mad_bandersnatch's reviews
54 reviews

The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan

adventurous dark emotional funny tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Rereading the series as I never finished the last three when they come out and there is a lot to remember.  But still a fantastic as I remember.  Great world building, great characters, magic system and writing.  Keeps you invesed the whole way through.

The Time Machine by H.G. Wells

adventurous mysterious reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

Legendborn by Tracy Deonn

adventurous emotional mysterious sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Interesting take on a modern round table and Arthurian legend linking the past to modern day.  Lots of heavy themes of loss, grief, and generational trama.  Magic system is a little shaky at times, but holds up.
Over all a interesting read, will be reading the sequel.

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Nice easy read, the world of Oz is both interesting and whimsical.   Was intrigued to see the full extent of the world explored in this first book vs. what was covered in the movie.  Loved discovering the full backstories for the main trio of companions and the full extent of their happy endings. 

The Ocean at the End of the Lane by Neil Gaiman

adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Wonderfully spooky tale of remembered childhood experiences and ancient Eldritch horrors from before time.

Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

Another delightfuly cozy, with a little bit of adventure sprinkled on top story from this author.  As a prequel to Legends and lattes, loved all the new characters and seeing Viv discover there might be something to the quiet live after the adventure is done.  
The themes of friendship, food and stories mix very well and leaves one will light happy feeling once finished.

A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

dark hopeful mysterious reflective sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

Six of Crows by Leigh Bardugo

adventurous dark emotional funny tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Fell in love with this particular group on characters from the show above all others and just had to read the books. 
The cast is a fantastic collection of thieves, burgerlers, murderers, gamblers, and those dragged along for the ride.
Loved the fast paced heist style story and all the schemes played out by the characters.   Plus the added trope of idiots in love played out by multiple sets of characters in different flavors.

House of Many Ways by Diana Wynne Jones

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-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

Quite enjoyed the final book of this series.  Much like the first book this is a story of a girl leaving her family home and discovering what she is truly capable of, although under far more willing circumstances than Sophie.

The returning characters from the first two books are a delight as always and Charmaine herself develops into quite the fun character. Howl and Sophie steal the show a little which is quite alright.   Sophie trying her best not to completly murder her husband in front of a king and Howl apparently throwing a tantrum from 'being denied his stwipey pants' had me all but chocking on laughter.

Was initially warned about this final book due to the bug people and their rather unfortunate reproductive cycle, but there was nothing too graphic or disturbing in the end.  But do probably be warned that there are man sized bugs, eggs inside of people and insectoid transformations if these things make you any bit squeamish.

Over all loved this final installment far more than the second book, but the first still stands strong as my favorite.

Ahsoka by E.K. Johnston

adventurous dark emotional inspiring reflective tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

Loved this book. As I believe it came out before the release of season 7 of clone wars there is a few discrepancies between this and how things ended up being in the show. But only minor points that don't affect the over all flow between this book, clone wars and rebels.  
Loved how the author filled in the gap of when Ahsoka left the order and then found her way again as Fulcrum for the Rebellion.  The book beautifuly shows the struggles of surviving Jedi as they have to hide themselves but still want to help those in need, and the growing threat and cruelty of the Empire.