Dora Reads is the book blog of a Bookish Rebel, supporting the Diversity Movement, bringing you Queer views and mental health advocacy, slipping in a lot of non-bookish content, and spreading reading to the goddamn world! :) (All posts may contain Amazon links, which are affiliate, unless marked otherwise. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. USA ONLY - please do not make UK purchases with my links)
Showing posts with label F/F. Show all posts
Showing posts with label F/F. Show all posts
Monday 17 April 2017
Thursday 13 April 2017
Comics Wrap-Up - Candy Love
Film Trailers
OK, the thing that made nerd-dom collectively lose its sh** this week was the first teaser trailer for Thor: Ragnarok!
(And once again, proof that Chris Hemsworth needs to be in more comedy - his timing dudes, his timing.)
OK, the thing that made nerd-dom collectively lose its sh** this week was the first teaser trailer for Thor: Ragnarok!
(And once again, proof that Chris Hemsworth needs to be in more comedy - his timing dudes, his timing.)
Wednesday 12 April 2017
Thursday 16 March 2017
Comics Wrap-Up - Tale As Old As Time... Sort Of
Film Trailers
First up, there's another li'l Guardians of the Galaxy, Vol 2, trailer for you to sink your little nerdlet-y fangs into!
(Yes, I've had coffee - this is gonna be fun! 😎)
Wednesday 8 March 2017
Month in Review(s) - February 2017
February. The shortest of months, and the one with Valentine's Day crammed into the middle there.
Which may explain why four of the 5 books I reviewed this month were romances - guess it even got to yours truly! (I'm not going all soft on you though, dearest nerdlets, I'm still your Rebel Valentine! Lol.)
Labels:
contemporary,
diversity,
everyday life,
F/F,
fantasy,
fiction,
LGBTQ+,
M/F,
M/M,
M/M/F,
new adult/na,
paranormal,
review,
romance,
short stories,
urban fantasy,
wrap-up
Tuesday 21 February 2017
Really Mini Reviews! - 3 Contemporary F/F (Lesbian) Romances
It's
funny isn't it, how there seems to be a lot more support for M/M
romance than there is for F/F romance?
That's not to say that M/M romance doesn't deserve support (it totally does!) but F/F romance shouldn't have to linger by the wayside.
Now,
I have a habit of reading... pretty much anything I can get my hands
on, which includes F/F romances, of course!
But
I also tend to go for cheap/on-offer, and free books where possible (I'm broke
dammit!) - so in this post, I review 3 short (novella/short story)
contemporary F/F books that I managed to snag as freebies. (Woo!)
All three of these books are classified as lesbian romances; there isn't an awful lot of non-lesbian F/F romance out there, which is another reason F/F romance needs more support!
'3 F/F lesbian romances!' Click to tweet
Author:
Lee Winter
Verdict:
OK,
this one is 18+ only guys, on account of sexy-times.
This
is about two journalists at a glitzy Hollywood party.
To be honest, there's not much plot – it's a short pre-sexy-times scene, followed by a sexy-times scene.
To be honest, there's not much plot – it's a short pre-sexy-times scene, followed by a sexy-times scene.
But
it actually feels really... intimate, and lovely.
It's got real heart, and it's a small snapshot of a relationship that clearly means a lot to the characters involved.
It's got real heart, and it's a small snapshot of a relationship that clearly means a lot to the characters involved.
Title:
The Morning After
Author:
Jae
Verdict:
This
is really sweet, fluffy, and enjoyable.
Kathryn
wakes up at a strange apartment, with a hangover, not remembering
much from the night before.
I
really loved the stomping all over stereotypes, and the realistic
characters, in this.
I also love the conversations between our main characters, lesbians Kathryn and Michelle, and the whole sweet 'when you least expect it' vibe.
I also love the conversations between our main characters, lesbians Kathryn and Michelle, and the whole sweet 'when you least expect it' vibe.
If
you're looking for something sweet (but not too
sweet,) light, and free of sex-scenes, I really
recommend this one. It's well written t'boot! :)
However, some people might find some of the language used in the opening
date scene ableist towards people with mental health problems.
('Psycho,' 'loony,' - that kind of thing.)
I
personally wasn't bothered, but I can see why it would bother a lot
of people.
Verdict:
This
one is also 18+ on account of sexy-times.
This
was actually less trashy than the title would suggest (or than the
cover would suggest...)
There's actual plot here! (Which I know from M/F romance/erotica, isn't always the case!)
Don't get me wrong though – there was still a lot of graphic sexy-times!
There's actual plot here! (Which I know from M/F romance/erotica, isn't always the case!)
Don't get me wrong though – there was still a lot of graphic sexy-times!
What
I loved about this one though (aside from the romance stuff) was the
real love for books and reading in general that shone through the
writing. That was awesome.
Not
so great was the occasional... odd verb choice... when it came to the
sex scenes. It wasn't terrible. It was just... a bit odd.
Perfect
indulgence reading though.
Like this post? Check some of these out:
Monday 13 February 2017
Review Time! - Santa Muerte by Lucina Stone
Author: Lucina Stone
Series: The Daniela Story #1
A
few starting notes:
I
received a free digital review copy of this book from the author, Lucina Stone, who I'm in contact with on Twitter.
This does not affect the content of my review; my review is fair and honest.
This does not affect the content of my review; my review is fair and honest.
I agreed to read this with only the vaguest of notions of what it was about - I had read Naz @ Read Diverse Books' review of it, but had mostly forgotten about it by the time Lucina Stone contacted me.
I definitely didn't realise that it was urban fantasy - so that was a pleasant surprise!
I love urban fantasy - a subgenre of paranormal which involves magical-type-people (witches, vampires, etc.) faffing about in cities and/or towns in which they have their own societies (sometimes open to human society, sometimes hidden.)
It's strange, really, since I don't like cities in general - too much of a rural kind of girl. *shrugs* But there you have it.
Premise:
Turns out there's more to Daniela's family than she thought there was.
In the year 2030, Daniela sees no end to the pain. Depressed and hurt by an abusive relationship, she tries to take her own life...
...and wakes up somewhere strange.
This can't be happening. She can't be in the 1920s... right?
Dani doesn't get this time period, has no idea about magic, and, with a farm-girl named Daphne in tow, is being chased by a bunch of people who want her dead - or at least in jail.
All she wants is to go home to her mothers, but that seems almost impossible from here...
This can't be happening. She can't be in the 1920s... right?
Dani doesn't get this time period, has no idea about magic, and, with a farm-girl named Daphne in tow, is being chased by a bunch of people who want her dead - or at least in jail.
All she wants is to go home to her mothers, but that seems almost impossible from here...
Best
bits:
I love the chatty tone of this book. Stone grabs hold of you and says, 'come on guys, this way!' Which is spot on.
And the time travel element is well done! DID YOU HEAR THAT???? THE TIME TRAVEL ELEMENT IS WELL DONE!!!!!!!!!
Too often, time travel gets unnecessarily messy, or even just plain naff, but not here.
Here we have the reality of suddenly finding yourself in a world full of racism and rigid gender rules (Daniela ends up posing as a dude because of her short hair and trousers.)
And it's an element which is missing from your average time travel plot: the day-to-day-ness of living in that period, especially as a person of colour (PoC) in the USA.
I liked the Mexican variations on the stalwarts of urban fantasy.
All of the different species of the paranormal and urban fantasy worlds - vamps, wolves, witches, etc. are removed from their White European stereotypes and instead seen through the lens of Mexican folklore.
Most notably we have the brujas - the Mexican witches - who are written with skill and intrigue, and are far removed from the average urban fantasy witch-chick (who is normally a white goth-girl and/or biker-chick.)
The depression representation is good overall, devastatingly realistic as a whole - but I did have a minor issue with it, which I'll write about in the next section.
The sense of hopelessness and worthlessness depicted is accurate and heart-breaking, and Daniela doesn't magically get better the moment she ends up in 1923, meaning it's not treated as just a plot point.
And we get a same-sex, lesbian, parenting couple - which is awesome.
And the time travel element is well done! DID YOU HEAR THAT???? THE TIME TRAVEL ELEMENT IS WELL DONE!!!!!!!!!
Too often, time travel gets unnecessarily messy, or even just plain naff, but not here.
Here we have the reality of suddenly finding yourself in a world full of racism and rigid gender rules (Daniela ends up posing as a dude because of her short hair and trousers.)
And it's an element which is missing from your average time travel plot: the day-to-day-ness of living in that period, especially as a person of colour (PoC) in the USA.
I liked the Mexican variations on the stalwarts of urban fantasy.
All of the different species of the paranormal and urban fantasy worlds - vamps, wolves, witches, etc. are removed from their White European stereotypes and instead seen through the lens of Mexican folklore.
Most notably we have the brujas - the Mexican witches - who are written with skill and intrigue, and are far removed from the average urban fantasy witch-chick (who is normally a white goth-girl and/or biker-chick.)
The depression representation is good overall, devastatingly realistic as a whole - but I did have a minor issue with it, which I'll write about in the next section.
The sense of hopelessness and worthlessness depicted is accurate and heart-breaking, and Daniela doesn't magically get better the moment she ends up in 1923, meaning it's not treated as just a plot point.
And we get a same-sex, lesbian, parenting couple - which is awesome.
Not
so great bits:
First thing, as ever, is first, here's the potentially distressing content from this book (hold on, there's some stuff to get through):
- depression
- attempted suicide
- suicidal thoughts
- hanging
- abusive relationships
- low self-worth/self-esteem
- racism
- racial slurs (including the 'n' word)
- the KKK
- lynching
- segregation and discrimination
- sexual abuse
- child abuse
- sexual assault
- rape
- torture
- kidnapping
- burning (as a form of torture)
- attempted murder
- homophobia
- grave-robbing
- missing persons investigation
I think that's everything - v. sorry if I've missed anything out.
There's swearing and violence; if you can handle all the other stuff though... *shrugs*
At one point, the phrase totem pole is used in as a metaphor in a non-native setting, which is seen as cultural appropriation, affecting some First Nations tribes (this piece by Robin R R Gray explains more.)
It was only once, but was still disappointing, and I hope won't occur again in future books.
Also, and this one is more of a personal preference, the relationship between Dani's mothers is referred to as a lifestyle. I don't like this.
I'm aware that a lot of LGBTQ+ people are ok with it (especially from older generations,) but I am personally not a big fan of the term.
But then, a lot of LGBTQ+ people find the term queer very offensive, but I personally identify as both sexually fluid and queer.
I guess you just have to understand that some people will be offended by both of these terms, and you need to examine how and why AND WHETHER YOU SHOULD use them in any given context.
Occasionally it felt like the representation of Daniela's depression was a little bit hit-and-miss, simply because at the times when it wasn't affecting her so much it was almost as if it didn't matter any more.
Honestly though, the representation of depression was, overall, heartbreakingly affective.
There's swearing and violence; if you can handle all the other stuff though... *shrugs*
At one point, the phrase totem pole is used in as a metaphor in a non-native setting, which is seen as cultural appropriation, affecting some First Nations tribes (this piece by Robin R R Gray explains more.)
It was only once, but was still disappointing, and I hope won't occur again in future books.
Also, and this one is more of a personal preference, the relationship between Dani's mothers is referred to as a lifestyle. I don't like this.
I'm aware that a lot of LGBTQ+ people are ok with it (especially from older generations,) but I am personally not a big fan of the term.
But then, a lot of LGBTQ+ people find the term queer very offensive, but I personally identify as both sexually fluid and queer.
I guess you just have to understand that some people will be offended by both of these terms, and you need to examine how and why AND WHETHER YOU SHOULD use them in any given context.
Occasionally it felt like the representation of Daniela's depression was a little bit hit-and-miss, simply because at the times when it wasn't affecting her so much it was almost as if it didn't matter any more.
Honestly though, the representation of depression was, overall, heartbreakingly affective.
Verdict:
This is a great book - a strong foundation for the series, with great characters and interesting paranormal elements.
If you're an urban fantasy fan, this is a must. But those not so familiar with the genre will love it too.
UPDATE 22nd APRIL 2017:
A couple of people have raised issues with the lesbian and depression representation in this book, as well as a few other matters. Some people have equated Dani's lesbian mother having sex with a man with biphobia.
I personally don't agree with the lesbian rep/biphobia criticism - because if anyone knows that sexuality is fluid, it's yours truly. But I see the validity of the points made.
For an overview of the issues that some people have with this book, see C T Callahan's Goodreads review.
I do find C T Callahan more than a little harsh on this book, but you guys all know that I believe in having all the cards on the table so that you can make up your own minds.
If you're an urban fantasy fan, this is a must. But those not so familiar with the genre will love it too.
UPDATE 22nd APRIL 2017:
A couple of people have raised issues with the lesbian and depression representation in this book, as well as a few other matters. Some people have equated Dani's lesbian mother having sex with a man with biphobia.
I personally don't agree with the lesbian rep/biphobia criticism - because if anyone knows that sexuality is fluid, it's yours truly. But I see the validity of the points made.
For an overview of the issues that some people have with this book, see C T Callahan's Goodreads review.
I do find C T Callahan more than a little harsh on this book, but you guys all know that I believe in having all the cards on the table so that you can make up your own minds.
Liked
this post? Try these:
- My 7 Top Picks of 2016's Books
- Review Time! - Eyes of Persuasion by Adrienne Monson
- Review Time! - Nina Is Not OK by Shappi Khorsandi
- Review Time! - Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Córdova
Labels:
disability,
diversity,
F/F,
fantasy,
fiction,
historical fiction,
LGBTQ+,
mental health,
new adult/na,
paranormal,
review,
urban fantasy,
vampire,
werewolves,
witches
Tuesday 7 February 2017
Month in Review(s) - January 2017
Well, that was January 2017... don't blame 2017 too much, guys, it keeps following 2016's examples.
You can check out alllllll of the posts from everyone during the event in this Google+ collection, and most of the posts in this BlogLovin collection.
So, I only reviewed 2 books in January (I know, I know, I need to review more!) and both were for the Disability Diaries:
My other posts for #DisabilityDiaries2017 are listed below:
I'm sure that in time it'll move away from the influence of it's older sibling, who was, let's face it, a freaking disgrace of a year.
2017 though can still be steered in the right direction with the help of intervention programmes, and stopping it from hanging out with the wrong people. We hope.
On a more positive note, this was the month that yours truly, along with Angel, Jolien, Dina, Lara, and our fearless leader, the lovely Ely, ran #DisabilityDiaries2017.
And it rocked. In case you hadn't noticed. ;)
You can check out alllllll of the posts from everyone during the event in this Google+ collection, and most of the posts in this BlogLovin collection.
If I've missed your post out, please let me know! Some of the posts I couldn't add to the BlogLovin collection, because not all of the blogs involved had an account there.
You can also submit your discussion and list posts from the event to The Bookish Diversity Link List 2017.
So, I only reviewed 2 books in January (I know, I know, I need to review more!) and both were for the Disability Diaries:
My other posts for #DisabilityDiaries2017 are listed below:
And that's January! :)
Thursday 2 February 2017
Comics Wrap-Up - But I'm No Good, Good, At Lip Service
Webcomics
In the wake of a whole lotta stupid coming out of the US in terms of policy this month, let's take a look at some excellent webcomics/cartoons/art from the webs, which make the world a better place.
(I'm embedding tweets here, and I've never done that before - so let's hope this works!)
First, let's let Ms. Marvel, aka Kamala Khan, show us how it's done:
— This bear hates Nazi (@ADobsonComics) 28 January 2017
Phil Noto Revises Cover Art In Reaction To Immigration Ban https://t.co/Iwj3TuUDBz pic.twitter.com/pZeX63xE96— Dark Matters (@DarkMattersProj) 29 January 2017
Now, let's let Lady Liberty show the world how she would greet refugees:
— #HeWillNotDivideUs (@HWNDUS) 29 January 2017
My dear friend @TheKeyThief's art is being shared around the world as a call to arms. If you want a printable version for protests DM her!! pic.twitter.com/HFM4HVT3l3— Diya Mishra (@thedimishra) 30 January 2017
cred: star-socks on Tumblr #NoBanNoWall pic.twitter.com/R5z33OoXwR— Fem For All 🏳️🌈 (@projectFem4All) 31 January 2017
And just to round off the webcomics section, here are a couple of awesome artworks/cartoons from LGBTQ+ creators:
— Sophie Labelle (@AssignedMale) 28 January 2017
Finished this one for friends over the holidays. Just some dads, being dads and gay and in love and also dads. pic.twitter.com/gzwqLgWokZ— ✨genué ECCC U3✨ (@hrtbrokentweets) 1 February 2017
Other Stuff
The wonderful Supergirl TV series has been nominated for a GLAAD award for outstanding drama series.
The awards honour media with outstanding LGBTQ+ representation; and the current series of Supergirl has made leaps in rep. with the step of allowing Supergirl's sister, Alex, to be lesbian.
And here's a bunch of interesting links of the comics-y type that I've come across this week:
- The lovely Tina @ As Told By Tina gave us her list of Top Ten Graphic Novels
- Swapna Krishna @ Book Riot wrote an excellent piece about Captain America and the 'should we punch Nazis?' question that challenges the comics world to do better in the modern age.
- Naja Later @ Women Write About Comics also writes an excellent piece on this topic - and points out that Cap has never been a neutral kinda guy.
- Dan Van Winkle @ The Mary Sue wrote about the California council member who was sworn in holding a Captain America shield XD
- Johanna @ Comics Worth Reading gave an informative analysis of the problems with new comics series The Assignment - which appears to be full of misogyny, transmisogyny, and transphobia. This doesn't bode well for the film version, due for release later this year.
Like this post? Try these:
Monday 23 January 2017
My 7 Top Picks of 2016's Books
(This post contains a flashing/fast-moving gif which may cause problems to those with photosensitive medical conditions.)
2016 wasn't 100% bad - just, like, 85%, or something. Anyway, there were some pretty awesome books!
I've purposefully picked books with 2016 release dates here - but I should point out that I also read some pretty great 'back-list' (pre-2016) titles during the year, they're just not on the list.
So, these are my picks of books released in 2016, that I read in 2016. Everyone got that? Great.
(And yes, I know this post is technically 'late' - but I make my own rules dammit!)
I'm also uber-pleased to note that most of these are diverse books - so anyone who says diverse books are lower quality needs to go and ask themselves some serious questions 😇
They are also all written by women - girls rock!
Here we go then (and in no particular order, because I am a wuss who can't rank books over each other):
Nina Is Not Ok by Shappi Khorsandi
For my international readers (and boy is that a phrase I'm never going to get used to,) who may not have heard of her, Shappi Khorsandi is an Iranian-British comedic genius.
Her first novel though, is not light-hearted. It's not funny. It's not for the faint of heart. And it's freaking incredible.
Seriously, this is one that I'm sooooo happy I had a digital review copy of, because I was so privileged to be one of the first people to read it.
Since then, I've basically been like 'read the thing!' whenever it's been possible to recommend it.
And I'm clearly not the only one, since it was recently nominated for the inaugural Jhalak Prize - though Khorsandi unfortunately withdrew the book from the longlist out of concern that drawing attention to her ethnicity might alienate white readers.
It's a disappointing decision, but it's far from my place to tell a person of colour (PoC) how to market their own book.
And it really is a fantastic book guys! You can see my full review here.
Swan Boy by Nikki Sheehan
Nikki Sheehan is a definite talent. I can't wait to see what she comes up with in the future.
Swan Boy is a remarkably artistic and lyrical kids' novel (middle grade/MG) and it's just... a stunningly beautiful read.
Honestly, it's amazing.
Check out my full review of Swan Boy here.
Blood Stain, Vol 1 by Linda Sejic
Linda is an amazing person who writes awesome and oh-so relatable comics that make me laugh and bring me smiles when I need them.
You will love the hapless Elliott as she tries to make her way in this bizarre world of adulting (and she has levels of clumsiness and bad luck that most of us will recognise!)
You can see my full review of Blood Stain, Vol 1 here.
Monstress, Vol 1: The Awakening
ORHGUIREJNGOIRGHNKETMNHOEIROIJTGGWMKRNGHTOI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
There are very few books which I consider '5 star' books guys.
(And I have issues with the arbitrary and restrictive nature of star ratings anyway - which is why I don't use them on this blog!)
But, if there is such a thing as a five-star book, then THIS IS A 5 STAR BOOK.
It has everything - fantasy, world-building, a disabled Asian protagonist, and stunning artwork.
And I want to adopt the small fox child. Soooo cute!
The ladies in charge here - Marjorie Liu and Sana Takeda - have a lot to be proud of.
You can see my
Santa Muerte by Lucina Stone
One which I haven't reviewed yet (but I will dammit! I will!)
Santa Muerte is an awesome-sauce first instalment in a new-adult urban fantasy series by the lovely Lucina Stone.
What is urban fantasy? It's only an uber-incredible sub-genre of paranormal and fantasy that involves paranormal-types faffing about in cities and/or towns!
Add in the focus on brujas (witches,) and a chatty prose-tone (that's totally a phrase now. Shh,) and what more do you want?!
Luna the Vampire: Grumpy Space by Yasmin Sheikh
Do you want grumpy internet-style humour with bright colours and a millennial attitude? Of course you freaking do!
Seriously, Luna makes me smile. And will make you smile too.
Check out my review here.
Labyrinth Lost by Zoraida Cordova
Another bruja book, although a lot different to Santa Muerte, Labyrinth Lost is the beginning of a YA series about a bisexual Brooklyn Latina girl, Alex, who has a big mess to clean up.
This one is so involving, and those of you looking for a new YA obsession and/or fandom need look no further!
You can see my review of Labyrinth Lost here.
Like this post? Try these:
Labels:
contemporary,
disability,
diversity,
everyday life,
F/F,
fantasy,
fiction,
graphic novels,
LGBTQ+,
lists,
M/F,
magic realism,
mental health,
new adult/na,
urban fantasy,
vampire,
witches,
ya
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