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stormywolf's reviews
814 reviews
Once Upon a Dream by Liz Braswell
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Coming to the tale of Sleeping Beauty, which features one of my least favorite heroines but one of my most favorite villains, I had mixed feelings. Would the heroine be elevated by having more time and depth added? Would the villain be re-imagined with a(nother) sympathetic backstory? Would this story reside in my dreams, or haunt my nightmares?
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, this one hit me a lot harder than I ever expected one of these Twisted Disney stories would. It still has its fair share of things I didn't like, things that felt tonally off, and things I felt could have been given a deeper exploration, but on the whole I appreciated the thought and care given to the main subject. Aurora Rose was taken from a passive role as a damsel in distress, now re-imagined as a character with gifts and curses (given & natural) who has to fight demons (literal & internal) in order to overcome evil and find her place in the world. If you're okay with some dark subject matter—specifically murder, childhood trauma, and mental health issues—I would highly recommend checking out this Twisted Tale.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, this one hit me a lot harder than I ever expected one of these Twisted Disney stories would. It still has its fair share of things I didn't like, things that felt tonally off, and things I felt could have been given a deeper exploration, but on the whole I appreciated the thought and care given to the main subject. Aurora Rose was taken from a passive role as a damsel in distress, now re-imagined as a character with gifts and curses (given & natural) who has to fight demons (literal & internal) in order to overcome evil and find her place in the world. If you're okay with some dark subject matter—specifically murder, childhood trauma, and mental health issues—I would highly recommend checking out this Twisted Tale.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness and Blood
Moderate: Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Dementia, Grief, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Minor: Animal death and Rape
The word "rapists" is used once, but given no context or further thought. A majority of the story focuses on the main character's depression, with a couple scenes describing her suicide attempt (knowing she was to be cursed with eternal sleep, but willingly going through with it).
Once Upon a Dream by Liz Braswell
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Audiobook Read by James Patrick Cronin
Unabridged Length: 9.7 Hours
Listened at 2x Speed
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, this production did everything it needed to, but once again lacked that Disney flair some of us would appreciate. The the pacing was fine and the text all matched the Kindle copy I read, so nothing bad to report but nothing innovative or amazing either. If I had to nitpick, I would have liked a different reader narrating a female-led story, but he did well with what he had. I sincerely hope that future audiobooks innovate more, giving us something more magical instead of merely passable.
Unabridged Length: 9.7 Hours
Listened at 2x Speed
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, this production did everything it needed to, but once again lacked that Disney flair some of us would appreciate. The the pacing was fine and the text all matched the Kindle copy I read, so nothing bad to report but nothing innovative or amazing either. If I had to nitpick, I would have liked a different reader narrating a female-led story, but he did well with what he had. I sincerely hope that future audiobooks innovate more, giving us something more magical instead of merely passable.
City of Villains by Estelle Laure
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This was the one that reignited my interested to return to Disney books. I remember seeing adds for City of Villains on Facebook early last year and being intrigued by the dark vibe. I mean, after reading a summary like that, and seeing some of the best villains on the cover, how could I pass this up? So I recommended it to my library, and lo and behold, it finally became available this December! Of course, the best laid plans went awry when I got a nasty cold (thankfully tested negative for the -19) smack dab in the middle of the month, forcing me to push back my reading and reviews a bit. Still, I hoped the magic and mystery of this city would end my year on a high note.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I applaud the story's unique vision and ambition, but I was ultimately left wanting. The lack of time and space that was (seemingly) allowed to develop the world and its conflicts left me drowning in unanswered questions and out of breath from the breakneck speed of that ending. I understand that the characters and plot will be continuing in sequels (one due out later this year), but I'm still struggling to figure out how this world works, let alone how the characters are hoping to change things. I can definitely recommend this for its noir-like urban fantasy aesthetic and interesting twist on familiar characters, but if you're like me and are hoping for a complex look at this world's history and society, or these characters' psyches, you may be disappointed. Then again, maybe hoping for a Disney publishing-house to allow a truly unique, complex, gritty version of its intellectual property (even the villains) is too much. I guess we'll have to wait and see...
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I applaud the story's unique vision and ambition, but I was ultimately left wanting. The lack of time and space that was (seemingly) allowed to develop the world and its conflicts left me drowning in unanswered questions and out of breath from the breakneck speed of that ending. I understand that the characters and plot will be continuing in sequels (one due out later this year), but I'm still struggling to figure out how this world works, let alone how the characters are hoping to change things. I can definitely recommend this for its noir-like urban fantasy aesthetic and interesting twist on familiar characters, but if you're like me and are hoping for a complex look at this world's history and society, or these characters' psyches, you may be disappointed. Then again, maybe hoping for a Disney publishing-house to allow a truly unique, complex, gritty version of its intellectual property (even the villains) is too much. I guess we'll have to wait and see...
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Confinement, Drug use, Racism, Torture, and Kidnapping
Minor: Bullying, Chronic illness, Gun violence, Hate crime, Grief, Death of parent, and Gaslighting
A Whole New World by Liz Braswell
Audiobook Read by James Patrick Cronin
Unabridged Length: 8.5 Hours
Listened at 2x Speed
This audiobook probably had the most going against it of any that I've heard before, since the characters are all ones we've heard and loved for years. Still, I thought Mr. Cronin did fairly well. Admittedly, Jasmine was a bit rough, and Genie didn't sound like he was trying for a straight Robin Williams comparison (though that might have been due to the writing as well), which I appreciated. I particularly enjoyed Jafar, who while not as campy as Jonathan Freeman, did successfully portray both the sneering, scheming vizier and the gleeful partly-mad sultan. Aladdin basically shared the narration voice, though there was a good amount of emotion (particularly snark) embedded in the performance.
Overall, the production was fine. No glaring errors, but no amazing innovations either. The characters were distinct, the pacing was fine, and the text all matched up with the Kindle copy I was reading. If Disney wanted to, they could have provided a full voice cast (even with the animated series actors), which would have greatly enhanced the production (especially with Jasmine's voice), but Cronin did his best with what he had and made a serviceable performance. It'll get you through, but you won't be feeling much magic afterward.
Unabridged Length: 8.5 Hours
Listened at 2x Speed
This audiobook probably had the most going against it of any that I've heard before, since the characters are all ones we've heard and loved for years. Still, I thought Mr. Cronin did fairly well. Admittedly, Jasmine was a bit rough, and Genie didn't sound like he was trying for a straight Robin Williams comparison (though that might have been due to the writing as well), which I appreciated. I particularly enjoyed Jafar, who while not as campy as Jonathan Freeman, did successfully portray both the sneering, scheming vizier and the gleeful partly-mad sultan. Aladdin basically shared the narration voice, though there was a good amount of emotion (particularly snark) embedded in the performance.
Overall, the production was fine. No glaring errors, but no amazing innovations either. The characters were distinct, the pacing was fine, and the text all matched up with the Kindle copy I was reading. If Disney wanted to, they could have provided a full voice cast (even with the animated series actors), which would have greatly enhanced the production (especially with Jasmine's voice), but Cronin did his best with what he had and made a serviceable performance. It'll get you through, but you won't be feeling much magic afterward.
A Whole New World by Liz Braswell
adventurous
dark
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Partly inspired by a certain internet movie reviewer, and partly because I am a bit of a fangirl, I decided I wanted to dedicate the month of December to all that is Disney! This series of reviews will focus on Disney-inspired media, obviously, and will hopefully expand over the years. This year I wanted to get the ball rolling on their Twisted Tales series, books that promise to re-imagine the Disney stories we know and love as new, darker takes. Will they be successful, or will the originals' magic still hold?
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, there was a lot I liked in this story, but the execution was lacking. There are tons of valuable perspectives addressed throughout the story—of women in a patriarchal society, of poverty and morality, of power and justice—but without a central character to witness and react to these revelations and (hopefully) changes, it doesn't leave much of an impact when all's said and done. It is an interesting What If... story, to be sure, but would have greatly benefited from a tighter focus and/or more alterations to main characters. Still, as an introduction to the possibilities of these Twisted Tales, I'm definitely looking forward to what lies ahead, albeit with a bit more apprehension.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, there was a lot I liked in this story, but the execution was lacking. There are tons of valuable perspectives addressed throughout the story—of women in a patriarchal society, of poverty and morality, of power and justice—but without a central character to witness and react to these revelations and (hopefully) changes, it doesn't leave much of an impact when all's said and done. It is an interesting What If... story, to be sure, but would have greatly benefited from a tighter focus and/or more alterations to main characters. Still, as an introduction to the possibilities of these Twisted Tales, I'm definitely looking forward to what lies ahead, albeit with a bit more apprehension.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Body horror, Child death, Death, Slavery, Violence, Blood, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal death, Mental illness, Physical abuse, Police brutality, Grief, Fire/Fire injury, Abandonment, and War
The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
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? Yes
4.5
I had utterly no clue what this book was about. Basically, I needed a book recommended on BookBub for a reading challenge, and I found this on a list of books that featured libraries and bookstores. I thought the summary made it sound light, mysterious, and kinda cozy. Little did I know just what I was in for...
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, this story devastated me but in the best way possible. I went in mostly unassuming, with it not being in my typical genres or demographic, and was utterly blindsided with how much I related to these characters and their doubts, their fears, their regrets, and their struggles. But by the same token, as they were built back up with changes and support, I too came out the other side with a feeling of reassurance and hope. The literary lean didn't hurt things either. I'd highly recommend this for anyone looking for something about later-life changes, self-discovery, self-improvement, family drama and reconciliation, or the importance of love, support, and moving forward. So for anyone who is feeling a bit lost right now—let's face it, there are plenty of us—you might just find a little bit of comfort within this book's pages.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, this story devastated me but in the best way possible. I went in mostly unassuming, with it not being in my typical genres or demographic, and was utterly blindsided with how much I related to these characters and their doubts, their fears, their regrets, and their struggles. But by the same token, as they were built back up with changes and support, I too came out the other side with a feeling of reassurance and hope. The literary lean didn't hurt things either. I'd highly recommend this for anyone looking for something about later-life changes, self-discovery, self-improvement, family drama and reconciliation, or the importance of love, support, and moving forward. So for anyone who is feeling a bit lost right now—let's face it, there are plenty of us—you might just find a little bit of comfort within this book's pages.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Emotional abuse, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, and Death of parent
Moderate: Body shaming, Death, Grief, and Alcohol
Minor: Cancer, Fatphobia, Lesbophobia, Toxic friendship, and Abandonment
The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
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? Yes
4.0
Audiobook Read by Imogen Church
Unabridged Length: 10.5 Hours
Listened at 2.25x Speed
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I was enchanted by this production from start to finish. The reading pace was slightly slower than (my) usual, but those who have difficulty with accents will probably appreciate that. No difficult names or vocabulary to trip over, but I certainly appreciated the narration moving me along through the (many) teary moments. The stellar voicework alone has me recommending this production for newcomers and audiobook veterans alike. So definitely don't hesitate to find this at your local library, and fall in love along with me.
Unabridged Length: 10.5 Hours
Listened at 2.25x Speed
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I was enchanted by this production from start to finish. The reading pace was slightly slower than (my) usual, but those who have difficulty with accents will probably appreciate that. No difficult names or vocabulary to trip over, but I certainly appreciated the narration moving me along through the (many) teary moments. The stellar voicework alone has me recommending this production for newcomers and audiobook veterans alike. So definitely don't hesitate to find this at your local library, and fall in love along with me.
Believe Me by Tahereh Mafi
emotional
hopeful
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
5.0
We've finally, FINALLY come to this. The definitely-gonna-be-the-last-one FINAL book in the Shatter Me series (after 2 fake-outs already). And it's a novella (though, is 200+ pages still considered a novella?) in Warner's POV. Will we finally get the answers we crave? Will we get a satisfying ending? Or will we just get all the kissing we could ever hope for?
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, this was a great ending that had me smiling and crying at equal intervals. There is a very steamy scene in the middle, which I was not expecting, but it's not explicit in anatomical descriptions, so I'd still say it's good for older YA. I can't say for sure that this completely redeems the last book for me, but it definitely had me feeling good, and thankful, and hopeful, and teary-eyed. And for anyone who was on the fence about another novella, this is definitely a must-read for everyone who already loves the series. Now, does anyone else wish for Mafi's next book's release date to come sooner? Cause believe me, I do!
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, this was a great ending that had me smiling and crying at equal intervals. There is a very steamy scene in the middle, which I was not expecting, but it's not explicit in anatomical descriptions, so I'd still say it's good for older YA. I can't say for sure that this completely redeems the last book for me, but it definitely had me feeling good, and thankful, and hopeful, and teary-eyed. And for anyone who was on the fence about another novella, this is definitely a must-read for everyone who already loves the series. Now, does anyone else wish for Mafi's next book's release date to come sooner? Cause believe me, I do!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Death of parent, and War
The book does contain a sex scene, but there are no anatomical details, mainly relying on emotions and vague movements.
Unlocked by Shannon Messenger
adventurous
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
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
4.0
My eyes nearly bugged out of my head when I saw the page-count of this book. I was fully intending to have a double-review-week, featuring the latest novellas of two series, but then this one showed up with a 750+ page-count! Luckily there's lots of extra non-story-based extras helping to fill out this "novella," so it shouldn't take nearly as long to finish as I feared. So with the premise clearly established by the devastating cliffhanger from the last book, I jumped in.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I think this was a smart move combining an essential, canonical story, bonus materials, art book, and reference guide to make a full-length book. The canonical story gives incentive to casual readers, who are rewarded with bonus goodies, while the collectors might be incentivized by the reference materials and artwork, but are rewarded with the canonical story. The story itself was a little hit and miss for me, with Sophie's half seeming simply cropped out of its book, and Keefe's being a welcome introspective dive into very complex and mature subjects. I guess I'm asking for more Keefe in the future, which I don't see being a problem—maybe another novella down the line? Regardless, fans of the series are sure to love this book and be clamoring for more. And I'll definitely be revisiting this as a handy reminder tool before jumping into the next book (whenever that may be).
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I think this was a smart move combining an essential, canonical story, bonus materials, art book, and reference guide to make a full-length book. The canonical story gives incentive to casual readers, who are rewarded with bonus goodies, while the collectors might be incentivized by the reference materials and artwork, but are rewarded with the canonical story. The story itself was a little hit and miss for me, with Sophie's half seeming simply cropped out of its book, and Keefe's being a welcome introspective dive into very complex and mature subjects. I guess I'm asking for more Keefe in the future, which I don't see being a problem—maybe another novella down the line? Regardless, fans of the series are sure to love this book and be clamoring for more. And I'll definitely be revisiting this as a handy reminder tool before jumping into the next book (whenever that may be).
Content Warnings
Moderate: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Fire/Fire injury
Minor: Child abuse, Death, Emotional abuse, Violence, Medical content, Grief, Abandonment, and War
Legacy by Shannon Messenger
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
tense
medium-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
Coming off the ending of the last book, I was eager to jump straight into this one. Not only might we finally get the answers to some deep-seated questions we've been pondering from the very beginning, but we might get to advance the romance! So without further ado...
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, this was equal parts frustrating and rewarding. I enjoyed the cast expansion while also being disappointed that some characters fell by the wayside; the more compact timeline allowed for better pacing, yet it was still packed-to-bursting with so many plot elements that it was easy to lose focus; and the portrayals of the romance and trauma both had ups and downs, but as they're largely unresolved I feel I still have to delay judgement. Since this series is largely an overarching epic, it's hard to pin down some of the depictions as good, bad, or otherwise when they're ultimately incomplete. About all I am sure of is that this book was one helluva ride from start to finish, and I can't wait to jump into the next one.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, this was equal parts frustrating and rewarding. I enjoyed the cast expansion while also being disappointed that some characters fell by the wayside; the more compact timeline allowed for better pacing, yet it was still packed-to-bursting with so many plot elements that it was easy to lose focus; and the portrayals of the romance and trauma both had ups and downs, but as they're largely unresolved I feel I still have to delay judgement. Since this series is largely an overarching epic, it's hard to pin down some of the depictions as good, bad, or otherwise when they're ultimately incomplete. About all I am sure of is that this book was one helluva ride from start to finish, and I can't wait to jump into the next one.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Violence, Medical content, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Kidnapping, Medical trauma, Gaslighting, and Abandonment