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readingrobin's reviews
2314 reviews
The Spear Cuts Through Water by Simon Jimenez
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
Though the second person perspective can be make this story a bit tricky to read, I thought the presentation, tone, and style of the book was quite unique. I loved the idea of the events of the story being told within the context of a play, that the whole thing is one big performance, one big dance, an action of tremendous importance in this world. The narration from side characters, and even just character that exist for that one simple bit of narration, make the world feel more full and just expand its scope.
I had to read this book pretty quickly for a book club, so I had to read large bits of it in a small amount of time, which lead me to have some issues with the pacing. It can drag for a while, but there was always a moment where things were able to pick back up again.
I had to read this book pretty quickly for a book club, so I had to read large bits of it in a small amount of time, which lead me to have some issues with the pacing. It can drag for a while, but there was always a moment where things were able to pick back up again.
The Neverending Story by Michael Ende
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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? Yes
4.0
The first half is everything you could want in a classic children's fantasy, but the second half is where this book shines as its own story. Ende crafts a very philosophical approach to Bastian's hero's journey, giving a look into what happens when power and privilege warp and deteriorate one's capacity for empathy and kindness. It's a story with love at its center, whether from others or within ourselves.
Carnacki, The Ghost Finder by William Hope Hodgson
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
For it's time, I can see how Carnacki can be very enjoyable that enjoy mysteries with a bit of an occulty flair. A friend described him to me as a Sherlock Holmes type that has a bit more Watson to him, and I say that is accurate. Carnacki is rational, modest, and, well, I think lacks a bit of an engaging personality, especially for one that interacts with the supernatural. On paper, I think these mysteries do keep people guessing, especially since not every adventure turns out to have a supernatural end, but it felt like there was a lot of wading around before we finally got to anything interesting.
Hodgson does so much to set the tone and feel of a scene that it's easy to get bogged down by description. The vernacular is somewhat archaic to modern ears, so it's definitely a book you have to pay attention to to get used to it. Others have mentioned the somewhat formulaic nature of the stories, but that didn't much bother me in my reading.
I think "The House Among the Laurels" is the standout tale here as I think it's the most well paced and focused piece in the collection.
Hodgson does so much to set the tone and feel of a scene that it's easy to get bogged down by description. The vernacular is somewhat archaic to modern ears, so it's definitely a book you have to pay attention to to get used to it. Others have mentioned the somewhat formulaic nature of the stories, but that didn't much bother me in my reading.
I think "The House Among the Laurels" is the standout tale here as I think it's the most well paced and focused piece in the collection.
Loudest & Smartest: A Loud & Smart Collection by Alex Krokus
funny
fast-paced
5.0
You could flip to any random page in this collection and get a good laugh at whatever comic you land on. Alex has such great comedic timing within four panels and taps right into my sense of humor. Definitely a collection worth having.
Cursed: An Anthology of Dark Fairy Tales by Marie O'Regan, Paul Kane
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I think I've been glutting myself a bit too much on anthologies over the past year, because man I think I may need a break after reading this one.
It's the standard rule with all anthologies that there are going to be some hits and misses, but oof the misses in here really build up.
The common thread through all of these stories are curses, whether based on an existing fairy tale or something new. For the most part, they all make thematic sense to be in this collection, but I didn't find very many that I connected with.
"Listen" and "Again" have similar setups but different execution and pay offs. "Listen" is probably the strongest of the stories and I wouldn't mind reading more from this author. I loved the sort of back door the curse has in this story and found it very satisfying.
"Henry and the Snakewood Box" has a great tone from it, narrated by a demon in the middle of his currently fleece job. Good bit of comedy there.
And..I think that's it. The rest I either rushed through or skipped entirely because I wasn't really invested. It's a shame because a lot of these stories show potential, but just miss the landing.
It's the standard rule with all anthologies that there are going to be some hits and misses, but oof the misses in here really build up.
The common thread through all of these stories are curses, whether based on an existing fairy tale or something new. For the most part, they all make thematic sense to be in this collection, but I didn't find very many that I connected with.
"Listen" and "Again" have similar setups but different execution and pay offs. "Listen" is probably the strongest of the stories and I wouldn't mind reading more from this author. I loved the sort of back door the curse has in this story and found it very satisfying.
"Henry and the Snakewood Box" has a great tone from it, narrated by a demon in the middle of his currently fleece job. Good bit of comedy there.
And..I think that's it. The rest I either rushed through or skipped entirely because I wasn't really invested. It's a shame because a lot of these stories show potential, but just miss the landing.
Morgana and Oz Vol 1 by Miyuli
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I've been following this artist for a while, so I thought it was about time that I checked out their webcomic. I loved the humor and how cute the art style is, especially when it comes to the outfits and the locations. Kitty Oz is great and need more of him.
There's the start of a good mystery here, as Morgana's grandfather disappears after a peaceful negotiation between her family of witches and a local vampire group went sour due to literal bad blood. Who could have poisoned the blood? And what's happening to the vampires that are now craving only witch's blood?
Really looking forward to seeing where this one goes.
There's the start of a good mystery here, as Morgana's grandfather disappears after a peaceful negotiation between her family of witches and a local vampire group went sour due to literal bad blood. Who could have poisoned the blood? And what's happening to the vampires that are now craving only witch's blood?
Really looking forward to seeing where this one goes.
Lycanthropy and Other Chronic Illnesses by Kristen O'Neal
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I know that the representation, specifically with Priya's Tamil heritage, within this book is a hot topic as it is given by a white author and really has no significance to the story as a whole. There's no discussion of how this aspect of her identity interacts with her chronic illness or really any effect it has on her life. As a white person who is not chronically ill, I'm not really the person to give the rep a gold stamp of approval or anything. I think some things could have been handled better, but, for the most part, I think that the discussion and experiences surrounding chronic illness in this book can be validating for a lot of people.
I loved the support group dynamic that Priya and Bridget find in their community. Finding validation through other's experiences is so important when trying to tackle your own issues and I'm glad that the book bolstered that.
It's a book that knows how to toe the line between silly and serious, balancing the fatigue of living with potentially lifelong illnesses and finding comfort in others like you. Priya and Bridget's relationships was so ride or die and It was great to see a strong friendship survive after so many challenges and hurdles.
I picked up the audiobook, which probably isn't the best way to read this story, as there are a lot of chats, texts, emojis, image files, etc. shared and it can be a bit overbearing through audio.
While the books has its bumps, I think it may be worth reading if you're looking for werewolf shenanigans mixed with interesting perspectives on living with a chronic illness.
I loved the support group dynamic that Priya and Bridget find in their community. Finding validation through other's experiences is so important when trying to tackle your own issues and I'm glad that the book bolstered that.
It's a book that knows how to toe the line between silly and serious, balancing the fatigue of living with potentially lifelong illnesses and finding comfort in others like you. Priya and Bridget's relationships was so ride or die and It was great to see a strong friendship survive after so many challenges and hurdles.
I picked up the audiobook, which probably isn't the best way to read this story, as there are a lot of chats, texts, emojis, image files, etc. shared and it can be a bit overbearing through audio.
While the books has its bumps, I think it may be worth reading if you're looking for werewolf shenanigans mixed with interesting perspectives on living with a chronic illness.
Banned Book Club by Ryan Estrada, Kim Hyun Sook
challenging
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
4.0
A great story of activism and finding out what you are willing to fight for. The fight against censorship is a battle that feels like it is always going to have to be fought, as the comic says, "progress is not a straight line." The comic shows the resilience and courage that these students had to adopt in order to interact with media that their country continuously tried to deny them of. It's a timely tale, as book bans soar and the demonization of certain media runs rampant, but it also provides a bit of hope. As long as there are people who treasure free speech, democracy, knowledge, and education, facists and dictatorships will not go unopposed.
I had no idea of this time in South Korean history, naturally because you don't really get that in an American education, so I was glad I picked this graphic novel up.
I had no idea of this time in South Korean history, naturally because you don't really get that in an American education, so I was glad I picked this graphic novel up.
The Thieving Collectors of Fine Children's Books by Adam Perry
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I think the first half of this book was incredibly immersive, your tried and true children's adventure where our hero is waylaid by nefarious adults who want something from him and comes across several characters across his journey. But as the book got to the middle it started to drag a little bit for me, it didn't really keep up the momentum. Cora and Jack felt so flat as characters that I never really was that interested in them.
The end feels a bit too slapped on, a bit too much of a redirected course that it doesn't feel natural, or, at least, it didn't get the build up or pay off to feel natural.
The end feels a bit too slapped on, a bit too much of a redirected course that it doesn't feel natural, or, at least, it didn't get the build up or pay off to feel natural.
I Felt Myself Slipping by Ray Nadine
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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? Yes
3.0
Cute friendship story about two girls in the 90s bonding through gymnastics, their hopes, fears, and goals for the future. It never quite makes it into romance territory, but I was fine with that as I enjoy more depictions of close platonic relationships for teens rather than a speedrun romance.
Love the hard of hearing and ASL representation. I'm not really someone who is qualified to judge whether it is faithful or accurate, but it at least has the opportunity to give insight to readers who may not have encountered depictions before.
The plot itself is engaging, but goes very quickly. There were some plot lines that didn't really get the time to develop and some parts feel very thin as a result. I was able to connect to the characters, but found it difficult to the same to the overall story.
Love the hard of hearing and ASL representation. I'm not really someone who is qualified to judge whether it is faithful or accurate, but it at least has the opportunity to give insight to readers who may not have encountered depictions before.
The plot itself is engaging, but goes very quickly. There were some plot lines that didn't really get the time to develop and some parts feel very thin as a result. I was able to connect to the characters, but found it difficult to the same to the overall story.