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kp_hobbitreads's Reviews (686)
"We're going back out aren't we?"
"Lumberjanes stick together."
This is my favorite Lumberjanes volume to-date. The story starts when Jen tries to teach the girls basic survival skills. But, in the middle of their lesson, a blizzard strikes camp separating Jen from the girls. Jen is rescued by a mysterious taxidermist which a unknown connection to Rosie. And the girls strike out on their own to try to get her back. They are joined on their quest by a friend from a past arc which leads to some really great discussions about identity and being true to oneself.
I love that we get a lot of backstory in this volume, and the direction the story is taking. You can really tell they are starting to play the long game. While we get some answers, we also get more questions which makes me very excited to see where this story is headed. Plus, Brooke Allen is back as the artist in this volume so we get to see the characters looking like themselves again. Overall, this volume was fantastic. The story is well developed, the art is beautiful, and as always their is a wonderful message about identity and acceptance. I cannot recommend this series highly enough.
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"Lumberjanes stick together."
This is my favorite Lumberjanes volume to-date. The story starts when Jen tries to teach the girls basic survival skills. But, in the middle of their lesson, a blizzard strikes camp separating Jen from the girls. Jen is rescued by a mysterious taxidermist which a unknown connection to Rosie. And the girls strike out on their own to try to get her back. They are joined on their quest by a friend from a past arc which leads to some really great discussions about identity and being true to oneself.
I love that we get a lot of backstory in this volume, and the direction the story is taking. You can really tell they are starting to play the long game. While we get some answers, we also get more questions which makes me very excited to see where this story is headed. Plus, Brooke Allen is back as the artist in this volume so we get to see the characters looking like themselves again. Overall, this volume was fantastic. The story is well developed, the art is beautiful, and as always their is a wonderful message about identity and acceptance. I cannot recommend this series highly enough.
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Lumberjanes, Vol. 3: A Terrible Plan
Grace Ellis, ND Stevenson, Shannon Watters, Faith Erin Hicks
"Doing nothing is exhausting, I am exhausted."
"At home we'll literally spend entire days reading in your backyard and NOW you're bored."
"Being here is NOT the same as being at home. THERE IS ADVENTURES IN THEM THAR WOODS, JO."
The first issue in this volume is a standalone with all the girls sitting around a campfire telling ghost stories, and there were tons of really great guest artists who illustrated the different stories. The rest of the volume follows Mal & Molly as they try to take advantage of their first quiet day at camp to have date - but it takes a strange turn, as things at camp often do. Jo, April, and Ripley attempt to stave off bored by trying to earn as many "normal" badges as they can, but are surprised that its much more difficulty than fighting mythical beasts.
The stories in the volume were really fun. I love seeing the relationship develop between Mal and Molly, and Ripley's attempts to earn badges had me smiling the whole time. The only real downside was the art for the main story arc. Carolyn Nowak's art is good, but I just prefer Brooke Allen's style. Its a bit jarring when you have this idea of what the characters look like, and it can be a bit distracting when they're drawn differently. While this is probably my least favorite volume in this series, its still really great. I love spending time at camp with the girls as they navigate both the mundane and the mythical.
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"At home we'll literally spend entire days reading in your backyard and NOW you're bored."
"Being here is NOT the same as being at home. THERE IS ADVENTURES IN THEM THAR WOODS, JO."
The first issue in this volume is a standalone with all the girls sitting around a campfire telling ghost stories, and there were tons of really great guest artists who illustrated the different stories. The rest of the volume follows Mal & Molly as they try to take advantage of their first quiet day at camp to have date - but it takes a strange turn, as things at camp often do. Jo, April, and Ripley attempt to stave off bored by trying to earn as many "normal" badges as they can, but are surprised that its much more difficulty than fighting mythical beasts.
The stories in the volume were really fun. I love seeing the relationship develop between Mal and Molly, and Ripley's attempts to earn badges had me smiling the whole time. The only real downside was the art for the main story arc. Carolyn Nowak's art is good, but I just prefer Brooke Allen's style. Its a bit jarring when you have this idea of what the characters look like, and it can be a bit distracting when they're drawn differently. While this is probably my least favorite volume in this series, its still really great. I love spending time at camp with the girls as they navigate both the mundane and the mythical.
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Actual rating: 3.5/5
I discovered the Falling Kingdoms series in late 2016, and basically binge read books 1-4 in preparation for the release of Crystal Storm. Falling Kingdoms has been marketed as YA Game of Thrones which kinda makes sense as it is full of political intrigue, fights for a throne, and multiple POVs. Oh, and death. Morgan Rhodes is not afraid to kill the people you love.
I can't give you a detailed plot summary of Crystal Storm since it is the second to last book in the series, and it would spoil some major plot points from previous books. But, here is what I can tell you. Falling Kingdoms is the story of three nations in the land of Mytica - Limeros, Paelsia, and Auranos - which have settled into a very uneasy peace. The murder of a Paelsian boy sets off a firestorm that threatens to devolve into outright war. This story follows four main characters Cleo, Magnus, Jonas, and Lucia as they try to navigate this world, learn about their magic, fight for their people, and claim their thrones. But, the best part about these characters is they are all complex, morally gray, and willing to make sacrifices for what they believe to be right.
"I think we all deserve to die for something we've done.
Or for something we've failed to do."
For the first four novels, Falling Kingdoms was consistently getting better. I mean, Frozen Tides pretty much blew my mind. But, I have to admit, Crystal Storm was a bit of a letdown. Now, don't get me wrong, it was a good book, and I liked reading it. It moved the plot forward, and it has some swoon-worthy romantic moments. I liked both Lucia and Jonas more in this novel than I ever have before, and our heroes started to realize that maybe they don't have to rely on fate, prophecy, or destiny, but can make their own futures.
"I believe in magic. In evil sorceresses who deep down are really beautiful princesses. I believe in immortals who live in a different world than this one, accessible by magical stone wheels. But you know what I don't believe in?"
"What?"
"I refuse to believe we have absolutely no control over our own futures, because right now? I'm damn well going to control my own."
But...I wanted more. At only 379, this is the shortest book in the series, and it felt a bit rushed. Plus, there seemed to be some plot lines that were introduced just to keep to lovers apart and then dropped like it was no big deal. And, because we got more information on a slew of new characters, I don't feel like I have enough time with the big four. I still love this series and characters, and I will anxiously await the release of Book 6 (the cliffhanger at the end of this book almost killed me as I frantically searched for more pages), but I am a bit nervous at how well she's going to tie this all up.
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I discovered the Falling Kingdoms series in late 2016, and basically binge read books 1-4 in preparation for the release of Crystal Storm. Falling Kingdoms has been marketed as YA Game of Thrones which kinda makes sense as it is full of political intrigue, fights for a throne, and multiple POVs. Oh, and death. Morgan Rhodes is not afraid to kill the people you love.
I can't give you a detailed plot summary of Crystal Storm since it is the second to last book in the series, and it would spoil some major plot points from previous books. But, here is what I can tell you. Falling Kingdoms is the story of three nations in the land of Mytica - Limeros, Paelsia, and Auranos - which have settled into a very uneasy peace. The murder of a Paelsian boy sets off a firestorm that threatens to devolve into outright war. This story follows four main characters Cleo, Magnus, Jonas, and Lucia as they try to navigate this world, learn about their magic, fight for their people, and claim their thrones. But, the best part about these characters is they are all complex, morally gray, and willing to make sacrifices for what they believe to be right.
"I think we all deserve to die for something we've done.
Or for something we've failed to do."
For the first four novels, Falling Kingdoms was consistently getting better. I mean, Frozen Tides pretty much blew my mind. But, I have to admit, Crystal Storm was a bit of a letdown. Now, don't get me wrong, it was a good book, and I liked reading it. It moved the plot forward, and it has some swoon-worthy romantic moments. I liked both Lucia and Jonas more in this novel than I ever have before, and our heroes started to realize that maybe they don't have to rely on fate, prophecy, or destiny, but can make their own futures.
"I believe in magic. In evil sorceresses who deep down are really beautiful princesses. I believe in immortals who live in a different world than this one, accessible by magical stone wheels. But you know what I don't believe in?"
"What?"
"I refuse to believe we have absolutely no control over our own futures, because right now? I'm damn well going to control my own."
But...I wanted more. At only 379, this is the shortest book in the series, and it felt a bit rushed. Plus, there seemed to be some plot lines that were introduced just to keep to lovers apart and then dropped like it was no big deal. And, because we got more information on a slew of new characters, I don't feel like I have enough time with the big four. I still love this series and characters, and I will anxiously await the release of Book 6 (the cliffhanger at the end of this book almost killed me as I frantically searched for more pages), but I am a bit nervous at how well she's going to tie this all up.
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I absolutely adored the first book in this series, A Darker Shade of Magic, so I knew I just had to pick this book up. And, I wasn’t disappointed. This is such a fantastic installment in the series – and I loved getting to spend more time with Kell, Lila, and Rhy.
*This post will contain some spoilers for the first book in the series, so if you haven’t read it please proceed with caution.*
“Kell would say it was impossible. What a useless word, in a world with magic.”
A Gathering of Shadows picks up about 4 months since the end of the first book. Kell has given up his smuggling habit after returning the obsidian stone to Black London. But, both he and Rhy are still struggling with finding their lives magically linked. Rhy is conflicted. He’s happy to be alive, but hates that he had no say in the matter. And, Kell finds himself full of restless energy, and is feeling more like a prisoner than ever. Lila has sailed away to fulfill her dreams of being a pirate, but that doesn’t stop Kell from looking for her in everyone he sees.
“Look, everyone talks about the unknown like it’s some big scary thing, but it’s the familiar that’s always bothered me. It’s heavy, builds up around you like rocks, until it’s walls and a ceiling and a cell.”
Red London is making preparations for the Essen Tach, a magical competition that pits 12 magicians from 3 kingdoms against each other which brings some old friends and familiar faces back home. White London is slowly mending itself, but some of the darkness of Black London is creeping in and threatens to bleed over into Red London as well and destroy the delicate balance of magic.
“Call me crazy, but I think we do the best living when the stakes are high.”
This book builds on everything I loved about the first book. There is plenty of action, banter, and just enough romance to keep me interested. The relationship between Kell and his brother is tested, but steadfast. Delilah Bard continues to be a total badass. Plus, we get introduced to a new character and romance that I’m totally here for.
“I am Delilah Bard, she thought, as the ropes cut into her skin. I am a thief and a pirate and a traveler. I have set foot in three different worlds, and lived. I have shed the blood of royals and held magic in my hands.”
There is so much to love about this book/series. I thought parts of this were a bit slower than the first book, but I really enjoyed all the additional information we got about the world/characters. I felt the magic system was much more fleshed out in this installment, and I thought the magical tournament was a really smart way to propel the story forward. It allows for both a short-term “problem” and a long-term one to keep you interested in what’s going to happen next. Of course, there were also plenty of swoon-worthy moments to keep my shipper-heart happy.
“Kell has only two faces. The one he wears for the world at large, and the one he wears for those he loves.” He sipped his wine.
“For us.”
If you liked A Darker Shade of Magic, you’re going to like this. Schwab’s writing is consistent, the characters are their same lovable selves, and the ending will make you want to immediately jump into A Conjuring of Light. And, if you haven’t read ADSOM yet, what the heck are you waiting for?
Actual rating 3.5/5
*This post will contain some spoilers for the first book in the series, so if you haven’t read it please proceed with caution.*
“Kell would say it was impossible. What a useless word, in a world with magic.”
A Gathering of Shadows picks up about 4 months since the end of the first book. Kell has given up his smuggling habit after returning the obsidian stone to Black London. But, both he and Rhy are still struggling with finding their lives magically linked. Rhy is conflicted. He’s happy to be alive, but hates that he had no say in the matter. And, Kell finds himself full of restless energy, and is feeling more like a prisoner than ever. Lila has sailed away to fulfill her dreams of being a pirate, but that doesn’t stop Kell from looking for her in everyone he sees.
“Look, everyone talks about the unknown like it’s some big scary thing, but it’s the familiar that’s always bothered me. It’s heavy, builds up around you like rocks, until it’s walls and a ceiling and a cell.”
Red London is making preparations for the Essen Tach, a magical competition that pits 12 magicians from 3 kingdoms against each other which brings some old friends and familiar faces back home. White London is slowly mending itself, but some of the darkness of Black London is creeping in and threatens to bleed over into Red London as well and destroy the delicate balance of magic.
“Call me crazy, but I think we do the best living when the stakes are high.”
This book builds on everything I loved about the first book. There is plenty of action, banter, and just enough romance to keep me interested. The relationship between Kell and his brother is tested, but steadfast. Delilah Bard continues to be a total badass. Plus, we get introduced to a new character and romance that I’m totally here for.
“I am Delilah Bard, she thought, as the ropes cut into her skin. I am a thief and a pirate and a traveler. I have set foot in three different worlds, and lived. I have shed the blood of royals and held magic in my hands.”
There is so much to love about this book/series. I thought parts of this were a bit slower than the first book, but I really enjoyed all the additional information we got about the world/characters. I felt the magic system was much more fleshed out in this installment, and I thought the magical tournament was a really smart way to propel the story forward. It allows for both a short-term “problem” and a long-term one to keep you interested in what’s going to happen next. Of course, there were also plenty of swoon-worthy moments to keep my shipper-heart happy.
“Kell has only two faces. The one he wears for the world at large, and the one he wears for those he loves.” He sipped his wine.
“For us.”
If you liked A Darker Shade of Magic, you’re going to like this. Schwab’s writing is consistent, the characters are their same lovable selves, and the ending will make you want to immediately jump into A Conjuring of Light. And, if you haven’t read ADSOM yet, what the heck are you waiting for?
Actual rating 3.5/5
Caraval was one of my most anticipated debuts for 2017, and there was tons of hype surrounding this book. But, unfortunately for me – it didn’t live up to it. Its not a bad book by any means, I just didn’t love it like I was hoping I would.
“Briefly, Scarlett let herself imagine what it would be like to go to Legend’s private isle, to play the game and win the wish. Freedom. Choices. Wonder. Magic.”
Scarlett and her sister Tella have never left the tiny island they live on with their abusive father*. But, Scarlett has always dreamed of experiencing the mysterious Caraval hosted by the powerful magician Legend. A week before Scarlett is to be married, her ticket finally arrives and with the help of a new “friend,” Tella and Scarlett make their way to the show. But upon their arrival, Tella is abducted by Legend. As it turns out, the winner of this year’s Caraval is the first person to find her.
Scarlett is warned repeatedly not to fall under the lure of Caraval – that it is all a performance. But she still gets swept up in the game. And even as she begins to question everything, she can’t give up because if she doesn’t finder her sister before the 5 days of Caraval are over, she may never see her again.
“Whatever you’ve heard about Caraval, its doesn’t compare to the reality. Its more than just a game or a performance. Its the closest you’ll ever find to magic in this world.”
The book is interesting to be sure – its full of magic and mystery. And the writing is beautiful (think Laini Taylor). I loved all the descriptions of Caraval. It reminded me a lot of the market in Stardust when Dunstan asks how much a flower costs. And, he’s told that it might be the color of his hair or all his memories before he was 3. Caraval is like that. You don’t pay for things with funds, but with secrets or truths or even days of your life. In addition to the Caraval competition, there is also a love story in here. And, though its pretty insta-lovey, by the end of the novel, I found that I really didn’t mind.
“Not quite sure how far she’d already fallen, she imagined loving him would feel like falling in love with darkness, frightening and consuming yet utterly beautiful when the stars come out.”
So why only 3 stars? The reason for that is twofold. Firstly, there is very little character development or world-building. The story relies heavily on the metaphor to give atmosphere to Caraval – but we are provided with very little concrete information about the world in which Tella and Scarlette live. And Tella herself is a pretty two-dimensional character despite being central to the story. And secondly, once the plot was resolved, I was pretty “meh”about it. It was a case of all tell and very little show which is pretty frustrating for me. And, like Caraval itself, I felt a little like I’d been tricked.
But, I do think the “moral” of the story is really wonderful. Because at its heart, Caraval is about the bond between two sisters, and the power of hope and faith in the people you love. I just wish the focus had been more on that rather than this complicated mystery and big reveal.
“Every person gets one impossible wish, if the person wants something more than anything, and they can find a bit of magic to help them alone.”
So if you are going into this because you love The Night Circus, you may be disappointed. Partly because I think its almost unfair to expect anything to live up to the beauty of Erin Morgenstern’s masterpiece. But also because you won’t find the heartfelt slow burn romance of Marco and Celia or the well developed characters and plot you may be expecting.
But, I still think Caraval is worth the read because it holds a lot of promise, and the epilogue has ensured that I’m going to pick up Book 2. Because despite all my issues with the first installment, I do want to know what happens next.
*There are multiple scenes showing/implying abuse perpetrated by girls’ father so if that is a trigger for you – please be aware.
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“Briefly, Scarlett let herself imagine what it would be like to go to Legend’s private isle, to play the game and win the wish. Freedom. Choices. Wonder. Magic.”
Scarlett and her sister Tella have never left the tiny island they live on with their abusive father*. But, Scarlett has always dreamed of experiencing the mysterious Caraval hosted by the powerful magician Legend. A week before Scarlett is to be married, her ticket finally arrives and with the help of a new “friend,” Tella and Scarlett make their way to the show. But upon their arrival, Tella is abducted by Legend. As it turns out, the winner of this year’s Caraval is the first person to find her.
Scarlett is warned repeatedly not to fall under the lure of Caraval – that it is all a performance. But she still gets swept up in the game. And even as she begins to question everything, she can’t give up because if she doesn’t finder her sister before the 5 days of Caraval are over, she may never see her again.
“Whatever you’ve heard about Caraval, its doesn’t compare to the reality. Its more than just a game or a performance. Its the closest you’ll ever find to magic in this world.”
The book is interesting to be sure – its full of magic and mystery. And the writing is beautiful (think Laini Taylor). I loved all the descriptions of Caraval. It reminded me a lot of the market in Stardust when Dunstan asks how much a flower costs. And, he’s told that it might be the color of his hair or all his memories before he was 3. Caraval is like that. You don’t pay for things with funds, but with secrets or truths or even days of your life. In addition to the Caraval competition, there is also a love story in here. And, though its pretty insta-lovey, by the end of the novel, I found that I really didn’t mind.
“Not quite sure how far she’d already fallen, she imagined loving him would feel like falling in love with darkness, frightening and consuming yet utterly beautiful when the stars come out.”
So why only 3 stars? The reason for that is twofold. Firstly, there is very little character development or world-building. The story relies heavily on the metaphor to give atmosphere to Caraval – but we are provided with very little concrete information about the world in which Tella and Scarlette live. And Tella herself is a pretty two-dimensional character despite being central to the story. And secondly, once the plot was resolved, I was pretty “meh”about it. It was a case of all tell and very little show which is pretty frustrating for me. And, like Caraval itself, I felt a little like I’d been tricked.
But, I do think the “moral” of the story is really wonderful. Because at its heart, Caraval is about the bond between two sisters, and the power of hope and faith in the people you love. I just wish the focus had been more on that rather than this complicated mystery and big reveal.
“Every person gets one impossible wish, if the person wants something more than anything, and they can find a bit of magic to help them alone.”
So if you are going into this because you love The Night Circus, you may be disappointed. Partly because I think its almost unfair to expect anything to live up to the beauty of Erin Morgenstern’s masterpiece. But also because you won’t find the heartfelt slow burn romance of Marco and Celia or the well developed characters and plot you may be expecting.
But, I still think Caraval is worth the read because it holds a lot of promise, and the epilogue has ensured that I’m going to pick up Book 2. Because despite all my issues with the first installment, I do want to know what happens next.
*There are multiple scenes showing/implying abuse perpetrated by girls’ father so if that is a trigger for you – please be aware.
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#1 Leviathan Wakes: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
#1.5 The Butcher of Anderson Station: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
This is a short story about Fred Johnson who plays a small, but very important role in Leviathan Wakes. It provides some great insight into Fred's history and his reasons for joining the OPA.
Three Thoughts:
1. I can't imagine the weight of guilt Fred has been carrying around after this incident. It's horrifying what happened.
2. The Anderson Dawes cameo was unexpected, but interesting. He's a character I could never quite get a read on so seeing more of his motivations/arguments was interesting.
3. "They made me the poster boy for disproportionate response. They made me a butcher." Oof.
While this short story takes place before the events of the series, I would definitely recommend reading it after reading Leviathan Wakes. Not required reading per se, but definitely worth your time.
content warnings: violence, death, captivity, suicidal ideation, child abuse (in the past, off page), use of ableist term
#1.5 The Butcher of Anderson Station: ★★★★☆ | 4 stars
This is a short story about Fred Johnson who plays a small, but very important role in Leviathan Wakes. It provides some great insight into Fred's history and his reasons for joining the OPA.
Three Thoughts:
1. I can't imagine the weight of guilt Fred has been carrying around after this incident. It's horrifying what happened.
2. The Anderson Dawes cameo was unexpected, but interesting. He's a character I could never quite get a read on so seeing more of his motivations/arguments was interesting.
3. "They made me the poster boy for disproportionate response. They made me a butcher." Oof.
While this short story takes place before the events of the series, I would definitely recommend reading it after reading Leviathan Wakes. Not required reading per se, but definitely worth your time.
content warnings: violence, death, captivity, suicidal ideation, child abuse (in the past, off page), use of ableist term
I was so excited to read The Sleeper and the Spindle. I love Neil Gaiman’s writing and Chris Riddell’s illustrations are beautiful. It is described as a reimagined fairytale, and for the first part of the story I was total here for it. But when I realized the story wasn’t going in the direction I thought it was, I was pretty disappointed. And, in the end pretty ambivalent to the story. It’s not bad; it was just okay. And, it left me wanting more, but not in a good way.
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I really enjoyed the story line. It went someplace unexpected, and I was pretty invested in how it was going to play out. And, of course, the art is lovely. The black, white, and gray aesthetic really adds to the level of creepiness which I appreciated. But, there were issues (body shaming, fat shaming, girl hate, restricted eating, etc.) that weren't really addressed at all. And that bothered me. It seemed like a miss opportunity to really add something special to this story and a level of growth to the MC that I wanted to see, but we didn't get.
Overall, it was good - but not great.
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Overall, it was good - but not great.
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The first part of the book is a little clunky - and I found it difficult to stay invested in the story. (I actually tried to read it 2 years ago, and didn’t make it very far before sitting it back down.) But, once I made it to page 123 it was like a switch flipped, and I was hooked. So while the first part may give you pause, it’s definitely worth sticking with. I adore the characters and the friendship between Safi and Iz is so endearing. I can’t wait to dive into Windwitch!
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Actual Rating: 3.5/5
It was enjoyable - good even. But, not great. It was a little hard to get invested in the story at the beginning even though I'm a huge fan of Ahsoka as a character. And, there was a lot more telling than showing. But, I enjoyed the characters and it was interesting to see Ahsoka working through her experiences and find her place among the rebellion.
Also, Kaeden's crush on Ahsoka? Same girl, same.
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It was enjoyable - good even. But, not great. It was a little hard to get invested in the story at the beginning even though I'm a huge fan of Ahsoka as a character. And, there was a lot more telling than showing. But, I enjoyed the characters and it was interesting to see Ahsoka working through her experiences and find her place among the rebellion.
Also, Kaeden's crush on Ahsoka? Same girl, same.
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