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cjwitch's reviews
113 reviews
Lucky Bounce by Cait Nary
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
4.0
I greatly enjoyed this book. It's not quite "slice of life" cozy, but it's something adjacent to the genre. Life and love and enjoyment take precedence over any kind of plot, which does give it a bit of a "slice of life" vibe. It's low stakes, adorable, with great banter that had me laughing out loud and grinning wide enough to make my cheeks hurt.
There are aspects that I wish that the book delved deeper into and I definitely wish we had gotten to see more of Spencer's personality (his aversion to talking made him a difficult character to really get to know)...but that aside, this book was just an easy and enjoyable read that left me feeling happy.
I was invested in the characters and the way they interacted and the little family they were creating and I enjoyed every minute of the time I spent with them.
There are aspects that I wish that the book delved deeper into and I definitely wish we had gotten to see more of Spencer's personality (his aversion to talking made him a difficult character to really get to know)...but that aside, this book was just an easy and enjoyable read that left me feeling happy.
I was invested in the characters and the way they interacted and the little family they were creating and I enjoyed every minute of the time I spent with them.
Bored Gay Werewolf by Tony Santorella
medium-paced
- Loveable characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
ARC Review: A werewolf satire about toxic masculinity with the title of "Bored Gay Werewolf"...Admittedly, I went into this with a lot of expectations. I expected a lot of humor, some lovable and some deplorable characters, and a lot of werewolf action.
Sadly, I ended the book feeling very...mid. Despite what the title suggests, this is not really a book about werewolves and it definitely didn't have the humor that the title seemed to me to promise. In the full book, there were three werewolf scenes and two of those were only a few short paragraphs in length.
Where the book did deliver is in the commentary on toxic masculinity.
Tyler is the exact type of guy that I despise, which is intentional by the author. He is a stereotype of reasonably rich, white, CIS male entrepreneur: always talking while actually saying and doing nothing, yet somehow also doling out tasks and taking credit for everything that happens anywhere in his vicinity. Brian, unfortunately, is not much better. He is selfish, self-centered, and self-destructive. He ignores his friends, doesn't care about who or what he hurts, and drinks and does drugs to exist in a perpetual state of oblivion.
Brian's coworker friends, however, I did greatly enjoy. They aren't perfect either, with some realistic character flaws, but they aren't annoying in the way Tyler and Brian are and are responsible for the only real elements of humor within the book.
It wasn't until around chapters 6 or 7 when I started enjoying the book for what it had to say, though I didn't fully engage with the story until the climax near the end. Ultimately, my disappointment in this book lay in my own expectations with it. Don't go into this looking for a fantasy/action werewolf book or even a humorous satire (because the humor is scarce). If you go into this expecting a commentary on toxic masculinity with a slight fantasy element, you will likely enjoy it.
Sadly, I ended the book feeling very...mid. Despite what the title suggests, this is not really a book about werewolves and it definitely didn't have the humor that the title seemed to me to promise. In the full book, there were three werewolf scenes and two of those were only a few short paragraphs in length.
Where the book did deliver is in the commentary on toxic masculinity.
Tyler is the exact type of guy that I despise, which is intentional by the author. He is a stereotype of reasonably rich, white, CIS male entrepreneur: always talking while actually saying and doing nothing, yet somehow also doling out tasks and taking credit for everything that happens anywhere in his vicinity. Brian, unfortunately, is not much better. He is selfish, self-centered, and self-destructive. He ignores his friends, doesn't care about who or what he hurts, and drinks and does drugs to exist in a perpetual state of oblivion.
Brian's coworker friends, however, I did greatly enjoy. They aren't perfect either, with some realistic character flaws, but they aren't annoying in the way Tyler and Brian are and are responsible for the only real elements of humor within the book.
It wasn't until around chapters 6 or 7 when I started enjoying the book for what it had to say, though I didn't fully engage with the story until the climax near the end. Ultimately, my disappointment in this book lay in my own expectations with it. Don't go into this looking for a fantasy/action werewolf book or even a humorous satire (because the humor is scarce). If you go into this expecting a commentary on toxic masculinity with a slight fantasy element, you will likely enjoy it.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Violence, Toxic friendship
Moderate: Homophobia
The Baker & the Bard by Fern Haught
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
ARC Review: The Baker and the Bard is a sweet, low-stakes, and simple graphic novel.
The art and color scheme is gorgeous and emit a sense of peace that enhances the cozy vibes of the story. The story itself is light and whimsical, wonderfully queer normative, with a touch of magic and an assortment of mythical creatures. Fern, the adorable snake companion, is a joy. Hadley is a goofy, possibly ADHD, non-binary dork and Juniper is soft and adorable.
This slice-of-life, cozy read unfortunately fell a bit flat for me, with no real depth or character development. If this was marketed for a bit younger audience, I would have rated this higher. As it is currently marketed as YA, I feel it is TOO simplistic and very surface level. Despite that, I enjoyed the read mainly for the lovely art and would recommend it to families with young children.
Network Effect by Martha Wells
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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
5.0
MurderBot continues to be the absolute best and most relatable character out there.
There were a few hiccups in this one, due, I think, to this being a longer book than the previous novellas. This felt a bit like two books in one, with a spot in the middle that felt like a conclusion but then continued on to another full adventure. With more room to add narrative, some of the descriptions/plot also got a tad confusing at times.
That said, I absolutely adored every second I spent reading Network Effect and didn’t feel that those slight technical bumps negatively impacted my experience in any way.
We got the original humans from All Systems Red, ART, and got to meet an array of new characters. I loved having more time with all the characters and getting to know them all better. ART and MurderBot’s interactions frequently had me in stitches, and Amena in the mix was just perfection! And 3! I absolutely loved 3, and am fully invested in where its story takes it!
MurderBot’s development in this one was wonderful and the last 1/4 of this book had me at the edge of my seat and feeling all the emotions. I could not put it down.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gore, Violence
The Truth of the Aleke by Moses Ose Utomi
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
History is written by those in power and nothing you are told is as simple as they’d have you believe.
The Truth of the Aleke takes place 500 years after the last novella, when the story of Tutu has been rewritten. This is a tale about truth, lies, and propaganda and about one boy’s desperate desire to do good in a world that does not have his best interests at heart.
Where The Lies of the Ajungo was a more myth-like telling of good vs evil, the Truth of the Aleke is more complex and threaded through with realistic shades of grey. There are more characters, more action, and a deeper plot here than in the previous book. While technically each of these novellas could stand alone, the lessons held within seem to be building off each other and gaining momentum in a way that has me eager to see where the next book in the series takes us.
As a final note: be sure to read the author’s Acknowledgment at the end. It adds even more layers and enhances the novella further.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Violence
Moderate: Gore
D'Vaughn and Kris Plan a Wedding by Chencia C. Higgins
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
This book is an absolute great time! The two main characters are swoon-worthy and, for the most part, their families are an absolute delight. Kris' siblings often had me full on cackling! Everyone is so well fleshed out and well-written.
D'Vaughn's worries about coming out to her religious family are relatable and seeing her face them with Kris by her side was heartwarming. I loved that it wasn't glossed over or easy, but wasn't horrendous and heartbreaking either. Her mom's reaction and D'Vaughn's reaction to that all felt very real.
The only place I wish had gone a bit different was D'Vaugn and Kris' growing feelings for each other. It didn't feel like they truly spent enough off camera time together (at least that we saw) outside of sex scenes. I wish we had gotten a few off camera dates between them to support the developing feelings. I do love how they pushed to communicate with each other and build their relationship though. They were honestly trying so hard and really wanted to fall for each other, which helped suspend some of the disbelief at the speed of it.
Overall, this was a sweet and hilarious book that had me kicking my feet and giggling.
D'Vaughn's worries about coming out to her religious family are relatable and seeing her face them with Kris by her side was heartwarming. I loved that it wasn't glossed over or easy, but wasn't horrendous and heartbreaking either. Her mom's reaction and D'Vaughn's reaction to that all felt very real.
The only place I wish had gone a bit different was D'Vaugn and Kris' growing feelings for each other. It didn't feel like they truly spent enough off camera time together (at least that we saw) outside of sex scenes. I wish we had gotten a few off camera dates between them to support the developing feelings. I do love how they pushed to communicate with each other and build their relationship though. They were honestly trying so hard and really wanted to fall for each other, which helped suspend some of the disbelief at the speed of it.
Overall, this was a sweet and hilarious book that had me kicking my feet and giggling.
Content Warnings
Minor: Homophobia, Religious bigotry
The Prince and the Dressmaker by Jen Wang
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
A simple and very sweet graphic novel about genderfluid teen struggling with his identity and the dressmaker who accepts him completely as he is. This story warmed my heart and I just wanted to hug Sebastian throughout. Without spoiling anything, the ending left me smiling wildly.
The art is absolutely lovely as well!
I am so glad I read this one.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Outing
Home: Habitat, Range, Niche, Territory by Martha Wells
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Murderbot from Mensah’s POV
I don’t think there will ever be a book or story in this series that I don’t immediately adore. This short story is told from Dr. Mensah’s POV, following her abduction and rescue in Exit Strategy. She is dealing with some PTSD, refusing help, and MurderBot is offering comfort in a very MurderBot fashion: spying on her, sending her funny data files, and just being its lovable self.
I loved getting to see MuderBot from Mensah’s perspective and loved getting to know Mensah’s better in her own right.
I don’t think there will ever be a book or story in this series that I don’t immediately adore. This short story is told from Dr. Mensah’s POV, following her abduction and rescue in Exit Strategy. She is dealing with some PTSD, refusing help, and MurderBot is offering comfort in a very MurderBot fashion: spying on her, sending her funny data files, and just being its lovable self.
I loved getting to see MuderBot from Mensah’s perspective and loved getting to know Mensah’s better in her own right.
How Do I Draw These Memories? by Jonell Joshua
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
3.5
If you are have ever sat with someone as they shuffled through a box of old photos, pulling them out at random and telling you about them, you'll have a good idea of how this memoir is told - through flashes of disconnected memories, occassionally out of order, but somehow precious and full of family and life and love. This book is a true time capsule of what it was like to grow up in the 90's and early 00's.
What I liked:
- The unique story telling style where it's mostly told through text format, but switches to graphic novel format or the sharing of photographs.
- The huge dose of nostalgia this book gave me, filling me with memories of my own childhood and family.
What I struggled with:
- The memories shared throughout the book are disjointed fragments that don't follow a natural flow of storytelling and feel like random moments that the author is reflecting on. The end does come together somewhat, but overall the fragmented storytelling was difficult for me.
What I liked:
- The unique story telling style where it's mostly told through text format, but switches to graphic novel format or the sharing of photographs.
- The huge dose of nostalgia this book gave me, filling me with memories of my own childhood and family.
What I struggled with:
- The memories shared throughout the book are disjointed fragments that don't follow a natural flow of storytelling and feel like random moments that the author is reflecting on. The end does come together somewhat, but overall the fragmented storytelling was difficult for me.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Mental illness, Death of parent
Minor: Animal death
Godkiller by Hannah Kaner
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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
The Witcher meets The Golden Compass
This book has everything I love: found family, a diverse BIPOC cast, a range of disability rep, a queer normative world, and flawed and often morally-gray characters. It comes together to create an interesting world and plot that, while not wholly unique, captures and keeps you invested from page one.
The start of this book, following a fast paced prologue, is a bit slow as the characters come together and begin their quest. I personally enjoyed it as it set up stakes of the book and introduced us to some side characters that I immediately loved and hope make further appearances in later books. By around the midway point, as the pilgrimage is underway, the story picks up and the plot begins to take shape. The mystery around Inara and her powers and connection to a god kept me guessing and Elogast's unwavering loyalty and love of baking had my whole heart. And while not every character is immediately lovable (looking at you, Skedi), by the end, I was rooting for them all.
This is a book that left me wanting more. An excellent opening to what will eventually be a trilogy, and I cannot wait to see where it goes!
This book has everything I love: found family, a diverse BIPOC cast, a range of disability rep, a queer normative world, and flawed and often morally-gray characters. It comes together to create an interesting world and plot that, while not wholly unique, captures and keeps you invested from page one.
The start of this book, following a fast paced prologue, is a bit slow as the characters come together and begin their quest. I personally enjoyed it as it set up stakes of the book and introduced us to some side characters that I immediately loved and hope make further appearances in later books. By around the midway point, as the pilgrimage is underway, the story picks up and the plot begins to take shape. The mystery around Inara and her powers and connection to a god kept me guessing and Elogast's unwavering loyalty and love of baking had my whole heart. And while not every character is immediately lovable (looking at you, Skedi), by the end, I was rooting for them all.
This is a book that left me wanting more. An excellent opening to what will eventually be a trilogy, and I cannot wait to see where it goes!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Blood, Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Death, Death of parent