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alexa_frost's reviews
281 reviews
The Branded by Jo Riccioni
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.75
**I was provided a advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review**
I was not initially feeling excited about reading The Branded as I have found myself not in the mood for much fantasy reading lately but I was so pleasantly surprised about how much I enjoyed this.
The branded feels like a blend of the handmaids tale, shadow and bone, and the hunger games.
A map could have really enhanced the reading experience as location was an important aspect of the narrative and having no visual guidance was a tad disorientating at times.
I also would have really loved some multiple pov (a rare request from me). It would have been great to see some alternative perspectives particularly when characters were separated, and I think it could have added some real depth and nuance.
Overall a really enjoyable read and I look forward to reading the sequel
I was not initially feeling excited about reading The Branded as I have found myself not in the mood for much fantasy reading lately but I was so pleasantly surprised about how much I enjoyed this.
The branded feels like a blend of the handmaids tale, shadow and bone, and the hunger games.
A map could have really enhanced the reading experience as location was an important aspect of the narrative and having no visual guidance was a tad disorientating at times.
I also would have really loved some multiple pov (a rare request from me). It would have been great to see some alternative perspectives particularly when characters were separated, and I think it could have added some real depth and nuance.
Overall a really enjoyable read and I look forward to reading the sequel
Content Warnings
Moderate: Physical abuse, Violence, Trafficking, and Murder
Minor: Sexual assault
Great LGBTQ+ Speeches: Empowering Voices That Engage And Inspire by Tea Uglow
3.75
I could have had 100% fewer quote pages and 50% more of each speech
Grass Animals: Poetry by Kevin Leal and Brian Koppen by Brian Koppen, Kevin Leal
2.5
I may have missed the point but I didn’t really find any of these poems resonated with me.
Not badly written but just not really for me
Not badly written but just not really for me
Mouth: Stories by Puloma Ghosh
4.75
I received an arc of this book in exchange for a review
This may be the best book of short stories I have ever read. So many of them felt like I could read a whole book of just that world/story
Every story was so unique with some lit fic, horror, and sci-fi
Would highly recommend for anyone who liked night bitch or my year of rest and relaxation
This may be the best book of short stories I have ever read. So many of them felt like I could read a whole book of just that world/story
Every story was so unique with some lit fic, horror, and sci-fi
Would highly recommend for anyone who liked night bitch or my year of rest and relaxation
Gay Girl Prayers by Emily Austin
3.75
I’d like to read again and cross reference with the bible verses as I go; I think that would really add to the experience