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rjsetserauthor's reviews
866 reviews
Rosco the Rascal and the Holiday Lights by Shana Gorian
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
3.0
Unfortunately, this was my least favorite in the series. With it being Christmastime, I'm actually surprised that I didn't like it as much as the others. But, the overall feel of the book is just so much more negative than the other books. James deals with jealousy and being controlling, while Mandy struggles with wanting to do things on her own and it blowing up in her face. These are valid struggles to illustrate to kids, and I liked how it ended, but I just didn't enjoy the story because it was chapter after chapter of the kids being tooty. I had really hoped for a cozy and cute Christmas story, but it wasn't as fun as the other books in this series.
Also, I feel like Rosco took the back burner in this one, which is a shame because the book was supposed to be about him.
Overall, it's a cute story, just not the Christmas-y vibes I had hoped for.
Also, I feel like Rosco took the back burner in this one, which is a shame because the book was supposed to be about him.
Overall, it's a cute story, just not the Christmas-y vibes I had hoped for.
Rosco the Rascal at the St. Patrick's Day Parade by Ros Webb, Shana Gorian, Josh Addessi
adventurous
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? No
4.0
The Raven and the Dove by Kaitlyn Davis
adventurous
emotional
funny
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
“If anyone could bring color to a house of black, it was she."
The Raven and the Dove is an epic adventure that is truly meant for the reader who wants to live in a book. I listened to this audiobook over the course of two and half months, enjoying and savoring absolutely everything about it. It's a longer book than what is normal for YA (at 500+ pages) but I wouldn't want a single page taken out. It's an EPIC, HIGH fantasy novel, so expect intricate world building, thoughtful conversations between characters, many parts in the plot, and just, basically, a whole new world meant for exploration.
When I read fantasy, I love the details and this book was, without a doubt, full of details. The writing brought me into the pages and I can vividly describe to you every scene. Every tender moment and every time I felt my heart shatter. There are four points of view, and again, I wouldn't change it. I loved Lyana, Rafe, Xander, and Cassi. Their constant determination to chase their dreams and do what they believed was right, even though there were bigger things happening around them, was inspiring and so, so relatable. Each of their personalities were different and fun to read about, while also providing us with parts of the story that were literally unique to only them.
Other things I'd like to mention are tropes. Now, I'm not a fan (in general) of the love triangle trope because it often encourages or allows cheating and lies in romance, and as a rule, I don't believe a healthy romance can be built around such characteristics, so I typically avoid that trope altogether. However, this love triangle makes painful sense and I cannot tell you how many times I would pause the book and just look at the cover and whisper, "Oh my gosh, I'm so proud of you guys", because as teenagers in this situation, I was impressed by how they handled everything. Granted, they also made mistakes and more than paid for those with their consequences, but as a whole, I can say that this trope was as well done as you could expect from such a messy situation and with teenagers as the characters. I loved it.
Cliffhangers. If you don't like cliffhangers, buy the entire series first, because this one will rip your heart from your chest and fling it OVER the cliff. Literally (if you've read the book, you understand my trauma). I couldn't breathe through the last 5 chapters. I don't think I'll ever recover. It's fine.
Overall, I cannot wait to continue this series and highly recommend it to fans of high fantasy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received this audiobook for free from NetGalley. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and this review is voluntary.
The Raven and the Dove is an epic adventure that is truly meant for the reader who wants to live in a book. I listened to this audiobook over the course of two and half months, enjoying and savoring absolutely everything about it. It's a longer book than what is normal for YA (at 500+ pages) but I wouldn't want a single page taken out. It's an EPIC, HIGH fantasy novel, so expect intricate world building, thoughtful conversations between characters, many parts in the plot, and just, basically, a whole new world meant for exploration.
When I read fantasy, I love the details and this book was, without a doubt, full of details. The writing brought me into the pages and I can vividly describe to you every scene. Every tender moment and every time I felt my heart shatter. There are four points of view, and again, I wouldn't change it. I loved Lyana, Rafe, Xander, and Cassi. Their constant determination to chase their dreams and do what they believed was right, even though there were bigger things happening around them, was inspiring and so, so relatable. Each of their personalities were different and fun to read about, while also providing us with parts of the story that were literally unique to only them.
Other things I'd like to mention are tropes. Now, I'm not a fan (in general) of the love triangle trope because it often encourages or allows cheating and lies in romance, and as a rule, I don't believe a healthy romance can be built around such characteristics, so I typically avoid that trope altogether. However, this love triangle makes painful sense and I cannot tell you how many times I would pause the book and just look at the cover and whisper, "Oh my gosh, I'm so proud of you guys", because as teenagers in this situation, I was impressed by how they handled everything. Granted, they also made mistakes and more than paid for those with their consequences, but as a whole, I can say that this trope was as well done as you could expect from such a messy situation and with teenagers as the characters. I loved it.
Cliffhangers. If you don't like cliffhangers, buy the entire series first, because this one will rip your heart from your chest and fling it OVER the cliff. Literally (if you've read the book, you understand my trauma). I couldn't breathe through the last 5 chapters. I don't think I'll ever recover. It's fine.
Overall, I cannot wait to continue this series and highly recommend it to fans of high fantasy.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I received this audiobook for free from NetGalley. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and this review is voluntary.
The Fallen Witch by Emma V.R. Noyes
adventurous
fast-paced
3.5
I absolutely loved the first book (The Sunken City) and while this one was a fun sequel, I just wasn't drawn in and captivated as much as I was in the first.
The underwater adventure is fun, and I like a good fake marriage trope (plus only one bed), however, I think my feelings for Lukas are what kept me from enjoying the book completely. He's such a complicated character, but I didn't like him as a love interest. Honestly, I think the romance plot may have what kept me from falling in love with this sequel because the actual plot itself is treated as a side plot to "who is Amare going to choose"?
So, if you enjoy a love triangle (between two brothers) and a battle between the "nice" guy and the "morally gray" guy, then you'll probably really enjoy this sequel.
I received this book from the author. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and this review is voluntary.
Content disclaimers: Romance is only a few mild kissing scenes. One lesbian character, but no on-screen romance. Action/gore is pretty mild, only describing a few injuries. And cursing is extremely high. Lots of GDs and F-bombs.
The underwater adventure is fun, and I like a good fake marriage trope (plus only one bed), however, I think my feelings for Lukas are what kept me from enjoying the book completely. He's such a complicated character, but I didn't like him as a love interest. Honestly, I think the romance plot may have what kept me from falling in love with this sequel because the actual plot itself is treated as a side plot to "who is Amare going to choose"?
So, if you enjoy a love triangle (between two brothers) and a battle between the "nice" guy and the "morally gray" guy, then you'll probably really enjoy this sequel.
I received this book from the author. All comments and opinions are entirely my own and this review is voluntary.
Content disclaimers: Romance is only a few mild kissing scenes. One lesbian character, but no on-screen romance. Action/gore is pretty mild, only describing a few injuries. And cursing is extremely high. Lots of GDs and F-bombs.
Luna Heartstrong & the Brave Explorers of Deep Space by Lyra Brave
adventurous
relaxing
medium-paced
5.0
These illustrations are absolutely STUNNING!
The story is fun to read and helps children identify emotions and how to confront those emotions. "Stress" is the focal point of this story and I think it was handled very well. The colors in the book have a cozy "fall vibe" and I loved the space pirate adventure. It would be a very fun read aloud.
The story is fun to read and helps children identify emotions and how to confront those emotions. "Stress" is the focal point of this story and I think it was handled very well. The colors in the book have a cozy "fall vibe" and I loved the space pirate adventure. It would be a very fun read aloud.
Rosco the Rascal Goes to Camp by Shana Gorian
adventurous
medium-paced
5.0
This has been the best one in the series so far!
I loved Rosco's adventures at camp and how this book contained very defined plot points compared to the previous books. It was exciting to read and there were lessons for being friendly to kids who may be hard to be friends with (not necessarily a "bully", but generally unkind and acting out for attention).
Overall, this one has been my favorite of the series and I'm excited about the remaining book!
I loved Rosco's adventures at camp and how this book contained very defined plot points compared to the previous books. It was exciting to read and there were lessons for being friendly to kids who may be hard to be friends with (not necessarily a "bully", but generally unkind and acting out for attention).
Overall, this one has been my favorite of the series and I'm excited about the remaining book!
The Case of the Bigamous Spouse by Erle Stanley Gardner
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
I had a blast with this installment of Perry Mason!
The Trunk of Stars by Susie Dinneen
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
5.0
What a delightful middle grade adventure!
The Trunk of Stars reminded me of the gut-wrenching, emotional aspects of Harry Potter (book 1), Oliver Twist, and I even thought of Tarzan! Cairo's story is fast-paced and full of adventure! There are artifacts, stories of expeditions, and the National Museum of Science. You will even encounter a detective, young Sherlock Holmes-esque character.
I definitely want to continue reading about Cairo and Felix and their adventures.
The Trunk of Stars reminded me of the gut-wrenching, emotional aspects of Harry Potter (book 1), Oliver Twist, and I even thought of Tarzan! Cairo's story is fast-paced and full of adventure! There are artifacts, stories of expeditions, and the National Museum of Science. You will even encounter a detective, young Sherlock Holmes-esque character.
I definitely want to continue reading about Cairo and Felix and their adventures.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child abuse
Content warnings: there are instances of physical abuse towards children (these characters are dealt with properly) and one of the adult characters does mention cigarettes.
Rosco the Rascal In the Land of Snow by Shana Gorian
adventurous
medium-paced
4.0
This is a great early-reader chapter book series and the illustrations are super cute!
It's an adventurous story of two siblings and their fun-loving German Shepherd, Rosco, intended for readers 6-10 years old. In this book, James, Mandy, and Rosco go on vacation to the mountains and learn about forest safety and wild animals.
I really like how the book highlights wholesome family values (mom & dad are both present in their life) and the kids aren't constantly fighting. They have their disagreements, but they are quick to apologize and go back to playing.
I think the only thing that I wish was different is the head-hopping. I listened to the book on audio, so the story, when read aloud, is kind of all over the place. Sometimes Rosco has thoughts at the same time that Mandy and James are expressing feelings and thoughts. When visually reading the book, I'm sure the fonts are different, distinguishing between the kids' POV and Rosco's POV. But audibly, the back-and-forth causes a bit of whiplash.
Overall though, it's a very cute book and I'll probably keep reading the series!
It's an adventurous story of two siblings and their fun-loving German Shepherd, Rosco, intended for readers 6-10 years old. In this book, James, Mandy, and Rosco go on vacation to the mountains and learn about forest safety and wild animals.
I really like how the book highlights wholesome family values (mom & dad are both present in their life) and the kids aren't constantly fighting. They have their disagreements, but they are quick to apologize and go back to playing.
I think the only thing that I wish was different is the head-hopping. I listened to the book on audio, so the story, when read aloud, is kind of all over the place. Sometimes Rosco has thoughts at the same time that Mandy and James are expressing feelings and thoughts. When visually reading the book, I'm sure the fonts are different, distinguishing between the kids' POV and Rosco's POV. But audibly, the back-and-forth causes a bit of whiplash.
Overall though, it's a very cute book and I'll probably keep reading the series!
Your Home is Here by Valerie Cotnoir
emotional
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
5.0
A beautiful historical fiction that follows Bridget as she learns who she is and challenges the things that she thought were her dreams. It's a very cozy read that is perfect for fans of clean romance and books that feel like classics! I really enjoyed the setting and the travel and the companionship between Cynthia and Bridget. Your Home is Here has a lot of big feelings and it was a pleasure to read!