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bubblewombat's reviews
2393 reviews
West Hollywood Monster Squad by Sina Grace
adventurous
funny
hopeful
mysterious
relaxing
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
4.0
This book made me seriously think about what I'd be wearing during an apocalypse, because outfits are important folks!!
West Hollywood Monster Squad was such a delightful read, I loved the art style, the humour, the cute pink monsters wreaking havoc, and the group of friends (old and new) working together to survive the night.
At first, Marvin was a bit hard to like because he whined a lot, but he managed to deal with his issues over the course of the novel and became likable somewhere around the halfway point. The rest of them I liked from the start.
I'd recommend this to teen and adult readers alike, I promise you'll have so much fun with this group of monster hunters.
West Hollywood Monster Squad was such a delightful read, I loved the art style, the humour, the cute pink monsters wreaking havoc, and the group of friends (old and new) working together to survive the night.
At first, Marvin was a bit hard to like because he whined a lot, but he managed to deal with his issues over the course of the novel and became likable somewhere around the halfway point. The rest of them I liked from the start.
I'd recommend this to teen and adult readers alike, I promise you'll have so much fun with this group of monster hunters.
Heist Royale by Kayvion Lewis
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
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? It's complicated
4.0
I had just as much fun with Heist Royale as I did with Thieves' Gambit, but I have to say that the first book was more to my liking, even though this one had more character development.
It was just more exciting, and I couldn't stop reading, while I was okay with putting this one down a few times before finishing it. It's still a fast read though, and perhaps a bit short for a book that's supposed to end the series.
My favourite part was the casino heist, it gave me the same feeling I got when I was reading the first book, and I wish the rest of this one followed suit.
In the romance department, nothing much has changed for me, I'm still not Devroe's biggest fan. But to be fair, he didn't have much of a chance to convince me he was the right person for Ross, because they didn't have a lot of interactions together.
A certain other side couple was adorableeeee though, all the stars for them. I'd totally read a novella about them after the scene in the casino (you know which one).
I liked the ending, I knew we were heading in that direction so it was satisfying, but it was wrapped up a bit fast. I wanted at least 50 more pages, not necessarily of the ending, just of the characters existing, hanging out, etc, if this really is the last time we'll see them.
Which I'm hoping it won't be!! Because these books are so fun and so underrated, I wish they got the same hype as some other YA heist books, because Lewis is truly a great writer. I'll be seated for whatever she writes next.
It was just more exciting, and I couldn't stop reading, while I was okay with putting this one down a few times before finishing it. It's still a fast read though, and perhaps a bit short for a book that's supposed to end the series.
My favourite part was the casino heist, it gave me the same feeling I got when I was reading the first book, and I wish the rest of this one followed suit.
In the romance department, nothing much has changed for me, I'm still not Devroe's biggest fan. But to be fair, he didn't have much of a chance to convince me he was the right person for Ross, because they didn't have a lot of interactions together.
A certain other side couple was adorableeeee though, all the stars for them. I'd totally read a novella about them after the scene in the casino (you know which one).
I liked the ending, I knew we were heading in that direction so it was satisfying, but it was wrapped up a bit fast. I wanted at least 50 more pages, not necessarily of the ending, just of the characters existing, hanging out, etc, if this really is the last time we'll see them.
Which I'm hoping it won't be!! Because these books are so fun and so underrated, I wish they got the same hype as some other YA heist books, because Lewis is truly a great writer. I'll be seated for whatever she writes next.
Small Things Like These by Claire Keegan
sad
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.75
I probably wouldn't have read this if the movie wasn't coming out, but I'm glad I did, the last chapter was worth it.
Providence by Tope Omotosho
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-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
4.0
I've been meaning to get into Tope Omotosho's books, and decided to start with this sweet novella.
It's about two people who meet on a bus and can't stop thinking about each other, even though they each might have to marry someone they don't know.
I liked the premise, and the characters, though I wish the story was a bit longer so we could explore their relationship deeper. But I'm overall happy with the way that it ended, and I'm excited to read more books by this author.
It's about two people who meet on a bus and can't stop thinking about each other, even though they each might have to marry someone they don't know.
I liked the premise, and the characters, though I wish the story was a bit longer so we could explore their relationship deeper. But I'm overall happy with the way that it ended, and I'm excited to read more books by this author.
Broken: The Suspicious Death of Alydar and the End of Horse Racing's Golden Age by Fred M. Kray, Fred M. Kray
dark
informative
sad
medium-paced
4.0
Broken was both an interesting listen, and a hard one. Interesting because you get to see Kray's determination to give Alydar a voice and find out what really happened, and hard because hearing what this poor horse (and some others mentioned) went through is incredibly sad. I really don't understand people who hurt animals for any reason, least of all greed.
The book is well-researched and full of interviews from every person you could think of that had anything to do with Alydar (who did say yes to the interview, that is).
I feel like I learned a lot about horse racing, Alydar's life and the investigation into his death. The only flaw of this book, is that it could get a bit repetitive in the interviews, and the pacing wasn't the best. But I really appreciate the lengths Mr Kray went through to get the truth out there. JUSTICE FOR ALYDAR!!!
The book is well-researched and full of interviews from every person you could think of that had anything to do with Alydar (who did say yes to the interview, that is).
I feel like I learned a lot about horse racing, Alydar's life and the investigation into his death. The only flaw of this book, is that it could get a bit repetitive in the interviews, and the pacing wasn't the best. But I really appreciate the lengths Mr Kray went through to get the truth out there. JUSTICE FOR ALYDAR!!!
Born Fighting: How the Scots-Irish Shaped America by Jim Webb
challenging
informative
slow-paced
3.0
The history was indeed interesting, I learned some things I didn't know before, and the passion Jim Webb has for his heritage shows. However...I'm not so sure I'd recommend this.
There's a very obvious bias, and like, I too would agree that the English are to blame for everything ever (I'm kidding), but I'm not the one who's supposed to be objective here, Webb didn't even try to be.
I also wasn't a fan of him glossing over very obvious elephants in the room, and the fact that this felt more like him exploring his own family history than anything else.
I'm sure there are better books on the subject out there somewhere.
There's a very obvious bias, and like, I too would agree that the English are to blame for everything ever (I'm kidding), but I'm not the one who's supposed to be objective here, Webb didn't even try to be.
I also wasn't a fan of him glossing over very obvious elephants in the room, and the fact that this felt more like him exploring his own family history than anything else.
I'm sure there are better books on the subject out there somewhere.
The Street by Ann Petry
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.25
NO NO NO NO NO NO NO!!! IT CAN'T END LIKE THAT I REFUSE!!!! I'm truly heartbroken, nobody talk to me.
Deja Brew by Celestine Martin
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
Soulmates and a lil bit of time travel? Normally 100% my thing, but much like the second book, I just didn't connect to this one the way I did to the first book in the series. I'm glad I finished it though.
Vikingrune Academy 4: The Last Valkyrie by KC Kingmaker
adventurous
hopeful
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
BREAKING NEWS, EIRIK WASN'T USELESS IN THIS ONE?? GASPPP. There was *something* that happened, and I was like "of course it would happen to him and to [REDACTED]", but you know what, he pulled through at the end when it mattered most, and I respect that.
I'd almost go as far as to say I'd like a short story about him and his little group, my opinion of him has definitely improved. Can't say the same for Damon though.
So, Ravinica and her mates have some real trouble at their doorstep, and we finally find out the answer to the biggest secret of all (and no, I'm not telling you what it is, go read the books).
Can I just say...I had a theory about that and it was correct, but I was still surprised when it played out that way. I was highkey expecting that character to stay nice and then they had to ruin it. AGH.
If anyone's seen Ghibli's Castle in the Sky, said character gave me huge Muska vibes, if you know, you know.
Aside from the many glorious battle scenes, we also got numerous twists that I wasn't expecting.
Like say, the large table scene, the shady new leader election (I saw it like a second before it happened), that one character who you never knew which side they were on finally picking one, and a certain other character receiving the recognition they deserve (was scared for them for a good minute there, when they were in enemy clutches).
I loved all the forgiveness we saw, like when Sven and his siblings put aside their differences for the greater good, and how Lindi went without mentioning the secret mission again, but to be fair...she didn't have the time. In any case, I know they're all good now.
I also loved the ending, I feel like it was very fitting for the series, and can believe that the elves and humans (and other creatures ahem) will finally live in peace. Unless if SOMEONE decides to come back and ruin it, I like that we have that option floating around.
The door is open for a potential spinoff, so I'm obviously going to campaign for a crossover between Vikingrune and Shadowblade once again, mayhaps they can team up to help another academy with their own troubles? I wouldn't say no to another Dawn.
BEFORE I FORGET, we got to see the men interacting with each other in some interesting ways, even more than before, so if you love sword crossings in your RH you'll love this series.
*Thank you to the amazing author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
I'd almost go as far as to say I'd like a short story about him and his little group, my opinion of him has definitely improved. Can't say the same for Damon though.
So, Ravinica and her mates have some real trouble at their doorstep, and we finally find out the answer to the biggest secret of all (and no, I'm not telling you what it is, go read the books).
Can I just say...I had a theory about that and it was correct, but I was still surprised when it played out that way. I was highkey expecting that character to stay nice and then they had to ruin it. AGH.
If anyone's seen Ghibli's Castle in the Sky, said character gave me huge Muska vibes, if you know, you know.
Aside from the many glorious battle scenes, we also got numerous twists that I wasn't expecting.
Like say, the large table scene, the shady new leader election (I saw it like a second before it happened), that one character who you never knew which side they were on finally picking one, and a certain other character receiving the recognition they deserve (was scared for them for a good minute there, when they were in enemy clutches).
I loved all the forgiveness we saw, like when Sven and his siblings put aside their differences for the greater good, and how Lindi went without mentioning the secret mission again, but to be fair...she didn't have the time. In any case, I know they're all good now.
I also loved the ending, I feel like it was very fitting for the series, and can believe that the elves and humans (and other creatures ahem) will finally live in peace. Unless if SOMEONE decides to come back and ruin it, I like that we have that option floating around.
The door is open for a potential spinoff, so I'm obviously going to campaign for a crossover between Vikingrune and Shadowblade once again, mayhaps they can team up to help another academy with their own troubles? I wouldn't say no to another Dawn.
BEFORE I FORGET, we got to see the men interacting with each other in some interesting ways, even more than before, so if you love sword crossings in your RH you'll love this series.
*Thank you to the amazing author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Kiss and Spell by Celestine Martin
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.5
I liked the first book a little better, it had more magic and the characters were a bit more likable, but I still had fun listening to this. I think my biggest problem was with the pacing, it was a tad too slow and the story wasn't as engaging as it could've been. I'll still be reading book three though.
3.5
3.5