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dustilane's reviews
857 reviews
Tokyo Dreaming by Emiko Jean
3.5
After the events of Tokyo Ever After, life is going well for Izumi. She has everything she could ever want and all seems to be well. But when hurdles arise, both in love and being a princess, Izumi is determined to meet the challenge.
I loved Tokyo Ever After. It was such a good, fluff read that warmed my heart. Similarly, Tokyo Dreaming is another novel that works perfectly as a filler, fluff read. It was just what I needed to break up my heavier reads.
Also like the first book, the romance was not my favorite part. I really enjoyed the family and friendship dynamics more than anything else. In fact, I actually really disliked the romance in this one. Sometimes I love a love triangle, but sometimes it just doesn't work for me and this was one of those cases.
Overall, I did mostly enjoy this but not as much as the first book. I am giving it 3.5/5 stars!
I loved Tokyo Ever After. It was such a good, fluff read that warmed my heart. Similarly, Tokyo Dreaming is another novel that works perfectly as a filler, fluff read. It was just what I needed to break up my heavier reads.
Also like the first book, the romance was not my favorite part. I really enjoyed the family and friendship dynamics more than anything else. In fact, I actually really disliked the romance in this one. Sometimes I love a love triangle, but sometimes it just doesn't work for me and this was one of those cases.
Overall, I did mostly enjoy this but not as much as the first book. I am giving it 3.5/5 stars!
The Gifts That Bind Us by Caroline O'Donoghue
4.5
Maeve and her friends aren't ordinary teens. After the events that took place in the first book, they have formed a sort of coven of their own. But the work of the Children of Brigid is still not over which means there's no time to rest for the group of powerful teenagers.
I really enjoyed reading this book. There's something about O'Donoghue's writing style and storytelling that I find soothing. It doesn't help that I find all things magical and occult fascinating. I do think I enjoyed the first book more, but I still really enjoyed this one. With the way this one ended, I am assuming there will be a third and I will happily read it and probably enjoy every second of it.
This book only proves to me that I was right in recommending the first one and I will continue to recommend this series! This is perfect for those who are interested in cults, Ireland, myths and legends, superpowers, tarot and the occult in general, and close-knit friend groups.
I really enjoyed reading this book. There's something about O'Donoghue's writing style and storytelling that I find soothing. It doesn't help that I find all things magical and occult fascinating. I do think I enjoyed the first book more, but I still really enjoyed this one. With the way this one ended, I am assuming there will be a third and I will happily read it and probably enjoy every second of it.
This book only proves to me that I was right in recommending the first one and I will continue to recommend this series! This is perfect for those who are interested in cults, Ireland, myths and legends, superpowers, tarot and the occult in general, and close-knit friend groups.
Meal by Soleil Ho, Blue Delliquanti
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
Yarrow loves to cook, especially with insects. She is passionate about entomophagy and wants to work in a restaurant that serves insect-based cuisine. When Yarrow goes to apply to work at a restaurant run by her hero, Chandra, things go a little differently than expected and she is forced to explore what it means to be passionate about entomophagy.
I think the ideas that are covered in this book are ones that aren't talked about often but are very important. I personally would not want to try insect-based cuisine, but I have respect for it because of the cultural basis it has. It was interesting to read about characters who are passionate about this subject which is often perceived as taboo. I also love that different cultures were mentioned, it really shows how widespread the use of insects in food is.
The art was really cute and I loved the style. It was a very easy-to-read graphic novel.
Overall, I really enjoyed this! It was worth me pushing past my insect fears.
I think the ideas that are covered in this book are ones that aren't talked about often but are very important. I personally would not want to try insect-based cuisine, but I have respect for it because of the cultural basis it has. It was interesting to read about characters who are passionate about this subject which is often perceived as taboo. I also love that different cultures were mentioned, it really shows how widespread the use of insects in food is.
The art was really cute and I loved the style. It was a very easy-to-read graphic novel.
Overall, I really enjoyed this! It was worth me pushing past my insect fears.
Horrorstör by Grady Hendrix
dark
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Welcome to Orsk, a furniture retailer unlike any other... well, except Ikea. Here at Orsk, everyone is family and everything is perfect. Or is it? When things start going awry, three employees stay after hours to investigate.
This is such a unique and fun concept for a horror novel. Think haunted house... but if it was in a furniture megastore! If you are going to read this, be sure to pick up the physical copy in order to really enjoy this project. My favorite part was the chapter pages and all the other elements that made it seem like a furniture catalog. The story itself is okay, nothing spectacular. It was decently creepy and there were a few body horror moments that had me cringing. I really enjoyed the parallels between the horror of retail and corporate America with the actual horror of the paranormal.
I wouldn't say this is a new favorite, but it is definitely a unique concept that I really think many horror fans would enjoy.
This is such a unique and fun concept for a horror novel. Think haunted house... but if it was in a furniture megastore! If you are going to read this, be sure to pick up the physical copy in order to really enjoy this project. My favorite part was the chapter pages and all the other elements that made it seem like a furniture catalog. The story itself is okay, nothing spectacular. It was decently creepy and there were a few body horror moments that had me cringing. I really enjoyed the parallels between the horror of retail and corporate America with the actual horror of the paranormal.
I wouldn't say this is a new favorite, but it is definitely a unique concept that I really think many horror fans would enjoy.
Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders
slow-paced
2.0
President Lincoln's son, Willie, died, leaving the President distraught. He returned to hold his son's body multiple times. These are historical facts that lay the basis for Lincoln in the Bardo, a story that takes place over one night in the graveyard where Willie was laid to rest.
I love audiobooks, especially full-cast with music. That is why I wanted to listen to this book. It has 166 narrators, I believe, and music and it's supposed to be AMAZING. Nick Offerman is one of the key narrators and I love him so I knew I had to give it a try. When I got to the Booker Prize prompt for my book bingo, I knew it was time.
But unfortunately, I would have DNFed this book if it hadn't been for bingo. The thing is... I get why so many people love it and why it has the acclaim it does. It is such a unique and interesting concept for a book and goes between being sad and funny and serious. The writing is good, the story concept is fine. But I was so bored and spent half of the book incredibly confused. I found the short "quotations" to be odd and jolted me out of the story. I get what Saunders was trying to do and I appreciate it, but this book just wasn't for me and it won't be one I recommend to most people.
I love audiobooks, especially full-cast with music. That is why I wanted to listen to this book. It has 166 narrators, I believe, and music and it's supposed to be AMAZING. Nick Offerman is one of the key narrators and I love him so I knew I had to give it a try. When I got to the Booker Prize prompt for my book bingo, I knew it was time.
But unfortunately, I would have DNFed this book if it hadn't been for bingo. The thing is... I get why so many people love it and why it has the acclaim it does. It is such a unique and interesting concept for a book and goes between being sad and funny and serious. The writing is good, the story concept is fine. But I was so bored and spent half of the book incredibly confused. I found the short "quotations" to be odd and jolted me out of the story. I get what Saunders was trying to do and I appreciate it, but this book just wasn't for me and it won't be one I recommend to most people.
Six Crimson Cranes by Elizabeth Lim
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
slow-paced
4.0
Shiori is a princess but she has a secret. She has magic, even though magic is forbidden in her kingdom. But even her magic cannot stop a curse from being placed on her and her brothers, changing their lives forever. A tale based on The Wild Swans and other Asian folklore.
Whew. This book was a rollercoaster ride for me. Like many others have mentioned, I had a hard time getting into it. Also like many others, at about the halfway mark, I really wanted to switch to the audiobook version to give it a better chance. However, I could not get my hands on the audiobook version so I continued to trudge along. At about the 60% mark, it really started to pick up for me and I enjoyed it a lot more.
I think I really struggled with this one for a few reasons, including the fact I have an obsession with Daughter of the Forest, another book that is based on The Wild Swans. Because of this, I kept comparing them. However, once I got over that, it was much more enjoyable.
Shiori is such a fun main character. It was interesting to watch her develop over the course of the story. My favorite character has to be Takkan though. He is just everything to me and the kind of male protagonist I am always on the lookout for. There were also plenty of characters I HATED, but this is a compliment to the author as they were so well written, it was hard to not despise them.
I love how the story ended and I will definitely be reading the sequel... though maybe this time I will try and get the audiobook!
Whew. This book was a rollercoaster ride for me. Like many others have mentioned, I had a hard time getting into it. Also like many others, at about the halfway mark, I really wanted to switch to the audiobook version to give it a better chance. However, I could not get my hands on the audiobook version so I continued to trudge along. At about the 60% mark, it really started to pick up for me and I enjoyed it a lot more.
I think I really struggled with this one for a few reasons, including the fact I have an obsession with Daughter of the Forest, another book that is based on The Wild Swans. Because of this, I kept comparing them. However, once I got over that, it was much more enjoyable.
Shiori is such a fun main character. It was interesting to watch her develop over the course of the story. My favorite character has to be Takkan though. He is just everything to me and the kind of male protagonist I am always on the lookout for. There were also plenty of characters I HATED, but this is a compliment to the author as they were so well written, it was hard to not despise them.
I love how the story ended and I will definitely be reading the sequel... though maybe this time I will try and get the audiobook!
Paper Girls, Vol. 1 by Brian K. Vaughan
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
3.5
Here is one of those books where I don't really know how to describe what I read. The best I can do is this... There are girls on bikes, things get crazy, and adventure unfolds.
First of all, the art. The art is phenomenal. So pretty and it really draws you in.
The story itself is kind of confusing and I honestly was just like what the heck for most of it. It's very intriguing and I am curious to see what happens. I can't say that I am in love with it, but I will definitely read the next volume!
I rated it 3.5 stars!
First of all, the art. The art is phenomenal. So pretty and it really draws you in.
The story itself is kind of confusing and I honestly was just like what the heck for most of it. It's very intriguing and I am curious to see what happens. I can't say that I am in love with it, but I will definitely read the next volume!
I rated it 3.5 stars!
El Deafo by Cece Bell
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
CeCe got sick at 4 years old and lost her hearing. In this stunning, heart-warming graphic memoir, CeCe Bell takes us on a journey of friendship and self-acceptance.
I really enjoyed this! It was a super quick, touching read. The art is absolutely adorable. The story itself is also very wholesome and sweet. I loved the representation this book brings to the world of graphic novels and I would definitely read more from this author!
I really enjoyed this! It was a super quick, touching read. The art is absolutely adorable. The story itself is also very wholesome and sweet. I loved the representation this book brings to the world of graphic novels and I would definitely read more from this author!
Daughter of the Moon Goddess by Sue Lynn Tan
adventurous
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
3.0
The moon goddess has a daughter who has been kept hidden. But when the two are separated, Xingyin is determined to find her mother once more and rescue her from her imprisonment.
This book is very popular right now and everyone is talking about it! Mostly I hear good things, but I have heard some people complain that they got bored with it. I am in between.
To start with the positives, there are so many wonderful things about this book. The writing is beautiful, flowery and poetic without being too much. This story is rooted in Chinese mythology and I love that aspect of it. It's fascinating and I think the author did an excellent job of bringing these myths to life.
On the downside, I found it very boring after a while. I was really into it and then it just started to drag for me. I feel as if the book could've been much shorter or maybe even the duology could have been a trilogy instead, I am not sure. I just know that I was getting so bored and tired of this book before even the halfway mark. I also am not sure if I was supposed to be invested in the romantic relationships in this book, but I did not feel it. I was just kind of "eh".
Overall, I am giving it three stars because while I did enjoy it and love the writing, I just was kind of bored of it after a bit.
This book is very popular right now and everyone is talking about it! Mostly I hear good things, but I have heard some people complain that they got bored with it. I am in between.
To start with the positives, there are so many wonderful things about this book. The writing is beautiful, flowery and poetic without being too much. This story is rooted in Chinese mythology and I love that aspect of it. It's fascinating and I think the author did an excellent job of bringing these myths to life.
On the downside, I found it very boring after a while. I was really into it and then it just started to drag for me. I feel as if the book could've been much shorter or maybe even the duology could have been a trilogy instead, I am not sure. I just know that I was getting so bored and tired of this book before even the halfway mark. I also am not sure if I was supposed to be invested in the romantic relationships in this book, but I did not feel it. I was just kind of "eh".
Overall, I am giving it three stars because while I did enjoy it and love the writing, I just was kind of bored of it after a bit.
Trouble Girls by Julia Lynn Rubin
adventurous
dark
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you to Julia Lynn Rubin for hosting a giveaway for this book!
Trixie is excited about a getaway trip with her best friend, but it only takes one night for it to all go wrong. Now Trixie and Lux are on the run and they are unprepared for what this will mean for them and for the people they care about.
First of all, I loved the premise and the cover immediately and was very excited to read this book. If it's sapphic, I probably want to read it! When I first started reading it, I will admit I was a little thrown off. The writing is not in the style I am used to and the "voice" of the main character took some getting used to. Once I got used to the language, however, I started to appreciate why the author chose this approach. I think the way the girls speak and think feel very realistic and that's one of the things I really liked about this book. I liked that the story was told from the viewpoint of less wealthy, small-town girls who are incredibly naive. Their actions made sense and were true to their characters, even though as a reader you want to shake them and tell them no!
Lux was definitely a manic pixie dream girl, but it was pointed out in the book and acknowledged that this was how Trixie saw her. I think there is a difference between just having a shallow, "manic pixie dream girl" character and having a character that is perceived that way as part of the story. It was also interesting because we often see this dynamic in heterosexual relationships, but queer people can be just as guilty of this too. I enjoyed this element of the story.
I do wish there was more to the book, more depth, and more of the story, but at the same time, I like that it ended the way that it did. If there was a second book that explored what happened after this book's events ended, I would be interested in reading it!
Overall, I enjoyed this book, despite having a hard time with it at first. I am looking forward to reading more from this author!
Trixie is excited about a getaway trip with her best friend, but it only takes one night for it to all go wrong. Now Trixie and Lux are on the run and they are unprepared for what this will mean for them and for the people they care about.
First of all, I loved the premise and the cover immediately and was very excited to read this book. If it's sapphic, I probably want to read it! When I first started reading it, I will admit I was a little thrown off. The writing is not in the style I am used to and the "voice" of the main character took some getting used to. Once I got used to the language, however, I started to appreciate why the author chose this approach. I think the way the girls speak and think feel very realistic and that's one of the things I really liked about this book. I liked that the story was told from the viewpoint of less wealthy, small-town girls who are incredibly naive. Their actions made sense and were true to their characters, even though as a reader you want to shake them and tell them no!
Lux was definitely a manic pixie dream girl, but it was pointed out in the book and acknowledged that this was how Trixie saw her. I think there is a difference between just having a shallow, "manic pixie dream girl" character and having a character that is perceived that way as part of the story. It was also interesting because we often see this dynamic in heterosexual relationships, but queer people can be just as guilty of this too. I enjoyed this element of the story.
I do wish there was more to the book, more depth, and more of the story, but at the same time, I like that it ended the way that it did. If there was a second book that explored what happened after this book's events ended, I would be interested in reading it!
Overall, I enjoyed this book, despite having a hard time with it at first. I am looking forward to reading more from this author!