Scan barcode
moony_reads's reviews
391 reviews
Keedie by Elle McNicoll
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
5.0
A Kind of Spark by Elle McNicoll
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
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? It's complicated
5.0
Cried through most of it because I wish I had this when I was a kid.
The Glass Girl by Kathleen Glasgow
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
Kathleen Glasgow, you will never fail me.
Every single book Glasgow publishes has destroyed me. I find snippets of myself in the words and break off pieces of myself and leave them between the pages.
Bella is an alcoholic. But she doesn’t admit that until the end.
We follow her through rehab, loss, struggle and regret, and it is soul destroying, heart breaking and out me back together. The way Glasgow writes is so special to me, and I cannot help but hook myself into the pages.
This is such an important and empowering read.
Every single book Glasgow publishes has destroyed me. I find snippets of myself in the words and break off pieces of myself and leave them between the pages.
Bella is an alcoholic. But she doesn’t admit that until the end.
We follow her through rehab, loss, struggle and regret, and it is soul destroying, heart breaking and out me back together. The way Glasgow writes is so special to me, and I cannot help but hook myself into the pages.
This is such an important and empowering read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, and Alcohol
Think Again by Jacqueline Wilson
funny
hopeful
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
3.75
I was so ready to fall in love with this.
I have been a huge Jacqueline Wilson fan since I was about 5, I have grown up with her books, I have been hurt by her books, I have loved her books profoundly.
But this disappointed me a bit. For Wilson’s first adult novel, it was far too young for what was expected. Yes, I enjoyed it, I enjoyed reaching back into the lives of the girls I grew with, but I wanted to love it more.
I have been a huge Jacqueline Wilson fan since I was about 5, I have grown up with her books, I have been hurt by her books, I have loved her books profoundly.
But this disappointed me a bit. For Wilson’s first adult novel, it was far too young for what was expected. Yes, I enjoyed it, I enjoyed reaching back into the lives of the girls I grew with, but I wanted to love it more.
Our Evenings by Alan Hollinghurst
slow-paced
ARC REVIEW
Being granted this ARC is one of my biggest achievements as a reviewer.
Alan Hollinghurst is one of the greats, and Our Evenings helps prove that.
It is a completely engrossing novel following the life and times of a gay, mixed-race man from the time of his birth in 1948 to the COVID-19 pandemic. Each character is brilliantly written and show their character types and tropes well without being stereotypical.
The plot can drag a little, but this is common with Hollinghurst’s work and allows the novel to read like a lived experience.
The prose is captivating and so remarkably Hollinghurst, and the novel’s ending is handled really well.
Hollinghurst is a true, inspiring novelist.
Thank you to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan/Picador for the ARC.
Being granted this ARC is one of my biggest achievements as a reviewer.
Alan Hollinghurst is one of the greats, and Our Evenings helps prove that.
It is a completely engrossing novel following the life and times of a gay, mixed-race man from the time of his birth in 1948 to the COVID-19 pandemic. Each character is brilliantly written and show their character types and tropes well without being stereotypical.
The plot can drag a little, but this is common with Hollinghurst’s work and allows the novel to read like a lived experience.
The prose is captivating and so remarkably Hollinghurst, and the novel’s ending is handled really well.
Hollinghurst is a true, inspiring novelist.
Thank you to Netgalley and Pan Macmillan/Picador for the ARC.
Look Up, Handsome by Jack Strange
funny
lighthearted
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? No
4.0
ARC REVIEW
Set in Hay-on-Wye, this queer romcom follows Quinn Oxford as his LGBTQ+ bookshop faces closure at the hands of his step father.
Quinn is devastated and close to giving up but the town rallies round in support for the only safe place for the queer community in the area, a place that everyone knows is needed.
At the same time, romance author Noah Sage returns to his hometown for Hay festival and, Quinn is delighted to meet him. The romance that blossoms between these two is sweet, slow and not the easiest.
While fighting for his bookshop, Quinn takes on the role of ghost writer for reclusive star, Hermione Sage, Noah’s mother. I expected this to cause tension between the two MC’s but was pleasantly surprised that Noah was on board.
This is a super cute, easy read for the festive season.
Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for the ARC!
Set in Hay-on-Wye, this queer romcom follows Quinn Oxford as his LGBTQ+ bookshop faces closure at the hands of his step father.
Quinn is devastated and close to giving up but the town rallies round in support for the only safe place for the queer community in the area, a place that everyone knows is needed.
At the same time, romance author Noah Sage returns to his hometown for Hay festival and, Quinn is delighted to meet him. The romance that blossoms between these two is sweet, slow and not the easiest.
While fighting for his bookshop, Quinn takes on the role of ghost writer for reclusive star, Hermione Sage, Noah’s mother. I expected this to cause tension between the two MC’s but was pleasantly surprised that Noah was on board.
This is a super cute, easy read for the festive season.
Thank you to One More Chapter and Netgalley for the ARC!
A Dark and Drowning Tide by Allison Saft
4.0
ARC REVIEW
A Dark and Drowning Tide is a brilliant example of just how well acquainted Allison Saft is with her genre and her skill. Her writing style immediately immerses you in a world full of enchantment, relatable characters and well written Sapphic romance.
Saft’s dialogue is great and the characters are well formed and relatable, with sharp tongues and string personalities that shine through. Each character compliments the next perfectly.
The murder mystery aspect definitely deserved to be more fleshed out in places but it didn't take anything away from the book overall.
The unique magic of the world and the creatures along the way make for a very whimsical fantasy.
I also enjoyed how Saft touches on more serious topics throughout.
Thank you to Daphne Press and Netgalley for the ARC
A Dark and Drowning Tide is a brilliant example of just how well acquainted Allison Saft is with her genre and her skill. Her writing style immediately immerses you in a world full of enchantment, relatable characters and well written Sapphic romance.
Saft’s dialogue is great and the characters are well formed and relatable, with sharp tongues and string personalities that shine through. Each character compliments the next perfectly.
The murder mystery aspect definitely deserved to be more fleshed out in places but it didn't take anything away from the book overall.
The unique magic of the world and the creatures along the way make for a very whimsical fantasy.
I also enjoyed how Saft touches on more serious topics throughout.
Thank you to Daphne Press and Netgalley for the ARC
When Haru Was Here by Dustin Thao
2.0
ARC REVIEW
I definitely had low expectations going in to this, but I liked the premise so wanted to give it a go. I understand why people like Thao’s writing, but for me, it’s just too simple and messy.
Unfortunately, like You’ve Reached Sam, this book was way too all over the place. Sure, Thao’s books are easy to read and will definitely be right for someone, however, that’s not me. The story was too loosely plotted and far too here, there snd everywhere for something that should have been dynamically simple.
thank you to Macmillan Children’s and Netgalley for the ARC
I definitely had low expectations going in to this, but I liked the premise so wanted to give it a go. I understand why people like Thao’s writing, but for me, it’s just too simple and messy.
Unfortunately, like You’ve Reached Sam, this book was way too all over the place. Sure, Thao’s books are easy to read and will definitely be right for someone, however, that’s not me. The story was too loosely plotted and far too here, there snd everywhere for something that should have been dynamically simple.
thank you to Macmillan Children’s and Netgalley for the ARC
Only This Beautiful Moment by Abdi Nazemian
emotional
hopeful
informative
sad
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
Only This Beautiful Moment is an emotionally impactful queer YA story about 3 generations of men in an Iranian family. In 2019, openly gay Moud is traveling to Iran for the first time and is concerned about hiding his sexuality for his own safety and what his family will think of him. In 1978, Moud’s father Saeed is dealing with a potential romance with a mystery girl and protesting in the streets of Tehran. And in 1939, Moud's grandfather Bobby is dealing with hiding his sexuality and having a stage mother who wants him to become a Hollywood star.
The story switches between being set in these 3 different time periods and POVs and when you start lacing the pieces together, it makes the story even more masterful.
Each chapter is touching, gripping and beautifully written, with no character falling behind. The individual stories are compelling on their own, but intertwined, they are a masterpiece.
The book also shows the importance of queer history, queer lives, and community even when it's frowned upon, and the way Nazemian writes intergenerational trauma is unlike anything I’ve ever read. His writing flows beautifully and he captures poignant family and community dynamics so so well. It’s filled with difficult topics, but is written in a gentle enough way that it allows younger readers to learn about the lives before them.
Absolutely brilliant.
The story switches between being set in these 3 different time periods and POVs and when you start lacing the pieces together, it makes the story even more masterful.
Each chapter is touching, gripping and beautifully written, with no character falling behind. The individual stories are compelling on their own, but intertwined, they are a masterpiece.
The book also shows the importance of queer history, queer lives, and community even when it's frowned upon, and the way Nazemian writes intergenerational trauma is unlike anything I’ve ever read. His writing flows beautifully and he captures poignant family and community dynamics so so well. It’s filled with difficult topics, but is written in a gentle enough way that it allows younger readers to learn about the lives before them.
Absolutely brilliant.
Celestial Monsters by Aiden Thomas
adventurous
hopeful
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
Celestial Monsters is a brilliant conclusion to a Aiden Thomas’ YA fantasy duology.
I have been a fan of Thomas’ work for a few years now, they forge characters beautifully and have a real gift when it comes to YA fantasy. Not too heavy but not too childish. Very Goldilocks.
The duology has a strong focus on family, legacy and community, with stunning references to mythology. We explore a variety of family dynamics and how these powers play out differently for the semidioses’, as well as the expectations created for them.
The dulology is surprisingly empowering for fantasy works and as with Thomas’ other work, important messages are hidden. The core message is one of love and friendship, embodied by the central trio of Teo, Aurelio and Niya, who have perfect chemistry.
And the shining star: Teo. He is wonderful protagonist, embracing his power and learning to celebrate his brilliance. The character arc he has been on is beautiful and the development throughout is so well done. It’s also wonderful to read a trans character and not have their trans-ness be the main plot.
Celestial Monsters is a perfect ending to the duology.
Thank you Macmillan Children’s and Netgalley for the ARC!
I have been a fan of Thomas’ work for a few years now, they forge characters beautifully and have a real gift when it comes to YA fantasy. Not too heavy but not too childish. Very Goldilocks.
The duology has a strong focus on family, legacy and community, with stunning references to mythology. We explore a variety of family dynamics and how these powers play out differently for the semidioses’, as well as the expectations created for them.
The dulology is surprisingly empowering for fantasy works and as with Thomas’ other work, important messages are hidden. The core message is one of love and friendship, embodied by the central trio of Teo, Aurelio and Niya, who have perfect chemistry.
And the shining star: Teo. He is wonderful protagonist, embracing his power and learning to celebrate his brilliance. The character arc he has been on is beautiful and the development throughout is so well done. It’s also wonderful to read a trans character and not have their trans-ness be the main plot.
Celestial Monsters is a perfect ending to the duology.
Thank you Macmillan Children’s and Netgalley for the ARC!