indieandajean's reviews
439 reviews

Run, Run Rabbit by C.M. Nascosta

adventurous dark emotional fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

As per the usual C.M. Nascosta does not disappoint on the spice content. 
This book is enemies to lovers gold. 

Hex Appeal by Kate Johnson

adventurous emotional mysterious medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.5

This was almost a DNF for me.
The start of the book opens in media res, but in a way that feels off kilter and uninviting instead of exciting or interesting. Immediately we're introduced to a whole cast of characters whose names and descriptions become a jumble of which-witch-is-which. The magic system doesn't seem to be well fleshed out and lacks stakes, the insta-love between the protagonists is not believable, the misunderstanding that builds the foundation of the romantic conflict is just convoluted, and by the time the pregnant half-sister is out in a rainstorm, I was ready to never read another word. 

Then the whole book turned around. As soon as Essie and Josh went back in time and the magic actually became something with stakes, I was in it. Their relationship and previous romantic trauma was interesting to read about. The romance was sweet, the places where the plot finally came through re: angry trapped spirit was actually fun to read. 

I wish that the book hadn't tried quite so hard to be "girl who doesn't know how special she is in her quirky magic house" and had focused more on the interpersonal relationships that it did well. 

Ghost Cabin by Boom! Studios, Mariko Tamaki

adventurous emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Another solid entry into the Lumber Janes universe that really gets into Mal and Molly's relationship. Themes of moving on, fear, and loss are really big in this chapter book and I very much enjoyed the deeper focus on the girls' feelings.
I'd recommend this for anyone who is looking for more Lumberjanes content after finishing the comics. 

The Moon Is Up by Mariko Tamaki

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.0

These Lumberjanes chapters are just so cozy and fun. I feel like they lack some of the charm of the graphic novels, but they're still very enjoyable. 
I recommend these to any Lumberjanes fan who wants more time with Roanoke cabin.

Big Mushy Happy Lump by Sarah Andersen

funny lighthearted reflective fast-paced

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

4.0

 Sometimes when I read these comics I think Sarah is following me around or is in my brain. Extremely relatable, very funny. 

A Monsoon Rising by Thea Guanzon

adventurous challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Sexy, dangerous, and riveting. 
The second book in the Hurricane Wars trilogy does not disappoint! 

The Christmas Tree Farm by Laurie Gilmore

emotional funny hopeful lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.0

Fluffy, sexy fun. The pacing is a little too fast, but overall it's a good grumpy/sunshine romance.

Under Loch and Key by Lana Ferguson

adventurous emotional funny hopeful mysterious medium-paced

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

4.0

I seriously underestimated the amount of monster in this romance and halfway through found myself doing my best George Takei "Oh my". 
This book is spicy, funny, and a little mysterious. Did not have loch ness monster romance on my 2024 bingo card, but I'm feeling very pleased to have found it. 

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Sexual content

Moderate: Cursing, Death, Violence, Blood, Dementia, Grief, Death of parent, Fire/Fire injury, Injury/Injury detail

The Dire Days of Willowweep Manor by Shaenon K. Garrity

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

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

3.5

A fun quick read full of fantasy and humor. 
I love the genre commentary in this one, though it lost me at times with the rules of magic in the universe. 
Overall a fun read though. Who doesn't love some possessed bunnies? 

A Magical Girl Retires by Park Seolyeon

adventurous hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

A brilliant short novel centered around feminism, climate change, and justice told through the lens of magical girls. 
This book is the perfect length, the characters were loveable and unique, and I loved the idea that even magical girls need to work crappy part-time jobs they hate while trying to save the world.