jasmyn9's reviews
1758 reviews

Conceal, Don't Feel by Jen Calonita

emotional hopeful lighthearted 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? N/A

3.5

This version of Frozen didn't seem to stray too far from the original in all the important parts. While it was an entertaining listen, I would have liked something that wandered off the traditional path a little more.

Cold Hearted by Serena Valentino

emotional hopeful sad fast-paced

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

3.75

One of the better villains stories, and I felt a lot of sympathy for the Lady Tremaine. Only wanting to have a loving companion and husband in her life again, she gets stuck with Cinderella's dad - who is not a great man. Curious how the brooch plays a role as it's now turned up a few times. And while I still dislike the fairy godmother, she seems to be ready to make a change for the better.

The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali

emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-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

5.0

Highly recommend this book to anyone that doesn't understand modern day Iran. Watching the events of the religious government take power through the eyes of two women in very different circumstances shows how far women's rights have fallen when they had been making such strides in the country. Homa's never give up attitude is inspirational (if a little reckless, but I don't know that I can blame her). While Ellie is far more accepting and above the changes, not wanting to make waves, but finds out she can't live a life without a few waves along the way. Wrapping up in current day America and seeing the generational change while still wanting better for their homeland was the perfect way to wrap up the story.

Galaxy's Edge, Part II by Nick Cole, Jason Anspach

adventurous dark sad fast-paced

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

2.0

I have no idea where most of this takes place in the timeline. It seems like it's somewhere in the middle of what I've read so far, but it just doesn't make a whole lot of sense right now. I'm giving it one more book and then I may move on to something else.

Akata Woman by Nnedi Okorafor

adventurous emotional hopeful mysterious tense medium-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? Yes

4.25

I really enjoyed this trilogy as a whole. Each book followed a specific part of the coven's journey and Sunny's blossoming as a Free Agent Leopard Person. In this final book, Sunny and her friends take the ultimate journey to worlds unknown, and meet people and creatures of all sorts. This book really focused on the group coming into their own as individuals, and as a team. Sunny, in particular, learned a lot about herself and what it means to be all of herself and embrace that. I would love to see a "where are they now" novella as I think they coven has more stories to tell.

Almost There by Farrah Rochon

adventurous emotional hopeful medium-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? Yes

3.0

Almost There is much more Disney-esque than others I have read in the series. My favorite character was the alligator, though, and I had a hard time getting in to push and pull between Naveen and Tiana.

What Once Was Mine by Liz Braswell

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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? No

4.0

I really enjoyed this alternative version of Rapunzel. The way the magic appeared Rapunzel locked in the tower was much easier to believe, and watching her overcome the lies she was told, discover the truth, and grow so much was amazing. I loved Flynn and Gina. They were the perfect companions to journey with her, and they even have a non-romantic HEA for themselves that was incredibly sweet and the perfect cherry on top of the story.

The Scenic Route by Nnedi Okorafor

2.0

I know this is just a short story - but I thought it would provide some little piece of the overall story, but I just got nothing from it. 

Akata Warrior by Nnedi Okorafor

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful mysterious tense medium-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? Yes

3.75

This book seemed to have three separate endings - with the final one getting all the strands tied together. There was a less character growth in the second book of the series - and I still don't like one of the coven members. Which is ok, but I feel like she's just getting worse, and I find it hard to root for her. 

This was definitely more of an adventure with several mystical battles, and had a much more magical feeling to it overall. As Sunny really grows in her power and confidence, I hope she doesnt' become too overpowered and able to do it all on her own.

Also, I want a flying grass cutter now.

Akata Witch by Nnedi Okorafor

emotional mysterious reflective tense medium-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? Yes

4.0

My favorite part of this book was the magic system and how it interacted with the spirit world. From spirit faces, masquerades, and "pouches," it was a system that was new to me, and it was fascinating. The author did a great job of bringing this system to life and explaining it. Of the four main characters, there were two I really didn't like, though. Maybe I wasn't supposed to? It kept things interesting, as I still rooted for them when it really came down to it.