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betweentheshelves's reviews
2688 reviews
My Fairy God Somebody by Charlene Allen
adventurous
hopeful
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Unfortunately, I think this book suffers from being too short. There are some great characters, and the premise was interesting and fresh, but it didn't feel like there was enough time to let them and the overall mystery breath. Things seemed to happen too quickly, and the resolution didn't feel as satisfying to me at the end.
Despite that, this would be a great read if you enjoy stories set in the summer in New York. I could definitely see it being a great summer book!
Despite that, this would be a great read if you enjoy stories set in the summer in New York. I could definitely see it being a great summer book!
New Avengers: A.I.M. Vol. 2: Standoff by Marcus To, Al Ewing
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Definitely enjoyed the storyline in this one, especially seeing the gang come back to help save Billy (also the conversation about his codename is perfect). The art style is not my favorite, though it does lend itself well to some of the action sequences here. I for sure preferred the art style in the previous Young Avengers comics, though.
New Avengers: A.I.M., Volume 1: Everything is New by Gerardo Sandoval, Al Ewing
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Definitely enjoyed the storyline in this one, especially seeing the gang come back to help save Billy (also the conversation about his codename is perfect). The art style is not my favorite, though it does lend itself well to some of the action sequences here. I for sure preferred the art style in the previous Young Avengers comics, though.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror
Fledgling by S.K. Ali
adventurous
emotional
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
4.5
Not necessarily in content, but the vibes of this book definitely reminded me of The Hunger Games. There's a revolution, different classes are pitted against each other, there's a girl who is a symbol of the revolution (and also happens to be a bird). The world was different though, and we get more points of view in this book. Honestly, I was invested in this from the beginning. Ali does a good job of hooking you with action right from the start, and then pulling you in with the world building and the characters.
I haven't read S.K. Ali's other books, but this book is a change of genres for her. And I think she definitely pulls it off! There were some details that could have been clarified a bit, but there is room to do that in the next book. If you like dystopia/sci-fi/revolution type books, definitely pick this one up!
I haven't read S.K. Ali's other books, but this book is a change of genres for her. And I think she definitely pulls it off! There were some details that could have been clarified a bit, but there is room to do that in the next book. If you like dystopia/sci-fi/revolution type books, definitely pick this one up!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Torture, and Violence
Minor: Child abuse, Death, and Sexual assault
Young Avengers by Gillen & Mckelvie: The Complete Collection (Young Avengers by Kieron Gillen
adventurous
dark
funny
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
I don't think there's anything I didn't like about this. There's some great panel layouts, great art, the characters have fantastic chemistry, and the writing was really well done. All of the characters get the spotlight at one point or another, and they struggle with some complicated things. Billy and Teddy especially go through it in this, and they are just so great as a couple. What will it take for Marvel to give them their own spin off series??
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Grief, and Suicide attempt
Minor: Sexual content and Death of parent
Young Avengers: The Children's Crusade by Allan Heinberg
adventurous
emotional
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 hope they take some of this storyline into the next phase of the MCU, because there's a lot of setup for this that's already. And there's some good writing in this that would translate well to the screen. Especially when it comes to looking at Wanda's actions and how she might redeem herself from that.
For the most part, I enjoyed the art in this, and I enjoyed getting to see Wiccan's development in this book. He grew a lot and we got to see more of his powers. I can definitely see why a lot of people recommend this if you want to read more about the Young Avengers. A great mini event in the Marvel universe.
For the most part, I enjoyed the art in this, and I enjoyed getting to see Wiccan's development in this book. He grew a lot and we got to see more of his powers. I can definitely see why a lot of people recommend this if you want to read more about the Young Avengers. A great mini event in the Marvel universe.
Secret Invasion: Runaways/Young Avengers by Christopher Yost
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
You'd think that in a Skrull invasion, they'd want to consult with the teams that have worked closely with a Skrull. Especially Teddy/Hulking, who is technically considered royalty. But you know, they're teenagers, and there was a lot of other stuff going on. I did like the art in this one more than I liked the art in the Secret Invasion collection, though!
When the World Tips Over by Jandy Nelson
emotional
hopeful
reflective
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
3.5
I am having a hard time figuring out how to rate this one. It took me quite a bit to get into, but by about halfway through, the intricacies of this family had me hooked. Part of the problem (at least for me) is that I think this book is waaaay longer than it needs to be. I get that a Nelson was setting the stage at the beginning, but the beginning was a slog for me.
There are essentially three stories in one in this book, all eventually converging at the end of the story. There's a sort of magical realism aspect to the plot which I kind of wish was more developed. Like do other people experience this or just this particular family? Because the book is so long, I thought we might get into that more, but we really don't.
As a YA book, I'm not exactly sure who I would recommend this to. In a weird way, it reminded me of Bridge of Clay in that it's a long, intricate story about a complex family. But I'm not sure what else I would pair it with. It's definitely one of those books that doesn't really fit in any particular category.
All in all, it's not a bad book, especially if you like particularly complex family stories. And don't mind if the book is a little on the long side.
There are essentially three stories in one in this book, all eventually converging at the end of the story. There's a sort of magical realism aspect to the plot which I kind of wish was more developed. Like do other people experience this or just this particular family? Because the book is so long, I thought we might get into that more, but we really don't.
As a YA book, I'm not exactly sure who I would recommend this to. In a weird way, it reminded me of Bridge of Clay in that it's a long, intricate story about a complex family. But I'm not sure what else I would pair it with. It's definitely one of those books that doesn't really fit in any particular category.
All in all, it's not a bad book, especially if you like particularly complex family stories. And don't mind if the book is a little on the long side.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Sexual assault, and Abandonment
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, and Death
Minor: Bullying, Child abuse, and Suicidal thoughts
Secret Invasion by Brian Michael Bendis
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I've read bits and pieces of Secret Invasion over the years of reading Marvel comics, but I've never read the whole story start to finish. Some of the after events make more sense to me now! I know there are a lot of spin-offs featuring different groups of characters, so I might get to those eventually.
I wasn't always a fan of the art in this (what was with the way they drew some of those women?). But the story was fast-paced with a lot of action, and the whole who is who they say they are thing make for an interesting story. Plus, there were some creepy "ads" included throughout, which I kind of wish they would have leaned into more for the Marvel show. So much potential and they messed that up pretty terribly lol.
I wasn't always a fan of the art in this (what was with the way they drew some of those women?). But the story was fast-paced with a lot of action, and the whole who is who they say they are thing make for an interesting story. Plus, there were some creepy "ads" included throughout, which I kind of wish they would have leaned into more for the Marvel show. So much potential and they messed that up pretty terribly lol.
The Holiday Trap by Roan Parrish
emotional
lighthearted
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
3.0
I can't quite pin point what it was, but I had a hard time getting into this one. It was also steamier than I was expecting, which isn't a bad thing, it just took me by surprise. Part of it was probably the insta-love-ish part of the plot, which isn't my favorite trope in romances. Give me the slow burn over that any day. I like the anticipation.
It's a cute holiday romance, though! I enjoyed how both Greta and Truman found what they were looking for by swapping houses. There's some more emotional tones, but overall, it's an upbeat, happy romance.
It's a cute holiday romance, though! I enjoyed how both Greta and Truman found what they were looking for by swapping houses. There's some more emotional tones, but overall, it's an upbeat, happy romance.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Toxic relationship, and Dementia
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Infidelity, and Alcohol
Minor: Homophobia, Transphobia, and Lesbophobia