emmaj_xo's reviews
91 reviews

Fairies by Edward L. Gardner

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informative medium-paced

4.0

Essential reading for those interested in the Cottingley fairies, or in Fairy Faith as a whole. 
A Sentimental Journey through France and Italy by Graham Petrie, Laurence Sterne

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challenging reflective medium-paced

3.5

Though sentimentality is the crux of the novella, it’s less a tragic Werther and more a comic series of events and philosophical musings of a man attempting to live his life by these ideals. Quite dense for such a short book, with various possible interpretations of certain moments.
The First Iron Lady: A Life of Caroline of Ansbach by Matthew Dennison

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informative slow-paced

4.0

Loved reading about the life of this truly inspiring Queen and her contributions as patron of the Arts and Sciences. The family drama of the Georgian kings and their children is always delicious as well. Never quite appreciated just how terrible she was to Frederic. 
Harley & Ivy Meet Betty & Veronica by Marc Andreyko, Paul Dini

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adventurous funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

A cute and fun body-swap comedy. And Ivy gets to fight billionaires and save another ecosystem, whilst dealing with high school drama with her best girl. 
The Cottingley Cuckoo by A.J. Elwood

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dark mysterious tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

A deeply unsettling tale of obsession and a slowly unravelling mind. Blends the magic with the mundane expertly. The final act is jaw-clinchingly tense. I just think the ideas here could have been pushed further, and there were some slow moments despite the short length. Overall I enjoyed it and would recommend to any lover of fairy folklore. 
Elizabeth & Georgiana: The Duke Of Devonshire And His Two Duchesses by Jane Dormer, Caroline Chapman

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informative medium-paced

3.5

I picked this up hoping for a study of the relationship between Georgiana and Bess. What I found instead was nothing of the sort, but a biography of Bess during her time with the Devonshire’s and after up until her death. It’s interesting to read from another perspective, and also learn of Bess’ priorities which seemed to be as a lover of the Arts over party politics. An interesting read, though I’m sure there are more thorough biographies out there. 
Cranford/Cousin Phillis by Elizabeth Gaskell, Peter J. Keating

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emotional funny slow-paced
  • 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

3.5

Loved Cranford. The episodic storytelling works well at creating an idyllic town that feels real; each chapter is like catching up with friends for tea. The characters  are a delight and there is humour and tragedy in equal measures. A great, sentimental and cosy novel. 

It was Cousin Phillis that let me down. A rather typical Victorian tragic love story that just didn’t feel as satisfying. Gaskell has a skill for creating compelling characters, but she just doesn’t give them much to work with in this story.
Georgiana: Duchess of Devonshire by Amanda Foreman

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informative inspiring slow-paced

5.0

A wonderfully written and researched biography of a extraordinary woman. Scouring through archives of letters and diaries of Georgiana and the people close to her, Foreman pieces together a complete picture of the personal and political life of the Duchess. Extracts of her letters and poetry and fascinating, and I only wish I had access to read them in full. (If someone wants to fund me in transcribing them all I’d happily oblige).
Dceased by Tom Taylor

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adventurous dark fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I’m not typically a zombie fan (though we’re frequently reminded that these guys are NOT zombies) but this is an example of when it works for me. When there’s always superheroes to save the day it’s hard to to successfully build the level of dread that Taylor builds in this book. It’s a book just as much about familial bonds as it about a death virus. And Taylor has once again fed Harlivy fans here.
Poison Ivy: Thorns by Sara Kipin, Kody Keplinger

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adventurous dark emotional fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

I just love reading Ivy stories by writers who clearly love and understand the character. Who understand her moral ambiguity, her melancholy, her intense relationship with the Green that complicates her relationship with humans. This is an origin story of sorts that takes some inspiration from both post-crisis and New 52 but reinvents into a haunting, Queer story. A must read for all Ivy fans, and a great bittersweet wlw story for young readers