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the_rabble's reviews
124 reviews
Switched by Sarah Ready
adventurous
lighthearted
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? Yes
3.75
What to Expect: Low spice body swap romance. Single POV, except for one chapter.
Audiobook: Kelsey Navarro Foster continues to slap as a narrator. Considering her skill in other books, she's almost underutilized here.
Book Jacket: The blurb is bad- Serena is far from carefree- she's the grump. Henry is never really a swoony romantic or aggressively red meaty. They're great, but just ignore the blurb.
Thoughts: The concept is classic, characters are cute- but the POV protagonist (Serena) is a real bummer about love and relationships in a way that can be confusing and overwhelms the rest of the story- could have benefited from a dual POV back and forth. Her grumpitude towards her concept of love and black-and-white thinking can be off-putting, but she had enough charm I didn't DNF.
Eventually you find out why she's like this about love. But it takes until the back half of the book (and would have been nice to know earlier bc she has some "couples love matching outfits" tirades that were baffling. A lot of text is spent in her head with her untethered, context-free anxiety. It's a vibe.)
The plot hustles once the inciting incident happens. And having some characters from the first book cameo as a Scooby Gang was a nice way to settle into the body swap trope.
Style-wise, there's a lot of waxing on about pop science, locations, and pseudo-metaphysics without a lot of depth of detail, theme, or content. Which some people are going to fucking love, but it didn't hit for me.
The love interest is cute and the story hits all the beats you want from body swap. Ready does a good job delineating the personhood and gender of both people so you never get an awkward "my body is so sexy" moment. The prose flow on the emotional intimacy and self reflection is just a smidge chaotic.
Audiobook: Kelsey Navarro Foster continues to slap as a narrator. Considering her skill in other books, she's almost underutilized here.
Book Jacket: The blurb is bad- Serena is far from carefree- she's the grump. Henry is never really a swoony romantic or aggressively red meaty. They're great, but just ignore the blurb.
Thoughts: The concept is classic, characters are cute- but the POV protagonist (Serena) is a real bummer about love and relationships in a way that can be confusing and overwhelms the rest of the story- could have benefited from a dual POV back and forth. Her grumpitude towards her concept of love and black-and-white thinking can be off-putting, but she had enough charm I didn't DNF.
Eventually you find out why she's like this about love. But it takes until the back half of the book (and would have been nice to know earlier bc she has some "couples love matching outfits" tirades that were baffling. A lot of text is spent in her head with her untethered, context-free anxiety. It's a vibe.)
The plot hustles once the inciting incident happens. And having some characters from the first book cameo as a Scooby Gang was a nice way to settle into the body swap trope.
Style-wise, there's a lot of waxing on about pop science, locations, and pseudo-metaphysics without a lot of depth of detail, theme, or content. Which some people are going to fucking love, but it didn't hit for me.
The love interest is cute and the story hits all the beats you want from body swap. Ready does a good job delineating the personhood and gender of both people so you never get an awkward "my body is so sexy" moment. The prose flow on the emotional intimacy and self reflection is just a smidge chaotic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual harassment
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail
[Unwanted sexual contact - in first half of the book] Serena, in Henry's body, has a woman put her hand on Serena's thigh without consent, after being told not to. This woman continues to sexually harass Serena, who she believes is Henry. There is no force and it ends after two scenes.
All the Feels by Olivia Dade
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Rad as hell. Ended up laughing out loud often and feeling big feelings.
I don't think this one was a 5-star for me until the reread, bc it takes you for a ride. Big feelings abound and when you aren't laughing, swooning, or vibing, sometimes the big ones are uncomfortable.
But even when chaotic choices are made, the feelings and internal logic of those choices are deeply in-character.
Expert depiction of a stressed out ADHDer (hyperactive type) and a professionally burned out person used to minimizing her own needs, feelings, and comfort.
Some of these romance books give me crushes on one or both main characters- this one was definitely an "oh shit, I just am both of these characters," which this time was a joyful experience.
Also an extremely good depiction of how hotness actually works- Alex finding Laureninteresting and pleasant to look at and relating her appearance to positive things in his past while finding conventional/common aesthetics boring was highly relatable. On an extremely shallow level- everyone's a 10 (or a 1) to someone and you never know how it's going to play out.
This book also does "strangers to friendship to more" very well and that emotional intimacy drives the romance- I just appreciated the realistic take on physical attraction.
I don't think this one was a 5-star for me until the reread, bc it takes you for a ride. Big feelings abound and when you aren't laughing, swooning, or vibing, sometimes the big ones are uncomfortable.
But even when chaotic choices are made, the feelings and internal logic of those choices are deeply in-character.
Expert depiction of a stressed out ADHDer (hyperactive type) and a professionally burned out person used to minimizing her own needs, feelings, and comfort.
Some of these romance books give me crushes on one or both main characters- this one was definitely an "oh shit, I just am both of these characters," which this time was a joyful experience.
Also an extremely good depiction of how hotness actually works- Alex finding Lauren
This book also does "strangers to friendship to more" very well and that emotional intimacy drives the romance- I just appreciated the realistic take on physical attraction.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fatphobia
Moderate: Ableism, Bullying, and Domestic abuse
Spoiler Alert by Olivia Dade
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
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
This is the first romance book I've reread for kicks. It slaps.
The plot is very fun and I highly recommend for fat people, neurodiverse people, fanfic writers of all stripes, anyone who was invested in Game of Thrones (the crew gets love while D&D's analogs get dragged immediately and often) or other book-to-series adaptations. There's also a solid amount of geology imagery and puns.
Both main characters are extremely charming, complete people with relatable traumahe has dyslexia, she's fat, and they've both been independently emotionally terrorized by their parents.
Dade doesn't cut corners on how the experiences of her characters would impact their choices and emotional states while maintaining characters that feel like smart, emotionally intelligent adults. The relationship's emotional and physical intimacy is top notch, which is noteworthy during afalse identity plot.
It's pretty fun.
The plot is very fun and I highly recommend for fat people, neurodiverse people, fanfic writers of all stripes, anyone who was invested in Game of Thrones (the crew gets love while D&D's analogs get dragged immediately and often) or other book-to-series adaptations. There's also a solid amount of geology imagery and puns.
Both main characters are extremely charming, complete people with relatable trauma
Dade doesn't cut corners on how the experiences of her characters would impact their choices and emotional states while maintaining characters that feel like smart, emotionally intelligent adults. The relationship's emotional and physical intimacy is top notch, which is noteworthy during a
It's pretty fun.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism and Fatphobia
Wicked Beauty by Katee Robert
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This is a fun one. If you like Dark Olympus, you'll like it.
Two of the three main characters have rich personalities, but Helen, a character we've been introduced to in other Dark Olympus stories- notably through Eros who loves her so much- was left a little dry/thin compared to her appearances in other books. Helen's dialogue is still solid, but her internal monologue didn't hit for me. (She is given just tons oforgasms though, so maybe that's doing some of the motivational heavy lifting.)
The writing isn't doing anything too exciting and all the Robertisms are there- "this man, this woman, big brain of his/hers, rubbed his chest, comfortable silence, claiming". Short rich girl/damaged tall boys. It's a serial. The formula formulas along.
The dynamic is fresh and her Achilles/Patroclus relationship feels organic and sweet. (Fellow talls will be lightly frustrated by Achilles - he's charming and settles in, but the way he uses space is off in a sort of... shitty dangerous- not hot dangerous- way. As a tall person who grew up around tall people, I'd put money on this one being written by someone short.there's also a point that is describing combatants like "can you imagine someone 6'5"???" which is very cute. Like, buddy. Come on. ) Patroclus is a nerdy cinnamon roll and I love that.
The tournament frame is fun, but like a lot of Dark Olympus, the palace intrigue or action is not the main draw so don't look too hard at it. Just vibe.
Two of the three main characters have rich personalities, but Helen, a character we've been introduced to in other Dark Olympus stories- notably through Eros who loves her so much- was left a little dry/thin compared to her appearances in other books. Helen's dialogue is still solid, but her internal monologue didn't hit for me. (She is given just tons of
The writing isn't doing anything too exciting and all the Robertisms are there- "this man, this woman, big brain of his/hers, rubbed his chest, comfortable silence, claiming". Short rich girl/damaged tall boys. It's a serial. The formula formulas along.
The dynamic is fresh and her Achilles/Patroclus relationship feels organic and sweet. (Fellow talls will be lightly frustrated by Achilles - he's charming and settles in, but the way he uses space is off in a sort of... shitty dangerous- not hot dangerous- way. As a tall person who grew up around tall people, I'd put money on this one being written by someone short.
The tournament frame is fun, but like a lot of Dark Olympus, the palace intrigue or action is not the main draw so don't look too hard at it. Just vibe.
A Holly Jolly Ever After by Sierra Simone, Julie Murphy
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
4.75
This book slaps. Very funny. Super cute. Hella sexy. Leaves you feeling positive.
Had/have a crush on both main characters, which is my bisexual gold standard for a romance and has only happened one other time so far. The MCs are two fun softies and it's excellent.
Highly recommend for exvangelicals, people who find sexy curiousity about exploring your partner's turn-ons hot, and cinnamon roll enthusiasts.
Sex scenesbtwn the MCs are 10s across the board. Any charm, progress, or conflict is deeply rooted in the character's history or personality in an extremely organic way.
Worth noting - this is not a standalone. If you haven't read A Merry Little Meet Cute, you will be a bit lost.
Had/have a crush on both main characters, which is my bisexual gold standard for a romance and has only happened one other time so far. The MCs are two fun softies and it's excellent.
Highly recommend for exvangelicals, people who find sexy curiousity about exploring your partner's turn-ons hot, and cinnamon roll enthusiasts.
Sex scenes
Worth noting - this is not a standalone. If you haven't read A Merry Little Meet Cute, you will be a bit lost.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Religious bigotry
[Incident during last 25% of book]a character breaks a tooth- not too serious, but some people have a thing about dental stuff.
Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
dark
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
CW fantasy drama with theater kid delivery. If that's not your flavor, read don't listen. I find the pacing of the audiobook narrator's action sequences really distracting (has onstage monologue energy which keeps everything at an 11 and can be more anxiety producing than emotionally impactful) but still enjoy the story and writing style.
Has an excellent sex scene involving athrone- 10/10 very cunning linguists.
Back half of the book moves, but first half is very masc-Dolores Umbridge, but with an unrepentant murder college instead of a whimsical murder boarding school.
You may want to wait for the entire series to be out.There's enough of a cliffhanger/hook at the end to be impatient about having to wait.
Has an excellent sex scene involving a
Back half of the book moves, but first half is very masc-Dolores Umbridge, but with an unrepentant murder college instead of a whimsical murder boarding school.
You may want to wait for the entire series to be out.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Torture, Suicide attempt, and Death of parent
Moderate: Animal cruelty and Animal death
Minor: Abandonment
Suburban Dicks by Fabian Nicieza, Fabian Nicieza
Did not finish book. Stopped at 15%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 15%.
I liked one of the MCs and the narrator is one of my favorites, but I hit a slur-fest of Asian pejoratives and tapped out.
You got cops identifying themselves as diversity hires and a rich white lady "not like other girls/whites"ing herself early and often. (ShE's A gEnIuS aNd ShE kNoWs BlAcK pEoPlE.)
Just not super interesting. Not sure what the author is interested in saying about race or racism, but it seems important to him and I'm getting nothing from it. It might just be that New Jersey is racist as a setting? Which, does that need this much legwork?
Thought the candid tone, pregnant MC, corrupt reporter MC, immature cops, and pacing would get me to stick with the murder mystery, but I think I'm good until someone I trust tells me "no, really, it gets better."
You got cops identifying themselves as diversity hires and a rich white lady "not like other girls/whites"ing herself early and often. (ShE's A gEnIuS aNd ShE kNoWs BlAcK pEoPlE.)
Just not super interesting. Not sure what the author is interested in saying about race or racism, but it seems important to him and I'm getting nothing from it. It might just be that New Jersey is racist as a setting? Which, does that need this much legwork?
Thought the candid tone, pregnant MC, corrupt reporter MC, immature cops, and pacing would get me to stick with the murder mystery, but I think I'm good until someone I trust tells me "no, really, it gets better."
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism
Home: Habitat, Range, Niche, Territory by Martha Wells
funny
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? It's complicated
4.0
Really sweet opportunity to experience Mensah's POV. I would have a good time with a "humans respectfully deal with Murderbot" longer story.
Seeing that Mensah is thoughtful, kind, and wants to hug Murderbot (but won't) is heartwarming.
Vibe-wise, it's different than the constant dialogue/action feel of Murderbot's POV but the style is still tight. And as much as Murderbot dislikes being perceived, I appreciate the perception.
For such a sensory driven world, there is a lack of description of Murderbot in this POV- beyond tall and lean.
Has a deeply relatable "I'm avoiding therapy and/or the doctor and know I shouldn't be" throughline.
Seeing that Mensah is thoughtful, kind, and wants to hug Murderbot (but won't) is heartwarming.
Vibe-wise, it's different than the constant dialogue/action feel of Murderbot's POV but the style is still tight. And as much as Murderbot dislikes being perceived, I appreciate the perception.
For such a sensory driven world, there is a lack of description of Murderbot in this POV- beyond tall and lean.
Has a deeply relatable "I'm avoiding therapy and/or the doctor and know I shouldn't be" throughline.
Compulsory by Martha Wells
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
5.0
Very short story (wired 2-pger) that is a concise, witty, fun Murderbot encounter.
System Collapse by Martha Wells
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.75
MurderBot doesn't miss. It's the funny, fast-paced, heartfelt anti-corporate catharsis you've been looking for.
My heart just feels better after MurderBot books. Fucking great.
Martha Wells keeps the heat on. Kevin Free's narration slaps.
This one has heavier mental health themes that bleed into stylistic choices and it feels really natural, consequential, and satisfying in the self-aware, self-deprecating, and caring way Wells and MurderBot are fluent in. [Midpoint re: Redactions]That MurderBot may have some undeleted deleted memories that were AWFUL makes so much sense and is heartbreakingly compelling.
The action and adventure scenes kick ass. The bad guys are bad. MurderBot wanting to protect humans is good. [Climax neat trick]There is a moment we get an opportunity for "artist glorifies art-making in the art" naval-gazing that can feel indulgent in other media, but Wells firmly sticks the landing.
Somehow each one of these adventures stays tight and creates moments of depth and sprawl in worldbuilding, character relationships, and consequences.
Just a goddamn good time.
Only reason it's not a 5 is because I think of the failure of US judicial vettings and bad 80s suits every time I hear the word "bork." It's a me problem, but this is my review and I will forget. That, and [Ending]MurderBot seems to identify a lot of reasons to go back to Preservation and people that make it feel supported in its PTSD recovery, then opts not to and I could have used like one line swinging it in the final direction. It's a good ending and I'm excited, but it's a tough unaddressed blip to start a wait for the next book on.
Also worth noting, queer rep continues to be excellent. MurderBot is agender, ace with deep relationships, and there are matter-of-fact non traditional family and relationship structures, genders outside the binary, and gay and bi characters. Lots of women and black and brown people.
My heart just feels better after MurderBot books. Fucking great.
Martha Wells keeps the heat on. Kevin Free's narration slaps.
This one has heavier mental health themes that bleed into stylistic choices and it feels really natural, consequential, and satisfying in the self-aware, self-deprecating, and caring way Wells and MurderBot are fluent in. [Midpoint re: Redactions]
The action and adventure scenes kick ass. The bad guys are bad. MurderBot wanting to protect humans is good. [Climax neat trick]
Somehow each one of these adventures stays tight and creates moments of depth and sprawl in worldbuilding, character relationships, and consequences.
Just a goddamn good time.
Only reason it's not a 5 is because I think of the failure of US judicial vettings and bad 80s suits every time I hear the word "bork." It's a me problem, but this is my review and I will forget. That, and [Ending]
Also worth noting, queer rep continues to be excellent. MurderBot is agender, ace with deep relationships, and there are matter-of-fact non traditional family and relationship structures, genders outside the binary, and gay and bi characters. Lots of women and black and brown people.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence