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dylanhenning's reviews
130 reviews
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.5
This is a simple and cute children’s story about the power of believing in something magical and pure and ultimately how a lot of people grow up and lose that sense of magic.
It’s a hard story to look back on now that I’m in my 30’s. I obviously don’t believe in Santa anymore and I still love the magic and the wonder that comes with the winter season but even that’s hard to do some days. I wonder if at some point I won’t be able to hear the bell anymore?
The art in this book is gorgeous and that alone makes it worth reading and soaking in the visuals.
It’s a hard story to look back on now that I’m in my 30’s. I obviously don’t believe in Santa anymore and I still love the magic and the wonder that comes with the winter season but even that’s hard to do some days. I wonder if at some point I won’t be able to hear the bell anymore?
The art in this book is gorgeous and that alone makes it worth reading and soaking in the visuals.
The Answer is No by Fredrik Backman
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was a cute and humorous short read from Fredrick Backman.
This is a story about a man named Lucas who just wants to eat Pad Thai, play his video game, and generally just be left alone. Unfortunately an abandoned frying pan upsets his life through a series of hilarious interactions with his neighbors and the people of his town.
The story gets a little too goofy at times but it’s still very fun and cozy. This is a pretty good choice if you’re looking for something that’s short and not too heavy of a topic. It’s a good palate cleanser type of read.
This is a story about a man named Lucas who just wants to eat Pad Thai, play his video game, and generally just be left alone. Unfortunately an abandoned frying pan upsets his life through a series of hilarious interactions with his neighbors and the people of his town.
The story gets a little too goofy at times but it’s still very fun and cozy. This is a pretty good choice if you’re looking for something that’s short and not too heavy of a topic. It’s a good palate cleanser type of read.
Inferno Squad by Christie Golden
adventurous
emotional
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
4.5
I enjoyed Christie Golden’s other canon Star Wars book Dark Disciple so I was pretty optimistic going into it that I would enjoy this one too.
I played the campaign for Star Wars: Battlefront II (2017) before reading this book so I was already introduced to the characters of Inferno Squad and had those actors in my head while I was reading this book which I think did help to visualize what was happening.
This book was a great way to get insight into the characters minds and how they not only viewed the Empire but how they looked at their missions as members of Inferno Squad.
This might not be everyone’s cup of tea (especially when it comes to Star Wars stories) but I love these smaller stories with a set group of characters mostly in one location and they’re working towards a common goal. In this case it’s infiltrating a Rebel partisan camp to figure out how and where they’re getting their intel.
Seeing these characters go undercover and have to pretend to hate the Empire was fascinating and I think this is where Christie Golden’s writing shines it’s best. She’s so good at showcasing the intricate and complicated emotions Inferno Squad has to face during this time and how it will affect them going forward once the mission is over.
I will say if you haven’t played the campaign for Star Wars: Battlefront II that’s totally fine. This book takes place several years before the events of that game so this is a good jumping on point. If you enjoy this book I do recommend playing that games campaign. It’s not super long and is pretty simple to grasp and get through even for a “non gamer”.
I played the campaign for Star Wars: Battlefront II (2017) before reading this book so I was already introduced to the characters of Inferno Squad and had those actors in my head while I was reading this book which I think did help to visualize what was happening.
This book was a great way to get insight into the characters minds and how they not only viewed the Empire but how they looked at their missions as members of Inferno Squad.
This might not be everyone’s cup of tea (especially when it comes to Star Wars stories) but I love these smaller stories with a set group of characters mostly in one location and they’re working towards a common goal. In this case it’s infiltrating a Rebel partisan camp to figure out how and where they’re getting their intel.
Seeing these characters go undercover and have to pretend to hate the Empire was fascinating and I think this is where Christie Golden’s writing shines it’s best. She’s so good at showcasing the intricate and complicated emotions Inferno Squad has to face during this time and how it will affect them going forward once the mission is over.
I will say if you haven’t played the campaign for Star Wars: Battlefront II that’s totally fine. This book takes place several years before the events of that game so this is a good jumping on point. If you enjoy this book I do recommend playing that games campaign. It’s not super long and is pretty simple to grasp and get through even for a “non gamer”.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
It’s November 2024 when I’m writing this review.
I’ve had the L. Frank Baum Oz books for years and always meant to read them but either forgot about them or kept putting them off. With the hype for the upcoming Wicked adaptation it felt like time to read at least the first book.
Obviously over the years I’ve become very familiar with the Wizard of Oz story. Through the classic 1939 musical film starring Judy Garland and from countless other adaptations or homages in other media over the years. But even as familiar as this story is, I didn’t lose any of the wonder and magic the reader is intended to feel when following Dorothy and her friends on this adventure.
This book is clearly for children. That’s not to say adults can’t enjoy it or get anything from its whimsical characters and fantastical lands in the world of Oz. But by nature of being a children’s book there are some conveniences in the plot for the sake of simplicity. Our band of characters will come across a new challenge and instead of trying to problem solve it themselves L. Frank Baum has them conveniently breeze past it for the sake of moving on to the next part of the story. So for that I’m giving it 4.5 stars.
I’ve had the L. Frank Baum Oz books for years and always meant to read them but either forgot about them or kept putting them off. With the hype for the upcoming Wicked adaptation it felt like time to read at least the first book.
Obviously over the years I’ve become very familiar with the Wizard of Oz story. Through the classic 1939 musical film starring Judy Garland and from countless other adaptations or homages in other media over the years. But even as familiar as this story is, I didn’t lose any of the wonder and magic the reader is intended to feel when following Dorothy and her friends on this adventure.
This book is clearly for children. That’s not to say adults can’t enjoy it or get anything from its whimsical characters and fantastical lands in the world of Oz. But by nature of being a children’s book there are some conveniences in the plot for the sake of simplicity. Our band of characters will come across a new challenge and instead of trying to problem solve it themselves L. Frank Baum has them conveniently breeze past it for the sake of moving on to the next part of the story. So for that I’m giving it 4.5 stars.
Pages to Fill by Travis Baldree
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
This was another fun dip into the Legends & Lattes universe and I did appreciate seeing a glimpse into Viv’s life before we meet her in L&L. However I think this short story loses some of the charm the original novel had. What made the original book special was its cozy approach to fantasy and its focus on the growing bonds between the characters. Here this just feels like a regular run of the mill fantasy adventure. Still a fun one to read for sure but nothing to make it stand out.
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
This book was so cute and cozy and just what I needed.
If you’re wanting some epic fantasy with adventure and big battles and an exhaustive cast of characters this isn’t for you. However if you want a heartwarming story with a small cast of characters that become like a family this book is absolutely for you!
Viv is an orc who’s tired of battles and adventures. She gets sore easily now and just wants a nice quiet life so she settles down in a town to open a coffee shop.
Throughout the book she meets new neighbors and friends that help her repair and run this coffee shop. Through the course of the book they become like a family.
There’s also a cute love story between our man character Viv and a succubus named Tandri. You don’t get a ton of LGBT+ relationships in fantasy that goes well so it’s nice to see one not end in death or some other dramatic fashion.
This book would make a perfect Autumnal read or if you’re like me and looking for something to read between autumn and winter. Really this book is perfect to read at any time!
If you’re wanting some epic fantasy with adventure and big battles and an exhaustive cast of characters this isn’t for you. However if you want a heartwarming story with a small cast of characters that become like a family this book is absolutely for you!
Viv is an orc who’s tired of battles and adventures. She gets sore easily now and just wants a nice quiet life so she settles down in a town to open a coffee shop.
Throughout the book she meets new neighbors and friends that help her repair and run this coffee shop. Through the course of the book they become like a family.
There’s also a cute love story between our man character Viv and a succubus named Tandri. You don’t get a ton of LGBT+ relationships in fantasy that goes well so it’s nice to see one not end in death or some other dramatic fashion.
This book would make a perfect Autumnal read or if you’re like me and looking for something to read between autumn and winter. Really this book is perfect to read at any time!
Dracula by Bram Stoker
challenging
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
I had put off reading this book for years and I’m kicking myself for doing so.
I thought I wouldn’t be able to enjoy it because it’s an older story obviously written in a different time and for the fact that it was Dracula! This book is one of the foundational pillars of horror and I was so worried it wouldn’t hold up in my mind but rest assured that this book still holds up 127 years later! Don’t be afraid to read this book, just dive in and have fun!
A fascinating part of reading this book for me is that so much of vampire lore and rules for how to write and characterize vampires in literature come from this book and Bram Stoker’s brilliance.
This story is an epistolary gothic horror novel that some may be surprised doesn’t even have Dracula in it very much at all. It’s a story mostly of how various people are connected through their experiences with Dracula and ultimately their plans to vanquish him. It’s told through a series of letters, diary entries, newspaper articles, and the occasional telegraph. If you think that doesn’t sound scary, think again! Bram Stoker writes in such a beautiful and haunting way that it did genuinely feel creepy at times. His writing is so descriptive you can’t help but visualize the terrifying scenes our characters are experiencing.
Having different perspectives also keeps things interesting because our cast of characters have their own distinct personalities that sine through in Stoker’s writing. They have different perspectives and motivations in why they feel compelled to go down this dark and dangerous path to defeat this dangerous ancient vampire.
Because this book was published in 1897 it obviously has some elements that don’t hold up super well in modern times, however I feel these elements are far fewer that you might expect. There’s a bit of misogyny towards the end when the men insist that the woman in their company Mina Harker stay behind simply because they feel it’s too dangerous of a situation for her to be in (even though she’s been an integral part of their company up to that point). I won’t give any spoilers but we do move past that part of it fairly quickly.
It’s also interesting how queer coded this book is. There’s been some speculation that Stoker himself was gay or bi and that may be but I don’t like to speculate much on the sexuality of people who are no longer around to define themselves. However there is quite a bit of queer allusions and subtext through the actions, conversations, and internal musings of our characters. That’s interesting to see in a book from so many years ago.
I read this during October and I must say this is an excellent read for Autumn or spooky season or really just any time of the year. If you’re thinking of picking up Dracula I say just do it! You won’t regret it and you’ll be left wanting more of this world and these characters.
I thought I wouldn’t be able to enjoy it because it’s an older story obviously written in a different time and for the fact that it was Dracula! This book is one of the foundational pillars of horror and I was so worried it wouldn’t hold up in my mind but rest assured that this book still holds up 127 years later! Don’t be afraid to read this book, just dive in and have fun!
A fascinating part of reading this book for me is that so much of vampire lore and rules for how to write and characterize vampires in literature come from this book and Bram Stoker’s brilliance.
This story is an epistolary gothic horror novel that some may be surprised doesn’t even have Dracula in it very much at all. It’s a story mostly of how various people are connected through their experiences with Dracula and ultimately their plans to vanquish him. It’s told through a series of letters, diary entries, newspaper articles, and the occasional telegraph. If you think that doesn’t sound scary, think again! Bram Stoker writes in such a beautiful and haunting way that it did genuinely feel creepy at times. His writing is so descriptive you can’t help but visualize the terrifying scenes our characters are experiencing.
Having different perspectives also keeps things interesting because our cast of characters have their own distinct personalities that sine through in Stoker’s writing. They have different perspectives and motivations in why they feel compelled to go down this dark and dangerous path to defeat this dangerous ancient vampire.
Because this book was published in 1897 it obviously has some elements that don’t hold up super well in modern times, however I feel these elements are far fewer that you might expect. There’s a bit of misogyny towards the end when the men insist that the woman in their company Mina Harker stay behind simply because they feel it’s too dangerous of a situation for her to be in (even though she’s been an integral part of their company up to that point). I won’t give any spoilers but we do move past that part of it fairly quickly.
It’s also interesting how queer coded this book is. There’s been some speculation that Stoker himself was gay or bi and that may be but I don’t like to speculate much on the sexuality of people who are no longer around to define themselves. However there is quite a bit of queer allusions and subtext through the actions, conversations, and internal musings of our characters. That’s interesting to see in a book from so many years ago.
I read this during October and I must say this is an excellent read for Autumn or spooky season or really just any time of the year. If you’re thinking of picking up Dracula I say just do it! You won’t regret it and you’ll be left wanting more of this world and these characters.
Content Warnings
Minor: Misogyny
They Want to Kill Americans: The Militias, Terrorists, and Deranged Ideology of the Trump Insurgency by Malcolm Nance
dark
informative
tense
medium-paced
4.5
This book was incredibly informative and helpful in learning about and understanding the history of these various groups of people that support the twice impeached, convicted felon, former President of the United States, Donald Trump.
It goes into the history and formation of each group and even using historical allegories to show just how dangerous these groups are and highlights that this threat of an American insurgency isn’t just going away because of the 2020 election. It’s not just going to go away after the 2024 election. Unless we as a nation take a hard look at these groups and take decisive action to treat them like the terrorists they are, nothing is likely to change for the better.
My biggest issue with this book is Nance kept mentioning gamers and LARPers in a way that implied that of course these people were radicalized because of these activities and hobbies. I didn’t like his blanket generalization of these groups of people. I’m a gamer. I know plenty of people that play video games that have violence or scenes of war in them and none of us are radicalized. We can separate reality from a work of fiction. We can understand morally what’s right and wrong in the real world vs actions in a video game with digital characters.
Aside from that issue though this is a great resource to understanding how we got to January 6th and where things could go from here depending on what actions we take as a society.
It goes into the history and formation of each group and even using historical allegories to show just how dangerous these groups are and highlights that this threat of an American insurgency isn’t just going away because of the 2020 election. It’s not just going to go away after the 2024 election. Unless we as a nation take a hard look at these groups and take decisive action to treat them like the terrorists they are, nothing is likely to change for the better.
My biggest issue with this book is Nance kept mentioning gamers and LARPers in a way that implied that of course these people were radicalized because of these activities and hobbies. I didn’t like his blanket generalization of these groups of people. I’m a gamer. I know plenty of people that play video games that have violence or scenes of war in them and none of us are radicalized. We can separate reality from a work of fiction. We can understand morally what’s right and wrong in the real world vs actions in a video game with digital characters.
Aside from that issue though this is a great resource to understanding how we got to January 6th and where things could go from here depending on what actions we take as a society.
Fall of the Sith Empire by Kevin J. Anderson
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Overall I didn’t really enjoy this volume quite as much as I enjoyed the first volume. The Sith invasion of the Republic didn’t really change much. Many of the same characters had the same perspective they had when this story started and didn’t experience much growth.
Again we don’t really explore what makes the Empress a good ruler and the Naga Sadow an evil ruler.
The dialogue between Gav and Jori and their motivations for their actions was frustrating and didn’t make much sense.
There are a couple nice moments at the end with nods and references to Ossus and Yavin IV which Star Wars fans will know have greater meaning to the lore in both Legends and Canon. Unfortunately those last minute moments aren’t enough to raise my rating here.
I’d really only recommend this if you are determined to read every Star Wars story ever published.
Again we don’t really explore what makes the Empress a good ruler and the Naga Sadow an evil ruler.
The dialogue between Gav and Jori and their motivations for their actions was frustrating and didn’t make much sense.
There are a couple nice moments at the end with nods and references to Ossus and Yavin IV which Star Wars fans will know have greater meaning to the lore in both Legends and Canon. Unfortunately those last minute moments aren’t enough to raise my rating here.
I’d really only recommend this if you are determined to read every Star Wars story ever published.
The Golden Age of the Sith by Kevin J. Anderson, Dario Carrasco Jr.
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
I don’t really know what to make of this particular Star Wars story.
There’s a lot in here I like and appreciate. I like seeing where the Sith are at compared to where they were with the Dawn of the Jedi stories. I like seeing what the Jedi are up to and their connection to the Republic.
What I find somewhat disjointed and disappointing is the approach to empires. This book very clearly says the Sith empire is bad. These are bad people. But then sort of props up Empress Teta as a good character to root for. Like are we saying empires are bad or not?
All in all this is a fun read for Star Wars fans. It’s not boring but nothing mind blowing either. Very middle of the road type of story.
There’s a lot in here I like and appreciate. I like seeing where the Sith are at compared to where they were with the Dawn of the Jedi stories. I like seeing what the Jedi are up to and their connection to the Republic.
What I find somewhat disjointed and disappointing is the approach to empires. This book very clearly says the Sith empire is bad. These are bad people. But then sort of props up Empress Teta as a good character to root for. Like are we saying empires are bad or not?
All in all this is a fun read for Star Wars fans. It’s not boring but nothing mind blowing either. Very middle of the road type of story.