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read_al_about_it's reviews
13 reviews
The Shadows by Alex North
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
It was slow but kept me engaged, yet I didn't love the ending. It was compelling enough to make me want to try another of his books though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood
The Midnight Library by Matt Haig
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This book was strangely refreshing. Strange in the sense that a book about this subject matter brought solace, and refreshing in that this subject matter is being brought to light. Bravo to Matt Haig for this fast paced piece that kept me intrigued and brought heavy subject matter in a light way during a hard time across the globe.
When I read that he was a children's author so much sense was made of the way in which the author brought mental health to the forefront in such a genuine but light way.
When I read that he was a children's author so much sense was made of the way in which the author brought mental health to the forefront in such a genuine but light way.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Animal death
A Deadly Education by Naomi Novik
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
This was not my cup of tea. The plot honestly wasn't my favorite. Maybe it's because I am 29 years old, and maybe it's because we are in the middle of a pandemic but the tension was too much and seemed unnecessary. As a parent, I felt the entire premise was flawed, and just couldn't wrap my head around a school like this being the best option for even a group of magical children. The story overall just felt lacking.
Things I did enjoy however were the diverse characters. I am White and know that many people have far more detailed feelings surrounding this particular topic. Although I didn't feel like there was strong character development and that they were two-dimensional there were lots of different cultures represented across the characters in this story. The ending did catch me off guard as well which was a nice surprise.
I don't think I will be picking up the second book in the series for myself but if my middle-grade-age daughter makes me I won't be completely against hearing second-hand how the ending of the first book panned out in the second.
Things I did enjoy however were the diverse characters. I am White and know that many people have far more detailed feelings surrounding this particular topic. Although I didn't feel like there was strong character development and that they were two-dimensional there were lots of different cultures represented across the characters in this story. The ending did catch me off guard as well which was a nice surprise.
I don't think I will be picking up the second book in the series for myself but if my middle-grade-age daughter makes me I won't be completely against hearing second-hand how the ending of the first book panned out in the second.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
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