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btwnprintedpgs's reviews
1302 reviews
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I found the focus on Lia's period experience so refreshing. Its a mix of relatable and educational, and I liked the role it played in showing strong female friendships, familial support during times of pain, and how it can affect daily life. Though not the focus of the story, a very important part.
I also liked the visual representation of Lia learning French and being in a very diverse school. As Lia learns French, the jumbled words start to disappear. We get to understand what Lia understands and I liked that aspect of character development and world building. Such a clever way to show growth and skill building.
Lastly, I adored the female friendships. I like that Lia learns that you don't have to be from the same place to share joy in the everyday. The growth in her connectedness at school was fantastic, and I loved seeing her make mistakes with her friends and having that be normal and okay.
All in all, a book I think more young people should read to learn about acceptance, change, and what a pain periods are.
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 4.5/5
World Building: 4.5/5
Writing: 5/5
Pacing: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
Finished copy gifted by Scholastic in exchange for an honest review.
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Apparently, everything falls apart. Ten years after they save the kingdom and Galwell's death, Beatrice is going through a divorce, Elowen lives in a tree, and Clare is trying to stand in as the hero everyone wants. When they're called to the palace for the queen's wedding, they all go (mostly) reluctantly.
I found the sad sack heroes to be so funny, but I also loved their vulnerabilities that made them relatable. The imposter syndrome Clare has, the fear of love Elowen deals with, and the survivor's guilt Beatrice battles made them so human. I enjoyed the banter and the soft moments, as I grew to love these deeply flawed characters who are so lost but also so full of heart.
I will say that I docked a star because they spent ten years avoiding their problems and that led to a lot of miscommunication and a lack of communication throughout the story. It was frustrating at times, because I really wanted to just yell at them to talk. I ended up tearing up during those harder conversations, when they eventually happened, but it was frustrating for a good chunk.
This is not a hero's journey, or even really a romantasy (at least not how I'd qualify a romantasy). It's a character-driven adventure, set in a mixed modern/medieval fantasy world, with romance. Again, think more Galavant or Princess Bride - very much more focused on banter and relationship development of all the characters. The romance is a big focus, but also still felt like a subplot.
As a whole, I loved this book. I haven't been able to stop thinking about it since I finished, I just loved the world and magic so much. The stakes never felt high and I kind of loved that vibe of meandering their way through potentially world-ending quests. Like, same lol.
TW: violence, death, war, manipulation, injury detail, sexual content, isolation, survivor's guilt, alcohol consumption; mentions kidnapping, death of a sibling, infidelity
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
World Building: 3/5
Writing: 4/5
Pacing: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
eARC gifted via NetGalley by Harper Collins Canada in exchange for an honest review.
Moderate: Death, Sexual content, Violence, Alcohol, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death, Infidelity, and Kidnapping
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I'm not going to cushion it - Deedee's mom is emotionally abusive. The generational trauma is so evident and much of this book is Deedee understanding her mother. I love how the abuse isn't justified, but in finding the root of it, Deedee is able to advocate for herself and for a better relationship with her mother. There are a lot of moment of tension and grief from Deedee wishing her mother was different, along with guilt for even thinking it. I honestly think if I had read this book when I was sixteen, I would've been a totally different person. This spoke so much to my own relationship with my mother, and some of the harsh things that have been said in the past. As such, this book was super realistic and healing, in a way, for me.
I also relate to Jay - the need to be everything to everyone else but himself. He tries so hard for the people in his life and doesn't leave anything for himself. As our MCs get to know each other, we unearth the ways they are similar and the ways that they still needed to grow. I love that despite finding this strong connection, they constantly acknowledge throughout the book that a romance won't save them, that they need to grow apart to grow together. With the heavy nature of this story, I found that message so important. I know so many people who think a relationship is what they need to fix their lives (even now, at the age of thirty), and it's hard to see them crash and burn every time. I truly believe that this book provides fantastic lessons and strong messages for healing and growth in a way I haven't seen before in YA. I loved it so so so much.
I also love how these characters build a community around them without really realizing it - Jay is someone who's afraid to be seen a burden to his community, despite people caring about him and his well being and wanting to support him; while Deedee thinks shes unlovable and that she'll ruin every relationship she has. I love how both their friend groups prove them wrong time and time again throughout the story, showing their support in little ways - it really built them up and made the ending even better.
Honestly, I have so many feelings around this book and I don't fully know how to express it. I will say, the positive therapy rep feels like a kick in the butt to get myself back into therapy to work through years and years of familial issues. I honestly think this book has one of my favourite ends ever - how everything came together was so satisfying after all the work our characters put into getting there and I'm tearing up thinking about it. A moving and inspiring debut, I rooted for these characters from beginning to end and I am in absolute awe of this book.
Rep: biracial MCs, positive therapy rep
TW: emotional abuse, generational trauma, domestic abuse, violence, forced isolation, racism, micro-aggression; mentions physical abuse, death of a parent, car accident, gore, blood, death, cancer
Plot: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
World Building: 4.5/5
Writing: 5/5
Pacing: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
ARC gifted via @wordsofmystery via ALA
Graphic: Domestic abuse and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Racism and Violence
Minor: Cancer, Death, Gore, Physical abuse, Blood, Car accident, and Death of parent
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I loved this as the finale for the series. I did find some bits repetitive (in terms of description), but I loved the character development and how their relationships grow. It just felt like something was missing at some point, but it ended on the perfect note.
I'm so sad this is the end, but excited to see what Chloe Liese puts out next!
Rep: FMC with Type 1 Diabetes; MMC with ADHD; positive therapy rep
TW: divorced parents, trauma, sexual content, alcohol consumption
Moderate: Sexual content and Alcohol
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
We pick up where book two left of and I was surprised by the quick pace to start. We get a lot of information and world-building as Emily sees the world with clear eyes this time around. One thing I love about this series is how steeped in lore and world-building it is, and how Emily's journal entries share it with a clinical eye. I feel so engrossed in the world of the fae throughout this series, especially with the small callbacks and full circles we make to book one.
I will say, I was surprised by how little book two seemed to have impacted book 3 - we see a lot more callbacks to the first instalment, and while I loved that, I wish it had built more on the happenings of book 2 a bit. That being said, this story kept me entertained with the action, the quick thinking on Emily's part, and of course the large cast of characters we now have (Emily's found family growing so much will always make my heart warm).
Something I liked about this one that I felt book 2 was missing was that despite Emily still spending time away from Wendall (I love that he loves and supports an independent woman), we still get interactions between them via letters and memories, and I ate all that up so hard. This was definitely the book where we get the most yearning and outward affection from Wendall and I'm so here for it.
The animal companions had a larger role to play in this instalment too, and I quite enjoyed the love and loyalty they had to their masters - it resulted in a lot of heartwarming and funny moments that had me melting.
All in all this was a fantastic finale to this series. While it felt a bit more structured than the meandering nature of book one, I think it was necessary in order to tie all the loose threads up. In the end, I loved how this series concluded and wish I could read it all again for the first time!
TW: death, murder, injury detail, torture, fire, violence, suicide; mentions kidnapping, trauma,
Plot: 4.5/5
Characters: 5/5
World Building: 5/5
Writing: 4.5/5
Pacing: 4.5/5
Overall: 5/5
eARC gifted via NetGalley by Del Rey via Penguin Random House in exchange for an honest review.
Graphic: Death, Suicide, and Murder
Moderate: Violence, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Kidnapping
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Anyways, here are a some one line reviews for each story:
<b>Undead Ghoul Meet-Cute by Kendare Blake</b>
A silly short story about a ghoul and a head sightseeing. Love at first attempted murder is a new one, but I liked the quirkiness and the potential.
TW: death, blood, murder, injury detail; mentions death of a grandparent
<b>A Thousand More by Chloe Gong</b>
I never know how to feel about stories like these where immortals find their way to each other in every lifetime. I feel like this was a sort of history lesson but I just didn't feel like the two MCs were developed well enough in their current life let alone their past lives.
TW: mentions war, violence, death, suicide
<b>Who Will Save Me by Julian Winters</b>
I adored this short story. I appreciated the tension, the character development, and the reveals. It felt like the perfect slice of life sort of story.
TW: homophobia, violence, car accident
<b>In the Eyes of Angels by Alexis Henderson</b>
I appreciate the Biblical depiction of angels. Felt a little scattered and not developed enough.
TW: alcohol, injury detail. flre; mentions death of a parent, cancer, alcohol addiction
<b>My Demon Prince Charming by Sandhya Menon</b>
Cute and quirky, have to love a mis-summoning love story. Was a very insta-love and not like other girls kind of story though. Very cheesey.
TW: blood
<b>Katrine and Rowan’s Exit Interview by Sarah Gailey</b>
This was such an easy story to get into. I loved the back and forth of the interview format - it gave us the world-building, the relationships building, and the overall story of the characters without any of the extras. I really enjoyed this one,
TW: mentions death, grief, manipulation
<b>Bride-Heart by Marie Rutkoski</b>
A darker story - a thriller of sorts - that was hard to look away from. This one had me riveted.
TW: animal death, blood. grooming. infidelity, death
<b>If You Give an Asura a Cookie by Akshaya Raman</b>
This one made me tear up a bit?? Despite the short length, there was character development and relationship development that made me so invested in the characters. Loved the ending!
<b>Kiss the Boy by Adib Khorram</b>
I was surprised by how much I liked this one. I felt for the characters, though I didn't love the insta-love of it. I still liked the characters and the writing, so I'll probably read more by this author.
TW: microaggressions, toxic relationship
<b>Piano Sonata No. 13 by Kalynn Bayron</b>
Another darker story. I really like how well contained this one felt - very Monkey Paw esque, but with a twist.
TW: death
<b>Once Upon a Time in Charleston by Melissa de la Cruz</b>
I was not a Blue Bloods girlie, and I remain as such in my adult life, sadly. However, I did like the passing meet cute full of possibility!
TW: toxic relationship
<b>Pierce My Soul by Kat Cho</b>
Dramatic, but I'm a sucker for second-chance romance
TW: blood, kidnapping; mentions gambling addiction, death of a parent
<b>Banes and Blessings by Hafsah Faizal</b>
I love the mythological aspect of this story and the kind Innocence of the MC
TW: mentions sexual harassment, death by drowning
<b>Bloody, Lovely by Casey McQuiston</b>
Surprised by the depth of feeling I got from this one, I love the little twists. It was cute, and now I want a longer novella about them.
TW: blood, gore; mentions death, bullying
<b>La Bruja y la Sirena by Anna-Marie McLemore</b>
A heart-wrenching and lyrical story. I loved the two perspectives and how they unravel and come together.
TW: sexual assault, abuse, racism, death
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 3/5
World Building: 4/5
Writing: 4/5
Pacing: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
GoodReads Rating: 3.65/5
eARC gifted via NetGalley by Viking Books for Young Readers via PENGUIN GROUP Penguin Young Readers Group in exchange for an honest review.
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Mo is a fierce MC. Mo doesn't let things like her height or classroom bullies deter her from chasing her dream - starring alongside Cody Kwok in a movie. Cody is her idol and an international super star, known for doing his own stunts at the young age of 16. Mo, a huge fan, wants to follow in his footsteps and when auditions open for his new movie, she knows she has to try out. Her tenacity and creative thinking in every situation brings her closer and closer to her dream. However, as things unravel and secrets are revealed, she wonders what she truly wants.
I loved the character development for Mo and Dax, and I adored Gramps. Nacho was such a great friend too, I can't forget about him! This story balanced character development, world building, and action-filled plot really well, allowing for a quick, riveting read.
This story is also one I'd recommend for all ages. This book had great dialogue, a fantastic message, and didn't get bogged down by cringey situations or dialogue that adults often find in MG. It was a fantastic book, and I can honestly see it being a great movie (Disney, where you at?).
All in all, a fantastic story about friends, family, and kicking butt!
TW: bullying, stalking, violence, injury detail, kidnapping, blood; mentions death, war, absent parent
Plot: 5/5
World Building: 5/5
Characters: 5/5
Writing: 5/5
Pacing: 5/5
Overall: 5/5
Finished copy won via publisher giveaway.
Moderate: Bullying, Violence, Blood, Kidnapping, Stalking, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Death and War
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
I appreciated the nuanced perspectives of Marie, who wants to keep the memory of her people alive within her family, but is forced to leave her tribe behind; Pierre, her French husband who is extremely devoted to the church and his family; and Jeanne, their eldest daughter, who is two-spirited and in love with a woman. Every perspective was so important, and all the elements of their history and beliefs feel like they made the perfect storm for everything that happens to them over twenty years time. Absolutely heartbreaking, but also eye opening, as we journey with this couple through their lives together and the hurt and pain that comes with being who they are, but also what they believe in.
We need more books like this in the world, and I'm so thankful I picked this one up. Truly, such an important read. I'm so glad that a part of this author's family history is now forever part of the world through this book.
TW: blood, religious bigotry, war, death, colonialism, racism, sexual harassment, rape, domestic abuse, injury detail, sexism, pregnancy, death, death of an animal (hunting), grief, alcoholism, alcohol, grief, lesbophobia; mentions attempted rape, homophobia, death of a child, death of a parent, suicide
Graphic: Death, Racism, Religious bigotry, Colonisation, and War
Moderate: Alcoholism, Animal death, Death, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Rape, Sexism, Grief, Lesbophobia, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child death, Homophobia, Suicide, and Death of parent
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I really enjoyed the baking competition. I was actually surprised by how everything turned out, but I was not disappointed. It allowed us to appreciate the baking stuff, mixed with Shireen's pride of Bangladeshi flavours and foods, while also exposing the xenophobia and fatphobia of the Internet. I appreciate how people checked in on her and other competitors struggling with the online comments, and also how other characters' true colours are shown through their own reactions.
I wish I got to know the secondary characters just a little bit more. It's very much the Shireen show and while I understand that the book being in her head so much is because she's absolutely in her own head too much, I feel like it didn't give other characters the time to breathe. You definitely feel a lot of Shireen's own anxiety and insecurities as a result, which did make her character number one. I just wish some of those relationships and secondary character traits didn't rely so heavily on how they were relative to Shireen.
I did also love that we get to see the family side of things - the pressures to succeed, the absolute love her parents have for her, the love her friends have for her - it really helped to build my love for her, understanding that Shireen was going through a major rough patch in life and it was all coming to a head as the book begins.
All in all, it was a fun book that dealt well with some heavier subjects (racism, fatphobia, trust in relationships, etc.), while keeping the overall vibe of the book fun and enjoyable.
TW: racism, bigotry, microaggression, xenophobia, anxiety attack; mentions fatphobia
Plot: 4/5
Characters: 4/5
World Building: 4/5
Writing: 5/5
Pacing: 4/5
Overall: 4/5
eARC gifted via NetGalley by Feiwel & Friends via Macmillan Children's Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.
Graphic: Racism
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders and Xenophobia
Minor: Fatphobia
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I needed a silly little read and Ouran delivered - I'm excited to continue through the manga and see the story beyond what the anime showed!
Minor: Bullying