Take a photo of a barcode or cover
dracobatreads's reviews
249 reviews
Between the Pipes by J.J. Mulder
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
sad
fast-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? Yes
3.5
I met Anthony and Nico first in the SCU hockey series by the same author, and it was nice to see the backstory of how these two came together and see Carter introduced too.
Again these books are fast paced, and they end kind of abruptly every time, I wish the author would giveore time to flesh out the storyline and conflicts. While I liked Nico and Anthony's relationship, I will say this wasn't my favorite in the series so far, but still an enjoyable book and nice to see some representation with Nico's vision impaired disability. Always like the found family aspect between the friends too. I just wish these books were longer because I feel like so many new conflicts get introduced when the book is about to end.
Again these books are fast paced, and they end kind of abruptly every time, I wish the author would giveore time to flesh out the storyline and conflicts. While I liked Nico and Anthony's relationship, I will say this wasn't my favorite in the series so far, but still an enjoyable book and nice to see some representation with Nico's vision impaired disability. Always like the found family aspect between the friends too. I just wish these books were longer because I feel like so many new conflicts get introduced when the book is about to end.
Square To The Puck by J.J. Mulder
emotional
funny
informative
lighthearted
reflective
sad
fast-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
3.75
Okay, so I definitely liked this book better than the first. I liked the relationship between Corwin and Nigel a lot and the way it developed even though the pacing was really fast.
I really wish these books were longer because it seems like the author introduces new conflicts into the story bit doesn't give them enough time to build up then be solved because this ended kinda abruptly in my opinion. Also the age gap in the flashback in the beginning did give me the ick, but I'm glad they addressed it and didn't just say it was okay.
Still a quick fun read, and it's nice to see the SCU characters being Introduced too and how it all ties together. Definitely think the author has improved their writing in the SCU books later on.
I really wish these books were longer because it seems like the author introduces new conflicts into the story bit doesn't give them enough time to build up then be solved because this ended kinda abruptly in my opinion. Also the age gap in the flashback in the beginning did give me the ick, but I'm glad they addressed it and didn't just say it was okay.
Still a quick fun read, and it's nice to see the SCU characters being Introduced too and how it all ties together. Definitely think the author has improved their writing in the SCU books later on.
Changing the Game by J.J. Mulder
funny
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This is the second book I've read from this author. I actually read their SCU hockey series, the second one, before I read this one and I can tell that their writing has improved a lot from this book to the other book I read.
This book wasn't bad at all, it was short and sweet, to the point. It moved kind of fast so the conflicts that came up kinda got rushed in my opinion, this book could've been a bit longer. The romance between Sam and Troy was nice but because of the pacing I felt like it was a bit rushed too.
Not a bad read, but I'm definitely looking forward to the story between Corwin and Nigel a lot more. I heard the second book was better than this one so im hoping there's some improvement in the pacing and writing in the next book.
This book wasn't bad at all, it was short and sweet, to the point. It moved kind of fast so the conflicts that came up kinda got rushed in my opinion, this book could've been a bit longer. The romance between Sam and Troy was nice but because of the pacing I felt like it was a bit rushed too.
Not a bad read, but I'm definitely looking forward to the story between Corwin and Nigel a lot more. I heard the second book was better than this one so im hoping there's some improvement in the pacing and writing in the next book.
The Cruel Prince by Holly Black
3.0
“Father, I am what you made me. I’ve become your daughter after all.”
3.5 stars/ I heard a lot of mixed reviews about this book, so many people love it, especially jude and cardan, and while i did not hate it, it did not really live up to the hype people were giving it for me personally.
there were great parts, but most things fell flat for me. it was extremely slow in the beginning, it did not really pick up until 150-200 pages in. i did wish the first half of the book was as good as the second half.
the characters i did not really feel a connection to whatsoever, i feel like they could’ve been fleshed out more. since it was jude’s perspective i felt the most connection to her, even though i didn’t really enjoy her character until over 100 pages into the book.
the dialogue was mostly awkward at times, motives for certain characters were unclear or didn’t make sense. i wasn’t really immersed into the world itself at times. i felt like the world itself could’ve been explained better.
i liked the court of shadows the best as characters. i understand this isn’t a romance book persay, but the romance aspect of it felt rocky and very poorly done. i know this is the first book, and i’m currently doing a readathon for this series so i’m hoping this series gets better in the next one.
the “plot twists” didn’t really feel like plot twists just peaks in the book that jumped out because the book fell flat and wasn’t very interesting at times i was skimming.
even though there were a lot of things that i disliked, the basic plot and premise kept me at least interested to see where this goes and i will continue to read the next books in the series.
3.5 stars/ I heard a lot of mixed reviews about this book, so many people love it, especially jude and cardan, and while i did not hate it, it did not really live up to the hype people were giving it for me personally.
there were great parts, but most things fell flat for me. it was extremely slow in the beginning, it did not really pick up until 150-200 pages in. i did wish the first half of the book was as good as the second half.
the characters i did not really feel a connection to whatsoever, i feel like they could’ve been fleshed out more. since it was jude’s perspective i felt the most connection to her, even though i didn’t really enjoy her character until over 100 pages into the book.
the dialogue was mostly awkward at times, motives for certain characters were unclear or didn’t make sense. i wasn’t really immersed into the world itself at times. i felt like the world itself could’ve been explained better.
i liked the court of shadows the best as characters. i understand this isn’t a romance book persay, but the romance aspect of it felt rocky and very poorly done. i know this is the first book, and i’m currently doing a readathon for this series so i’m hoping this series gets better in the next one.
the “plot twists” didn’t really feel like plot twists just peaks in the book that jumped out because the book fell flat and wasn’t very interesting at times i was skimming.
even though there were a lot of things that i disliked, the basic plot and premise kept me at least interested to see where this goes and i will continue to read the next books in the series.
I Wish You All the Best by Mason Deaver
4.0
“I wish you all the best”
i honestly could’ve finished this in a day but i got so distracted lmao. this was a great quick read of a very cute queer love story, a much needed one in fact.
as someone who is also non binary it is very rare to see such great representation and stories in different forms of media and i felt so seen and heard throughout this book.
i come from a religious family and my worst fear is being kicked out like ben was in the book, so i kinda just keep to myself. to see the struggles ben goes through and has to deal with physically and mentally, i could relate to them all.
this story was an easy read, but my only complaint was that i wanted more from everything! more moments with sophie and mel, more in depth dialogue, more fleshed out characters besides ben. it just felt too short and kinda rushed because i was enjoying it so much. but i highly recommend everyone to read this amazing book.
i honestly could’ve finished this in a day but i got so distracted lmao. this was a great quick read of a very cute queer love story, a much needed one in fact.
as someone who is also non binary it is very rare to see such great representation and stories in different forms of media and i felt so seen and heard throughout this book.
i come from a religious family and my worst fear is being kicked out like ben was in the book, so i kinda just keep to myself. to see the struggles ben goes through and has to deal with physically and mentally, i could relate to them all.
this story was an easy read, but my only complaint was that i wanted more from everything! more moments with sophie and mel, more in depth dialogue, more fleshed out characters besides ben. it just felt too short and kinda rushed because i was enjoying it so much. but i highly recommend everyone to read this amazing book.
Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston
3.0
“And you are good. Most things are awful most of the time, but you’re good.”
i’m debating if i should give this a 3.5 or 4, lending more towards a 3.5 i think.
i’m reading this before the movie comes out next month so i can be more informed. this took me a couple days to read, it was a fun read too, but there were some things that really just bothered me stylistically.
lemme just say i loved alex and henry. i loved a lot of the characters, the topics it covered etc. it’s nice to see a political book have great representation and cover issues that NEED to be covered. i’m not a huge fan of political books and it’s weird seeing my state and city in a book lmao, so there was a lot of down parts when a lot of the political aspects were being explained, but the plot surrounding it it was interesting enough to keep reading.
that being said the flow of the book bothered me so much. i don’t know if it was just the copy of the ebook i got, if it was intentional by the author, but the transitions from different scenes confused me. one second they would be one place, the next paragraph i didn’t know they were somewhere else until a ways in.
the ending felt very rushed, some of the jokes and dialogue was cringe here and there but there was lots of funny parts too. i felt like some things could’ve been fleshed out more, or better, cause the end of the book just ended abruptly in my opinion.
overall it was a quick fun read and i’m excited for the film. while there was a lot of things that bothered me, i really did enjoy alex and henry’s dynamic a lot.
side note: always and forever fuck the queen
i’m debating if i should give this a 3.5 or 4, lending more towards a 3.5 i think.
i’m reading this before the movie comes out next month so i can be more informed. this took me a couple days to read, it was a fun read too, but there were some things that really just bothered me stylistically.
lemme just say i loved alex and henry. i loved a lot of the characters, the topics it covered etc. it’s nice to see a political book have great representation and cover issues that NEED to be covered. i’m not a huge fan of political books and it’s weird seeing my state and city in a book lmao, so there was a lot of down parts when a lot of the political aspects were being explained, but the plot surrounding it it was interesting enough to keep reading.
that being said the flow of the book bothered me so much. i don’t know if it was just the copy of the ebook i got, if it was intentional by the author, but the transitions from different scenes confused me. one second they would be one place, the next paragraph i didn’t know they were somewhere else until a ways in.
the ending felt very rushed, some of the jokes and dialogue was cringe here and there but there was lots of funny parts too. i felt like some things could’ve been fleshed out more, or better, cause the end of the book just ended abruptly in my opinion.
overall it was a quick fun read and i’m excited for the film. while there was a lot of things that bothered me, i really did enjoy alex and henry’s dynamic a lot.
side note: always and forever fuck the queen
Like You've Nothing Left to Prove by E.L. Massey
5.0
“Love is the fire of life; it either consumes or purifies”
i immediately had to read this after i finished the first book. this was such a cute continuation of eli and alex’s story. again very important topics about racism, disabilities, mental health, queer rep, the hockey industry and it’s homophobia etc was handled very well. (the slurs still gave me whiplash even with the content warning ngl)
i’ve fallen in love with all the characters and their growth, and eli and alex especially. this series is a breath of fresh air and while it covers very important topics, it’s still funny and lighthearted too.
i’m also excited to read the 3rd book of rome and damien’s story. the little excerpt at the end has me intrigued. and i heard there will be a 4th book to continue matts redemption arc involving his trans gf and im really interested to see how that will go.
side note: i still wanna see more of cody and james they are too cuteeeee PLSSSSS A NOVELLA OR SOMETHING
i immediately had to read this after i finished the first book. this was such a cute continuation of eli and alex’s story. again very important topics about racism, disabilities, mental health, queer rep, the hockey industry and it’s homophobia etc was handled very well. (the slurs still gave me whiplash even with the content warning ngl)
i’ve fallen in love with all the characters and their growth, and eli and alex especially. this series is a breath of fresh air and while it covers very important topics, it’s still funny and lighthearted too.
i’m also excited to read the 3rd book of rome and damien’s story. the little excerpt at the end has me intrigued. and i heard there will be a 4th book to continue matts redemption arc involving his trans gf and im really interested to see how that will go.
side note: i still wanna see more of cody and james they are too cuteeeee PLSSSSS A NOVELLA OR SOMETHING
King and the Dragonflies by Kacen Callender
5.0
“Khalid wasn’t a dragonfly. He wasn’t anything that I could touch or see. But he’s been with me all along. He’ll stay with me until the end of time.”
i haven’t read a middle grade book in such a long time, but this book was so beautiful i couldn’t put it down. in 230 something pages it managed to cover such important topics like queerness, abuse, racism, loss, grief, homophobia etc in such a short amount of time and it was executed beautifully.
i loved king. i loved reading his pov. it was heartbreaking, blunt, truthful, naive, raw and real just the definition of seeing the world through a kid’s eyes. the way he was heavily influenced by the words from his brother, friends, and father. being black and gay in louisiana and just the struggles he has to go through, the way it was executed was done in such a way that just pulled at your heartstrings.
the conversations between king and his father were so truthful and heartbreaking and i absolutely loved them. so many of the characters showed so much growth. i loved the conversations sandy and king had and how determined king was to help sandy with his situation and how sandy helped king find himself and come to terms with himself. i loved how they leaned on each other.
grief and loss was written so well in this book. the symbolism of the dragonfly, the different stages the family went through throughout the book, the journey the author took us through page by page was done so well. i only wish the book was a tad bit longer, the ending felt a tad bit rushed but overall i really enjoyed this book so much.
side note: probably one of my top reads this year.
i haven’t read a middle grade book in such a long time, but this book was so beautiful i couldn’t put it down. in 230 something pages it managed to cover such important topics like queerness, abuse, racism, loss, grief, homophobia etc in such a short amount of time and it was executed beautifully.
i loved king. i loved reading his pov. it was heartbreaking, blunt, truthful, naive, raw and real just the definition of seeing the world through a kid’s eyes. the way he was heavily influenced by the words from his brother, friends, and father. being black and gay in louisiana and just the struggles he has to go through, the way it was executed was done in such a way that just pulled at your heartstrings.
the conversations between king and his father were so truthful and heartbreaking and i absolutely loved them. so many of the characters showed so much growth. i loved the conversations sandy and king had and how determined king was to help sandy with his situation and how sandy helped king find himself and come to terms with himself. i loved how they leaned on each other.
grief and loss was written so well in this book. the symbolism of the dragonfly, the different stages the family went through throughout the book, the journey the author took us through page by page was done so well. i only wish the book was a tad bit longer, the ending felt a tad bit rushed but overall i really enjoyed this book so much.
side note: probably one of my top reads this year.
Beating Heart Baby by Lio Min
5.0
“like here? or in eternity?”
this book really warmed my heart. it was beautifully written from both povs of santi and suwa. i enjoyed every second, every word on each page. it was a beautiful story about first loves and the realistic aspect of how even though everyone will go their separate paths in life, you can still work it out and find joy in one another.
i felt a really deep connection with a lot of the characters, but especially suwa. their love for music and finding themselves and wanted to be accepted by their peers made my heart full. i was also in band throughout middle and high school, did both concert and marching band so seeing that plot one brought back a lot of memories.
the love that santi and suwa have for one another was so realistic. i’m not sure if this falls under the “miscommunication trope” one that i particularly don’t really enjoy, but this book was written in such a raw and realistic way that it felt so authentic. the journey both santi and suwa went through on their own and together was such a joy to read. i loved all the anime references, how much santi loved to draw and create and this particular quote “The worst thing about music is that other people get to hear it….but i’ve always been listening for you.” is something that will stick with me for years to come.
i loved all the representation, the found family aspect, how much everyone supported each other in everything they did. this book is a very special one and had such a great message of love, doing things at your own pace, controlling your narrative, following your dreams and loving who you want to love.
side note: i loved aya, cap, sayo and EVERYONE form their friend group. ari is literally meeeee, goth and that vkei mention made me so happy
this book really warmed my heart. it was beautifully written from both povs of santi and suwa. i enjoyed every second, every word on each page. it was a beautiful story about first loves and the realistic aspect of how even though everyone will go their separate paths in life, you can still work it out and find joy in one another.
i felt a really deep connection with a lot of the characters, but especially suwa. their love for music and finding themselves and wanted to be accepted by their peers made my heart full. i was also in band throughout middle and high school, did both concert and marching band so seeing that plot one brought back a lot of memories.
the love that santi and suwa have for one another was so realistic. i’m not sure if this falls under the “miscommunication trope” one that i particularly don’t really enjoy, but this book was written in such a raw and realistic way that it felt so authentic. the journey both santi and suwa went through on their own and together was such a joy to read. i loved all the anime references, how much santi loved to draw and create and this particular quote “The worst thing about music is that other people get to hear it….but i’ve always been listening for you.” is something that will stick with me for years to come.
i loved all the representation, the found family aspect, how much everyone supported each other in everything they did. this book is a very special one and had such a great message of love, doing things at your own pace, controlling your narrative, following your dreams and loving who you want to love.
side note: i loved aya, cap, sayo and EVERYONE form their friend group. ari is literally meeeee, goth and that vkei mention made me so happy