thelilbookwitch's reviews
498 reviews

Full review [here].

As proven by Scythe and Thunderhead, Shusterman knows how to write a compelling story. Bruiser is no exception, and contains the multitude of psychological analyses and character perspectives I’ve come to love from Shusterman’s work.

I don't know if I'd hand this to someone to be their first foray into his work though, but reading it shows how much more Shusterman has developed as a writer.

Full review [here].

There's...a lot going on in this book. And not all of it good, or handled with the nuance certain issues deserve. I finished mainly because I *had* to for an upcoming Book Selection meeting for Battle of the Books. Do not recommend.

2.5 stars.

Full review [here].

I wanted to love this book. It had all the things I would normally love. Female warriors? Check. A beast they want to go off and slay? Check. Soft friendships from bad ass women? Check.

But it fell flat for me again and again because of narrative style choices that got in the way of executing the plot. A lot of telling over showing, too.

Another solid 3 stars, but true rating of 3.5 stars.

Finally some plot! This one read a lot more like a proper shojo manga. Reminiscent of Shugo Chara and Cardcaptor Sakura, this manga may subvert the magical girl genre, but it's not quite there in this volume.

Otaro is still a creep, but at least other characters call him out on it.

I may continue reading this series yet...

full review [here]

I would have given it 5 stars, but the fat representation was... poor. To say the least. Other than that this was a gripping page turner of a book that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Not even sure I'll do a full review over on the blog... Stroud's glaring representation issues (to put it mildly), and to put it not mildly, racist characterization of a woman of color (the first in the series so far), and my continued deepening dislike of Lucy make it harder to justify reading the rest of the series...

I liked the new types of ghosts, and definitely found this book to be a bit more drawn out than other ones... it feels like this one was lacking grit, and keeping the narrative perspective to first-person is limiting Stroud's storytelling ability as Lucy seems incapable of growing as a character, and her companions seem to be stuck in a rut as well.

Spoiler

Additionally Lucy's "surprise" decision to leave wasn't very surprising...

Full review [here].

I. Loved. This. Novella.

Please give me more "can't be bothered" robots who sort of tolerate humans interrupting their tv binges.

Perfectly plotted, unpredictable, and accessible, this is a story anyone will enjoy if they like anti-heroes.

Full review [here].

Overall, not that impressed with this first issue art or plot-wise, but it doesn't deserve less than 3 stars because I think my expectations were skewed thanks to the Netflix show.

The comic definitely feels like it was written for a younger audience than the protagonist, and could safely be handed to anyone so long as they're not mortally offended by witches.

Sterotypical highschool melodrama with little oomph behind it.

Full review has been posted on my blog.
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Review to come!

But bless my bi little heart, this normalizes so many things and I love it and I wish I had found this comic growing up.

soft f/f genuine, endearing, and a little awkward romance pairing.

Full review [here].

I haven't read a historical fiction novel this good...ever.

This is why we have 5 stars on here, and why I save my 5 star ratings for a good reason. Because Lovely War has definitely earned them.

I want to put this book in every person's hands. I've been shouting on the internet about it since page 80 (and it's close to 500 pages long), and I'm buying myself a copy as well so I can reread and savor every chapter again and again in the future. Maybe I won't cry as much the next time...

This book has massive crossover appeal for adult audiences. It is achingly tender, and beautifully bittersweet. Any fan of WWI or WWII historical fiction will love it, even fans who might not normally pick up a historical fiction novel should give this a try.

Seriously. Why are you still reading this review and not the actual book?? Begone and read it!