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heddas_bookgems's Reviews (490)
Princess Shiori made a vow to return the dragon's pearl to its rightful owner, but fulfilling that promise is more challenging than she anticipated. Unfortunately, the experience of reading this book was also not quite what I was hoping for.
While the underwater world was beautifully described, and the characters of Seryu and Kiki added some humor, the overall story did not captivate me as much as I had hoped. The second half of the book seemed rushed and formulaic, with too much action and not enough character development. It was difficult to keep up with the pace of the story, and the ending felt flat.
Despite these criticisms, the book still managed to hold the my attention until the end. Although it was not my favorite read, the vivid descriptions of the underwater world and the impressive dragons were enjoyable, and made it worth finishing the duology.
While the underwater world was beautifully described, and the characters of Seryu and Kiki added some humor, the overall story did not captivate me as much as I had hoped. The second half of the book seemed rushed and formulaic, with too much action and not enough character development. It was difficult to keep up with the pace of the story, and the ending felt flat.
Despite these criticisms, the book still managed to hold the my attention until the end. Although it was not my favorite read, the vivid descriptions of the underwater world and the impressive dragons were enjoyable, and made it worth finishing the duology.
Sentaro is a dorayaki maker, crafting fluffy pancakes filled with sweet bean paste. This isn't what he envisioned for his life, however. Sentaro hoped to become a writer but is currently working on Cherry Blossom Street to pay off a debt. When an elderly woman volunteers to help him make sweet bean paste, his life transforms from depressed and unmotivated to something more.
This novella has been on my TBR for a while, and it does not disappoint. It's as cute and cozy as the cover makes you feel. When I think of Japan during spring, I picture pink scenery filled with sweet scents. This book is a reflection of that, with beautiful imagery of blossoms blowing in the wind and the calm and zen activity of making sweet pancakes.
The characters are focused, passionate, and calm, learning to enjoy life again after dealing with real traumas and stigmas. They also confront public opinions about sick people. Overall, this is a wonderful spring-like quick read that comes with food for thought. Although I've never had the pleasure of tasting a dorayaki, I believe this book is just as sweet as these fluffy pancakes filled with sweet bean paste.
This novella has been on my TBR for a while, and it does not disappoint. It's as cute and cozy as the cover makes you feel. When I think of Japan during spring, I picture pink scenery filled with sweet scents. This book is a reflection of that, with beautiful imagery of blossoms blowing in the wind and the calm and zen activity of making sweet pancakes.
The characters are focused, passionate, and calm, learning to enjoy life again after dealing with real traumas and stigmas. They also confront public opinions about sick people. Overall, this is a wonderful spring-like quick read that comes with food for thought. Although I've never had the pleasure of tasting a dorayaki, I believe this book is just as sweet as these fluffy pancakes filled with sweet bean paste.
Ava Lavender was born half-bird and half-girl, a perplexing phenomenon that has intrigued people for years. To discover the truth about her extraordinary condition, Ava probes deep into her family's history. She gradually uncovers a dark past where every woman in her family has suffered due to love.
When it comes to nature-themed books, a story about a girl with wings is a must-read. I mean, who wouldn't love a girl who's half-bird? This read could have easily earned a five-star rating if Ava had been the main focus. This book left me torn between two opinions.
On the one hand, the poetic writing style was breathtakingly beautiful. The author used descriptive language to paint vivid pictures of nature, mouth-watering depictions of pastries, and a captivating atmosphere.
However, due to the story's structure, it felt a bit disjointed. Despite the title suggesting that this was Ava's story, the narrative was predominantly focused on the family's history. Furthermore, I didn't feel a connection to the first two women in the family, adding to my ambivalence.
Despite my mixed emotions, the book's excellent plot and storytelling make it a solid four-star read.
When it comes to nature-themed books, a story about a girl with wings is a must-read. I mean, who wouldn't love a girl who's half-bird? This read could have easily earned a five-star rating if Ava had been the main focus. This book left me torn between two opinions.
On the one hand, the poetic writing style was breathtakingly beautiful. The author used descriptive language to paint vivid pictures of nature, mouth-watering depictions of pastries, and a captivating atmosphere.
However, due to the story's structure, it felt a bit disjointed. Despite the title suggesting that this was Ava's story, the narrative was predominantly focused on the family's history. Furthermore, I didn't feel a connection to the first two women in the family, adding to my ambivalence.
Despite my mixed emotions, the book's excellent plot and storytelling make it a solid four-star read.
Every Heart a Doorway is a novella about two young outsiders who enter a magical world through a portal. When they are forced to leave the world behind and return to reality, they are taken in by the Home for Wayward Children to help them readjust.
Part one of the Wayward Children duology follows Nancy's journey after she leaves the Halls of the Dead, where she was held captive for ten years and promised to the Lord of the Dead.
This book is a dark, gothic, and disorienting tale that manages to keep the characters likable and well-developed despite its short length of just 169 pages. It's a complex work that blends elements of Narnia, Alice in Wonderland's hallucinogenic world, and a bit of Agatha Christie. When a murder occurs, Nancy is thrust into the role of detective while trying to understand the magic system and navigate the worlds of these peculiar children.
The only downside to this book is the rapid pacing and lack of background information on the complex worldbuilding. Despite this, Every Heart a Doorway is a fascinating exploration of gender identity, sexuality, and self-discovery after feeling like an outcast. Overall, it's a promising start to a captivating series.
Part one of the Wayward Children duology follows Nancy's journey after she leaves the Halls of the Dead, where she was held captive for ten years and promised to the Lord of the Dead.
This book is a dark, gothic, and disorienting tale that manages to keep the characters likable and well-developed despite its short length of just 169 pages. It's a complex work that blends elements of Narnia, Alice in Wonderland's hallucinogenic world, and a bit of Agatha Christie. When a murder occurs, Nancy is thrust into the role of detective while trying to understand the magic system and navigate the worlds of these peculiar children.
The only downside to this book is the rapid pacing and lack of background information on the complex worldbuilding. Despite this, Every Heart a Doorway is a fascinating exploration of gender identity, sexuality, and self-discovery after feeling like an outcast. Overall, it's a promising start to a captivating series.
Weyward tells the story of three generations of Weyward women fighting against male aggression while sharing a unique gift - the ability to connect with nature and communicate with animals. The novel follows Altha in 1609, as she tries to survive a witch trial; Violet in 1942, as she uncovers the mysterious death of her mother; and Kate in 2019, as she escapes her home to an inherited cottage.
Emilia Hart's debut novel, Weyward, has been making waves lately, and for good reason. While it may be dark and unsettling at times, with plenty of trigger warnings, it's a powerful story of women navigating a patriarchal society. The novel offers a modern take on feminism, infused with magic and mystery.
Weyward is a puzzle of women discovering their origin story while grappling with societal struggles. I was captivated by the heartfelt, magical, and dark story from start to finish. I highly recommend this novel to anyone seeking a unique and engaging read.
Emilia Hart's debut novel, Weyward, has been making waves lately, and for good reason. While it may be dark and unsettling at times, with plenty of trigger warnings, it's a powerful story of women navigating a patriarchal society. The novel offers a modern take on feminism, infused with magic and mystery.
Weyward is a puzzle of women discovering their origin story while grappling with societal struggles. I was captivated by the heartfelt, magical, and dark story from start to finish. I highly recommend this novel to anyone seeking a unique and engaging read.
Anne of Green Gables kicks off following eleven-year-old Anne, who arrives at Green Gables farm to find the Cuthberts in dire need of help. They had hoped to adopt a boy, but due to a mistake, a talkative red-headed girl ends up on their doorstep instead. Although they initially consider sending her away, they quickly fall in love with the highly sensitive child, who possesses an incredibly vivid imagination.
Now, before you dismiss this review on the grounds that it's discussing classical literature, hear me out. Even if you're not a fan of classics, this book is worth a read. Written in 1905, it reads more like a book of short historical stories than anything else.
But wait, there's more! If that's not enough to convince you, then consider its status as the ultimate cottagecore novel. The pages are filled with lush greenery descriptions, homemade baked goods, farm life, and wildflowers. Additionally, the book features a positive message that emphasizes the little joys in life. No grand plans or complicated schemes—just a simple life, enjoying nature's beauty.
Still not convinced? Then allow me to introduce you to Anne, the loveliest red-headed girl with braids you'll ever meet. She'll talk your ear off, romanticize everything, and get lost in her daydreams—dreams of being a princess with blonde hair or sleeping in a blooming cherry tree. It was Anne's charm that won my heart, and I'm sure it will win yours too.
Now, before you dismiss this review on the grounds that it's discussing classical literature, hear me out. Even if you're not a fan of classics, this book is worth a read. Written in 1905, it reads more like a book of short historical stories than anything else.
But wait, there's more! If that's not enough to convince you, then consider its status as the ultimate cottagecore novel. The pages are filled with lush greenery descriptions, homemade baked goods, farm life, and wildflowers. Additionally, the book features a positive message that emphasizes the little joys in life. No grand plans or complicated schemes—just a simple life, enjoying nature's beauty.
Still not convinced? Then allow me to introduce you to Anne, the loveliest red-headed girl with braids you'll ever meet. She'll talk your ear off, romanticize everything, and get lost in her daydreams—dreams of being a princess with blonde hair or sleeping in a blooming cherry tree. It was Anne's charm that won my heart, and I'm sure it will win yours too.
After the success of "The Priory of the Orange Tree," Samantha Shannon returns with a prequel, "Roots of Chaos: A Day of Fallen Night." The story, which takes place 500 years before the first book, introduces a completely new cast of characters, including Sabran, Glorian, Dumai, Tunuva and Wulf. The book is a standalone story that can be read before or after "The Priory of the Orange Tree." It follows the group of characters as they navigate their roles in the reawakening of an ancient evil.
As one of my favorite reads from last year, "The Priory of the Orange Tree" was a masterpiece of worldbuilding with complex, vibrant characters. In this prequel, Shannon delivers those same strengths, and I found myself rooting for the characters once again.
Despite my high expectations going into this book, I found that it didn't resonate with me as much as the first one did. Perhaps it was because I was hoping for a more in-depth exploration of the world or because the pacing felt a little off. The book could have also been shorter. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed the epic fantasy elements Shannon delivered, particularly the dragons.
If you're a fan of "The Priory of the Orange Tree," then "Roots of Chaos: A Day of Fallen Night" is worth a read. It delivers excellent character development, worldbuilding, and of course, dragons.
As one of my favorite reads from last year, "The Priory of the Orange Tree" was a masterpiece of worldbuilding with complex, vibrant characters. In this prequel, Shannon delivers those same strengths, and I found myself rooting for the characters once again.
Despite my high expectations going into this book, I found that it didn't resonate with me as much as the first one did. Perhaps it was because I was hoping for a more in-depth exploration of the world or because the pacing felt a little off. The book could have also been shorter. Nevertheless, I still enjoyed the epic fantasy elements Shannon delivered, particularly the dragons.
If you're a fan of "The Priory of the Orange Tree," then "Roots of Chaos: A Day of Fallen Night" is worth a read. It delivers excellent character development, worldbuilding, and of course, dragons.
Maggie O'Farrell's award-winning novel, Hamnet, is a gripping tale of how a young boy inspired one of the great works of literature, Hamlet. It is the 16th century and Hamlet's sister is gravely ill, but both parents are unaware of the impending tragedy.
I had been looking forward to reading this book for a while, but was hesitant about the theme of sickness, death and grief. However, Hamnet surprised me in the best way. Before delving into the story, O'Farrell reveals the ending, which makes it more bearable. What remains is the in-between story, which is nothing less than marvelous.
The novel's narrative style is almost like a fairy tale, with elements of magical realism and a sense of wonder. It takes you through the journey of falling in love, finding a nice family, and the harsh realities of living in the 16th century. The story switches back and forth from flashbacks to the present day, leaving you wondering if there is still hope or if the inevitable tragedy will occur.
Despite the heavy themes, I found myself unable to put the book down. The immaculate structure and fairytale storytelling made it a page-turner. If you are a fan of historical fiction, this is a book that you should not miss.
I had been looking forward to reading this book for a while, but was hesitant about the theme of sickness, death and grief. However, Hamnet surprised me in the best way. Before delving into the story, O'Farrell reveals the ending, which makes it more bearable. What remains is the in-between story, which is nothing less than marvelous.
The novel's narrative style is almost like a fairy tale, with elements of magical realism and a sense of wonder. It takes you through the journey of falling in love, finding a nice family, and the harsh realities of living in the 16th century. The story switches back and forth from flashbacks to the present day, leaving you wondering if there is still hope or if the inevitable tragedy will occur.
Despite the heavy themes, I found myself unable to put the book down. The immaculate structure and fairytale storytelling made it a page-turner. If you are a fan of historical fiction, this is a book that you should not miss.
Karou is a seventeen-year-old art student in Prague who leads a double life. By day, she's a talented student, but by night she runs errands for her father figure, Brimstone, in the monstrous world of chimeras. One day, while on a mission to collect teeth, Karou discovers that Seraphim are closing the doors to Elsewhere. This event sets her on a journey of self-discovery.
A few months ago this book was recommended to me. I'm so glad that happened, because this book is filled with critters, chimera, angels, magic, wishes, and lots of teeth.
The world that Taylor created is captivating, and it didn't take me long to fall in love with it. The atmospheric images of Prague made it feel like I was right there in the city with Karou. The world-building is unique and mesmerizing, and the characters are wonderful, funny, quirky, and tender. It's easy to get invested in their story, and the heart-wrenching love story is real and profound.
My only criticism of the book is the last few chapters, where we suddenly change perspectives. It felt like I was reading a completely new book. However, it all made sense in the end, and the conclusion was satisfying. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and rated it 4.5 stars.
A few months ago this book was recommended to me. I'm so glad that happened, because this book is filled with critters, chimera, angels, magic, wishes, and lots of teeth.
The world that Taylor created is captivating, and it didn't take me long to fall in love with it. The atmospheric images of Prague made it feel like I was right there in the city with Karou. The world-building is unique and mesmerizing, and the characters are wonderful, funny, quirky, and tender. It's easy to get invested in their story, and the heart-wrenching love story is real and profound.
My only criticism of the book is the last few chapters, where we suddenly change perspectives. It felt like I was reading a completely new book. However, it all made sense in the end, and the conclusion was satisfying. Overall, I really enjoyed this book and rated it 4.5 stars.