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330 reviews by:
sarahscupofcoffee
Read the full review on my blog! ~ https://travelthroughfiction.com/mooncakes-by-wendy-xu-suzanne-walker-book-review/
In Mooncakes by Wendy Xu and Suzanne Walker, we enter a world of magic and demons. A perfect read for fall and Halloween! Nova is our main character, a young witch who is trying to help her childhood friend Tam defeat a demon that they've been battling for a year. The plot is super simple, but layered in meaning. Overall, I would recommend Mooncakes to anyone who enjoys fully illustrated graphic novels, magic, werewolves, demons, and love stories.
In Mooncakes by Wendy Xu and Suzanne Walker, we enter a world of magic and demons. A perfect read for fall and Halloween! Nova is our main character, a young witch who is trying to help her childhood friend Tam defeat a demon that they've been battling for a year. The plot is super simple, but layered in meaning. Overall, I would recommend Mooncakes to anyone who enjoys fully illustrated graphic novels, magic, werewolves, demons, and love stories.
The Four Winds is a historical fiction novel about The Dust Bowl.
A bit of background: I'm not a historical fiction fan. I don't typically enjoy the writing style and the storylines; however, The Four Winds was expertly written and the story was heartbreaking. It's difficult to make me cry (in terms of books, at least), and I held out until the epilogue. The epilogue finally got me. Watching people grieve always gets me.
I usually read a book each week, but The Four Winds took me much longer than that due to its depressing nature. I couldn't take much of it at a time because I was dealing with unemployment when I started this and it hit too close to home. Plus, in times of the pandemic... it was just too real at times.
That being said, I really loved a lot of the dynamics. I gave this book four stars because of Elsa's relationships. Hannah did a wonderful job with characterization and making Elsa's story believable. I adored her relationship with her children, Jean, and Jack. The writing style took some getting used to, but I quickly found myself sucked into the story.
A bit of background: I'm not a historical fiction fan. I don't typically enjoy the writing style and the storylines; however, The Four Winds was expertly written and the story was heartbreaking. It's difficult to make me cry (in terms of books, at least), and I held out until the epilogue. The epilogue finally got me. Watching people grieve always gets me.
I usually read a book each week, but The Four Winds took me much longer than that due to its depressing nature. I couldn't take much of it at a time because I was dealing with unemployment when I started this and it hit too close to home. Plus, in times of the pandemic... it was just too real at times.
That being said, I really loved a lot of the dynamics. I gave this book four stars because of Elsa's relationships. Hannah did a wonderful job with characterization and making Elsa's story believable. I adored her relationship with her children, Jean, and Jack. The writing style took some getting used to, but I quickly found myself sucked into the story.
Don't go into this one expecting a romance. I'm not sure why, but I fully believed this book was about a DNA test match-making thing geared toward young adult audiences. It's not.
DNA testing plays a role, but instead of a boyfriend, Abby walks away with a full-blood sister she had no clue existed. Soon, she finds that Savvy (her instagram-star blood-sister) reached out to her and wants to meet up.
Eventually, they're at this summer camp together, where they try to figure out how in the actual hell this happened.
Don't get me wrong, there is a sprinkle of romance, which didn't come off as believable to me. Abby and her best-guy-friend Leo have been making eyes at each other since their childhood and it surfaces while at camp. It's an awkward kind of romance that didn't feel genuine.
However, the main plot is great. Twisty and full of drama.
DNA testing plays a role, but instead of a boyfriend, Abby walks away with a full-blood sister she had no clue existed. Soon, she finds that Savvy (her instagram-star blood-sister) reached out to her and wants to meet up.
Eventually, they're at this summer camp together, where they try to figure out how in the actual hell this happened.
Don't get me wrong, there is a sprinkle of romance, which didn't come off as believable to me. Abby and her best-guy-friend Leo have been making eyes at each other since their childhood and it surfaces while at camp. It's an awkward kind of romance that didn't feel genuine.
However, the main plot is great. Twisty and full of drama.
https://sarahscoffeecup.com/the-holiday-swap-by-maggie-knox-is-a-hallmark-movie-in-book-form/
The narrator was the best part of this book. (I read audio and physical from the library.)
I was really excited for this because it’s a rom-com about writing and incorporates art school life. As a writer, a rom-com addict, and a graduate of an art school, I was seriously excited for Happily Ever Afters.
It’s not like it was a waste of time, though—I didn’t DNF it. My favorite aspect of this book was Sam. He’s the main character’s friend-to-maybe-lover and I was rooting for him the whole time. He’s this sweet kid who bakes. He has a great sense of humor, he’s a loyal friend, and unapologetically himself.
Then we have Tessa. She’s a romance writer who lost her spark to Imposter Syndrome when she was admitted to this prestigious art school. She spends the entire book trying to get her spark back by creating her own happily ever after with a boy who is... well, a douche bag.
A douche bag who is also taken by another douche bag. She went after someone else’s boyfriend. This is the type of thing that I hate in romance novels. Cheating or encouraging someone to cheat. I don’t care how horrible the other person is—don’t fucking cheat.
She makes some really poor decisions, which left me gaping and shaking my head. Romance books are supposed to make you feel swoony and happy. I was angry and irritated throughout most of it because of the choices she was making.
The worst part was the ending. I figured that the ending was going to work out the way it did, but it lacked the romance spark I was craving. It ends with a mic-drop instead of a romantic scene. It didn’t make me feel giddy at all. It left my mouth dry and I was very unimpressed.
Again, there were some solid parts that I loved. Tessa’s best friend, for example. Tessa moves to this new town, leaving her old life behind... including her best friend. They maintain a solid long distance friendship, with the bumps that any novel demands. I loved the relationship she has with Caroline because it shows teens that it’s possible to keep up a friendship after moving.
Okay. I’m done ranting. I was not impressed by this one, but it is full of food and has a few characters that are just... *chef’s kiss*.
I was really excited for this because it’s a rom-com about writing and incorporates art school life. As a writer, a rom-com addict, and a graduate of an art school, I was seriously excited for Happily Ever Afters.
It’s not like it was a waste of time, though—I didn’t DNF it. My favorite aspect of this book was Sam. He’s the main character’s friend-to-maybe-lover and I was rooting for him the whole time. He’s this sweet kid who bakes. He has a great sense of humor, he’s a loyal friend, and unapologetically himself.
Then we have Tessa. She’s a romance writer who lost her spark to Imposter Syndrome when she was admitted to this prestigious art school. She spends the entire book trying to get her spark back by creating her own happily ever after with a boy who is... well, a douche bag.
A douche bag who is also taken by another douche bag. She went after someone else’s boyfriend. This is the type of thing that I hate in romance novels. Cheating or encouraging someone to cheat. I don’t care how horrible the other person is—don’t fucking cheat.
She makes some really poor decisions, which left me gaping and shaking my head. Romance books are supposed to make you feel swoony and happy. I was angry and irritated throughout most of it because of the choices she was making.
The worst part was the ending. I figured that the ending was going to work out the way it did, but it lacked the romance spark I was craving. It ends with a mic-drop instead of a romantic scene. It didn’t make me feel giddy at all. It left my mouth dry and I was very unimpressed.
Again, there were some solid parts that I loved. Tessa’s best friend, for example. Tessa moves to this new town, leaving her old life behind... including her best friend. They maintain a solid long distance friendship, with the bumps that any novel demands. I loved the relationship she has with Caroline because it shows teens that it’s possible to keep up a friendship after moving.
Okay. I’m done ranting. I was not impressed by this one, but it is full of food and has a few characters that are just... *chef’s kiss*.
Night Cry would be a great Halloween read, or a quick graphic novel to get you in the spooky mood. We have a town where people are going missing and the story circulates around this girl who runs an occult bookshop. The best part of graphic novels, in my opinion, is being able to see the settings. This bookshop is incredible and I wish I could pluck it out of the frame and shove it somewhere downtown.
This occult bookshop owner closes down early one night, dresses up as a witch, dons a sword, and summons a demon. The demon can grant this girl one wish, but the problem is… she has no clue what to wish for. So, the demon comes home with her and sleeps in her bed. This demon is also obsessed with Japan and anime: super cute personality, but fiery as hell.
There were so many things I loved about this graphic novel. I adored the artwork. I know it’s an ARC, so that may change, but I hope it doesn’t. None of the characters have faces and I love that style. I also loved the idea of this occult bookshop and the zine that the owner writes. The only thing I didn’t love was the ending. It was murky and confusing. I’m not really sure I understand what happened, which is horrible because I grew really invested with these characters.
This occult bookshop owner closes down early one night, dresses up as a witch, dons a sword, and summons a demon. The demon can grant this girl one wish, but the problem is… she has no clue what to wish for. So, the demon comes home with her and sleeps in her bed. This demon is also obsessed with Japan and anime: super cute personality, but fiery as hell.
There were so many things I loved about this graphic novel. I adored the artwork. I know it’s an ARC, so that may change, but I hope it doesn’t. None of the characters have faces and I love that style. I also loved the idea of this occult bookshop and the zine that the owner writes. The only thing I didn’t love was the ending. It was murky and confusing. I’m not really sure I understand what happened, which is horrible because I grew really invested with these characters.
Read this review and other bookish content over on my blog: https://escapingexistence.wordpress.com/
The epitome of found family draped in a magical setting with characters that will melt your heart, The House in the Cerulean Sea is an adult, cozy fantasy book that deserves to be on everyone’s bookshelf. Grab a cup of coffee and let's chat.
a top secret assignment
Linus Baker is a caseworker that’s employed by the Department in Charge of Magical Youth (basically the equivalent of CPS). I’ve never met a person, fictional or otherwise, as meticulous about following the rules as this man; he keeps a copy of the RULES AND REGULATIONS at home to review as a way to relax.
As such, he’s a top-notch employee being treated like a number by the company that he’s stood by for over a decade. Due to his nature, he gets selected to go on this top-secret mission to investigate an orphanage that is said to house the most dangerous magical children ever registered.
found family
I adore the found family trope, but not many books do it right (in my humble opinion). The House in the Cerulean Sea is probably the best found family book I’ve ever read. The story itself has this rich and complex plot, but it’s the characters you’ll stay for. These children are incredibly well developed and I feel like I know them.
Linus is also a great character with many flaws and issues that he’s trying to overcome. The way that these children and their master help him through it is endearing. I also love how Linus and Arthur (the master of the orphanage) are both over forty years old.
You don’t see many books that feature people in their forties, much less gay ones. This book is teeming with representation because not only are the main characters gay, but the other characters work to break gender norms and sex-based stereotypes.
the conflict
A lot of times, the conflict in found family stories don’t captivate me. TJ Klune found a way to make me care deeply enough about each character that when the stakes were heightened, it literally twisted my stomach and I needed to take a break. It was as if people I knew were impacted by conflict.
not all five stars are equal
It’s not surprising after this glowing review that I’d rate The House in the Cerulean Sea five stars, but it’s important to note that not all five star ratings mean the same thing. This is the highest five star rating that I’ve given this year and I’m honestly expecting TJ Klune’s masterpiece to show up on my best books of 2023 list at the end of the year.
I will be reading all of TJ Klune’s backlist and you can bet your ass that I’m reading In the Lives of Puppets when it comes out.
The epitome of found family draped in a magical setting with characters that will melt your heart, The House in the Cerulean Sea is an adult, cozy fantasy book that deserves to be on everyone’s bookshelf. Grab a cup of coffee and let's chat.
a top secret assignment
Linus Baker is a caseworker that’s employed by the Department in Charge of Magical Youth (basically the equivalent of CPS). I’ve never met a person, fictional or otherwise, as meticulous about following the rules as this man; he keeps a copy of the RULES AND REGULATIONS at home to review as a way to relax.
As such, he’s a top-notch employee being treated like a number by the company that he’s stood by for over a decade. Due to his nature, he gets selected to go on this top-secret mission to investigate an orphanage that is said to house the most dangerous magical children ever registered.
found family
I adore the found family trope, but not many books do it right (in my humble opinion). The House in the Cerulean Sea is probably the best found family book I’ve ever read. The story itself has this rich and complex plot, but it’s the characters you’ll stay for. These children are incredibly well developed and I feel like I know them.
Linus is also a great character with many flaws and issues that he’s trying to overcome. The way that these children and their master help him through it is endearing. I also love how Linus and Arthur (the master of the orphanage) are both over forty years old.
You don’t see many books that feature people in their forties, much less gay ones. This book is teeming with representation because not only are the main characters gay, but the other characters work to break gender norms and sex-based stereotypes.
the conflict
A lot of times, the conflict in found family stories don’t captivate me. TJ Klune found a way to make me care deeply enough about each character that when the stakes were heightened, it literally twisted my stomach and I needed to take a break. It was as if people I knew were impacted by conflict.
not all five stars are equal
It’s not surprising after this glowing review that I’d rate The House in the Cerulean Sea five stars, but it’s important to note that not all five star ratings mean the same thing. This is the highest five star rating that I’ve given this year and I’m honestly expecting TJ Klune’s masterpiece to show up on my best books of 2023 list at the end of the year.
I will be reading all of TJ Klune’s backlist and you can bet your ass that I’m reading In the Lives of Puppets when it comes out.
This was a cover/hype buy. I'm new to dark academia and Kuang solidified my love for the genre. I adore this cover and the map that's inside! It's absolutely gorgeous and so is this story. To be honest, it took me a long time to get into it. I probably would've DNFed it if I hadn't had the audio to help me through (it's on Scribd right now!).
The first half reads like a history textbook with small bits of plot nestled in. It was a lot to digest and a ton of it went over my head. I feel like I'm too dumb to fully appreciate this book, but it's brilliant. The amount of work that was put into this novel is mind blowing.
My favorite part was the magic system and how language plays a huge part in it. I also loved how the magic system wasn't just for show; this novel explores every facet of the magic and how to manipulate it to your will.
Overall it was really good, but dense. If you have a love for language and Oxfordian settings... you'll adore this novel.
The first half reads like a history textbook with small bits of plot nestled in. It was a lot to digest and a ton of it went over my head. I feel like I'm too dumb to fully appreciate this book, but it's brilliant. The amount of work that was put into this novel is mind blowing.
My favorite part was the magic system and how language plays a huge part in it. I also loved how the magic system wasn't just for show; this novel explores every facet of the magic and how to manipulate it to your will.
Overall it was really good, but dense. If you have a love for language and Oxfordian settings... you'll adore this novel.
It’s 1817 in Edinburgh and Hazel Sinnett wants to be a surgeon. Obviously, this is a problem since back then women were only good for raising families.
Jack is what they call a resurrection man. He digs up bodies from their graves, sheds their clothes (because otherwise it would be a felony, grave robbing and all), and delivers their bodies to paying physicians.
This is all I really think you should know before going in. If you like dark stories set in the late 1800s, you’ll love this. There’s lots of blood, a dark atmosphere, and just a general sense of unease. Even if you’re not into young adult fiction, you may still like this. It doesn’t read much like YA and it's beautiful despite the contents.
This is also an excellent romance for someone who doesn’t typically enjoy romance. If you’re one of those readers who needs more from a story than just love, this one's for you. There’s a lot more going on around the romance. In addition, I highly recommend reading this for the spooky season.
Psst… if you like audiobooks, Mhairi Morrison and Tim Campbell do a wonderful job.
Jack is what they call a resurrection man. He digs up bodies from their graves, sheds their clothes (because otherwise it would be a felony, grave robbing and all), and delivers their bodies to paying physicians.
This is all I really think you should know before going in. If you like dark stories set in the late 1800s, you’ll love this. There’s lots of blood, a dark atmosphere, and just a general sense of unease. Even if you’re not into young adult fiction, you may still like this. It doesn’t read much like YA and it's beautiful despite the contents.
This is also an excellent romance for someone who doesn’t typically enjoy romance. If you’re one of those readers who needs more from a story than just love, this one's for you. There’s a lot more going on around the romance. In addition, I highly recommend reading this for the spooky season.
Psst… if you like audiobooks, Mhairi Morrison and Tim Campbell do a wonderful job.