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noellesmagicallibrary's reviews
411 reviews
Divining the Leaves by Shveta Thakrar
2.5
Oh man, I opened this book thinking I would love it, or at the very least have a good time reading a woodland fanatsy.
I struggled to read this. Actually forced myself to power through the second half of the book, literally skimming paragraphs to be done sooner.
Things I DID like:
- the descriptions of the trees and flowers. These parts were beautiful written but it slowed down the pacing
- the mythology. I didn’t know any of these stories and I generally like books that use myths
- the overall general vibe of the book. I liked the idea but not the execution.
Things I didn’t like:
- Nilesh. He is unbearable. I hated reading his chapters and my opinion on him didn’t change by the end of the book.
- the pacing. I thought the first few chapters worked well to set up the story but then it quickly lost steam.
- I won’t say I “disliked” Ridhi, but she was a hard FMC to love. I liked that she was a little eccentric, she was starting her own perfume business and she loved her family. But she also lacked depth and I was bored most of the time.
I struggled to read this. Actually forced myself to power through the second half of the book, literally skimming paragraphs to be done sooner.
Things I DID like:
- the descriptions of the trees and flowers. These parts were beautiful written but it slowed down the pacing
- the mythology. I didn’t know any of these stories and I generally like books that use myths
- the overall general vibe of the book. I liked the idea but not the execution.
Things I didn’t like:
- Nilesh. He is unbearable. I hated reading his chapters and my opinion on him didn’t change by the end of the book.
- the pacing. I thought the first few chapters worked well to set up the story but then it quickly lost steam.
- I won’t say I “disliked” Ridhi, but she was a hard FMC to love. I liked that she was a little eccentric, she was starting her own perfume business and she loved her family. But she also lacked depth and I was bored most of the time.
The House No One Sees by Adina King
4.5
I found this book to be devastating but hopeful. It's truly a piece of art.
I don't read poetry often -- honestly, sometimes I feel too dumb for it 😅 and I often don't want to ponder over what I'm reading for too long.
The House No One Sees utilizes verse to tell the story of Penny's childhood and prose for the present day narrative. This is a highly affective story telling tool that creates a more unique reading experience; it's not something I have seen often (not saying it doesn't exist but that I haven't encountered it).
There are A LOT of difficult topics including addiction, drug use, overdose, child abuse/neglect. Please proceed with caution if these topics could be triggering for you.
I was given a gift copy for review, all thoughts are my own.
I don't read poetry often -- honestly, sometimes I feel too dumb for it 😅 and I often don't want to ponder over what I'm reading for too long.
The House No One Sees utilizes verse to tell the story of Penny's childhood and prose for the present day narrative. This is a highly affective story telling tool that creates a more unique reading experience; it's not something I have seen often (not saying it doesn't exist but that I haven't encountered it).
There are A LOT of difficult topics including addiction, drug use, overdose, child abuse/neglect. Please proceed with caution if these topics could be triggering for you.
I was given a gift copy for review, all thoughts are my own.
Slayers, Every One of Us: How One Girl in All the World Showed Us How to Hold On by Kristin Russo, Jenny Owen Youngs
emotional
reflective
5.0
Although I've known about this podcast, Buffering, I hadn't listened to it yet. After reading this book I have moved it up way up on my to-be-listened list.
I came into the Buffy fandom in my early twenties once it was streaming on Netflix and I was immediately hooked -- like I dressed up as Buffy for Halloween that year.
I loved revisiting Buffy through the lens of Jenny and Kristin and learning about their personal lives. You two had NO right making me tear up so many times. And because I hadn't listened to the podcast before, I didn't know there were songs. Buffy themed songs!!! They are incredible and I instantly added it to my Spotify list.
If you have the chance of listening to the audio it is for sure the way to go. It's narrated by Jenny and Kristin and some of the songs are included.
The physical copy has some super cute doodle and chord sheets (which I believe is also available as a pdf with the audio)
Thanks you x1000 to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the advanced copies to read/listen. All thoughts are entirely my own.
I came into the Buffy fandom in my early twenties once it was streaming on Netflix and I was immediately hooked -- like I dressed up as Buffy for Halloween that year.
I loved revisiting Buffy through the lens of Jenny and Kristin and learning about their personal lives. You two had NO right making me tear up so many times. And because I hadn't listened to the podcast before, I didn't know there were songs. Buffy themed songs!!! They are incredible and I instantly added it to my Spotify list.
If you have the chance of listening to the audio it is for sure the way to go. It's narrated by Jenny and Kristin and some of the songs are included.
The physical copy has some super cute doodle and chord sheets (which I believe is also available as a pdf with the audio)
Thanks you x1000 to St. Martin's Press, Macmillan Audio and NetGalley for the advanced copies to read/listen. All thoughts are entirely my own.
Mother Doll by Katya Apekina
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
3.5
Mother Doll is not the usual type of book I would read but I saw the synopsis and it piqued my interest and I had accepted an ARC on NetGalley. (I didn’t get around to reading it before it was published and eventually listened to the audiobook from my library instead).
I think it was the better option for myself anyway. I probably would have struggled reading the ebook.
The narrator is amazing! She has a distinct voice for these characters and a wonderful Russian accent.
The story starts off with Zhenia and her husband talking crap about their friend’s decision to have kids and how great it is to have a childfree life. So of course you know what’s going to happen next.. Zhenia gets pregnant. She never wanted kids before but now she’s found that she does. Her husband hasn’t changed his mind and their relationship eventually deteriorates.
Zhenia doesn’t have a good relationship with her own mother and they’re both very bad at communicating. She’s always been closest to her babushka and she isn’t dealing well with her grandmother’s declining health.
One day she receives a call from a stranger who tells her that he’s been speaking with her great grandmother. Her DEAD great grandmother, Irena. Through this medium, Paul, she tells the story of her life as a teen living through the Russian revolution.
Initially, the writing style confused me. I was so lost when the first scene with Irena was presented. But this slowly made sense, and the audio narration was very helpful.
I liked the historical fiction aspect with the Russian revolution but I didn’t like Zhenia too much — she’s selfish and horrible at communicating.
I think it was the better option for myself anyway. I probably would have struggled reading the ebook.
The narrator is amazing! She has a distinct voice for these characters and a wonderful Russian accent.
The story starts off with Zhenia and her husband talking crap about their friend’s decision to have kids and how great it is to have a childfree life. So of course you know what’s going to happen next.. Zhenia gets pregnant. She never wanted kids before but now she’s found that she does. Her husband hasn’t changed his mind and their relationship eventually deteriorates.
Zhenia doesn’t have a good relationship with her own mother and they’re both very bad at communicating. She’s always been closest to her babushka and she isn’t dealing well with her grandmother’s declining health.
One day she receives a call from a stranger who tells her that he’s been speaking with her great grandmother. Her DEAD great grandmother, Irena. Through this medium, Paul, she tells the story of her life as a teen living through the Russian revolution.
Initially, the writing style confused me. I was so lost when the first scene with Irena was presented. But this slowly made sense, and the audio narration was very helpful.
I liked the historical fiction aspect with the Russian revolution but I didn’t like Zhenia too much — she’s selfish and horrible at communicating.
The Scorpion and the Night Blossom by Amélie Wen Zhao
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.5
The Scorpion and the Night Bloom is an exciting young adult fantasy steeped in Chinese folklore and mythology. Yes, there is romance, but the love for one’s family is what really shines.
I love reading for escapism, especially when it keeps to fantasy, but I also love it for exposing me to new cultures and points of view. This book did that for me. It took me a little bit to get into this story, I wasn't so sure if I would like it initially. That definitely changed by the time I finished and I will absolutely be reading the next book.
Àn’yīng leaves her mortal home in the Kingdom of Rivers to face the Trials in the Kingdom of Sky where a handful of winners will receive a pill of immortality. Most people choose to take the pill for themselves, but Àn’yīng is determined to win it for her mother.
Nine years earlier, Àn’yīng watched a mó (demon) kill her father and drain half of her mother’s life force, leaving her on the verge of death. Since then Àn’yīng has been training herself to fight these demons to keep her remaining family safe.
I love reading for escapism, especially when it keeps to fantasy, but I also love it for exposing me to new cultures and points of view. This book did that for me. It took me a little bit to get into this story, I wasn't so sure if I would like it initially. That definitely changed by the time I finished and I will absolutely be reading the next book.
Àn’yīng leaves her mortal home in the Kingdom of Rivers to face the Trials in the Kingdom of Sky where a handful of winners will receive a pill of immortality. Most people choose to take the pill for themselves, but Àn’yīng is determined to win it for her mother.
Nine years earlier, Àn’yīng watched a mó (demon) kill her father and drain half of her mother’s life force, leaving her on the verge of death. Since then Àn’yīng has been training herself to fight these demons to keep her remaining family safe.
Fable for the End of the World by Ava Reid
hopeful
reflective
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
This book gave me such Hunger Games vibes! I was feeling the same type of excitement reading Fable for the End of the World. The biggest difference is that it’s more sci-fi and features a sapphic romance.
I think this book works as a standalone but I definitely would not have minded if it was drawn out a little more into a duology-- this dystopian world is really interesting!
I liked the dual first person POV -- I don't think the love story would work if it was only told from one perspective. But with that being said, I don't understand how Inesa and Melinoë fell in love with each other so quickly. The romance was a central part of the story but it was unbelievable.
I loved this book for the dystopian adventure and commentary on climate change, not the romance.
I think this book works as a standalone but I definitely would not have minded if it was drawn out a little more into a duology-- this dystopian world is really interesting!
I liked the dual first person POV -- I don't think the love story would work if it was only told from one perspective. But with that being said, I don't understand how Inesa and Melinoë fell in love with each other so quickly. The romance was a central part of the story but it was unbelievable.
I loved this book for the dystopian adventure and commentary on climate change, not the romance.
Halfway to Somewhere by Jose Pimienta
emotional
funny
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
Ave is a Mexican kid who moved to Kansas following their parent’s separation. In short, they hate it in the states. They don’t have any friends, almost no one speaks Spanish, and they miss their dad and older sister. But over time they discover good things about this new life while holding onto their Mexican heritage.
I loved this graphic novel -- the bright colors, the intelligent themes, the loveable characters. José Pimienta, you have a new fan! I’ll definitely be reading your previous works now.
The author’s note talks about the importance of names and how much thought was put into naming these characters, especially Ave. They were on point with the name because I did struggle pronouncing it in my head; I needed that phonetic spelling from the younger brother.
I was gifted a copy for review, all thoughts are entirely my own. Thank you Random House Graphics and TBR Beyond Tours for the opportunity.
I loved this graphic novel -- the bright colors, the intelligent themes, the loveable characters. José Pimienta, you have a new fan! I’ll definitely be reading your previous works now.
The author’s note talks about the importance of names and how much thought was put into naming these characters, especially Ave. They were on point with the name because I did struggle pronouncing it in my head; I needed that phonetic spelling from the younger brother.
I was gifted a copy for review, all thoughts are entirely my own. Thank you Random House Graphics and TBR Beyond Tours for the opportunity.
Lost Man's Lane by Scott Carson
dark
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
5.0
If you have a phobia of snakes, don't read this book.
Marshall Miller distinctly remembers the day he got his license, because it's the same day he was stopped for speeding by a police officer who doesn't seem to exist -- it was an unusually warm winter day and there was a girl crying in the back seat of the police cruiser.
Since that day, Marshall has been seeing things that no one else does, and it's getting him in trouble.
Lost Man's Lane reminded me of the best things about a Stephen King book -- paranormal occurrences in a small town and a journey of self-discovery for a teenage boy. It's told in this first person reflective style that makes you question if this is a fictional story ( à la Richard Chizmar's Chasing the Boogeyman).
I'm so glad a friend of mine suggested this book, I loved every minute. Everything comes together in the end but it is a paranormal horror so you need to suspend disbelief.
BTW, these secondary characters are the best!
I loved the scenes with The Weller and all of the wall climbing.
Marshall Miller distinctly remembers the day he got his license, because it's the same day he was stopped for speeding by a police officer who doesn't seem to exist -- it was an unusually warm winter day and there was a girl crying in the back seat of the police cruiser.
Since that day, Marshall has been seeing things that no one else does, and it's getting him in trouble.
Lost Man's Lane reminded me of the best things about a Stephen King book -- paranormal occurrences in a small town and a journey of self-discovery for a teenage boy. It's told in this first person reflective style that makes you question if this is a fictional story ( à la Richard Chizmar's Chasing the Boogeyman).
I'm so glad a friend of mine suggested this book, I loved every minute. Everything comes together in the end but it is a paranormal horror so you need to suspend disbelief.
BTW, these secondary characters are the best!
I loved the scenes with The Weller and all of the wall climbing.
The Favorites by Layne Fargo
4.5
Well damn.
This book simultaneously made me want to be an Olympic ice dancer and also never stop foot on an ice rink.
I LOVED THIS BOOK!
As for the romance, eh whatever. I didn't like Heath and I didn't care about their romantic relationship as much as their dancing partnership. But I was really into the whole journey to the Olympics and the daily grind of training.
The documentary style works so SO well and it's excellent for an audiobook.
Not sure if "Ellis Dean" was the best choice of name though, because at 1.75 speed, it sounded like "LSD" every time I heard it.
EDIT:
A friend of mine loathed this book and she made some really good points.
Kat outs Garrett and she has no remorse, doesn't even apologize to him.
And then there were two specific lines in the acknowledgments that were just icky:
One about how her husband "watched more figure skating than perhaps any man straight man alive"
The other gives a shout out to Cymbalta (I love that), but she said "because a depressed person could not have written this" (I don't love that)
I want to say once more that I really disliked the romance in this story but loved the skating.
This book simultaneously made me want to be an Olympic ice dancer and also never stop foot on an ice rink.
I LOVED THIS BOOK!
As for the romance, eh whatever. I didn't like Heath and I didn't care about their romantic relationship as much as their dancing partnership. But I was really into the whole journey to the Olympics and the daily grind of training.
The documentary style works so SO well and it's excellent for an audiobook.
Not sure if "Ellis Dean" was the best choice of name though, because at 1.75 speed, it sounded like "LSD" every time I heard it.
EDIT:
A friend of mine loathed this book and she made some really good points.
Kat outs Garrett and she has no remorse, doesn't even apologize to him.
And then there were two specific lines in the acknowledgments that were just icky:
One about how her husband "watched more figure skating than perhaps any man straight man alive"
The other gives a shout out to Cymbalta (I love that), but she said "because a depressed person could not have written this" (I don't love that)
I want to say once more that I really disliked the romance in this story but loved the skating.
Onyx Storm by Rebecca Yarros
adventurous
tense
medium-paced
4.5
Ok, let's be real--You already know if you want to read Onyx Storm. You're either on the Fourth Wing bandwagon or you're not. No one's coming to my review to decide if they want to read this book.
This review is just for me so I can remember what I did and did not like, and there will probably definitely be spoilers.
In a nutshell, I'm here for the dragons. Andarna is my girl and Tairn is king. I literally laugh out loud at some of the things they say. I was heartbroken when Andarna left but that whole subplot was a little weak. Like I get how her breed of dragons are peaceful and they don't want to accept her because of the fighting and Violet's choices, BUT, the fact that she left only to come back at the last minute? Nah.
I really liked the adventure and questing in this one. It was a lot fun visiting the other islands and decoding the secrets from the books. I like that we started getting more answers to Violet's childhood -- it seems her dad tried to dedicate her to one of the gods and I'm interested to see where that storyline goes.
What I don't really get is the love for Xaden. Sure, he's written as physically attractive but in my opinion he's broody and boring and I feel like he doesn't have a personality. I just don't see the appeal.
And because of that, I don't care about the romance.
Also, I'm not here for the Xaden-venin subplot. Couldn't the rest of the story just be about defeating the venin without one of the main characters turning? Honestly, when that happened at the end of the second book I rolled my eyes and thought "of course he turned venin". It just feels like cheap way to stir up some drama and raise the stakes.
This review is just for me so I can remember what I did and did not like, and there will probably definitely be spoilers.
In a nutshell, I'm here for the dragons. Andarna is my girl and Tairn is king. I literally laugh out loud at some of the things they say. I was heartbroken when Andarna left but that whole subplot was a little weak. Like I get how her breed of dragons are peaceful and they don't want to accept her because of the fighting and Violet's choices, BUT, the fact that she left only to come back at the last minute? Nah.
I really liked the adventure and questing in this one. It was a lot fun visiting the other islands and decoding the secrets from the books. I like that we started getting more answers to Violet's childhood -- it seems her dad tried to dedicate her to one of the gods and I'm interested to see where that storyline goes.
What I don't really get is the love for Xaden. Sure, he's written as physically attractive but in my opinion he's broody and boring and I feel like he doesn't have a personality. I just don't see the appeal.
And because of that, I don't care about the romance.
Also, I'm not here for the Xaden-venin subplot. Couldn't the rest of the story just be about defeating the venin without one of the main characters turning? Honestly, when that happened at the end of the second book I rolled my eyes and thought "of course he turned venin". It just feels like cheap way to stir up some drama and raise the stakes.