amy_reading_23's reviews
76 reviews

Kew: The Witch's Garden: Plants in Folklore, Magic and Traditional Medicine by Sandra Lawrence

informative fast-paced

4.0

This was a really interesting books with lots of fascinating facts and an insight into the history and folk uses of plants. There wasn't as much to do with witchcraft specifically as I had hoped but it was still a really good read. I sometimes struggle with non fiction but this book was really engaging with images, short chapters and plant files.

Her Majesty's Royal Coven by Juno Dawson

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adventurous challenging emotional hopeful sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

This was an emotional roller coaster! I didn't expect it to be so heavy. I enjoyed it. The chapters are split up by different characters perspectives. Niamh was definitely my favourite character and I enjoyed her chapters. Without adding spoilers, there was one character's chapters I found quite hard to read because of the hate in it. I loved Theo and wanted to protect them. Overall it was a compelling and important book and it definitely seems to be setting up for a sequel so I look forward to reading that.

Content Warnings

All That's Left in the World by Erik J. Brown

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes

4.75

I really enjoyed this book, I thought the relationship between the boys was sweet, and I found it interesting the presentation of how different people would cope with the end of the world and what would become of society. I also appreciated how despite having dark themes it was overall quite lighthearted, with some humour in it, and an easy read.

Content Warnings

October, October by Angela Harding, Katya Balen

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adventurous emotional hopeful reflective

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated

4.75

I really enjoyed this book, especially the parts set in the forest. The book had a comforting tone to it.

Lanny by Max Porter

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dark

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Loveable characters? No

3.5

I really liked the beginning of the book, the interesting style and the folklore aspects, but then mid way through it turned very dark and strange and just made me uncomfortable. There were some tropes in it too that didn't sit right with me.

Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People about Race by Reni Eddo-Lodge

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informative medium-paced

5.0

Summer of Salt by Katrina Leno

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious reflective sad medium-paced