marywjensen's reviews
644 reviews

Once More Upon a Time by Roshani Chokshi

adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted 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? Yes

5.0

Short but delightful twist on fairytales. Imelda and Ambrose go on a quest for a witch, the same witch who took their love as payment for saving Imelda's life. Can they find love again? Plenty of adventure, banter, and untraditional characters. I loved how they used traditional magical gifts in unconventional ways (like using dresses from a walnut shell as a makeshift tent). Plenty of fun. Highly recommend.

King Cheer by Molly Horton Booth, Stephanie Kate Strohm

emotional medium-paced

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

4.0

This follows the drama of choosing a new captain for Cheer Squad. Plenty of diversity and queer inclusivity, and just a dash of magic. Can't make a comparison to the King Lear aspect, as I am not familiar with it. But there were definite Team Rocket vibes with our cheer twins. Plenty of high school and relationship drama.

The Christmas Book Hunt by Jenny Colgan

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Delightful book hunt from London to Scotland. The descriptions of the cities and bookshops were so good that I want to do the tour following their journey. You may not always find what you are looking for, but the unexpected treasures can be the best. I enjoyed Mirren's relationship with her great-aunt, and the old fashioned banter with Theo.

Red Dust and Dancing Horses and Other Stories by Beth Cato

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

4.0

Lots of great stories, ranging from historical fantasy to sci-fi to magical realism to post-apocalyptic. Beth Cato has a clear voice throughout. Themes of memory, souls, and identity. 

The Strange Case of Harleen and Harley by Melissa Marr, Jenn St-Onge

adventurous dark 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? Yes

5.0

Interesting mash up of Harley Quinn and Jekyll and Hyde. Good chemistry between Harleen and Pam (Ivy). I liked how clear it was when Harleen switched to Harley, both visually with the change in text and personality.

Impact Winter Season 3 by Travis Beacham

adventurous dark hopeful 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? Yes

5.0

So good! More twists and turns and amazing characters. So intense. Wish I didn't have to wait for the final season!

The Conjurer's Wife by Sarah Penner

mysterious fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

5.0

I wasn't able to guess the twist on this one. You really feel for the main character, and cheer for her success as she solves a mystery. I love a good karma story. I hope Olivia finds her happy ending. This was short but satisfying.

Barda by Ngozi Ukazu

dark hopeful sad slow-paced

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

4.0

Apokolips is a terrible, harsh, place. Barda has to figure out what to fight for. 

Static Up All Night by Paris Alleyne, Lamar Giles
Did not finish book.

Text is too small.

The Lumberjack's Dove: A Poem by GennaRose Nethercott

dark mysterious reflective slow-paced

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

4.0

A strange but beautiful tale of a woodcutter who loses his hand. Poetic, and filled with a sense of folklore and fairytale. I enjoyed all the truth in the rules of storytelling.

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Body horror, Medical content, Injury/Injury detail