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despinareviews's reviews
134 reviews
Sentient Deluxe Edition by Jeff Lemire
5.0
This graphic novel was EXCELLENT.
A science fiction novel following the USS Montgomery, a spaceship in which after an attack all adults are killed, children are left with the ship's AI, Valerie to find their way to the colony they were heading to.
This was possibly (and I hope not to exaggerate) the best graphic novel I have read this year. The art style meant you could literally SEE the fear and emotions in the characters, the story held no punches and was quite graphic in it's violence, and I found myself genuinely rooting for the kids, and Valerie, to succeed in the face of danger. I read it in one go because I couldn't put it down - a really solid 5 star read!
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this graphic novel from TKO Presents via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, which I leave voluntarily
A science fiction novel following the USS Montgomery, a spaceship in which after an attack all adults are killed, children are left with the ship's AI, Valerie to find their way to the colony they were heading to.
This was possibly (and I hope not to exaggerate) the best graphic novel I have read this year. The art style meant you could literally SEE the fear and emotions in the characters, the story held no punches and was quite graphic in it's violence, and I found myself genuinely rooting for the kids, and Valerie, to succeed in the face of danger. I read it in one go because I couldn't put it down - a really solid 5 star read!
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this graphic novel from TKO Presents via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, which I leave voluntarily
Descent by R.A. Howes
1.0
Despite the interesting-sounding plot, this book (which I listened to the audiobook version of) just didn't hit the mark for me I'm afraid. From the really awkward writing to the *constant* (unnecessary to the plot) f-bomb dropping every few words to the lack of plotline and complete lack of developed characters just made this a difficult read for me.
The audiobook format is narrated by the author, who I am afraid to say provides a very cold emotionless delivery emphasizing nothing, tripping over words and sounding like she has a cold most of the time through recording, the audio dipping in and out ... not an enjoyable listen I'm afraid.
It's quite short which is how I managed to get through it, but I genuinely don't feel like this is something I can recommend. This is my first ever one star review and I feel terrible but it must be said.
Thank you to NetGalley for the complimentary audiobook in exchange for an honest review, which I leave voluntarily
The audiobook format is narrated by the author, who I am afraid to say provides a very cold emotionless delivery emphasizing nothing, tripping over words and sounding like she has a cold most of the time through recording, the audio dipping in and out ... not an enjoyable listen I'm afraid.
It's quite short which is how I managed to get through it, but I genuinely don't feel like this is something I can recommend. This is my first ever one star review and I feel terrible but it must be said.
Thank you to NetGalley for the complimentary audiobook in exchange for an honest review, which I leave voluntarily
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 1 by Koyoharu Gotouge
4.0
Having watched the TV show I wanted to start reading this manga series - the art style is great and fluid, and the first volume covers the first 3-4 episodes (if memory serves me well). Really looking forward to reading forward the rest of the series as I have an entire boxset to get through!
Horimiya, Vol. 1 by HERO, Daisuke Hagiwara
5.0
4.5 stars
This is an amazing start to the manga series introducing our two main characters, each with a hidden side. Hori (Kyoko) is an honours student who secretly takes care of her brother and home while her parents are at work, paying little attention to her looks outside of school. Miyamura (Izumi) is a quiet student at school, but out of school wears many piercings, has tattoos and looks really cool. When Hori's younger brother falls over in front of Miyamura and he walks him home, they become introduced to each other in their 'hidden identities' and spark a romance.
What I love about this first volume is that it goes straight in - we know the characters like one another and are growing closer. Having watched the anime I thought this was going to be a copy paste of the show but I actually found reading the manga just as, if not more enjoyable than watching the show. The art style is adorable though I will say very few occassions I would struggle to see who it was who was talking in the text bubbles, though you could infer from context.
PS. If you watched the manga, even in the first volume there are *tonnes* of non-animated scenes.
I really really look forward to reading this entire series, let's hope the rest of the volumes are as good as this one!
This is an amazing start to the manga series introducing our two main characters, each with a hidden side. Hori (Kyoko) is an honours student who secretly takes care of her brother and home while her parents are at work, paying little attention to her looks outside of school. Miyamura (Izumi) is a quiet student at school, but out of school wears many piercings, has tattoos and looks really cool. When Hori's younger brother falls over in front of Miyamura and he walks him home, they become introduced to each other in their 'hidden identities' and spark a romance.
What I love about this first volume is that it goes straight in - we know the characters like one another and are growing closer. Having watched the anime I thought this was going to be a copy paste of the show but I actually found reading the manga just as, if not more enjoyable than watching the show. The art style is adorable though I will say very few occassions I would struggle to see who it was who was talking in the text bubbles, though you could infer from context.
PS. If you watched the manga, even in the first volume there are *tonnes* of non-animated scenes.
I really really look forward to reading this entire series, let's hope the rest of the volumes are as good as this one!
The Gifts by Liz Hyder
5.0
4.75 stars
This book was brilliant! Set in 1840s England we begin our story with a simple premise - what if a woman grew wings akin to those of an angel? This story was multifaceted and followed a number of different characters but never once did I feel lost. The use of language was brilliant and I truly felt transported to the 1800s. Women are at the forefront of the storytelling and I found the complexity of the characters brilliant. This is a story that contains light fantasy but is mostly about people - their ambitions, desires, hopes and dreams, fears. A lot of this is also about societal pressure and conformity/trying to break the mold. Absolutely beautiful writing and excellent storytelling.
The audiobook narrator was also superb, really giving voice to the different characters in a way that was understandable and being passionate and emotive in the scenes, it really felt like watching a movie in my head thanks to her!
Trigger Warnings:
I was provided with a complimentary copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest and unbiased review, which I leave voluntarily
This book was brilliant! Set in 1840s England we begin our story with a simple premise - what if a woman grew wings akin to those of an angel? This story was multifaceted and followed a number of different characters but never once did I feel lost. The use of language was brilliant and I truly felt transported to the 1800s. Women are at the forefront of the storytelling and I found the complexity of the characters brilliant. This is a story that contains light fantasy but is mostly about people - their ambitions, desires, hopes and dreams, fears. A lot of this is also about societal pressure and conformity/trying to break the mold. Absolutely beautiful writing and excellent storytelling.
The audiobook narrator was also superb, really giving voice to the different characters in a way that was understandable and being passionate and emotive in the scenes, it really felt like watching a movie in my head thanks to her!
Trigger Warnings:
Spoiler
animal death, medical procedures/dissection references, amputation, suicide, fireI was provided with a complimentary copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest and unbiased review, which I leave voluntarily
Horimiya, Vol. 2 by HERO, Daisuke Hagiwara
5.0
The cuteness - the hand-holding scene. It's just so sweet and innocent, I love the characters so much and the art is adorable. Look forward to continuing this manga series!
The Cursed And The Broken by Chloe Hodge
4.0
3.75 stars
This fantasy book follows Kitarni, a young witch who finds herself with darker power than everyone around her for reasons unexplained to her. When cultists start acting around her village, intent on serving a long-ago Dark Queen, things start to happen and she is in the middle of an epic battle including Death and Fate.
I'll start with a tiny bit of critique before getting to the good part:
This book really took it's time setting up the context we found ourselves in and the pacing, for me, was a bit off, but the ending really saved it for me. It went from very tell-y not show-y in the first half, to a very action-packed second half (and past the 90% mark, my jaw dropped!). I genuinely didn't predict the ending at all (and I normally do) and that piqued my interest to read the next one a LOT.
I didn't love our MC's inner monologue and they way she spoke about and to people. I don't think all MCs have to be particularly likeable or fit a certain mold, but I think she was supposed to be 'not like the other girls' and it showed. I really liked her family members and also the main love interest as well as his sister and best friend (I won't name anyone for spoiler-y reasons) which made my lack of attachment to Kitarni even more confusing. This definitely softened a bit towards the latter quarter of the book, and I hope I will grow to love her more in the second instalment.
And now the good stuff:
I really enjoyed the setting, and have never read a book based in Hungary before. I really found myself hungry after reading some of the scenes and googling the names of some of the foods!! I also really liked the way the author wrote about Kitarni's feelings of not fitting in and anger/frustration/hurt about the way she had been treated by those surrounding her, you really got into her head and felt the pain that Kitarni has felt through her life of feeling like an outcast. I think truly once the pacing issue is sorted out, Chloe Hodge will be an author I continue to read.
The spice was *chef kiss* when it did happen, and I enjoyed the dynamic between the characters a lot actually. I feel like the main love interest has a LOT of layers to be explored and is a bit of a gold mine, so I hope that is taken forward.
All the above being said, this book deserves a read and I will be picking up the second instalment when that's around.
I received an complimentary advance review copy via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This fantasy book follows Kitarni, a young witch who finds herself with darker power than everyone around her for reasons unexplained to her. When cultists start acting around her village, intent on serving a long-ago Dark Queen, things start to happen and she is in the middle of an epic battle including Death and Fate.
I'll start with a tiny bit of critique before getting to the good part:
This book really took it's time setting up the context we found ourselves in and the pacing, for me, was a bit off, but the ending really saved it for me. It went from very tell-y not show-y in the first half, to a very action-packed second half (and past the 90% mark, my jaw dropped!). I genuinely didn't predict the ending at all (and I normally do) and that piqued my interest to read the next one a LOT.
I didn't love our MC's inner monologue and they way she spoke about and to people. I don't think all MCs have to be particularly likeable or fit a certain mold, but I think she was supposed to be 'not like the other girls' and it showed. I really liked her family members and also the main love interest as well as his sister and best friend (I won't name anyone for spoiler-y reasons) which made my lack of attachment to Kitarni even more confusing. This definitely softened a bit towards the latter quarter of the book, and I hope I will grow to love her more in the second instalment.
And now the good stuff:
I really enjoyed the setting, and have never read a book based in Hungary before. I really found myself hungry after reading some of the scenes and googling the names of some of the foods!! I also really liked the way the author wrote about Kitarni's feelings of not fitting in and anger/frustration/hurt about the way she had been treated by those surrounding her, you really got into her head and felt the pain that Kitarni has felt through her life of feeling like an outcast. I think truly once the pacing issue is sorted out, Chloe Hodge will be an author I continue to read.
The spice was *chef kiss* when it did happen, and I enjoyed the dynamic between the characters a lot actually. I feel like the main love interest has a LOT of layers to be explored and is a bit of a gold mine, so I hope that is taken forward.
All the above being said, this book deserves a read and I will be picking up the second instalment when that's around.
I received an complimentary advance review copy via BookSirens, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The Enigma of Amigara Fault by 伊藤潤二, Junji Ito
4.0
Short manga story by Junji Ito in which human-shaped holes are found after an earthquake. It is only 33 pages and yet a story and the very real horror element were strongly present in here - very well done.
They Met in a Tavern by Elijah Menchaca
5.0
This was such good fun to read. Following a disbanded group of adventurers who are now on a hit list for unknown reasons, this book has somehow managed to introduced a fairly large cast of characters who are all unique and interact with each other in very special ways. Memorable, funny and action packed, the balance is *chef kiss*.
If you enjoy fantasy in the most traditional sense, especially if you like fantasy anime with adventurer guilds etc. this book is for you !
The audiobook narrator did a great job at conveying different characters and the mood of the scene,and generally made reading this even more of a fun experience.
I can't wait to re-enter this world and hope to pick up the next one asap!!!
I was provided a complimentary copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review, which I leave voluntarily.
If you enjoy fantasy in the most traditional sense, especially if you like fantasy anime with adventurer guilds etc. this book is for you !
The audiobook narrator did a great job at conveying different characters and the mood of the scene,and generally made reading this even more of a fun experience.
I can't wait to re-enter this world and hope to pick up the next one asap!!!
I was provided a complimentary copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review, which I leave voluntarily.