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cassroberts89's reviews
436 reviews
The Magician's Daughter by H.G. Parry
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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? It's complicated
4.0
Wonderful! I did not realize when I started this that it was YA (bought about a year ago and shelved it, oops). I enjoyed it quite a bit anyway. I think my teen would love it too. It’s giving Howl’s Moving Castle vibes.
The Five Year Lie by Sarina Bowen
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
4.0
Couldn’t put it down! Thank you to Goodreads and the publisher for the giveaway ARC.
Echo Mountain by Lauren Wolk
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
slow-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? No
4.0
1996 by Kirsty McManus
hopeful
lighthearted
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? No
3.0
That was cute! I almost DNFed right away because, honestly, the writing isn’t exactly top notch. I’m glad I didn’t though. It was a great, light, fun read when I’ve been reading some pretty heavy topics lately. I was even invested enough to try to get the next book in the series, but my library doesn’t have it 🤷🏻♀️
The Southern Book Club's Guide to Slaying Vampires by Grady Hendrix
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This is one of those times that I wish I had reviewed this right away. I had a lot to say, and now it’s gone to the same place as my missing stray socks. I know I loved it. I know it went a lot deeper than a simple vampire story. This was also one of those rare times where I didn’t particularly like the main character, but I still found myself rooting for her and enjoying the book.
Introverted Mom: Your Guide to More Calm, Less Guilt, and Quiet Joy by Jamie C. Martin
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
2.0
I should have paid more attention. I was looking for new homeschool mom “professional development” material, and this came up when I was searching for secular books. It’s clearly not. If you are Christian and are looking for a book with a heavy emphasis on faith, this is good. It started out great actually. But there was little practical application and much inspirational fluff. Since the inspirational fluff became increasingly faith-based, I found that not much of it really helped me personally. Your mileage may vary.
The Storm We Made by Vanessa Chan
Did not finish book. Stopped at 50%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 50%.
Full disclosure: I’ve made it halfway through, but set it back on the shelf for now.
I can’t decide how to feel about this book, but definitely heed all content warnings. It’s a heavy one. I appreciate some of the family dynamics, particularly between the sisters (up until a certain act that I can’t get on board with), but there’s not a while lot else that’s positive in this story. It’s extremely depressing. Granted, the subject matter is depressing at best and horrifying at worst. But it makes for a difficult read when it feels like there’s no point or there’s no hope. Maybe I need to read further, but a quick skim doesn’t reveal much either.
That’s not to say this is not well written. The fact that I am so affected is probably a good indicator of the writing quality. I just needed to set it aside for something lighter. Will update if and when I finish.
I can’t decide how to feel about this book, but definitely heed all content warnings. It’s a heavy one. I appreciate some of the family dynamics, particularly between the sisters (up until a certain act that I can’t get on board with), but there’s not a while lot else that’s positive in this story. It’s extremely depressing. Granted, the subject matter is depressing at best and horrifying at worst. But it makes for a difficult read when it feels like there’s no point or there’s no hope. Maybe I need to read further, but a quick skim doesn’t reveal much either.
That’s not to say this is not well written. The fact that I am so affected is probably a good indicator of the writing quality. I just needed to set it aside for something lighter. Will update if and when I finish.
Esperanza Rising by Pam Muñoz Ryan
emotional
hopeful
informative
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
Homeschool read-aloud.
Well, I liked this more than my kids did. They thought it was alright and seemed interested enough while reading it, though. I liked seeing how much Esperanza grew over the course of her time in the worker’s camp—and the little hint of potential romance between her and her long-time friend, Miguel. They’ll have some work to do going from such different classes in Mexico to being basically at the same level in the U.S.
Well, I liked this more than my kids did. They thought it was alright and seemed interested enough while reading it, though. I liked seeing how much Esperanza grew over the course of her time in the worker’s camp—and the little hint of potential romance between her and her long-time friend, Miguel. They’ll have some work to do going from such different classes in Mexico to being basically at the same level in the U.S.
Breathe and Count Back from Ten by Natalia Sylvester
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
This book is so good. It has the kind of messages I wish I had read as a teen. More later once I get my thoughts in order (and coffee)
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming and Chronic illness
Minor: Cursing, Emotional abuse, and Medical content
Queen Bee by Amalie Howard
lighthearted
reflective
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
I work at a library, and I always try to read our state’s annual juvenile/teen book selections—although I do actually enjoy most YA anyway. This was my first YA pick for this year’s choices. It did not disappoint! Was it clearly intended for teens? Yes. Was it a great hook and unputdownable? Also yes!
First, I appreciated the diversity. I also enjoyed the author’s note detailing the research she has done into the real-life diversity of regency society. I kind of wish there was more to it than varied skin tones and the occasional sari, but I’ll grant that that wasn’t the focus of the plot.
I also liked the chemistry between MC and her love interest AND that it was sort of based on a shared history and sweet childhood together. I say sort of. Of course there was the deception with her assumed identity.One thing I really struggled to get past is that not one single person recognized her. This is explained, but not well enough in my opinion. Three years is a long time, especially to a teen, but it’s simply not long enough for someone to be so wholly unrecognizable. I thought, surely, her best friend and love had already figured it out and was playing along. He couldn’t possibly be that dumb… right? But alas, he is not actually perfect. This whole silly scenario lost the book a star for me.
I do wish there had been just a little more depth to Poppy’s character. Like perhaps a bit more background giving rise to her despicable behavior, aside from simply lacking a title and feeling jealous and petty. That’s basically her whole character in a nutshell. There was some real room for explanation and growth there, especially when all sh** hits the fan at the end.
Still. I was engrossed and thoroughly entertained. I think teens and young adults will really enjoy this one!
First, I appreciated the diversity. I also enjoyed the author’s note detailing the research she has done into the real-life diversity of regency society. I kind of wish there was more to it than varied skin tones and the occasional sari, but I’ll grant that that wasn’t the focus of the plot.
I also liked the chemistry between MC and her love interest AND that it was sort of based on a shared history and sweet childhood together. I say sort of. Of course there was the deception with her assumed identity.
I do wish there had been just a little more depth to Poppy’s character. Like perhaps a bit more background giving rise to her despicable behavior, aside from simply lacking a title and feeling jealous and petty. That’s basically her whole character in a nutshell. There was some real room for explanation and growth there, especially when all sh** hits the fan at the end.
Still. I was engrossed and thoroughly entertained. I think teens and young adults will really enjoy this one!