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destdest's reviews
2704 reviews
The Art of Getting Noticed by Chelsea M. Campbell
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was really charming. A world of cryptids but Bigfoot can’t get any attention while others seem to gain it all effortlessly.
I enjoyed the low stakes and the friendship with Bigfoot and Nessie. A part of me wishes it was longer, but it wrapped everything up effectively. I’d read more with these two.
Kagurabachi Vol 1 by Takeru Hokazono
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This has my initial interest. The premise is the typical revenge tale after the bad guys kill the main character’s loved one + 6 enchanted swords that must be found. Add in some Japanese mafia and magic for flavor.
Chihiro is stoic and laidback but a brimming hatred is in his guts for his dad’s death and failing to protect the swords. Before the tragedy, he followed in his father’s footsteps as an apprentice swordmaker.
I like swords and that there isn’t any contrived, dumb fanservice as of yet. Chihiro is very cool-headed, but you can tell he cares in his own way, especially with the kid. Mr. Shiba, the dad’s friend, looks way too young. I know there’s only been a 3-year gap, but he must be younger than I expected.
Again, this has my initial interest. If the story manages to be more than a blood and gore fest with average stakes, I’ll continue reading.
SN: was not expecting to see a random hightop fade
The Other Side of Tomorrow by Tina Cho
dark
emotional
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Space Boy Volume 20 by Stephen McCranie
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Space Boy Volume 19 by Stephen McCranie
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
" There’s nothing braver than hope, Oliver.”
Primer: Clashing Colors by Thomas Krajewski, Jennifer Muro
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
2.0
Ashley is every bit thirteen here. She’s immature and well-meaning, but a little shortsighted and cringy. This is going to turn off older readers, but I think younger ones will understand where she is coming from—the impulsiveness and wanting older teens' attention/validation.
Too often, older readers are used to these young main characters who act too mature for their age. But Ashley is how your average teen would probably act.
In addition, seeing a return to the Teen Titans (2005) I grew up with was a joy. And I have followed Gretel's (and Piccolo's) fan art of the Teen Titans for years, so it's full circle for them. I'm happy to see it.
But, this wasn't my favorite. The ending resolution with one of the characters didn't feel earned at all. Like, a split-second change. I also thought Starfire in the other artist's style looked nearly white instead of orange. The cliffhanger gives an opening for another book, but I don't know how eager I am to read it.
Too often, older readers are used to these young main characters who act too mature for their age. But Ashley is how your average teen would probably act.
In addition, seeing a return to the Teen Titans (2005) I grew up with was a joy. And I have followed Gretel's (and Piccolo's) fan art of the Teen Titans for years, so it's full circle for them. I'm happy to see it.
But, this wasn't my favorite. The ending resolution with one of the characters didn't feel earned at all. Like, a split-second change. I also thought Starfire in the other artist's style looked nearly white instead of orange. The cliffhanger gives an opening for another book, but I don't know how eager I am to read it.
HoverGirls by Geneva Bowers
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I liked where the story was expanded upon (how Kim and Jalissa meet in the present day, first meeting with Seong-min, the new character Beryl, and Jalissa’s backstory to an extent) and the quirky humor. But Jalissa’s anger issues seem so much worse here than I remember in the comic; most of this could be attributed to it’s been a while since the first reading. But it made the story less enjoyable for me.
Sure, Kim’s ditzy and naïve, but Jalissa has a perpetual attitude, one where I’d have left her to stew in her funk alone. Deep down she had a soft spot for her cousin, but it felt very sparse. I’m not against characters with bad attitudes, but Jalissa seemed a little one-note. I wished we could've seen a display of other emotions from her.
Still, I think this will appeal to teen readers. The self-doubt, moving out and independence, and trying to follow your dreams will certainly resonate with them. Also, there are a few magical girl jokes that made me smile (hello, 8-minute transformation sequences).
GdBee/Benton is one of my all-time favorite artists, so I’m always happy to support her work. While this wasn't my favorite, I'd read book two because I'm sure everything would be improved upon.
Sure, Kim’s ditzy and naïve, but Jalissa has a perpetual attitude, one where I’d have left her to stew in her funk alone. Deep down she had a soft spot for her cousin, but it felt very sparse. I’m not against characters with bad attitudes, but Jalissa seemed a little one-note. I wished we could've seen a display of other emotions from her.
Still, I think this will appeal to teen readers. The self-doubt, moving out and independence, and trying to follow your dreams will certainly resonate with them. Also, there are a few magical girl jokes that made me smile (hello, 8-minute transformation sequences).
GdBee/Benton is one of my all-time favorite artists, so I’m always happy to support her work. While this wasn't my favorite, I'd read book two because I'm sure everything would be improved upon.
Rust Vol. 4: Soul in the Machine, Volume 4 by Royden Lepp
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I read the first book years ago, and I just now got the final book. But I got up to speed quickly and the emotions were emotion-ing. I mean the tension, terror, and impact were there!
Fangirl, Vol. 4: The Manga by Gabi Nam, Rainbow Rowell
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Fangirl, Vol. 3: The Manga by Gabi Nam, Rainbow Rowell
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0