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kingofthehillxl's reviews
131 reviews
A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas
adventurous
medium-paced
4.0
Surprisingly Good
I was forced to read this by my sister who loved it. When I found out she did I knew it couldn’t be bad, and of course many other people enjoy the series. I just couldn’t believe it was actually that good for some reason, but it truly is. Is it Beauty and The Beast? Basically, but the final act of this story does something Disney could never do. It truly has the underpinnings of a Grimm Fairytale written for today’s audience. Surely no one will be persuaded to read this off of my recommendation, but I can see why this has revitalized many a reader.
I was forced to read this by my sister who loved it. When I found out she did I knew it couldn’t be bad, and of course many other people enjoy the series. I just couldn’t believe it was actually that good for some reason, but it truly is. Is it Beauty and The Beast? Basically, but the final act of this story does something Disney could never do. It truly has the underpinnings of a Grimm Fairytale written for today’s audience. Surely no one will be persuaded to read this off of my recommendation, but I can see why this has revitalized many a reader.
The Death of Vivek Oji by Akwaeke Emezi
challenging
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
medium-paced
3.5
3.5 stars
CW for hate crimes, incest, and abuse
Took off one star for incest and half a star for a slight lack of characterization for the main queer character. I read this a while ago, and I have been sitting on these thoughts for a while. I have enjoyed a lot Emezi's work but this one has fallen slightly short for me. Read in a combination of physical and audio, the audio book is very good and I think it helps distinct and vitalize some of the characters as they make hard to grapple with decisions. The writing does the heavy lifting, but I think the performances also help.
A lot of heavy things are dealt with here. One may ask why that doesn't take away from my enjoyment of the work even though it is the central theme of the book. I think that for me it is multifaceted. For one. it does make a difference that this is an underserved perspective geographically. It also helps that the trauma is actually dealt with and disected for a character perspective. I think that makes some of the aspects I didn't like very disappointing though. Beware the emotional rollercoaster that is this novel.
CW for hate crimes, incest, and abuse
Took off one star for incest and half a star for a slight lack of characterization for the main queer character. I read this a while ago, and I have been sitting on these thoughts for a while. I have enjoyed a lot Emezi's work but this one has fallen slightly short for me. Read in a combination of physical and audio, the audio book is very good and I think it helps distinct and vitalize some of the characters as they make hard to grapple with decisions. The writing does the heavy lifting, but I think the performances also help.
A lot of heavy things are dealt with here. One may ask why that doesn't take away from my enjoyment of the work even though it is the central theme of the book. I think that for me it is multifaceted. For one. it does make a difference that this is an underserved perspective geographically. It also helps that the trauma is actually dealt with and disected for a character perspective. I think that makes some of the aspects I didn't like very disappointing though. Beware the emotional rollercoaster that is this novel.
Dick Fight Island, Vol. 1 by Reibun Ike
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
What can I say?
This was exactly what I thought it would be, and more! Great campy yaoi smut! This is very explicit so if you aren’t looking for that, maybe read something else. Be VERY careful reading in public.
This was exactly what I thought it would be, and more! Great campy yaoi smut! This is very explicit so if you aren’t looking for that, maybe read something else. Be VERY careful reading in public.
Denison Avenue by Christina Wong
emotional
reflective
sad
slow-paced
4.0
It took a bit longer to read Sap Hunters by Laurent Genefort than I expected. That isn't the fault of the author, but my own planning. I think it did dappen my immersion into the first half of the story. I had a good time exploring the world that Genefort thought up. My only issue was that the character fell a little flat for me. There wasn't much for me to get attached to as a reader. As the story went on I found that I was only growing attached to the world itself and not any individual character. The characters felt flat, and I only had either dislike or mild interest in any of them. If this continued I would continue reading but this is where I am now.
I was provided with a free copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was provided with a free copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Sap Hunters by Laurent Genefort
adventurous
medium-paced
3.0
It took a bit longer to read Sap Hunters by Laurent Genefort than I expected. That isn't the fault of the author, but my own planning. I think it did dappen my immersion into the first half of the story. I had a good time exploring the world that Genefort thought up. My only issue was that the character fell a little flat for me. There wasn't much for me to get attached to as a reader. As the story went on I found that I was only growing attached to the world itself and not any individual character. The characters felt flat, and I only had either dislike or mild interest in any of them. If this continued I would continue reading but this is where I am now.
I was provided with a free copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was provided with a free copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Brancusi v. United States, Volume 0 by Arnaud Nebbache
funny
informative
medium-paced
4.0
At first I was unsure where to place Brancusi v. United States by Arnaud Nebbache. We don't often get biographical graphic novels that are as stylistic as this. Honestly, I was a little jarred by the extreme contrast in the color blocking and the lack of more graphical lines most readers have come accustomed to as of the rise of the comics, manga, and other more print focused styles. The further I read the more I saw the purpose in Nebbache's stylistic choices. The art styles invokes the industrialist illustrations of the era, and help to highlight Brancusi's specific style of sculpture. Which is why it is so jarring to see the older style sculptures drawn in this style. It only helps to highlight the artistic beauty of the sculpture in question "Bird in Flight". Having grown up in an era where Brancusi is seen as a father of Modernism, it is kind of hard to wrap one's head around the idea that at one point his sculpture's were not widely regarded as art.
There are two aspects to the book. One aspect is an exploration of the place art was in at the turn of the modern era. I think this aspect comes off as more abstract, and it isn't my personal favorite form of graphical novels. I prefer my graphic novels to focus on character, art and dynamism rather than the stories themselves being abstract. The other aspect to this book is the trial. I really enjoyed the way the trial was shown. I think it was a wonderful idea to frame the trail in letters from Brancusi's friend while he was working. I think it helped keep it to the noteworthy moments with giving the need to get into needless scenes that could plague other trial renditions. One way the trial aspect flourishes and the exploration of art falters is that it fully fleshes out the goals of the characters. One side is trying to put a wedge between art and Brancusi's work while the other is highlighting the artistic aspects of his work. This helps the book because it drives the purpose of Brancusi's work home; whereas, the general exploration of where Brancusi fits into the history of art feels a little stunted due to the fact that I don't actually think it arrives at a conclusion. It seems to point to Brancusi's work as being abstract which by modern view it really isn't. Brancusi's work is Modern. It does imitate life just not in the way that the world was accustomed to at the time.
Brancusi v. United States is a beautifully artistic biography about a less talked about point in art history. It may not be revolutionary but you'll come away with the feeling that Brancusi definitely was.
I was provided with a free copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
There are two aspects to the book. One aspect is an exploration of the place art was in at the turn of the modern era. I think this aspect comes off as more abstract, and it isn't my personal favorite form of graphical novels. I prefer my graphic novels to focus on character, art and dynamism rather than the stories themselves being abstract. The other aspect to this book is the trial. I really enjoyed the way the trial was shown. I think it was a wonderful idea to frame the trail in letters from Brancusi's friend while he was working. I think it helped keep it to the noteworthy moments with giving the need to get into needless scenes that could plague other trial renditions. One way the trial aspect flourishes and the exploration of art falters is that it fully fleshes out the goals of the characters. One side is trying to put a wedge between art and Brancusi's work while the other is highlighting the artistic aspects of his work. This helps the book because it drives the purpose of Brancusi's work home; whereas, the general exploration of where Brancusi fits into the history of art feels a little stunted due to the fact that I don't actually think it arrives at a conclusion. It seems to point to Brancusi's work as being abstract which by modern view it really isn't. Brancusi's work is Modern. It does imitate life just not in the way that the world was accustomed to at the time.
Brancusi v. United States is a beautifully artistic biography about a less talked about point in art history. It may not be revolutionary but you'll come away with the feeling that Brancusi definitely was.
I was provided with a free copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Hypericon by Manuele Fior
emotional
reflective
slow-paced
3.0
Hyperion by Manuele Fior was a really interesting story. The look at anthropology/archeology aspect was enlightening. I enjoyed it as a period piece, and the tidbits that were thrown in about the time period especially in relation to Germany were appreciated. I think the story seemed a little disjointed to me, and while I understand that the archeology flashbacks were supposed to inspire awe in me, they kind of had the opposite effect. It actually made me question if the entire museum concept of these western powers stealing these artifacts from these civilizations to display in museums was humane at all. I hope the Egyptian people get some sort of kickback from these museums.
I did however really enjoy the art for the archeology panels. So, I enjoyed the story and the art for the Germany panels, but only the art for the archeology panels. The story is about a woman who is struggling with insomnia and is trying to get through a museum residency setting up a King Tut exhibit. The story is peppered with panels from the the journal of the discovery she is reading throughout the story. While I only enjoyed the art from these journal panels, the regular story was very interesting. The story of her road to opening up and her dynamic with her suitor. Her discovery of her worth and place in her field of study. All these aspects were well realized and carried my enjoyment.
I was provided with a free copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I did however really enjoy the art for the archeology panels. So, I enjoyed the story and the art for the Germany panels, but only the art for the archeology panels. The story is about a woman who is struggling with insomnia and is trying to get through a museum residency setting up a King Tut exhibit. The story is peppered with panels from the the journal of the discovery she is reading throughout the story. While I only enjoyed the art from these journal panels, the regular story was very interesting. The story of her road to opening up and her dynamic with her suitor. Her discovery of her worth and place in her field of study. All these aspects were well realized and carried my enjoyment.
I was provided with a free copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
The Kármán Line by Brad Simpson, Dennis Hopeless
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
The Karman Line is a very interesting thought experiment about what could happen in today's world if we decided to send a Reality Show into orbit. The tone is a little similar to Don't Look Up, or The Boys except it doesn't feel like it's trying to be satirical in its criticism? or maybe it's not trying to make a criticism at all. I think if the goal was to tell a fun what if type story that's good, but it hard to get a grasp of what it's actually trying to play off of. On one hand it feels very dated, and maybe even a little offensive in it's depictions of every government except the US. While the US government gets portrayed as a little unserious and Reality TV obsessed the other governments get portrayed as snakish and oppressive, and while some people might agree with that, I personally don't think this piece is doing itself any favors by portraying the US as morally superior. And, like I said, maybe its just trying to tell a dynamic interesting story, but to me it just made the story feel dated to that 90-00s political thriller graphic novel style that I feel is a little behind us at this point. As far as the rest of the story goes, the Story was well paced and the hammy, stereotypical backstories did fit the narrative. I enjoyed it overall.
I was provided with a free copy by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was provided with a free copy by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Spell Bound by F.T. Lukens
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Spell Bound by F.T. Lukens delivers a heartwarming charming story about a boys quest to get back the feeling of the magic his dearly departed grandmother used. This is a true testament to the heights that can be achieved in YA Fantasy. Rook, Sun, Fable and Antonia, are all really well realized fully fleshed out characters. The story interesting cover to cover. The magic system is clear and concise. This is a book that I would recommend to anyone of any age or reading taste, and I am confident they would enjoy it. It will definitely ending up being one of, if not my favorite read of the year.
This story is fun and full of heart. Rook is a really quirky character who wears his heart on his sleeve, and that is something I always enjoy. The way he interacts with every character is just really interesting to read. The story takes its time building up, and that is fine because the banter between the characters is more than entertaining. The found family aspect of the story is surprisingly well done, and it’s only su[rosing because it was mostly unexpected. I didn’t really have a huge grasp on where the story was gonna turn or where it was going, and I mean that in a good way. F.T. Lukens does a really good job of pacing out the story in an almost slice of life way. The main conflict is always there but it blends so well into the reality that the characters live in that you don’t really feel it coming until it’s right in your face. For a large part of the book it kinda gives a romance vibe which I overtly enjoyed. This really makes me excited to see what else Lukens has done, and I feel like she gave me new hope for the YA Fantasy genre after not reading it for a long time.
I really need there to be some sort of sequel to this. I’m not convinced there will be, mostly because Lukens has not done one, and the story raps up pretty nicely. I just really enjoyed the world building and would love to see what Lukens could do next here.
The story did have a couple of close calls. Mavis does show up out of nowhere and so it’s a little hard to mess her into this small cast of characters that is so well fleshed out. That is a very minor issue for me though because it didn’t feel like she was included as a last resort in the story. I feel like she sped up what could have been aimless meandering in a longer book. For a book that clocks in under 350, a lot happens and I don’t think any time is wasted.
Overall I think this book stands out in the same way it’s cover does. A much needed pop of color on a sometimes over produced landscape. 10/10 loved and would recommend to anyone who will listen.
This book was provided via NetGalley for free in exchange for an honest review!
This story is fun and full of heart. Rook is a really quirky character who wears his heart on his sleeve, and that is something I always enjoy. The way he interacts with every character is just really interesting to read. The story takes its time building up, and that is fine because the banter between the characters is more than entertaining. The found family aspect of the story is surprisingly well done, and it’s only su[rosing because it was mostly unexpected. I didn’t really have a huge grasp on where the story was gonna turn or where it was going, and I mean that in a good way. F.T. Lukens does a really good job of pacing out the story in an almost slice of life way. The main conflict is always there but it blends so well into the reality that the characters live in that you don’t really feel it coming until it’s right in your face. For a large part of the book it kinda gives a romance vibe which I overtly enjoyed. This really makes me excited to see what else Lukens has done, and I feel like she gave me new hope for the YA Fantasy genre after not reading it for a long time.
I really need there to be some sort of sequel to this. I’m not convinced there will be, mostly because Lukens has not done one, and the story raps up pretty nicely. I just really enjoyed the world building and would love to see what Lukens could do next here.
The story did have a couple of close calls. Mavis does show up out of nowhere and so it’s a little hard to mess her into this small cast of characters that is so well fleshed out. That is a very minor issue for me though because it didn’t feel like she was included as a last resort in the story. I feel like she sped up what could have been aimless meandering in a longer book. For a book that clocks in under 350, a lot happens and I don’t think any time is wasted.
Overall I think this book stands out in the same way it’s cover does. A much needed pop of color on a sometimes over produced landscape. 10/10 loved and would recommend to anyone who will listen.
This book was provided via NetGalley for free in exchange for an honest review!