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librarianlayla's Reviews (954)
I received an advanced copy of this through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3.5/4 stars.
A really great concept, with fantastic characters. I really enjoyed the dynamics between the bears and how they each took on the traits of their owners. I also enjoyed Spark's character development within the story from straight laced, naive bear to a born leader, bold and true. This is a very entertaining, at times dark, adventure that will lead the reader on a journey through fear, strife and bravery.
If I have any criticism at all, it would be that at times there were some unnecessary explanations which detracted from the story itself. This caused a paragraph to drag a little, and make it too trudgy, interrupting the flow.
3.5/4 stars.
A really great concept, with fantastic characters. I really enjoyed the dynamics between the bears and how they each took on the traits of their owners. I also enjoyed Spark's character development within the story from straight laced, naive bear to a born leader, bold and true. This is a very entertaining, at times dark, adventure that will lead the reader on a journey through fear, strife and bravery.
If I have any criticism at all, it would be that at times there were some unnecessary explanations which detracted from the story itself. This caused a paragraph to drag a little, and make it too trudgy, interrupting the flow.
I became so attached to this series, far more than I expected.
There is so much emotion interwoven through the brutal and tactical paragraphs of these books. I found myself so attached to all the characters in some way, which is usually pretty hard to do. This series surprised me as I am not often fond of stories that centre so strongly on religion and faith but I found that my resonance with Lada as a character balanced it all out.
A truly fantastic gender bend retelling of Vlad the Impaler.
There is so much emotion interwoven through the brutal and tactical paragraphs of these books. I found myself so attached to all the characters in some way, which is usually pretty hard to do. This series surprised me as I am not often fond of stories that centre so strongly on religion and faith but I found that my resonance with Lada as a character balanced it all out.
A truly fantastic gender bend retelling of Vlad the Impaler.
2.5/3 stars.
I can see that this story was written with good intent, however, execution let it down.
There is so much misgendering, and toxicity that I found it hard to really like or connect with any of the characters. Hardly any interactions with Jessica at all. And I feel that Sam was written a lot younger than the age he was said to be. I think it truly discredits the awareness of the youth today on matters of both emotional and political status'. Also - their Dad came across as a little bit creepy in one paragraph that made me entirely uncomfortable. I know that this was meant to be about the journey, and everyone's journey is different and no doubt this will resonate with certain readers out there, however the writing style and constant unnecessary 'my brother' s really grated on me.
I really wanted to love this story, but I just feel that it left a bad taste in my mouth.
I can see that this story was written with good intent, however, execution let it down.
There is so much misgendering, and toxicity that I found it hard to really like or connect with any of the characters. Hardly any interactions with Jessica at all. And I feel that Sam was written a lot younger than the age he was said to be. I think it truly discredits the awareness of the youth today on matters of both emotional and political status'. Also - their Dad came across as a little bit creepy in one paragraph that made me entirely uncomfortable. I know that this was meant to be about the journey, and everyone's journey is different and no doubt this will resonate with certain readers out there, however the writing style and constant unnecessary 'my brother' s really grated on me.
I really wanted to love this story, but I just feel that it left a bad taste in my mouth.
I received a free eARC of this story through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3.5/4 stars.
Dark, mysterious and action packed.
If I had anything negative to say about this story, it's that you don't really get a feel for the characters. I didn't end up feeling anything for them, and there are some moments where the reader really should be feeling something for the character, however emotion wasn't conveyed well through the writing. The beginning held so much promise, but it sort of petered out as the story went on, and I really didn't get to latch on to any one character and really root for them.
I did really enjoy the concept of the story, and how in depth the different cultures and belief in their respective deities was. I appreciated that there was such a variety of races and how the worlds were connected. I also enjoyed that there was a LGBTQ aspect to the story as well.
3.5/4 stars.
Dark, mysterious and action packed.
If I had anything negative to say about this story, it's that you don't really get a feel for the characters. I didn't end up feeling anything for them, and there are some moments where the reader really should be feeling something for the character, however emotion wasn't conveyed well through the writing. The beginning held so much promise, but it sort of petered out as the story went on, and I really didn't get to latch on to any one character and really root for them.
I did really enjoy the concept of the story, and how in depth the different cultures and belief in their respective deities was. I appreciated that there was such a variety of races and how the worlds were connected. I also enjoyed that there was a LGBTQ aspect to the story as well.
I received an eARC of this through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
4.5 out of 5 stars!
Intriguing magic, mischievous thievery and a compelling rebellion topped with a good old fashioned hate to love romance. This was everything I needed in a novel.
Fast paced and gritty this story grips the reader from the first page and leads them on an incredible adventure.
If I had anything negative to say, it would be that there was a lot of focus on people's good looks and I feel that their personalities should have been highlighted more.
But it also gets points for being inclusive with regards to race, gender and sexuality. I think this is going to be one of the forerunners of this year's YA releases.
4.5 out of 5 stars!
Intriguing magic, mischievous thievery and a compelling rebellion topped with a good old fashioned hate to love romance. This was everything I needed in a novel.
Fast paced and gritty this story grips the reader from the first page and leads them on an incredible adventure.
If I had anything negative to say, it would be that there was a lot of focus on people's good looks and I feel that their personalities should have been highlighted more.
But it also gets points for being inclusive with regards to race, gender and sexuality. I think this is going to be one of the forerunners of this year's YA releases.
Whimsical and filled with delight. I couldn't put it down.
Beautiful illustrations accompany a wonderful story filled with humorous nods to some of the most well known household names of today. I hadn't actually read the first three books in this series, as I was gifted this book, but now I must have them all!
Beautiful illustrations accompany a wonderful story filled with humorous nods to some of the most well known household names of today. I hadn't actually read the first three books in this series, as I was gifted this book, but now I must have them all!
I received an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3.5/4 out of 5 stars.
A very interesting story centring on identity, self discovery and acceptance.
Unfortunately for me, the writing style just didn't speak to me, so I really struggled through this. I found it hard to wade through. That's not to say that this isn't a good story, it just isn't the writing style for me.
I really loved the look into what it means to be one's truest self, and the different journeys that often takes.
3.5/4 out of 5 stars.
A very interesting story centring on identity, self discovery and acceptance.
Unfortunately for me, the writing style just didn't speak to me, so I really struggled through this. I found it hard to wade through. That's not to say that this isn't a good story, it just isn't the writing style for me.
I really loved the look into what it means to be one's truest self, and the different journeys that often takes.
I received a copy of this through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3.5/4 stars.
A fast paced action mystery, a prophecy that needs to come to pass and a group of misfits forced to bond under immense pressure.
Fans of X-Men, The Hunger Games and Divergent will enjoy this book immensely.
If I had anything negative to say, I feel that the story feels a little rushed. More time could have been spent on the characters, their interactions, how their connections form and grow.
This is certainly a story that gets better the further you delve into it. The last quarter really tied everything together.
This would make a fantastic movie though as there is a lot of action scenes.
3.5/4 stars.
A fast paced action mystery, a prophecy that needs to come to pass and a group of misfits forced to bond under immense pressure.
Fans of X-Men, The Hunger Games and Divergent will enjoy this book immensely.
If I had anything negative to say, I feel that the story feels a little rushed. More time could have been spent on the characters, their interactions, how their connections form and grow.
This is certainly a story that gets better the further you delve into it. The last quarter really tied everything together.
This would make a fantastic movie though as there is a lot of action scenes.
I received an eARC of this through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3.5/4 stars out of 5.
Gamers young and young at heart will appreciate this story dedicated to the love of the online gaming community.
An emotional rollercoaster with a true growth of character, Lucas is endearing and relatable. There is a very important under current to this story, centering on the positives and negatives to any online community, not just the gaming one.
If I had anything negative to say is that unfortunately the vast majority of the other characters were just lacking on the whole. I wanted more from his friendships and interactions on the whole.
But all in all a fantastic middle grade book, that will keep readers rooting for Lukezilla every step of the way.
3.5/4 stars out of 5.
Gamers young and young at heart will appreciate this story dedicated to the love of the online gaming community.
An emotional rollercoaster with a true growth of character, Lucas is endearing and relatable. There is a very important under current to this story, centering on the positives and negatives to any online community, not just the gaming one.
If I had anything negative to say is that unfortunately the vast majority of the other characters were just lacking on the whole. I wanted more from his friendships and interactions on the whole.
But all in all a fantastic middle grade book, that will keep readers rooting for Lukezilla every step of the way.
I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
3/3.5 out of 5.
I think the idea surrounding these graphic novel versions of classic tales is really good!
I do wish though that it had been longer or at least had contained more dialogue to really get a feel for the characters.
The story doesn't actually stay true to Beauty and the Beast, its a mash up of Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast.
I really liked that there are questions and discussion points at the back for young readers/aspiring writers to really think about the characters, their motivations and the story itself. But again as there wasn't alot of detail, I feel it will be hard for readers to dissect.
The illustrations are beautiful though.
3/3.5 out of 5.
I think the idea surrounding these graphic novel versions of classic tales is really good!
I do wish though that it had been longer or at least had contained more dialogue to really get a feel for the characters.
The story doesn't actually stay true to Beauty and the Beast, its a mash up of Cinderella and Beauty and the Beast.
I really liked that there are questions and discussion points at the back for young readers/aspiring writers to really think about the characters, their motivations and the story itself. But again as there wasn't alot of detail, I feel it will be hard for readers to dissect.
The illustrations are beautiful though.