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monno_moo's Reviews (119)
I had higher hopes for Strange the Dreamer by Laini Taylor. For a book that was given The Michael L. Printz Award, it seems to fall short of it. Most of the book is build-up and exposition with the two main characters not even "meeting" until the book's last third. While exposition is building there is also not much character development from any of the characters. Morals do not change, perspectives don't seem to grow besides you learn more of the morally grey situations side characters have been put in. The climax of the plot doesn't get its end as the book ends on a cliffhanger that for me, seemed less than satisfactory. Do not get me wrong. The writing is beautiful and has some quotes I feel one could pull from it, but nothing happens. The motives were in place and could not be changed and seemed like the characters didn't fight for it to change. I do not think I will pick up the second installment in the series, or at least anytime soon.
City of Ghosts By V.E. Schwab is a wonderful ghost story not only for middle-grade readers but for anyone looking for a cozy rainy day read. Even though this story reads more easily, Schwab doesn't shy away from heavier topics and realities, which I enjoyed. I adored the perspective of Cassidy. It felt real and human like I was seeing and experiencing through her eyes. I Know Victoria has a soft spot for Edinburgh as do I. I think she wrote the city in such a beautiful way while intertwining the haunting stories that linger in its history. Reading this made me miss walking through the streets of this historic city, and wish I was standing there with Cassidy through her adventures. I think my only qualm with this book is that it's a bit shorter for my liking, and because of that, I feel like certain locations in Edinburgh were missed, and could have been explored more if it were a tad longer. All in all, V.E. Schwab never misses a beat with me, and I can't wait to pick up the rest of the series.
I think The Duology that Genova Dimova created is a great and easy read for someone to get introduced into Slavic folklore. She takes her inspiration from her background and can weave an intricate story about witches and monsters.
I think though, that with this installment I noticed some areas of inconstancies when it came to expanding the world that the story is set in, I think because the first book did so much in doing so, it seemed more of an afterthought, and some of it didn't seem to line up from what was set up in the first book. However, with it being Dimova's first published work, I think it is a fantastic story and I can't wait to see what else she will write.
I think though, that with this installment I noticed some areas of inconstancies when it came to expanding the world that the story is set in, I think because the first book did so much in doing so, it seemed more of an afterthought, and some of it didn't seem to line up from what was set up in the first book. However, with it being Dimova's first published work, I think it is a fantastic story and I can't wait to see what else she will write.
The Poppy War is a harrowing and dark military fantasy that doesn't detangle from the truth. R.F. Kuang highlights the brutality of war with its politics, propaganda, imperialism, and more. the tale is beautifully and tragically written. My heart ached for Rin and her journey across this war-torn country. during this time in my own country, a lot of alarm bells are ringing. and this fictional story tells of the tragedies that many can and do face today. I cannot beg people enough to pick up this book, but I do warn it is not by any means for the light of heart. However, I feel sometimes we need to face the ugly truth, even if it makes us uncomfortable.
I came into the book with lower expectations thinking that it was some overhyped booktok romantasy story, I'm glad I was proved wrong. fourth wing reads at an easy likable fast pace. It lets you dive in with little issues and come back with likable characters and an interesting plot line. I'm normally not a huge fan of dragons, but this story warmed me up to it. I can't wait to grab the second installment!
