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lovelylloyd's reviews
66 reviews
Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree
inspiring
lighthearted
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
BOOK REVIEW - LEGENDS & LATTES by Travis Baldree
I have had Legends & Lattes on my bookshelf for quite a while, but after having a fantastic time with Bookshops & Bonedust, I made sure to get it read. And WOW! Legends & Lattes offers a delightful concoction of high fantasy and low stakes, served with a generous dollop of charm and warmth. So brew yourself a cup of your favourite beverage, settle into your comfiest chair, and let yourself be whisked away on a magical adventure unlike any other.
From the very first sip, I was wrapped in its comforting embrace, offering respite from the chaos of the world with its cozy and lighthearted narrative. While some may find the lack of epic quests and world-altering events a drawback, I revelled in the simple joy of following Viv, our orcish protagonist, as she embarks on a new chapter of her lifeβone filled with caffeine-fueled adventures and unexpected friendships.
Speaking of Viv, she's a protagonist worth rooting forβa refreshing departure from the typical heroes of fantasy tales. Tired of the mercenary life, she dares to dream of something more, trading in her sword for a barista apron and opening the very first coffee shop in her realm. It's a risky endeavour, but Viv's determination and resilience shine through as she navigates the challenges of entrepreneurship while grappling with her past and forging new connections.
And what a cast of characters Viv encounters along the way! From the charming builder Cal to the quirky Thimble and the lovable giant cat, each member of the ensemble brings their own flavour to the story, adding depth and dimension. While the romance between Viv and Tandri may feel subtle to some, it simmers quietly in the background, adding a touch of sweetness to the narrative without overshadowing the main plot.
Sure, there are moments when the story is SUPER slow and a tad predictable, but these minor quibbles pale in comparison to the overall warmth and whimsy that permeate every page. It's a book that invites you to kick back, relax, and lose yourself in a world where friendship, community, and a good cup of coffee reign supreme.
Eli Over Easy by Phil Stamper
emotional
inspiring
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Thank you, NetGalley, HarperCollins Children's Books and Phil Stamper for providing me with an eARC of Eli Over Easy.
This is a very very easy read. It disappeared from me. This rounded out about three middle-grade books for this month but this was the only contemporary story. It is a fantastic middle-grade read. If you are coming into it expecting more than a middle-grade story then you will be a little disappointed.
This story absolutely role models behaviour and language for a younger audience. It is also like a grief and relationships guide for tweens with the addition of a cooking manual. Of course, when something is remodelling behaviour it often doesn't come across as genuine or realistic dialogue/behaviour for some of us old and bitter people in the world π π π . But I believe in the purpose of books teaching its audience, not just entertaining us.
This is a super cute, fun, emotional read that is just a simple plot of dealing with loss and change in our lives. It is under 300 pages and I doubt you will regret reading it if you do pick it up.
This is a very very easy read. It disappeared from me. This rounded out about three middle-grade books for this month but this was the only contemporary story. It is a fantastic middle-grade read. If you are coming into it expecting more than a middle-grade story then you will be a little disappointed.
This story absolutely role models behaviour and language for a younger audience. It is also like a grief and relationships guide for tweens with the addition of a cooking manual. Of course, when something is remodelling behaviour it often doesn't come across as genuine or realistic dialogue/behaviour for some of us old and bitter people in the world π π π . But I believe in the purpose of books teaching its audience, not just entertaining us.
This is a super cute, fun, emotional read that is just a simple plot of dealing with loss and change in our lives. It is under 300 pages and I doubt you will regret reading it if you do pick it up.
Dark Heir by C.S. Pacat
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Thank you, NetGalley, Allen & Unwin and C. S. Pacat for providing me with an ARC of Dark Heir - Dark Rise Book 2 - for review.
βββββ - Available 14 November 2023
I think that this is my book of the year so far. I absolutely loved this book. I have had Dark Rise on my bookshelf for about a year and hadn't gotten to it. When Allen & Unwin approved me for this - THANK YOU - I had to make the room in the TBR to jump them forward.
ABSOLUTELY WORTH IT.
I was so in love with Dark Rise that I had to move straight onto Dark Heir as soon as possible so I got to read them back-to-back.
This fantasy is so compelling. The morally grey situation - I don't even know if that is the correct term for Will but whatever he is - is absolutely perfect. Like a new favourite trope/theme/character arch unlocked. PERFECT.
All the different characters and perspectives are handled so well and give it so many layers. Obviously, the main twist is at the end of Dark Rise but this story kept delivering on my βwhat about that character?β thoughts. Highly recommend. Plus a Melbourne/Naarm Author π
βββββ - Available 14 November 2023
I think that this is my book of the year so far. I absolutely loved this book. I have had Dark Rise on my bookshelf for about a year and hadn't gotten to it. When Allen & Unwin approved me for this - THANK YOU - I had to make the room in the TBR to jump them forward.
ABSOLUTELY WORTH IT.
I was so in love with Dark Rise that I had to move straight onto Dark Heir as soon as possible so I got to read them back-to-back.
This fantasy is so compelling. The morally grey situation - I don't even know if that is the correct term for Will but whatever he is - is absolutely perfect. Like a new favourite trope/theme/character arch unlocked. PERFECT.
All the different characters and perspectives are handled so well and give it so many layers. Obviously, the main twist is at the end of Dark Rise but this story kept delivering on my βwhat about that character?β thoughts. Highly recommend. Plus a Melbourne/Naarm Author π
Micro Activism: How You Can Make a Difference in the World Without a Bullhorn by Omkari Williams
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
4.5
Thank you to NetGalley, Storey Publishing & Omkari L. Williams for providing me with an eARC of Mirco Activism - How You Can Make a Difference in the World without a Bullhorn.
βββββ¨ rounded up - Available 24 October 2023 - Will publish to socials closer to publication date.
This book is a really amazing resource for activists at any stage of their activism journey. There is a clear focus on self preservation within the journey to ensure that individuals can give their best to their area of passion. I really enjoyed the focus on diving into your story, your legacy, your impact to create a strong a foundation for the actions and changes you will be implementing.
The concept of shallow vs deep work was so relatable, as a worker within the family violence response sector there was sooooo much to ponder on through this section - and honestly throughout most of the book. I have personally used a lot of the tips from the book in the last week since reading to push what a traditional organization might believe to be meaningful work and staff recognition.
I think that I need to mention that I don't think that the Activist Archetype Quiz is very reliable. Sorry. But I didn't think that the quiz was useful with less than 10 questions and a lot of questions where I didn't actually connect with any of the responses proposed. Omkari does note that everyone can be any of these Archetypes given particular circumstances and I think that the archetypes are useful to breakdown and understand the impact of activism relies on so many different skills and contributions. I just don't think that the Quiz to categorizes you into one/two of these archetypes is extremely helpful.
βββββ¨ rounded up - Available 24 October 2023 - Will publish to socials closer to publication date.
This book is a really amazing resource for activists at any stage of their activism journey. There is a clear focus on self preservation within the journey to ensure that individuals can give their best to their area of passion. I really enjoyed the focus on diving into your story, your legacy, your impact to create a strong a foundation for the actions and changes you will be implementing.
The concept of shallow vs deep work was so relatable, as a worker within the family violence response sector there was sooooo much to ponder on through this section - and honestly throughout most of the book. I have personally used a lot of the tips from the book in the last week since reading to push what a traditional organization might believe to be meaningful work and staff recognition.
I think that I need to mention that I don't think that the Activist Archetype Quiz is very reliable. Sorry. But I didn't think that the quiz was useful with less than 10 questions and a lot of questions where I didn't actually connect with any of the responses proposed. Omkari does note that everyone can be any of these Archetypes given particular circumstances and I think that the archetypes are useful to breakdown and understand the impact of activism relies on so many different skills and contributions. I just don't think that the Quiz to categorizes you into one/two of these archetypes is extremely helpful.
Alex Wise vs. the End of the World by Terry J. Benton-Walker
adventurous
emotional
funny
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? It's complicated
4.5
Thank you NetGalley, Random House Children's, Labyrinth Road and Terry J. Benton-Walker for providing me with an eARC of Alex Wise vs. the End of the World.
βββββ¨ Available 26 September 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I had read Blood Debts and was looking forward to this 'gods taking over kids' story so much. It didn't let me down.
Alex is a wonderful Middle Grade MC. A Black Queer Tween lost in shame that was thrown onto him by society, and even worse, his former best friend. The greatest thing that any queer kid can learn is that the shame you are feeling is not yours, it is not your burden, it is everyone else's trash that you should absolutely throw out! This story beautifully presents this process for Alex whilst he survives regular threats to his life by being turned into a previously human dust pile.
This fits perfectly into the urban grounded mythology MG/YA for teen readers, specifically like the Rick Riordan Universe. But this gives us stronger PoC and Queer representation - that isn't having a go at Uncle Rick just acknowledging the limitations of presenting diverse characters without lived experience.
Terry actually says it best in the acknowledgements with noting that Alex Wise and Cameron Battle could either be brothers or best friends. If you enjoyed the Cameron Battle books then this is a perfect next read. Highly recommend.
βββββ¨ Available 26 September 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this read. I had read Blood Debts and was looking forward to this 'gods taking over kids' story so much. It didn't let me down.
Alex is a wonderful Middle Grade MC. A Black Queer Tween lost in shame that was thrown onto him by society, and even worse, his former best friend. The greatest thing that any queer kid can learn is that the shame you are feeling is not yours, it is not your burden, it is everyone else's trash that you should absolutely throw out! This story beautifully presents this process for Alex whilst he survives regular threats to his life by being turned into a previously human dust pile.
This fits perfectly into the urban grounded mythology MG/YA for teen readers, specifically like the Rick Riordan Universe. But this gives us stronger PoC and Queer representation - that isn't having a go at Uncle Rick just acknowledging the limitations of presenting diverse characters without lived experience.
Terry actually says it best in the acknowledgements with noting that Alex Wise and Cameron Battle could either be brothers or best friends. If you enjoyed the Cameron Battle books then this is a perfect next read. Highly recommend.
Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree
emotional
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Thank you NetGalley, Macmillan Audio and Travis Baldree for providing me with a copy of the audio-book for Bookshops & Bonedust for review.
βββββ - available 7 November
Firstly, the narration of this book is incredible. It really brought the individual characters to life for me. I was shocked that Travis was self narrating until I found out that they are a prolific narrator and extremely capable of self narrating!
Secondly, I haven't read Legends & Lattes, it is on my shelf but not yet read. When I requested this book, I was prepared to read it before listening to B&B but then I found out that it is prequel and I decided to go in blind. From friends and Bookstagram, I know that L&L is a warm and fuzzy character driven book that has limited plot, or at least an 'everyday life plot'. So I was expecting something similar.
We certainly get the character driven plot and everyday life story for about 50% of this book but there is actually a plot unfolding along the way. If your concerns with L&L are that nothing really happens, know that there is some plot occurring. It isn't like an intense murder mystery plot but there is something pulling our characters along for the second half.
Basically, I loved this book. I got of the wrong train to work one morning because I was so engrossed in this story. AND I had a teary eye at the end. Not sure I would ask for more π
I am looking forward to moving onto L&L and fingers crossed we at least get one more story in this universe with these characters π
βββββ - available 7 November
Firstly, the narration of this book is incredible. It really brought the individual characters to life for me. I was shocked that Travis was self narrating until I found out that they are a prolific narrator and extremely capable of self narrating!
Secondly, I haven't read Legends & Lattes, it is on my shelf but not yet read. When I requested this book, I was prepared to read it before listening to B&B but then I found out that it is prequel and I decided to go in blind. From friends and Bookstagram, I know that L&L is a warm and fuzzy character driven book that has limited plot, or at least an 'everyday life plot'. So I was expecting something similar.
We certainly get the character driven plot and everyday life story for about 50% of this book but there is actually a plot unfolding along the way. If your concerns with L&L are that nothing really happens, know that there is some plot occurring. It isn't like an intense murder mystery plot but there is something pulling our characters along for the second half.
Basically, I loved this book. I got of the wrong train to work one morning because I was so engrossed in this story. AND I had a teary eye at the end. Not sure I would ask for more π
I am looking forward to moving onto L&L and fingers crossed we at least get one more story in this universe with these characters π
You Are Not a Before Picture: How to Finally Make Peace with Your Body, for Good by Alex Light
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
5.0
Thank you NetGalley, Hapercollins UK Audio and Alex Light for providing me with a copy of the Audiobook for 'You Are Not a Before Picture' for review.
βββββ
Now I want to be completely honest, I was a little hesitant to pick this up as the author is a cis white woman of average body size with social media advocacy being the primary source of authority. I felt that the risk of 'just love your body' being the only output of this book was very high. But I was extremely shocked and actually delighted by the constant acknowledgement of privilege, highlighting of research and continuous attempts to center more marginalised bodies. The author does an amazing job on this front and I can absolutely recommend the book for people concerned about a body positive/neutral book from a person with a 'passing body'.
I loved this book. It was everything for me in this moment. I have soooo many reflections that I could be here for hours writing about them. As an individual in eating disorder recovery it was just perfect and hit soooo many relatable moments. I suggest that EVERYONE reads the 'History of Diet Culture' section if they never read anything else in the world.
βββββ
Now I want to be completely honest, I was a little hesitant to pick this up as the author is a cis white woman of average body size with social media advocacy being the primary source of authority. I felt that the risk of 'just love your body' being the only output of this book was very high. But I was extremely shocked and actually delighted by the constant acknowledgement of privilege, highlighting of research and continuous attempts to center more marginalised bodies. The author does an amazing job on this front and I can absolutely recommend the book for people concerned about a body positive/neutral book from a person with a 'passing body'.
I loved this book. It was everything for me in this moment. I have soooo many reflections that I could be here for hours writing about them. As an individual in eating disorder recovery it was just perfect and hit soooo many relatable moments. I suggest that EVERYONE reads the 'History of Diet Culture' section if they never read anything else in the world.
The Mossheart's Promise by Rebecca Mix
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Thank you NetGalley, Harpercollins Childrens Books and Rebecca Mix for providing me with a copy of A Mossheart's Promise for review.
4.5/5 rounded up - Available 5 September 2023
This is an outstanding middle grade fantasy book. I loved it. Stick with me here, it is as if Mix went to a writing class/group and the writing prompt was 'terrarium fantasy' and BAM! A Mossheart's Promise was born.
Canary is brilliant. She is the perfect MG MC with a nice blend between the Chosen One and the Reluctant Hero tropes. I always believed in her and I always wanted her to succeed just because of the kindness that she kept throughout her journey.
The ragtag mix of friends/found family trope is also beautiful. I loved what each side character brought along and the journey that each of them took with our MC, Ary.
I also think that we need to highlight how the queerness of this story is presented. The normality of heterosexual attraction for tween characters is rampant throughout sooooo much MG and young readers material. This story presents the same level of 'MC stunned by beautiful/hot/cute character' as any heterosexual literature but just does it beautifully in a way that allows a young queer reader to have their love interest moment like everyone else. There is no discussion or exploration as to whether homophobia exists in this fantasy world and so I will choose to believe that it doesn't :)
4.5/5 rounded up - Available 5 September 2023
This is an outstanding middle grade fantasy book. I loved it. Stick with me here, it is as if Mix went to a writing class/group and the writing prompt was 'terrarium fantasy' and BAM! A Mossheart's Promise was born.
Canary is brilliant. She is the perfect MG MC with a nice blend between the Chosen One and the Reluctant Hero tropes. I always believed in her and I always wanted her to succeed just because of the kindness that she kept throughout her journey.
The ragtag mix of friends/found family trope is also beautiful. I loved what each side character brought along and the journey that each of them took with our MC, Ary.
I also think that we need to highlight how the queerness of this story is presented. The normality of heterosexual attraction for tween characters is rampant throughout sooooo much MG and young readers material. This story presents the same level of 'MC stunned by beautiful/hot/cute character' as any heterosexual literature but just does it beautifully in a way that allows a young queer reader to have their love interest moment like everyone else. There is no discussion or exploration as to whether homophobia exists in this fantasy world and so I will choose to believe that it doesn't :)
The Legacy of Yangchen by F.C. Yee
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Thank you NetGalley, Blackstone Publishing and F. C. Yee for providing a copy of Avatar, The Last Airbender: The Legacy of Yangchen as Audiobook for review.
Firstly, Nancy Wu's voice acting in this is great. The voice for Yangchen is perfect Airbender Avatar - light, airy, calming and full of presence. Loved it.
Secondly, though I absolutely adore Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra TV series's, I have not dipped my toe into the expanded novel universe before. Truthfully, starting with this one as a sequel to Yangchen's origin story was not the brightest move on my behalf. I believe that this links very closely to the plot of the first Yangchen story and I did struggle a little to keep up.
Both of those out of the way, what I could keep track of was wonderful. I loved all the layers to this story. Plus a classic heist featuring the Avatar Universe's Poker in the middle was wonderful.
I really enjoyed learning more about this universe and would be keen to explore the other titles.
Firstly, Nancy Wu's voice acting in this is great. The voice for Yangchen is perfect Airbender Avatar - light, airy, calming and full of presence. Loved it.
Secondly, though I absolutely adore Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra TV series's, I have not dipped my toe into the expanded novel universe before. Truthfully, starting with this one as a sequel to Yangchen's origin story was not the brightest move on my behalf. I believe that this links very closely to the plot of the first Yangchen story and I did struggle a little to keep up.
Both of those out of the way, what I could keep track of was wonderful. I loved all the layers to this story. Plus a classic heist featuring the Avatar Universe's Poker in the middle was wonderful.
I really enjoyed learning more about this universe and would be keen to explore the other titles.
The Mini ADHD Coach: How to (finally) Understand Yourself by Alice Gendron
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
5.0
Thank you @netgalley @chroniclebooks and Alice Gendron for providing me with a copy of the Mini ADHD Coach for review.
This is a super cute book. Alice incorporates her wonderful illustrations throughout the pages and tells so much of the content through them.
As a fellow Adult ADHDer this was very helpful at validating my experiences. I have read a few textbook/detailed ADHD self help books but none of them actually struck my core behaviours/experiences. There were numerous occasions throughout this book that I click for the first time that certain things that I did (or find difficult to do) could actually be linked to my ADHD.
I think that materials produced by lived experience creators hold such a powerful place in the literary world but can sometimes become a bit patronizing to readers that 'just haven't sorted their mess of a life out by making their bed every morning yet'. This book does not do that and it constantly comes from a place of love, support and curiosity.
Now, it is brief. It is not a detailed guide and it is the sort of book you find sitting on the top row at a department sort for the '150 happiness tips' that are smaller than A5 print. But that is its market and it hits that target very well.
This is a super cute book. Alice incorporates her wonderful illustrations throughout the pages and tells so much of the content through them.
As a fellow Adult ADHDer this was very helpful at validating my experiences. I have read a few textbook/detailed ADHD self help books but none of them actually struck my core behaviours/experiences. There were numerous occasions throughout this book that I click for the first time that certain things that I did (or find difficult to do) could actually be linked to my ADHD.
I think that materials produced by lived experience creators hold such a powerful place in the literary world but can sometimes become a bit patronizing to readers that 'just haven't sorted their mess of a life out by making their bed every morning yet'. This book does not do that and it constantly comes from a place of love, support and curiosity.
Now, it is brief. It is not a detailed guide and it is the sort of book you find sitting on the top row at a department sort for the '150 happiness tips' that are smaller than A5 print. But that is its market and it hits that target very well.