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gattolino_nn's reviews
566 reviews
Dragon's Keep by Jessica Marting
adventurous
medium-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
3.75
I thought the book was good, and different from the rest of the series.
Unlike the other stories there wasn't really an external force or an antagonist for our MCs to thwart.
There are characters like Dr Putnam, and Clarinda but they weren't the villains of the story and more instead the dealings with people who are selfish.
The main conflict of the story comes from Xavier not knowing much about shifters and in particular dragon shifters as he is the only known one. This made for a different kind of story but I still very much enjoyed the interpersonal conflict that it provided. Arabella and Xavier made a good team and once the initial shock of crash landing into his cave passes the two are always looking out for each other and trying to do what is best for the other, or at least what they think is best.
Unlike the other stories there wasn't really an external force or an antagonist for our MCs to thwart.
There are characters like Dr Putnam, and Clarinda but they weren't the villains of the story and more instead the dealings with people who are selfish.
The main conflict of the story comes from Xavier not knowing much about shifters and in particular dragon shifters as he is the only known one. This made for a different kind of story but I still very much enjoyed the interpersonal conflict that it provided. Arabella and Xavier made a good team and once the initial shock of crash landing into his cave passes the two are always looking out for each other and trying to do what is best for the other, or at least what they think is best.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Minor: Death of parent
Spy x Family, Vol. 12 by Tatsuya Endo
adventurous
funny
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? No
4.25
I thought this volume was one of the funnier ones after a couple very serious volumes with 10 and 11.
We got to see a little about The Handler and how she lives as well as friendly competition between her, Loid and their dogs. As well as Yur interacting with her co-workers. Spy x Family does a good job with side characters that they don't feel completely forgotten and feel like individual from one another. They won't get the same development as the main and secondary characters but it is still nice to see them.
I was delighted to see more Anya, Becky and Damian. Their interactions are always the cutest and funniest. I do appreciate the little fourth wall break and thought that was really funny. Which helped with the funny light hearted tone of the volume.
I thought the last few chapters and the build up was well done. The way the story can so easily transition from chapter to chapter and how different the tones are without being jarring.
Tatsuya Endo has nailed making these cliff hangers. I haven't tired of them yet and they are always well done when we do have them. He has spaced them out really well so you are still engaged and satisfied even when there is no cliff hanger.
I cannot wait to see how volume 13 will start off.
We got to see a little about The Handler and how she lives as well as friendly competition between her, Loid and their dogs. As well as Yur interacting with her co-workers. Spy x Family does a good job with side characters that they don't feel completely forgotten and feel like individual from one another. They won't get the same development as the main and secondary characters but it is still nice to see them.
I was delighted to see more Anya, Becky and Damian. Their interactions are always the cutest and funniest. I do appreciate the little fourth wall break and thought that was really funny. Which helped with the funny light hearted tone of the volume.
I thought the last few chapters and the build up was well done. The way the story can so easily transition from chapter to chapter and how different the tones are without being jarring.
Tatsuya Endo has nailed making these cliff hangers. I haven't tired of them yet and they are always well done when we do have them. He has spaced them out really well so you are still engaged and satisfied even when there is no cliff hanger.
I cannot wait to see how volume 13 will start off.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Violence, and Blood
Moderate: Alcohol
The Italian Marriage by Jenna Lo Bianco
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-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? It's complicated
4.5
I now believe I can renovate a small European estate and make a thriving business following the blueprint that is this book. Also known as this book was written so well and realistically that it has given me the confidence to try this myself (I know it is a long title).
As major part of the writing I think was Sarah and Matthew's relationship. I loved watching them grow together, starting off as friendly but still somewhat strangers. They never had any animosity between them which I've seen with fake dating staring off (which if you don't like each other why would you fake date) but instead they were adults and acted as such through the whole book. It was refreshing but also needed for some of the serious topics that were brought up with health.
On top of the wonderful relationship between Sarah and Matthew I loved their relationship with the community and other characters in the book. It was filled with so much genuine love between everyone and it felt like they wanted to get involved and help the community. It really helped sell the small town vibes and the close knit and welcoming community that is typically associated with small Italian towns.
I loved this book and I cannot wait to see what the other books are like in the series. It was a breathe of fresh air to have mature adults in these books talk and interact without the unwanted drama. It was cozy and hit my love watching old estates and buildings be renovated and brought back to their former glory.
As major part of the writing I think was Sarah and Matthew's relationship. I loved watching them grow together, starting off as friendly but still somewhat strangers. They never had any animosity between them which I've seen with fake dating staring off (which if you don't like each other why would you fake date) but instead they were adults and acted as such through the whole book. It was refreshing but also needed for some of the serious topics that were brought up with health.
On top of the wonderful relationship between Sarah and Matthew I loved their relationship with the community and other characters in the book. It was filled with so much genuine love between everyone and it felt like they wanted to get involved and help the community. It really helped sell the small town vibes and the close knit and welcoming community that is typically associated with small Italian towns.
I loved this book and I cannot wait to see what the other books are like in the series. It was a breathe of fresh air to have mature adults in these books talk and interact without the unwanted drama. It was cozy and hit my love watching old estates and buildings be renovated and brought back to their former glory.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical trauma and Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Infidelity and Sexual content
Minor: Infertility
Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-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 do love a cozy fantasy and this book is certainly that. I now dream once more of a simple life of running a book store and getting into situation far above my pay grade.
I liked seeing younger Viv and the beginning of her journey. I think it reflects how a lot of us may feel starting work for the first time. Making a mistake that you think will be the end and discovering a way to move on and learn from it. This was the journey that we see Viv take throughout the book as she recovers. She is not perfect but no one is.
Much like in the first book I loved the characters and all the interactions they have with one another. There is some super sweet moments balanced out with hilarious situations. There is also more action in this book compared to the first so for those wanting a little higher stakes, this book has you covered but still wants you to feel cozy.
I do like how this series starts at the end of Viv's adventuring and finishes with her just starting. It feels like a book end, we get to see where she is now and how she started. If you are on the fence because this is set before the first book, it is worth the read and I think you will enjoy it.
I liked seeing younger Viv and the beginning of her journey. I think it reflects how a lot of us may feel starting work for the first time. Making a mistake that you think will be the end and discovering a way to move on and learn from it. This was the journey that we see Viv take throughout the book as she recovers. She is not perfect but no one is.
Much like in the first book I loved the characters and all the interactions they have with one another. There is some super sweet moments balanced out with hilarious situations. There is also more action in this book compared to the first so for those wanting a little higher stakes, this book has you covered but still wants you to feel cozy.
I do like how this series starts at the end of Viv's adventuring and finishes with her just starting. It feels like a book end, we get to see where she is now and how she started. If you are on the fence because this is set before the first book, it is worth the read and I think you will enjoy it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Medical content
Minor: Sexual assault
The Apothecary Diaries, Volume 4 by Itsuki Nanao, Natsu Hyuuga
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- 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
I would say volume 4 is the end of the first arc, and is the end of the light novel volume 1 covered. As such there is lots of twists and information discovered and discussed in this volume.
The drama here is no longer petty squabbling between ladies-in-waiting but instead is uncovering who attempted to poison Consort Lishu at the Garden Banquet. It was such a strong volume with a more serious tone but still had some very funny and lighthearted moments (there also some really sad and heartbreaking ones too. This volume did it all). I can see why the light novel volume 1 ended with this, it is such a strong and bittersweet end to the arc.
The drama here is no longer petty squabbling between ladies-in-waiting but instead is uncovering who attempted to poison Consort Lishu at the Garden Banquet. It was such a strong volume with a more serious tone but still had some very funny and lighthearted moments (there also some really sad and heartbreaking ones too. This volume did it all). I can see why the light novel volume 1 ended with this, it is such a strong and bittersweet end to the arc.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Medical content
Moderate: Death, Infertility, and Suicide
The Apothecary Diaries, Volume 3 by Itsuki Nanao, Natsu Hyuuga
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- 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
4.75
This volume of The Apothecary diaries goes back to most chapters having a different mysteries for Maomao to deduct. It is always fun to see these smaller mysteries as they really get to show what life is like within the courts and for this volume as well, the pleasure district. I liked how there are so comparisons between the inner court and pleasure districts and how they both have their own hardships.
Speaking of the pleasure districts, it was nice to see another setting and get to officially meet new people in the series and I hope we get to see more of outside of this volume. It was a lot of fun to see a more wild side to characters compared to the prime and proper workings of the Inner Court.
Speaking of the pleasure districts, it was nice to see another setting and get to officially meet new people in the series and I hope we get to see more of outside of this volume. It was a lot of fun to see a more wild side to characters compared to the prime and proper workings of the Inner Court.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Medical content, Suicide attempt, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Drug use and Vomit
The Apothecary Diaries, Volume 2 by Itsuki Nanao, Natsu Hyuuga
dark
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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
5.0
I love this series so much. The artwork is beautiful and the characters are just all so much fun to read and see their expressions. This volume really focuses on The Garden Banquet where all the consorts must attend so you know it will be filled with tension and drama.
The banquet really shows off the different consorts and their ladies-in-waiting. We get to see the dynamics of each palace and how they interact with one another, something that I always love to see with stories set in courts or political settings. As the volume does follow more or less one story over multiple chapters we get to see a longer mystery play out which I really enjoyed.
I cannot wait for the next volume it is fast becoming my favourite.
The banquet really shows off the different consorts and their ladies-in-waiting. We get to see the dynamics of each palace and how they interact with one another, something that I always love to see with stories set in courts or political settings. As the volume does follow more or less one story over multiple chapters we get to see a longer mystery play out which I really enjoyed.
I cannot wait for the next volume it is fast becoming my favourite.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying and Medical content
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship
Minor: Sexual assault, Vomit, and Kidnapping
Wendy, Darling by Rebecca F. Kenney
adventurous
dark
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I normally come across Peter Pan retellings where it's focusing on Hook or makes Peter Pan out to be the villain (granted if you read the original story I hear it is not far from the truth). This on the other hand has Wendy and Peter still both firmly in the good guys category of the story, and will there is disillusionment it is more inline with growing up rather than learning or figuring out that someone is a walking red flag.
I thought the concept for the world was a really fun idea seeing how neverland is part of a wider fae universe and each had their own dimension they lived in, and when other fae are introduced it was a fun way to see other character from the series.
I thought the dynamic between Peter and Wendy was good for the most part. I found Peter sometimes went from hero to almost morally grey. it made Peter feel inconstant but worked with his inner turmoil so it didn't feel as jarring. Wendy on the other hand I adored. I liked the reasoning given for more medieval clothes and her ability to use swords. It is small things but it makes everything more believable and concrete when in our world.
The ending I saw coming for a while, especially when you know this is a two book mini series within the Immortal Warriors series. I don't mind knowing how it was going to end as it was just a good set up. Not everything needs to a twist out of nowhere and sometimes things just need to be set up cohesively for the next book.
I thought the concept for the world was a really fun idea seeing how neverland is part of a wider fae universe and each had their own dimension they lived in, and when other fae are introduced it was a fun way to see other character from the series.
I thought the dynamic between Peter and Wendy was good for the most part. I found Peter sometimes went from hero to almost morally grey. it made Peter feel inconstant but worked with his inner turmoil so it didn't feel as jarring. Wendy on the other hand I adored. I liked the reasoning given for more medieval clothes and her ability to use swords. It is small things but it makes everything more believable and concrete when in our world.
The ending I saw coming for a while, especially when you know this is a two book mini series within the Immortal Warriors series. I don't mind knowing how it was going to end as it was just a good set up. Not everything needs to a twist out of nowhere and sometimes things just need to be set up cohesively for the next book.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content and Violence
Moderate: Kidnapping
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This book was very middle of the road for me. I can't say I have thought much about it since finishing expect to think about how unrealistic parts were. I know it is a story and there should be a since of disbelief but the fact this was contemporary I prefer to still have some believable realism to ground me. I think it was more jarring to me because of the writing, it felt off to me in some places. Whether it was phrasing or pacing it felt too simple for my tastes.
With the writing not meshing well with me and the story not focusing much on Alex and Henry's relationship in my opinion it all felt like a let down. It was not the read I was expecting going in and as such I think it really made it hard for me to enjoy the story.
In saying this it was an easy read to listen to and the narrator did a fantastic job. If I went into this more thinking this was a story focused around Alex and his life with his relationship with Henry being a major part of his life I think I might have liked it a bit more, but it is hard to say as it feels like it is almost in between the two ideas. If you do want to read the book I would keep this in mind.
With the writing not meshing well with me and the story not focusing much on Alex and Henry's relationship in my opinion it all felt like a let down. It was not the read I was expecting going in and as such I think it really made it hard for me to enjoy the story.
In saying this it was an easy read to listen to and the narrator did a fantastic job. If I went into this more thinking this was a story focused around Alex and his life with his relationship with Henry being a major part of his life I think I might have liked it a bit more, but it is hard to say as it feels like it is almost in between the two ideas. If you do want to read the book I would keep this in mind.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia, Sexual content, and Outing
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Drug abuse, Racism, and Sexual assault
Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
tense
medium-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
4.5
I can see why this book was so well loved and the sequel highly anticipated.
It was so well written, you could feel the emotions of the everyone. From the blasé attitude of those living in the city where the war hadn't reached, the concern of those closest and on the front lines, and the disappear from those involved directly. Balancing those emotions with the journey of Iris and Roman's relationship was really well done. I loved reading about them, it was cute and the two work so well together both as rivals and lovers. The relationship didn't lose what made it interesting and enjoyable when they became lovers which I am grateful for.
This book had be enthralled at every moment when I was reading. The war, the mystery of what happened to Iris' brother and the relationship all worked so well together.
The ending had me so surprised, I couldn't believe what was happening. It was a twist that I didn't see coming and really brought the magic in the world out of the whimsical and could be forgotten that there is magic into a more prominent feature. I wished I moved right onto the sequel but I had another audiobook from the library that I needed to read first.
It was so well written, you could feel the emotions of the everyone. From the blasé attitude of those living in the city where the war hadn't reached, the concern of those closest and on the front lines, and the disappear from those involved directly. Balancing those emotions with the journey of Iris and Roman's relationship was really well done. I loved reading about them, it was cute and the two work so well together both as rivals and lovers. The relationship didn't lose what made it interesting and enjoyable when they became lovers which I am grateful for.
This book had be enthralled at every moment when I was reading. The war, the mystery of what happened to Iris' brother and the relationship all worked so well together.
The ending had me so surprised, I couldn't believe what was happening. It was a twist that I didn't see coming and really brought the magic in the world out of the whimsical and could be forgotten that there is magic into a more prominent feature. I wished I moved right onto the sequel but I had another audiobook from the library that I needed to read first.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and War
Moderate: Death of parent and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Alcoholism