In Diana and the Hero's Journey, we learn the value of a story and how it differs depending on who tells it. Overall, pretty cute 

Simon and Chester are back at it again! I was expecting this to be the typical “friend is jealous their best friend has other friends,” and, yes, it started that way. But this is a simple, effective way to show kids no one wants to be a secret friend.

The resolution felt very abrupt and fast. Compared to the other books of the series this feels rushed and less complete. But there’s (not a cliffhanger) an obvious signal the conflict between Chester, Amie, and Simon will be further explored in other books.

Ultimately, real friends aren’t ashamed to acknowledge their friends in front of others. 

I think adaptation was well-done. For one, it cuts the filler and the many many prefaces of the original Barracoon.

The Transatlantic HUMAN trade and other enslavement practices are explained so simply here. This is meant for children, but it works for anyone to get the gist of his story.

But Kossula's story is still the same heartbreaking sadness as it is in any format. 

Barracoon Review: https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/2595512399

 I really liked the worldbuilding - magic, dragons, and the integration of Spanish! Dragonador immediately had my interest for the unique spin on matadors 

I couldn’t take Arturo’s barbed mouth at times. No one is going to kiss your behind, sir. But after he defrosted, he was all right. Zarela never failed to call him out for it too. More importantly, I enjoyed Zarela’s spunk and stubbornness. I was always rooting for her. How she cared for her family estate and its workers was done well. 

One pet peeve on character descriptions: So many characters are referred to as having dark black skin? Visually what does this look like? Skin the color of toner ink or midnight? Because some characters have brown skin. 

Overall, I enjoyed my reading experience. But I would've given this 5 stars if

the author hadn't killed off the dad. This is what pissed me off with Wakanda Forever too the female character has already gone through so much and you make her an orphan :/

Still worth reading though! 

This series just doesn’t miss! The artist Holmes does a wonderful job differentiating the dragons and showing their expressions. 

We see up close the blessing and curse being able to read minds actively looks likes. We also get an ominous vision (really it’s multiverse stuff – so many bad possible endings) and a whodunit all in one. I’m always so impressed by the narrative voice.

Similar to Lego animated series, there’s a tendency to want to underestimate the series as some ‘silly dragon’ book. But no, the level of intrigue, emotional beats, and plot twists pleasantly surprises you every time.

 I really enjoyed this. I have a soft spot for books about black girls doing ballet. This one has such a simple, easygoing narrative voice.

I was invested in the tender yet tense platonic friendship between Neil and Aisha. Like, I could see they were close and not just told this. Honestly, Neil's self-destructiveness and Aisha's worsening mental health kept them in a tug-of-war with each other trying to see how much to divulge to the other.

The execution of disassociation was good to me. I haven’t read many stories that cover this but it explained what Aisha was going through in a way that was understandable to someone who had never heard of this. I can’t speak to the actual accuracy of the portrayal though.

In the background is subtle commentary on colorism, body image, racism, eating disorders, toxic masculinity, and abandonment issues. It is integrated so seamlessly into the story despite the heavy subjects. But the main focus is on mental health, especially as it relates to the dance world, and a sweet, gentle romance.

And it’s a breath of fresh air that the book acknowledges not every therapist will be a good fit; some will be downright patronizing. But it’s still worth it to find the right one. 

 Great! Like no time lost from the first book! The characters and their banter are still fun, a dating Alessa and Dante still have zest and struggles in their relationship, and new (implied) romances pop up in the background.

This book is Dante-centric delving back into his past and going to his old stomping grounds. He has to come to terms with himself. Every insecurity of his strips him bare. Who is he without his powers? Who is he if he can't be a protector/protect Alessa?

Besides some spotlight on Kaleb, we still don’t learn anything substantial about the fonti. Characters like Kamaria stayed as comic relief and Saida we still knew nothing about. Add on all the new characters we get to meet, and you see how the characters' got spread thin.

Still, a fun romp. The filler arc of Dante befriending the others was long-winded, but I think it was a good opportunity to explore his insecurities and past. 

The ending was so emotional! A fitting close to this series. I'd categorize this as New Adult too due to some of the sexier scenes. 

I promise you, Jessica is the vainest middle school girl ever. I don't know how Elizabeth puts up with her. Hopefully, the little character development here sticks until the next volume.

I love Amy’s spunk! And little Ken is drawn so cutely.

I enjoy Aguirre’s artwork. The style works wonderfully here! I love every panel.