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dinipandareads's reviews
1119 reviews
Royal Valentine by Sariah Wilson
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I mean, it was ok? I liked it enough to finish it. It is so very instalove but I did enjoy seeing them fall for each other as they toured across Rome. Who hasn't even fantasized about meeting someone on holiday and having a whirlwind romance? It was also very stereotypical but I enjoyed the boisterous Italian family scene with Callum's roomie's family! Lots of food, dancing, drinking, love—what's not to like, right? There were cute moments to be had!
Sadly, I found the holes in the story kept taking me out of it and it was difficult to believe that nobody recognised Ilaria and that she managed to so easily evade the paparazzi that's always out to get her! I also can't believe something so short had a third act... I'm also not a fan of authors writing accents and I'm sorry but I found the narration of this audiobook particularly cringe!
Sadly, I found the holes in the story kept taking me out of it and it was difficult to believe that nobody recognised Ilaria and that she managed to so easily evade the paparazzi that's always out to get her! I also can't believe something so short had a third act... I'm also not a fan of authors writing accents and I'm sorry but I found the narration of this audiobook particularly cringe!
With Any Luck by Ashley Poston
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
I know this is a short story but it felt unfinished! I don't know if the flashbacks worked in this story's favour as I feel like it took time away from our two love interests getting to know each other. Plus, after they meet for the first time, we find out that they don't even exchange messages or even really talk to each other now that they've reunited. But we're still expected to believe that they are each other's one true love? I liked the glimpse of both characters that we got. I found Audrey to be a bit of a hot mess but she was relatable. I found their reactions to their besties getting married very realistic as well—these are scary big changes! I just wanted more from both of them. I wanted to see them talking, even if it was just barbed witty sexy banter. Sexy times are fun and all but by the end, they still felt more like strangers than lovers to me!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
adventurous
dark
funny
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
My first re-read of 2024 couldn't have gone better because this was an absolute delight! I remember enjoying it well enough when I first read it last year but I also recall feeling slightly disappointed by the ending. Those same thoughts do not hold on re-read and I'm happy to say that I loved it so much more this time. It could be because I was listening to it on audiobook and annotated the heck out of it too which made me feel more immersed in the story.
Emily Wilde's isn't a fast-paced story and neither does it have a concrete plot beyond Emily researching the most elusive Hidden Ones to complete the final chapter in her encyclopaedia of faeries, which she has been working on for most of her adult life. It's very much a cosy slice-of-life fantasy that moves along at a steady, although not particularly rapid, pace. We're treated to Emily's POV through her journal entries and being who she is, it does read very academically and that might not be to everyone's taste but I thoroughly enjoyed it because of how well it captured her personality.
I found the world-building exquisite. This is a historical fantasy set in a world where faerie studies are a very real thing and the existence of fae across the world have been chronicled and catalogued and numerous studies have been pursued. It shouldn't surprise you to know that you will come away from this knowing a whole lot more about faeries than you ever did before—at least, that's what happened to me and I loved the whimsical, enchanting and utterly terrifying nature of these creatures. The way the faerie world is explored and dissected through Emily's journal entries is magnificent and although I have no idea what I will do with all this information, I'm delighted that it's been imparted! 😂 Aside from everything faerie, I also loved the way Fawcett's writing brought nature to life. The biting cold of the bitter winter on this tiny island near the Arctic Circle was almost like a character on its own and as much as my tropical ass loves the idea of winter, I don't reckon I'd survive this, lol.
As wonderful as the setting was though, the best part of this was Emily, Wendell and the villagers who I grew to love so much by the end of this book! Sometimes I wonder if we're meant to like Emily at all but in all honesty, I loved her and appreciate her character so much. She's brilliant, curmudgeonly, and incredibly passionate about anything and everything to do with the folk. But the minute it comes to interacting with people she clams up and doesn't know what to do or say. I can relate so much to that! She grew up as a "too smart" young woman with a family that didn't know what to do with her and she had to rely on herself to get anything done. If there's anyone who could teach a Masterclass on how to suppress emotions, Emily would be the one. What you see is what you get with her and I loved that she knew her shortcomings just as well as her strengths! Although she doesn't try to actively change herself throughout the story, as she realises that people are willing to accept her for who she is, it comes about naturally. I thoroughly enjoyed her academic mind and I especially loved it when Wendell came into the picture!
From Emily's pov, Wendell is her academic rival and begrudgingly on her part, her only friend. He's the sunshine to her grump and the exact opposite to her in every way. Where she's rigid about her research, he orders his minions around and kind of flops about everywhere. Where she's socially awkward to her core, he's the light and life of every party and conversation. He's an incorrigible flirt and charms his way through everything he does. I adored his character, especially the sharp, witty banter that he has with Emily! There were serious moments that I knew I probably shouldn't have been laughing but I couldn't help it because of how they spoke about and to each other. It was always respectful and honest but also incredibly endearing. And I loved that even as he needled her to tears, you could tell that he always did so with a great fondness for his dear dragon, Emily. 😍 I loved them so, so much!That said, I do think that the love confession felt a bit sudden considering he was still hooking up with village women throughout the story. That honestly made me feel a bit uncomfortable but I guess, he's fae? And Emily didn't seem to mind, at least she never raised it as an issue. His backstory was fascinating but I can't talk about it cos major spoilers but I can't wait to read more about him in the sequel. I hope that we get more of his POV too because I enjoyed them and in the audiobook, the narrator did a fantastic job of capturing his personality.
I think the only qualm that I have, although it hasn't affected my rating this time around, is how neatly the ending wrapped up. It happened very quickly and it felt too clean considering it has to do with such a powerful faerie. But as I said, it didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the story. I'm so glad that I decided to re-read this before continuing with the second book because I feel so differently about it compared to last year! If you're also thinking about the audiobook for this, I would highly recommend it because the narrators did a fantastic job with all the character voices, especially Emily's and Wendell's!
Emily Wilde's isn't a fast-paced story and neither does it have a concrete plot beyond Emily researching the most elusive Hidden Ones to complete the final chapter in her encyclopaedia of faeries, which she has been working on for most of her adult life. It's very much a cosy slice-of-life fantasy that moves along at a steady, although not particularly rapid, pace. We're treated to Emily's POV through her journal entries and being who she is, it does read very academically and that might not be to everyone's taste but I thoroughly enjoyed it because of how well it captured her personality.
I found the world-building exquisite. This is a historical fantasy set in a world where faerie studies are a very real thing and the existence of fae across the world have been chronicled and catalogued and numerous studies have been pursued. It shouldn't surprise you to know that you will come away from this knowing a whole lot more about faeries than you ever did before—at least, that's what happened to me and I loved the whimsical, enchanting and utterly terrifying nature of these creatures. The way the faerie world is explored and dissected through Emily's journal entries is magnificent and although I have no idea what I will do with all this information, I'm delighted that it's been imparted! 😂 Aside from everything faerie, I also loved the way Fawcett's writing brought nature to life. The biting cold of the bitter winter on this tiny island near the Arctic Circle was almost like a character on its own and as much as my tropical ass loves the idea of winter, I don't reckon I'd survive this, lol.
As wonderful as the setting was though, the best part of this was Emily, Wendell and the villagers who I grew to love so much by the end of this book! Sometimes I wonder if we're meant to like Emily at all but in all honesty, I loved her and appreciate her character so much. She's brilliant, curmudgeonly, and incredibly passionate about anything and everything to do with the folk. But the minute it comes to interacting with people she clams up and doesn't know what to do or say. I can relate so much to that! She grew up as a "too smart" young woman with a family that didn't know what to do with her and she had to rely on herself to get anything done. If there's anyone who could teach a Masterclass on how to suppress emotions, Emily would be the one. What you see is what you get with her and I loved that she knew her shortcomings just as well as her strengths! Although she doesn't try to actively change herself throughout the story, as she realises that people are willing to accept her for who she is, it comes about naturally. I thoroughly enjoyed her academic mind and I especially loved it when Wendell came into the picture!
From Emily's pov, Wendell is her academic rival and begrudgingly on her part, her only friend. He's the sunshine to her grump and the exact opposite to her in every way. Where she's rigid about her research, he orders his minions around and kind of flops about everywhere. Where she's socially awkward to her core, he's the light and life of every party and conversation. He's an incorrigible flirt and charms his way through everything he does. I adored his character, especially the sharp, witty banter that he has with Emily! There were serious moments that I knew I probably shouldn't have been laughing but I couldn't help it because of how they spoke about and to each other. It was always respectful and honest but also incredibly endearing. And I loved that even as he needled her to tears, you could tell that he always did so with a great fondness for his dear dragon, Emily. 😍 I loved them so, so much!
I think the only qualm that I have, although it hasn't affected my rating this time around, is how neatly the ending wrapped up. It happened very quickly and it felt too clean considering it has to do with such a powerful faerie. But as I said, it didn't take away from my overall enjoyment of the story. I'm so glad that I decided to re-read this before continuing with the second book because I feel so differently about it compared to last year! If you're also thinking about the audiobook for this, I would highly recommend it because the narrators did a fantastic job with all the character voices, especially Emily's and Wendell's!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood and Kidnapping
Moderate: Gore, Self harm, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Violence
Rosie and The Dreamboat by Sally Thorne
Hmm… so, this was kinda traumatic? Rosie’s experience with the pod is literally my worst nightmare and the reason why I’ve never tried it but because I swear, I would be Rosie. I feel like the humour was also a little bit forced? I get having a cracking good time with your beloved sister but I didn’t find what they laugh-cried themselves hoarse over particularly funny.
The seriousness of Rosie’s past trauma and how it was kinda brushed over was a bit weird. I did like how the dreamboat didn’t minimize her trauma and helped her acknowledge that she’s a survivor though.
I did like the reveal at the end, it was cheesy but also it was cute and funny, and it fit with everything they were discussing earlier.
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
The seriousness of Rosie’s past trauma and how it was kinda brushed over was a bit weird. I did like how the dreamboat didn’t minimize her trauma and helped her acknowledge that she’s a survivor though.
I did like the reveal at the end, it was cheesy but also it was cute and funny, and it fit with everything they were discussing earlier.
Drop, Cover, and Hold On by Jasmine Guillory
Sadly, this has been my least favourite in The Improbably Meet-Cute series. I found the writing a bit repetitive and I know this is a novella so I can't expect too much but I found the earthquake to be a very flimsy reason for them to get to know each other. I feel like I probably should've thought this was cute and their meet-cute charming but something about it didn't click with me. I didn't buy the fact that Daisy goes from thinking he hates her to accepting the confession that he wasn't glaring at her but rather thinks she's the woman of his dreams. If he wasn't glaring, what was he doing then? Other inconsistencies just made me feel neutrally "eh" about the whole story but I don't want to give it away. That's not to say this was a terrible read and maybe if you've had success with this author before you'll enjoy it but this was my first taste of Guillory's writing and in this instance, it wasn't for me.
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Worst Wingman Ever by Abby Jimenez
emotional
funny
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
I can’t believe I’m only just reading my first book by Jimenez but I loved her writing and her characters! I was invested in Holly and John and their personal situations and the newness of whatever they found together. I wanted more and oh, how I wish this was full length! This story made me laugh, made me sad, and made me squeal with heart fluttering delight. It’s about taking charge of your happiness, loving and being kind to and taking care of yourself, and it’s about healing and moving forward when it’s time. I loved the notes and gifts exchanges and the moments they have together not knowing they’re already connected in some way. Ah, serendipity, fate, etc. etc. 💌
This meet-cute series is making my hopeless romantic heart really take flight and even though this had a sadder and more heartfelt storyline, it was no exception!
This meet-cute series is making my hopeless romantic heart really take flight and even though this had a sadder and more heartfelt storyline, it was no exception!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death and Terminal illness
Minor: Infidelity
Destiny's Captive by Beverly Jenkins
dark
emotional
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
This probably has one the most unique and now one of my favourite romance meetings ever! She ties him up and steals his ship and when she lets him go, he says <i>"I will find you if it takes the rest of my life, so stay alive until I come for you, my little pirate..."</i> and at this point, we probably shouldn't be swoony-hyperventilating over a man but y'know, okay, cool cool cool. We're fine.
Even though this didn't end up being my favourite in the series, reading Bev Jenkins' romances is never a bad time and I still thoroughly enjoyed myself! Noah Yates has always been the mysterious youngest Yates brother and his story was pretty heartbreaking. He was shanghaied on his eighteenth birthday and following the two years of his disappearance, he came back a completely changed man. He was no longer the happy, artistically driven, carefree youth from before but a sombre and often angry man. He experienced horrifying things in the time he was gone that left him completely broken and not once in the decade following were his trauma and nightmares addressed. But all of that changes the minute he meets the pirate lass who steals his ship and eventually steals his heart. It might've been instalust to love but I liked these two together so much and couldn't picture him with a better match than Pilar. I knew his lady love would be feisty, fierce and a total badass and Jenkins did not disappoint! She's a revolutionary soldier supporting the rebellion in Cuba and I loved her passion and desire to create a stronger, more free country for her people. Following a duel of swords between Pilar and Noah, they end up getting married and what follows is a beautiful love story of healing and growth.
I love how her stories carry hope, passion and happiness even against a background where people of colour are still treated as subhuman and suffer so many injustices. I never walk away from a Jenkins romance without having learned more about the history of BIPOC and I love her books all the more for it!
Even though this didn't end up being my favourite in the series, reading Bev Jenkins' romances is never a bad time and I still thoroughly enjoyed myself! Noah Yates has always been the mysterious youngest Yates brother and his story was pretty heartbreaking. He was shanghaied on his eighteenth birthday and following the two years of his disappearance, he came back a completely changed man. He was no longer the happy, artistically driven, carefree youth from before but a sombre and often angry man. He experienced horrifying things in the time he was gone that left him completely broken and not once in the decade following were his trauma and nightmares addressed. But all of that changes the minute he meets the pirate lass who steals his ship and eventually steals his heart. It might've been instalust to love but I liked these two together so much and couldn't picture him with a better match than Pilar. I knew his lady love would be feisty, fierce and a total badass and Jenkins did not disappoint! She's a revolutionary soldier supporting the rebellion in Cuba and I loved her passion and desire to create a stronger, more free country for her people. Following a duel of swords between Pilar and Noah, they end up getting married and what follows is a beautiful love story of healing and growth.
I love how her stories carry hope, passion and happiness even against a background where people of colour are still treated as subhuman and suffer so many injustices. I never walk away from a Jenkins romance without having learned more about the history of BIPOC and I love her books all the more for it!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Racism, Injury/Injury detail, Kidnapping, Gun violence, Misogyny, and Rape
Moderate: Colonisation and Slavery
The Exception to the Rule by Christina Lauren
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
FEELINGS!!! So many feelings!!!
Aah, this had my hopeless romantic heart happily beating its way out of my chest! For a novella, CLo had me super invested in this romance and I knew from like the third page I was gonna love it. I’m a sucker for the epistolary format and stories with letters and emails—there’s just something about it that works for me. I loved all their email exchanges and then finding out who they are and where they are and ACK, those last email exchanges especially had the butterflies all around fluttering! 🥰 If you’re looking for a cute, kick your feet up, giggle-inducing, butterflies and heart flutters romance then look no further!
I hope the rest of the shorts in this series of meet cutes are gonna be just as fun to read as this was!
Aah, this had my hopeless romantic heart happily beating its way out of my chest! For a novella, CLo had me super invested in this romance and I knew from like the third page I was gonna love it. I’m a sucker for the epistolary format and stories with letters and emails—there’s just something about it that works for me. I loved all their email exchanges and then finding out who they are and where they are and ACK, those last email exchanges especially had the butterflies all around fluttering! 🥰 If you’re looking for a cute, kick your feet up, giggle-inducing, butterflies and heart flutters romance then look no further!
I hope the rest of the shorts in this series of meet cutes are gonna be just as fun to read as this was!
Content Warnings
Minor: Pandemic/Epidemic, Death of parent, and Cancer
Dragon Pearl by Yoon Ha Lee
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Although I've put off reading this book for years, it has always been one of my most anticipated middle-grade fantasies. I'd read a short story that was set in the same world with these same characters and I enjoyed it a lot so I was sure I'd have fun reading this. Sadly, this just didn't work for me and I was disappointed by how disconnected I felt the whole time. I know I'm not the target audience though and looking at it from that perspective, I do believe this is a story that many young readers would still enjoy. There's action, space adventure, magic and mythical creatures, and a race to uncover the mystery connecting a brother's disappearance and the legendary fabled Dragon Pearl.
Without a doubt, my favourite part of this was the world-building and I thoroughly enjoyed reading how Lee wove Korean mythology into a fantastical sci-fi world. It was easy to picture the Thousand Worlds from the dry dust bowl that is Min's rural home to the vibrant city teeming with corrupt police, pirates and mercs, and the battle cruiser that transports her to the Ghost Sector. This is a world where humans exist alongside supernaturals such as dragons, goblins, tigers and fox spirits that were assumed to have disappeared long ago. I enjoyed reading about the magic and I particularly enjoyed the Charm power of the Gumiho. For the most part, the writing was also enjoyable and flowed well, if not a little too quickly at times.
Sadly, there was something about the writing that also kept me from feeling more connected to the story. I think it might have to do with how so much happens so quickly that it leaves little time to absorb what's happening before moving on to the next thing. Also, I was immersed in the world but I had a difficult time caring about the characters and I particularly struggled to connect to Min. I appreciate her drive and need to find answers especially because her brother is her favourite person but she's very rash in her decision-making and she has a sense of impatient entitlement that didn't work for me. I know young people are immature and make silly decisions but essentially, much of her character didn't make sense to me and I found myself asking <i>"how?!"</i> and <i>"but, why?!"</i> so often that it ended up taking me completely out of the story.
Additionally, we're introduced to a slew of characters who both help and hinder her progress but they simply exist to push her story along, and I think that was a wasted opportunity, particularly when it came to Min's friendships. The main mystery was resolved in a satisfying enough way and I liked how the ending sets the story up for more adventures in the Thousand Worlds.
Overall, I'm bummed that this wasn't as enjoyable as I expected it to be but I'm glad that it's finally off my TBR and no longer hanging over my head, lol.
Without a doubt, my favourite part of this was the world-building and I thoroughly enjoyed reading how Lee wove Korean mythology into a fantastical sci-fi world. It was easy to picture the Thousand Worlds from the dry dust bowl that is Min's rural home to the vibrant city teeming with corrupt police, pirates and mercs, and the battle cruiser that transports her to the Ghost Sector. This is a world where humans exist alongside supernaturals such as dragons, goblins, tigers and fox spirits that were assumed to have disappeared long ago. I enjoyed reading about the magic and I particularly enjoyed the Charm power of the Gumiho. For the most part, the writing was also enjoyable and flowed well, if not a little too quickly at times.
Sadly, there was something about the writing that also kept me from feeling more connected to the story. I think it might have to do with how so much happens so quickly that it leaves little time to absorb what's happening before moving on to the next thing. Also, I was immersed in the world but I had a difficult time caring about the characters and I particularly struggled to connect to Min. I appreciate her drive and need to find answers especially because her brother is her favourite person but she's very rash in her decision-making and she has a sense of impatient entitlement that didn't work for me. I know young people are immature and make silly decisions but essentially, much of her character didn't make sense to me and I found myself asking <i>"how?!"</i> and <i>"but, why?!"</i> so often that it ended up taking me completely out of the story.
Additionally, we're introduced to a slew of characters who both help and hinder her progress but they simply exist to push her story along, and I think that was a wasted opportunity, particularly when it came to Min's friendships. The main mystery was resolved in a satisfying enough way and I liked how the ending sets the story up for more adventures in the Thousand Worlds.
Overall, I'm bummed that this wasn't as enjoyable as I expected it to be but I'm glad that it's finally off my TBR and no longer hanging over my head, lol.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death and Death of parent
Delicates by Brenna Thummler
THIS HIT. Wow, Thummler has this wonderful ability to take sad, heavy, heartbreaking moments in life and turn them into powerful stories of overcoming and hope. It’s no surprise that I was in tears by the end of this story. As wonderful as SHEETS is, I think Delicates outshines it in story, art, and so much heart.
Set in the same world as SHEETS, we are reunited with Marjorie, Wendell, and the ghost gang one year following the events of the first book in this series. Thummler does an excellent job of capturing what it’s like to be a teenager in middle school (although this could also apply to high school). Marjorie has somehow found her way in with the “popular group” and we follow along as she struggles to feel comfortable with Tessi and her bullying friends while balancing being who she is with Wendell and showing kindness to Eliza. She wants so badly to be seen as cool, especially in front of her crush, and it takes a while for her to recognise how the tables have turned; though she no longer feels invisible, being on the other side doesn’t feel good when it comes at the price of someone else’s well being. We get a satisfying full-circle moment as Marjorie acknowledges the consequences of her actions or lack thereof, and shows that she does know how to be a good friend, a good sister and in general, a good egg.
With the additional introduction of Eliza’s character, the author really gets to the heart of bullying, belonging, loneliness and grief and she captures the emotions and human experience so well. Eliza’s the daughter of the quirky teacher, Mr. Duncan. She’s often bullied by Tessi and ostracized by others for being obsessed with ghosts and her quest to capture them on camera. Her story was heartbreaking but sadly, I think it’s a situation and place that many kids can probably relate to. I loved the role that Wendell and the ghosts play in Eliza’s story, and how the depth of Eliza’s emotion is explored through that friendship and the ghostly experience of the afterlife. This does delve into darker thoughts and feelings but I think the author does a great job in handling the sensitive subjects. I also appreciated how Thummler shows that people have the capacity for kindness, should they wish it, and that people are never just what they present on the surface.
Overall, this story packs a powerful (yet subtle) punch. This series is deeply emotional and sometimes challenging to read but one I would certainly recommend!
emotional
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Set in the same world as SHEETS, we are reunited with Marjorie, Wendell, and the ghost gang one year following the events of the first book in this series. Thummler does an excellent job of capturing what it’s like to be a teenager in middle school (although this could also apply to high school). Marjorie has somehow found her way in with the “popular group” and we follow along as she struggles to feel comfortable with Tessi and her bullying friends while balancing being who she is with Wendell and showing kindness to Eliza. She wants so badly to be seen as cool, especially in front of her crush, and it takes a while for her to recognise how the tables have turned; though she no longer feels invisible, being on the other side doesn’t feel good when it comes at the price of someone else’s well being. We get a satisfying full-circle moment as Marjorie acknowledges the consequences of her actions or lack thereof, and shows that she does know how to be a good friend, a good sister and in general, a good egg.
With the additional introduction of Eliza’s character, the author really gets to the heart of bullying, belonging, loneliness and grief and she captures the emotions and human experience so well. Eliza’s the daughter of the quirky teacher, Mr. Duncan. She’s often bullied by Tessi and ostracized by others for being obsessed with ghosts and her quest to capture them on camera. Her story was heartbreaking but sadly, I think it’s a situation and place that many kids can probably relate to. I loved the role that Wendell and the ghosts play in Eliza’s story, and how the depth of Eliza’s emotion is explored through that friendship and the ghostly experience of the afterlife. This does delve into darker thoughts and feelings but I think the author does a great job in handling the sensitive subjects. I also appreciated how Thummler shows that people have the capacity for kindness, should they wish it, and that people are never just what they present on the surface.
Overall, this story packs a powerful (yet subtle) punch. This series is deeply emotional and sometimes challenging to read but one I would certainly recommend!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying and Grief
Minor: Suicidal thoughts, Child death, and Death