howlinglibraries's Reviews (1.85k)

This is absolutely one of the sweetest, most heartstring-tugging, loveliest things I've read in such a long time — and one of the best depictions of the found family trope I've ever seen. The characters are so diverse and lovable, the storyline will break your heart and mend it all over again, and the art is stunning. The color palettes are vivid, the designs are detailed, and Maggie is so cute it hurts. I feel like I'm just rambling and gushing right now because this is one of those books that I loved so much, I don't know how to fit it into a coherent review. I just want to shove Another Kind into every kid's hands, and every adult's, too (especially if you love cryptids as much as I do). ♥

✨ Representation: two nonbinary characters (including one character questioning and then coming out as nonbinary); most characters are BIPOC

✨ Content warnings for:

Spoiler

the main plot point is that the "irregularities" (cryptids) are treated very poorly, hunted, etc. for being inhuman

Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this review copy in exchange for an honest review!

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Do I understand everything that just happened? No. Did I enjoy the journey regardless? Hell, yeah.

Mercy is a deeply unsettling, captivating historical horror/SFF crossover full of monsters, both human and otherwise. Equal parts eerie, tragic, and romantic, this was a lovely story with artwork that is, in my opinion, mostly unmatched in the world of graphic novels. I'm willing to admit I was a bit lost at points, especially with how detailed the art in some of the action scenes gets (maybe it's an ADHD issue, but with that much fine lining, I can have a hard time telling where one monster ends and another begins), but I feel like that was a "me" issue, not a Mercy issue.

I strongly recommend this to anyone who enjoys beautiful, fantastical horror graphics and doesn't mind a whole lot of bloodshed.

✨ Content warnings for:

Spoiler

violence, mutilation, murder, child death, body horror, child abuse

Another fun Goosebumps graphic novel re-vamp! This one was just alright for me as far as the storytelling went, but I definitely loved how diverse the cast of characters was. Most of the primary characters are BIPOC and the protagonist has a prosthetic arm, which I don't think I've ever seen in a graphic novel's main character and I thought was pretty great! Like the other graphic novels in the new Goosebumps line, this one is "inspired" by a Goosebumps book but is not a direct adaptation of Fever Swamp, for anyone curious about that. I think it's a great addition for new Goosebumps readers as well as those of us who still love the nostalgia, because while it is modern and very different from the old books, it has that really fun, high-stakes, creepy vibe that we all know and love from Stine's stories. ♥

Thank you so much to the publisher for providing me with this review copy in exchange for an honest review!

#1 A Court of Thorns and Roses ★★★★★
#2 A Court of Mist and Fury ★★★★★
#3 A Court of Wings and Ruin ★★★★★
#3.5 A Court of Frost and Starlight ★★★★★

11.16.19 REREAD REVIEW:

"To the people who look at the stars and wish, Rhys."
Rhys clinked his glass against mine. "To the stars who listen— and the dreams that are answered."

I've read this book from start to finish 4 times now, not including the many, many times I've randomly grabbed it from my shelf and flipped to some of my favorite scenes — which usually ends in me devouring 100 pages before it goes back on the shelf, if we're being honest — and I feel confident now in calling this my favorite book of all time. It's beautiful, and rich, and slow-burning, and swoon-worthy, and steamy, and suspenseful, and everything I wanted it to be plus so much more. My original review was from when I had barely begun my time as a book blogger and frankly, it was a hot mess, so I finally decided to re-write it and hopefully put my feelings into words a bit more fitting. Very minor spoilers ahead!

Death incarnate. Night triumphant.

I'm such a sucker for these damn characters. I genuinely love them all so much, and I swear, not a day has passed over the 3 years or so since I first read this that the Inner Circle hasn't crossed my mind at least once. I'm just trash for these messy, fierce, loving, playful little souls and how much they adore one another. Honestly, if I could pick any fictional characters of all time to make real and to spend time with, it would be these (especially Cassian!). I adore the found family trope and this is easily my favorite depiction of it. The lengths these guys would go to in order to protect one another? *dreamy sigh*

No one was my master — but I might be master of everything, if I wished. If I dared.

Of course, if we're talking characters and development here, I can't possibly leave out Feyre, who I've always felt shifted from fairly obnoxious in the first book to ridiculously lovable in this installment. Her PTSD rep is something that resonated so strongly with me the first time I read this book, and has never stopped resonating with me. The guilt she feels after leaving a toxic and abusive relationship, despite knowing in her core that she deserves better? Yeah, Feyre, I've been there — and it's hard to put into words, but somehow, SJM did it perfectly (for me). I just adore watching Feyre grow and come into her own, and the fact that while her support system helps her so much in recognizing her own strength, at the end of the day, she's capable of standing on her own and she's willing to do what it takes to protect herself and her loved ones. Whether it's her sisters (who I tolerate more with each passing reread, which has shocked me to no end) or the Inner Circle, she's a tiger waiting to pounce on anyone who so much as looks at them wrong, and as someone who is also immensely protective over my loved ones, I never get tired of her justified rage.

"There are different kinds of darkness. There is the darkness that frightens, the darkness that soothes, the darkness that is resentful. There is the darkness of lovers, and the darkness of assassins. It becomes what the bearer wishes it to be, needs it to be. It is not wholly bad or good."

I know nearly every 5-star review in existence of this book gushes about Rhys, because I think nearly every major fan of this series adores him, so I won't wax on too long, but I couldn't leave him out. Something in him, and the way he never quite believes he deserves happiness, and the sacrifices he makes over and over again to protect his friends... sigh. I cherish him so much, and he makes me so damn emotional. I'm fully aware that he isn't perfect and I would never say that he is, but he's genuinely one of my favorite love interests ever written, and most of that honestly is chalked up to how in awe of Feyre he is, and how utterly capable he recognizes her as. He doesn't try to cage her in or talk her down; every time she's off on some near-disastrous mission, Rhys is more than content to simply watch and clap from the sidelines and let her take the spotlight. I love it. We need more of this in fictional couples, honestly.

"I am broken and healing, but every piece of my heart belongs to you."

Finally, the world and writing in A Court of Mist and Fury is something I never tire of. I love the world of Prythian, I love the fae and the creatures and the lore and the history. I love the gossipy Suriel and the terrifying Amren and the honest Morrigan, the Illyrian war bands and the seasonal courts and just all of it. I could get lost in this world for ages and I hope I always feel that way — because this last reread reminded me that coming back to the world of the Court series still feels just like coming home.

This was so sweet and gorgeous, and a little bit heartbreaking. A queer girl hiding until she can move away meets a Selkie who's been watching her from afar, and they form a slightly reluctant relationship as Morgan comes to terms with her own queerness. The art in this book is absolutely stunning and Morgan and Keltie are precious and lovable every inch of the way. I loved some of the tropes that were subverted (such as the seemingly stereotypical "snobby rich girl" turning out to be very different than I expected her to be) and I loved Morgan's relationship with her brother and their mom. All in all, a super precious read I highly recommend.

✨ Representation: Morgan and her family are Asian, Morgan and Keltie are queer/sapphic

✨ Content warnings for:

Spoiler

mentions of divorce, MC is outed by another character, mentions of general harm to wildlife caused by humans

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This was absolutely adorable, and I'm so glad I read it. I didn't know how much I needed a cheesy, over-the-top rom-com in my life, but it perfectly hit the spot. I originally gave this 4 stars until I realized that, in all honesty, I couldn't think of any good reason not to give it the full 5. While it is the kind of book that definitely won't work for everyone, as the humor is really cheesy at times, it just worked so well for me.

Finn is absolutely precious and needs to be protected at all costs. He is such a little gem, and while his own tendency to hide from his loved ones when he's feeling insecure might be a little bit tough to read at times, it felt realistic and believable. Marcus was lovable too, and while we didn't get to spend as much time in his head, I feel like by the end of the book we were really starting to get a good feel for how his mind works. He was a touch overly possessive for me at times, but on the other hand, sometimes it felt like he was playing it up because he knew how much it made Finn laugh - either way, it wasn't bothersome enough to lessen my opinion of their pairing.

Most of all, I loved the disability rep in this. While I'll go ahead and say I do not have prostheses and can't speak for it in that regard, simply speaking as a reader who has invisible disabilities, I loved Finn's internal monologue around his own disability and the commentary surrounding it - his fear of being viewed as lesser, his frustrations with being coddled, and most of all, the adoration he has for his prostheses when he muses on how helpful they are. I also loved that, despite Finn being very strong and capable, the author didn't shy away from showing his shortcomings, too. This just genuinely felt like such nuanced representation that was clearly crafted with a lot of love, and that meant so much to me.

In case you couldn't tell, I loved this book a whole lot for many reasons, and I definitely need to continue the series. I'm fully invested not only in this couple, but also in the angst and drama going on with Finn's big twist from his past, and that ending has me on the edge of my seat a bit. Plus, I think some later books in the series follow a couple of side characters I loved very much! I can't wait to continue this series and hope the next book is just as lovable.

✨ Representation: Finn has a prosthetic leg and prosthetic arm; multiple (most?) characters are queer (no specific sexualities stated)

✨ Content warnings for:

Spoiler

stalking, harassment, violence, murder, biting (both consensual and non), drug abuse, ableism

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I was gladdened by the sight of those vicious thorns more than I could say, and wondered whether the stories would have gone any differently if the princesses had been the ones telling them.

A book about star-crossed lovers, art, and a fae prince who shape shifts into a raven? YES, please!

✘ plot
In Whimsy, humans practice Craft: cooking, artistry, writing stories, even designing clothing - all of which the fair folk are drawn to, despite their own lack of capabilities to create. Isobel is a brilliant portrait artist, so it's no surprise when the prince of the autumnlands, Rook, visits her for a painting. Isobel makes a fatal mistake, however, when she chooses to depict the haunting sorrow she sees in his eyes.

As fae folk must never be shown with mortal emotions, Isobel is forced to visit the lands of the fair folk, to stand trial for her crimes against the prince. Everything shifts, though, when their relationship shifts into a beautiful love - for love between mortals and fair folk has been banned as long as time has stood, and the punishment is death.

✘ isobel
Isobel is such an enjoyable narrator, right from the very first page. Her thoughts are full of quips and snide remarks, and there's a down-to-earth sense about her that I feel like gets lost easily in the high fantasy genre. She feels wise beyond her years, yet at the same time, it's believable to think of her as a seventeen-year-old girl who's just had to grow up a little too fast.

I was especially fond of her no-nonsense attitude and outlook on life, particularly when the story progressed and her character developed into a young woman who had to learn that not every dilemma in life can be faced with pure logic; sometimes, you have to just go with your heart.

He tried to turn away, but I touched his shoulder. Marvelously, he stilled. He was a head and a half taller than I, and the forest leapt to obey his power, but with that one touch I might as well have clapped him in irons.

✘ rook
Rook. ROOK. What can I even say? He's so adorable and haughty and self-obsessed and childlike and fun. Despite being a prince (which he reminds Isobel of often in his own self-satisfaction), he is so bewildered by human lives, and some of his assumptions and questions are so freaking cute.

As the book progresses, there's such a tender and kindhearted aspect of his personality. His kindness is seen as a weakness among the fair folk, and it makes him a target, but he's just trying to get by in life, doing what is right and living with the fearful knowledge that everyone wants to dismantle his throne. If you like those "precious cinnamon roll" types like I do, Rook's your guy.

"Is that so terrible? You say it as though it's the most awful thing you can imagine. It isn't as though I've done it on purpose. Somehow I've even grown fond of your - your irritating questions, and your short legs, and your accidental attempts to kill me."

✘ side characters & fair folk
- Gadfly, who is Isobel's oldest and most prominent patron. There is so much I want to say about him, but I can't, because it would be a huge spoiler. All I will say is that I loved Gadfly from the moment we met him, and he made me cry like the big baby I am by the time it was all said and done. What a delightfully written character.

- March and May, Isobel's younger "sisters". They're actually goats in human form, and they're freaking ADORABLE. They butt heads, and eat everything, and destroy things, and bounce around on tops of cabinets, and basically act like... well, goats. I loved them so much.

- I also want to touch on the lore in this story and how it affects the fair folk. They can't touch iron, they're held to a standard of politeness that reaches compulsive levels, and they cannot lie. They pay for favors through enchantments rather than money, but are mischievous, wicked things who tend to trick the other parties into enchantments that go sour. All of these things are so prominent in the story and it showed that Margaret Rogerson actually did her homework. As someone who was obsessed with fairy lore as a kid, I'm so here for this.

✘ final thoughts
This book was a delight from start to finish, and I could barely stand to put it down for anything. I already am desperately hoping for more stories set in this world, because I could not get enough of the precious romance, or the world and magic system, or the fun characters. My only complaint was that it came dangerously close to insta-love, but even as someone who hates that trope, it didn't really bother me due to the way the relationship progresses.

I loved this story so much, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good high fantasy/fae romance. This was easily one of my top reads of 2017 so far and I can't wait to see what Margaret comes up with next!

Thank you so much to Simon and Schuster for the beautiful ARC copy in exchange for my honest review. All quotes are from an unfinished copy and are subject to change.

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Sed de Sangre is a collection of steamy, violent short stories that doesn't shy away from its graphic depictions of both sensuality and bloodshed by any means! Somehow, despite having had her work on my TBR for so long, this was my first time reading anything by V, and I enjoyed her storytelling style quite a lot. I do wish these stories had been longer and a bit more fleshed-out (no pun intended), as each of them gave me little snippets that made me want to know more about the history of these characters and scenarios, but I also understand that wasn't quite the intended purpose and that's just my personal preference. All I know is that I'm even more excited to check out some of V's other works now, and I'll be prioritizing doing exactly that very soon!

3.5 stars

✨ Representation: queer, Latinx, and Japanese characters

✨ Content warnings for:

Spoiler

violence, murder, gore

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People bury the parts of history they don’t like, pave it over like African cemeteries beneath Manhattan skyscrapers. Nothing stays buried in this city, though.

The first thing I need to say is that I read horror nearly every day of my life and can count on one hand the number of horror books that have scared me, yet this thriller gave me chills time after time and had me so anxious I was physically nauseated while reading it. Despite how much I loved it from the very first page, I had to set it aside for a few months because I knew I wasn't in a headspace where I could handle how immensely nerve-wracking this story was — mostly because it feels so terrifyingly, painfully real.

There's not a lot I can say that other reviewers (namely reviewers who can relate to this story's themes firsthand) haven't said better, so all I'll say is that this book is incredible and tells a story that way too many of us white folks still need to wrap our heads around. I loved every single page of this book, I loved Sydney and Theo and so many of the incredible side characters, and the ending was everything I wanted and more.

“They can break, but they can’t erase. They can build, but they can’t bury us.”

✨ Representation: Sydney and most of the side characters are Black

✨ Content warnings for:

Spoiler

racism in every imaginable fashion, parental death, murder, violence, abduction, drug abuse, divorce, previous abusive spouse. history of a character being unwillingly hospitalized for mental health

Buddy read with Ellyn! ♥

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This was pretty cute, but the first 3/4 or so was a lot better for me than the ending. I felt like things were progressing at a perfectly rational pace until suddenly everything was lightning-fast, there was no tension, there were strings left untied (especially regarding a decision Foster makes for Wren that goes almost completely unaddressed), and worst of all, the big romantic confession moment felt very anti-climactic.

The humor was fun, the characters were lovable, and I would definitely continue the series, but I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed by how abruptly this book lost me.

Read for the Hoemance Book Club October 2021 BOTM!

✨ Content warnings for:

Spoiler

mentions of previous parent loss, divorce, mentions of ex-spouse committing theft and infidelity

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