aformeracceleratedreader's reviews
213 reviews
Wildwood, by Colin Meloy
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
A good middle grade, but it could be much shorter and still retain it's main storyline. I liked following both Prue and Curtis through their separate but connected journeys. I liked the world and characters, but because of the length it was hard to keep my attention through the whole book. Loved the narrator though! She did a great job of voicing different characters.
Eva Evergreen, Semi-Magical Witch, by Julie Abe
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
I freaking loved this and can't wait to read the sequel as soon as I can get it from the library. Definitely reads like a magical girl slice of life anime or manga and gives Studio Ghibli vibes. The characters were wonderful and loved the friends Eva made.
10/10 whimsical, cozy vibes with a dash of turmoil. Can't wait to see how Eva deals with the Culling and who/what is behind it all.
10/10 whimsical, cozy vibes with a dash of turmoil. Can't wait to see how Eva deals with the Culling and who/what is behind it all.
Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow, by Jessica Townsend
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
I love middle grade as a break from YA and Adult reads and this one was great! Loved the magical aspects in it and loved the sassy big cat. Most of the characters are great and enjoyable (except for Morrigan's father). Will def continue the series.
Only thing is it was a little slow/hard to get into for me at the beginning but once Morrigan got to Nevermoor, I was pretty hooked.
Only thing is it was a little slow/hard to get into for me at the beginning but once Morrigan got to Nevermoor, I was pretty hooked.
I'm Glad My Mom Died, by Jennette McCurdy
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
fast-paced
5.0
I was a huge ICarly fan when I was younger and patiently waited for this to be available to me through my library. I saw all the hype and praise, and I can confirm Jennette's book deserves all of it.
It is heartbreaking what she had to go through due to a manipulative mother and we all as fans never knew.
It is a heavy read because of the details of her mother's words/actions, her grandmother's words/actions, her battle with eating disorders/disordered eating, and her battle with her mental health. There were bright parts of the book that made me happy like her genuine friendship with Miranda though. It was good to hear that although Jennette faced so much hardship and trauma she was still able to have at least one healthy relationship.
Highly recommend listening to the audiobook since Jennette is the one narrating.
I am still thankful for her part in ICarly because it was such a big part in my Saturday night routine as a teen, and I hope she continues to heal from her trauma and that she can find joy in whatever she pursues. Thank you Jennette for this insight into your life and sharing something so incredibly intimate and personal with all of us.
It is heartbreaking what she had to go through due to a manipulative mother and we all as fans never knew.
It is a heavy read because of the details of her mother's words/actions, her grandmother's words/actions, her battle with eating disorders/disordered eating, and her battle with her mental health. There were bright parts of the book that made me happy like her genuine friendship with Miranda though. It was good to hear that although Jennette faced so much hardship and trauma she was still able to have at least one healthy relationship.
Highly recommend listening to the audiobook since Jennette is the one narrating.
I am still thankful for her part in ICarly because it was such a big part in my Saturday night routine as a teen, and I hope she continues to heal from her trauma and that she can find joy in whatever she pursues. Thank you Jennette for this insight into your life and sharing something so incredibly intimate and personal with all of us.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Chronic illness, Cursing, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia, Gaslighting, Grief, Mental illness, Addiction, Alcohol, Death of parent, Sexual content, Terminal illness, Toxic relationship, Alcoholism, Child abuse, Eating disorder, Medical content, Vomit, Dysphoria, and Panic attacks/disorders
The Taking of Jake Livingston, by Ryan Douglass
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
There are def some difficult topics in this book so check out content/trigger warnings before reading!
Overall, thought the book was solid. I enjoyed the paranormal aspects of it and how it also spoke on trauma. I would've liked to see more of Jake learning/accepting his power thought. I enjoyed reading about his interpersonal relationships growing and how his intrapersonal relationship grew as well.
Overall, thought the book was solid. I enjoyed the paranormal aspects of it and how it also spoke on trauma. I would've liked to see more of Jake learning/accepting his power thought. I enjoyed reading about his interpersonal relationships growing and how his intrapersonal relationship grew as well.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, Gun violence, Toxic relationship, Violence, Child death, Homophobia, Infidelity, Racism, Suicide, Blood, Car accident, Domestic abuse, Injury/injury detail, Mass/school shootings, Medical content, Mental illness, Murder, Outing, Pedophilia, Stalking, Suicidal thoughts, and Suicide attempt
Moderate: Grief, Vomit, Cursing, Forced institutionalization, and Rape
Survive the Dome, by Kosoko Jackson
dark
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
A generally good read. The characters could use some more fullness but overall they were good characters that advanced the story in an engaging way for me. The things happening in this book (outside of the advanced tech) has happened in real life and the way the treatment of black and brown people by cops and the general attitudes of cops in the book are also just like real life. That's what makes this book so scary to me is that society and cops are already like the book in so many ways but without the tech. And because of that, the tech that is used in the book feels like a very real/attainable thing.
I did enjoy the emphasis of "united we are strong" and that a lot of minorities were briefly included in standing up for black people and in the protests to remind those of us who are non-black minorities that we need to stand with our black counterparts because white privilege and white supremacy is so insidious and hurts everyone.
I did enjoy the emphasis of "united we are strong" and that a lot of minorities were briefly included in standing up for black people and in the protests to remind those of us who are non-black minorities that we need to stand with our black counterparts because white privilege and white supremacy is so insidious and hurts everyone.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Police brutality, Confinement, Injury/injury detail, Violence, Gun violence, and Racism
Last Gate of the Emperor, by Kwame Mbalia, Prince Joel Makonnen
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
A really fun middle grade sci-fi! I loved all the characters and the world they live in. It reminded me a little of Ready Player One in the way video games played a big role in the story while also reminding me a little of Tristan Strong (since Kwame Mbalia co-authored and there is a smart, strong girl in the story who helps greatly along the way). The conflict was well presented for the target audience and the resolution was fulfilling. Uncle Moti is the GOAT.
I also liked the author's note about the inspo for this book. As someone who has some connection to non-white royal family, it's nice to read about someone who also has connection to a non-white royal family because we always hear about european ones and that gets so boring. I feel like I now need to read up on Ethiopian history and royalty!
I also liked the author's note about the inspo for this book. As someone who has some connection to non-white royal family, it's nice to read about someone who also has connection to a non-white royal family because we always hear about european ones and that gets so boring. I feel like I now need to read up on Ethiopian history and royalty!
Nothing More to Tell, by Karen M. McManus
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
Not my favorite by Karen M McManus but def better than You'll be the Death of Me.
I liked the twists and turns and finding out who really was responsible for Mr Larkin's death. I wasn't expecting the whodunnit but I am notoriously bad at figuring that sort of thing out. Also liked the little nod to One of Us is Lying.
My only complaint with her books overall is the lack of diversity.
I liked the twists and turns and finding out who really was responsible for Mr Larkin's death. I wasn't expecting the whodunnit but I am notoriously bad at figuring that sort of thing out. Also liked the little nod to One of Us is Lying.
My only complaint with her books overall is the lack of diversity.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Classism, Blood, Car accident, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Murder, Toxic friendship, Death of parent, Grief, Kidnapping, Medical content, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Child abuse, Confinement, and Domestic abuse
The Chosen One, by Echo Brown
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.75
Overall enjoyed this sequel to Black Girl Unlimited. But there were parts of the book that would be a little confusing with the transitions of one point in time to another with the page breaks and it bouncing back to the first point in time.
Echo was a great character in both books and loved seeing her continued growth and how she manuevors through and with interpersonal relationships. Also, once again, has great discussions on race, especially on predom white colleges, and the importance of trauma healing.
It is magical realism which can be a little tough to read.
Echo was a great character in both books and loved seeing her continued growth and how she manuevors through and with interpersonal relationships. Also, once again, has great discussions on race, especially on predom white colleges, and the importance of trauma healing.
It is magical realism which can be a little tough to read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Panic attacks/disorders, Alcohol, Mental illness, Grief, and Racism
Moderate: Rape, Sexual assault, and Suicidal thoughts
Queenie, by Candice Carty-Williams
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Overall, I didn't really care for it. I liked the growth of Queenie's character, but that's about it. Queenie made decisions that frustrated me a lot throughout, but I'm glad her character was able to work on herself by the end and get to a better place. I think I'm just the wrong audience for this book because there are very important discussions being made throughout in terms of race (especially race relations outside the u.s. in other predom white countries), trauma, and relationships. I just could've done without so much revolving around sex.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Miscarriage, Racism, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual content, Sexual harassment, Toxic relationship, Body shaming, Alcohol, Infidelity, and Mental illness
Moderate: Domestic abuse, Medical content, Physical abuse, Child abuse, and Abandonment