vanislandcircus's reviews
858 reviews

Age 16 by Rosena Fung

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challenging emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

The Baker & the Bard by Fern Haught

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adventurous lighthearted fast-paced

3.5

No Such Thing as Perfect by Misako Rocks!

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emotional funny hopeful informative lighthearted reflective sad fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? N/A
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

This Summer Will Be Different by Carley Fortune

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing sad 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

Ghosts of Gastown: A Novel by Jessica Renwick

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing sad 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? It's complicated

5.0

Thank you to Jessica Renwick and Great Plains Press for an ARC of this story, all thoughts are my own. 

Jessica Renwick, the author of several delightful and endearing books, has once again crafted a spooky read that is sure to captivate!

Renwick’s Ghosts of Gastown is a blend of grief, friendship, and the paranormal, providing depth to the narrative. At the same time, the rich historical backdrop of Gastown, Vancouver, BC, enhances the overall atmosphere. As Hope and her Mother navigate life in a new city after experiencing a profound loss, she befriends Oliver, with whom she experiences the emergence of true friendship, trust and personal growth. Their thrilling adventures promise to send a spectral chill down the reader’s spine through every twist and turn! Renwick’s use of intrigue and mystery keeps the readers engaged on every page. 

Ghosts of Gastown beautifully balances emotion with suspense, leaving middle-grade readers everywhere eagerly awaiting Hope’s and her friends’ next ghostly adventure! 
The Curse of the Warlock by Jessica Renwick

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adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective relaxing sad 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? N/A

5.0

I received an e-arc of The Curse of the Warlock for an honest review.

This series continues to be an utter delight to read! 

The unique world of Starfell continues to be explored through Fable and her friends, including a new memorable friend that I cannot wait for you to meet, Roarke! Each character grows as they struggle with desires and fears while trying to stop Endora and a new threat that emerges intent on destroying all that they hold dear. 

Renwick’s ability to weave such an intricate world full of magic and fantastical creatures while keeping it modern, is superb. The story evolves, and just when you think that you know everything, a new tidbit of information is added, and the layers of the story continue to build.

With this being the fourth book in the series, there are so many things that I want to say; however, I can’t as I don’t want to release any spoilers! If you have yet to read this series, I encourage you to do! For fellow fans, I can’t wait for you to sit down with our beloved group from Starfell and dive into their newest adventure!
The Bow of Anarchy by Jessica Renwick

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adventurous challenging emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective relaxing sad 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? It's complicated

5.0

Bride by Ali Hazelwood

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dark emotional funny hopeful sad tense 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? It's complicated

5.0

What a switch from the norm and I am completely here for it! I am not sure if there isn't a genre, trope, you name it that Ali can't write about that I wouldn't enjoy. I do hope there is more to come in this spicy fangtastic world. I need more Misery and Lowe, I need the the rest of it. 
The Graham Effect by Elle Kennedy

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challenging dark emotional funny hopeful lighthearted sad 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

Twelfth Knight by Alexene Farol Follmuth

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emotional funny hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective sad 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? It's complicated

5.0