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raethereviewer's reviews
861 reviews
dark
This was very different from the other books in the series and that’s something I love about the Singing Hills Cycle. Nghi Vo has such an amazing range and this just makes me want to read her novels now.
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
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
I lost count of the number of times I cried while reading this. It’s such a beautiful story about grief and the ways we carry those we’ve lost. It’s perfect for middle schoolers and upper elementary.
This was so sweet. I love the way their romance began and how the accidental shooting made them question things between them. It was fun and the stakes weren’t as intense as some other Beverly Jenkins books.
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
Christine Day has become a new favorite author of mine and I will continue to read whatever she puts out. I love the way that this story takes place over the course of a single day, mixed with flashbacks of Wesley’s experiences. This was so wonderfully told. I think it’s particularly great for reluctant readers because of its short chapters and accessible language. I’d recommend this to upper elementary and younger middle schoolers.
I think this was my favorite of the series so far. I loved seeing more of Cleric Chih and their monastery. Cleric Thien is portrayed as a complicated, multifaceted person through the stories told about them. Each of the characters had so much depth in this one.
emotional
funny
hopeful
tense
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a really cute, slow-burn holiday romance. I like the childhood friends aspect and seeing what caused the rift between them. It was nice seeing them work together and the way they fell for one another. I think this would be a great book for teens, especially younger high schoolers.
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death
This was a very cute, friends to lovers story. I was a bit weary of the “he knew her as a child” premise but that’s actually explained really well and doesn’t make things weird. The age gap is 6 years which isn’t much, especially for historical romance. The stakes are a lot lower in this one compared to the other Beverly Jenkins books I’ve read so far and that made this an overall relaxing and sweet read.
There is something about a rich man spoiling a woman he’s gone feral for that gets me every single time. Beverly Jenkins has become a new favorite, I fear.
adventurous
dark
tense
fast-paced
I didn’t like this one as much as the previous books. It had some interesting stories but the events of the main storyline just felt disjointed at times. There was a lot happening and it was hard to follow at times. I’ve been doing audiobooks for all of these but I wish I’d had the physical copy for this one to make it easier to follow.
I like the fact that we see more of Chih’s backstory in this one and Almost Brilliant is probably my favorite character of this series.
I like the fact that we see more of Chih’s backstory in this one and Almost Brilliant is probably my favorite character of this series.
adventurous
hopeful
informative
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
I read an e-galley of Noodle & Bao and absolutely loved it! The discussion around gentrification is integrated in the story in a way that is perfectly palatable for young audiences. The Animal Crossing comp is spot on because the illustrations show a community of people and talking animals. This is going on my “Christmas presents for cousins” list because I think it’d make the perfect gift. I recommend this for upper elementary and middle school. This would be great for reluctant readers.