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2.83k reviews by:
betweentheshelves
emotional
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 was emotional and beautiful. I honestly saw it on a list from someone (VE Schwab or Alice Oseman, maybe? Or Casey McQuiston?) and knew that I had to read it. Glad I picked up three volumes at once for sure! Plus, I've heard that they only get better.
Graphic: Bullying, Homophobia, Suicidal thoughts
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is such a quick read, but it's so cute and adorable and I loved it. A vampire and a werewolf falling in love, what's not to like about that? I really enjoyed how Andersen played with tropes for both of these monsters, and really brought them both to life in such a short time. I might actually have to go and buy a copy of this because I loved it so much!
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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
I didn't realize this is only three volumes long! So sad. It needs to be longer. I would definitely read a second season from this spectacular group of ladies.
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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
I'm just flying through these, but for good reason! I love that we get different narrators in these issues, getting a more rounded view of the whole team. And I love them! I probably said that in the last review, but I love all the characters.
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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
Ah I loved this! An introduction to a rag tag basketball team at an arts college with fun characters and full of potential! There's clearly more to dig into with many of these characters and I can't wait!
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
Thanks to NetGalley and Boom Studios for sending me an advanced copy of this to review! I’m always looking for new graphic novels to read, and the cover of this one definitely drew me in. A new magical graphic novel series, yes please!
Most of this volume is introductory, showing us the characters and the world that we’ll need to know moving forward in the story. This means most of this is a bit slow-paced, at least until you get to about the halfway point. Then the action picks up and hurtles you toward the next volume.
The main thing this book has going for it is the art. The artwork is gorgeous, adding to the world building of the text. While some of the details of the world are still a bit unclear, seeing it visually really helps to ground the reader in the world Wynd and his friends inhabit. I mean, just look at the cover! I can’t wait to read more just to see more of the art work.
We’ve got some great characters in this as well. Wynd is sweet, and the way he interacts with his crush is adorable. His best friend, Oakley, is fiercely protective of him and I loved their relationship. So much opportunity for it to transform, too!
All in all, this was a great start to this new series, and I can’t wait to dive in and read more!
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This was a great intro to this world, with some great art! Full review to come this week.
This was a great intro to this world, with some great art! Full review to come this week.
Graphic: Alcoholism, Body shaming, Death, Violence, Police brutality, Grief, Murder
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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 such a gorgeous novel! Magic and wonder and learning the truth behind things. Barnhill has created a lush world that I loved getting lost in. I immediately got drawn into the story and didn't want to leave this world.
Graphic: Grief
Moderate: Child death, Confinement
Minor: Death
adventurous
funny
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for sending me an advanced copy of this book to review! It’s being pitched as Gilmore Girls meets New Delhi, which seems like a fitting description. Even though I’ve never watched Gilmore Girls. It’s filled with humor, love, and family.
The beginning of this starts out on a great note. We’re immediately introduced to Noreen, and her voice throughout the story is one of the best aspects of the book. She’s funny, and is trying to write her own sitcom. There are pieces of it throughout, which helps to balance out some of the darker moments of the story. These sections were definitely some of my favorite aspects of the story!
That being said, the plot kind of loses itself halfway through the book. What begins as a journey for Noreen to work through her grief changes into something else entirely, and we lose that beginning journey. I wish that was threaded through the story a bit more, as I think it would help to connect some of the aspects of the plot.
Some of the issues included in the book felt a little too heavy handed as well. There’s a lot of talk about the #MeToo movement, but Noreen never really takes a side. This could have been really powerful if it was connected to Noreen’s connection to her aunt, but most of it fell flat.
Despite the flaws, I still enjoyed all of the culture that Karim infuses into this story. That combined with Noreen’s humor really saves the book. I will say this is definitely for older YA readers, as it almost reads more New Adult at times.
All in all, I would definitely read this book for the culture and humor! Even if the plot gets a little lost.
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This book was a little all over the place for me, honestly. It didn't really feel like it had a clear focus, or the focus shifted partway through the book. Stay tuned for a full review to come in the next few weeks!
This book was a little all over the place for me, honestly. It didn't really feel like it had a clear focus, or the focus shifted partway through the book. Stay tuned for a full review to come in the next few weeks!
Graphic: Death, Drug use, Sexual content, Grief
Moderate: Racism, Sexual assault, Islamophobia, Dementia
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
This was a fun read! I've only read Lamar Giles's YA stuff, which is a bit more serious in nature, but I loved the Alston Boys and their longing for adventure. It's fast paced and sure to keep kids interested, especially in this time-travel mystery. Loveable characters and a fun mystery, what more could you want in a middle grade book?
informative
reflective
slow-paced
There is so much encompassed in this book, history, science, plants, social commentary. Each chapter brings a new perspective that makes you think about your place in the world and the way that you interact with nature. There are so many little jewels planted throughout this book, and the writing flows so easily and naturally. It may be about plant science at its core, but it's also about so much more.
Moderate: Death, Genocide, Racism