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modernmatilda's reviews
98 reviews
Flash Fire by TJ Klune
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
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
5.0
*SCREAMS FOREVERRRRRRR*
Content Warnings
Moderate: Gun violence, Homophobia, Violence, Police brutality, and Death of parent
The Extraordinaries by TJ Klune
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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
•The Extraordinaries by TJ Klune•
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Friends to lovers is better than enemies to lovers, there I said it!!
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The Extraordinaries by TJ Klune is a JOY and I enjoyed every minute of Nick and his larger-than-life (aka closer-to-home) fanfic about his local superheros/villains. Like House in the Cerulean Sea, the characters are wonderfully loveable and the plot will make you smile until bursting.
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Also, I'm quickly realizing that my favorite romance troupe is adorable, oblivious, dorky, slightly-curmudgeony main characters 😅
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This book is for anyone who has ever dreamed about being a superhero, has wanted to fall in love with a superhero, or needs a reminder that they are extraordinary enough already.
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Content warnings: homophobia, death of parent, police brutality
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Friends to lovers is better than enemies to lovers, there I said it!!
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The Extraordinaries by TJ Klune is a JOY and I enjoyed every minute of Nick and his larger-than-life (aka closer-to-home) fanfic about his local superheros/villains. Like House in the Cerulean Sea, the characters are wonderfully loveable and the plot will make you smile until bursting.
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Also, I'm quickly realizing that my favorite romance troupe is adorable, oblivious, dorky, slightly-curmudgeony main characters 😅
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This book is for anyone who has ever dreamed about being a superhero, has wanted to fall in love with a superhero, or needs a reminder that they are extraordinary enough already.
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Content warnings: homophobia, death of parent, police brutality
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia, Violence, Police brutality, and Death of parent
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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
Reread #1 thoughts: I started rereading this book immediately after finishing it the first time and would read a chapter or two whenever I felt anxious or sad. This book is a blessing and so many of my friend have read it and that makes my heart explode. I love this book so much; it feels like the most comforting hug in the universe.
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I wish you could hear the excitement in my voice when I write that this is the BEST BOOK EVER. ABSOLUTELY EVER. I always find that it is hardest to review my top favorite books, but I will try to be calm, cool, and eloquent... Who am I kidding PLEASE READ THIS BOOK IT IS SO GOOD! *ahem*
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As a government caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, Linus Baker's job is to remain observant, objective, and distant. To everyone's surprise (even his own), Linus is given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage to report on the wellbeing of six dangerous children: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Plus their (particularly good looking) caretaker, Arthur Parnassus. Of course, Linus uncovers a few unexpected finds and surprising discoveries during his visit...
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Trust me, this book is as INCREDIBLE as it sounds! The writing is witty, the story is the perfect amount of squishy-happiness, and the characters are more adorable than they have any right to be. This found-family story is a celebration of weirdos, oddballs, and misfits; a cry for letting freak flags flags; a reminder to keep fiercely fighting for spaces for ALL.
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I wish you could hear the excitement in my voice when I write that this is the BEST BOOK EVER. ABSOLUTELY EVER. I always find that it is hardest to review my top favorite books, but I will try to be calm, cool, and eloquent... Who am I kidding PLEASE READ THIS BOOK IT IS SO GOOD! *ahem*
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As a government caseworker for the Department in Charge of Magical Youth, Linus Baker's job is to remain observant, objective, and distant. To everyone's surprise (even his own), Linus is given a curious and highly classified assignment: travel to Marsyas Island Orphanage to report on the wellbeing of six dangerous children: a gnome, a sprite, a wyvern, an unidentifiable green blob, a were-Pomeranian, and the Antichrist. Plus their (particularly good looking) caretaker, Arthur Parnassus. Of course, Linus uncovers a few unexpected finds and surprising discoveries during his visit...
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Trust me, this book is as INCREDIBLE as it sounds! The writing is witty, the story is the perfect amount of squishy-happiness, and the characters are more adorable than they have any right to be. This found-family story is a celebration of weirdos, oddballs, and misfits; a cry for letting freak flags flags; a reminder to keep fiercely fighting for spaces for ALL.
Breathe and Count Back from Ten by Natalia Sylvester
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-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
This book is full of heart and will forever be on my list of book recommendations, especially if you're looking for a wonderful summer read with disability rep, Peruvian-American rep, and a fierce female lead who is just so pure and good. Wonderful intersectional discussions about immigration, family obligations, disability access, representation, ableism, healthy first romances, and so much more.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Chronic illness, and Medical content
Minor: Sexism and Toxic relationship
Unmasked by the Marquess by Cat Sebastian
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Hate the cover, love the book.
Ever since falling deeply in love with A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall, I've been searching around for other queer regency romances. Cat Sebastian's name was recommended to me several times and although I wanted to start with the second in this series (#LibraryMainCharacter), I decided to pick this one up and I'm glad I did.
Unmasked by the Marquess features a M/NB love story that was pretty cute. Charity (who has taken on the persona of Robert Selby in order to protect his little sister) was a fascinating and charming character; she is nonbinary, uses she/her pronouns, and feels more comfortable presenting as a male with male clothing. I really appreciated the author's note at the end of the book and Charity's heart is really the heart of the story.
Love interest Pembroke on the other hand is a butthead. And sometimes in a charming way and other times he was flat-out rude to Charity about her preferences to the point that I couldn't believe their love story. If I was Charity, I would have dumped him so hard.
But eventually, he comes riding on a horse with a kitten in his pocket because he can't bear to be without her and finally grasps her values, so I guess it was kind of cute. I adore the sibling's relationships and the general vibe of the whole book. I would recommend it, but I'm hoping to find some stronger love stories in the future.
Ever since falling deeply in love with A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall, I've been searching around for other queer regency romances. Cat Sebastian's name was recommended to me several times and although I wanted to start with the second in this series (#LibraryMainCharacter), I decided to pick this one up and I'm glad I did.
Unmasked by the Marquess features a M/NB love story that was pretty cute. Charity (who has taken on the persona of Robert Selby in order to protect his little sister) was a fascinating and charming character; she is nonbinary, uses she/her pronouns, and feels more comfortable presenting as a male with male clothing. I really appreciated the author's note at the end of the book and Charity's heart is really the heart of the story.
Love interest Pembroke on the other hand is a butthead. And sometimes in a charming way and other times he was flat-out rude to Charity about her preferences to the point that I couldn't believe their love story. If I was Charity, I would have dumped him so hard.
But eventually, he comes riding on a horse with a kitten in his pocket because he can't bear to be without her and finally grasps her values, so I guess it was kind of cute. I adore the sibling's relationships and the general vibe of the whole book. I would recommend it, but I'm hoping to find some stronger love stories in the future.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, and Transphobia
The Hazel Wood by Melissa Albert
adventurous
challenging
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
First half of the book: utterly brilliantce
Second half of the book: utterly brilliant... but in a different way?
Second half of the book: utterly brilliant... but in a different way?
Coraline by Neil Gaiman
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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? No
5.0
In eight grade, I read the graphic novel adaptation for a book club at the library. It's so cool to be revisiting the story years later as a library employee myself. Not to mention one of my fondest memories was meeting a small child dressed up as Coraline while I was dressed up as Coraline during a Pop-up Library at comic con.
I live for Coraline. Seriously, such a genius creepy little book.
I live for Coraline. Seriously, such a genius creepy little book.
TJ Powar Has Something to Prove by Jesmeen Kaur Deo
challenging
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Another fantastic contemporary that I would add to my "YA Contemporary Best of/Must Read" list.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body shaming, Misogyny, Sexism, and Toxic relationship
Minor: Body shaming and Eating disorder
House of Hollow by Krystal Sutherland
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
(Review from 2022)
Still the BEST book in the universe.
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(Review from 2021)
•BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR•
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Yes, I know it's May. But listen, it's going to be practically impossible for any book to just wander into my life and beat this one out. It was absolutely WILD and GORGEOUS and HAUNTING and CREEPY and PERFECT.
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First off, spooky cottagecore, twisted fairytale, unreliable protagonist is an entire vibe right now and I can't get enough. Just when I thought no book could fill the "Wink Poppy Midnight" void in my heart, here comes Iris and her sisters. How Krystal Sutherland left my head scrambling even after the book was closed is just *chef's kiss*. The characters were astonishing, the fantasy-nature fashion was mesmerizing, and the atmosphere, the ATMOSPHERE, was so good I'm in tears just thinking about it.
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Plus, is there anything more haunting and fascinating than random creepy doors in the middle of the woods?
Still the BEST book in the universe.
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(Review from 2021)
•BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR•
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Yes, I know it's May. But listen, it's going to be practically impossible for any book to just wander into my life and beat this one out. It was absolutely WILD and GORGEOUS and HAUNTING and CREEPY and PERFECT.
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First off, spooky cottagecore, twisted fairytale, unreliable protagonist is an entire vibe right now and I can't get enough. Just when I thought no book could fill the "Wink Poppy Midnight" void in my heart, here comes Iris and her sisters. How Krystal Sutherland left my head scrambling even after the book was closed is just *chef's kiss*. The characters were astonishing, the fantasy-nature fashion was mesmerizing, and the atmosphere, the ATMOSPHERE, was so good I'm in tears just thinking about it.
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Plus, is there anything more haunting and fascinating than random creepy doors in the middle of the woods?
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Child death, Death, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Gore, Self harm, Suicide, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Kidnapping, Grief, Medical trauma, Stalking, Death of parent, Murder, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall
hopeful
inspiring
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? No
5.0
A top five favorite book of 2022! 💙🌟
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A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall is such a gorgeous, comforting, lovely read. An LGBTQIA+ regency romance with disability rep, a transgender main character, and the cutest dance scene since Beauty and the Beast? Say less!
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Plus, the book club discussion with @novelneighbor was full of brilliant insights on the role of historical fiction books (hope) and which character we'd fight in the parking lot (Amberglass, for sure).
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I am now hooked on queer regency romances and immediately picked up a Cat Sebastian read to start next.
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A Lady for a Duke by Alexis Hall is such a gorgeous, comforting, lovely read. An LGBTQIA+ regency romance with disability rep, a transgender main character, and the cutest dance scene since Beauty and the Beast? Say less!
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Plus, the book club discussion with @novelneighbor was full of brilliant insights on the role of historical fiction books (hope) and which character we'd fight in the parking lot (Amberglass, for sure).
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I am now hooked on queer regency romances and immediately picked up a Cat Sebastian read to start next.