I spent the first half of this book deciding whether I liked it or not because it was pretty confusing (though intriguing) to understand what was evenI spent the first half of this book deciding whether I liked it or not because it was pretty confusing (though intriguing) to understand what was even going on. After the half way mark when we got a slightly clearer vision of what was going on, I liked it more. It's beautifully written, with lovely imagery as the main character searches for the houses she lived in to uncover her tragic past and bizarre family history. Well written, with a complicated story that deals with complicated emotions. If you like magical realism, attention to setting, and descriptive and evocative imagery, then I definitely recommend. ...more
Loved the world of Belyyrekia! This was cute and sweet, but not as impactful as some of the other Wayward Children's books. Loved the world of Belyyrekia! This was cute and sweet, but not as impactful as some of the other Wayward Children's books. ...more
4.5 stars. So fun! This book presented a unique fantasy world inspired by the Italian Renaissance. The world building was so interesting and neat! I l4.5 stars. So fun! This book presented a unique fantasy world inspired by the Italian Renaissance. The world building was so interesting and neat! I loved the way they made it really feel like a video game (not an easy feat) and how it explored the way a society built on games would function. I appreciated the deeper themes of systematic injustice that worked really flawlessly in this setting. The most interesting Middle grade fantasy I've read in a while!...more
I must confess that I put off reading this series for a ridiculously long time--especially considering that I have yet to read a Holly Black book thatI must confess that I put off reading this series for a ridiculously long time--especially considering that I have yet to read a Holly Black book that I didn't like. I think it was the booktok hype and the weird emphasis on the romance whenever I looked up reviews. This is not a Romance genre novel--it's a beautiful complex court intrigue fantasy with a fully realized world, compelling characters, and great plot. There is a slow burn romance that I did get really invested in, but if the Romance and Romantasy genres aren't for you, this book has a lot more going for it than just the romance.
The Cruel Prince: 4 Stars The Wicked King: 5 Stars The Queen of Nothing: 5 stars...more
2.5 rounded up. I love a good magical realism novel with a meandering plot, but this book just had TOO little everything. Since our protagonist can ne2.5 rounded up. I love a good magical realism novel with a meandering plot, but this book just had TOO little everything. Since our protagonist can never go backwards, she lives a very lonely life and consequently it was a very lonely book, just touching on a ridiculous amount strangers she meets--which is the point probably, but characters are such a big thing to me (especially in a slow-paced, not plot-focused novel), having almost no characters made me feel detached. Because there were no characters and not really a plot, the atmosphere and mystery really needed to make up for it and it just...didn't. With more character development, plot, and/or atmosphere, I think I would have really loved this book-- the writing was lovely and the concept was right up my alley. Or maybe if it was a novella and not 400 pages, all of these things wouldn't have mattered because it wouldn't have been so drawn out, but as is the book fell flat for me and it was a drag to finish the last 20% of this book....more
3.5 stars. This was a very quick read with some interesting concepts about fairytales, the multiverse and fate. It was too short to really connect wit3.5 stars. This was a very quick read with some interesting concepts about fairytales, the multiverse and fate. It was too short to really connect with any characters, but still a fun engaging adventure....more
I read the beginning of this webcomic back in high school (it was funny because what I read back then was mostly what Volume one consisted of, so almoI read the beginning of this webcomic back in high school (it was funny because what I read back then was mostly what Volume one consisted of, so almost nothing new for me). The print form does lose a little of the magic that the Multimedia elements (songs, little animations, pages that seemed to almost glow) gave the webcomic. Also the shift from clicking through single pages to a basic comic panel layout also took some of the cool atmosphere away. Still, it's an exciting mystery story that's a fun blend of mythology and science fiction. I do recommend checking out the original webcomic and seeing the interesting multimedia elements if this story looks interesting to you though....more
4.5 stars. Such a fun ride! I loved the atmosphere and the loving attention to describing place and setting (how fitting in a story about a magic telep4.5 stars. Such a fun ride! I loved the atmosphere and the loving attention to describing place and setting (how fitting in a story about a magic teleportation book!). I loved how to time travel story unraveled and the hints of darkness and that I immediately felt attached to all the characters. The one thing that stopped me from giving 5 stars is the fact there were a few awkward clunky moments in the writing that make it feel like an third draft instead of a final draft. But other then a few nitpicks that were just vaguely distracting, I thoroughly enjoyed this world and magic system....more
I was gifted this book from my little sister for Christmas and she definitely nailed my middle grade taste. This was fun whimsical adventure with loweI was gifted this book from my little sister for Christmas and she definitely nailed my middle grade taste. This was fun whimsical adventure with lower stakes that focused on friendship, kindness, creativity and a cool, well-thought out magic system....more
Sharon Rose
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Books:
fantasy
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