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betweentheshelves
Read this full review and more at between-the-shelves.com!
Thanks to Net Galley and Bloomsbury YA for providing an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
We'll start with my favorite aspect of this book: the magic. I though the system that Yu created was unique, giving this book an edge when put alongside other YA fantasy books. Additionally, I thoroughly enjoyed the sort of sibling rivalry that's included in the book; we don't see many YA fantasy books where sisters are pitted against each other, and just having a strong female power on both sides of the narrative adds another element to the book that makes it that much more enjoyable.
Despite the magical and mystical elements, the world building here fell a bit flat to me, as did some of the character development. While I enjoyed the different types of magic included here, I didn't feel like I got a good sense of the world as a whole. I wanted more detail, more information about the lives that Lu and Min lead, more about Nok's background. I feel that this would have made the book more immersive--and easier to follow.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read that I think many YA fantasy fans will enjoy. Despite falling into similar tropes of the genre, Mimi Yu is still able to create a compelling narrative that I think will bring fans back for book 2 (because there's obviously going to be a book 2).
3.5/5 stars
Thanks to Net Galley and Bloomsbury YA for providing an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
We'll start with my favorite aspect of this book: the magic. I though the system that Yu created was unique, giving this book an edge when put alongside other YA fantasy books. Additionally, I thoroughly enjoyed the sort of sibling rivalry that's included in the book; we don't see many YA fantasy books where sisters are pitted against each other, and just having a strong female power on both sides of the narrative adds another element to the book that makes it that much more enjoyable.
Despite the magical and mystical elements, the world building here fell a bit flat to me, as did some of the character development. While I enjoyed the different types of magic included here, I didn't feel like I got a good sense of the world as a whole. I wanted more detail, more information about the lives that Lu and Min lead, more about Nok's background. I feel that this would have made the book more immersive--and easier to follow.
Overall, this is an enjoyable read that I think many YA fantasy fans will enjoy. Despite falling into similar tropes of the genre, Mimi Yu is still able to create a compelling narrative that I think will bring fans back for book 2 (because there's obviously going to be a book 2).
3.5/5 stars
I actually really loved the trip back in time and the nods to Peter's previous battles, especially because I've been reading some backlist Spider-Man stuff as well. And the story about the super hero/villain Taylor was a nice touch. Overall, not a badly paced volume for Spider-Man.
The Amazing Spider-Man, Vol. 4: The Life and Death of Spiders
J. Michael Straczynski, John Romita Jr.
I really enjoy all the outside spider stuff that's included in this volume, like with Shathra. I'm also excited to learn more about Ezekiel. We get a lot of action in this volume, and I thoroughly enjoyed the composition of some of the scenes. It made the action move even faster.
Reading this because of all the hype! And now all the books are out. But it was just okay for me! None of the characters were particularly likable for me, but maybe that will change in the later books. We'll see. I did like the world Black created--it was intriguing and full of lots of magical things. Definitely still reading the next one!
Priyanka just wants to see India, but her mom is adamently against it. When her mom's pashmina transports her there, she becomes more determined than ever. This whimsical graphic novel includes a lot of Indian culture and will transport the reader to Priyanka's world. I loved every moment of it!
There were some entertaining parts, a lot of dark humor, but overall, everything felt like it happened too fast. The zombies were sudden, the ending was abrupt, and it was just an okay read.
Not only was the artwork beautiful in this, but also the story. It's all about learning how to let go of bad relationships and figuring out what ones you need. Considering I read this all in one sitting, I might need to buy a copy to add to my collection!
Loosely based on Jen Wang's own experiences as a child, this is ultimately a graphic novel about how people aren't always what they first seem. Christine and Moon become friends after Moon moves in next door. Once Christine gets to know Moon, she realizes they have a lot in common. Jen Wang does it again in this lovely graphic novel about friendship and identity. As usual, the art is gorgeous as well!
This was just okay for me. The art and the design was nicely done, but the story lacked. There wasn't much tying me to the characters and as a huge character reader, that pulled me out of the story.