readingwithtemperance's reviews
173 reviews

The Golden Frog Games by Claribel A. Ortega

adventurous emotional funny lighthearted 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

Please do not read if you haven't read book one!

This sequel was a bit more serious than the first book. But it still had the same heart.

I didn't guess our villian til the very end. Which obviously not as much as a funny reveal as toads, hit it was still a nice twist!

I really enjoyed reading about the magic of impersonating others especially.

The Golden Frog Games were so much fun! Each challenge was so unique. I especially loved

the ghost fashion one.

It was great seeing Thorn showcase her skills!

Seven's Uncle in training duties with the animals were some of my favorite parts of the book. I love that the raccoons trailed after them like a guard. The love and loyalty the raccoons shown made me so happy.

I thought it was sweet that

Valley got a girlfriend. Although, i did suspect Graves heavily in the beginning. I definitely misjudged her though. The "pumpkin" bracelet she placed on Valley after she was turned to stone was so sweet.

It truly hurt my heart how horrible the spares were treated throughout the book. I hope that things inprove fkr them in book 3.

I love this world and our three witchlings so much. I can't wait for the third book! Also,

NIGHT BEAST BABUES WHAT!?!?!

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The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh

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adventurous emotional hopeful 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? No

4.0

I want this book turned into an animated film immediately, preferably by Hayao Miyazaki please and thank you.

I feel like I just really love books set in the afterlife honestly. I loved that you could visit your ancestors and all of the gods and goddesses. And choose what form you take as well.

The story itself was beautifully crafted. Very atmospheric and whimsical. I love stories based on folklore!

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Teacher of the Year by M.A. Wardell

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted 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

5.0

I loved this book for a multitude of reasons. I'm queer, I've worked in education (hi fellow paras!), and I have an alcoholic parent. This book was pretty personal for me to say the least.

Teacher of the year showed me how much I miss working with children. My heart absolutely soared watching Marvin teach. I loved hearing all of the off the wall things the kiddos said and watching them learn. Marvie truly goes above and beyond for his classroom.

The relationship between Marvin and his mother is one I know well. Constantly dreading phone calls, never wanting to be around them, the resentment eating uo your heart and mind, the residual anxiety concerning alcohol. Especially with not wanting to drink yourself. This aspect of the story definitely gave me a new perspective though. Which I'm so grateful for.

I loved his relationship with Olan. They're so sweet together and balance eachother well.

It brought me so much joy to see their happy ending and becoming a family.

This book was such a true representation of what it's like to work in education. I loved the humor and sweet moments throughout so much. And all of the raw ones too. Teacher of the Year has my whole heart. I can't wait to continue the series.

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To Shape a Dragon's Breath by Moniquill Blackgoose

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adventurous challenging inspiring tense 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? No

5.0

I really loved the representation in this book. There were bisexual/lesbian and neurodivergent/mute characters. As well as polyamory; which is something I haven't really seen in YA.

Anequs was such a wonderful lead. She was constantly advocating for herself/her people. While simultaneously proving the Anglish wrong about their prejudices regarding her capabilities.

I especially enjoyed when Professor Ezel had no choice but to pass her and Theod.

I also loved that our love triangle was solved via polyamory. And I'm looking forward to that being explored in the sequel! A double marriage would be incredible.

I loved her friendships with Sander and Liberty in particular. And I'm hoping Marta improves in book two because honestly I just found her very annoying.

At times this book was so incredibly heavy. To Shape a Dragon's Breath shone a light on atrocities that happened throughout history to native peoples. Colonization is an ugly beast. The Anglish want nothing more than to strip Anequs and her people of their land and culture.

I thought that the magic system was so interesting. And I'm very eager to see more skiltakraft in book two.

My favorite aspect of this book aside from Anequs' bond with her dragon was the time we spent among her people. I loved learning about her culture and hearing their stories. All of the food sounded incredible!

This was something truly remarkable. I'm so impressed that this was a debut! I cant wait for more feom this world and this author. Sequel NOW!

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Breathe and Count Back from Ten by Natalia Sylvester

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emotional informative 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

4.0

As someone born and raised in Florida I really enjoyed this book! All of the references, Florida Man jokes, mermaids, and manatees made me so happy.

This book covered a wide range of topics such as: disability (hip dysplasia), bodily autonomy, and immigration. I think the author handled each of these with so much care. I actually learned so much about hip dysplasia!

There were a few things about this book that I hated. Those things being the copious amounts of ableism and slut shaming. People really need to mind their own business.

The author challenged both of these when they came up though which I thoroughly appreciated!

I thought that the Mermaid Cove aspect was so cool! I loved hearing about the performances and all of the training it takes to be a mermaid.

Verónica and her sister had such a realistic dynamic. I loved their bickering and the way they kept secrets for eachother. Strict parents create sneaky kids!

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Kwame Crashes the Underworld by Craig Kofi Farmer

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adventurous emotional funny fast-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

Kwame Crashes the Underworld Truly had it all. This book was chopped full of adventure, magic, friendship, and Ghanaian mythology. It's main message focused on grief. How it can be all consuming and such a tough thing to process. But ultimately how we can accept/live alongside it.

The Ghanaian Underworld was such a fantastic setting. Each section of it posing a new trial for our heroes. Me personally, I really loved the giant cows and of course Woo.

There was so many different layers to the villains. Each of them in the midst of their own grief. I love how the author showed how this emotion can manifest in different ways; denial, anger, and depression. It really added depth.

I was also a big fan of the deaf/ASL representation. And how ASL was used as a tool on several occasions throughout the story. Autumn is such an incredible friend and warrior!

I must say I am so thoroughly impressed with this debut. And the narrator did such a fantastic job! This book is so incredibly engaging. I was completely wrapped up in it. I'm excited to see what Craig Kofi Farmer cones up with next! But seriously, more Kwame please and thank you.

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A Bánh Mì for Two by Trinity Nguyen

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emotional hopeful 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

4.0

This book was so lovely! Especially for a debut novel. Trinity crafted something very special here.

A Bahn Mi for Two follows Lan and Vivi. Lan is a blogger and Vivi is her biggest fan!

I really enjoyed their dynamic and seeing them go from parasocial, to friends, and finally love.

It was also so nice to see Vietnam from two perspectives; resident and someone there for the first time. The research for the writing contest was so much fun. I loved visiting the markets and festivals.

I thought the exploration of grief and familial duty was done Especially well. This book also talked a lot about colonization and it's aftermath. As well as the sacrifice of refugees. I learned a lot about Vietnam's history that I was unaware of!

The ending was tied up nicely. My only complaint is that it ended a bit abruptly. I would have loved an epilogue from the future! Just to see how things played out.

Fair warning this book will make you HUNGRY.

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The Diablo's Curse by Gabe Cole Novoa

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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

What a fun sequel! Breaking a curse, a dangerous island (hello Lost is calling lmao), and a treasure hunt!

I loved getting more backstory on Dami.

Their mother never being able to carry a baby to full term only for El Diablo to snatch Dami away once she could; especially when she WANTED them was so horrible and cruel.

I can't imagine growing up the way they did. How terrifying and lonely it must have been.

Silas was such a wonderful character! I really loved him and his banter with Dami. His love/desire to protect his little sister was also so sweet.

I HATED how much/how brutally he dies THE TRAUMA. I hope this poor boy dies PEACEFULLY in his sleep at like 110 years old after the absolute best life ever JEEZ.

Marisol was also so incredibly sweet and I love the friendship that blossomed between the three of them.

The whole "Dami is loved"! scene had me choking up. And I hope only the best comes from her reunion with her brother!

Also ngl I kind of want a book about her journey, just saying.

Now onto the bane of my existence EVE.

I knew she was evil but ugh this curse lady was HORRIBLE. I figured she was a witch or a demon or something, but a CURSE!? Wild concept, I didnt expect it. Nice one Gabe!

The ending was so sweet!

It made me so happy that Dami got the best of both worlds and got yo keep their transforming abilities (and a great new job!). Juno really is a real one.

Unpopular opinion, but I think I liked this one even better than The Wicked Bargain! It was just so much fun, especially with the never ending clues/trials.

Gabe Cole Novoa is quickly becoming a favorite author of mine. This is my 3rd book I've read from them and I've yet to be disappointed!

I buddy read this with my bestie @bookish.millennial and yes Brittany I loved your annotations! This was definitely such a good book for a buddy read.

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A Love Song for Ricki Wilde by Tia Williams

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emotional hopeful inspiring 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

Saying that this book was 5 stars doesn't do it justice. Because it is so much more than that.

A Love Song for Ricki Wilde put things into perspective for me. Renewing my passion and ultimately lighting a fire under me. Begging the questions of what kind of life I want to live, what mark do I want to leave on the world, and ultimately what would bring me joy.

This was one of the most beautiful things I've ever read. Tia Williams balanced magical realism so perfectly. This story is so devastating and incredibly romantic.

I loved Ezra and Ricki together. I'm usually very anti insta love, but this was different! The connection between them was so real. I can't fathom

waiting all that time for the love of your life.

I loved how Ricki stood up to her family and paved her own way. So often we allow the approval of others especially family to keep us from our dreams. And it was wonderful watching her achieve and soar without their help.

Ms. Della has to be one of the loveliest characters I've ever met. I adored her relationship with Ricki so much. She reminded me of my own grandmother. Her bucket list was ridiculous, fun, and oh so heartwarming. I hope we're all in our 90s with pink hair and a sense of adventure.

Tia Williams' writing was utterly gorgeous. I feel like I need to reread this in print just to annotate. There were so many wonderful quotes, but my all time favorite was

To me, love is like listening to an album. Some people skip to their favorite songs and ignore the rest. Other people listen to the entire album over and over until it's familiar and cherished and they know every note by heart. That's how Dr. Bennett and I loved each other. He was music I could listen to forever.

My favorite part of this book had to be when Ms. Della

buried her grudge. There was somethingso incrediblyhealing about that moment for me as someone who also fosters so much anger towards my own mother. It made me happy she got that peace before she passed.

I don't think I've ever cried so much during an epilogue.

Habibg Ms. Della tell us all about Ricki and Ezra and their wonderful life together was incredible. I loved that she cheered and cried from the afterlife for them both. The scene on Ricki's wedding was especially lovely.

Thus is a story I won't soon forget. And I'll be bullying all of my friends to read it.

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Celestial Monsters by Aiden Thomas

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adventurous emotional funny hopeful tense 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

Thank you to Netgalley for the advanced reader's copy! This is my most anticipated book of the year and I was ecstatic to have the privilege to read it early.

Celestial Monsters wasn't what I was expecting, it was more. Aiden hit it out of the park with this sequel. Nothing lack luster about it whatsoever. It was just as incredible as The Sunbearer Trials in my opinion.

The transition from the first to second book was SO smooth. I really appreciated that no time passed and we also got caught right back up. I feel like a re-read of The Sunbearer Trials isn't as necessary because of this.

There is such a sense of urgency throughout this book. The determination and simultaneous fear was so prevalent. Our young semidioses are truly awe inspiring heroes. And they each grew so much,

especially Xio! It made me so happy that he got that Zuko redemption arc.

I really enjoyed the dual POV with Teo and Xio. I think had he not included Xio's perspective the book just simply wouldn't have worked as well as it did. And it was reassuring being able to check in on everyone held captive!

One thing about Aiden is that he can write one hell of a villain. The Obsidians were SO cruel, and utterly terrifying.

The way the cells were built specifically to work against the strenths of their captives was diabolical. Especially with Dezi and Marino. The whole dehydration/isolation aspect was so heart breaking.

How

Dezi

was treated by the obsidians especially infuriated me. The act of

binding everyone's hands so they couldn't sign to them prior to being led to the dungeons was awful. And the isolation/being just out of reach of Marino was terrible. It was so wicked to use their disability against them. The ableism and torture bothered me most.

One of my favorite moments while they were held captive was when

Xochi grew a flower for Dezi.

I also loved that when

Xio introduced their new pronouns everyone adjusted their insults accordingly. Because yes you're an asshole, but I'm not going to misgender you.

Something I didn't expect was the backstory of Xio.

My heart broke for them. I cant fathom being the lone survivor of your people. And living a lie/not being able to be your true self for fear of execution. It's no wonder they turned against the Golds, but I'm glad they saw the light in the end with the help of Atzi!

I didn't expect

the dioses to to have such a cruel hand with the history of Reino del Sol. But it makes so much sense. We often aren't taught the TRUE history with colonization. And tend to have a blind faith towards our leaders. And this was something unexpected, but so important for Aiden to address. And I am so happy he did!

The lesson of how tradition doesn't always mean just was a very powerful one.

I loved learning about the people who lived without godly assistance and coexisted peacefully with the "monsters". "We dont kill things just because we're frightened of them" definitely gives some perspective as well. I'd personally love to see more about these people from Aiden.

The romance was so subtle, but incredibly sweet. I loved how much

Niya teased Teo about Aurelio. The marizipan being part of their first kiss and their last at the end when Relio made one for Teo (GO PASTRY CHEF GO). Also I KNEW that Niya and Stella kissed. Omg my jaw was on the floor when it was confirmed. And Niya calling her annoying and holding her hand and Stella LETTING HER!? so sweet. Okay but a continuation as Niya as the MC would be SO good. I'd love to witness how they rebuild/change things for the better.

The love that Stella and Relio have for eachother both warmed and broke my heart.

I was sobbing so hard when she begged the obsidians not to hurt him. And when it was found out that he was willing to take Stella's place. A big fuck you to Lumbre though. So incredibly selfish and cold towards her children. It really bothered me how okay she was with sacrificing Stella.

The duality of "I am a child of Suerte" and "Stay away from my child"? I will never recover. The way that Suerte protected Xio even when he ran away? And how he sacrificed himself? What a beautiful tragedy. I loved that Reino del Sol honored him and his sacrifice. The ofrendas and tribute to those who lost their lives in the Sunbearer trials was such a lovely touch as well.

Everything wrapped up beautifully. I have no complaints other than the fact that this is only a duology. My expectations were exceeded and I could not be happier.

Now I just need September to hurry on up because I want to scream about this with my friends!

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readingwithtemperance's reviews 173 reviews

readingwithtemperance's reviews
173 reviews