mad_bandersnatch's reviews
68 reviews

Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson

adventurous mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Quintessential pirate adventure story.  Was quite pleased to find that this classic was indeed an enjoyable tale. I'm often disappointed by books that are considered classics, and was pleased to find this wasn't one.  While some of the book has not aged well there was surprising little of this.
The writing is a bit dry, but over all a tale of adventure, betrayal, and treasure.  I think if I didn't already know how things where to play out in detail I would have been more invested but as it was still enjoyed this book.

Stars Above: A Lunar Chronicles Collection by Marissa Meyer

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious reflective tense 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? It's complicated

4.0

A very nice collection of short stories fleshing out the main characters of the series backstories and lastly their futures.  
Was great to be able to visit the backstories of these characters, that while touched upon in the main books are further explored here.  While mainly sad tales of the events that lead them all to where we first find them in the books, we do end on a happy note for the future.

The Princess and the Grilled Cheese Sandwich by Deya Muniz

emotional funny hopeful inspiring 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

5.0

This was a quick and cute read. The art and character designs are beautiful, all the different outfits are to die for.  Love the fun mix of past and present technology and fashion. The historical fastion in public but the very modern cozy frompy clothes in private.  The appearance of a switch has me giggling, when they are still using horse and carriage. 
The story is a bit formulaic with predictable ups and downs but very cute and fun.
And who doesn't love a good grill cheese sandwich?

Critical Role: The Mighty Nein — The Nine Eyes of Lucien by Madeleine Roux

adventurous dark emotional funny 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? Yes

4.0

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
Did not finish book. Stopped at 0%.

Nope, couldn't do it. If the main character said 'his hot', 'its hot', 'thats hot' or anything else related to 'hot' in relation to Mr tall dark and brooding 5 seconds after they where in the same room I might die.  We get it he is hot, pick another disrupter for the love of god. I'm all for a good enemies to lovers but there is a finesse to this things that this book isn't even in the same room as.
Characters are ether annoying or uninteresting, with the exception of our little golden girl who is a cuttie. And the rules of the world make little sense most of the time.

The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

Making my way through this series after all these years of hearing it's good reviews.  The second instalment while still enjoyable was painful predictable.  The suprise at the very end was nice and sets up some interesting plot threads for the rest of the series. But for anyone anyway familiar with Greek stories this one was very by the numbers.  

A Wizard's Guide to Defensive Baking by T. Kingfisher

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious tense 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

5.0

This book was delightful.  The use of magic and baked goods is aborable and one again I have fallen in love with a wizard's familiar, with a attitude problem named Bob.  Loved all the characters and the magic system.  
Really liked how this book touched on the reality of most ya novels, that the young person in question should have never been in this situation in the first place, if the adults had done their jobs properly.  

Nona the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful mysterious 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? Yes

5.0

Again another fantastic installment to this series! Nona is so adorable and innocent yet so deeply able to read people and their emotions.  
Loved the little gang of characters she joined during her time at the school, and all the returning characters.  Wish there was more of some of my favorites but when they do make an appearance they do so with a bang.
The mystery is less mind fucking than in Harrow but still a fun ride in coming up with theories on what's actually going on.  Can't wait for the last book!!

Good Omens by Neil Gaiman, Terry Pratchett

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious 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

Rereading for the 4th or 5th time but when I saw there was a auto book with the cast narrated had to give it a go!!

Love this book, the combination of Pratchett and Gaiman is fantastic.

Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas

adventurous dark emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted mysterious 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? It's complicated

3.75

Solid read, the story of a trans character searching for understanding and acceptance with in their family/community, was quite well done.  Realy gets into the main characters struggles, and the journey to break through some deeply ingrained family conventions.
The lore, traditions, and cultural heritage is very rich and explored beautifully, making for well flushed out urdan fantasy setting.

Would have been a 4 star but I did find the characters a bit to nonchalant about the literal murder of a close family member, and one of the main three who is now a ghost.  Pulled me out a bit from the story each time, but it is a YA novel so some slack can be given as the murder mystery is second seat to the main characters struggles/romance.  Also the murderer and mystery where blinding obvious from about 1/4 the way though.  But like I said this is realy just a secondary plot line to the main focus, which is quite compelling.