queer secondary characters – Cannonball Read 17

Surviving is an act of resistance!

Beasts of Carnaval by Rosália Rodrigo

July 31, 2025 by LB Leave a Comment

This book fulfills the “border” square on CBR17 bingo; Sofia exists on the border of conquered and conqueror, and explores the complexities of her mixed heritage. As soon as I saw the cover for Beasts of Carnaval, I knew I wanted to read it, and the synopsis just cemented it for me. I love stories that are about resistance and revolution and proving that the colonizers and oppressors won’t be the last ones standing. And this delivers so beautifully! Sofia’s twin brother, Sol, vanished to […]

A firestorm of a story!

The Story of my Anger by Jasminne Mendez

July 8, 2025 by LB Leave a Comment

The Story of my Anger counts for the “school” square on CBR17 Bingo. I was immediately drawn to The Story of My Anger because Yuli’s pose on the cover is so defiant and powerful, and I knew I wanted to read her story. Told in verse, this book follows Yuli and her group of friends who are trying to prevent the books that have allowed them to be seen in curriculum from being banned. Especially in today’s sociopolitical landscape and how many books are being […]

Diabetes and demon summoning, oh my!

Mixing Magics by Clare Edge

June 10, 2025 by LB 1 Comment

I was semi-recently diagnosed as T2 diabetic, so as soon as I saw Ber’s story I knew I needed to get my hands on it, even as my experiences are different from hers (and not just because she accidentally summons demons with her finger sticks lol), and I loved Accidental Demons so much. I’m so glad I was able to read Mixing Magics early and now have the opportunity to scream at everyone to pick it up. Mixing Magics picks up about a month after […]

A fun, political YA duology

A Bright Heart by Kate Chenli

A Fiery Spirit by Kate Chenli

January 26, 2025 by LB 3 Comments

When I read the Iron Widow duology, I saw A Bright Heart in the recommended books, and was immediately drawn to the cover. Luckily my library had the audiobook and I was able to start it without too much of a wait. A Bright Heart opens after Mingshin has been tortured for treason against the king she helped get on the throne, her beloved Ren who promised she would be Queen if she funded his endeavors. She is finally shown his true colors when he […]

Zirza on A Gothic Classic for a ReasonIt's one of those wish-you-could-read-it-again-for-the-first-time books. I loved it.
Emmalita on “It came to something when you found yourself hoping that the footsteps you heard were ghosts.”I loved the ending! I don’t think it’s been out long enough to talk about why though.
Dixie on Track Her Down by Melinda LeighI am just starting Track Her Down and I have read them all in order till now and thought I...
Roland of Gilead on How can you give us the gift of a crazy character named Rando Thoughtful and then just as suddenly take that gift away? We need to talk, Uncle Stevie.I came across this randomly years after it was written because I was searching "Random Thoughtful. But I have the...
Emmalita on “Only you, Em, would refer to heartbreak as a distraction. I think I would have a more sympathetic response if I asked to marry a bookcase.”Oh my goodness, Gallifrey was beautiful. I’m sure her mittens were gloriously murdery.

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