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2.14k reviews by:
bookish_selkie
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
Chloe Green’s high school nemesis has always been Shara Wheeler. Which makes it all the more confusing when Shara disappears in the weeks before graduation. Where could she have gone? Why aren’t her parents concerned? As Chloe tries to piece together the puzzle she has been left by Shara, she finds herself joining forces with Shara’s boyfriend and neighbor. Upon discovering small pink envelopes with clues, the trio embarks on an epic quest to unravel the truth about Shara and her mysterious disappearance.
I Kissed Shara Wheeler was my most anticipated book for 2022…and it exceeded my expectations in every way!! This is a book that everyone should read. It’s full of lovable characters, compelling plot, and laugh-out-loud hilarious writing. Casey McQuiston always has the most specific, detailed dialogue that somehow is incredibly universal and witty. I highlighted so many passages in this book, because there was so much that I could viscerally relate to. This is a book for the LGBTQ+ theatre kids, the kids who feel stuck in their small fishbowl towns, the kids who are certain that after high school life simply has to get better.
I Kissed Shara Wheeler is full of so much love and LGBTQ+ joy. Chloe, Smith, and Rory form a tight and heartwarming friendship in Shara’s absence. Casey McQuiston writes such vivid and captivating characters; I know they will live on for readers long after the final page. All the characters, but especially Chloe, experiences significant character growth. The characters merrily stumble through the final months of their senior year of high school, along with profound moments of personal discovery and identity exploration.
I would highly recommend this for fans of found family, enemies-to-lovers, theatre kids, The Breakfast Club, and LGBTQ+ coming-of-age stories. I Kissed Shara Wheeler is beautiful, hilarious, and joyful. Unsurprisingly, this is likely my favorite book of 2022. You won’t want to miss this book! Thank you SO much to Casey McQuiston, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC (making my year) in exchange for an honest review.
I Kissed Shara Wheeler was my most anticipated book for 2022…and it exceeded my expectations in every way!! This is a book that everyone should read. It’s full of lovable characters, compelling plot, and laugh-out-loud hilarious writing. Casey McQuiston always has the most specific, detailed dialogue that somehow is incredibly universal and witty. I highlighted so many passages in this book, because there was so much that I could viscerally relate to. This is a book for the LGBTQ+ theatre kids, the kids who feel stuck in their small fishbowl towns, the kids who are certain that after high school life simply has to get better.
I Kissed Shara Wheeler is full of so much love and LGBTQ+ joy. Chloe, Smith, and Rory form a tight and heartwarming friendship in Shara’s absence. Casey McQuiston writes such vivid and captivating characters; I know they will live on for readers long after the final page. All the characters, but especially Chloe, experiences significant character growth. The characters merrily stumble through the final months of their senior year of high school, along with profound moments of personal discovery and identity exploration.
I would highly recommend this for fans of found family, enemies-to-lovers, theatre kids, The Breakfast Club, and LGBTQ+ coming-of-age stories. I Kissed Shara Wheeler is beautiful, hilarious, and joyful. Unsurprisingly, this is likely my favorite book of 2022. You won’t want to miss this book! Thank you SO much to Casey McQuiston, Wednesday Books, and Netgalley for a free ARC (making my year) in exchange for an honest review.
Daughter of the Moon Goddess is the captivating and heartwarming tale of Xingyin. Xingyin lives on the moon with her mother Chang’e, the moon goddess, trapped for taking her father Houyi’s immortality elixir. This is a beloved and well-known tale; I was ecstatic to receive it as an ARC! Of course with retellings, everyone recalls the story a little differently. Sue Lynn Tan makes compelling and unique choices about where she draws inspiration from the legend of Chang’e.
When Xingyin learns the truth about why her mother cannot leave the moon, she decides to embark on a quest to free her mother. Xingyin’s quest is filled with obstacles such as uncovering her magic, hiding her identity, and avoiding the wrath of the Celestial Empress. Along the way, there’s a touch of romance as Xingyin grows closer to the crown prince and the mysterious captain of the guard.
Daughter of the Moon Goddess is such a lyrical and imaginative book. The writing paints stunning pictures of the scenery, food, and epic battles. There are many scenes of heartbreaking beauty in this book. Sue Lynn Tan has a talent for gorgeous writing and creating sensory descriptions that immerse readers in the story. Overall, my favorite scenes were the quests that Xingyin goes on while working to free her mother. They were an excellent combination of old fairy-tale magic with fast-paced action. Xingyin is forced to adapt quickly to a new world and seeing her character growth was fantastic. I particularly enjoyed watching her hone and utilize her archery skills.
This story has dragons, betrayals, fascinating magical artifacts, and romance! The pacing flows well, creating a great magic system through intricate world-building. While Xingyin ends up having two competitors for her heart, I do have to say that one completely stole mine! The romance is achingly slow-burn and filled with pining. I can’t wait to see how things progress in the sequel. I’m so happy that we get to return to this magical world and see how Xingyin's story concludes. Daughter of the Moon Goddess is one of my new favorites! Thank you so much to Sue Lynn Tan, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Netgalley for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
When Xingyin learns the truth about why her mother cannot leave the moon, she decides to embark on a quest to free her mother. Xingyin’s quest is filled with obstacles such as uncovering her magic, hiding her identity, and avoiding the wrath of the Celestial Empress. Along the way, there’s a touch of romance as Xingyin grows closer to the crown prince and the mysterious captain of the guard.
Daughter of the Moon Goddess is such a lyrical and imaginative book. The writing paints stunning pictures of the scenery, food, and epic battles. There are many scenes of heartbreaking beauty in this book. Sue Lynn Tan has a talent for gorgeous writing and creating sensory descriptions that immerse readers in the story. Overall, my favorite scenes were the quests that Xingyin goes on while working to free her mother. They were an excellent combination of old fairy-tale magic with fast-paced action. Xingyin is forced to adapt quickly to a new world and seeing her character growth was fantastic. I particularly enjoyed watching her hone and utilize her archery skills.
This story has dragons, betrayals, fascinating magical artifacts, and romance! The pacing flows well, creating a great magic system through intricate world-building. While Xingyin ends up having two competitors for her heart, I do have to say that one completely stole mine! The romance is achingly slow-burn and filled with pining. I can’t wait to see how things progress in the sequel. I’m so happy that we get to return to this magical world and see how Xingyin's story concludes. Daughter of the Moon Goddess is one of my new favorites! Thank you so much to Sue Lynn Tan, Avon and Harper Voyager, and Netgalley for a free ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
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I’ve enjoyed reading Rick Riordan’s books from the very beginning. Reading his books reminds me why I love reading, the magic of stories, and are just really fun. This was a nice escape to Camp Jupiter and hope to see more of these characters in the future.
Disney Manga: Tim Burton's the Nightmare Before Christmas -- Zero's Journey Graphic Novel Book 4
I’m a big fan of The Nightmare Before Christmas, so I was very excited to check out this story! Zero’s adventures continue in book four. Jack and Sally are alarmed when they realize they don't know where Zero is. They decided to look in Christmastown, where some mischievous shenanigans are afoot. Fortunately, Zero is around to help Christmas get off without a hitch! I love the gorgeous art style and color choices. The dialogue is true to the characters while being accessible. The plot is tightly paced and action-packed. If your students (or you!) are a fan of The Nightmare Before Christmas, I highly recommend this. Zero’s Journey is out now! Thank you to Diamond Book Distributors and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
The Missing of Clairdelune continues Ophelia’s adventures in the Pole. Now brought forward into the spotlight as Vice-Storyteller, Ophelia and her friends must navigate the treacherous politics of the Pole. But no one is entirely who they seem and everyone has a motive of some kind. Ophelia learns more about her powers and Thorn’s secrets. When courtiers start disappearing in unexplainable circumstances, Ophelia must discover what is going on.
I love this series and world so much! Ophelia is a fierce and endearing heroine, who’s really grown from where she started in A Winter’s Promise. The writing is vivid and descriptive, with strong supporting characters who you care about as deeply as Ophelia. The Pole continues to be a tangled web of politics and power; Ophelia works hard to achieve her goals and protect herself and her family. Thorn is another favorite character, reminiscent of Mr. Darcy, and seeing his character growth has been lovely. I love the witty dialogue, endless twists, and continued explanation about the complex plot of the Rupture. Of course, not all is revealed and Ophelia is left with more questions than answers. After that ending, I can’t wait to read the next book in the series! Clearly it’s time to learn French.
I love this series and world so much! Ophelia is a fierce and endearing heroine, who’s really grown from where she started in A Winter’s Promise. The writing is vivid and descriptive, with strong supporting characters who you care about as deeply as Ophelia. The Pole continues to be a tangled web of politics and power; Ophelia works hard to achieve her goals and protect herself and her family. Thorn is another favorite character, reminiscent of Mr. Darcy, and seeing his character growth has been lovely. I love the witty dialogue, endless twists, and continued explanation about the complex plot of the Rupture. Of course, not all is revealed and Ophelia is left with more questions than answers. After that ending, I can’t wait to read the next book in the series! Clearly it’s time to learn French.
4.5- The Extraordinaries had me from the first sentence which sent me screaming back into feeling like a high schooler writing fanfiction for the first time. Let me sum it up for you in one word: angst. The subject of Nick Bell’s fanfiction is Extraordinaries, people with powers, in particular archenemies Shadow Star and Pyro Storm. Nick isn’t an Extraordinary, unless you count his powers of fanfiction writing and going on tangents! Luckily, he has a pretty awesome friend group that loves and supports him. But when Nick decides that he wants to become an Extraordinary, everything changes.
With strongly held beliefs about heroes and villains, Nick is convinced that he has what it takes. However, Nick’s earnest efforts to become an Extraordinary will force him to make choices about friendship and protecting his family. There are some very loveable characters here and I can’t wait to read more about them in book two! Seth Gray, Nick’s best friend, is one of my personal favorites! The excellent representation in terms of neurodiversity and LGBTQ rep made this story an absolute delight to read. At the same time, this is a book about the love of superheros and is very silly and fun.
True friendship is portrayed beautifully, with friends who understand how to help Nick in moments of crisis and how to tease him mercilessly when his latest idea is ridiculous. While Nick pursues his dreams, he also provides insight into what it's like to have ADHD. I found the sarcasm and sass in Nick’s train-of-thought tangents hilarious. I really appreciated the portrayal of the imperfect, but loving relationship between Nick and his dad. The sincere bond between them was so heartwarming to see!
The Extraordinaries laughs at itself, by making fun of and then effectively utilizing hero/villain superhero tropes in the same breath. This is a story that will make you laugh incredibly hard, wince at the angst, and tear up, all in the same chapter. I can’t wait to see how Nick’s adventures continue. Special thanks to T.J. Klune for that epilogue because WHY!? If you love people with superpowers, heroes and villains, and clueless golden-hearted heroes trying their best, then you need to read The Extraordinaries. The Extraordinaries releases July 14, 2020. Thank you so much to T.J. Klune, Tor Teen, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
With strongly held beliefs about heroes and villains, Nick is convinced that he has what it takes. However, Nick’s earnest efforts to become an Extraordinary will force him to make choices about friendship and protecting his family. There are some very loveable characters here and I can’t wait to read more about them in book two! Seth Gray, Nick’s best friend, is one of my personal favorites! The excellent representation in terms of neurodiversity and LGBTQ rep made this story an absolute delight to read. At the same time, this is a book about the love of superheros and is very silly and fun.
True friendship is portrayed beautifully, with friends who understand how to help Nick in moments of crisis and how to tease him mercilessly when his latest idea is ridiculous. While Nick pursues his dreams, he also provides insight into what it's like to have ADHD. I found the sarcasm and sass in Nick’s train-of-thought tangents hilarious. I really appreciated the portrayal of the imperfect, but loving relationship between Nick and his dad. The sincere bond between them was so heartwarming to see!
The Extraordinaries laughs at itself, by making fun of and then effectively utilizing hero/villain superhero tropes in the same breath. This is a story that will make you laugh incredibly hard, wince at the angst, and tear up, all in the same chapter. I can’t wait to see how Nick’s adventures continue. Special thanks to T.J. Klune for that epilogue because WHY!? If you love people with superpowers, heroes and villains, and clueless golden-hearted heroes trying their best, then you need to read The Extraordinaries. The Extraordinaries releases July 14, 2020. Thank you so much to T.J. Klune, Tor Teen, and Netgalley for a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.
