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2.83k reviews by:
betweentheshelves
adventurous
lighthearted
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:
Yes
This was cute! And the art was really well done. I haven't read the novel, but this was such a great heartwarming story that worked well in graphic novel form. Plus, there's extra information in the back about the time period that will be really useful for kids!
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-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
This is officially my third favorite Grishaverse book, I think. Crooked Kingdom and Six of Crows still take the top two slots, but I loved how this brought so many characters together. There are some great twists and you can't tell me that ending isn't hinting at something else to come. It has to be.
Even though this book is long and there is a lot going on, it doesn't feel like it. I feel like I flew through this book, as Bardugo nails the pacing and has the right mix of characters and emotions. There's so much material for the show and I can't wait to see it all unfold.
Even though this book is long and there is a lot going on, it doesn't feel like it. I feel like I flew through this book, as Bardugo nails the pacing and has the right mix of characters and emotions. There's so much material for the show and I can't wait to see it all unfold.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Grief
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Drug use, Murder
Minor: Rape, Sexual assault
adventurous
funny
medium-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
Don't have much to add from my original review, but it's just as good a second time! Nick and Seth are just adorable and I want to be their friend, too.
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Thanks to NetGalley and Tor Teen for an advanced copy of this to review! I absolutely loved The Extraordinaries last year, so I was so excited to dive into this one. Mostly because Nick is one of my favorite characters, and I needed to know what happened to him and his friends!
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Thanks to NetGalley and Tor Teen for an advanced copy of this to review! I absolutely loved The Extraordinaries last year, so I was so excited to dive into this one. Mostly because Nick is one of my favorite characters, and I needed to know what happened to him and his friends!
Right from the get go, this book is funny. That first chapter set the tone for the novel, and of course, Nick himself. Having ADHD means that Nick’s mind takes him down some interesting paths, which makes the narration all that more entertaining. He’s a teenager in his first relationship, and his relationship with his dad just adds fuel to the fire. Everything about Nick just pulls you through the story and having him as a narrator was the perfect choice. Also the way he always makes sure everyone knows Seth is bisexual is adorable.
Honestly, character is the best thing about this book. As is usually the case with a TJ Klune book, as I’ve found. Not only is Nick great, but also Seth, Gibby, and Jazz. The way they interact with each other is so endearing, and you know that they’ll always have each others’ backs. I love this quirky group of characters and can’t wait to see them again in the third novel.
Klune also addressed the criticism he got from the first novel about the way police were portrayed in the book. Nick’s dad is a police officer, and there are a lot of great discussions in the book about the way police can abuse their power. This is a great example of an author taking criticism and improving on it in later books.
No spoilers, but a fair warning. This book ends on a cliffhanger that’s definitely going to make you want the third book immediately. So don’t say I didn’t warn you!
All in all, this is an edge of your seat book filled with great characters you won’t want to leave. I know I didn’t!
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Oh I loved this. Maybe even better than the first one. And that ending?? Stay tuned for a full review tomorrow!
Oh I loved this. Maybe even better than the first one. And that ending?? Stay tuned for a full review tomorrow!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Ableism, Panic attacks/disorders
Moderate: Violence, Police brutality, Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Sexual content, Death of parent
challenging
emotional
sad
medium-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:
Complicated
It took me a long time to get to this book, but I'm so glad I finally did. This is such a powerful book, with a lot of great, diverse representation. It's not an easy read, especially since this was published three years ago and so many of the issues are still prevalent. Anger Is a Gift is definitely a must-read for anyone who likes activist fiction in YA, especially activist fiction that feels incredibly realistic.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Panic attacks/disorders, Racism, Police brutality, Grief, Death of parent
Moderate: Child death
Minor: Cursing
adventurous
mysterious
medium-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
Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury YA for sending me an advanced copy of this to review! I loved Cinderella Is Dead last summer, so I was super excited to get to this one. It definitely lived up to the hype for me! A little bit of mythology, a little bit of magic, and a little bit of mystery. It’s the perfect summer read.
The most enjoyable thing about this book is its take on Greek mythology. It’s a retelling that pulls other elements into it, making it a unique reading experience. This is based on a myth I don’t know a lot about, but it pulls a lot of different elements into it to make the story incredibly engaging. Plus, Bri’s voice as a narrator adds to the engaging nature of the story. She’s spunky and fights for what she loves.
While the main premise of this is fantasy, there is quite a bit of mystery in it as well. Specifically, a family mystery. By the end, it gets pretty suspenseful, and leaves off on a cliffhanger! Bayron is also a master of description. It really draws you into this house that Bri has inherited, adding to the mystery. It’s almost as if the plants are characters of their own, always reaching for Bri. Overall, it’s so atmospheric and makes you want to keep reading stories in this world.
The only reason this isn’t getting five stars from me is that there were a few elements that were a bit predictable to me. There were plot elements that I could see coming from the beginning. However, they didn’t take away from the overall mystery behind the plot. Also, there was some insta-love, which isn’t always my favorite, either.
All in all, this is a unique, engaging story that will definitely leave you wanting more!
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This was a mix of so many things, and I really enjoyed it! And I need to know what happens next! Full review to come tomorrow.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, Death of parent
Moderate: Gore, Blood, Murder
Minor: Kidnapping
emotional
lighthearted
medium-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
Such a lovely read! Also a quick one, since I read the entirety of this book basically in one sitting. It has that teen rom-com feel while also dealing with heavier topics, specifically biphobia. Also, there is so much diverse rep in this! And it didn't feel forced, like it can sometimes. Everything flowed nicely and I loved the characters. I can't wait to read more by Sophie Gonzales!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Biphobia
Moderate: Drug abuse, Vomit
emotional
reflective
slow-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
This is a quick read, but it definitely packs an emotional punch. Alex is struggling with gender identity, trying to figure out where he fits. Borinsky really captures that aspect of the story well, as you can feel Alex's emotions leap off the page. Figuring yourself out as a teenager isn't easy, and it can be even harder if you don't have the words to describe how you feel.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Transphobia
Moderate: Cursing
One mention of HP
adventurous
lighthearted
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
A graphic novel about space, changing friendships, and finding new ones, this was just perfect. I read it all in one sitting, and I loved the characters and the art. I think middle grade readers will definitely eat this up!
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
This is a great anthology, full of voices that often don't get heard in the publishing world. Each story brings something different and unique, and they're all engaging. While I normally read YA, I enjoyed the perspective that these stories gave me, and definitely think more books like this should exist!
emotional
lighthearted
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
This was so lovely! I want to read more about Mike and Yaichi and Kana. Let's get another volume where they go to visit Mike in Canada! I would definitely read it. I love how we got to Yaichi's growth and learning to accept that he doesn't know what the future holds. This may be only two volumes, but it's definitely worth it!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Homophobia, Grief