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heddas_bookgems's Reviews (490)
Starter Villain drops us right into the life of Charlie, a teacher who’s just trying to make ends meet and dreams of owning a pub. Suddenly, he’s thrown a curveball: he inherits his uncle’s supervillain empire. Yep, that’s right, full-on supervillain. Cue the deadly rivals, secret lairs, and, naturally, talking spy cats and unionized dolphins. With some very unconventional help, Charlie has to navigate this cutthroat world of evil masterminds. Spoiler: it’s not easy, but he’s got a surprising knack for it.
This book is like James Bond meets millennial sarcasm, with a hefty side of cat appreciation. Charlie’s life goes from grading papers to learning the finer points of villainy, think less PTA meetings, more high-stakes battles with secret organizations. It’s fast-paced, smart, and hilariously absurd in all the right ways.
Personally, I found Starter Villain to be a blast. The humor is sharp, the plot is full of surprises, and if you like cats, well, you’re in for a treat. There’s a bit of a lull when the story dives deep into the corporate structure of villainy (yes, that’s a thing), but don’t worry, it picks up right after and keeps you hooked till the end.
I won’t give too much away, but if you’ve ever had a soft spot for Blofeld’s cat or found Dr. Evil’s antics weirdly entertaining, you’re going to love this one.
This book is like James Bond meets millennial sarcasm, with a hefty side of cat appreciation. Charlie’s life goes from grading papers to learning the finer points of villainy, think less PTA meetings, more high-stakes battles with secret organizations. It’s fast-paced, smart, and hilariously absurd in all the right ways.
Personally, I found Starter Villain to be a blast. The humor is sharp, the plot is full of surprises, and if you like cats, well, you’re in for a treat. There’s a bit of a lull when the story dives deep into the corporate structure of villainy (yes, that’s a thing), but don’t worry, it picks up right after and keeps you hooked till the end.
I won’t give too much away, but if you’ve ever had a soft spot for Blofeld’s cat or found Dr. Evil’s antics weirdly entertaining, you’re going to love this one.
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The Spellshop is a warm, magical escape into the world of cozy fantasy, where the charm lies in the cottagecore vibes, found family and the multitude of its fantasy creatures. The story follows Kiela, who starts off as a bit anti-social and prickly, but the contrast between the fast-paced city life and the peaceful rural setting begins to reveal her softer side.
Now let’s talk about those cottagecore vibes. From gardening (why aren’t there more fantasy gardening books?), crafting, to baking, this book has all the elements that make this a cottagecore world you want to live in. Especially with the introduction of cinnamon buns (yes, cinnamon buns), I’m sold. And just when I thought the coziness had peaked, jam-making enters the scene. At this point, I’m fully cheering on the book as it layers on more warmth and charm.
While the dialogue starts off a bit sparse, it builds wonderfully as the story progresses, adding more life to the interactions between characters. And can we talk about Cas, the talking spider plant? He is that quirky, lovable addition to a story that really embodies a cozy, eccentric atmosphere.
Speaking of creatures, oh my goodness, this book is stuffed with it! Mermaids, merhorses, flying cats (yes, flying cats!), forest spirits, centaurs, it’s like every cute creature you’ve ever dreamed of packed into one book.
Despite the cozy vibes, the story doesn’t shy away from showing the harsher sides of the world. Yet, the focus remains on the beauty of a cottage-life, neighborly love, and an ever-growing found family. Although the moral undertone lays on thick and the plot may feel a bit translucent, it doesn’t detract from it’s warm, fuzzy feelings. Be warned though, stakes tend to rise toward the end in a magical storm of plot twists and action.
Many readers have compared it to the feeling they got reading Legends and Lattes for the first time. And you know what? I get that. It gets cozier with every chapter, and for fans of cottagecore and cozy fantasy, this is a must-read.
Now let’s talk about those cottagecore vibes. From gardening (why aren’t there more fantasy gardening books?), crafting, to baking, this book has all the elements that make this a cottagecore world you want to live in. Especially with the introduction of cinnamon buns (yes, cinnamon buns), I’m sold. And just when I thought the coziness had peaked, jam-making enters the scene. At this point, I’m fully cheering on the book as it layers on more warmth and charm.
While the dialogue starts off a bit sparse, it builds wonderfully as the story progresses, adding more life to the interactions between characters. And can we talk about Cas, the talking spider plant? He is that quirky, lovable addition to a story that really embodies a cozy, eccentric atmosphere.
Speaking of creatures, oh my goodness, this book is stuffed with it! Mermaids, merhorses, flying cats (yes, flying cats!), forest spirits, centaurs, it’s like every cute creature you’ve ever dreamed of packed into one book.
Despite the cozy vibes, the story doesn’t shy away from showing the harsher sides of the world. Yet, the focus remains on the beauty of a cottage-life, neighborly love, and an ever-growing found family. Although the moral undertone lays on thick and the plot may feel a bit translucent, it doesn’t detract from it’s warm, fuzzy feelings. Be warned though, stakes tend to rise toward the end in a magical storm of plot twists and action.
Many readers have compared it to the feeling they got reading Legends and Lattes for the first time. And you know what? I get that. It gets cozier with every chapter, and for fans of cottagecore and cozy fantasy, this is a must-read.
When I was younger, I often dealt with those gnawing pre school stomach aches, a blend of anxiety, fear of not being good enough, and the sheer dread of having to interact with people. Kokoro, the main character of Lonely Castle in the Mirror, knows exactly how that feels, and her story struck a chord that I didn't quite expect. From the start, Kokoro’s overwhelming anxiety and her shut in existence reflect the emotional core of this novel, and it’s safe to say, this book has layers, deep ones.
I’ll be honest, the opening chapters can feel slow for some. Kokoro's strained relationship with her mother and the weight of her trauma are gradually explored, casting a heavy emotional atmosphere. It’s not the cheeriest beginning, but the tension is crucial to the journey ahead. Kokoro’s depression is all too real, and her mother’s lack of warmth makes things worse. It’s the kind of realism that might have you quietly whispering, "Really, Mom?"
But then, the magic happens. Literally. When the fantastical elements sweep in, the narrative picks up speed. The Lonely Castle, a surreal sanctuary for Kokoro and a handful of other children, becomes a place where the harsh realities of bullying and trauma mix with a sense of mystery and healing. At its heart, this novel is about self-discovery and learning to trust again. Don’t let the calm prose fool you, there are some emotional sucker punches waiting. You might want to have tissues on the ready.
While this isn’t your classic cozy fantasy, it does offers a unique blend of whimsy and melancholy. The magical realism serves as a backdrop for deeper explorations of friendship, vulnerability, and the often difficult path to finding oneself. It’s a engaging story with a strong emotional payoff, especially for fans of found family tropes.
The prose is straightforward, almost minimalist, which suits the novel’s philosophical tone, though it can make the pacing drag at times. But the dialogue shines, and the characters, Kokoro in particular, are rich with depth and complexity. Each one offers more than meets the eye, pulling you further into the story.
Is it perfect? Not quite. But it excels at crafting a vivid, mysterious world inhabited by characters who feel achingly real, even as they explore an ethereal reality.
In short: It’s magical. It’s emotional. It’s well worth the read.
I’ll be honest, the opening chapters can feel slow for some. Kokoro's strained relationship with her mother and the weight of her trauma are gradually explored, casting a heavy emotional atmosphere. It’s not the cheeriest beginning, but the tension is crucial to the journey ahead. Kokoro’s depression is all too real, and her mother’s lack of warmth makes things worse. It’s the kind of realism that might have you quietly whispering, "Really, Mom?"
But then, the magic happens. Literally. When the fantastical elements sweep in, the narrative picks up speed. The Lonely Castle, a surreal sanctuary for Kokoro and a handful of other children, becomes a place where the harsh realities of bullying and trauma mix with a sense of mystery and healing. At its heart, this novel is about self-discovery and learning to trust again. Don’t let the calm prose fool you, there are some emotional sucker punches waiting. You might want to have tissues on the ready.
While this isn’t your classic cozy fantasy, it does offers a unique blend of whimsy and melancholy. The magical realism serves as a backdrop for deeper explorations of friendship, vulnerability, and the often difficult path to finding oneself. It’s a engaging story with a strong emotional payoff, especially for fans of found family tropes.
The prose is straightforward, almost minimalist, which suits the novel’s philosophical tone, though it can make the pacing drag at times. But the dialogue shines, and the characters, Kokoro in particular, are rich with depth and complexity. Each one offers more than meets the eye, pulling you further into the story.
Is it perfect? Not quite. But it excels at crafting a vivid, mysterious world inhabited by characters who feel achingly real, even as they explore an ethereal reality.
In short: It’s magical. It’s emotional. It’s well worth the read.
Threadneedle kicks off in a pretty grim setting, and I’ll admit, I initially wondered if it could even be considered cozy fantasy. I mean, magic is feared and witches are literally dangling from Big Ben. Plus the initial darkness, especially around the character of Anna’s aunt and the binders, who are undeniably cruel and unlikable, casted a big shadow over the story. Hardly the warm, fuzzy vibes I was expecting. However, when the Queen of fantasy, aka Robin Hobb, herself gives it five stars, you buckle up and keep reading.
Once the story sheds some of its darkness, about the time we enter the high school, we’re suddenly, dealing with schoolgirl dramas: infatuations, bullying, gossip, friendship conflicts, and the all too familiar teenage angst. The high school scenes are so impressively realistic, I almost felt like a teenager myself. Next to it, the way how self discovery is portrayed among the characters is both relatable and touching. It’s the stronger point of this novel, the character-driven plot with is magical atmosphere making an unique blend of magical elements combined with the very real struggles of teenage life.
That said, these characters are so well crafted. One of my favorite characters is Effie. She sweeps in like a badass and it’s her confident presence that makes this into a core found family dynamic. Then there’s Selene, who’s got that irresistible free spirited vibe, and Rowan’s mom, who’s basically giving us a wink to a certain red headed witchy mother we all know (but won’t mention for obvious reasons).
The magic system, rooted in witchcraft and passed through family lines, is also a highlight, with the rich lore and history of the binders, short stories, riddles, and spells adding depth to the world. The novels, almost autumnal, cozy moments, particularly outside of Anna’s home, were a beautiful contrast from the heavier parts of the story.
By the end, this book totally wrecked me. It had me cringing at cruelty, swooning over friendships, feeling all kinds of fluttery excitement and had me feeling both cozy and stressed at the same time. Though it took me a little while to fully engage with the story, once I connected with Anna, her friends, the magic, the high school drama and the mystery at the heart of it all, I was hooked. It even reminded me of the feelings I had when I first read that other magical series we don’t talk about.
So, huge thanks to @ginaluciareads for the recommendation, it’s easily become a new favorite. So next time I know, if Hobb says it’s worth it, you know you’re in for something special!
Once the story sheds some of its darkness, about the time we enter the high school, we’re suddenly, dealing with schoolgirl dramas: infatuations, bullying, gossip, friendship conflicts, and the all too familiar teenage angst. The high school scenes are so impressively realistic, I almost felt like a teenager myself. Next to it, the way how self discovery is portrayed among the characters is both relatable and touching. It’s the stronger point of this novel, the character-driven plot with is magical atmosphere making an unique blend of magical elements combined with the very real struggles of teenage life.
That said, these characters are so well crafted. One of my favorite characters is Effie. She sweeps in like a badass and it’s her confident presence that makes this into a core found family dynamic. Then there’s Selene, who’s got that irresistible free spirited vibe, and Rowan’s mom, who’s basically giving us a wink to a certain red headed witchy mother we all know (but won’t mention for obvious reasons).
The magic system, rooted in witchcraft and passed through family lines, is also a highlight, with the rich lore and history of the binders, short stories, riddles, and spells adding depth to the world. The novels, almost autumnal, cozy moments, particularly outside of Anna’s home, were a beautiful contrast from the heavier parts of the story.
By the end, this book totally wrecked me. It had me cringing at cruelty, swooning over friendships, feeling all kinds of fluttery excitement and had me feeling both cozy and stressed at the same time. Though it took me a little while to fully engage with the story, once I connected with Anna, her friends, the magic, the high school drama and the mystery at the heart of it all, I was hooked. It even reminded me of the feelings I had when I first read that other magical series we don’t talk about.
So, huge thanks to @ginaluciareads for the recommendation, it’s easily become a new favorite. So next time I know, if Hobb says it’s worth it, you know you’re in for something special!
The Phoenix Keeper by A.S. MacLean is a delightful story through a world where mythical creatures take center stage, and somehow, the zookeeper job gets even more magical. From the first page, it creates a cozy, almost whimsical atmosphere as we dive into the life of a zookeeper who has to wrangle not just your average zoo critters, but creatures straight out of legend. Think less house cat, more phoenix. For fans of reality zoo shows, this book feels like a behind-the-scenes episode, except with a dragon here and a unicorn there. And don’t forget the important message about conservation (because yes, even magical creatures need saving from extinction).
That said, the book does address some prickly subjects. The zoo’s inclusion of performance acts for the mythical creatures might make some readers cringe a bit. Sure, it’s a bit uncomfortable (and a tad circus like), but the story does at least acknowledge the ethical dilemma, even if it doesn’t dive too deeply into it. Personally, I’m more of a "let mythical creatures be mythical" kind of reader, but hey, I appreciated the attempt at nuance.
Now, onto our leading lady: she’s not your average protagonist. Introverted, socially awkward, and maybe exhibiting a few neurodivergent traits, she might rub some readers the wrong way. But in my book, she’s refreshingly real, quirks and all. The kind of character who makes you think, “Yeah, I’d definitely be that person at the party hovering near the snacks and avoiding small talk.”
And let’s not forget the wonderful illustrations of these mythical creatures that serve as book dividers. A little extra magic to break up the chapters, who doesn’t love that? Oh, and Archie, the mischievous creature who loves shiny things? Instant favorite. We get it, Archie, we all have a bit of you in us.
There’s also a subtle hint of a sapphic romance, but I won’t spoil anything there. Just know it’s lurking in the background, teasing you with possibilities. That said, I did question the book’s marketing as “adult fantasy.” Other than a few colorful curse words, it feels very young adult in tone, which could throw off those expecting something more mature.
When it comes to the fantasy, it’s light, urban fantasy, really, where mythical creatures exist but the world otherwise feels quite contemporary. The romance is sweet, though it takes a back seat to everything else, and the real star here is the mystery and humor that keep things ticking along.
In conclusion, The Phoenix Keeper is an enjoyable, quirky read that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Sure, it’s not epic, high stakes fantasy, but that’s the charm of it. The jokes and banter between the protagonist and her best friend Tanya will make you smile, the care and attention given to the mythical creatures will tug at your heart, and even the subplot about renovating the zoo adds a charming touch. Add in the romance, the light mystery, and the overall coziness, and you’ve got a book that’s easy to curl up with, just like Archie would with a pocketful of shiny objects.
That said, the book does address some prickly subjects. The zoo’s inclusion of performance acts for the mythical creatures might make some readers cringe a bit. Sure, it’s a bit uncomfortable (and a tad circus like), but the story does at least acknowledge the ethical dilemma, even if it doesn’t dive too deeply into it. Personally, I’m more of a "let mythical creatures be mythical" kind of reader, but hey, I appreciated the attempt at nuance.
Now, onto our leading lady: she’s not your average protagonist. Introverted, socially awkward, and maybe exhibiting a few neurodivergent traits, she might rub some readers the wrong way. But in my book, she’s refreshingly real, quirks and all. The kind of character who makes you think, “Yeah, I’d definitely be that person at the party hovering near the snacks and avoiding small talk.”
And let’s not forget the wonderful illustrations of these mythical creatures that serve as book dividers. A little extra magic to break up the chapters, who doesn’t love that? Oh, and Archie, the mischievous creature who loves shiny things? Instant favorite. We get it, Archie, we all have a bit of you in us.
There’s also a subtle hint of a sapphic romance, but I won’t spoil anything there. Just know it’s lurking in the background, teasing you with possibilities. That said, I did question the book’s marketing as “adult fantasy.” Other than a few colorful curse words, it feels very young adult in tone, which could throw off those expecting something more mature.
When it comes to the fantasy, it’s light, urban fantasy, really, where mythical creatures exist but the world otherwise feels quite contemporary. The romance is sweet, though it takes a back seat to everything else, and the real star here is the mystery and humor that keep things ticking along.
In conclusion, The Phoenix Keeper is an enjoyable, quirky read that doesn’t take itself too seriously. Sure, it’s not epic, high stakes fantasy, but that’s the charm of it. The jokes and banter between the protagonist and her best friend Tanya will make you smile, the care and attention given to the mythical creatures will tug at your heart, and even the subplot about renovating the zoo adds a charming touch. Add in the romance, the light mystery, and the overall coziness, and you’ve got a book that’s easy to curl up with, just like Archie would with a pocketful of shiny objects.
“He dared to do what men and women don't even dare to think. And look what he's done already: he's torn open the sky, he's opened the way to another world. Who else has ever done that? Who else could think of it?”
In The Subtle Knife we meet the twelve year old Will. When Will discovers that his mother, who seems to have delusions about being watched, might not have been delusional after all. In search for the truth he stumbles on Lyra who also is in search of the truth about dust. They decide they could help each other out while they explore new worlds in search their truths.
In September I read the first book in the series His Dark Materials. As I enjoyed this book enormously, especially with these stunning illustrations by Chris Wormell, I couldn’t wait diving back into this whimsical world again with part two. And it didn’t disappoint one bit. Yet again I enjoyed this wonderful quick paced fantasy young adult. It was stuffed with action. I jumped from one surprise to the next and in the meanwhile got a lot of answers about the last cliffhanger.
The only downside of this book is that I wasn’t ready for the heartbreaking that this book yet again delivered. Thought you would be save by reading a young adult? Nope! Be ready to get your souls crushed (if you know, reach out, I want to cry about it some more).
Nonetheless I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves Narnia and is in search for a new read.
In The Subtle Knife we meet the twelve year old Will. When Will discovers that his mother, who seems to have delusions about being watched, might not have been delusional after all. In search for the truth he stumbles on Lyra who also is in search of the truth about dust. They decide they could help each other out while they explore new worlds in search their truths.
In September I read the first book in the series His Dark Materials. As I enjoyed this book enormously, especially with these stunning illustrations by Chris Wormell, I couldn’t wait diving back into this whimsical world again with part two. And it didn’t disappoint one bit. Yet again I enjoyed this wonderful quick paced fantasy young adult. It was stuffed with action. I jumped from one surprise to the next and in the meanwhile got a lot of answers about the last cliffhanger.
The only downside of this book is that I wasn’t ready for the heartbreaking that this book yet again delivered. Thought you would be save by reading a young adult? Nope! Be ready to get your souls crushed (if you know, reach out, I want to cry about it some more).
Nonetheless I would highly recommend this to anyone who loves Narnia and is in search for a new read.
This graphic novel, originally a WebToon, spins a super cute love story between Hades and Persephone. Bursting with pink hues, it's as fluffy as cotton candy—a sugary delight that's impossible to resist.
The dialogues are charming and witty, but don't be fooled by the sweetness; explicit content lurks beneath the surface. Alongside the love story, this graphic novel bravely tackles themes of abuse and violence, making it essential to research trigger warnings before diving in.
Personally, I found the novel to be a quick and easy read. But does it live up to the hype? While I understand the buzz, I couldn't shake the feeling that it's geared towards a younger audience, leaving me slightly less impressed than expected.
Don't get me wrong—it's still delightful and charming, so sweet it might just knock your teeth out. But it falls short of the mind-blowing masterpiece the hype promised.
The dialogues are charming and witty, but don't be fooled by the sweetness; explicit content lurks beneath the surface. Alongside the love story, this graphic novel bravely tackles themes of abuse and violence, making it essential to research trigger warnings before diving in.
Personally, I found the novel to be a quick and easy read. But does it live up to the hype? While I understand the buzz, I couldn't shake the feeling that it's geared towards a younger audience, leaving me slightly less impressed than expected.
Don't get me wrong—it's still delightful and charming, so sweet it might just knock your teeth out. But it falls short of the mind-blowing masterpiece the hype promised.
While Emily Wilde’s Map of the Otherlands brings me back to the magical world I loved, it trades in some of that original charm for a new flavor, think less fairy tale, more 'mystery with a side of drama.' The whimsical vibes of the first book have taken a backseat, and let’s just say, you’ll miss them.
That said, the story has its moments, but does feel a bit dry in parts, especially early on. With fewer dialogues, it’s harder to connect with Emily, and the pacing drags a bit before picking up steam. But when Emily and Wendell share a scene? Instant coziness. It’s like putting on a warm sweater in the middle of a frosty morning, pure comfort that reminded me of the charm of the first book.
The storyline itself is stronger this time around, but the flow isn't as consistent, and some of the side characters feel a little underdeveloped. But Shadow, as always, still manages to steal the show in their own quiet way!
In short, while this sequel may lack some of the atmospheric magic of the first book, it’s still an enjoyable read, with a plot that keeps you intrigued and moments of cozy charm that make it worth your while. Just be prepared for a slow start and fewer sparkles along the way.
That said, the story has its moments, but does feel a bit dry in parts, especially early on. With fewer dialogues, it’s harder to connect with Emily, and the pacing drags a bit before picking up steam. But when Emily and Wendell share a scene? Instant coziness. It’s like putting on a warm sweater in the middle of a frosty morning, pure comfort that reminded me of the charm of the first book.
The storyline itself is stronger this time around, but the flow isn't as consistent, and some of the side characters feel a little underdeveloped. But Shadow, as always, still manages to steal the show in their own quiet way!
In short, while this sequel may lack some of the atmospheric magic of the first book, it’s still an enjoyable read, with a plot that keeps you intrigued and moments of cozy charm that make it worth your while. Just be prepared for a slow start and fewer sparkles along the way.