking for great artwork and a story around self-discovery.
Full Shift is a good coming-of-age graphic novel that I think anyone can relate to, queer or not. The story revolves around Tessa, a young werewolf struggling to connect with her pack after the death of her father as well as her feelings towards her friend Maddie. The romance and grief aspects are handled quite well. The artwork is lovely. The characters are vividly drawn and their personalities - whether in human, werewolf, or wolf form - explode through the page.
My main gripe is while I can resonate with Tessa's emotional journey, she's not particularly likable or memorable. Otherwise, this is a recommendable book for someone looking for great artwork and a story around self-discovery.
Viy: English and Russian Language Edition by Nikolai Gogol
dark
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.25
Overall: C
The Viy is a short horror novella from 19th Century Ukranian-born Russian writer Nikolai Gogol. It's an interesting look into Russian folklore and horror literature history but it isn't very memorable in terms of story or characters.
The story follows a young philospher who ends up messing with the wrong woman while venturing into a small village. The novel builds up suspense through escalating nightly encounters with the witch but the characters lack depth. This probably due to it being a novella that is mixing horror with some satirical elements.
For me, looking at the themes and historical context was more compelling than the story itself. For example:
* How Gogol uses satire to comment on blind faith (e.g. the philosopher praying during the nightly attacks even though he knew it wouldn't work).
* The Viy itself having some dubious origins as it's not really part of Ukranian folklore
* How witches (and women in general) are portrayed (here is a short but interesting write up on how witchcraft is used in the story: https://www.byarcadia.org/post/witchcraft-in-literature-101-the-viy-by-nikolai-gogol)
All in all, "The Viy" is interesting in terms of a historical view but not so much an enjoyable one.
The Viy is a short horror novella from 19th Century Ukranian-born Russian writer Nikolai Gogol. It's an interesting look into Russian folklore and horror literature history but it isn't very memorable in terms of story or characters.
The story follows a young philospher who ends up messing with the wrong woman while venturing into a small village. The novel builds up suspense through escalating nightly encounters with the witch but the characters lack depth. This probably due to it being a novella that is mixing horror with some satirical elements.
For me, looking at the themes and historical context was more compelling than the story itself. For example:
* How Gogol uses satire to comment on blind faith (e.g. the philosopher praying during the nightly attacks even though he knew it wouldn't work).
* The Viy itself having some dubious origins as it's not really part of Ukranian folklore
* How witches (and women in general) are portrayed (here is a short but interesting write up on how witchcraft is used in the story: https://www.byarcadia.org/post/witchcraft-in-literature-101-the-viy-by-nikolai-gogol)
All in all, "The Viy" is interesting in terms of a historical view but not so much an enjoyable one.
Floriography: An Illustrated Guide to the Victorian Language of Flowers by Jessica Roux
informative
medium-paced
3.25
Overall: B
Informative book on the language of flower giving created by the Victorians.
Each blurb about a flower includes:
* scientific name
* flower meaning.
* origin section
* what to pair the flower with
* beautifully done hand drawing of the flower
The origin section will either discuss the origin of the flower name, meaning or where it was first discovered.
What I learned from this:
* Forget-me-not name comes form a tragic but morbidly funny event
* I can give oleander and azaleas to friends who are making stupid decisions to let them know I am judging them harshly
* I can give holly and snapdragons to my boss when I fuck up at work as an apology (he probably will be confused though)
* Victorians gave wheat - which isn't a flower - a meaning which I assume means they gave wheat to people (and even if I'm wrong...I'm still going to think it)
I think if you want a quick reference for flowers for writing purposes or for just curiosity sake, this is the book for you
Informative book on the language of flower giving created by the Victorians.
Each blurb about a flower includes:
* scientific name
* flower meaning.
* origin section
* what to pair the flower with
* beautifully done hand drawing of the flower
The origin section will either discuss the origin of the flower name, meaning or where it was first discovered.
What I learned from this:
* Forget-me-not name comes form a tragic but morbidly funny event
* I can give oleander and azaleas to friends who are making stupid decisions to let them know I am judging them harshly
* I can give holly and snapdragons to my boss when I fuck up at work as an apology (he probably will be confused though)
* Victorians gave wheat - which isn't a flower - a meaning which I assume means they gave wheat to people (and even if I'm wrong...I'm still going to think it)
I think if you want a quick reference for flowers for writing purposes or for just curiosity sake, this is the book for you