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cassthebookseller's reviews
274 reviews
Fable by Adrienne Young
adventurous
tense
slow-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver
3.0
I’m going to start off this flash by saying this book is so important. If I had this when I was in high school it might have been life changing. Reading this novel from the perspective of a non-binary character was refreshing and insightful. Because Deaver is non-binary themselves, were able to get a glimpse into this life and the harsh struggles that face their reality.
I appreciated the exploration of sexuality, self acceptance and the love that comes out of friendship. It was also really impressive watching the author navigate how to talk about therapy and introducing teens to it in a way thats normal and not intimidating. For this generation, I think it’s completely necessary.
While I believe this book is a gift for teens in today’s world, I was disappointed in the shallowness of it. I wanted there to be so much more. Everything was great on a superficial level, but I was waiting for that snap, or the special thing that took it over the edge and made it remarkable. But even as the last page flew by I missed it. It left me feeling unfulfilled. Despite all of that, I appreciate it for what it is.
I appreciated the exploration of sexuality, self acceptance and the love that comes out of friendship. It was also really impressive watching the author navigate how to talk about therapy and introducing teens to it in a way thats normal and not intimidating. For this generation, I think it’s completely necessary.
While I believe this book is a gift for teens in today’s world, I was disappointed in the shallowness of it. I wanted there to be so much more. Everything was great on a superficial level, but I was waiting for that snap, or the special thing that took it over the edge and made it remarkable. But even as the last page flew by I missed it. It left me feeling unfulfilled. Despite all of that, I appreciate it for what it is.
The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman
3.0
I’m confused about how to feel about this one.
Once again, Gaiman’s incredible use of language is so breathtakingly beautiful. I hung off of every word, so much that it felt like I was dreaming for most of it. I’m constantly impressed with the way he strings voices, senses and ideas together with very little effort. It was much darker than I anticipated and incredibly interesting (though very heavy for me emotionally so it took me longer than it probably should have to get through it) and I would say creatively, it’s one of the best novels I’ve experienced from him. I felt everything, it touched a part of my soul.
But I needed so much more.
While technically the story read achingly smooth, I wanted the ideas to be more thoroughly explored. I felt robbed of the opportunity to learn more about our MC’s adulthood, or, quite frankly, more about the mysterious Lettie and her family. The monsters, the magic, the whimsical storytelling were amazing, but I wanted more than just a pretty porcelain surface. There was so much that could have revealed itself, where instead I’m left with a hole in my chest and no more novel to fill it.
I have an inkling that was the feeling Gaiman intended. And if it was, this is far more deserving than what I’m giving it. But for something so emotionally and mentally charged, I expected more than 175 pages. Maybe I’m in the minority.
Will likely recommend, but only to those that already adore his work. Not one I’d say for a first time flyer with Neil.
Once again, Gaiman’s incredible use of language is so breathtakingly beautiful. I hung off of every word, so much that it felt like I was dreaming for most of it. I’m constantly impressed with the way he strings voices, senses and ideas together with very little effort. It was much darker than I anticipated and incredibly interesting (though very heavy for me emotionally so it took me longer than it probably should have to get through it) and I would say creatively, it’s one of the best novels I’ve experienced from him. I felt everything, it touched a part of my soul.
But I needed so much more.
While technically the story read achingly smooth, I wanted the ideas to be more thoroughly explored. I felt robbed of the opportunity to learn more about our MC’s adulthood, or, quite frankly, more about the mysterious Lettie and her family. The monsters, the magic, the whimsical storytelling were amazing, but I wanted more than just a pretty porcelain surface. There was so much that could have revealed itself, where instead I’m left with a hole in my chest and no more novel to fill it.
I have an inkling that was the feeling Gaiman intended. And if it was, this is far more deserving than what I’m giving it. But for something so emotionally and mentally charged, I expected more than 175 pages. Maybe I’m in the minority.
Will likely recommend, but only to those that already adore his work. Not one I’d say for a first time flyer with Neil.
Snotgirl, Volume 2: California Screaming by Bryan Lee O'Malley, Leslie Hung
3.0
I was so excited with what O’Malley had accomplished with Snotgirl v. 1, I couldn’t wait to get my hands on this second volume. Maybe I had too high of expectations, because this volume deflated most of that excitement by the end of it. The writing was still top tier and the characters have finally seemed to settle in for the ride, but I feel like the world and cast development is farther along than the plot itself. There is so many interesting things happening with our MCs, but no story to truly spotlight it. There is no clear vision, it seems.
The comic is funny as heck, clever and made entirely of satire, and while I was reading I enjoyed every bit of it. But by the end I had more questions than answers, and slight frustration with pacing. I just want to know what’s going on! (It has a very Morning Glories feel to me). Nothing is ever quite clear, but I Hope volume 3 finally gives us what we’re waiting for.
The comic is funny as heck, clever and made entirely of satire, and while I was reading I enjoyed every bit of it. But by the end I had more questions than answers, and slight frustration with pacing. I just want to know what’s going on! (It has a very Morning Glories feel to me). Nothing is ever quite clear, but I Hope volume 3 finally gives us what we’re waiting for.
Dread Nation by Justina Ireland
3.0
I’m surprised I like this book.
Historical fictions don’t appeal to me, especially those in the Reconstruction era. And honestly, even the zombies weren’t a hard sell (though it did do enough to make me read it so I guess there’s that). I read this because my new ASM recommended it to me and I’m always ready to try something that someone else loves. It’s my job. Plus, it’s local, takes place in Maryland for half of the book and after just moving to the area it seemed fitting!
Not going to lie, it started off pretty slow. Being skeptical before I picked it up didn’t help either, so I had to stay focused on getting through it! But there’s one scene- and those that have read it know which one I’m talking about, that completely changes the pace of the book. I was so incredibly grateful for that because after, it was full steam ahead.
Jane, albeit annoying, ended up being a really strong main character. She’s hard headed and incredibly smart, she was real to me. As annoyed as I was at her throughout the book, it was a good kind of annoyed. Because she was one of the most real, relevant and relatable characters I’ve read in YA fantasy in a long time. And Kate, our other lead, is great from the get go. She’s incredibly interesting and very well developed. Their friendship was a slow burn, from competition and loathing, to mutual respect, to actual fondness of one another. There was some hinted romance (for some side characters), but their friendship took center stage without really overshadowing the plot. It was refreshing and much appreciated as a reader to see the author take that on so smoothly.
I know there has been some drama and interesting information circulating around the authors personal views, but I tried hard not to let that affect my opinions of the book. Because this book is damn important. It beautifully addressed problems about bigotry and racism in a language that speaks to its intended audience. And not in the expected, typical way. You have Civil War ZOMBIES, for crying out loud! It’s a great, different YA fantasy novel that deserves more attention than it’s getting.
I’m glad I took the time to read it.
Historical fictions don’t appeal to me, especially those in the Reconstruction era. And honestly, even the zombies weren’t a hard sell (though it did do enough to make me read it so I guess there’s that). I read this because my new ASM recommended it to me and I’m always ready to try something that someone else loves. It’s my job. Plus, it’s local, takes place in Maryland for half of the book and after just moving to the area it seemed fitting!
Not going to lie, it started off pretty slow. Being skeptical before I picked it up didn’t help either, so I had to stay focused on getting through it! But there’s one scene- and those that have read it know which one I’m talking about, that completely changes the pace of the book. I was so incredibly grateful for that because after, it was full steam ahead.
Jane, albeit annoying, ended up being a really strong main character. She’s hard headed and incredibly smart, she was real to me. As annoyed as I was at her throughout the book, it was a good kind of annoyed. Because she was one of the most real, relevant and relatable characters I’ve read in YA fantasy in a long time. And Kate, our other lead, is great from the get go. She’s incredibly interesting and very well developed. Their friendship was a slow burn, from competition and loathing, to mutual respect, to actual fondness of one another. There was some hinted romance (for some side characters), but their friendship took center stage without really overshadowing the plot. It was refreshing and much appreciated as a reader to see the author take that on so smoothly.
I know there has been some drama and interesting information circulating around the authors personal views, but I tried hard not to let that affect my opinions of the book. Because this book is damn important. It beautifully addressed problems about bigotry and racism in a language that speaks to its intended audience. And not in the expected, typical way. You have Civil War ZOMBIES, for crying out loud! It’s a great, different YA fantasy novel that deserves more attention than it’s getting.
I’m glad I took the time to read it.
Path of Stars by Erin Hunter, Wayne McLoughlin
4.0
I sobbed harder for Grey Wing in the last 20 pages of this book than I did for Firestar, and that says something. Despite my disappointment with this series overall, Grey Wing stole my heart. He was kind and giving, selfless to the core and I’m so happy his family was able to be with him when he passed. The authors gave him far too much hurt in this arc and I sort of hate them for it.
Okay now that my ache for Grey Wing has subsided some, I can complain about the rest of it. The entire Slash plot drove me insane. It was built up and built up right until the end, for us to get a “you’ll be sorry!” ominous end. Dumb. You can’t give me all that action and then end it out of nowhere. Especially since I know there’s not going to be a sequel prequel series. So that was entirely disappointing.
It was fitting to have GW’s kits eventually name the clans, it was a very meta moment for the reader, but then that’s it! That’s all we get. No explanation on why the clans eventually drive out Skyclan, no reason why they travel to moonstone, or why leaders get 9 lives. It was hinted at that the clans followed a certain code- but no explanation to the start of the Warrior Code, and the roles they come up with in each clan.
Also, when did they start to call mothers queens? That snuck in there.
I wanted to explore Jagged Peak more, and so many others, and I feel like I’m left to wonder because they will never be spoken of again. Dawn of the Clans was not what I needed it to be, and I’m angry about it.
3 stars for the entire series, 5 stars for Grey Wing. So I have it a happy medium for this book.
Okay now that my ache for Grey Wing has subsided some, I can complain about the rest of it. The entire Slash plot drove me insane. It was built up and built up right until the end, for us to get a “you’ll be sorry!” ominous end. Dumb. You can’t give me all that action and then end it out of nowhere. Especially since I know there’s not going to be a sequel prequel series. So that was entirely disappointing.
It was fitting to have GW’s kits eventually name the clans, it was a very meta moment for the reader, but then that’s it! That’s all we get. No explanation on why the clans eventually drive out Skyclan, no reason why they travel to moonstone, or why leaders get 9 lives. It was hinted at that the clans followed a certain code- but no explanation to the start of the Warrior Code, and the roles they come up with in each clan.
Also, when did they start to call mothers queens? That snuck in there.
I wanted to explore Jagged Peak more, and so many others, and I feel like I’m left to wonder because they will never be spoken of again. Dawn of the Clans was not what I needed it to be, and I’m angry about it.
3 stars for the entire series, 5 stars for Grey Wing. So I have it a happy medium for this book.