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fullybookedpenguin's reviews
130 reviews
Beauty and the Beast by K.M. Shea
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
So I have mixed feelings about this book, because I did enjoy it but there are also a few points I would have liked to see proceed differently than they did.
I enjoyed Elle and the household interactions and I liked the 'beauty and beasts' interactions...up to a point,and that point is when the curse was broken. The household and Beasts ostracising Elle (other than our boy, our lad, Oliver) and were cruel and so dumb. The misunderstanding as it were showed a cruel nature, which I hated. And then when Elle is brought back its all happy families. Lets just say I am not as forgiving as Elle. I would have liked Elle to call them out for their hypocrisy but shes all sweet and accepting. Atleast point out that they all were happy no matter who she was as long as the curse was lifted and the fact she tried to leave them but they pretty much forced her to stay. For all her biting intelligence, she never had a good comeback for all the shenanigans.
I've decided I preferred our main couple as friends rather than romantic partners, and would have preferred an ending where Elle drew a protective line and accepted a friendship with the Chateaux peoples but nothing more, but that would hardly be a Beauty and the Beast style ending.
I figured out the mystery of Elle's identity pretty quickly, but still had some back and forthing as to the why.
The ending really messed with my rating and I ended up liking only our lad, our boi, Oliver and Elle, though she folded too soon so I guess I didn't love her either. 🤣
I enjoyed Elle and the household interactions and I liked the 'beauty and beasts' interactions...up to a point,
I've decided I preferred our main couple as friends rather than romantic partners, and would have preferred an ending where Elle drew a protective line and accepted a friendship with the Chateaux peoples but nothing more, but that would hardly be a Beauty and the Beast style ending.
I figured out the mystery of Elle's identity pretty quickly, but still had some back and forthing as to the why.
The ending really messed with my rating and I ended up liking only our lad, our boi, Oliver and Elle, though she folded too soon so I guess I didn't love her either. 🤣
Mates at Billabong by Mary Grant Bruce
adventurous
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Keeping in mind that this book was written in the early 1900's and is based around that time too, so there are definitely a few societal/racial views that while accurate to the time, aren't exactly right or tasteful.
That acknowledged, it captures the rural Australian mateship and community of the outback really well. So of course it features a cricket game, mustering cattle, and beloved horses.
The work hands and family are so caring and hard working together that it's heartwarming to read. From Norah with her mix of enthusiasm for the bush and horses and heart for kindness, to her protective and caring brother Jim, to my favourite lad, Wally, they all have a way of winning you over.
Keep in mind this book does feature harsh animal cruelty near the end, and the culprit doesn't seem to get his justice served to him unfortunately, though the crew do threaten it.
That acknowledged, it captures the rural Australian mateship and community of the outback really well. So of course it features a cricket game, mustering cattle, and beloved horses.
The work hands and family are so caring and hard working together that it's heartwarming to read. From Norah with her mix of enthusiasm for the bush and horses and heart for kindness, to her protective and caring brother Jim, to my favourite lad, Wally, they all have a way of winning you over.
Keep in mind this book does feature harsh animal cruelty near the end, and the culprit doesn't seem to get his justice served to him unfortunately, though the crew do threaten it.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Animal cruelty, Animal death, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Misogyny, Racism, Sexism, and Classism
Villains Are Destined to Die, Vol. 1 by Gwon Gyeoeul, SUOL
adventurous
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
First volume of Villain's Are Destined to Die is a good introduction to the story without giving too much away. I like stories with a bit of mystery to them. The artwork is unique and pretty too~ I do despise Penelope's family and pretty much everyone other than our MC, but I think we're meant to.
I'm hoping that she takes out plenty of revenge at some point and she's not always struggling to survive but we shall see.
I'm excited to continue the series.
I'm hoping that she takes out plenty of revenge at some point and she's not always struggling to survive but we shall see.
I'm excited to continue the series.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Bullying, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Physical abuse, Violence, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Tom Lake by Ann Patchett
Did not finish book. Stopped at 22%.
Did not finish book. Stopped at 22%.
This book encapsulated the feeling of a summer day with its lazy, haziness.
It's not a bad book, just none of it was interesting me and I found I was going through it to get through it rather than enjoying it.
It bounces between the past and the present, of the main characters life as an actress and now her daughters are asking questions.
Again nothing especially wrong, just not my literary fiction vibe.
It's not a bad book, just none of it was interesting me and I found I was going through it to get through it rather than enjoying it.
It bounces between the past and the present, of the main characters life as an actress and now her daughters are asking questions.
Again nothing especially wrong, just not my literary fiction vibe.
Anne of Avonlea by L.M. Montgomery
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
I absolutely adored reading this second book in the Anne of Green Gables series.
We are introduced to new characters, keep updated on old kindred-spirits, and they're encapsulated in a way that captivates the beauty of imagination, combined with the true beauty present in life, nature and people.
I related to this book on multiple points, not only with our creative sprite, Anne, but with some of the other older characters.
L.M. Montgomery has a way of spinning tales with adorable, heartfelt observances which will capture the hearts of all kindred-spirits, who don't want to let their awe of both seen and unseen adventures dwindle.
We are introduced to new characters, keep updated on old kindred-spirits, and they're encapsulated in a way that captivates the beauty of imagination, combined with the true beauty present in life, nature and people.
I related to this book on multiple points, not only with our creative sprite, Anne, but with some of the other older characters.
L.M. Montgomery has a way of spinning tales with adorable, heartfelt observances which will capture the hearts of all kindred-spirits, who don't want to let their awe of both seen and unseen adventures dwindle.
Before Your Memory Fades: A Novel by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
These books focus heavily on grief and loss, with bitter-sweet observances on how one continues on after a loved one has gone.
If somehow you're skipping to this book, this series isn't really cosy, happy cafe vibes. They are heartache and tears.
With the amount of crying I do over these books it feels a little like torture with the headaches and sniffles, but I can admire the depth of storytelling, so I can't help but also really like them.
If somehow you're skipping to this book, this series isn't really cosy, happy cafe vibes. They are heartache and tears.
With the amount of crying I do over these books it feels a little like torture with the headaches and sniffles, but I can admire the depth of storytelling, so I can't help but also really like them.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Grief, and Death of parent
Romancing the Grump by Jenny Proctor
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Nathan is right up there as one of my favourite Appies along with Felix.
This is a fake dating, grumpy sunshine, banter filled romance and I had fun with it.
Also loved how supportive the Appies team and the past FMCs really gathered around to have fun, advise and be there for both MCs.
Definitely my favourite of the series so far.
This is a fake dating, grumpy sunshine, banter filled romance and I had fun with it.
Also loved how supportive the Appies team and the past FMCs really gathered around to have fun, advise and be there for both MCs.
Definitely my favourite of the series so far.
The Mystery of the Secret Room by Enid Blyton
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Again, Frederick, Bets and Buster were the real heroes of this mystery. Though again laws against trespassing is a crime these kids have no qualms about breaking.
Throne of Glass by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
Okay, so my main dislike of the book is... Celaena Sardothien...i.e. our main character.
Celaena is one of the most self-contradicting, boastful, strangely stupid heroines I've ever had the pleasure? of reading.
The plot with the Wyrdmarks and competition was fun to try and figure out, though some of the characters roles were pretty easy to see through, and made Celaena's slow deductions almost painful.
I dislike the romance in this book as well, the trio of weird vibes and awkward flirtations was cringe to read, you can definitely tell the romance was written by a fifteen year old in my opinion, but take away that and I enjoyed both male leads, Dorian and Chaol. Sure both have their faults, but I think I appreciated their views and convictions more than our female lead.
The best character by far was the dog, Fleetfoot. Will continue reading the series for the doggo.
Celaena is one of the most self-contradicting, boastful, strangely stupid heroines I've ever had the pleasure? of reading.
The plot with the Wyrdmarks and competition was fun to try and figure out, though some of the characters roles were pretty easy to see through, and made Celaena's slow deductions almost painful.
I dislike the romance in this book as well, the trio of weird vibes and awkward flirtations was cringe to read, you can definitely tell the romance was written by a fifteen year old in my opinion, but take away that and I enjoyed both male leads, Dorian and Chaol. Sure both have their faults, but I think I appreciated their views and convictions more than our female lead.
The best character by far was the dog, Fleetfoot. Will continue reading the series for the doggo.
Tales from the Café by Toshikazu Kawaguchi
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Cancer, Child death, Death, Suicidal thoughts, Terminal illness, Suicide attempt, Death of parent, Murder, and Pregnancy