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moonlightcupofcocoa's reviews
171 reviews
Secret Servants of the Crown: The Forgotten Women of British Intelligence by Claire Hubbard-Hall
challenging
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
5.0
This was such a meaty, well-researched and eye-opening read! Every page is filled to the brim with stories of women that helped shape British Intelligence and, I’d argue, espionage as a whole. Not just their impressive careers, but also their personal journeys, personalities and human sides.
The stories span decades from pre-WWI to the 1950s with some glimpses of what the later decades brought some of the women mentioned. Of course, less documents are even valid for the later years, but the author did a wonderful job to still bring the read to a close in such a beautifully human way.
Seeing that the book is filled with stories and names, I feel I’ll need to revisit it again later as I admit I am new to the subject and found myself going down rabbit holes thanks to the book. I wonder how much more I would take in on the second read through.
All in all, this was such a great book that is clearly the product of much research and care. And it definitely left a lasting impact on me.
Finally, I would like to say thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC. This review is purely my own thoughts and is shared voluntarily!
The stories span decades from pre-WWI to the 1950s with some glimpses of what the later decades brought some of the women mentioned. Of course, less documents are even valid for the later years, but the author did a wonderful job to still bring the read to a close in such a beautifully human way.
Seeing that the book is filled with stories and names, I feel I’ll need to revisit it again later as I admit I am new to the subject and found myself going down rabbit holes thanks to the book. I wonder how much more I would take in on the second read through.
All in all, this was such a great book that is clearly the product of much research and care. And it definitely left a lasting impact on me.
Finally, I would like to say thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for the ARC. This review is purely my own thoughts and is shared voluntarily!
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
The Creeping Shadow by Jonathan Stroud
adventurous
emotional
funny
reflective
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
I wasn't sure what I expected as I started reading this book. I admit I was concerned that it would be a lot slower after how Book 3 ended with Lucy leaving the agency.
And during the first few chapters, we get a sense of the loneliness Lucy felt with only Skull for a partner. But before long, we get to see Lockwood, George and even Holly again. And oh boy, the drama and the emotions are so well-written that you feel it in your chest. Then, again, I shouldn't be surprised considering Jonathan Stroud is honestly my favourite author for how he captures fear in my opinion.
And the reveals, while some may be predictable, are still so profound that you will find yourself screaming 'AHA'.
Also, if you're shipping Lucy and Lockwood,and you were hoping for some slow burn Lucky/Lockwood softness, be prepared for some real close proximity and gushing.
And during the first few chapters, we get a sense of the loneliness Lucy felt with only Skull for a partner. But before long, we get to see Lockwood, George and even Holly again. And oh boy, the drama and the emotions are so well-written that you feel it in your chest. Then, again, I shouldn't be surprised considering Jonathan Stroud is honestly my favourite author for how he captures fear in my opinion.
And the reveals, while some may be predictable, are still so profound that you will find yourself screaming 'AHA'.
Also, if you're shipping Lucy and Lockwood,
Direct Descendant by Tanya Huff
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
We do not cuddle eldritch horrors...
But we do read about them!
Melanie, a currently unemployed teacher, finds herself hired by a rich woman to look for her lost grandson's last memories, and she ends up in a strange town filled with eccentric people. And hidden secrets.
This book was truly an experience. I found myself getting lost in the small town of Lake Argen. The small town charm was evident on every page, if one ignores the tentacles in the lake and creeping shadows. You know, the usual small town problems.
The sapphic romance was cute, albeit very rushed. Basically a love at first sight situation without much opportunity for development beyond physical attraction. The chemistry is there, don't get me wrong. It just was too rushed. As in 'move with me after two days of knowing of one another'-rushed. But because I was enjoying the rest of the book, it wasn’t as much of a bother in this case.
I enjoyed Melanie a lot more than Cassie who often felt too immature. So much so I thought she was a teen during the first few chapters. Even the other characters comment on her immaturity often.
But Cassie's POV brought the cozy eldritch horror I was so looking forward to. So, I ended up basically focusing on that and overlooking my qualms with her.
Overall, if you want a cozy sapphic romance (albeit rushed) set in a small Canadian town that's knee deep in eldritch horror, this book is for you.
Finally, thank you to NetGalley and DAW Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
But we do read about them!
Melanie, a currently unemployed teacher, finds herself hired by a rich woman to look for her lost grandson's last memories, and she ends up in a strange town filled with eccentric people. And hidden secrets.
This book was truly an experience. I found myself getting lost in the small town of Lake Argen. The small town charm was evident on every page, if one ignores the tentacles in the lake and creeping shadows. You know, the usual small town problems.
The sapphic romance was cute, albeit very rushed. Basically a love at first sight situation without much opportunity for development beyond physical attraction. The chemistry is there, don't get me wrong. It just was too rushed. As in 'move with me after two days of knowing of one another'-rushed. But because I was enjoying the rest of the book, it wasn’t as much of a bother in this case.
I enjoyed Melanie a lot more than Cassie who often felt too immature. So much so I thought she was a teen during the first few chapters. Even the other characters comment on her immaturity often.
But Cassie's POV brought the cozy eldritch horror I was so looking forward to. So, I ended up basically focusing on that and overlooking my qualms with her.
Overall, if you want a cozy sapphic romance (albeit rushed) set in a small Canadian town that's knee deep in eldritch horror, this book is for you.
Finally, thank you to NetGalley and DAW Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and Blood
Minor: Death and Murder
Whispers in the Waters by Sarah Chislon
adventurous
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
If you're looking for light academia vibes, this book is for you. Looking for cats and herbalists going on adventures together? This book is for you. Looking for Fae curses and Otherworldly influences? This book is still for you!
I am surprised that I'm only discovering this series now. I wasn't sure what to expect when I went into it, but it mentioned Fae curses and had a cat on the cover, so obviously I had to give it a try.
This short and wonderful introduction/prequel to the series has me hooked.
Jessa Caldwell grew up in a seemingly normal, gentle household. While she showed great and somewhat unusual interest in herbalism, especially after her mother's death, her life and that of her sisters were idealistic.
Until one day when her aunt receives a letter from a 'friend' living in a town that was near to an Otherworldly Crossing. Deciding to join her aunt on the journey to provide both company and support, her life is turned upside down as she discovers more about the town as well as learns more about herself.
I really enjoyed the worldbuilding here. Despite being an introduction novella, what we've seen of the worldbuilding, the Vigilists, Fae curses and others is done very well. The characters are well-developed and fleshed out. Their motives and their progression make sense.
The overall aesthetic is very beautiful. I found it reminiscent of L. M. Montgomery's descriptions of nature which I've always adored. But there's always an added edge to it due to the Otherworldly influences.
There's a cat! And no, it's not just there on the cover with barely any involvement in the story like some other books. We were not cat-baited!
Overall, this is a wonderful read! And I am excited to read the next books in this series.
Finally, I wanted to say thank you to Booksiren and the author of the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
I am surprised that I'm only discovering this series now. I wasn't sure what to expect when I went into it, but it mentioned Fae curses and had a cat on the cover, so obviously I had to give it a try.
This short and wonderful introduction/prequel to the series has me hooked.
Jessa Caldwell grew up in a seemingly normal, gentle household. While she showed great and somewhat unusual interest in herbalism, especially after her mother's death, her life and that of her sisters were idealistic.
Until one day when her aunt receives a letter from a 'friend' living in a town that was near to an Otherworldly Crossing. Deciding to join her aunt on the journey to provide both company and support, her life is turned upside down as she discovers more about the town as well as learns more about herself.
I really enjoyed the worldbuilding here. Despite being an introduction novella, what we've seen of the worldbuilding, the Vigilists, Fae curses and others is done very well. The characters are well-developed and fleshed out. Their motives and their progression make sense.
The overall aesthetic is very beautiful. I found it reminiscent of L. M. Montgomery's descriptions of nature which I've always adored. But there's always an added edge to it due to the Otherworldly influences.
There's a cat! And no, it's not just there on the cover with barely any involvement in the story like some other books. We were not cat-baited!
Overall, this is a wonderful read! And I am excited to read the next books in this series.
Finally, I wanted to say thank you to Booksiren and the author of the ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Let's Work Smarter by Katharine Mitropoulos
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
This delightful little book is a wonderful addition to your child's library.
After the residents of Harmony Lane raised money needed to fix their playground, they set off to work diligently. And yet, they were making little progress no matter how hard they worked. But the wise Mouse, who had been observing them all day, suggested that they work smarter not harder! And lo and behold, they were making a lot more progress with much less exhaustion.
I went through this book with my nephew (a little older than three years old) and really appreciated the thought that went into this. It was no surprise at all for me to find out that Katharine Mitropoulos, the author, has a degree in psychology.
Not only did the book walk the kids through the process, making them watch the Harmony Lane friends as they worked harder and harder with little results, but it also showed the little readers some of the ideas for working smarter.
And all of this, without even mentioning the gorgeous illustrations by Laura Watson. I'm an adult and am obsessed with the art style and colour palette. They're a work of art. Honestly, I'd love to see posters/paintings of some of the illustrations in the book as I bet the children reading this series would love to see them too.
Overall, I highly recommend this book. It's gorgeous and very well-executed. I am thinking it would be a great New Year's read to introduce children to new year resolutions and working smarter.
After the residents of Harmony Lane raised money needed to fix their playground, they set off to work diligently. And yet, they were making little progress no matter how hard they worked. But the wise Mouse, who had been observing them all day, suggested that they work smarter not harder! And lo and behold, they were making a lot more progress with much less exhaustion.
I went through this book with my nephew (a little older than three years old) and really appreciated the thought that went into this. It was no surprise at all for me to find out that Katharine Mitropoulos, the author, has a degree in psychology.
Not only did the book walk the kids through the process, making them watch the Harmony Lane friends as they worked harder and harder with little results, but it also showed the little readers some of the ideas for working smarter.
And all of this, without even mentioning the gorgeous illustrations by Laura Watson. I'm an adult and am obsessed with the art style and colour palette. They're a work of art. Honestly, I'd love to see posters/paintings of some of the illustrations in the book as I bet the children reading this series would love to see them too.
Overall, I highly recommend this book. It's gorgeous and very well-executed. I am thinking it would be a great New Year's read to introduce children to new year resolutions and working smarter.
Tectiv Vol. 1: Noirtopia by Richard Ashley Hamilton
adventurous
mysterious
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
Tectiv is a noirtopia graphic novel featuring Bingo Finder, the only literate person in post-apocalyptic LA. If you ever thought you are getting judged for your bookish tastes, she has it worse. Way worse. When her best friend --and love interest, the lovely Fenn suddenly disappears, Bingo decides to take matters into her own hands, taking inspiration from the detective novels of the past -- cheesy narration and all.
Overall, I found myself getting engrossed into the novel. The worldbuilding was interesting, from the misheard words that the people of this new world hang onto to the themes of transhumanism as well as the dichotomy between humans and cyborgs and robots. You find yourself reexamining our own humanity through its lens.
The pacing at times was a little slower than I expected, but the artstyle and the worldbuilding makes up for it. Besides it has exactly the broody vibe I expect reading a noir. While one of the plot twists was predictable, I was surprised by others and left me wondering about what's to come next.
Finally, special thank you to NetGalley and Mad Cave Studios for the ARC in exchange for my honest review! I really enjoyed reading this and honestly can't wait for Vol 2!
Overall, I found myself getting engrossed into the novel. The worldbuilding was interesting, from the misheard words that the people of this new world hang onto to the themes of transhumanism as well as the dichotomy between humans and cyborgs and robots. You find yourself reexamining our own humanity through its lens.
The pacing at times was a little slower than I expected, but the artstyle and the worldbuilding makes up for it. Besides it has exactly the broody vibe I expect reading a noir. While one of the plot twists was predictable, I was surprised by others and left me wondering about what's to come next.
Finally, special thank you to NetGalley and Mad Cave Studios for the ARC in exchange for my honest review! I really enjoyed reading this and honestly can't wait for Vol 2!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death and Domestic abuse
The Hollow Boy by Jonathan Stroud
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
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
I wanted to write this review last night but I was still coming to terms with the ending and decided it'd be wise to wait till morning.
It's very rare for me to find a sequel so mesmerizing that I'd forget my bedtime. That I'd find myself thinking about it all day.
Jonathan Stroud writes fear so beautifully that, even through the first two books, I found myself shuddering at times as I saw and felt what the characters were going through. But in this book, he also proved that he can write emotions, especially erratic teenage emotions, so well! I didn't realize it but some of Lucy's own insecurities and jealousies creeped up on me the same way those spirits creep up on them in investigations.
I found myself reliving moments from my own teenagehood, moments of my own insecurity.
I am so relieved I have the following book in the series. I think I'd have gone mad after that ending if I didn't. Cannot wait to start reading it -- oh wait, I already started it over breakfast, oops!
It's very rare for me to find a sequel so mesmerizing that I'd forget my bedtime. That I'd find myself thinking about it all day.
Jonathan Stroud writes fear so beautifully that, even through the first two books, I found myself shuddering at times as I saw and felt what the characters were going through. But in this book, he also proved that he can write emotions, especially erratic teenage emotions, so well! I didn't realize it but some of Lucy's own insecurities and jealousies creeped up on me the same way those spirits creep up on them in investigations.
I found myself reliving moments from my own teenagehood, moments of my own insecurity.
I am so relieved I have the following book in the series. I think I'd have gone mad after that ending if I didn't. Cannot wait to start reading it -- oh wait, I already started it over breakfast, oops!
Sugar Shack: (A Graphic Novel) by Lucy Knisley
emotional
funny
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
Thank you NetGalley and Random House Graphic for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
*Deep Breath* I. Loved. This. So. Much. So so much. Every single page was just wonderful. I found myself pausing to relish every detail, every line and every colour. For the few hours I spent reading this book, I felt transported to a simpler life and almost felt as if I was part of that family.
The story tackles topics such as found family, adapting to a new family, discovering one's identity and those of their loved ones alongside introducing the reader to cute tidbits about life on the farm, how maple syrup is made and sustainable farming.
The characters are so well-done, yes, including Walter. The pacing was so well done. The humor was wonderful. It honestly felt like being wrapped up in a cozy blanket, being handed hot chocolate and just allowed to sit under a tree for a while.
I really need to go back and read the other books (I assume they exist since the characters refer to past events). I need to also buy a physical copy for my library because I think it needs to be a part of my winter reading list every year.
*Deep Breath* I. Loved. This. So. Much. So so much. Every single page was just wonderful. I found myself pausing to relish every detail, every line and every colour. For the few hours I spent reading this book, I felt transported to a simpler life and almost felt as if I was part of that family.
The story tackles topics such as found family, adapting to a new family, discovering one's identity and those of their loved ones alongside introducing the reader to cute tidbits about life on the farm, how maple syrup is made and sustainable farming.
The characters are so well-done, yes, including Walter. The pacing was so well done. The humor was wonderful. It honestly felt like being wrapped up in a cozy blanket, being handed hot chocolate and just allowed to sit under a tree for a while.
I really need to go back and read the other books (I assume they exist since the characters refer to past events). I need to also buy a physical copy for my library because I think it needs to be a part of my winter reading list every year.
Huda F Wants to Know?: A Graphic Novel by Huda Fahmy
emotional
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
4.0
Thank you to NetGalley and Dial Books for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!
This is the first time I'm reading something for Huda Fahmy. As simplistic as the artstyle is, the cover managed to grab my attention. Perhaps it was all the pink? Not to mention that I haven't seen many graphic novels about or by muslim voices, so of course I had to give it a try.
Before getting into the details, I wanted to first say I appreciated Huda's introductory note and disclaimer regarding the story and the characters not representing all muslims nor all muslim experiences. It's always tricky to provide representation for such a diverse and large population. Not all muslim women wear hijab, for example. And those that do can wear it in various ways. Not all arab and muslim women wear abayas, regardless of their hijabi status. And unfortunately, whole not intentional, readers who aren't familiar with culture often end up generalizing based on experiences they read.
So, I appreciate Huda F. being upfront and clear about that.
All these disclaimers aside, muslim or not, the message in this story is universal. It handles grief, loss and mental illnesses in an honest and relatable way. Huda F's real life experiences definitely inspired the story and both she and the readers get to revisit her parents' divorce together.
I especially appreciated that the story highlighted that religion doesn't equate assuming all mental health problems go away magically and that, at times, professional mental health assistance is not only needed but encouraged.
I enjoyed the humor and found myself, an adult, relating to some of the moments presented. The simplistic artstyle does work (although I'm still confused about that dotted sister, haha, I need to go read the other books to see if I get answers).
Overall, a great read!
This is the first time I'm reading something for Huda Fahmy. As simplistic as the artstyle is, the cover managed to grab my attention. Perhaps it was all the pink? Not to mention that I haven't seen many graphic novels about or by muslim voices, so of course I had to give it a try.
Before getting into the details, I wanted to first say I appreciated Huda's introductory note and disclaimer regarding the story and the characters not representing all muslims nor all muslim experiences. It's always tricky to provide representation for such a diverse and large population. Not all muslim women wear hijab, for example. And those that do can wear it in various ways. Not all arab and muslim women wear abayas, regardless of their hijabi status. And unfortunately, whole not intentional, readers who aren't familiar with culture often end up generalizing based on experiences they read.
So, I appreciate Huda F. being upfront and clear about that.
All these disclaimers aside, muslim or not, the message in this story is universal. It handles grief, loss and mental illnesses in an honest and relatable way. Huda F's real life experiences definitely inspired the story and both she and the readers get to revisit her parents' divorce together.
I especially appreciated that the story highlighted that religion doesn't equate assuming all mental health problems go away magically and that, at times, professional mental health assistance is not only needed but encouraged.
I enjoyed the humor and found myself, an adult, relating to some of the moments presented. The simplistic artstyle does work (although I'm still confused about that dotted sister, haha, I need to go read the other books to see if I get answers).
Overall, a great read!