rolandranch's reviews
104 reviews

The Wild Robot by Peter Brown

adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted relaxing 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

Cute and adventurous little story about a wild robot.

Straight on Till Morning by Liz Braswell

adventurous slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.75

Not bad, not great, but definitely just ok. While it is not poorly written, it was longer than it needed to be and not very engaging or exciting. Wendy, however, is just not a super engaging character in general, so I'm not sure what I expected. The relationship with Wendy and Tinkerbell is the main focus and Hook was probably the most interesting character. Overall just a really strong just ok.

Assistant to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

mysterious slow-paced

2.25

This book is the definition of just ok. Ok characters, ok writing, but a fun unique plot idea. It's a cute easy read that just isn't that compelling or that well written though. Very unsatisfying ending and the voice for the audiobook was pretty annoying. There's so many good books out there I'd skip this one if I were you.

Sleigh Spells by Bella Falls

lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No

3.5

It is exactly what you'd expect from a cozy little Christmas book with magic and a little mystery. It isn't anything profound or amazing but it's a cheerful holiday book that had me smiling throughout.

Cursed Cocktails by S.L. Rowland

hopeful relaxing slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Essentially a slightly better written Legends and Lattes. If you like Legends and Lattes or enjoy cozy fantasy this book is definitely for you. I can appreciate the book for what it is snd found it to be a nice pallet cleanser between heavier books. If you're a fan of faster paced more exciting fantasy though like me you'll probably find this one a little dull and slow. The characters are likeable and the writing is solid. It was just a little slow paced for my taste. Very relaxing and cozy though if that's your jam. 

Tormy's Journey by Carol E. Leever & Camilla Ochlan

adventurous funny medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.75

The Rise of Kyoshi by F.C. Yee

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

If you're a fan of avatar this is a great continuation of that world. Learning Kyoshi's backstory and diving into her world was intended and cool. The writing is pretty good but at times was a little unengaging. Overall a good book but could have been a little shorter.

Lioness Rampant by Tamora Pierce

adventurous medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

3.5 which breaks my heart. I love Tamora Pierce and all the previous books but just couldn't handle the plot of this one. Of all the dead people WHY would Thom bring Duke Roger back to life. Then WHY is Duke Roger not immediately thrown into a dungeon?! Let alone Thom hanging out with him and sharing information with him. Duke Roger yet again trying to take the crown and using Alana's enemies was predictable and obvious. This really ruined the book for me unfortunately. Also this strong independent FMC I've come to love and respect has no loyalty or independence with men jumping in bed with a new character every book which is inappropriate for a juvenile fiction.

The Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong

lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

Cozy comfort book with cute characters. Low risk easy read that was a nice palette cleanser for me between heavy high fantasy books. Enjoyable but simple but on the verge of being boring. Good for what it is and what it's supposed to be.

Mez's Magic by Eliot Schrefer

medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix

3.25

It has a unique and fun storyline and the main character is likeable. Definitely more targeted towards kids.