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egbella's reviews
212 reviews
Bridge to Terabithia by Katherine Paterson
4.0
This book is difficult to review objectively because it had such an impact on me when I was younger, and I still have strong emotions reading it. To be fair, are there things I wish were different (more character development, longer ending, less language)? Yes. But for a middle-grade book exploring such deep themes as loss, grief, and guilt for younger readers, I think it's pretty well-done. It still strikes me just how real it is, and I appreciate that. Not an easy read, but one I'm glad I came back to.
Beyond the Bright Sea by Lauren Wolk
4.0
I don't know how to describe this book other than beautiful.
When I found it, I didn't realize that it's considered middle-grade, or that the prose/story would be simpler than I expected. At least externally. But the themes and truths explored, the glimpses into the characters' hearts and how real they were, those were far from simple. I enjoyed this book, and was continually struck by how effortlessly and beautifully hard truths were addressed. I absolutely loved the characters I was meant to love, detested the ones I was meant to detest, and - while the first few chapters were slow - the book gripped me after that.
I'm so glad I read this one, and would absolutely recommend it.
When I found it, I didn't realize that it's considered middle-grade, or that the prose/story would be simpler than I expected. At least externally. But the themes and truths explored, the glimpses into the characters' hearts and how real they were, those were far from simple. I enjoyed this book, and was continually struck by how effortlessly and beautifully hard truths were addressed. I absolutely loved the characters I was meant to love, detested the ones I was meant to detest, and - while the first few chapters were slow - the book gripped me after that.
I'm so glad I read this one, and would absolutely recommend it.
Wishtress by Nadine Brandes
5.0
THIS WAS AMAZING.
Yet another addition to my favorites book list, and I swear, that list is half made-up of Nadine Brandes books at this point. Actually, I'm pretty sure this is my favorite of her books that I've read so far. As always, her prose was beautiful, and I was hooked from the very beginning. If it wasn't such a long read (not complaining!), I think I'd have finished it in one day.
I loved all of the characters, except for the ones I was supposed to hate, haha. Myrthe, Bastiaan, Runt, Anouk...the cast was so rich and realistic, and I really liked all the interweaving that Nadine did among relationships, pasts, and just...how everything ultimately connected by the end was amazing. There were many times when I actually stopped and gaped at the book because I couldn't believe a connection, and that's something I don't often do while reading.
Even the romance was overall a thumbs up from me, even though that's not usually my thing in fiction. But I thought this was very sweet, and I enjoyed watching the two get to know one another and accept each other better.
The ENDING. It actually wrapped up far better than I thought it would, considering. And I like the bittersweet hopefulness of it.
The worldbuilding and magic system was so intricate and in-depth (and the whole concept of the Wishtress is one of my favorite things ever), and I enjoyed finding out how everything worked. There were many times when I could practically feel the frostbite and howling winds, the descriptions were so vivid.
And as always, the themes were powerful. I kept getting more and more excited as I realized that Nadine was exploring some of my favorite tropes and lessons, and yes, I felt she handled them really well. Subtly but strongly.
I thought there was more I wanted to say, but overall, I just really enjoyed this book. I'll definitely be recommending this to my friends and family. :)
AND THAT COVER <3
Yet another addition to my favorites book list, and I swear, that list is half made-up of Nadine Brandes books at this point. Actually, I'm pretty sure this is my favorite of her books that I've read so far. As always, her prose was beautiful, and I was hooked from the very beginning. If it wasn't such a long read (not complaining!), I think I'd have finished it in one day.
I loved all of the characters, except for the ones I was supposed to hate, haha. Myrthe, Bastiaan, Runt, Anouk...the cast was so rich and realistic, and I really liked all the interweaving that Nadine did among relationships, pasts, and just...how everything ultimately connected by the end was amazing. There were many times when I actually stopped and gaped at the book because I couldn't believe a connection, and that's something I don't often do while reading.
Even the romance was overall a thumbs up from me, even though that's not usually my thing in fiction. But I thought this was very sweet, and I enjoyed watching the two get to know one another and accept each other better.
The ENDING. It actually wrapped up far better than I thought it would, considering. And I like the bittersweet hopefulness of it.
The worldbuilding and magic system was so intricate and in-depth (and the whole concept of the Wishtress is one of my favorite things ever), and I enjoyed finding out how everything worked. There were many times when I could practically feel the frostbite and howling winds, the descriptions were so vivid.
And as always, the themes were powerful. I kept getting more and more excited as I realized that Nadine was exploring some of my favorite tropes and lessons, and yes, I felt she handled them really well. Subtly but strongly.
I thought there was more I wanted to say, but overall, I just really enjoyed this book. I'll definitely be recommending this to my friends and family. :)
AND THAT COVER <3
The River at Night by Erica Ferencik
2.0
I found this in a thrift shop, loved the cover, and picked it up without knowing much about it, other than it is a survival story (which I normally like). I wanted to like this book, but unfortunately, I just can't.
One huge issue for me was the amount of severe language. I can usually overlook a few swears here and there, or at least cross them out if it's more frequent, there was just too much in this book. It got better during the second half of the story, when there was more action, but the first half had multiple instances on every page. It took me out of the story every time.
There were also a couple of innuendos and more heavily-described scenes in the beginning that made me uncomfortable. Again, probably not a problem for some people, but I personally don't like to fill my mind with that kind of content.
As for the story itself, I did find the survival aspect intriguing, and was engaged after the "hunting" portion began. But the rest of it fell flat for me. I couldn't like or connect with most of the characters, and it was difficult to root for characters that claimed to be good friends but never treated one another that way.
Overall, I contemplated giving up on this story multiple times, but pushed through because I just don't like not finishing books that I've started. The writing itself was solid enough, but I won't be re-reading or keeping this one, and I unfortunately can't recommend it.
One huge issue for me was the amount of severe language. I can usually overlook a few swears here and there, or at least cross them out if it's more frequent, there was just too much in this book. It got better during the second half of the story, when there was more action, but the first half had multiple instances on every page. It took me out of the story every time.
There were also a couple of innuendos and more heavily-described scenes in the beginning that made me uncomfortable. Again, probably not a problem for some people, but I personally don't like to fill my mind with that kind of content.
As for the story itself, I did find the survival aspect intriguing, and was engaged after the "hunting" portion began. But the rest of it fell flat for me. I couldn't like or connect with most of the characters, and it was difficult to root for characters that claimed to be good friends but never treated one another that way.
Overall, I contemplated giving up on this story multiple times, but pushed through because I just don't like not finishing books that I've started. The writing itself was solid enough, but I won't be re-reading or keeping this one, and I unfortunately can't recommend it.
Go Teen Writers: Write Your Novel by Shannon Dittemore, Stephanie Morrill, Jill Williamson
5.0
To put it simply, this book is amazing. I'm planning an in-depth review on my blog, so I'll come back and include the link to that later, but for now...I definitely recommend this for any writers. Not just teen, not just new writers, not just traditionally-publishing inclined, or indie authors...I really do think every writer can find helpful information in here. I wouldn't consider myself a new writer, and I've taken a lot of classes/courses/read lots of writing books, but I still found a lot of great refreshers. Absolutely worth the buy!
(And besides that, the authors are some of the sweetest, most helpful people ever. They made the book a joy to read through.)
(And besides that, the authors are some of the sweetest, most helpful people ever. They made the book a joy to read through.)
Hinds' Feet On High Places by Hannah Hurnard
5.0
This is one of my favorite books of all time. I can't even count the number of times that I've read it, and it's encouraging and inspiring each instance. Such a powerful reminder to trust our Shepherd and continue faithfully to the High Places, no matter the hardships that come, or how terrified we are. We're not alone in our journey. The portrayal of the Shepherd has also always helped me feel closer to Jesus. Obviously I know the words the author put in the Shepherd's mouth (though rooted in Scripture) were not actually spoken by Jesus. But she stayed true to His character and provided countless Scripture references along the way, reminding me of how good and faithful Jesus is to us. I highly recommend this sweet yet strong allegory <3
Daughter of Kings by Isabella Auer
5.0
The depth of this book amazes me. Though the cover may not portray how expansive the fantasy realm and story is, I compare it to the Lord of the Rings. The cast of characters is vast, relatable, and fascinating, the world is well-explored and conveyed through creative descriptions, and the writing style is flowing and beautiful, with subtle wit throughout. Most of all, the themes explored are powerful, and I was very touched by it.
I was blessed to know the author before she passed, and am so thankful for this beautiful piece that she left behind. It really shouldn't surprise me that this book has so much beauty and depth, because she had beauty, wisdom and faith behind her years. <3
I definitely recommend this book for anyone searching for a deep and interesting fantasy read.
I was blessed to know the author before she passed, and am so thankful for this beautiful piece that she left behind. It really shouldn't surprise me that this book has so much beauty and depth, because she had beauty, wisdom and faith behind her years. <3
I definitely recommend this book for anyone searching for a deep and interesting fantasy read.
Thirst by Jill Williamson
5.0
As a sucker for Christian fiction, dystopians, and books with dynamic, relatable characters, I was so sucked into this book! I read it in a day, and was completely engrossed start to finish. I haven't read the later books in this series (this duology is a prequel), but that didn't seem to matter at all in understanding the content. It was its own story, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I have favorite characters (Zach or Eli), least favorite characters (JAYLEE), and a lot of guesses about where the plot is going to go. The pacing was good, there was a lot of suspense, tension, and action, and the entire plotline with the water and comet is very intriguing. I'm ready to find out the real reason behind everything, and whether or not they're going to make it into a good situation.
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the sequel!
Overall, I really enjoyed this book and am looking forward to reading the sequel!