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stormywolf's reviews
814 reviews
Flashback by Shannon Messenger
adventurous
challenging
emotional
lighthearted
tense
slow-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
3.75
I didn't mean to let so much time pass before continuing the series, but I guess it's better late than never? Honestly, I was dreading this one. The title and cover image kinda evoke hints at time travel, and though it wasn't mentioned in the summary, I haven't had the best track record with time travel working out right... But maybe if it works, I won't have had such a long break between books! Haha, but really, I guess it's best to just jump in.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, this was a fine continuation of the series. I thought it did a good job exploring some serious issues relevant to the children (15+) going through what is essentially guerilla warfare, but I found the resolution to those issues did detract from their overall impact. Still, fans of the series will no doubt enjoy continuing Sophie's story through its twists and turns, revelations and romance. Things definitely take a darker turn this book, with a particularly gruesome scene which sparks Sophie's PTSD, but I think the series has been ramping up somewhat so the tone shouldn't come as a complete shock to younger readers (though it is definitely straddling the line between MG and YA). As for me, I'll be jumping straight into the next book to get that cliffhanger resolved as soon as possible. Until next time!
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, this was a fine continuation of the series. I thought it did a good job exploring some serious issues relevant to the children (15+) going through what is essentially guerilla warfare, but I found the resolution to those issues did detract from their overall impact. Still, fans of the series will no doubt enjoy continuing Sophie's story through its twists and turns, revelations and romance. Things definitely take a darker turn this book, with a particularly gruesome scene which sparks Sophie's PTSD, but I think the series has been ramping up somewhat so the tone shouldn't come as a complete shock to younger readers (though it is definitely straddling the line between MG and YA). As for me, I'll be jumping straight into the next book to get that cliffhanger resolved as soon as possible. Until next time!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Child abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Torture, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Mental illness, Blood, Medical content, and Pregnancy
Minor: Death, Domestic abuse, Gore, Miscarriage, Dementia, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, and War
Being a middle grade/young adult fantasy book, most of these topics are much milder than they would be in an adult fiction book. There is a scene of torture/gore concerning the main character (age 15) and quite a bit of recovery (using fantasy medicines) and dealing with PTSD. There is also a scene where the main character witnesses and assists with an animal giving premature-birth, but it is given little detail and both parent and child live .
Truth of the Divine by Lindsay Ellis
challenging
dark
emotional
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
No complicated backstory with this one. I follow the author on YouTube, read the first book, knew the sequel was coming out, and picked it up when it did. After the quasi-cliffhanger we were left, with regard to Cora and Ampersand's newly formed bond, it was really a no-brainer that I'd feel compelled to continue the series. And so I did.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I am utterly hooked. Despite the tonal shift to a darker and more insular story, and my constant feelings of depression and discomfort, I still appreciated my experience. Make no mistake, there are parts of this book that will infuriate, devastate, and possibly trigger (read the Author's Note!) readers, but I think the story as a whole is excellently crafted and an important reflection on the state of America back in 2008 and today. Even if you're not a big sci-fi fan, I'd recommend this to anyone interested in stories that include American politics, human rights or social justice initiatives (specifically immigration/refugees and freedom of information), mental health struggles, relationship struggles, existential quandaries, or simply an alternate history set in the late 2000s—but, you know, with aliens. I will definitely be back as soon as the next book comes out (hopefully in the next year?) and I'm crossing my fingers for a bit more truth and a lot less devastation the next time around.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I am utterly hooked. Despite the tonal shift to a darker and more insular story, and my constant feelings of depression and discomfort, I still appreciated my experience. Make no mistake, there are parts of this book that will infuriate, devastate, and possibly trigger (read the Author's Note!) readers, but I think the story as a whole is excellently crafted and an important reflection on the state of America back in 2008 and today. Even if you're not a big sci-fi fan, I'd recommend this to anyone interested in stories that include American politics, human rights or social justice initiatives (specifically immigration/refugees and freedom of information), mental health struggles, relationship struggles, existential quandaries, or simply an alternate history set in the late 2000s—but, you know, with aliens. I will definitely be back as soon as the next book comes out (hopefully in the next year?) and I'm crossing my fingers for a bit more truth and a lot less devastation the next time around.
Truth of the Divine by Lindsay Ellis
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
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
Audiobook Read by Abigail Thorn, Kaveh Taherian, and Stephanie Willis
Unabridged Length: 17.3 Hours
Listened at 2x Speed
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, this was a great improvement and continuation of what came before. The new cast member added even more authenticity to the production (which was only fair considering his "consultant" status) and expertly ushered me through the bits of Farsi/Farglish that Kaveh and his family used throughout. I am both scared—considering how devastated this book left me at times—and excited for what comes next, and am eagerly awaiting the next update.
Unabridged Length: 17.3 Hours
Listened at 2x Speed
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, this was a great improvement and continuation of what came before. The new cast member added even more authenticity to the production (which was only fair considering his "consultant" status) and expertly ushered me through the bits of Farsi/Farglish that Kaveh and his family used throughout. I am both scared—considering how devastated this book left me at times—and excited for what comes next, and am eagerly awaiting the next update.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Violence, Xenophobia, Blood, Grief, Suicide attempt, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Cursing, Drug use, Eating disorder, Genocide, Hate crime, Racial slurs, Racism, Sexual content, Antisemitism, Islamophobia, and Abandonment
Minor: Infertility, Misogyny, Police brutality, and Dementia
Author's Note includes content warnings for trauma, post-traumatic stress, depression, addiction, alcoholism, domestic violence, mental illness, panic attacks, suicidal ideation, suicidal planning, attempted suicide, completed suicide, violent self-harm, racism, xenophobia, Islamophobia, racially motivated violence, anti-Semitism, racial slurs, and (while she wouldn't consider it sexual violence) some uncomfortable sexual situations.
Axiom's End by Lindsay Ellis
adventurous
emotional
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
Audiobook Read by Abigail Thorn & Stephanie Willis
Unabridged Length: 16 Hours
Listened at 2.25x Speed
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I thought this audio successfully juggled the best of both worlds: utilizing two readers added some uniqueness to things, while the one-reader structure of Cora's story maintained familiarity. As some names and terms were unfamiliar (a common trait in sci-fi), the audio pronunciations were definitely appreciated. Though it took a little time for me to find the cadence, even at more than double speed there's still plenty of Cora's attitude coming through the narration. Seeing that the next book is adding a third reader into the mix, I'm excited to see how things progress and change, and not just in the story!
Unabridged Length: 16 Hours
Listened at 2.25x Speed
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I thought this audio successfully juggled the best of both worlds: utilizing two readers added some uniqueness to things, while the one-reader structure of Cora's story maintained familiarity. As some names and terms were unfamiliar (a common trait in sci-fi), the audio pronunciations were definitely appreciated. Though it took a little time for me to find the cadence, even at more than double speed there's still plenty of Cora's attitude coming through the narration. Seeing that the next book is adding a third reader into the mix, I'm excited to see how things progress and change, and not just in the story!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Blood, Kidnapping, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Confinement, Cursing, Genocide, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicide, Violence, Car accident, and Abandonment
Minor: Excrement and Vomit
What Big Teeth by Rose Szabo
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-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
Coming off of two somewhat disappointing werewolf stories, and having a surprise spot opened up for October, I decided to seek out another werewolf story to see if I could satiate my craving for fangs and fur. Enter What Big Teeth which happened to be available in both e-book and audio formats in my library. I remembered this book mainly from its enticing cover, its wolfish reference to Red Riding Hood, and seeing it doing the rounds on Facebook earlier this year, but otherwise had no idea what it was about. So, deciding not to question my luck, I went ahead and sank my teeth into this story.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, despite it not being anything like I was expecting, I really came to love this simultaneously familiar and unique story. There was so much here that made me feel like I wanted to dust off my literary analysis skills from high school/college, from the gothic tone, to the dark themes, deep characters, and possible allegories; I think this could easily be a new literary classic. I tried to be somewhat vague in my review, so as not to spoil anything, since I want other readers to be surprised at all the twists and turns the story takes, especially since the cover, title, and summary don't give nearly enough clues. I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys gothic themes, young adult narratives, complex characters and relationships, LGBTQIA+ stories, or just monsters in general. Whether you're looking for a spooky gothic tale to fit the time of year, or are simply wanting something out of the norm, What Big Teeth might be just what you're looking for.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, despite it not being anything like I was expecting, I really came to love this simultaneously familiar and unique story. There was so much here that made me feel like I wanted to dust off my literary analysis skills from high school/college, from the gothic tone, to the dark themes, deep characters, and possible allegories; I think this could easily be a new literary classic. I tried to be somewhat vague in my review, so as not to spoil anything, since I want other readers to be surprised at all the twists and turns the story takes, especially since the cover, title, and summary don't give nearly enough clues. I'd recommend this to anyone who enjoys gothic themes, young adult narratives, complex characters and relationships, LGBTQIA+ stories, or just monsters in general. Whether you're looking for a spooky gothic tale to fit the time of year, or are simply wanting something out of the norm, What Big Teeth might be just what you're looking for.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Infidelity, Slavery, Toxic relationship, Blood, Fire/Fire injury, Gaslighting, and Abandonment
Moderate: Animal death, Body horror, Bullying, Child death, Violence, Death of parent, and Murder
Minor: Adult/minor relationship, Confinement, Gore, Homophobia, Miscarriage, Sexual violence, Grief, Pregnancy, and Lesbophobia
What Big Teeth by Rose Szabo
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
slow-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
Audiobook Read by Jasika Nicole
Unabridged Length: 12 Hours
Listened at 2.25x Speed
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I enjoyed this production. I did find the reading speed slightly slower than normal, with noticeable pauses between sentences, causing me to increase my listening speed to 2.25x. But despite my personal preferences, I'd still recommend this for the wide variety of character voicework, the helpful pronunciations of some names, and the overall tone and atmosphere Ms. Nicole helped evoke.
Unabridged Length: 12 Hours
Listened at 2.25x Speed
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I enjoyed this production. I did find the reading speed slightly slower than normal, with noticeable pauses between sentences, causing me to increase my listening speed to 2.25x. But despite my personal preferences, I'd still recommend this for the wide variety of character voicework, the helpful pronunciations of some names, and the overall tone and atmosphere Ms. Nicole helped evoke.
Island of Glass by Nora Roberts
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-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? No
2.5
It's finally come down to this. This was the story I was waiting for. I know, I know, a romance between a werewolf and an immortal sounds pretty darn steamy, right? Add their hot and cold chemistry to big climactic battles and a fairytale ending, and this book was certain to be my favorite. Right?
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, this was a fluffy conclusion to a fluff trilogy. Unfortunately the series isn't pitched as fluff whatsoever, which made an epic-sounding fantasy adventure series come out a bit sour. Maybe if you're big into romance but very new to fantasy it will land better, but for me (who is coming from the opposite perspective) it was disappointing to see some of my favorite types of characters given a bare-bones exploration in a story with no teeth. I'd put the spice level as a healthy medium, as some acts are depicted on-page though visuals are left to the imagination. An interesting foray into romance-fantasy, I'm glad to have visited but equally glad I can move on to something else.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, this was a fluffy conclusion to a fluff trilogy. Unfortunately the series isn't pitched as fluff whatsoever, which made an epic-sounding fantasy adventure series come out a bit sour. Maybe if you're big into romance but very new to fantasy it will land better, but for me (who is coming from the opposite perspective) it was disappointing to see some of my favorite types of characters given a bare-bones exploration in a story with no teeth. I'd put the spice level as a healthy medium, as some acts are depicted on-page though visuals are left to the imagination. An interesting foray into romance-fantasy, I'm glad to have visited but equally glad I can move on to something else.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Sexual content, Violence, War, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Animal death, Cursing, Death, Torture, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Death of parent, and Alcohol
The Company of Death by Elisa Hansen
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-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? No
3.0
Audiobook Read by Traci Odom
Unabridged Length: 10.7 Hours
Listened at 2x Speed
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, a solid performance that'll get you through the story just fine. The text has no huge accents, dialects, or foreign languages that might trip you up, so I see no huge reason to recommend this over print, but if you generally enjoy or prefer the audio format, there's also nothing to dissuade you from seeking this one out either.
Unabridged Length: 10.7 Hours
Listened at 2x Speed
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, a solid performance that'll get you through the story just fine. The text has no huge accents, dialects, or foreign languages that might trip you up, so I see no huge reason to recommend this over print, but if you generally enjoy or prefer the audio format, there's also nothing to dissuade you from seeking this one out either.
The Company of Death by Elisa Hansen
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
fast-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? No
4.0
Having been a member of her Vampire Book Club for most of the year, you'd think I'd have already read her book, right? Well, now that I have a Kindle Unlimited trial, I'm jumping on one of the (many) books I've been meaning to read. Besides, I've already covered the other big Halloween themes this month: Demons, Superheroes, Vampires, and Werewolves. So a book about zombies (and more vampires) and Death incarnate sounded like a great way to finish off my month's proverbial bingo card.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, this seems like it could be the entrance into a binge-worthy series. Unfortunately, for me at least, the rest of its series is not out yet and I'm left in a lurch. It's definitely got the makings of something memorable, with a grand quest, quirky characters, secrets and mysteries, and a dangerous world that mixes monsters and magic with science and logic. I'd probably recommend waiting until a sequel is out, unless you've got a special deal (Kindle Unlimited) or enjoy speculating (fanfiction) in the meantime, but it's definitely one to check out if you enjoy stories involving zombies, vampires, Death incarnate, strong female leads, post-apocalyptic survival, road-trips, quests, or existential quandaries. Just be sure to grab some popcorn, and settle in for an interesting ride.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, this seems like it could be the entrance into a binge-worthy series. Unfortunately, for me at least, the rest of its series is not out yet and I'm left in a lurch. It's definitely got the makings of something memorable, with a grand quest, quirky characters, secrets and mysteries, and a dangerous world that mixes monsters and magic with science and logic. I'd probably recommend waiting until a sequel is out, unless you've got a special deal (Kindle Unlimited) or enjoy speculating (fanfiction) in the meantime, but it's definitely one to check out if you enjoy stories involving zombies, vampires, Death incarnate, strong female leads, post-apocalyptic survival, road-trips, quests, or existential quandaries. Just be sure to grab some popcorn, and settle in for an interesting ride.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gun violence, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Animal death, Body horror, Gore, Violence, Cannibalism, and Death of parent
Minor: Child death, Sexism, Sexual content, Slavery, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Cannibalism and body horror both stem from typical zombie depictions.
Squad by Maggie Tokuda-Hall
challenging
dark
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
When this one popped up for me on my Facebook newsfeed, I immediately knew I had to grab it. Between the enticing cover, the premise of hunting skeevy guys, and the fact that it featured werewolves—my absolute favorite of all supernatural creatures—it seemed the perfect fit to fill a slot in my spooky month! You know what they say about too much hype, though...
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, this was a good story with interesting artwork, it just lacked the time and space to fully tackle all the points it raised. I'd still recommend it as a quick and interesting read, especially for those interested in werewolves, YA, vigilantism, or exploring societal issues, but it probably won't be all that memorable in the long run. So if you find the premise interesting and are looking for a bite-sized horror read, then give Squad a try.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, this was a good story with interesting artwork, it just lacked the time and space to fully tackle all the points it raised. I'd still recommend it as a quick and interesting read, especially for those interested in werewolves, YA, vigilantism, or exploring societal issues, but it probably won't be all that memorable in the long run. So if you find the premise interesting and are looking for a bite-sized horror read, then give Squad a try.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Violence, Blood, Murder, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Cursing, Infidelity, Misogyny, Cannibalism, and Alcohol
Minor: Rape and Lesbophobia