I am so torn on this book.

On one hand it is absolutely despicable. It is the very definition of trigger warning, and I nearly vomited when I started reading it.

On the other hand it is an elegantly written brilliantly crafted look at a man. A man who is not only a pedophile, he is so absorbed with his own self interests that he considers himself charitable when he does not murder someone.

This was such a hard read for me. Not only for my own demons, but for the knowledge that this has been written down and shared to the world. Also, the perspective in which it was shared. Not from the view of Lolita but from her abuser. He paints such a grand vision of his own innocence and self importance.

Yes, I think that is my biggest issue with this novel. Not specifically the topic, but how it was handled. It was romanticized and Lolita was painted as such a spoiled brat that benefited from the arrangement. I also understand that this was exactly the point.

I am glad that I finally picked up this book, but I do not think that I could stomach a second read.

The Queen is an interesting look into the life of Aretha Franklin.

This short narration mostly looks at her music career. It left me curious about other aspects of her life. However, due to her private nature, she would probably tell me that it is none of my business.

While this book was not a usual read for me, I am glad that I picked it up. I have heard a lot about Aretha Franklin with her recent passing, but only a fleeting grasp of her greatness.

I typically do not read graphic novels. When I received this in my Owlcrate box I was excited to give it a chance. My daughter's love graphic novels and I enjoy reading the same books as them.

I found the pictures to be beautiful. I find I do not have the words to describe the art style, except for that I liked it. I also enjoyed the diversity of characters in this book. There are multiple species, skin tones, abilities, and I believe the start of a f/f romance.

However, I did not find the plot to be specifically well developed. The writing seemed like more of an afterthought. There were awkward breaks in the story so that it matched with the four seasons.

I do not think I would pick up more in the series, but I had fun reading this book.

This book is ok.

I found it be a bit cliche, a collection of so many overdone troupes. It did not really seem to add anything new to the genre.

My two favorite aspects of novels are the characters and writing. I did not enjoy the characters in The Devouring Gray. They did not seem real to me, or even unique. It was often hard to keep them apart and I found myself mentally rolling my eyes more than once.

However, the writing was ok. Again, not amazing, but also not anything annoying. While I did not particularly enjoy the book, I also had no problem finishing it. Although, I imagine if I was in more of a reading slump rather than a reading roll then I would have come full stop when I picked up this book.