fullybookedpenguin's reviews
127 reviews

Father, I don't Want this Marriage: Vol. 1 by Heesu Hong, Yuri

emotional funny mysterious 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

This manhwa has a very different art style from others but I actually find it charming and the little chibi moments or warped expressions are hilarious.
I'm liking the characters so far, and Juvelian is a cute, fun and quirky character to follow. Of course I believe that her father, and other characters have secret sides to each of them too.
I'm looking forward to exploring the rest of the volumes!

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Suicide

Minor: Bullying, Emotional abuse, and Abandonment

Divine Rivals by Rebecca Ross

adventurous emotional inspiring 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

3.5

I enjoyed learning about Roman and Iris and the plot involving the typewriters was fun. Ofcourse with any plot involving war there are sad moments, but it was balanced out with the romance so I wasnt overly anxious reading about it. I did foresee a lot of the little plot-twists and it's not hard to see details/subplots that I'm sure are going to be explored in the second book either. It does mean I'm kind of reluctant to read on, but I think seeing where Roman and Iris end up is enough for me to continue.
Due to this being a duology series, it does end on a cliffhanger.

Isle of the Dead by Emily Rodda

adventurous dark emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.5

Thanks the heavens the crew seem to have regained their brains that they seemed to lose in Shadowgate. Everyone used their wits and knowledge this time and it made me very happy. 🤣
The mystery and adventures and dragons in this part were my favourite and there was a lot of spooky pirate ship vibes.
Now to see if Lief can save Deltora in the final part!

The Gatehouse Mystery by Julie Campbell

lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

To be honest, this mystery wasn't as fun as the previous books. You pretty much know who the bad guy is from the very beginning along with Trixie but the rest of the Bob-white crew aren't convinced and end up bagging Trixie out for most of the book. Especially Jim who I loved in previous books but was annoyed by in this one, he snaps at her over nothing and is kinda mean. Mart, Trixies brother, also teases her but in a playful way like a typical brother and because he hasn't witnessed her smarts over the holidays, but HE even defends her and gets mad on her behalf which is nice.
It was still a fun time reading about Trixie collect evidence but the failure of the rest of the crew did take a star away.

The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse by Charlie Mackesy

inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This book has little to no plot. It's more a collection of whimsical lines or 'quotes' that will speak to some readers and fall flat for others. 
The sketch-like drawings are cute, and the mole's penchant for cake made me laugh a few times too.
In conclusion, it's a super quick flip through, with social media post worthy lines, and is a perfect breather for between bigger reads...and it's cute.

Wormwood Abbey by Christina Baehr

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This books was a fun, quick read, and I'm honestly excited to continue the series.
There are a few Biblical themes and they are tastefully and perfectly handled and written.
The characters are lovely to follow and the creatures, dragons, mystery and the abbey definitely won me over too!

The Blue Castle by L.M. Montgomery

emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective 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

5.0

I adored this book! It is definitely a more mature read compared to the Anne series and yet you still find the familiar witty and whimsical writing.
Valancy is a fun character to follow and her quips and observations are lively and makes relating to her an exciting time.
Her family, the Stirling's are eccentric and hilarious to follow and learn about, but you also feel the cumbersome weight they apply to Valancy.
Barney is a wonderful male lead too!
There are some cheesy parts, but they are written so magically that I loved the cliches because they felt right for the story.
I know this book is lesser known but by far a favourite of L.M. Montgomery! Highly recommend~

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Content Warnings

Minor: Alcoholism, Child death, Death, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment

Lout of Count's Family (Novel) Vol. 1 by Yu Ryeo-Han

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

This light novel is so much fun to read. Despite the chapters being long, it didn't feel like that at all!
Cale is a unique, reliable and yet quirky character. While his driving force is selfishness, we along with side-characters can see the good of the count's lout.
The side characters are memorable and each shine in their own ways, though everything surrounds our MC in the end.
The plot is mysterious and intriguing, but handled in a way that never feels info-dumpy.
Can't wait to read more!

Writing Book: A Practical Guide for Fiction Writers by Kate Grenville

informative medium-paced

2.0

While I like that this book tackled some of the bad/weird advice writers get given when starting to write, and mentioned some voices are often ones we have to unlearn, I think that most of the advice given in this book can be found in better books.
There are a lot of exercises for people who don't know how to begin, but as someone who has no problem forming organic ideas and allowing characters to grow, I didn't find them helpful.
There are examples for each point and chapter too, but when they're talking about intriguing story introductions that draw in you audience and every example would make me drop the book, it's not for me. 

Of Stormlarks and Silence by Constance Lopez

adventurous funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This was a fairly quick, fun read.
The only thing that really prevented my liking this book more, was that I personally don't enjoy books where from the beginning, as a reader, you know a characters revenge is aimed at the wrong person and then the character keeps on thinking how, despite all the evidence, they still have to hate the 'enemy'. I definitely enjoyed Tristan's POV more because of this.
It's nothing too ground-breaking, but for a debut novel and for those who enjoy standalones that have humour, political intrigue and really awesome side characters this is a fun read.