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betweentheshelves's reviews
2606 reviews
Through the Elder Woods by Katie Cook
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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? No
4.0
Such a fun fantasy adventure story! I loved the humor infused throughout, and the chemistry of the characters as we go along. Who doesn't like a group of misfits going on an adventure together to save someone? If you're a Tolkien fan, you'll also love all of the Tolkien references sprinkled throughout the story.
The art style in this fits the tone of the story so well, and I loved how bits and pieces of the world unfolded as we went on. This is listed as a volume 1, so I am interested in seeing where it goes next!
The art style in this fits the tone of the story so well, and I loved how bits and pieces of the world unfolded as we went on. This is listed as a volume 1, so I am interested in seeing where it goes next!
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Violence, and Kidnapping
King Cheer by Molly Horton Booth, Stephanie Kate Strohm
emotional
funny
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
3.5
I do think I liked Twelfth Grade Night better than this one, partially because the storyline was a bit hard to follow at times in this one. To be fair, King Lear is a bit chaotic and messy, so that does track. And overall, this hits a lot of the major points of King Lear in a high school way (from what I can remember, it's been a while since I read it). As a retelling, I think it nails it in that aspect.
The art is also stunning. I love the art style and the way they use colors in these retellings. It works so well to bring the story to life. However, a bit more fleshing out of the overall story would have provided some clarity that would have helped with the plot.
The art is also stunning. I love the art style and the way they use colors in these retellings. It works so well to bring the story to life. However, a bit more fleshing out of the overall story would have provided some clarity that would have helped with the plot.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Toxic relationship, and Acephobia/Arophobia
The Girl in Question by Tess Sharpe
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-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
This took me way longer to finish than it should have, but not because it wasn't good! I've just been easily distracted in the last week or so. I wasn't sure if [book:The Girls I've Been|49471138] needed a sequel, but now I agree that it definitely did. And this is such a good sequel!
The way this is formatted works perfectly for the content with the short chapters and the switching between points of view. The pacing hooks you in about halfway through, desperate to know what happens next. And there are plot twists that you're not expecting, adding to the overall suspense.
The characters are also just as good in this one, with the addition of a couple of new ones. They really make the story, and I'm glad we got a little more closure with where their future is going. A fitting end to what was already a great story.
The way this is formatted works perfectly for the content with the short chapters and the switching between points of view. The pacing hooks you in about halfway through, desperate to know what happens next. And there are plot twists that you're not expecting, adding to the overall suspense.
The characters are also just as good in this one, with the addition of a couple of new ones. They really make the story, and I'm glad we got a little more closure with where their future is going. A fitting end to what was already a great story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Violence, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Child abuse, Domestic abuse, and Torture
Minor: Drug abuse, Homophobia, and Abortion
A Magic Fierce and Bright by Hemant Nayak
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
The world building in this book is probably the best thing about it. Nayak created such a unique, interesting world that I just wanted to keep learning more about it. It was such a fascinating magic system, and I would definitely read more stories set in this particular world!
Some of the characters could have been fleshed out a little more, but as a YA fantasy debut, I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
Some of the characters could have been fleshed out a little more, but as a YA fantasy debut, I thoroughly enjoyed this one!
Prince of the Palisades by Julian Winters
emotional
funny
hopeful
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
4.5
After a video of a messy break up goes viral, Prince Jadon of Îles de la Rêverie is forced to stay in America until he cleans up his act. So, he's enrolled in a private school in Santa Monica, with carefully scheduled appearances to get his image back. What he doesn't expect is to fall for a local boy at his school that might just throw a wrench into all his plans.
As Jadon tries to juggle his new image with his growing feelings, he has to decide what his future looks like. And if he wants to fit into the image Rêverie wants him to have after all.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin for an advanced copy of Prince of the Palisades by Julian Winters to review! If you are a fan of Young Royals, you'll definitely love Winters' latest romance. It hits all the right boxes, with a swoonworthy romance you'll absolutely love.
This also might be the rare queer YA that actually feels like Red, White, & Royal Blue to me as well. Not quite the enemies to lovers romance, but you get similar vibes from the royalty and the romance. Winters always excels at writing characters you will fall in love with from the beginning, and this book is no exception. At the beginning, Jadon is closed off. Being a prince for him means that getting close to people is a liability. His emotional journey from beginning to end is so well done. Especially as he learns to open up.
In addition to being a romance, this book is also about finding your voice and standing up for what you believe in. Through his new friends in the US, Jadon learns to use his privilege as a prince to stand up for others, especially queer teens. It works so well for the emotional journey he's on throughout the book.
All in all, if you're looking for a queer, royalty romance, definitely pick this one up in August!
---
Review to come!
As Jadon tries to juggle his new image with his growing feelings, he has to decide what his future looks like. And if he wants to fit into the image Rêverie wants him to have after all.
Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin for an advanced copy of Prince of the Palisades by Julian Winters to review! If you are a fan of Young Royals, you'll definitely love Winters' latest romance. It hits all the right boxes, with a swoonworthy romance you'll absolutely love.
This also might be the rare queer YA that actually feels like Red, White, & Royal Blue to me as well. Not quite the enemies to lovers romance, but you get similar vibes from the royalty and the romance. Winters always excels at writing characters you will fall in love with from the beginning, and this book is no exception. At the beginning, Jadon is closed off. Being a prince for him means that getting close to people is a liability. His emotional journey from beginning to end is so well done. Especially as he learns to open up.
In addition to being a romance, this book is also about finding your voice and standing up for what you believe in. Through his new friends in the US, Jadon learns to use his privilege as a prince to stand up for others, especially queer teens. It works so well for the emotional journey he's on throughout the book.
All in all, if you're looking for a queer, royalty romance, definitely pick this one up in August!
---
Review to come!
Content Warnings
Minor: Bullying, Homophobia, and Racism
How to Be a Pirate by Cressida Cowell
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-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
3.0
Honestly, not a bad follow-up to the first book! I still think the movies are generally better in terms of the story and message, but I liked the adventures in this one. They're stranded on an island, and get in considerably dangerous situations. It's still a fun story, and I still thoroughly enjoy David Tennant's narration!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Bullying
Moderate: Child death, Slavery, and Violence
Minor: Cannibalism, Fire/Fire injury, and Alcohol
A Guest in the House by E.M. Carroll
dark
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
5.0
Let me just start by saying the art in this is gorgeous. The way color is worked in is so cool, and it fits the overall tone of the book. It also reflects the way that the plot gets twisty towards the end, making you question what things are real and what things aren't. The vibes are perfect for spooky season, and it is definitely worthy of its Eisner nomination. So well done!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, and Murder
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Suicide, and Death of parent
Minor: Cancer, Car accident, and Pregnancy
Sheine Lende by Darcie Little Badger
adventurous
emotional
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? No
4.5
I thoroughly enjoyed how this book expanded the universe that Darcie Little Badger created in Elatsoe, with the ghosts and other magical creatures. Storytelling aspects are also woven into the story, and I like how lyrical it reads overall. I'd recommend listening to it if you get a chance because I think the story works really well that way.
The characters are all well-rounded and fleshed out, making you wholly invested in their story. I would definitely read more books set in this world in the future.
The characters are all well-rounded and fleshed out, making you wholly invested in their story. I would definitely read more books set in this world in the future.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Grief, and Colonisation
Moderate: Terminal illness, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Minor: Animal death, Genocide, and Racism
Ms. Marvel: The New Mutant by Iman Vellani, Sabir Pirzada
adventurous
funny
mysterious
fast-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
I think this was a pretty solid comics debut from Iman Vellani! Honestly, if you haven't watched her in the Ms. Marvel show, I highly recommend watching that because she does such an excellent job. Though I haven't necessarily been keeping up with this storyline, I felt like this fit the vibes of the show and I really enjoyed reading it!
The Curse of Eelgrass Bog by Mary Averling
adventurous
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
4.5
This is a delightfully spooky middle grade that has wonderful world building and a cast of strong characters. I loved the way that Averling builds the mystery in this because I couldn't put it down for the second half of the book. I had to know what was going on with Kess and her family.
If you like spooky books, there's a lot to love in this one from a haunted bog to witches to strange supernatural monsters. It's just a wonderful read, and it will be great for spooky season!
If you like spooky books, there's a lot to love in this one from a haunted bog to witches to strange supernatural monsters. It's just a wonderful read, and it will be great for spooky season!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief, Death of parent, and Abandonment
Moderate: Death
Minor: Bullying and Injury/Injury detail