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readingrobin's reviews
2334 reviews
Plan A by Deb Caletti
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This Savage Song by V.E. Schwab
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I've read a good handful of Schwab's books and I think this is the one I've felt the least connected to. I never really got a good sense of this world, how it worked, or even what to visualize. The book doesn't give you answers right away, which is fine in certain situations, but there were elements that were never explained or still felt muddled.
I didn't really feel a strong attachment to any of the characters. They felt thin and a little empty. I lost motivation to continue a few times throughout the book, but kept on mostly because I was reading this for a reading challenge.
The twists felt a little too predictable and by the end I was just racing to get to the finish line.
I don't think I'll continue with the next book, mainly because I simply didn't mesh with this one.
I didn't really feel a strong attachment to any of the characters. They felt thin and a little empty. I lost motivation to continue a few times throughout the book, but kept on mostly because I was reading this for a reading challenge.
The twists felt a little too predictable and by the end I was just racing to get to the finish line.
I don't think I'll continue with the next book, mainly because I simply didn't mesh with this one.
Beetle and the Chimera Carnival by Aliza Layne
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Big thanks to Simon and Schuster Children's Publishing, Atheneum Books for Young Readers, and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for a review!
I absolutely fell in love with Beetle and the gang in the last book and was so excited to come back to this magical, spooky world. The versatile and beautiful use of color is what drew me to this series and it continues to make every character and action pop. I was a little disappointed that the ARC wasn't fully in color, but it definitely gives me a reason to reread the book once it comes out.
This world continues to feel so unique through imaginative character designs and an expanding lore. We get more background on the goblin, undead, and dragon races that really bring another level to this setting.
Beetle and Kat share an amazing arcs of accepting and loving parts of themselves that they are either scared to explore or share with others. Their internal journeys are unique, but complement each other in moving ways. There was such triumph in the scenes where self love and the love that they have for each other wins out.
If I had a gripe, it would be that there were so many plot threads to keep up with. In a way, they did kind of all merge together at some point, but it felt more like knotted up ball than a complete and neat whole, Still, I had such a fun time reading this and it is definitely a worthy follow up!
Here's to more Beetle, Kat, and Penny!
I absolutely fell in love with Beetle and the gang in the last book and was so excited to come back to this magical, spooky world. The versatile and beautiful use of color is what drew me to this series and it continues to make every character and action pop. I was a little disappointed that the ARC wasn't fully in color, but it definitely gives me a reason to reread the book once it comes out.
This world continues to feel so unique through imaginative character designs and an expanding lore. We get more background on the goblin, undead, and dragon races that really bring another level to this setting.
Beetle and Kat share an amazing arcs of accepting and loving parts of themselves that they are either scared to explore or share with others. Their internal journeys are unique, but complement each other in moving ways. There was such triumph in the scenes where self love and the love that they have for each other wins out.
If I had a gripe, it would be that there were so many plot threads to keep up with. In a way, they did kind of all merge together at some point, but it felt more like knotted up ball than a complete and neat whole, Still, I had such a fun time reading this and it is definitely a worthy follow up!
Here's to more Beetle, Kat, and Penny!
How to Be Ace: A Memoir of Growing Up Asexual by Rebecca Burgess
emotional
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
4.0
As an asexual person, I naturally connected a lot to Burgess' experience. There are certain trials that pretty much every ace is going to face at one point: the constant negging from society that you have to be in a relationship, people thinking you're just inexperienced or that they're magically the one that's going to fix you with their magical love making, the fear of living life alone. It's exhausting and Burgess really captures all the complicated feelings of growing up not really feeling the need to prioritize romance.
This book also covered her experience with autism, anxiety, and OCD, which brings a great intersectional view of asexuality. I'm hoping this book continues to be informative for aces and allos alike.
This book also covered her experience with autism, anxiety, and OCD, which brings a great intersectional view of asexuality. I'm hoping this book continues to be informative for aces and allos alike.
Saint the Terrifying by Joshua Mohr
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
This book felt over the top but in a mostly entertaining way: the absolutely wild scenarios Saint finds himself in, the frequent cerebral ruminations inside an imaginary Whole Foods, whatever the hell is going on in Wes' mind. Still, it had an emotional core, a couple decent reflections here and there. There were moments where Saint's tangents became a bit lengthy so I was scanning here and there often. But everything needed to enjoy an off the wall, anarchic punk story is there.
There's a lot to admire in Saint, a guy aiming to get his life together while also trying to hold onto his heritage, authenticity, and his desire to move on from where he's been. He's kind, but also will not hesitate to turn to violent drastic measures when needed. Guy has to make an impression after all. I wouldn't mind seeing where his story goes beyond here and thankfully it looks like there's a trilogy ahead.
There's a lot to admire in Saint, a guy aiming to get his life together while also trying to hold onto his heritage, authenticity, and his desire to move on from where he's been. He's kind, but also will not hesitate to turn to violent drastic measures when needed. Guy has to make an impression after all. I wouldn't mind seeing where his story goes beyond here and thankfully it looks like there's a trilogy ahead.
Mimosa by Archie Bongiovanni
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I'm living for the messy elder queer rep in this book. Truly a story about several conflicts that could have been resolved if everyone just took a moment to talk with each other, but I think that realism makes the story a little more relatable. Once you get to be a certain age, you naturally drift away from people or relationships change or you all just move in different directions in life. It sucks, but it's life, and it was nice to see that experience represented here.
I will say it was harder to relate to some characters rather than others due to some of their actions.Honestly the scene where Jo rolled her eyes at Chris having a crisis and tossing her phone away after giving an empty response made me so miffed at her, but really everyone has moments like that in this book. But I think it was good that each of the friends has their moments where they aren't perfect: they mess up, say the wrong things, DO the wrong things, and they all deal with the consequences. Some try to make them better, others just peace out and choose not to pick up the pieces. It gives the story a good sense of reality.
Loved the art style, it really lends to some great expressions and the use of color really made the designs pop.
I will say it was harder to relate to some characters rather than others due to some of their actions.
Loved the art style, it really lends to some great expressions and the use of color really made the designs pop.
You're Not Supposed to Die Tonight by Kalynn Bayron
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Read this book as it is one of the nominees for the Lincoln Award.
Now I love me a good slasher, since Scream is one of my all time favorites and who doesn't enjoy a good Halloween every now and then? But I don't think I really settled into this one all that well.
The characters seemed a bit too thin for me to really gravitate to and it took nearly half the book before things really got going.I really would have liked a little more easing into the paranormal aspect of the book, which seemingly came out of nowhere. A spooky legend? Campfire story leftover from the actual camp? It really just poofed into the narrative with no build up.
Some of the plot twists were interesting, but others I could take or leave.I figured Mr. Lamont had a hand in it, since the cop felt so much like a red herring. Little bummed that the owl cult was made up of nobodies that are never even named and get disposed off a little too quickly.
Ultimately, I think the book had some good ideas, but the execution wasn't there for me.
Now I love me a good slasher, since Scream is one of my all time favorites and who doesn't enjoy a good Halloween every now and then? But I don't think I really settled into this one all that well.
The characters seemed a bit too thin for me to really gravitate to and it took nearly half the book before things really got going.
Some of the plot twists were interesting, but others I could take or leave.
Ultimately, I think the book had some good ideas, but the execution wasn't there for me.
Time to Party by Molly Knox Ostertag
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
Wizards of the Coast please give us more of these amazing kids growing and facing their troubles through playing D&D. Everything I enjoyed about the first installment returns here and then some.
Witches Steeped in Gold by Ciannon Smart
Did not finish book. Stopped at 8%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 8%.
Tried to give this book its due, but it felt like it was going to be a log, especially after reading some of the reviews.
Starter Villain by John Scalzi
adventurous
funny
mysterious
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
3.5