shannonjoyce's reviews
297 reviews

All the Other Mothers Hate Me by Sarah Harman

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adventurous funny mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

As Long as the Lemon Trees Grow by Zoulfa Katouh

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challenging emotional sad tense slow-paced

4.0

The Small and the Mighty: Twelve Unsung Americans Who Changed the Course of History by Sharon McMahon

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emotional informative inspiring medium-paced

5.0

Maybe the best thing I’ll read all year. I love how the author brings history alive.
The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

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adventurous emotional tense medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

The First Rule of Punk by Celia C. Pérez

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medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.0

Red Queen by Victoria Aveyard by Victoria Aveyard, Victoria Aveyard

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fast-paced

3.0

I read this bc my teen daughter is reading the series and has been obsessed. It is very teen and seems to rip a lot off of prior, much better-written books (a la Hunger Games/Red Rising/Game of Thrones). The plot is definitely the focus, without much meaty character development which was sad. My sweet kiddo asked me who my favorite character was, and I couldn't honestly say I had one. I have moved on to the sequel, but without much hope that it will be better than the lackluster first novel. I could see recommending this book to teens who enjoyed Hunger Games and have an appetite for a magic system that is poorly explained/imagined.
(The whole time I pictured Maven as bitch-ass Joffrey Baratheon, which was mildly entertaining & I hope he gets ripped apart in an upcoming book).
Escape From Wolfhaven Castle by Kate Forsyth

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adventurous tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No

3.75

It took me a bit to really become interested, but the plot really zips along from mid-way to the end & leaves a reader wanting more. Good series to recommend for kids looking for a bit of fantasy, or Middle Ages settings.