Take a photo of a barcode or cover
simplyalexandra's Reviews (890)
4 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy fairy tale retellings and middle grade novels.
This story follows Ella, a commoner who has won the affection of the prince. She's taken to the castle to learn the way of the royals before her wedding. However, life in the castle and with the prince isn't what it seems, and Ella doesn't like it very much at all.
This was one of my very favorite books in middle school. One of the handful that I still own. I wasn't sure what it would be like to re-read it. I certainly knew that the contents that had shocked and surprised me back when I was 10, would not now in the same way. I don't think I'd ever read anything quite like it. I'm happy to report... that after a second read, I still love it. 16 years later. I'm excited to check out the companion books, and someday recommend this to my youngest sister.
This story follows Ella, a commoner who has won the affection of the prince. She's taken to the castle to learn the way of the royals before her wedding. However, life in the castle and with the prince isn't what it seems, and Ella doesn't like it very much at all.
This was one of my very favorite books in middle school. One of the handful that I still own. I wasn't sure what it would be like to re-read it. I certainly knew that the contents that had shocked and surprised me back when I was 10, would not now in the same way. I don't think I'd ever read anything quite like it. I'm happy to report... that after a second read, I still love it. 16 years later. I'm excited to check out the companion books, and someday recommend this to my youngest sister.
3 Stars - I recommend if you liked Just Ella, or if you like middle grade fiction. Keep in mind you don't need to read Just Ella to read this one. It could be stand alone for sure.
This book follows Cecilia, a princess in hiding in a small village. She's being hidden as a commoner so that's she's not killed the the assassins who killed her parents. All along there is a fake princess in the castle, Desmia. When her location is compromised, she heads off with her best friend Harper, to her rightful home, in hopes of resuming her family's reign at the palace of mirrors.
From the start this book felt more juvenile than Just Ella. I'm not sure if it is because it was written later, or if Cecelia is especially childish... either way, I didn't like it quite so much right off the bat. I liked Harper and I liked their interactions... but overall I felt like Cecelia was whiny. "Didn't they know who I was?" "How could they not tell that I was important?" "When I take the throne, I'll punish them...", "but I'm the true princess!" etc. In the end the book was cute, and all right. I could see a middle-grade reader enjoying the series. I would say that I enjoyed Just Ella quite a lot more.
This book follows Cecilia, a princess in hiding in a small village. She's being hidden as a commoner so that's she's not killed the the assassins who killed her parents. All along there is a fake princess in the castle, Desmia. When her location is compromised, she heads off with her best friend Harper, to her rightful home, in hopes of resuming her family's reign at the palace of mirrors.
From the start this book felt more juvenile than Just Ella. I'm not sure if it is because it was written later, or if Cecelia is especially childish... either way, I didn't like it quite so much right off the bat. I liked Harper and I liked their interactions... but overall I felt like Cecelia was whiny. "Didn't they know who I was?" "How could they not tell that I was important?" "When I take the throne, I'll punish them...", "but I'm the true princess!" etc. In the end the book was cute, and all right. I could see a middle-grade reader enjoying the series. I would say that I enjoyed Just Ella quite a lot more.
4.5 - 5 Stars - I recommend if you like vivid characters and coming of age themes. Or if you're human, this one seems like required reading you guys!
This book follows serial prep school failure Holden Caulfield as he leaves his Pennsylvania prep school early for winter break, heading to escape reality for a few days underground in New York City. This book captures (what I imagine) it's like to be a teenage boy, who's stuck between boy and man. Filled with extremely colorful characters, settings, situations, and dialogue - this book is hard to put down. An eloquent and classic coming of age story.
I LOVED THIS BOOK. I was really hesitant to start it... I haven't been reading (or doing well, with) classic novels lately... but I found this book really compelling, and therefore quick to read. I enjoyed the way that it was written (like Holden is telling you his story, very informal). I loved how clear of a character he was for being SO complex. I loved his observations about the world, his innocent heart despite questionable circumstances that he gets himself into, and his conversations with others. I have read one other Salinger book (Franny and Zooey - which I also loved), and I have to say... Salinger's writing is just phenomenal. I felt like everything I was reading was incredibly vivid and interesting. (Despite the fact that male coming of age stories, and classics haven't been my jam in the past few years). The only part that was harder for me to understand or get into was near the very end. Things are moving pretty quickly and because it's from his perspective (and written in the 1950's) it's unclear what actually is going on... it would have been interesting to know... but it didn't really change my opinion of the book. I highly recommend to anyone and everyone.
4.5 or 5 stars..? I'm not sure. The writing was fantastic, I loved it.
This book follows serial prep school failure Holden Caulfield as he leaves his Pennsylvania prep school early for winter break, heading to escape reality for a few days underground in New York City. This book captures (what I imagine) it's like to be a teenage boy, who's stuck between boy and man. Filled with extremely colorful characters, settings, situations, and dialogue - this book is hard to put down. An eloquent and classic coming of age story.
I LOVED THIS BOOK. I was really hesitant to start it... I haven't been reading (or doing well, with) classic novels lately... but I found this book really compelling, and therefore quick to read. I enjoyed the way that it was written (like Holden is telling you his story, very informal). I loved how clear of a character he was for being SO complex. I loved his observations about the world, his innocent heart despite questionable circumstances that he gets himself into, and his conversations with others. I have read one other Salinger book (Franny and Zooey - which I also loved), and I have to say... Salinger's writing is just phenomenal. I felt like everything I was reading was incredibly vivid and interesting. (Despite the fact that male coming of age stories, and classics haven't been my jam in the past few years). The only part that was harder for me to understand or get into was near the very end. Things are moving pretty quickly and because it's from his perspective (and written in the 1950's) it's unclear what actually is going on... it would have been interesting to know... but it didn't really change my opinion of the book. I highly recommend to anyone and everyone.
4.5 or 5 stars..? I'm not sure. The writing was fantastic, I loved it.
For non-book records, review text and ratings are hidden. Only mood, pace, and content warnings are visible.
3 - 3.5 Stars - I recommend if you enjoy fantasy as well as something like Memoirs of a Geisha. It reminded me quite a bit of that.
This book follows Tea who learns at a young age that she is not like other children. She has the gift of raising the dead. Taken in by the asha, she is trained in the arts as well as darker skills. She'll soon find it hard to determine her friends from enemies.
This book is extremely complex in the beginning. The world is built up quickly and there are a lot of names and roles to keep track of. Once I got a bit further in, the plot took over again, and I didn't feel as confused. The book is told in two times the present, and the past. Tea has been exiled in the present, and she explains why throughout the book. A lot of Tea's training reminded me a bit of Memoirs of a Geisha. Tea houses, ornate costumes, music and dancing skills to entertain. Most of the book revolves around that. Intricate settings, outfits, etc. Entertaining at tea houses, etc. I found this book to be missing the action or intrigue that I come to expect with a fantasy novel... but it was still enjoyable. I'm very interested in the magic system, world building, and where the series will go next. I will probably read it, hoping for more action as the series goes.
This title was given to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. These reviews are my own opinion, and based on the edition of the book I was given at the time. Thank you Netgalley!
3 stars. Lovely writing, interesting storytelling method. I liked the ending. I was hoping for more action, I felt like this was mostly world building. I wanted to see more battles, intrigue, etc. I guess we'll see what the next book holds.
This book follows Tea who learns at a young age that she is not like other children. She has the gift of raising the dead. Taken in by the asha, she is trained in the arts as well as darker skills. She'll soon find it hard to determine her friends from enemies.
This book is extremely complex in the beginning. The world is built up quickly and there are a lot of names and roles to keep track of. Once I got a bit further in, the plot took over again, and I didn't feel as confused. The book is told in two times the present, and the past. Tea has been exiled in the present, and she explains why throughout the book. A lot of Tea's training reminded me a bit of Memoirs of a Geisha. Tea houses, ornate costumes, music and dancing skills to entertain. Most of the book revolves around that. Intricate settings, outfits, etc. Entertaining at tea houses, etc. I found this book to be missing the action or intrigue that I come to expect with a fantasy novel... but it was still enjoyable. I'm very interested in the magic system, world building, and where the series will go next. I will probably read it, hoping for more action as the series goes.
This title was given to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. These reviews are my own opinion, and based on the edition of the book I was given at the time. Thank you Netgalley!
3 stars. Lovely writing, interesting storytelling method. I liked the ending. I was hoping for more action, I felt like this was mostly world building. I wanted to see more battles, intrigue, etc. I guess we'll see what the next book holds.
3.5 - 4 Stars - I recommend this if you enjoy YA fantasy. It reminded me a lot of The Hunger Games + AC Gaughan's Scarlet series + Three Dark Crowns.
This book follows Britta who recently lost her father (bounty hunter to the king), and her period of mourning is ending. She expects the king's men to show up and seize her land any day now. Her only hope of surviving winter is a good kill that she can trade at the market for lodging this winter. When she is caught with the meat she is taken on poaching charges by the king's men. She is given a bargain: either she will hang, or she will track down her best friend and bring him in for his crimes. She chooses to track her friend, and from there many things are not what they seem. (I don't want to spoil anything!)
This book started out pretty quickly, but I wanted more from the setting. I didn't quite get the world right away. After just a bit more reading I was hooked. It reminded me a bit of The Hunger Games meets that great Scarlet (Robin Hood re-telling) that I read last year! I didn't think I would continue to be interested in it.. but I couldn't stop reading! I liked that it was almost what would have happened with Katniss and Gale had there been no Peeta. About 60% - 65% through the book you find out more about the world, as well as some of the magic - which I really enjoyed. It added a lot of depth to the story. Toward the end of the book there are a decent number of twists and turns. Some of which I saw coming, but not the one on the last page! OMG has anyone read this?! I want to find out what happens next, so I'll definitely read the next one once it comes out! :)
This title was given to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. These reviews are my own opinion, and based on the edition of the book I was given at the time. Thank you Netgalley!
This book follows Britta who recently lost her father (bounty hunter to the king), and her period of mourning is ending. She expects the king's men to show up and seize her land any day now. Her only hope of surviving winter is a good kill that she can trade at the market for lodging this winter. When she is caught with the meat she is taken on poaching charges by the king's men. She is given a bargain: either she will hang, or she will track down her best friend and bring him in for his crimes. She chooses to track her friend, and from there many things are not what they seem. (I don't want to spoil anything!)
This book started out pretty quickly, but I wanted more from the setting. I didn't quite get the world right away. After just a bit more reading I was hooked. It reminded me a bit of The Hunger Games meets that great Scarlet (Robin Hood re-telling) that I read last year! I didn't think I would continue to be interested in it.. but I couldn't stop reading! I liked that it was almost what would have happened with Katniss and Gale had there been no Peeta. About 60% - 65% through the book you find out more about the world, as well as some of the magic - which I really enjoyed. It added a lot of depth to the story. Toward the end of the book there are a decent number of twists and turns. Some of which I saw coming, but not the one on the last page! OMG has anyone read this?! I want to find out what happens next, so I'll definitely read the next one once it comes out! :)
This title was given to me by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. These reviews are my own opinion, and based on the edition of the book I was given at the time. Thank you Netgalley!
I. Die. These books are so cute. I have so many feelings!
4 Stars - I recommend if you are looking for cute YA to read, and if you've read To All The Boys I've Loved Before.
This book follows Lara Jean Song and her sisters as they continue to navigate the changing landscape of their lives. When another one of Lara Jean's letters is answered by a former love, things as they are will be shaken up once again.
I won't talk too much about this one since I'm also reviewing the first one here, but oh my gosh these books are so fun and cute! I still love Lara Jean, Margot, Kitty and their dad. I love their family dynamic. I loved how the story unfolded, and it was complicated but vivid. I loved loved loved Lara Jean. I mean, I guess it's probably because we like a lot of the same things... she scrapbooks, bakes, entertains, etc. She's ultra romantic. I couldn't even handle the parts where she is working at the nursing home. It's too cute to handle for me. I think I'm happy with how it ended up... but now there's another book in the series, so we'll see how it goes! :)
4 Stars - I recommend if you are looking for cute YA to read, and if you've read To All The Boys I've Loved Before.
This book follows Lara Jean Song and her sisters as they continue to navigate the changing landscape of their lives. When another one of Lara Jean's letters is answered by a former love, things as they are will be shaken up once again.
I won't talk too much about this one since I'm also reviewing the first one here, but oh my gosh these books are so fun and cute! I still love Lara Jean, Margot, Kitty and their dad. I love their family dynamic. I loved how the story unfolded, and it was complicated but vivid. I loved loved loved Lara Jean. I mean, I guess it's probably because we like a lot of the same things... she scrapbooks, bakes, entertains, etc. She's ultra romantic. I couldn't even handle the parts where she is working at the nursing home. It's too cute to handle for me. I think I'm happy with how it ended up... but now there's another book in the series, so we'll see how it goes! :)
Powerful. Sad. Hopeful.
4 Stars - I recommend if you are looking for a raw and emotional contemporary YA read. This book explores loneliness, grief, sexuality, mental illness, and hope.
This book follows Marin who's grandfather, her sole guardian, passed away just before she's to move across the country for college. She deserts her friends and heads straight to school. She can't face San Francisco or her memories anymore. When she convinces her college to let her stay on campus over winter break, her best friend Mabel pays her a visit. Mabel has an agenda, but Marin isn't ready to dig up the recent past.
I got a sneak peek of this via Netgalley, and I LOVED it. I finally got the full copy from the library, and while I didn't love it quite as much, I did really enjoy the story. I particularly enjoyed the refreshing take on contemporary YA. The characters are very real and filled with a lot of issues that they don't know how to deal with. It's such an interesting book in that you get to watch the characters unfold their pain and hurt and emerge from it in the end. This one definitely deals with some complex topics like grief, mental illness, money issues, etc. But I appreciated that it wasn't all neatly tied in a bow. I also appreciated that this book included LGBTQ themes, which is not something I see a lot of in YA fiction. Overall a good read, it will make you have all the feelings. I definitely cried a lot.
4 Stars - I recommend if you are looking for a raw and emotional contemporary YA read. This book explores loneliness, grief, sexuality, mental illness, and hope.
This book follows Marin who's grandfather, her sole guardian, passed away just before she's to move across the country for college. She deserts her friends and heads straight to school. She can't face San Francisco or her memories anymore. When she convinces her college to let her stay on campus over winter break, her best friend Mabel pays her a visit. Mabel has an agenda, but Marin isn't ready to dig up the recent past.
I got a sneak peek of this via Netgalley, and I LOVED it. I finally got the full copy from the library, and while I didn't love it quite as much, I did really enjoy the story. I particularly enjoyed the refreshing take on contemporary YA. The characters are very real and filled with a lot of issues that they don't know how to deal with. It's such an interesting book in that you get to watch the characters unfold their pain and hurt and emerge from it in the end. This one definitely deals with some complex topics like grief, mental illness, money issues, etc. But I appreciated that it wasn't all neatly tied in a bow. I also appreciated that this book included LGBTQ themes, which is not something I see a lot of in YA fiction. Overall a good read, it will make you have all the feelings. I definitely cried a lot.