Take a photo of a barcode or cover
ellemnope's Reviews (2.4k)
4.5 stars.
This was a fantastic read! I loved the premise right off and it really did not disappoint. Time travel and alternate history are always a very hard thing to logically pull off well, but this book does it. The atmosphere is fantastic and the dual timeline (though occasionally confusing) is really intricately done. There is a lot of cerebral work in this writing and I totally ate it up.
The characters are great and complex with some good nuance. They aren't just going along with the flow, they think things through and have some great conflict in terms of ethics and loyalty. Some bits are totally heart-wrenching, but so well done.
There are moments where the pacing does lag a little bit and I got caught up in some of the complexity, but overall this was a fantastic and mind-bending read. I could totally envision a reread in the future and I'm sure, now that I have the lay of the land, I would likely enjoy things even more.
Wonderful fantastical world with hints of dystopia and some interesting things to consider...how easily do simple changes and/or choices change the future? Brilliant.
* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *
This was a fantastic read! I loved the premise right off and it really did not disappoint. Time travel and alternate history are always a very hard thing to logically pull off well, but this book does it. The atmosphere is fantastic and the dual timeline (though occasionally confusing) is really intricately done. There is a lot of cerebral work in this writing and I totally ate it up.
The characters are great and complex with some good nuance. They aren't just going along with the flow, they think things through and have some great conflict in terms of ethics and loyalty. Some bits are totally heart-wrenching, but so well done.
There are moments where the pacing does lag a little bit and I got caught up in some of the complexity, but overall this was a fantastic and mind-bending read. I could totally envision a reread in the future and I'm sure, now that I have the lay of the land, I would likely enjoy things even more.
Wonderful fantastical world with hints of dystopia and some interesting things to consider...how easily do simple changes and/or choices change the future? Brilliant.
* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *
3.5 stars.
I was a little iffy on whether or not this premise would be for me. I like fantasy, but for some reason space and alien type stuff just isn't really much in my wheelhouse. But...there was a LOT of hype about this series, so I decided to pick it up. I admit...I'm warming to it.
The artwork is absolutely amazing. There are great details and a lot of detail. The story has a ton of imagination to it and the characters are interesting and diverse. It's a little weird, but I'm starting to like that about it.
I went it thinking I would probably DNF the series...I finished finding myself somewhat invested in the story and curious about where it would go. I was put off by some of the more "adult" content present in the story as it seemed a bit gratuitous, but I was still interested in the plot. So...this gets an "okay" from me with the caveat that I now have interest in the series and I will be reading volume 2. I'm guessing my ratings will go up as I continue the series, but we will see. I will say that I understand the hype and it's beginning to suck me in...
I was a little iffy on whether or not this premise would be for me. I like fantasy, but for some reason space and alien type stuff just isn't really much in my wheelhouse. But...there was a LOT of hype about this series, so I decided to pick it up. I admit...I'm warming to it.
The artwork is absolutely amazing. There are great details and a lot of detail. The story has a ton of imagination to it and the characters are interesting and diverse. It's a little weird, but I'm starting to like that about it.
I went it thinking I would probably DNF the series...I finished finding myself somewhat invested in the story and curious about where it would go. I was put off by some of the more "adult" content present in the story as it seemed a bit gratuitous, but I was still interested in the plot. So...this gets an "okay" from me with the caveat that I now have interest in the series and I will be reading volume 2. I'm guessing my ratings will go up as I continue the series, but we will see. I will say that I understand the hype and it's beginning to suck me in...
3.5 stars.
As a travel guide, this book is good. There is a lot of practical information that is presented in a clear and helpful manner. However, it is admittedly lacking the Bourdain flare. Primarily written by Laurie Woolever based on clips from Bourdain's various shows and essays by those who worked and traveled with Tony, there are definitely pieces of him in the book, but it was a let down based on what I expected from reading his prior books. I appreciate that they gave him credit for this book since a lot of the information and opinions are his, but it almost feels like a disservice to him as it fails to capture the true exuberance, quirkiness, and irreverence of Anthony Bourdain...all those things that made him...well, him.
I did enjoy learning about the different cultures and locations and there is absolutely a place for this book in the travel guide sphere. I just expected something different since it has been branded with the Bourdain name. Also...I miss him.
As a travel guide, this book is good. There is a lot of practical information that is presented in a clear and helpful manner. However, it is admittedly lacking the Bourdain flare. Primarily written by Laurie Woolever based on clips from Bourdain's various shows and essays by those who worked and traveled with Tony, there are definitely pieces of him in the book, but it was a let down based on what I expected from reading his prior books. I appreciate that they gave him credit for this book since a lot of the information and opinions are his, but it almost feels like a disservice to him as it fails to capture the true exuberance, quirkiness, and irreverence of Anthony Bourdain...all those things that made him...well, him.
I did enjoy learning about the different cultures and locations and there is absolutely a place for this book in the travel guide sphere. I just expected something different since it has been branded with the Bourdain name. Also...I miss him.
I'm still not 100% on board with the whole alien/space thing, but the series is definitely growing on me. It's a fun read with great images and way too much creativity. The amount of imagination going on to create this plot is ridiculous.
The pacing is a little slow and the story can feel drawn out, but there are a lot of pieces at play. The tangents and backstories are all entertaining, so it doesn't feel like wasted space. It's weird, but it's a good time.
Still gratuitous nudity and adult content? Yes. It doesn't play important to the plot, but whatever. I'm more or less brushing it off at this point. This content isn't really my style, but the story is still interesting and it doesn't take a lot of time to get through, so I'm just going to enjoy the ride.
The pacing is a little slow and the story can feel drawn out, but there are a lot of pieces at play. The tangents and backstories are all entertaining, so it doesn't feel like wasted space. It's weird, but it's a good time.
Still gratuitous nudity and adult content? Yes. It doesn't play important to the plot, but whatever. I'm more or less brushing it off at this point. This content isn't really my style, but the story is still interesting and it doesn't take a lot of time to get through, so I'm just going to enjoy the ride.
4.5 stars.
This is much more of a mystery novel than a thriller. It wasn't what I was expecting (having gone in expecting thriller), but it was still a very well-written and engaging book. The plot is well constructed and interesting. There are some pieces that are somewhat predictable and the twists are not necessarily shocking, but it is still quite creative and fun. The protagonist is a good character and I appreciated the fact that she had a unique profession. I don't know why I found that so intriguing, but it kind of made the book for me in a way. I enjoyed her character arc quite a bit and I appreciated the ending. Without too many spoilery comments, I will just say that the ending is a bit less rosy and a bit more realistic than most books would have ended. It was a good read and definitely has me interested in Laura Dave's other work.
This is much more of a mystery novel than a thriller. It wasn't what I was expecting (having gone in expecting thriller), but it was still a very well-written and engaging book. The plot is well constructed and interesting. There are some pieces that are somewhat predictable and the twists are not necessarily shocking, but it is still quite creative and fun. The protagonist is a good character and I appreciated the fact that she had a unique profession. I don't know why I found that so intriguing, but it kind of made the book for me in a way. I enjoyed her character arc quite a bit and I appreciated the ending. Without too many spoilery comments, I will just say that the ending is a bit less rosy and a bit more realistic than most books would have ended. It was a good read and definitely has me interested in Laura Dave's other work.
The story continues...
A cute continuation of the Heartstopper series, this installment felt a little different than the previous volumes. The relationship between Nick and Charlie is still just as cute and the supporting characters are really developing nicely, but the plot was organized in a slightly more episodic fashion. The time line jumps by months at a time and the POV switches from Charlie to Nick and then back for isolated periods of time. This made things feel a little more disjointed, but did add to the feeling of helplessness that was being conveyed through the story while the boys dealt with some very difficult and serious issues. I continue to enjoy the series, but I am not as in love with it as the hype train. Still...it is a cute and easy read and I do love the characters. Alice Oseman can write a good and lovable bunch.
A cute continuation of the Heartstopper series, this installment felt a little different than the previous volumes. The relationship between Nick and Charlie is still just as cute and the supporting characters are really developing nicely, but the plot was organized in a slightly more episodic fashion. The time line jumps by months at a time and the POV switches from Charlie to Nick and then back for isolated periods of time. This made things feel a little more disjointed, but did add to the feeling of helplessness that was being conveyed through the story while the boys dealt with some very difficult and serious issues. I continue to enjoy the series, but I am not as in love with it as the hype train. Still...it is a cute and easy read and I do love the characters. Alice Oseman can write a good and lovable bunch.
4.5 stars.
This is the cutest graphic novel! I loved this story so much. The first volume was good, but this was even better. The characters are fun and Bitty is just a super sweet cinnamon roll character. I really didn't want this story to end, but it was done so well. I hope Ukazu comes out with more fun things soon! I need more of this kind of heartwarming fun!
This is the cutest graphic novel! I loved this story so much. The first volume was good, but this was even better. The characters are fun and Bitty is just a super sweet cinnamon roll character. I really didn't want this story to end, but it was done so well. I hope Ukazu comes out with more fun things soon! I need more of this kind of heartwarming fun!
3.5 stars.
Sequel to Sheets that I found more enjoyable, but also a bit heavier. Cute middle grade graphic novel that hits on some difficult topics. Neurodiverse representation and attention to bullying, isolation, peer pressure, and social stigma. Also explores grief and loss in a creative way.
Not incredibly deep and has a bit of a lighter feel due to the inclusion of the ghost element which should make it more accessible for younger readers. The artwork is unique with the inclusion of a lot of jewel tone coloration that makes it feel comfortable and inviting.
The ending was really well handled and I hope it indicates that there will be more in this series. I think this second book shows a lot of growth and there could be some wonderful investigation into difficult topics for young readers.
Sequel to Sheets that I found more enjoyable, but also a bit heavier. Cute middle grade graphic novel that hits on some difficult topics. Neurodiverse representation and attention to bullying, isolation, peer pressure, and social stigma. Also explores grief and loss in a creative way.
Not incredibly deep and has a bit of a lighter feel due to the inclusion of the ghost element which should make it more accessible for younger readers. The artwork is unique with the inclusion of a lot of jewel tone coloration that makes it feel comfortable and inviting.
The ending was really well handled and I hope it indicates that there will be more in this series. I think this second book shows a lot of growth and there could be some wonderful investigation into difficult topics for young readers.
4.5 stars.
I love historical type fiction that adds in a fantasy element. I also love the circus/carnival trope. You cannot stop me from gravitating to this style of book. With Ladies of the Secret Circus this addiction proved to be a good thing.
The writing flows incredibly well and I love the historical elements that got drawn into the book and the story. The narrative is incredibly atmospheric and fun as well as just the right amount of dark.
It started off a little slow and I couldn't quite grasp the feel of where things were going to go. Then it swerved to the left and went dark. I could not have been happier. The world created by Sayers is awesome and creepy. I loved it. The characters were rich and well-written and things felt highly tangible. I was gripped by the middle and read the majority of the book in one sitting. I needed to know how things were going to end.
Dark, magical, beautiful, and haunting. A fantastic read and a great addition to the circus/carnival genre. This one will have a home on my bookshelf.
* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *
I love historical type fiction that adds in a fantasy element. I also love the circus/carnival trope. You cannot stop me from gravitating to this style of book. With Ladies of the Secret Circus this addiction proved to be a good thing.
The writing flows incredibly well and I love the historical elements that got drawn into the book and the story. The narrative is incredibly atmospheric and fun as well as just the right amount of dark.
It started off a little slow and I couldn't quite grasp the feel of where things were going to go. Then it swerved to the left and went dark. I could not have been happier. The world created by Sayers is awesome and creepy. I loved it. The characters were rich and well-written and things felt highly tangible. I was gripped by the middle and read the majority of the book in one sitting. I needed to know how things were going to end.
Dark, magical, beautiful, and haunting. A fantastic read and a great addition to the circus/carnival genre. This one will have a home on my bookshelf.
* Disclaimer: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. *
Taylor Jenkins Reid's debut is a different flavor from the other works I've read from her, but it certainly isn't a bad one. Forever, Interrupted is a quick read that will hurt you from the beginning, but weave a little hope in at a time.
The writing isn't the same caliber that you will receive from Reid's newer works, but you can absolutely see the talent in this narrative. It's clear that she simply learned a little bit of finesse over the years. I enjoyed the prose quite a bit, with the exception of some very small pieces. There are some bits of the plot that are unrealistic and some that didn't hit me quite right, but overall the storyline had me swooning and then crushed and then devastated before it slowly pulled me out of the dark hole it threw me into. The emotional journey of Elsie was raw and well done. It left me pondering too much about life and how lucky each moment is.
There are extremely poignant moments and Susan is an amazing character who I think is just about perfect on the crafting scale. She was quite possibly the most realistic person in the story and I was amazed at how well I could understand her movement through her emotional recovery. Elsie was a good character too, but I think the perspective of Susan (having had a bit more experience and time to reflect on her situation) gave a really good long-term picture of grief. Her understanding of love and loss hit me hard and resonated so well that it nearly had me in tears. (I never cry at books.) "You define that. What you feel defines that. You loved him. He loved you. You believed in each other. That is what you lost. It doesn’t matter whether it’s labeled a husband or a boyfriend. You lost the person you love. You lost the future you thought you had."
Not my favorite Taylor Jenkins Reid book, but still a solid read. My gut still hurts from this one's punch...and I don't mind.
The writing isn't the same caliber that you will receive from Reid's newer works, but you can absolutely see the talent in this narrative. It's clear that she simply learned a little bit of finesse over the years. I enjoyed the prose quite a bit, with the exception of some very small pieces. There are some bits of the plot that are unrealistic and some that didn't hit me quite right, but overall the storyline had me swooning and then crushed and then devastated before it slowly pulled me out of the dark hole it threw me into. The emotional journey of Elsie was raw and well done. It left me pondering too much about life and how lucky each moment is.
There are extremely poignant moments and Susan is an amazing character who I think is just about perfect on the crafting scale. She was quite possibly the most realistic person in the story and I was amazed at how well I could understand her movement through her emotional recovery. Elsie was a good character too, but I think the perspective of Susan (having had a bit more experience and time to reflect on her situation) gave a really good long-term picture of grief. Her understanding of love and loss hit me hard and resonated so well that it nearly had me in tears. (I never cry at books.) "You define that. What you feel defines that. You loved him. He loved you. You believed in each other. That is what you lost. It doesn’t matter whether it’s labeled a husband or a boyfriend. You lost the person you love. You lost the future you thought you had."
Not my favorite Taylor Jenkins Reid book, but still a solid read. My gut still hurts from this one's punch...and I don't mind.