mikaylay's reviews
125 reviews

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

sad tense medium-paced

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

3.5

 

In certain parts, the characters were well developed, while others were only modestly developed. Patroclus is a wonderful relatable character who makes the readers feel emotions and want to protect him at all costs, but the way he constantly admires Achilles' physical features and appears to be more of a shadow to him than a lover or friend at times makes me wonder about Patroclus' overall development. I also believe that the author's decision to make Patroclus a non-fighter hampered his development into more than just a side character and narrator to the story, much like in the Iliad, where he had no meaningful story of his own apart from Achilles. Achilles was a modestly developed character as readers learned more about the reasoning behind his life choices and what led to his closeness with Patroclus; however, the war scene and his choices during the war, combined with his emotionally cut-off side, caused him to fall flat as a character, and his overall development appears to require more time and adjustment. Achilles could have been a fantastically developed character if Miller had written him as more open with his feelings toward Patroclus and in general than he was in the second or third section of the novel. Some of the secondary characters, such as Briseis, functioned well and were explored further by Miller, but others appeared to fall flat or did not receive as much development as they could have in the novel. I liked how Miller wrote the connection and relationship between Briseis and Patroclus because it provided a new viewpoint on this aspect of the story and was heartwarming and good to both characters' development. Madeline Miller does an excellent job of writing conceivable, vivid, and enticing settings and atmospheres that transport readers into the story world alongside the protagonists. The writing was beautiful and innovative, but also unconventional and unclear at times. Patroclus' descriptions of Achilles were tedious and repetitious, and they took my attention away from the growth of both characters and the main plot. The descriptions revealed how Patroclus appreciated Achilles' physical characteristics but lacked his emotions or nonphysical aspects, which made me wonder if Patroclus was simply physically drawn to him or felt a deeper connection with him. The war scenes, along with a few others, were written in a confused and inconsistent manner, which may simply be attributed to word choice. The premise was interesting, with a few decent plot twists, but it fell flat overall, felt predictable, and left me a little dissatisfied because it felt more like an updated version of the Iliad than a modern and unique retelling of the story in general. The curiosity and pleasure of reading this narrative began strong but gradually faded owing to some of the wording, slow plot development, and lack of growth for some of the characters. Overall, I liked how we got to witness more of Patroclus' story before he met Achilles, as well as learn more about his personality, relationship with Briseis and the men in war, and some of the inner workings of Achilles and Patroclus' friendship. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller is an updated version of the Achilles and Patroclus story with amazing imaginative settings, some interesting character relationship twists, and an overall good story for anyone looking for a more modern rendition of the Iliad. 

Come As You Are by Jess K. Hardy

adventurous funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing 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

 Thank You to Netgalley, author, and publisher for sending me a digital e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
 
The cover is vivid, well-drawn, and accurately depicts the characters, scene, and tale. The map in the book is lovely and looks like a marketing map for a park or ski resort. The narrative contains elements of humor, realism, romance, sadness, and reflection, which made me laugh, smile, cry, and feel and reflect with the characters. The characters are all so relatable, charming, and well-developed that you feel as if you are right beside them, developing with them on their adventures. The plot was brilliantly written, well-developed, and had a few minor plot twists that added mystery and intrigue to the story, making it even more engaging. The writing was beautiful, realistic, and inventive, which made it easy to identify with the characters and immerse oneself in the plot and environment. The characters, events, and plot drew me in from the first page, and I wish I could have read it all in one night, but I couldn't.

The humor is well-done, and it serves to alleviate the stress and difficult periods in the book while helping readers laugh alongside the characters. There are so many relatable moments for various people, such as worrying about how one will pay their bills, feeling like life has taken you on a rollercoaster you did not agree to ride, grieving a parent, having a difficult time in life but doing your best to get back on track for yourself and loved ones. I appreciate how on the cover and in the book, it is mentioned that Madigan has fear and hope tattooed on his hands, which to me felt like a nod and warning to not let fear control you or overwhelm optimism for a brighter future. I adored and enjoyed Madigan's brother and parent-type banter, as well as his bond with the men from Little Timber. Their friendships were entertaining, witty, relatable, and admirable. Ashley's connection with her daughter Davis and mother, Maude Alice, was relatable and reminded me of my own with my mother. Murphy the dog, despite being a minor character, plays a crucial role as a lovable sidekick who sets things in motion while also serving as a loving fur companion. I liked how Ashley and Madigan's romance progressed; it was realistic, amusing, and impressive in how they supported each other's journey to conquer their challenges, anxieties, and strive for their goals. The romance becomes a little spicy, hence the mature rating, but it contributes to the plot and character development rather than detracting from it, which I really loved.

Come As You Are by Jess K. Hardy is a beautifully written and developed book about overcoming obstacles, finding one's way again, moving on from the past, and learning to live in the present, as well as learning that things and people are not all the same and that it is okay to learn, give, and receive love again. Recommended for readers looking for a beautiful, amusing, and touching contemporary romance with two older main characters, a cute dog, sibling-like banter amongst friends, and more. This is the first novel in Jess K. Hardy's Bluebird Basin series; however, both may be read as standalones. I've already bought a digital copy of both volumes in the series, Come As You Are and Lips Like Sugar. I look forward to reading Lips Like Sugar and additional Jess K. Hardy works in the future. 

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Content Warnings

Minor: Addiction, Toxic relationship, Grief, Death of parent, Gaslighting

The Day Tiger Rose Said Goodbye by Jim LaMarche, Jane Yolen

emotional lighthearted reflective sad medium-paced

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

5.0

The author's dedication to her previous kitties is both heartbreaking and heartwarming. The illustrations by Jim LaMarche are colorful and gorgeous, and they work nicely with the accompanying text to bring the words, story, and message to life. Tiger Rose is a kind, compassionate character. The plot is well-developed and moderately paced. The prose is whimsical, with touches of sweet melancholy. The narrative does an excellent job of demonstrating how much a cat pays attention to its surroundings, the objects in its environment, and the connections it may form. The finale was stunning and executed perfectly. The Day Tiger Rose Said Goodbye, written by Jane Yolen and illustrated by Jim LaMarche, is a lovely children's book about a beloved cat saying goodbye to the people and things she sees, hears, smells, and loves every day, as well as the ones who do all of this for her. I believe both children and adults will like this one, and those who have lost or own an older cat will be able to relate to Tiger Rose's narrative. Children and adults will enjoy learning or teaching about a cat going to kitty heaven. The book also carries an essential message about loving and paying attention to our pets every day because we never know when the last day will come.

This Land Is Our Land: a Blue Beetle Story by Julio Anta

adventurous informative mysterious relaxing 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? No

5.0

 Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and author for an E-ARC of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.

 The novel includes many subtle details in each scene that, if not carefully observed, might be overlooked but contribute interesting nuances to the characters, setting, and storyline. The illustrations are well-executed, vibrant, and effectively convey the narrative and events. The writing is clear, engaging, and descriptive. The characters are relatable and well-developed, offering ample room for future growth. The plot skillfully combines elements of fantasy, contemporary themes, and mystery to create a captivating and enjoyable story. The integration of text and artwork results in a vivid, engaging, informative, and concise reading experience. Minor elements like specific clothing worn by characters, highlighted words, and the use of colors like red in text boxes enhance the reader's connection to the characters, setting, and plot. While the graphic novel may center around superheroes, it also touches on significant contemporary issues such as violence, discrimination, social justice, self-discovery, relationships, and family dynamics. The portrayal of navigating morality through online influences is realistic, relatable, and particularly relevant in today's digital age with the prevalence of social media and other forms of media. The piece showcases a diverse range of characters from different cultures and races, each with distinct personalities, hobbies, and opinions. While the graphic novel's brevity and dramatic nature might not suit all readers, it opens up opportunities for the development, evolution, and further storytelling of the Blue Beetle character and the overarching narrative. This Land is Our Land: A Blue Beetle Story is a concise, engaging, educational, approachable, and authentic contemporary superhero graphic novel that will resonate with readers aged 14 and older who appreciate ordinary superheroes and beetles. 

Three City Kitties by Ashley Barron

lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

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

5.0

 Thank You to Netgalley, author, and publisher for sending me a digital e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. 

 

 The cover is cute and eye-catching. The text's rhymes and sounds are simple to follow and understand, and they add a pleasant tone to the reading experience. The artwork is realistic, charming, well-done, and sometimes appears three-dimensional. The author does a wonderful job discussing and demonstrating everyday cat activities. I enjoyed how the author based the novel on her three city cats. I see some nice learning opportunities and topics in this book, including crafts (draw or create your own city cat), cat behavior, and city life. My only concern was that I wished the book had been longer so that readers could see and bond more with the three cats, Nori, Yeti, and Flo. Ashley Barron's Three City Kitties is a quick, delightful read with colorful drawings and an easy-to-follow plot that children will appreciate. 

The Four Emotions of Christmas by Bob Lepine
Did not finish book. Stopped at 61%.

Some of the content in the book was relatable and made me stop to make me think about my emotions around the holidays. Unfortunately the book overall was feeling like a church preaching than a book about the why, how, and what  emotions people feel around the Christmas season. 

Popcorn by Rob Harrell

funny informative 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? No

4.0

 

Reviewed for Netgalley, Author, and Publisher in exchange for an honest review. 
 

The cover is interesting and accurately depicts the story and the feeling of anxiety. The graphics in the novel are well-drawn, complement the accompanying text, and make good visual aids for young readers. The humor throughout the novel is excellent, giving it a lighthearted and comedic feel that will draw in and keep young readers reading till the end. Andrew and Jonesy's friendship was fantastic, and I adored it. The characters are well-developed and realistic, and we get a glimpse of each of their characteristics, allowing us to sympathize with and connect with them. The plot was engaging, amusing, and well-developed overall. The settings were imaginative, realistic, and well-written. The book offers fantastic learning opportunities for readers of all ages about the various forms and coping methods of anxiety, the impacts and feelings of anxiety, and how Alzheimer's affects both the person who has it and their loved ones. The book also does an excellent job of emphasizing the necessity of open communication through voice, body language, and written communication. I liked how the author gave additional materials about anxiety, OCD, and Alzheimer's at the end of the novel so that readers could learn more about them if they wanted. The writing was enjoyable, witty, and descriptive, although it might use some minor editing. As someone who suffers from social anxiety and minor OCD, I found the book to be sympathetic, realistic, and full of opportunities to learn about these conditions. Popcorn by Rob Harrell is an excellent novel with humor, learning, friendship, and support systems. I would recommend this book to anybody aged 13 and above who is or knows someone who is battling with anxiety, OCD, or Alzheimer's, as well as readers looking for a humorous and illustrated fiction book that deals with difficult themes in a lighthearted manner. 

Mismatched: A Modern Graphic Retelling of Emma by Anne Camlin, Isadora Zeferino

lighthearted 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

3.5

 

Thank You to Netgalley, author, illustrator, and publisher for sending me an e-arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.

 The cover is stunningly illustrated, eye-catching, and cute. I enjoyed how the author presented and tackled the novel's themes of varied sexualities, gender identifications, personalities, and pasts. All the characters developed nicely. Readers can identify the flaws and traits of each character in the narrative. I found it realistic and interesting how some of the characters had to overcome obstacles to feel comfortable being themselves. The graphic novel teaches people to treat everyone with respect and kindness while trying to avoid passing judgment or making assumptions about others before getting to know them. The illustrations that appeared throughout the text were fantastic, but they were hazy at times in the e-book version, which could be due to a conversion issue. The primary critique I have, even though it contributes to Evan's overall character growth and learning, is the way he reacts, acts, and behaves toward some of the other characters because they do not behave or like the same things he does in real life. I believe the author could have possibly had Evan be a little less harsh towards them while still retaining his character development and learning over the narrative. The story is a loose adaptation of Emma, with Evan's matchmaking, but readers do not need to have read Emma to enjoy this book. The graphic novel contains excellent visuals, teachings, character development, and a plot that is simple to read, comprehend, and follow. Mismatched, written by Anne Camlin and drawn by Isadora Zeferino, is for individuals who enjoy good character development, the voyage of self-discovery and love, and the art of learning to value our friendships with others. 

Not in My Book by Katie Holt

funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

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

4.0

  Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and author for an E-ARC of this book to read in exchange for an honest review. 

The cover is beautifully drawn and properly conveys the tension between the book's key characters. The book could benefit from editing because some of the sentences were unclear and fragmented, and the semester timeline was confusing as the book transitioned from Fall to Summer. I believe the author could easily fix this by stating that the characters are taking this specific class for a total of two semesters. The first semester, from fall to spring, consisted of them penning the first half of their co-authored novel. The second semester, from spring to summer, was the second half of their collaborative literary adventure. The book is full of cliches and tropes, making it both endearing and frustrating. The cliches were a nice touch and occasionally hilarious when Aiden and Rosie were co-writing, but the number of them felt a little excessive and detracted from the narrative for me. The greatest drawback for me was Aiden and Rosie's blurring of fiction and reality, as well as the characters they wrote about in their novel, which was obvious and repetitive. The author might improve this by only using scenes from their co-written novel that elaborate on what happened to Aiden and Rosie, rather than repeating it. For example, if Aiden and Rosie kissed in the book and their characters in their novel kissed as well, rather than having it repeat in the same chapter, supply readers with their reflections or anxieties about the kiss without rewriting the kissing sequence that occurred in real life. I enjoyed the interactions Aiden and Rosie had while co-writing their novel, and how it led to strong character development for both. I believe it also led to and contributed a unique perspective to the fact that it is sometimes easier to openly connect with people online first, even if you only see and talk to them twice a week in person, before being able to open up to them on a deeper level in person. I enjoyed how the author wrote and developed two characters that had experienced love and see romance in different lights and must talk and nearly educate one another about those opposing viewpoints to better understand one another as people. I appreciated how much of Rosie's life and family we as readers got to learn and see, but we rarely get to know about Aiden's life. I believe that allowing readers to see and hear more about Aiden's life will help them develop a stronger connection to him as a character and individual. 

Rosie's decision to drop out of NYU because of a boy was disappointing and felt like a step back from her character's development. It also threw me off because she is originally fired up, defensive, and determined to become a writer and defend the honor of romance novels for all. I thought her dropping out was unnecessary and could have been handled better. For example, the author may have had her travel home for the summer to recover and think about herself and her writing before returning to NYU for the fall term, with Aiden meeting her there and working toward reconciliation and apologies for the fight. 

 

 

The author does an excellent job of demonstrating the blurring of truth and fiction that may occur when writing a novel, various perspectives on relationships, and how writing feedback can be stressful and upsetting, but also beneficial and motivating in continuing to grow as a writer and person.  Not in My Book by Katie Holt is for those who appreciate romance, cliches, and the challenging skill of creating and balancing fiction and reality. 

Slayer by Kiersten White

medium-paced

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

3.5

 

The writing is strong and descriptive, however, the castle descriptions and Nina's hatred for slayers can get a little redundant. The characters were somewhat unpleasant and could have benefited from further development, particularly Nina. Nina's grudges against people, as well as her flip-flopping between wanting to be a slayer and not, were perplexing and frustrating. The miscommunication between Nina and Artemis irritated me because their relationship was so amazing at first, but the lack of miscommunication regarding major matters caused a huge rift in their connection with one another, breaking my heart and nerves. I watched Buffy, which is why I picked up this book, however, the book is so focused on Buffy and her background that if you have not seen Buffy, you will lose out on a lot of the memories and references throughout the book. If you've seen it and enjoy Buffy as a character and slayer, beware since this book is largely Nina criticizing Buffy the entire time. Nina's romantic relationship with Leo was unclear, and I felt like I was watching a reality TV love show about crushes and whether or not we should like them. The concept was fantastic, but there were a few events in the book that didn't make total sense to the broader plotline, such as Nina's mother sending Leo out of nowhere to save a slayer on his own. I enjoyed learning about some of the demons in the book. Cillian and Rhys were my favorite characters, and I thought they had the best overall development and kept me interested throughout the novel. Slayer is a decent book filled with action, mystery, and interesting insight into Buffy's world, but the lack of character development, constant bickering and miscommunication, and Nina's back and forth over whether or not to be a slayer is why the book is rated 3.5 out of 5 stars by me.