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stormywolf's reviews
814 reviews
The Promised Neverland, Vol. 1: Grace Field House by Posuka Demizu, Kaiu Shirai
dark
hopeful
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Overall, I really enjoyed this peek outside my comfort zone. I'd definitely recommend anyone check it (or its [first season of] anime) out if you're interested in high-tension horror/thriller, suspenseful twists, or intelligent characters using logic and reasoning against equally impressive opponents. There honestly isn't as much horrific imagery (gore or body horror) as I was expecting, but there are some deaths, as well as a lot of imagined (child) corpses, so it's not that tame either. Dread, lots and lots of dread. Still, if you're looking for something spooky for this season, but the typical ghosts and ghouls aren't piquing your interest, give this series a look.
See my full review: https://the-wolfs-den-147.blogspot.com
See my full review: https://the-wolfs-den-147.blogspot.com
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child death and Gaslighting
Moderate: Body horror
Bay of Sighs by Nora Roberts
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Knowing the characters from the last book, I admit I wasn't too excited going into this one. The ditzy, child-like mermaid as the main romantic lead? Not really my idea of a great time. Still, I was at least interested in how the group as a whole would progress, and I didn't mind spending more time with Sawyer, so I went ahead and dove in.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I liked this book for what it gave me. As a sequel it does exactly what it needs to—ramping up the drama and stakes from the first book, further fleshing out the world and characters, and pushing readers ahead to the finale—but it doesn't quite stick the landing as well as I might have hoped. Still, it successfully transformed what could have been an uncomfortable romance with a child-coded character into a sweet and enthusiastic culture-clash romance instead, which is a huge win in my book. Now all that's left is to dive into the finale with the werewolf and the immortal—I can't wait!
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I liked this book for what it gave me. As a sequel it does exactly what it needs to—ramping up the drama and stakes from the first book, further fleshing out the world and characters, and pushing readers ahead to the finale—but it doesn't quite stick the landing as well as I might have hoped. Still, it successfully transformed what could have been an uncomfortable romance with a child-coded character into a sweet and enthusiastic culture-clash romance instead, which is a huge win in my book. Now all that's left is to dive into the finale with the werewolf and the immortal—I can't wait!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Torture
Moderate: Cursing, Gun violence, Sexual content, Violence, Blood, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Infertility and Alcohol
Torture involves hanging by wrists, confined in glass box, electric shocks, cutting throat, beating face, shot in non-vital area, stabbing, threatening/torturing loved one
To Sir, with Love by Lauren Layne
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
I actually have no idea how I found this book. I want to say it was someone's blog post, but I can't, for the life of me, find where I found it. Regardless, I was immediately drawn to this book by its promised combination of You've Got Mail setup with the enemies-to-lovers trope. Plus I figured it would be a cute, quick book that I could read along with my mom. At least, I hoped it would be.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, this was just the perfect kind of fluff for me, and one I'd definitely recommend to romance-lovers in general. To Sir, With Love is a cute and quick enemies-to-lovers rom-com, with lots of fun, relatable characters and not a lot of spice. I found it offered some good advice as a kindred spirit, and it definitely brightened my gloomy day. So if you're in the mood for a bit of bubbly, or yearning to cozy up with something feel-good, definitely give this one a try.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, this was just the perfect kind of fluff for me, and one I'd definitely recommend to romance-lovers in general. To Sir, With Love is a cute and quick enemies-to-lovers rom-com, with lots of fun, relatable characters and not a lot of spice. I found it offered some good advice as a kindred spirit, and it definitely brightened my gloomy day. So if you're in the mood for a bit of bubbly, or yearning to cozy up with something feel-good, definitely give this one a try.
To Sir, With Love by Lauren Layne
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Audiobook Read by Rachanee Lumayno & Shaun Taylor-Corbett
Unabridged Length: 6.6 Hours
Listened at 2x Speed
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, not much to critique on this one. A solid production with good pacing, clear enunciation, and strict adherence to the book. I do wish they had deviated slightly during one of the text conversations, where the voice switching made it obvious who was 'speaking' to whom and could have done without the "Gracie to Sebastian" and "Sebastian to Gracie" before each exchange, but otherwise I had no complaints. A fine, fast, flirty rom-com fit for a rainy afternoon or a relaxing evening, this audiobook is a great experience.
Unabridged Length: 6.6 Hours
Listened at 2x Speed
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, not much to critique on this one. A solid production with good pacing, clear enunciation, and strict adherence to the book. I do wish they had deviated slightly during one of the text conversations, where the voice switching made it obvious who was 'speaking' to whom and could have done without the "Gracie to Sebastian" and "Sebastian to Gracie" before each exchange, but otherwise I had no complaints. A fine, fast, flirty rom-com fit for a rainy afternoon or a relaxing evening, this audiobook is a great experience.
Content Warnings
Minor: Infertility, Grief, Car accident, Death of parent, and Pregnancy
The Shambling Guide to New York City by Mur Lafferty
dark
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
4.0
Phew, this is the first physical book I've read in quite some time. That's right, my library didn't have an e-book of this one available in time for the Vampire Book Club's discussion date (though I did request it and its sequel for the future), so I had to hoof it old-school (it's been probably 5 years since I went full digital) through a paperback copy! Was it worth the papercut potential?
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I really enjoyed the world-building, if not necessarily the inhabitants of said world. Maybe it's just NYC and its denizens, but I found the consensus that humanity was only as good as a food-source for the vast majority of coterie to be a bit of a downer. It was fun to visit, but I definitely wouldn't want to live there. Then again, the prospect of a wider world with perhaps more progressive/cooperative people, or the possibility of some future developments, is enough to have me eager to return for the sequel(s). So if you're looking for some snarky protagonists, a fascinating take on monsters and the supernatural, or just a fast-paced romp through New York City, you should probably give The Shambling Guide a try. As with any visit to a big city, just be mindful of the more unsavory parts (if you have an aversion to that) and have a good time.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I really enjoyed the world-building, if not necessarily the inhabitants of said world. Maybe it's just NYC and its denizens, but I found the consensus that humanity was only as good as a food-source for the vast majority of coterie to be a bit of a downer. It was fun to visit, but I definitely wouldn't want to live there. Then again, the prospect of a wider world with perhaps more progressive/cooperative people, or the possibility of some future developments, is enough to have me eager to return for the sequel(s). So if you're looking for some snarky protagonists, a fascinating take on monsters and the supernatural, or just a fast-paced romp through New York City, you should probably give The Shambling Guide a try. As with any visit to a big city, just be mindful of the more unsavory parts (if you have an aversion to that) and have a good time.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Sexual content, and Sexual harassment
Moderate: Animal death, Body horror, Death, Gore, Infidelity, Violence, Blood, Police brutality, Cannibalism, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Body shaming, Chronic illness, Mental illness, Terminal illness, Forced institutionalization, Medical content, Dementia, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis
The animal death is hedgehogs.
Mental illness/dementia/schizophrenia is all explained later as having a supernatural reason, but that is only revealed at the end.
Chronic/terminal illness & cannibalism has to do with zombies.
Wings of Shadow by Nicki Pau Preto
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
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
5.0
I can't begin to tell you how pumped I was for this book. I didn't even want to read the book's summary, I was so ready to just dive in. With the last couple series enders I've read being a bit disappointing, I probably should have had a bit more apprehension going in, but with my re-read out of the way (and two amazing audios enhancing my experience) I was eager to see what the shadows had in store for me...
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, this is my new highest-recommended fantasy series. I just can't stop pushing it at people on Likewise or Facebook, and I'm definitely adding them to my gifting list for birthdays & holidays (as soon as the paperbacks come out). The diverse and intricate characters, the uplifting and relatable themes, and the fantastical and well-developed setting all combined into an endlessly engaging and emotional series which I will love to visit again and again. If any short stories or continuations ever come about in this world, which I wouldn't consider completely outside the range of possibility, I will pounce on them in a heartbeat. As it stands, I'm eagerly awaiting any future projects (2023?!) and updates from the author, and will be singing this series' praises for quite some time.
[For those interested, this series is also being made into a webcomic on WebToon. It's not yet through the first book, but it does look to be a fantastic adaptation so far. So be sure to check it out here: Crown of Feathers]
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, this is my new highest-recommended fantasy series. I just can't stop pushing it at people on Likewise or Facebook, and I'm definitely adding them to my gifting list for birthdays & holidays (as soon as the paperbacks come out). The diverse and intricate characters, the uplifting and relatable themes, and the fantastical and well-developed setting all combined into an endlessly engaging and emotional series which I will love to visit again and again. If any short stories or continuations ever come about in this world, which I wouldn't consider completely outside the range of possibility, I will pounce on them in a heartbeat. As it stands, I'm eagerly awaiting any future projects (2023?!) and updates from the author, and will be singing this series' praises for quite some time.
[For those interested, this series is also being made into a webcomic on WebToon. It's not yet through the first book, but it does look to be a fantastic adaptation so far. So be sure to check it out here: Crown of Feathers]
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal death, Death, Violence, Blood, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and War
Minor: Confinement, Slavery, and Injury/Injury detail
Wings of Shadow by Nicki Pau Preto
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
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
5.0
Audiobook Read by Cassandra Campbell, Ferdelle Capistrano, Michael Crouch, Gibson Frazier, Joy Osmanski, & Jacques Roy
Unabridged Length: 22.7 Hours
Listened at 2x Speed
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I'd highly recommend this audiobook trilogy as a shining example of high fantasy done right. Sure, I wish the glossary was either done at the beginning or left out entirely, and I would have loved to have a curtain call of the narrators with their roles in all the books, but especially this last one, but for the majority of listeners these won't affect them at all. Fantastic voices, a solid production, and an epic story all combine into a standout trilogy I won't soon forget.
Unabridged Length: 22.7 Hours
Listened at 2x Speed
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I'd highly recommend this audiobook trilogy as a shining example of high fantasy done right. Sure, I wish the glossary was either done at the beginning or left out entirely, and I would have loved to have a curtain call of the narrators with their roles in all the books, but especially this last one, but for the majority of listeners these won't affect them at all. Fantastic voices, a solid production, and an epic story all combine into a standout trilogy I won't soon forget.
Heart of Flames by Nicki Pau Preto
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
Audiobook Read by Cassandra Campbell, Michael Crouch, Samantha Desz, Gibson Frazier, Joy Osmanski, Timothy Andrés Pabon & Jacques Roy
Unabridged Length: 23.3 Hours
Listened at 2x Speed
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I'd say this was a marked improvement over the first book. Again, I'm not sure if this is due in part to the improved emotions and storybeats of the narrative, or solely because of the narrators themselves, but regardless I definitely enjoyed this one more. I think the cast were better settled in this time around, both with the world and their characters, so the production as a whole benefited from that familiarity. I'm not fully sure why the production team decided to include 10 full pages of timeline and glossary at the end of the book, as I hardly think they benefit an audio as much as a text, and since many of the people and terms are described in the story as they are relevant, but I guess it wasn't detrimental to the whole. So, ultimately this production did what it needed to: transport me through its story and get me pumped up for the final entry.
Unabridged Length: 23.3 Hours
Listened at 2x Speed
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I'd say this was a marked improvement over the first book. Again, I'm not sure if this is due in part to the improved emotions and storybeats of the narrative, or solely because of the narrators themselves, but regardless I definitely enjoyed this one more. I think the cast were better settled in this time around, both with the world and their characters, so the production as a whole benefited from that familiarity. I'm not fully sure why the production team decided to include 10 full pages of timeline and glossary at the end of the book, as I hardly think they benefit an audio as much as a text, and since many of the people and terms are described in the story as they are relevant, but I guess it wasn't detrimental to the whole. So, ultimately this production did what it needed to: transport me through its story and get me pumped up for the final entry.
Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
Returning to the world from The Hate U Give, this time in a prequel featuring Starr's dad, I'll admit I was hesitant to jump in this time. Not only have I been continually heartbroken and dejected the more I hear and read about Black people's ongoing plight in the US lately, and I know this author never pulls her punches, but I was also apprehensive about focusing on gang activity, recalling some of Maverick's past from the first book. Even knowing what he would become in the future, I was hesitant to know just what her dad had been involved in before turning his life around. Still, I trust Angie Thomas by now, so I went ahead and took the plunge.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I was surprised by how much I loved this book. Between its unique style, courageous and lovable characters, heartwarming messages, and emotional core, I don't know what to praise the most. There are obviously going to be those who turn up their noses at this book, and of course they're the ones who need to read it the most, but I'd highly recommend it to everyone who's old enough. There are scenes involving gun violence, sex, and drug use, so I do understand some reservations, but seriously, at least give it a try. After all, as this story illustrates, one decision could change the whole course of your life.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I was surprised by how much I loved this book. Between its unique style, courageous and lovable characters, heartwarming messages, and emotional core, I don't know what to praise the most. There are obviously going to be those who turn up their noses at this book, and of course they're the ones who need to read it the most, but I'd highly recommend it to everyone who's old enough. There are scenes involving gun violence, sex, and drug use, so I do understand some reservations, but seriously, at least give it a try. After all, as this story illustrates, one decision could change the whole course of your life.
Cheshire Crossing by Andy Weir, Sarah Andersen
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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? No
3.0
I actually came upon this book when I was searching the library catalog to put an early hold on Project Hail Mary. So when I pulled up Andy Weir on Libby, along with his other sci-fi novels, this one popped up. A MG/YA illustrated fanfic about Alice, Wendy, and Dorothy exploring multiple universes together? Uh, sounds kinda crazy, but sign me up!
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I enjoyed myself, but I don't honestly know who to recommend it to. I think the target audience and the appropriate audience are two separate entities, such that I guess I'd recommend it to the older (teens and adults) who are looking for silly, shallow, short-form content. I think it appeals to those who want to laugh at old sensibilities, and envision new adventures with the strong heroines championed today. As fanfiction it's definitely on the playful side, taking the What If... approach that's seen a recent mainstream appeal, but in its playfulness it often treats its sources somewhat irreverently, which will upset some fans. So I guess my advice is to take it for what it is: a short, playful mash-up of some childhood properties explored through a slightly older and decidedly more modern lens. Don't buy it on name alone, try a sample or find a copy through the library. And if you do decide to go down this rabbit hole, try not to take things too seriously.
Read my full review at The Wolf's Den
Overall, I enjoyed myself, but I don't honestly know who to recommend it to. I think the target audience and the appropriate audience are two separate entities, such that I guess I'd recommend it to the older (teens and adults) who are looking for silly, shallow, short-form content. I think it appeals to those who want to laugh at old sensibilities, and envision new adventures with the strong heroines championed today. As fanfiction it's definitely on the playful side, taking the What If... approach that's seen a recent mainstream appeal, but in its playfulness it often treats its sources somewhat irreverently, which will upset some fans. So I guess my advice is to take it for what it is: a short, playful mash-up of some childhood properties explored through a slightly older and decidedly more modern lens. Don't buy it on name alone, try a sample or find a copy through the library. And if you do decide to go down this rabbit hole, try not to take things too seriously.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Cursing, Violence, Forced institutionalization, and Blood
Minor: Confinement, Drug use, Mental illness, and Medical trauma