purplepenning's reviews
1671 reviews

Greenglass House by Kate Milford

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4.0

Water Moon by Samantha Sotto Yambao

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adventurous dark mysterious reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

From the dreamlike cover to the Ghibli vibes and the dark fairytale quest inside, Water Moon fills the brief of a book that takes you right out of this world. At its core, though, it's about choices, regrets, legacy, fate, self-discovery and self-determination — which brings you right back into this world, but maybe a little wiser for having made the trip. 
The Broposal by Sonora Reyes

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emotional funny hopeful tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
I loved the Lesbiana's Guide to Catholic Schools but this one didn't quite hit for me. The story itself was good! And I love seeing physically affectionate "bros" (and the cringe and callout about hiding behind that "bro" label!) and the development of trust and vulnerability. But the writing didn't seem to support the story as well as I would have liked. And I wouldn't consider it a romcom — definitely more of a romdram with sprinkles of cute character-based humor (
Thornelius 4 Eva!
).  I'm admittedly bad at liking angsty* romances, though, so your mileage may vary! 

*Not meant to downplay the emotional stress and distress of the situations discussed in the book, which were represented very well.
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Inkbound: Meticulous Jones and the Skull Tattoo by Philippa Leathley

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adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.25

An excellent intro to a new middle grade fantasy series! Set in an interesting alt world with a steampunkish magic system, it never gets bogged down in the world building. Meticulous (Metty) Jones is an active main character with a fate to foil, a beloved father to find and rescue, and friends and enemies to make along the way. The blurbs and reviews get it right — Nevermoor meets The Swifts!
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Once a Rogue by Allie Therin

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4.0

Proper Scoundrels by Allie Therin

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4.0

Wonderstruck by Allie Therin

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adventurous emotional hopeful medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

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The Hidden Life of Trees: A Graphic Adaptation by Peter Wohlleben, Fred Bernard

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adventurous challenging hopeful informative inspiring reflective sad medium-paced

5.0

Exceptional. Lovingly illustrated, drenched in greens and bursting with life — this was the perfect deep winter read. It's an accessible graphic adaptation of the life of trees and the life of one of their greatest champions, sustainable forester Peter Wohlleben. Simple enough for interested middle graders but serious and detailed enough for adults, it's an amazing accomplishment and a brilliant introduction to the intricate mysteries of trees and their communities. 
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The Last Dragon on Mars by Scott Reintgen

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

A fast-paced middle grade science-fantasy that combines the training and space battles of Ender's Game with the dragon lore and dragonriding of Eragon and Skandar. High stakes but dialed in to a personal level that a reader can really get their emotions around. It's a great book for reluctant readers (very short sentences and manageable chapters) and anyone who loves that blended sci-fi fantasy vibe. And dragons — there's some really cool dragon stuff here!
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Starcrossed by Allie Therin

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adventurous mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

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