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kp_hobbitreads's Reviews (686)
The Bear and the Nightingale was on my list of most anticipated debuts. The blurb sounded fascinating, and it was recommended for fans of The Night Circus and Uprooted. Both of which I love. So, I knew I was going to have to pick this up. And, I was not disappointed.
This story follows a young girl names Vasilisa who lives on the edge of the Russian wilderness with her family. I love Vasya as a protagonist. She’s a bit wild and completely uninterested in the traditional female roles being pushed upon her.
“Her eyes and mouth were too big for the rest of her. Olga called her frog, and thought nothing of it. But the child’s eyes were the color of the forest during a summer thunderstorm, and her wide mouth was sweet.”
Life is hard in Russia, but Vasilisa manages to find joy in nearly everything. She especially loves the fairy tales her nurse tells them at night next to the warm stove. One of her favorites is that of Frost, the blue-eyed winter demon. But, when Vasya’s mother dies, her father takes a new wife. And, her stepmother has no patience for the “old ways” and is quick to beat any rebellion out of her new stepdaughter. But, when a new threat is exposed, it will be up to Vasilisa to stop it.
“I?” said Morozko. “I am only a story, Vasya.”
This story is haunting and beautiful and full of magic. And, while there is an overall plot to this novel, don’t go into it expecting lots of fast-paced action or adventure. Rather, you are going to get an insightful and detailed account of life for Vasya and her family in Russia. You will watch her grow and change and challenge those around her. You will come to love some characters and hate others. Kathrine Arden manages to convey this story with so much heart. And the dichotomy between the beauty and brutality of winter is so well done.
“Magic is forgetting that something ever was other than as you willed it.”
But, seriously that ending. (No spoilers – I promise.)
You know how there are endings that just come out of nowhere? And everything isn’t summed up, and you still have questions that haven’t been answered? And, it leaves you feeling completely unsatsified? This isn’t one of those books.
And, you know how there are those endings that plan everything out? And, maybe you get an epilogue with a view of your characters in the future so you know they live happily ever after? This isn’t one of those books either.
What this book manages to do is give you just enough to make you happy, but also leave you wanting more. I loved it.
I have heard that this is going to be the first installment in a trilogy rather than a standalone. And, honestly. I’m not sure how I feel about that. I love this world. And, I love these characters. And, I loved the ending. So, I’m a little nervous about what comes next. But, I thoroughly enjoyed Katherine Arden’s writing and the folklore she’s exploring so I will definitely be picking up Book 2.
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This story follows a young girl names Vasilisa who lives on the edge of the Russian wilderness with her family. I love Vasya as a protagonist. She’s a bit wild and completely uninterested in the traditional female roles being pushed upon her.
“Her eyes and mouth were too big for the rest of her. Olga called her frog, and thought nothing of it. But the child’s eyes were the color of the forest during a summer thunderstorm, and her wide mouth was sweet.”
Life is hard in Russia, but Vasilisa manages to find joy in nearly everything. She especially loves the fairy tales her nurse tells them at night next to the warm stove. One of her favorites is that of Frost, the blue-eyed winter demon. But, when Vasya’s mother dies, her father takes a new wife. And, her stepmother has no patience for the “old ways” and is quick to beat any rebellion out of her new stepdaughter. But, when a new threat is exposed, it will be up to Vasilisa to stop it.
“I?” said Morozko. “I am only a story, Vasya.”
This story is haunting and beautiful and full of magic. And, while there is an overall plot to this novel, don’t go into it expecting lots of fast-paced action or adventure. Rather, you are going to get an insightful and detailed account of life for Vasya and her family in Russia. You will watch her grow and change and challenge those around her. You will come to love some characters and hate others. Kathrine Arden manages to convey this story with so much heart. And the dichotomy between the beauty and brutality of winter is so well done.
“Magic is forgetting that something ever was other than as you willed it.”
But, seriously that ending. (No spoilers – I promise.)
You know how there are endings that just come out of nowhere? And everything isn’t summed up, and you still have questions that haven’t been answered? And, it leaves you feeling completely unsatsified? This isn’t one of those books.
And, you know how there are those endings that plan everything out? And, maybe you get an epilogue with a view of your characters in the future so you know they live happily ever after? This isn’t one of those books either.
What this book manages to do is give you just enough to make you happy, but also leave you wanting more. I loved it.
I have heard that this is going to be the first installment in a trilogy rather than a standalone. And, honestly. I’m not sure how I feel about that. I love this world. And, I love these characters. And, I loved the ending. So, I’m a little nervous about what comes next. But, I thoroughly enjoyed Katherine Arden’s writing and the folklore she’s exploring so I will definitely be picking up Book 2.
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I enjoyed Every Heart a Doorway, but I absolutely adored this book.
So, so, so fantastic!
It is a testament to the strength of Seanan McGuire's writing that she is able to make you care so deeply about a character(s) in such a short amount of space. And way she discussed children, having children, raising children, and allowing them to grow and be who they want to be really spoke to me as a mom.
"This, you see, is the true danger of children: they are ambushes, each and every one of them."
I will officially read anything Seanan McGuire writes, and I cannot recommend this book enough.
All. The. Stars.
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So, so, so fantastic!
It is a testament to the strength of Seanan McGuire's writing that she is able to make you care so deeply about a character(s) in such a short amount of space. And way she discussed children, having children, raising children, and allowing them to grow and be who they want to be really spoke to me as a mom.
"This, you see, is the true danger of children: they are ambushes, each and every one of them."
I will officially read anything Seanan McGuire writes, and I cannot recommend this book enough.
All. The. Stars.
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“Larry, what’s on the agenda today? I’m in the mood to queen the fluff out of something.”
This series is just so much fun. I loved the first volume, and this continuation is just as fantastic. We follow Gert as she basically kills her way through Fairyland accompanied by her chain-smoking companion Larry. The story really advances in the arc as we see the implications of Gert’s actions, and what the future of Fairyland could be if she doesn’t make some changes.
But, the best part of the series is unequivocally the art. Skottie Young has such a unique art style, and the juxtaposition of the vibrant art and the gore/violence is striking. It’s the perfect combo. I am really looking forward to seeing where the story goes next – and if Gert can possibly learn from her mistakes. As long as Skottie Young keeps writing/drawing this, I’ll keep reading it.
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This series is just so much fun. I loved the first volume, and this continuation is just as fantastic. We follow Gert as she basically kills her way through Fairyland accompanied by her chain-smoking companion Larry. The story really advances in the arc as we see the implications of Gert’s actions, and what the future of Fairyland could be if she doesn’t make some changes.
But, the best part of the series is unequivocally the art. Skottie Young has such a unique art style, and the juxtaposition of the vibrant art and the gore/violence is striking. It’s the perfect combo. I am really looking forward to seeing where the story goes next – and if Gert can possibly learn from her mistakes. As long as Skottie Young keeps writing/drawing this, I’ll keep reading it.
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I don’t really know how I feel about this book so I’m settling on a 3.5.
I enjoyed it; it was good. But, it took me FOREVER to get through. The pacing is so slow, and the story didn’t seem to pick up until about 75% of the way through. I’d find myself reading for about 10-15 minutes before my mind would wander, and I’d put it down.
I loved many of the characters (Lazlo Strange is an adorable cinnamon roll). The storyline was imaginative and unique and world building was very well done. But, the insta-love was a little over the top for me. And while Laini Taylor’s writing can be beautiful, she spends an awful lot of time not actually saying anything that moves the story forward.
I will be picking up book 2 though, because that cliffhanger was no joke.
*trigger warnings for rape, sexual assault, abuse, killing of children and babies
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I enjoyed it; it was good. But, it took me FOREVER to get through. The pacing is so slow, and the story didn’t seem to pick up until about 75% of the way through. I’d find myself reading for about 10-15 minutes before my mind would wander, and I’d put it down.
I loved many of the characters (Lazlo Strange is an adorable cinnamon roll). The storyline was imaginative and unique and world building was very well done. But, the insta-love was a little over the top for me. And while Laini Taylor’s writing can be beautiful, she spends an awful lot of time not actually saying anything that moves the story forward.
I will be picking up book 2 though, because that cliffhanger was no joke.
*trigger warnings for rape, sexual assault, abuse, killing of children and babies
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“One of these days I’m gonna beat him in the face with the butt of my service revolver until an eyeball pops out. These are the thoughts that keep me happy.”
This is a consistently well-crafted series. The art style perfectly matches the tone of the story, and the characters are well-rounded and fully fleshed (ha!) out.
The volume continues the tales of cibopath Tony Chu, and it delves deeper into the mysteries of the series. We get introduced to a few new characters including a new agent and Tony’s family. We get to see the development of Tony and Amelia’s relationship which is a great addition to the series. And, the surprise character at the end? I can’t wait to see how that all shakes out.
Basically, if you aren’t reading Chew you should be.
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This is a consistently well-crafted series. The art style perfectly matches the tone of the story, and the characters are well-rounded and fully fleshed (ha!) out.
The volume continues the tales of cibopath Tony Chu, and it delves deeper into the mysteries of the series. We get introduced to a few new characters including a new agent and Tony’s family. We get to see the development of Tony and Amelia’s relationship which is a great addition to the series. And, the surprise character at the end? I can’t wait to see how that all shakes out.
Basically, if you aren’t reading Chew you should be.
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Actual Rating: *ALL THE STARS*
So this is my first foray into the written world of Star Wars. I initially picked this up because I loved Rogue One - its now my second favorite Star Wars movie (second only to The Empire Strikes Back) - and I didn't want to have to wait until the movie came out on DVD to spend more time with these characters. I needed more of them in my life. And I don't regret it one bit - I laughed and cried and didn't want it to end.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story follows the band of misfits who risk everything to steal the plans to the Death Star - a horrible new weapon designed by the Empire. Its a planet killer. And, its destruction is the Rebellion's only hope at winning its fight against the Empire.
"You give way to an enemy this evil with this much power and you condemn the galaxy to an eternity of submission."
Anyone who is familiar with the original Star Wars trilogy own't be surprised by the plot. But, it doesn't make the story any less of a ride because it fills in the gaps in the canon and introduces new story lines and characters. The pacing is fantastic and the action is described in such vivid detail. But, hands down the best part of this story are the people. They are flawed, disillusioned, and even a little broken. They've done bad things for the right reasons and are looking to this mission as a way to make their lives mean something.
"There is more than one sort of prison, Captain," Chirrut said. "I sense that you carry yours wherever you go."
Jyn Ero is the daughter of the architect of the Death Star and a woman who has given up the fight; Cassian Andor is a battleworn rebel fighter whose belief in the Rebellion is the only thing keeping him going; K-2SO is a reprogrammed Imperial droid loyal to Cassian; Bodhi Rook is a Imperial defector looking to pass on information to the Rebellion; and Chirrut Imwe and Baze Malbus are former Guardians of the Whills who follow Jyn into the fray.
What I loved about this book is how much insight you get into the characters - while you can watch them on film and follow the story - the narration in the book allows you to get inside their heads. You learn about their motivations and thoughts: Jyn grappling with her past and her father's legacy, Cassian trying balance his orders and what he knows to be right, Chirrut and Baze's understanding of the force and its purpose, and Bodhi's decision to defect and his fight to make up for the things he's done. And, it also makes certain scenes even more emotionally impactful - especially what happens in A New Hope. It makes the human cost more real - and the Death Star more frightening. But, there is humor too. K-2SO's one liners are fantastic, and the banter between Chirrut and Baze speaks to their deep and enduring friendship.
Ultimately, this books is a testament to the strength of the Rebellion and the selfless actions of the individual fighters who are willing to sacrifice everything to destroy the Empire once and for all.
"Rebellions are built on hope."
If you loved the movie - read this. If you love Star Wars - read this. If you love heartfelt, action packed space operas - read this. If you love books about underdogs taking on the bad guys - read this. Basically - just read this. Now. Seriously, what are you waiting on? Go read. :)
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So this is my first foray into the written world of Star Wars. I initially picked this up because I loved Rogue One - its now my second favorite Star Wars movie (second only to The Empire Strikes Back) - and I didn't want to have to wait until the movie came out on DVD to spend more time with these characters. I needed more of them in my life. And I don't regret it one bit - I laughed and cried and didn't want it to end.
Rogue One: A Star Wars Story follows the band of misfits who risk everything to steal the plans to the Death Star - a horrible new weapon designed by the Empire. Its a planet killer. And, its destruction is the Rebellion's only hope at winning its fight against the Empire.
"You give way to an enemy this evil with this much power and you condemn the galaxy to an eternity of submission."
Anyone who is familiar with the original Star Wars trilogy own't be surprised by the plot. But, it doesn't make the story any less of a ride because it fills in the gaps in the canon and introduces new story lines and characters. The pacing is fantastic and the action is described in such vivid detail. But, hands down the best part of this story are the people. They are flawed, disillusioned, and even a little broken. They've done bad things for the right reasons and are looking to this mission as a way to make their lives mean something.
"There is more than one sort of prison, Captain," Chirrut said. "I sense that you carry yours wherever you go."
Jyn Ero is the daughter of the architect of the Death Star and a woman who has given up the fight; Cassian Andor is a battleworn rebel fighter whose belief in the Rebellion is the only thing keeping him going; K-2SO is a reprogrammed Imperial droid loyal to Cassian; Bodhi Rook is a Imperial defector looking to pass on information to the Rebellion; and Chirrut Imwe and Baze Malbus are former Guardians of the Whills who follow Jyn into the fray.
What I loved about this book is how much insight you get into the characters - while you can watch them on film and follow the story - the narration in the book allows you to get inside their heads. You learn about their motivations and thoughts: Jyn grappling with her past and her father's legacy, Cassian trying balance his orders and what he knows to be right, Chirrut and Baze's understanding of the force and its purpose, and Bodhi's decision to defect and his fight to make up for the things he's done. And, it also makes certain scenes even more emotionally impactful - especially what happens in A New Hope. It makes the human cost more real - and the Death Star more frightening. But, there is humor too. K-2SO's one liners are fantastic, and the banter between Chirrut and Baze speaks to their deep and enduring friendship.
Ultimately, this books is a testament to the strength of the Rebellion and the selfless actions of the individual fighters who are willing to sacrifice everything to destroy the Empire once and for all.
"Rebellions are built on hope."
If you loved the movie - read this. If you love Star Wars - read this. If you love heartfelt, action packed space operas - read this. If you love books about underdogs taking on the bad guys - read this. Basically - just read this. Now. Seriously, what are you waiting on? Go read. :)
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#1 Leviathan Wakes: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
Leviathan Wakes is the first book in an epic science fiction space opera series that takes place a few hundred years in the future when humanity has colonized the solar system including the Moon, Mars, and the Asteroid Belt.
Jim Holden is the XO of a mining vessel which transports ice from the rings of Saturn to stations in the Belt. But, when they hear a distress call from a ship called the Scopuli, things go south - fast. Jim & his crew come into possession of a secret worth killing for that has the ability to launch the entire system into war.
Detective Miller is assigned a case by his captain on Ceres Station - find a missing girl and ship her home. When the trail leads him to the Scopuli and the Outer Planets Alliance (OPA) a group of rebel Belters fighting for independence from Mars, Miller discovers that the girl may be the key to a much larger mystery.
The world of Leviathan Wakes is messy. There is a lot animosity between the inner planets and the outer planets. In the Belt, water and air are worth killing for. And, as Miller regularly reminds people, Ceres has cops - not laws. Belters resent Earthers for talking their resources and being able to breathe air freely. Earthers have a hard time thinking of Belters as humans. And, Mars wants to be the superpower, not Earth. One of the most interesting things about this story is that for the first half of the book, it's like a two-in-one deal: one half epic space opera and one half noir detective novel. The story jumps back and forth between perspectives - and I was always bummed to leave one story line, but so excited to get more information about the other.
The characters are fantastic. They feel real. They are flawed and complicated and unbearably human. Holden and Miller provide such a great contrast to each other. Holden is idealistic - almost to the point of naivety. While Miller is cynical and prefers his morality with more gray. But, I find their world views work for their story lines. Holden's crew needs someone to look to, and Miller needs that gritty world view to help him navigate his case. Neither is right, but neither is wrong either. And, that makes for compelling storytelling.
Three Thoughts:
1. I love the found family vibe of Holden, Naomi, Amos & Alex. And, I think the story needed that to keep it from being too emotionally draining. They provided a bit of counterweight to all the bad stuff that was happening.
2. Amos is a menace. And, I love him for it.
3. Despite the massive scope of this story, it never felt overwhelming. And, I think you can credit that to the characters. They grounded the story and kept me invested until the very last page.
Overall, I think this is a fantastic start to a series, and I can't wait to pick up Caliban's War to see where the story goes next.
content warnings: violence, death, murder, injury/injury recovery, gore, body horror, bigotry, alcoholism, kidnapping, confinement, mentions of rape/sexual assault (off page), genocide, suicidal ideation, suicide
Leviathan Wakes is the first book in an epic science fiction space opera series that takes place a few hundred years in the future when humanity has colonized the solar system including the Moon, Mars, and the Asteroid Belt.
Jim Holden is the XO of a mining vessel which transports ice from the rings of Saturn to stations in the Belt. But, when they hear a distress call from a ship called the Scopuli, things go south - fast. Jim & his crew come into possession of a secret worth killing for that has the ability to launch the entire system into war.
Detective Miller is assigned a case by his captain on Ceres Station - find a missing girl and ship her home. When the trail leads him to the Scopuli and the Outer Planets Alliance (OPA) a group of rebel Belters fighting for independence from Mars, Miller discovers that the girl may be the key to a much larger mystery.
The world of Leviathan Wakes is messy. There is a lot animosity between the inner planets and the outer planets. In the Belt, water and air are worth killing for. And, as Miller regularly reminds people, Ceres has cops - not laws. Belters resent Earthers for talking their resources and being able to breathe air freely. Earthers have a hard time thinking of Belters as humans. And, Mars wants to be the superpower, not Earth. One of the most interesting things about this story is that for the first half of the book, it's like a two-in-one deal: one half epic space opera and one half noir detective novel. The story jumps back and forth between perspectives - and I was always bummed to leave one story line, but so excited to get more information about the other.
The characters are fantastic. They feel real. They are flawed and complicated and unbearably human. Holden and Miller provide such a great contrast to each other. Holden is idealistic - almost to the point of naivety. While Miller is cynical and prefers his morality with more gray. But, I find their world views work for their story lines. Holden's crew needs someone to look to, and Miller needs that gritty world view to help him navigate his case. Neither is right, but neither is wrong either. And, that makes for compelling storytelling.
Three Thoughts:
1. I love the found family vibe of Holden, Naomi, Amos & Alex. And, I think the story needed that to keep it from being too emotionally draining. They provided a bit of counterweight to all the bad stuff that was happening.
2. Amos is a menace. And, I love him for it.
3. Despite the massive scope of this story, it never felt overwhelming. And, I think you can credit that to the characters. They grounded the story and kept me invested until the very last page.
Overall, I think this is a fantastic start to a series, and I can't wait to pick up Caliban's War to see where the story goes next.
content warnings: violence, death, murder, injury/injury recovery, gore, body horror, bigotry, alcoholism, kidnapping, confinement, mentions of rape/sexual assault (off page), genocide, suicidal ideation, suicide
"But your FRIENDS had things they needed to do that were important to them...And their priorities are just as important as yours. Sometimes, even with adventures is at stake you gotta think of them, too."
There is so much to love about this volume. The first issue is a flashback to the first day of camp so we get to see Jo and her dads, Ripley's chaotic family, and Mal's taxi ride. The rest of the story arc involves a broken friendship and a mermaid band. That's right - mermaids! The girls are enjoying a relaxing day by the lake when they meet a mermaid whose been kicked out of her band. April decides that she must help mend this friendship, but things don't go as smoothly as she was expecting.
If Brooke Allen had done the art for this volume, it would have easily been a 5 star read for me. And, likely my favorite volume of the series. But, the fact that the characters didn't look like themselves (especially Jen) was a little off putting. The story itself is super engaging, and I found myself incredibly invested in how it was going to turn out. Lumberjanes always manages to have a "moral" without being preachy. It just finds this perfect balance. Overall, this volume a fantastic installment in the series, and I'm eagerly awaiting the publication of Volume 6!
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There is so much to love about this volume. The first issue is a flashback to the first day of camp so we get to see Jo and her dads, Ripley's chaotic family, and Mal's taxi ride. The rest of the story arc involves a broken friendship and a mermaid band. That's right - mermaids! The girls are enjoying a relaxing day by the lake when they meet a mermaid whose been kicked out of her band. April decides that she must help mend this friendship, but things don't go as smoothly as she was expecting.
If Brooke Allen had done the art for this volume, it would have easily been a 5 star read for me. And, likely my favorite volume of the series. But, the fact that the characters didn't look like themselves (especially Jen) was a little off putting. The story itself is super engaging, and I found myself incredibly invested in how it was going to turn out. Lumberjanes always manages to have a "moral" without being preachy. It just finds this perfect balance. Overall, this volume a fantastic installment in the series, and I'm eagerly awaiting the publication of Volume 6!
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I knew that I was going to pick this book up as soon as I heard about it. I really enjoyed the Lunar Chronicles series, and so I definitely support any opportunity to spend more time in this world. Plus, it’s a graphic novel? Yes, please!
*This review will contain spoilers for the Lunar Chronicles series, so if you haven’t finished the books, I would not recommend that you read this review or this graphic novel until you’ve finished (unless you’ve already been spoiled for the ending.)*
This story picks up a few months after the end of Winter (but before the events of the short story "Something Old, Something New" in Stars Above) as Cinder is trying to navigate her role as Queen of Luna. When a pack of rogue wolf hybrids begin to threaten the delicate peace agreement between Earth and Luna, Cinder sends Iko, the badass android, to capture them.
“That’s not necessary. I’m doing what any good friend would do, out of loyalty and Lunar patriotism and–“
“I’ll buy you a new pair of shoes.”
“Sold.”
Iko was my favorite character in the original series, so I was especially excited that she was going to be the heroine of this story. She is such a fun, sassy, strong character, and her chemistry with a certain lunar guard is so wonderful. I love seeing her question her humanity and what she knows about love and loyalty.
“I misread the romantic tension, didn’t I?”
I also really love seeing all the characters from the books. We get to catch up with Scarlet, Wolf, Cress, Thorne, Winter, Jacin, and Kai. I was originally a bit worried that the characterizations would be off in the series. But, I shouldn’t have been. Each of the characters acted exactly as I expected them too. And this story felt like a natural continutation of their lives.
“This is Captain Carswell Thorne. He loves three things more than all others in the galaxy.
1. Himself.
2. His spaceship, the Rampion.
and 3. Cress, his genius computer-hacker girlfriend.”
One of the biggest worries when seeing a story you love adapted as a graphic novel is the art. Will the characters look like I think they should? Will I recognize them? But, there is no need to worry here. The art is wonderful. It matches the lighthearted humor that Meyer does so well. The characters look like they did in my head, and the all blue hues are really lovely.
The only downside to this story is that I wanted more. Haha. Since its going to be a duology we have to wait a full year to get the concluding volume in this series. But, if Winter is any indication, I trust Meyer to wrap this story up wonderfully, and give my cinnamon roll Iko the ending she deserves!
Bottom line: If you love the Lunar Chronicles – this is a must read.
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*This review will contain spoilers for the Lunar Chronicles series, so if you haven’t finished the books, I would not recommend that you read this review or this graphic novel until you’ve finished (unless you’ve already been spoiled for the ending.)*
This story picks up a few months after the end of Winter (but before the events of the short story "Something Old, Something New" in Stars Above) as Cinder is trying to navigate her role as Queen of Luna. When a pack of rogue wolf hybrids begin to threaten the delicate peace agreement between Earth and Luna, Cinder sends Iko, the badass android, to capture them.
“That’s not necessary. I’m doing what any good friend would do, out of loyalty and Lunar patriotism and–“
“I’ll buy you a new pair of shoes.”
“Sold.”
Iko was my favorite character in the original series, so I was especially excited that she was going to be the heroine of this story. She is such a fun, sassy, strong character, and her chemistry with a certain lunar guard is so wonderful. I love seeing her question her humanity and what she knows about love and loyalty.
“I misread the romantic tension, didn’t I?”
I also really love seeing all the characters from the books. We get to catch up with Scarlet, Wolf, Cress, Thorne, Winter, Jacin, and Kai. I was originally a bit worried that the characterizations would be off in the series. But, I shouldn’t have been. Each of the characters acted exactly as I expected them too. And this story felt like a natural continutation of their lives.
“This is Captain Carswell Thorne. He loves three things more than all others in the galaxy.
1. Himself.
2. His spaceship, the Rampion.
and 3. Cress, his genius computer-hacker girlfriend.”
One of the biggest worries when seeing a story you love adapted as a graphic novel is the art. Will the characters look like I think they should? Will I recognize them? But, there is no need to worry here. The art is wonderful. It matches the lighthearted humor that Meyer does so well. The characters look like they did in my head, and the all blue hues are really lovely.
The only downside to this story is that I wanted more. Haha. Since its going to be a duology we have to wait a full year to get the concluding volume in this series. But, if Winter is any indication, I trust Meyer to wrap this story up wonderfully, and give my cinnamon roll Iko the ending she deserves!
Bottom line: If you love the Lunar Chronicles – this is a must read.
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I really enjoy Kasie West's books. I don't think they are the best written things about there - and they often don't have a ton of depth. However, they are compulsively readable, adorable romances.
By Your Side follows the story of Autumn Collins who finds herself locked in a library for the weekend with the last person she'd want to be stuck with. Autumn doesn't know much about Dax except what the rumors say - he's trouble. Autumn figures its only a matter of time before her almost-boyfriend figures out that she got left behind and comes back for her. When he doesn't, Autumn realizes that she will have to spend the weekend surviving on what she can find the break room fridge and trying to make conversation with a boy who doesn't want to give her the time of day. But, as with most contemporary romances they begin to open up and learn that their is more to both of them than meets the eye.
"You're not a big talker."
"I talk when I have things to say."
"Was that supposed to be insightful?"
"It wasn't supposed to be anything but an answer."
Autumn has a general anxiety disorder. And, as someone who doesn't suffer from anxiety, I can't tell you if it is good representation not. What I can tell you is that I really enjoyed seeing Autumn's character growth as she deals with her anxiety and beings standing up for herself with her friends. I also loved how supportive Autumn's family was. I hate the absent parent trope you see a lot in YA, so it was nice to see a supportive and involved family.
I also thought the romance between Autumn and Dax was really adorable. I'm a sucker for a good hate-to-love romance. And, I really like that Dax didn't "fix" Autumn's anxiety. I don't like to see mental illnesses romanticized or seen as something that magically disappears when you get a boyfriend.
"There was something very satisfying about a smile that had to be earned."
There are some things I didn't like. I don't think the characters were particularly well developed. All we know about Autumn is that she has an anxiety disorder and loves photography. Dax is a pretty cliche loner bad-boy type. And, the only real thing we know about Autumn's friends is that they're horrible. Seriously - she has terrible friends. It drives me crazy that their are no real repercussions of their actions.
I also think the book totally underutilized the library setting. I mean, Autumn doesn't even enjoy reading. This story could have been set literally anywhere else without actually changing the story. Which is kinda bummer. And, to enjoy this story you will have to be able to suspend your disbelieve that Autumn wasn't able to find a phone or computer that works - or be willing to break a window to climb out.
"'Books, bringing people together.' That would make a good slogan for the library."
I will still continue to read anything Kasie West writes. They are the perfect read when you just want something fun and sweet. I really liked that she touched on some pretty important topics like anxiety and child abandonment - but I think she left a lot of cards on the table. And, I just wanted a bit more.
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By Your Side follows the story of Autumn Collins who finds herself locked in a library for the weekend with the last person she'd want to be stuck with. Autumn doesn't know much about Dax except what the rumors say - he's trouble. Autumn figures its only a matter of time before her almost-boyfriend figures out that she got left behind and comes back for her. When he doesn't, Autumn realizes that she will have to spend the weekend surviving on what she can find the break room fridge and trying to make conversation with a boy who doesn't want to give her the time of day. But, as with most contemporary romances they begin to open up and learn that their is more to both of them than meets the eye.
"You're not a big talker."
"I talk when I have things to say."
"Was that supposed to be insightful?"
"It wasn't supposed to be anything but an answer."
Autumn has a general anxiety disorder. And, as someone who doesn't suffer from anxiety, I can't tell you if it is good representation not. What I can tell you is that I really enjoyed seeing Autumn's character growth as she deals with her anxiety and beings standing up for herself with her friends. I also loved how supportive Autumn's family was. I hate the absent parent trope you see a lot in YA, so it was nice to see a supportive and involved family.
I also thought the romance between Autumn and Dax was really adorable. I'm a sucker for a good hate-to-love romance. And, I really like that Dax didn't "fix" Autumn's anxiety. I don't like to see mental illnesses romanticized or seen as something that magically disappears when you get a boyfriend.
"There was something very satisfying about a smile that had to be earned."
There are some things I didn't like. I don't think the characters were particularly well developed. All we know about Autumn is that she has an anxiety disorder and loves photography. Dax is a pretty cliche loner bad-boy type. And, the only real thing we know about Autumn's friends is that they're horrible. Seriously - she has terrible friends. It drives me crazy that their are no real repercussions of their actions.
I also think the book totally underutilized the library setting. I mean, Autumn doesn't even enjoy reading. This story could have been set literally anywhere else without actually changing the story. Which is kinda bummer. And, to enjoy this story you will have to be able to suspend your disbelieve that Autumn wasn't able to find a phone or computer that works - or be willing to break a window to climb out.
"'Books, bringing people together.' That would make a good slogan for the library."
I will still continue to read anything Kasie West writes. They are the perfect read when you just want something fun and sweet. I really liked that she touched on some pretty important topics like anxiety and child abandonment - but I think she left a lot of cards on the table. And, I just wanted a bit more.
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