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superfangirl818's reviews
146 reviews
Cemetery Boys by Aiden Thomas
adventurous
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
slow-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
4.25
This was adorable. I read and loved The Sunbearer Trials by Aiden Thomas earlier this year and loved it and I liked this one almost as much.
The characters were amazing, I loved the romance SO MUCH. And there was that twist that I didn't see coming at all. Aiden Thomas knows how to pull off a plot twist like a pro.
I also loved the ending. It was cute and hopeful.
I have a few complaints, though.
I had this issue with The Sunbearer Trials, too, but the length of the chapters is just ridiculous. They're way too long. They definitely could have been broken up into shorter chapters, but they remained unnecessarily long. My only other thing was that I kinda had to force myself to read it sometimes, but that could have just been lack of motivation since it was my last book for the Magical Readathon and I was cutting it close.
Overall, though, a good book. A solid YA urban fantasy read with great LGBTQ+ representation.
The characters were amazing, I loved the romance SO MUCH. And there was that twist that I didn't see coming at all. Aiden Thomas knows how to pull off a plot twist like a pro.
I also loved the ending. It was cute and hopeful.
I have a few complaints, though.
I had this issue with The Sunbearer Trials, too, but the length of the chapters is just ridiculous. They're way too long. They definitely could have been broken up into shorter chapters, but they remained unnecessarily long. My only other thing was that I kinda had to force myself to read it sometimes, but that could have just been lack of motivation since it was my last book for the Magical Readathon and I was cutting it close.
Overall, though, a good book. A solid YA urban fantasy read with great LGBTQ+ representation.
The Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan
adventurous
emotional
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? Yes
5.0
Once again, this man knows how to end a series. But, I mean, we expect nothing less from Rick Riordan.
As per usual, this book had stunning writing. The characters were phenomenal. I want to hug all of them (the things Rick Riordan does to my poor babies).
I made some very professional notes on this book such as "good soup" and "screaming crying throwing up."
So, guess who needs to read the Kane Chronicles now? Yep. Me.
Another slay.
As per usual, this book had stunning writing. The characters were phenomenal. I want to hug all of them (the things Rick Riordan does to my poor babies).
I made some very professional notes on this book such as "good soup" and "screaming crying throwing up."
So, guess who needs to read the Kane Chronicles now? Yep. Me.
Another slay.
Aristotle and Dante Discover the Secrets of the Universe by Benjamin Alire Sáenz
challenging
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
Thank you Benjamin Alire Saenz for giving me even more character that I want to hug. Ari and Dante and pretty much everyone in this book could use a hug. Also, thank you for making me almost cry in my Government class.
The best part of this book was the characters. The characters felt real, which added so many more layers of emotion to the whole story. You can't help but feel what they're feeling. Now, we all love Ari and Dante, but I want to talk about their parents. Parents are almost always villainized in stuff like this, but here, we have four extremely loving and supportive parents. Of course, there are times that the characters don't like their parents, but they don't completely villainize them and it's clear that they're thoughts on their parents are clouded by the emotions they're going through.
I do have two things I didn't love so much. I struggled with the writing at first. It grew on me, but I didn't love the writing style at first and there were times throughout the book that it annoyed me. And this is a very small complaint, but at times, it's obvious that a full-grown man is writing teenagers.
Still, this book was amazing and honestly, everyone should read it.
The best part of this book was the characters. The characters felt real, which added so many more layers of emotion to the whole story. You can't help but feel what they're feeling. Now, we all love Ari and Dante, but I want to talk about their parents. Parents are almost always villainized in stuff like this, but here, we have four extremely loving and supportive parents. Of course, there are times that the characters don't like their parents, but they don't completely villainize them and it's clear that they're thoughts on their parents are clouded by the emotions they're going through.
I do have two things I didn't love so much. I struggled with the writing at first. It grew on me, but I didn't love the writing style at first and there were times throughout the book that it annoyed me. And this is a very small complaint, but at times, it's obvious that a full-grown man is writing teenagers.
Still, this book was amazing and honestly, everyone should read it.
Before the Coffee Gets Cold by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a cute and cozy read. I'm sure it's much better in the original Japanese version, but this was great as well.
My favorite story is probably the second one "Husband and Wife." The last three stories were very strong.
I didn't love the first one, though. The beginning of this book was so annoyingly slow that I debated DNFing. The end of the first story was stronger, but the beginning just wasn't great.
Other than that, it's a good cozy read, but it still evokes a lot of emotion. This is the first book I've read that's been translated from Japanese and I wasn't disappointed.
My favorite story is probably the second one "Husband and Wife." The last three stories were very strong.
I didn't love the first one, though. The beginning of this book was so annoyingly slow that I debated DNFing. The end of the first story was stronger, but the beginning just wasn't great.
Other than that, it's a good cozy read, but it still evokes a lot of emotion. This is the first book I've read that's been translated from Japanese and I wasn't disappointed.
My Roommate Is a Vampire by Jenna Levine
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-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
4.25
A healthy monster romance? Practically unheard of, but Jenna Levine managed to do it.
So, yes, for once, a romance between a monster and a human is actually healthy. Unfortunately, that's such a rare thing that I feel the need to praise it this much, but, since it's not the norm, I'll gladly praise it. Frederick, the vampire, was a very respectful gentleman. Did he give into some of his more monstery temptations a couple of times? Yes, but it wasn't over the top.
The writing of this book was overall pretty decent. I wouldn't say it was anything special, but it's nowhere near the worst thing I've ever read, especially in a genre like this.
My only real complaints are that the beginning was sort of slow, I didn't love the MC, Cassie, at first (she grew on me, though), and there wasn't a ton of plot to this book.
If you're looking for a cute romance and an easy read, this is the book for you.
So, yes, for once, a romance between a monster and a human is actually healthy. Unfortunately, that's such a rare thing that I feel the need to praise it this much, but, since it's not the norm, I'll gladly praise it. Frederick, the vampire, was a very respectful gentleman. Did he give into some of his more monstery temptations a couple of times? Yes, but it wasn't over the top.
The writing of this book was overall pretty decent. I wouldn't say it was anything special, but it's nowhere near the worst thing I've ever read, especially in a genre like this.
My only real complaints are that the beginning was sort of slow, I didn't love the MC, Cassie, at first (she grew on me, though), and there wasn't a ton of plot to this book.
If you're looking for a cute romance and an easy read, this is the book for you.
Gwen and Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This was absolutely adorable. It's a great, mostly light-hearted romance retelling. I could not put it down.
The characters were amazing. They were so well-written to the point that they seemed like real people, not just ink on paper. I could see them clearly in my head as I was reading. I loved the banter in this book, and I especially loved all of the relationships and friendships the characters have with each other.
The writing was also fantastic and well-done. I did get confused a few times, but I don't have a massive complaint about that.
It's a very adorable romantic read. Great if you need a lighter story.
The characters were amazing. They were so well-written to the point that they seemed like real people, not just ink on paper. I could see them clearly in my head as I was reading. I loved the banter in this book, and I especially loved all of the relationships and friendships the characters have with each other.
The writing was also fantastic and well-done. I did get confused a few times, but I don't have a massive complaint about that.
It's a very adorable romantic read. Great if you need a lighter story.
Into the Heartless Wood by Joanna Ruth Meyer
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
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
Can I give a book 6 stars? This book was absolutely stunning. I have so much to talk about.
First of all, the writing was honestly perfect. It was gorgeous, an absolute work of art. Something I thought was especially genius was the formatting of Seren's chapters. Her chapters are written like poetry when she's a monster, but when she's human, it's prose. I never would have thought of that.
The characters were also perfect. Joanna Ruth Meyer definitely knew what she was doing when she gave Owen a baby sister. My heart was melting the whole time. My ovaries were exploding.
I loved the idea of a gender-swapped Beauty and the Beast retelling. It's always the man who's the monster and the woman has to fix him, but it's the opposite. And honestly, Owen doesn't even really fix Seren. She fixes herself and becomes her own person. It's genius.
Easily one of the best books I've ever read.
First of all, the writing was honestly perfect. It was gorgeous, an absolute work of art. Something I thought was especially genius was the formatting of Seren's chapters. Her chapters are written like poetry when she's a monster, but when she's human, it's prose. I never would have thought of that.
The characters were also perfect. Joanna Ruth Meyer definitely knew what she was doing when she gave Owen a baby sister. My heart was melting the whole time. My ovaries were exploding.
I loved the idea of a gender-swapped Beauty and the Beast retelling. It's always the man who's the monster and the woman has to fix him, but it's the opposite. And honestly, Owen doesn't even really fix Seren. She fixes herself and becomes her own person. It's genius.
Easily one of the best books I've ever read.
Iron Widow by Xiran Jay Zhao
Finally, a love triangle that ends in polyamory. About time.
I'm going to start off with the world. Um... Holy shit? The world was awesome and also presented in a way that mostly made sense. I will say there was slight info-dumping, but it really wasn't that bad.
The writing was also stunning. Even if you didn't like the main character, you have to admit the writing was good. It was stylistic, I almost felt what Zetian was feeling, that's how good it was.
Now the characters. I have no notes on Shimin and Yizhi, they're amazing and I love them. They're my babies. I've heard some opinions on the main character, and while I did like her, there were a few times she was insufferable, but one time, she even considered one of her actions as cringey in hindsight, so I let that one slide.
That's really my only complaint, though. I loved this book and I can't wait for the second one.
adventurous
dark
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
I'm going to start off with the world. Um... Holy shit? The world was awesome and also presented in a way that mostly made sense. I will say there was slight info-dumping, but it really wasn't that bad.
The writing was also stunning. Even if you didn't like the main character, you have to admit the writing was good. It was stylistic, I almost felt what Zetian was feeling, that's how good it was.
Now the characters. I have no notes on Shimin and Yizhi, they're amazing and I love them. They're my babies. I've heard some opinions on the main character, and while I did like her, there were a few times she was insufferable, but one time, she even considered one of her actions as cringey in hindsight, so I let that one slide.
That's really my only complaint, though. I loved this book and I can't wait for the second one.
A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
4.5
I was on the edge of my seat throughout this entire book. I can't believe it took me this long to get to it. To be fair, it is a BookTok favorite and I have trouble trusting BookTok, but I'm glad I read this one.
The writing was really good, especially for a semi-trashy YA read. I loved the formatting, too. I also loved that there were some pictures in it, which gave me a much better understanding of what certain things were. The Persons of Interest list that went throughout the book helped me keep track of everything.
There's something I need to bring up, though. Adult authors seem to have a difficult time understanding what age gaps are appropriate for teenagers. A twenty-year-old has no business being with a seventeen-year-old. Eighteen should be the max, I'll let nineteen slide occasionally, twenty is a hell no. To actually enjoy the book, I had to ignore the age gaps.
Anyways, that's my only issue. It's a solid YA mystery book. I really enjoyed it and I can't wait to continue the series and watch the show!
The writing was really good, especially for a semi-trashy YA read. I loved the formatting, too. I also loved that there were some pictures in it, which gave me a much better understanding of what certain things were. The Persons of Interest list that went throughout the book helped me keep track of everything.
There's something I need to bring up, though. Adult authors seem to have a difficult time understanding what age gaps are appropriate for teenagers. A twenty-year-old has no business being with a seventeen-year-old. Eighteen should be the max, I'll let nineteen slide occasionally, twenty is a hell no. To actually enjoy the book, I had to ignore the age gaps.
Anyways, that's my only issue. It's a solid YA mystery book. I really enjoyed it and I can't wait to continue the series and watch the show!
The Mermaid, the Witch, and the Sea by Maggie Tokuda-Hall
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
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? Yes
5.0
This is hands down some of the best writing I've read. It was STUNNING. I would read and I'd just be like "damn, this writing is GOOD." It's what I aspire to be.
And the world was amazing. The world-building was amazing, you saw characters from all different places, which gave you an understanding of the different perspectives and ideas, it was AMAZING.
And then the romance. OH MY GOD IT WAS SO GOOD!! There was angst and fluff and RAAAAAHHH. I loved it. The ending of the book had me sitting on the edge of my seat and it was done so well.
So, yeah, this book was a slay. I loved it. One of the best YA fantasy books I've read. Pirate books are always a favorite of mine (I need to read more of them) and this was just amazing.
And the world was amazing. The world-building was amazing, you saw characters from all different places, which gave you an understanding of the different perspectives and ideas, it was AMAZING.
And then the romance. OH MY GOD IT WAS SO GOOD!! There was angst and fluff and RAAAAAHHH. I loved it. The ending of the book had me sitting on the edge of my seat and it was done so well.
So, yeah, this book was a slay. I loved it. One of the best YA fantasy books I've read. Pirate books are always a favorite of mine (I need to read more of them) and this was just amazing.