I think the story starts off well enough. Who wouldn't want to see a team up of the most beloved and recognized young women from classic fiction? It's giving a bit of Wayward Children, but more for a fast-paced teen audience, even though there's definitely a shared appeal.

Near the halfway point, it feels like it starts to speed this way and that without considering all the directions it's been in. The conclusion feels more like an abrupt stop with only a little breather to give a setup for future continuation. Given that it's been about five years, I'm not really sure if we're going to be seeing that any time soon, so it feels like a waste. Still, I liked the characterizations of our leads, with Alice being a little standoffish, Dorothy kind and well meaning, and Wendy a bit on the adventurous tomboy side. They feel like natural extensions of their characters. 

Mary Poppins witch also gets a big ups from me. But I just wish there was a little something more here. 

I really don't think I could finish this book after the 50 pages of emotional angst that really could have been summed up in three or 5. It takes about 150 pages for the plot to get going and, even though I was at that point, I really don't think I have the patience for another ~400 pages of a series that I think really fizzled out in the previous installment. Carry On was a great read, but I think these follow ups really have a problem in dragging things out to the nth degree. Sorry no satisfying conclusion for me.

One of the coziest teen books I have read in a long time. This book has the potential to warm the heart of its reader as effective as any bake coming straight from the oven. The setup itself is delightfully chaotic, with a batch of break up brownies wreaking havoc on a few relationships across Austin. Though given a slight magical twist, the story is so grounded and personal thanks to Syd's internal monologue. 

I'm so glad for the spectrum of queer representation that is this book with Syd's navigation of their agender identity and frustration of living in a world that is stuck in the binary. It was great to see polyamory and demisexual rep in the book as well, as I don't see many teen books handling them often or portraying them as simply as they are here. 

Everything about this book was so delightful and warm. 

The plot of this book is just walking walking walking more walking ohhhh scary wraiths emotional trauma and then a quick return to walking. I have to say the concept was interesting but so difficult to pull off. You have only two characters in a setting that is designed to be bland and boring so you better make them engaging and interesting. And boy did this book not paint them as such. 

There is no reason for these two getting together other than the plot demanding it. There is no chemistry, no reason that Tristan would suddenly start crushing on this girl after centuries of existence. Was really going to try to finish this one but I lost interest.

A little slow to start but I think it manages to build up to a story that's worth investing yourself in. It was a little hard to figure out what kind of dystopia this world was meant to be. Is the land ravaged? Are landscapes crumbled? We know there is a clear society due to military presences and class systems, but what do these societies really look like? Not too futuristic like Blade Runner since I don't think they're technology is that advanced, but it's not like the Stone Age or anything. Just made it really hard to make a concrete picture when imagining the setting.

Other than that, it was enjoyable. I think I was starting to get bored of Talin's inner monologue until Red showed up, then the story really gets moving. Plenty of action and intrigue to keep you going once the story finally kicks it into gear.

Will probably get to the second book eventually just to see what comes of everything.

Very much a mixed bag of stories from the Sandman Universe. There are some that fit right at home within the larger world Gaiman has created and others that seem a bit too overly cryptic for their own good. "Chain Home, Low" and "Ain't You Most Done?" were a slog to get through and I really didn't mesh with their writing styles. I would have loved "Mender of Broken Dreams" more if it didn't go for the "people with autism are fundamentally broken and have damaged minds" angle. There were some that make it worth keeping however:

"Stronger than Desire" is a sweet story about one of Desire's games (of which there are many in this collection). Which is stronger, the basest desire or everlasting love? Is there a difference? Do they flow naturally flow into each other? Are they the same name for a single experience?

"Splatter" is probably my favorite of the lot. A horror novelist finds himself at a convention for serial killers. Even if it wasn't tied to the Sandman world, this would be an amazing set up and has a great, disturbing payoff. I'd say if you had to read any story from this anthology, choose this one. Takes place during "The Doll's House."

"Seven Nights in Slumberland" is a sweet homage to Little Nemo. A natural crossover that would charm any dreamer.

"An Extra Smidgen of Eternity" gives us more Wanda, who appeared in "A Game of You," and I'm all for it. Wanda has another story in this collection that focuses on her childhood, but I enjoyed this one a bit more. Really encapsulates the power of stories that is such a big theme throughout the Sandman series. 

"Stopp't-Clock Yard" probably has the best characterization of Morpheus in this collection. A proud, somewhat vengeful, but patient being that hardly tolerates those that meddle with his realm. 

This is definitely a collection where you can hop around and read what interests instead of going straight through. 

Just okay, an easy breeze of a graphic novel that's paced well enough to keep your attention. The romance could have been better developed, it felt more like two strangers getting together. I liked the progression of the art style, going from a rougher style in black and white to a more refined, colored in look. 

Absolutely loved this graphic novel. As someone who had a religious upbringing and has fallen off due to various reasons, this kind of felt comforting in a way. Religion and evangelical practices have a large presence, but there was no judgement, no ill will between the different faith groups, just acceptance and understanding. I was just waiting for Meg to be revealed as some Christian Regina George, but she becomes the most lovely and welcoming person in the group. It's the kind of peace you would only hope for as they battle demons looking to become more powerful and take over the world.

The sense of humor is right up my alley, quippy, snarky, and expressive. There are some plot threads that don't get the same development as others or just fall off, but I think I'm willing to forgive that for a great story.