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betweentheshelves's reviews
2734 reviews
The Girl, the Ring, and the Baseball Bat by Camille Gomera-Tavarez
emotional
reflective
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
3.0
I had a difficult time getting into this one, if I'm being honest. The writing didn't really hook me at the beginning, and there is a lot going on between the three different POVs. At times, the timelines between the three don't always match, which makes it a little hard to follow what was going on.
The premise, however, was really interesting! I always enjoy a good dose of magical realism. It's not a book I'd necessarily know how to recommend to teens, though, because it is so unique.
The premise, however, was really interesting! I always enjoy a good dose of magical realism. It's not a book I'd necessarily know how to recommend to teens, though, because it is so unique.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Racism, and Classism
Moderate: Alcoholism, Death, and Domestic abuse
Minor: Addiction, Infidelity, and Violence
Ex Marks the Spot by Gloria Chao
adventurous
hopeful
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
3.5
I'm not sure audiobook was the way to go with this one because there are a lot of puzzles and clues to keep track of. I will fully admit I got lost in some of the treasure hunting because of it. However, it's still an enjoyable read! The descriptions of food are especially well done. I challenge you to read this when you're hungry!
Overall, the characters were well developed and I appreciated Xander and Gemma's changing relationship throughout the book as they both learned family secrets. The exes to lovers trope is always fun, and it's made more fun here with the treasure hunt!
Overall, the characters were well developed and I appreciated Xander and Gemma's changing relationship throughout the book as they both learned family secrets. The exes to lovers trope is always fun, and it's made more fun here with the treasure hunt!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment
Moderate: Homophobia
Minor: Death
Wizard of Earthsea: A Graphic Novel by Ursula K. Le Guin
adventurous
challenging
slow-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
Thanks to NetGalley and Clarion Books for an advanced copy of A Wizard of Earthsea: A Graphic Novel by Ursula K. Le Guin, adapted by Fred Fordham. It’s been awhile since I read A Wizard of Earthsea, but I thoroughly enjoyed this adaptation! From what I can remember, it does a good job of hitting the main themes and feel of the original story.
I was super impressed with the art in this. Fordham does a great job bringing this story to life, and the art is so detailed. There are multiple sections with no words, but the story is still carried forward with the art. Graphic novel artists are definitely bringing their A game when it comes to art this year.
This seems like it would be a good introduction to Ursula K. Le Guin if you haven’t encountered her work yet. As someone who doesn’t remember a lot from the novel, I didn’t feel like I was lost at any point. The characters and the world come to life nicely in this format, and I’m hopeful that they’ll continue with her other books as well.
If you’re a fan of fantasy graphic novels, definitely check this one out when it comes out in March!
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The art in this is absolutely stunning. A full review coming soon!
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I am hovering between 2.5 and 3 stars for this one, so I'll give it 3 to be generous.
This book has me convinced: there are not five books worth of story here. Much of this book felt like filler, and honestly, it’s filler that doesn’t feel like it’s furthering the story. We get introduced to a lot (and I mean a lot) of new characters that make it difficult to follow. We’re also introduced to all these new places as Violet and Xaden are looking for a cure/looking for Andarna’s family. Not to mention all the other subplots happening with the side characters. Most of the writing here was a mess, and I’m not sure Yarros herself knows where the story is going.
I know that Yarros wasn’t a fantasy writer before this series, and quite honestly, it shows. If you’re going to write a five book fantasy series, there needs to be some sort of plan of where the story is going, and you can’t convince me there is one. For that reason, the world building feels a bit all over the place in this book as Yarros tries to expand the world, but none of the rules she already established feel consistent. Consistency is key when you’re building an elaborate magical world!
Also, I have never been a fan of the sudden change to different POVs at the ends of books. Either commit to it or don’t. Multiple POVs might actually help with some of the world building stuff, so I wouldn’t mind if that was changed in future books.
Maybe not as badly as Iron Flame, but once again this book needed editing. Not just for repetitive writing, but for the overarching story as well. Maybe an editor could help Yarros figure out where the story is going from here lol.
Once again, I’m mostly here for the dragons. I’d keep reading for Andarna and Tairn only, and I would have loved more time with them in this book. There feels like there’s so much potential with the dragons that Yarros isn’t necessarily utilizing in the story, which is also a bit disappointing.
Let’s be honest, I’ve invested my time in three books, I’ll probably finish out the series just out of pure curiosity.
This book has me convinced: there are not five books worth of story here. Much of this book felt like filler, and honestly, it’s filler that doesn’t feel like it’s furthering the story. We get introduced to a lot (and I mean a lot) of new characters that make it difficult to follow. We’re also introduced to all these new places as Violet and Xaden are looking for a cure/looking for Andarna’s family. Not to mention all the other subplots happening with the side characters. Most of the writing here was a mess, and I’m not sure Yarros herself knows where the story is going.
I know that Yarros wasn’t a fantasy writer before this series, and quite honestly, it shows. If you’re going to write a five book fantasy series, there needs to be some sort of plan of where the story is going, and you can’t convince me there is one. For that reason, the world building feels a bit all over the place in this book as Yarros tries to expand the world, but none of the rules she already established feel consistent. Consistency is key when you’re building an elaborate magical world!
Also, I have never been a fan of the sudden change to different POVs at the ends of books. Either commit to it or don’t. Multiple POVs might actually help with some of the world building stuff, so I wouldn’t mind if that was changed in future books.
Maybe not as badly as Iron Flame, but once again this book needed editing. Not just for repetitive writing, but for the overarching story as well. Maybe an editor could help Yarros figure out where the story is going from here lol.
Once again, I’m mostly here for the dragons. I’d keep reading for Andarna and Tairn only, and I would have loved more time with them in this book. There feels like there’s so much potential with the dragons that Yarros isn’t necessarily utilizing in the story, which is also a bit disappointing.
Let’s be honest, I’ve invested my time in three books, I’ll probably finish out the series just out of pure curiosity.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence, and War
Moderate: Animal death, Grief, and Death of parent
Minor: Ableism, Blood, and Vomit
Strange Bedfellows by Ariel Slamet Ries
emotional
hopeful
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
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperAlley for an advanced copy of Strange Bedfellows by Ariel Slamet Ries to review! The cover is definitely what drew me in to this one, and the art inside is just as stunning. I’ve loved Ries’ art in everything I’ve read from them so far, so I’m not surprised that I loved this.
The story and the characters match the artwork in quality. There is so much emotional tension in this, and the exploration of mental health is so well done. Both Oberon and Kon are dealing with their own struggles, from panic attacks to anxiety to depression. The unfolding of Kon’s story is extremely well done, and is so heartbreaking.
This is a wonderfully layered story with absolutely gorgeous artwork. If you like sci-fi stories that are character forward, definitely check this one out in March!
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Review to come!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Suicide attempt
I Shall Never Fall in Love by Hari Conner
funny
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
4.0
If you like Jane Austen/Bridgerton/historical dramas of any kind, this is definitely the graphic novel for you. But make it queer! What this has going for it is its characters. Sure, they don't always make the best decisions, but they're teenagers! You've gotta expect a little drama. George and Eleanor have such fantastic chemistry from the beginning that you'll be rooting for them to figure it out the entire time. Literally the entire time.
The art is great throughout, fitting both the time period and helping to bring the characters to life. My only complaint is that it's maybe slightly longer than it needs to be, but that's not the end of the world. I did appreciate all of the historical information provided at the end. If you're into learning more, there's a lot of great information that Conner provides.
The art is great throughout, fitting both the time period and helping to bring the characters to life. My only complaint is that it's maybe slightly longer than it needs to be, but that's not the end of the world. I did appreciate all of the historical information provided at the end. If you're into learning more, there's a lot of great information that Conner provides.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Transphobia, and Classism
Moderate: Homophobia, Misogyny, and Dysphoria
Minor: Slavery, Death of parent, and Alcohol
A Drop of Venom by Sajni Patel
dark
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? It's complicated
3.5
Be warned if you pick this one up: it gets pretty dark! There's a lot of discussion of sexual violence/rape, and women trying to take back their power. If you're familiar with the Medusa myth, those themes likely won't surprise you, but this does come from the Rick Riordan imprint which is usually aimed at a younger audience. I kinda like that he's branching out, though!
My favorite aspect of this was definitely the blending of the mythologies. This is a retelling of Medusa, but it's also steeped in Indian mythology. Those aspects of the story worked really well, and are honestly what kept me reading.
However, the plot did feel uneven to me, and at times, the timeline was difficult to follow (possibly because I was listening to the audiobook). Ends on a cliffhanger for the next book for sure, though!
My favorite aspect of this was definitely the blending of the mythologies. This is a retelling of Medusa, but it's also steeped in Indian mythology. Those aspects of the story worked really well, and are honestly what kept me reading.
However, the plot did feel uneven to me, and at times, the timeline was difficult to follow (possibly because I was listening to the audiobook). Ends on a cliffhanger for the next book for sure, though!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, and Violence
Moderate: Death, Emotional abuse, and Sexual violence
Minor: Cannibalism, Pregnancy, and Abandonment
Tea You at the Altar by Rebecca Thorne
adventurous
funny
hopeful
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
Thanks to NetGalley and Tor Books for an advanced copy of Tea You at the Altar by Rebecca Thorne to review! Cozy fantasy is definitely where it's at the at the moment, and Rebecca Thorne has nailed it once again. I love reading about Kianthe and Reyna, and I am excited that we get to see them in one more book! Especially with the cliffhanger at the end of this one.
What I love about this series is that it's cozy with some higher stakes. Kianthe and Reyna are actively fighting to make their kingdom better, but we still get to return to the tea/bookshop and the little found family they've created. There's a wonderful, colorful cast of characters here that you'll wish you could be a part of this little community. And who doesn't love a fantasy wedding?
I enjoy the fact that each book in this series expands the world a little more. Rebecca Thorne's writing seems to get better with every book, and the baby dragons were just a bonus for me. I can't wait to see how Kianthe and Reyna's adventures end in the final installment!
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Review to come!
Everything Is Poison by Joy McCullough
dark
emotional
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
4.0
What I liked about this in particular is that there aren't a lot of YA books set in this time period. So much YA historical fiction is set during WWII, and this is not. Yay! In line with McCullough's other works, this is definitely a feminist work, pointing out the inequalities of the time and how women coped with being in abusive relationships.
Overall, the story is well researched, with a lot of interesting historical information woven throughout the plot. Because of the focus on the facts and the setting of the story, we do lose some characterization, but I wasn't necessarily mad about it. Though I listened to the audiobook, there is also poetry woven throughout the narrative.
If you enjoy 17th century feminist stories, definitely pick this one up!
Overall, the story is well researched, with a lot of interesting historical information woven throughout the plot. Because of the focus on the facts and the setting of the story, we do lose some characterization, but I wasn't necessarily mad about it. Though I listened to the audiobook, there is also poetry woven throughout the narrative.
If you enjoy 17th century feminist stories, definitely pick this one up!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, and Pregnancy
Moderate: Miscarriage, Physical abuse, and Abortion
Minor: Child abuse, Infertility, and Sexual assault
Bree Boyd Is a Legend by Leah Johnson
funny
hopeful
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? No
4.0
Thanks to NetGalley and Disney Hyperion for an advanced copy of Bree Boyd is a Legend by Leah Johnson to review! Leah Johnson is definitely a favorite of mine, and I love that she's ventured into the middle grade market. Ellie Engle Saves Herself was a favorite of mine last year, so jumping back into that world was fun!
Let's start with the characters. You'll see a lot of familiar faces if you've read the first book, but we also get to meet some new people! Bree is a fantastic narrator, especially as she learns to let go a little. Her dad puts so much pressure on her, and part of her arc is learning how to do things that are fun. Things that are just for her. There are a lot of middle grade readers who will likely relate to her story.
One of the things I loved most was Bree's relationships with her sisters. They all work together to figure out how to communicate to their dad, and they all definitely get to a better place by the end. It feels realistic and relatable, and shows middle school readers that they can have difficult conversations with the adults in their lives.
This is a great read for anyone who loves realistic stories with a touch of magic. If you've been sleeping on Leah Johnson, this is the year to pick up her books!
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Review to come!