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bubblewombat's reviews
2393 reviews
Son of a Witch by Gregory Maguire
adventurous
slow-paced
3.0
Okay well...after reading Wicked, I was left a bit curious about Liir's fate, we can now consider that curiosity sated. I don't feel like reading the rest of this series, or the spinoff one, but I will check out the graphic novel.
What I liked, was that it wasn't like the first book, the writing was a bit better and the book a little less weird, Liir did develop as a character and it wasn't a bad listen.
I do wish this series gripped me though, I really was ready to read ALL the books connected to it, but yeah, not for me. Musical up next, fingers crossed I like that at least.
What I liked, was that it wasn't like the first book, the writing was a bit better and the book a little less weird, Liir did develop as a character and it wasn't a bad listen.
I do wish this series gripped me though, I really was ready to read ALL the books connected to it, but yeah, not for me. Musical up next, fingers crossed I like that at least.
Women's Liberation and the African Freedom Struggle by Thomas Sankara
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Thomas Sankara, the man that you were...
Christmas at Sugar Plum Manor by Roseanna M. White
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
I have to admit that the title intrigued me, so I had to borrow the audiobook and see what it was about.
I adored all the Nutcracker tidbits that were incorporated into the story, and the childhood friends to lovers romance as well. I also liked how imaginative Mariah was, she reminded me a lot of myself.
I wasn't a big fan of the "villian" until the end when he redeemed himself, but I do wish that had been solved sooner.
Overall it was a nice Christmas read, and audiobook. I would read something by Roseanna M. White again in the future.
I adored all the Nutcracker tidbits that were incorporated into the story, and the childhood friends to lovers romance as well. I also liked how imaginative Mariah was, she reminded me a lot of myself.
I wasn't a big fan of the "villian" until the end when he redeemed himself, but I do wish that had been solved sooner.
Overall it was a nice Christmas read, and audiobook. I would read something by Roseanna M. White again in the future.
The Girl With No Reflection by Keshe Chow
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
4.0
I was supposed to finish this back in August, but personal stuff happened and somehow I never sat down to do so until now, so I must apologise to The Girl With No Reflection for not picking her back up sooner.
Overall I liked this book and found it really easy to read. I was a bit unsure at the start, because of some choices made by the main character, but then I decided to just go with the flow, and not judge it too much.
So, first the pros. Once I really picked this up, I found it hard to stop reading. I needed to know what would happen next, and I kept flipping the pages going "okay just one more chapter". It's a very bingable book.
The mythology included was probably my favourite part, I loved the Fish inclusion in particular, because usually authors pick "better" and bigger animals for their characters to be (or to have been once upon a time), but not our dear Ying, she's a fish. One with special powers, sure, but still.
I was actually left surprised at what she could do when her powers came in, that one scene with the Mirror Prince and Mirror Ying was SO GOOD.
Another aspect of the story I like, is all the mirrors. Mirrors are something I've always found creepy, and I do believe there is a world beyond them, which is something Chow embraces. Ying's reflection tricks her into switching places with her which sets off a chain of events that eventually lead to a war.
This proves my distrust of mirrors is very valid, thank you very much! I know I'd be so creeped out if I had to sleep in a room full of them like Ying had to, before the wedding.
The romance is something that I both liked and disliked. Disliked because it happened SO FAST, both times, that neither one was believable, and liked because they did have chemistry. Well, mostly Ying and the Mirror Prince, but still.
It was just a bit silly how she fell in love with one Prince in the blink of an eye, was wondering if he's actually the one she was meant to be with since he's her husband's mirror image and so much kinder to her, only for a switch to be flipped and for her to fall for the real version instead as if she never loved the other one in the first place. Which...yes, I guess she didn't.
The insta-love definitely bugged me, but it didn't affect my feelings towards the rest of the story.
I also wanted a bit more development from all the characters, but I don't think there was enough time for that, due to this being a standalone. I saw someone say this should've been a duology, and I agree, everything would've been more fleshed out then.
Another thing that bugged me, is that there's this scene that's meant to be traumatic for Ying, she's losing some family members and she's in pain, but she never refers to them by name.
And the way that scene was structured, I felt that the number of family members in it was chosen purposely, so that the important ones would never actually be in danger, and as a result that scene didn't have much of an impact on me.
Language wise, some of the things Ying said felt out of place, more like something someone from a contemporary YA would say than someone from a (somewhat) historical fantasy world. It didn't take me out of the story, but I sure noticed every time it happened.
Similarly, the characters often said words in Chinese, only to follow up with the same word in English, so it felt like reading the same words twice in a row, but I get what Chow was trying to do, translate as she goes, which I can appreciate.
Normally all my criticism would make this a three star read, but I'm choosing to rate this based on enjoyment so it's getting four. I'd gladly read something else by Keshe Chow in the future.
*Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Overall I liked this book and found it really easy to read. I was a bit unsure at the start, because of some choices made by the main character, but then I decided to just go with the flow, and not judge it too much.
So, first the pros. Once I really picked this up, I found it hard to stop reading. I needed to know what would happen next, and I kept flipping the pages going "okay just one more chapter". It's a very bingable book.
The mythology included was probably my favourite part, I loved the Fish inclusion in particular, because usually authors pick "better" and bigger animals for their characters to be (or to have been once upon a time), but not our dear Ying, she's a fish. One with special powers, sure, but still.
I was actually left surprised at what she could do when her powers came in, that one scene with the Mirror Prince and Mirror Ying was SO GOOD.
Another aspect of the story I like, is all the mirrors. Mirrors are something I've always found creepy, and I do believe there is a world beyond them, which is something Chow embraces. Ying's reflection tricks her into switching places with her which sets off a chain of events that eventually lead to a war.
This proves my distrust of mirrors is very valid, thank you very much! I know I'd be so creeped out if I had to sleep in a room full of them like Ying had to, before the wedding.
The romance is something that I both liked and disliked. Disliked because it happened SO FAST, both times, that neither one was believable, and liked because they did have chemistry. Well, mostly Ying and the Mirror Prince, but still.
It was just a bit silly how she fell in love with one Prince in the blink of an eye, was wondering if he's actually the one she was meant to be with since he's her husband's mirror image and so much kinder to her, only for a switch to be flipped and for her to fall for the real version instead as if she never loved the other one in the first place. Which...yes, I guess she didn't.
The insta-love definitely bugged me, but it didn't affect my feelings towards the rest of the story.
I also wanted a bit more development from all the characters, but I don't think there was enough time for that, due to this being a standalone. I saw someone say this should've been a duology, and I agree, everything would've been more fleshed out then.
Another thing that bugged me, is that there's this scene that's meant to be traumatic for Ying, she's losing some family members and she's in pain, but she never refers to them by name.
And the way that scene was structured, I felt that the number of family members in it was chosen purposely, so that the important ones would never actually be in danger, and as a result that scene didn't have much of an impact on me.
Language wise, some of the things Ying said felt out of place, more like something someone from a contemporary YA would say than someone from a (somewhat) historical fantasy world. It didn't take me out of the story, but I sure noticed every time it happened.
Similarly, the characters often said words in Chinese, only to follow up with the same word in English, so it felt like reading the same words twice in a row, but I get what Chow was trying to do, translate as she goes, which I can appreciate.
Normally all my criticism would make this a three star read, but I'm choosing to rate this based on enjoyment so it's getting four. I'd gladly read something else by Keshe Chow in the future.
*Thank you to the author for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review*
Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice
adventurous
hopeful
informative
mysterious
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I don't tend to read apocalyptic books often, but when I do, I really know how to pick 'em! I absolutely loved this, it was clear to me from the beginning that I'd, at the very least, like it.
Billy Merasty's narration blew me away, his pronunciation and tone was just *chef's kiss*, one of the best audiobook casts I've ever seen. I'm glad he also narrates book two, I know it'll be a joy to listen to.
Everything worked for me here, the length, the story, the characters, the writing style, the Anishinaabe culture woven in, the pacing...yes, it's a slightly slower novel where not a lot of action happens, but everything else makes up for it.
I didn't even mind that we never learned what *actually* happened out there to make all the technology die, I'm just rolling with it, I don't have to know.
This was also the perfect wintery read, I highly recommend you read this as you watch the snow fall outside! Ours has unfortunately melted, but I'm hoping for some more next year.
Anyway, this book has been on my tbr since 2021, (I think it was a bit longer, but I only added it then) and I'm super glad I finally gave it a listen, I was seriously missing out! If you haven't read it yet, this is your sign, friends.
Billy Merasty's narration blew me away, his pronunciation and tone was just *chef's kiss*, one of the best audiobook casts I've ever seen. I'm glad he also narrates book two, I know it'll be a joy to listen to.
Everything worked for me here, the length, the story, the characters, the writing style, the Anishinaabe culture woven in, the pacing...yes, it's a slightly slower novel where not a lot of action happens, but everything else makes up for it.
I didn't even mind that we never learned what *actually* happened out there to make all the technology die, I'm just rolling with it, I don't have to know.
This was also the perfect wintery read, I highly recommend you read this as you watch the snow fall outside! Ours has unfortunately melted, but I'm hoping for some more next year.
Anyway, this book has been on my tbr since 2021, (I think it was a bit longer, but I only added it then) and I'm super glad I finally gave it a listen, I was seriously missing out! If you haven't read it yet, this is your sign, friends.
Freedom Is a Constant Struggle: Ferguson, Palestine, and the Foundations of a Movement by Angela Y. Davis
challenging
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
3.5
The structure of this book didn't fully work for me, and the repetitiveness of the second half didn't help either. I liked the topics covered & the ideas shared, but I was left wishing that this went more in-depth and was a bit longer.
If you, like me, are new to reading Angela Davis, this is not the place I'd recommend you start. I would go back to this book however, at some point in the future, it's worth rereading.
3.5
If you, like me, are new to reading Angela Davis, this is not the place I'd recommend you start. I would go back to this book however, at some point in the future, it's worth rereading.
3.5
A Shadow Crown by Melissa Blair
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
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
4.5
Soulmates with a dash of love triangle goodness? Don't mind if I do.
I know that, logically, Keera is going to end up with Riven, who I want her to be with, but I can't help but love the little moments she has with Killian as well. I knew based on the first book that *something* would come of it and it has.
But the romance isn't a huge focus of the book, it's plot heavy, and we got such a nice world & lore expansion in this one. It was so much, that I couldn't binge it as fast as I did the first book and had to let it settle a bit.
Now, I'm not sure I like all the answers we gotlike the light fae not coming back EXCUSE ME </spoiler, but I appreciate them all the same.
My favourite thing is probably all the character development, not just on Keera's end, but the whole found family too. I love them all to bits, and hope they all make it to the very end.
With that said, the ending was a bit odd. We've been building up towards this one event throughout both books, and then it turned out to be kinda underwhelming? Like, that's NOT how that should've happened, no way.
So for that I'm lowering my rating to a 4.5, but I really enjoyed this book, and can't wait to jump into the next two.
I know that, logically, Keera is going to end up with Riven, who I want her to be with, but I can't help but love the little moments she has with Killian as well. I knew based on the first book that *something* would come of it and it has.
But the romance isn't a huge focus of the book, it's plot heavy, and we got such a nice world & lore expansion in this one. It was so much, that I couldn't binge it as fast as I did the first book and had to let it settle a bit.
Now, I'm not sure I like all the answers we got
My favourite thing is probably all the character development, not just on Keera's end, but the whole found family too. I love them all to bits, and hope they all make it to the very end.
With that said, the ending was a bit odd. We've been building up towards this one event throughout both books, and then it turned out to be kinda underwhelming? Like, that's NOT how that should've happened, no way.
So for that I'm lowering my rating to a 4.5, but I really enjoyed this book, and can't wait to jump into the next two.
Vikingrune Academy 3: Blood of Ancients by KC Kingmaker
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
Blood of Ancients started off a bit slow, and I was wondering if it was going to be more of a filler book, but it picked up around the middle and the plot was plotting folks!!
Do you guys remember what I said about Ravinica's origins in my last review, the guess I had? Well, I was wrong. But, we found out exactly what she is now, and how it all came to be and I'm very satisfied with the answers.
We also got to learn more about a certain mate's past, 100% did not see that coming. I'm glad the gang has another person on their team now, and one who's pretty cool to boot.
I actually didn't pay as much attention to that character previously, but they really grew on me during the course of the book. If anything happens to them in the next one, I fear I may cry.
ALSO, loved that Shadowblade Academy shout out. So then they *ARE* in the same world? Excuse me while I go get ready for a crossover. I'm kidding, but I like knowing it's a possibility.
I am now thinking back to the series, wondering if there were any clues even back then...
Anyway, my absolute favourite parts of this book were set on the other side of the portal (oh yes, they went there). I too would like to visit a spring-hold, thanks.
The way that realm was described sounds so magical, I'd love to live there. Preferably in the forest though, something tells me the elves who dwell there are the coolest.
That was also where Ravinica changed, in so many ways. I'm a lil obsessed with the Folkvang scene/chapter, IT WAS SO PRECIOUS AND BEAUTIFUL, literally my fav in the whole book, and such a fitting end for that character.
Speaking of endings, when those rumbles started and Ravinica was like "oh I thought nothing of it" I was like I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT THAT IS!!! And boy, was I right! I can't wait to see how they'll deal with this threat, and then hopefully bring peace to all the realms?
No but, I was hoping these specific creatures would make an appearance sooner or later, so I'm STOKED we're finally getting to see them.
LASTLY, I do forgive Arne. Kinda, sorta, a lil bit. I'm anticipating I will have fully forgiven him by the time book four is out.
Oh, and we still don't like Eirik, just throwing that in there for good measure.
*Thank you to the amazing author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Do you guys remember what I said about Ravinica's origins in my last review, the guess I had? Well, I was wrong. But, we found out exactly what she is now, and how it all came to be and I'm very satisfied with the answers.
We also got to learn more about a certain mate's past, 100% did not see that coming. I'm glad the gang has another person on their team now, and one who's pretty cool to boot.
I actually didn't pay as much attention to that character previously, but they really grew on me during the course of the book. If anything happens to them in the next one, I fear I may cry.
ALSO, loved that Shadowblade Academy shout out. So then they *ARE* in the same world? Excuse me while I go get ready for a crossover. I'm kidding, but I like knowing it's a possibility.
I am now thinking back to the series, wondering if there were any clues even back then...
Anyway, my absolute favourite parts of this book were set on the other side of the portal (oh yes, they went there). I too would like to visit a spring-hold, thanks.
The way that realm was described sounds so magical, I'd love to live there. Preferably in the forest though, something tells me the elves who dwell there are the coolest.
That was also where Ravinica changed, in so many ways. I'm a lil obsessed with the Folkvang scene/chapter, IT WAS SO PRECIOUS AND BEAUTIFUL, literally my fav in the whole book, and such a fitting end for that character.
Speaking of endings, when those rumbles started and Ravinica was like "oh I thought nothing of it" I was like I KNOW EXACTLY WHAT THAT IS!!! And boy, was I right! I can't wait to see how they'll deal with this threat, and then hopefully bring peace to all the realms?
No but, I was hoping these specific creatures would make an appearance sooner or later, so I'm STOKED we're finally getting to see them.
LASTLY, I do forgive Arne. Kinda, sorta, a lil bit. I'm anticipating I will have fully forgiven him by the time book four is out.
Oh, and we still don't like Eirik, just throwing that in there for good measure.
*Thank you to the amazing author for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
Christmas in Bethel by Richard Paul Evans
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
relaxing
sad
medium-paced
3.75
I've never read a book by this author but the title intrigued me so I had to give it a go.
There are some hard topics covered, and with the way it started I was wondering what I was getting myself into, but then Beth met the author who technically saved her life and the story went up from there. That's not to say Lee and Beth didn't face any challenges while getting to know each other, and it definitely wasn't all sunshine and roses, but I did like their story.
It also wasn't very Christmas-y, but since it says so in the beginning I wasn't expecting it to be.
I recommend the audiobook, the narrator was perfectly chosen and brought the characters to life. She also did a good enough job to make me want to check out Evans's other books.
There are some hard topics covered, and with the way it started I was wondering what I was getting myself into, but then Beth met the author who technically saved her life and the story went up from there. That's not to say Lee and Beth didn't face any challenges while getting to know each other, and it definitely wasn't all sunshine and roses, but I did like their story.
It also wasn't very Christmas-y, but since it says so in the beginning I wasn't expecting it to be.
I recommend the audiobook, the narrator was perfectly chosen and brought the characters to life. She also did a good enough job to make me want to check out Evans's other books.
Sisters of Fire and Fury by Laura Bates
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
relaxing
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
I know this is a duology, but hear me out, five books? Four books? I'll even settle for three PLEASE I NEED MORE!!!
I had an arc of book one and loved it to bits, but this release went a bit off the radar for me, so I was really exited when I saw it was finally out.
It's such a brilliant sequel, I can't say which book I love more. While the first focused on Cass trying to find herself, this one really leaned into her embracing her destiny. AND, we got to see (and meet) Arthur, Merlin and the Knights too.
The dreamy writing style is still present and perfect for the story, I'd like to go back to this dream again and again thanks!!
I just adore the way this was written, the choices made relating to each character, in which light to paint them, and the huge emphasis on women being forgotten throughout history no matter how grand their contributions.
Cass grew so much during her journey, and I'm so glad I got to know her and the rest of the women. They'll continue living in my head rent free forevermore.
I had an arc of book one and loved it to bits, but this release went a bit off the radar for me, so I was really exited when I saw it was finally out.
It's such a brilliant sequel, I can't say which book I love more. While the first focused on Cass trying to find herself, this one really leaned into her embracing her destiny. AND, we got to see (and meet) Arthur, Merlin and the Knights too.
The dreamy writing style is still present and perfect for the story, I'd like to go back to this dream again and again thanks!!
I just adore the way this was written, the choices made relating to each character, in which light to paint them, and the huge emphasis on women being forgotten throughout history no matter how grand their contributions.
Cass grew so much during her journey, and I'm so glad I got to know her and the rest of the women. They'll continue living in my head rent free forevermore.