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jshawreads's reviews
578 reviews
Heartstopper Volume 5 by Alice Oseman
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
Chernobyl: The Fall of Atomgrad by Matyáš Namai
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
The Thursday Murder Club by Richard Osman
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
Andy Warhol: A Graphic Biography by Michele Botton
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Following the life of one of the most famous artists of all time, this graphic novel highlights key moments from Andy Warhol's upbringing, his career, and his founding of The Factory, all the way to his passing.
I have to admit I was left a little wanting. With a graphic novel of course the level of detail of a traditional biography isn’t possible, but this felt like a very bullet pointed list of things I already knew, and didn't add very much for me. Perhaps that is my mistake in reading it, and expecting something that was never going to be. The art was lovely, a real blend of 50's esque comic book and pop art.
Following the life of one of the most famous artists of all time, this graphic novel highlights key moments from Andy Warhol's upbringing, his career, and his founding of The Factory, all the way to his passing.
I have to admit I was left a little wanting. With a graphic novel of course the level of detail of a traditional biography isn’t possible, but this felt like a very bullet pointed list of things I already knew, and didn't add very much for me. Perhaps that is my mistake in reading it, and expecting something that was never going to be. The art was lovely, a real blend of 50's esque comic book and pop art.
Tea Leaves by Jacob Budenz
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
reflective
sad
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
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Tea Leaves is a collection of short stories with a fantasy/speculative/dystopian lean underpinned by explorations of queer life and existence. From eldritch octopus horrors in cafe restrooms, to reincarnated lovers destined to find each other in doomed cities, to shape changing reptilians, these short stories are varied and exciting, and some are deeply emotional, or incredibly terrifying.
A fantastic collection, some of which I really wish were used as opening chapters to full-length novels, particularly The Oak I Knew. A powerful and riveting collection.
Tea Leaves is a collection of short stories with a fantasy/speculative/dystopian lean underpinned by explorations of queer life and existence. From eldritch octopus horrors in cafe restrooms, to reincarnated lovers destined to find each other in doomed cities, to shape changing reptilians, these short stories are varied and exciting, and some are deeply emotional, or incredibly terrifying.
A fantastic collection, some of which I really wish were used as opening chapters to full-length novels, particularly The Oak I Knew. A powerful and riveting collection.
This Spells Disaster by Tori Anne Martin
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-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
3.0
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a free electronic copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Morgan is a self-confessed "Messy Witch." Working in her family business, crafting potions by day, and offering to fake date the woman of her dreams, the incredibly powerful Rory, by night.
As Morgan and Rory develop their ruse, a real chemistry seems to emerge, complicated by Morgan thinking she may have accidentally dosed Rory with a love potion, a forbidden magic...
It was a fun and intriguing story, not my usual fare, but I was drawn in by the idea of sapphic witches in New England. I liked this book, but I did feel it was maybe 100 pages too long, a little drawn out. I loved Rory and identified a little with Morgan and her issues with her self-confidence. Overall, it was a fun read, but nothing groundbreaking. Great for fans of the fake dating trope who want a little sapphic fantasy twist.
Morgan is a self-confessed "Messy Witch." Working in her family business, crafting potions by day, and offering to fake date the woman of her dreams, the incredibly powerful Rory, by night.
As Morgan and Rory develop their ruse, a real chemistry seems to emerge, complicated by Morgan thinking she may have accidentally dosed Rory with a love potion, a forbidden magic...
It was a fun and intriguing story, not my usual fare, but I was drawn in by the idea of sapphic witches in New England. I liked this book, but I did feel it was maybe 100 pages too long, a little drawn out. I loved Rory and identified a little with Morgan and her issues with her self-confidence. Overall, it was a fun read, but nothing groundbreaking. Great for fans of the fake dating trope who want a little sapphic fantasy twist.
Covenant, Vol. 1 by LySandra Vuong, explodikid
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
mysterious
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? Yes
3.5
Thankyou to Netgalley and Oni Press for providing me with a free electronic copy of this graphic novel in exchange for an honest review.
In the world of Covenant, priests wield holy weapons, and forge covenants with angels to grant them the powers they need to fight and vanquish the demonic forces that prey on humans by night. Ezra, a young exorcist, is tasked by Gabriel to protect a mysterious man, pursued by demons, as the threat of war looms.
Beautifully drawn and coloured, with an almost anime style, Covenant is truly gorgeous. A lore-rich world, intricate detail, exciting action, and loveable characters, I am already invested, and will definitely be keeping my eye out for further books!
In the world of Covenant, priests wield holy weapons, and forge covenants with angels to grant them the powers they need to fight and vanquish the demonic forces that prey on humans by night. Ezra, a young exorcist, is tasked by Gabriel to protect a mysterious man, pursued by demons, as the threat of war looms.
Beautifully drawn and coloured, with an almost anime style, Covenant is truly gorgeous. A lore-rich world, intricate detail, exciting action, and loveable characters, I am already invested, and will definitely be keeping my eye out for further books!
Mating with the Mantis by M.J. Edwards
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
Soul Eater, Volume 3 by Atsushi Ohkubo
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
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
3.5
Chainsaw Man, Vol. 1: Dog and Chainsaw by Tatsuki Fujimoto
adventurous
dark
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0