sphynxreads's reviews
789 reviews

Spy x Family, Vol. 11 by Tatsuya Endo

funny tense fast-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

As always, the perfect blend of humor, heart, and high stakes.

Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

emotional hopeful reflective sad fast-paced

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

4.5

Well, Morgan Matson, I believe you just got yourself a new fan. This book was so heartfelt and sincere that despite many scenes feeling intentionally written to make one cry, it doesn't feel cheap. What a beautiful story about grief, complicated friendships, and the comfort that comes from being loved. I am looking forward to read more books from this author.

Fence, Vol. 3 by C.S. Pacat

lighthearted fast-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

3.5

I don't know what it is but this volume just wasn't as charming as the previous ones.

Chords of Strength: A Memoir of Soul, Song and the Power of Perseverance by David Archuleta

lighthearted reflective medium-paced

3.0

Anyone who knows me well knows how much I love David Archuleta. He is basically my Taylor Swift. Many of his life experiences mirror mine: growing up Mormon and serving a mission, having a music-filled home, coming out as queer, and eventually leaving the church. I have always connected with his music because of this, even way past his American Idol days.

I went into this book not really expecting to be left in awe of him as a person—he was a teenager when this came out after all—but to get a glimpse of what he was like before everything changed for him following his coming out.

The writing is very juvenile here, which was to be expected. And having read Jennette McCurdy's I'm Glad My Mom Died, I was hyperaware of just how "not normal" the childhoods of young artists are. So much of what Archuleta went through at the encouragement of his father—who has turned out to be emotionally abusive—left me in discomfort considering just how young he was when he was put on the spotlight. In addtion, you get the sense in this book that Archuleta felt the need to be inspirational, which is a lot to ask for someone his age back then.

Overall though, it's pretty clear that Archuleta's passion for music is unquestionable. The man lives and breathes it. Looking forward to his new memoir this year. I think it will shed more light and vulnerability on the events recounted here.

One Piece, Vol. 1: Romance Dawn by Eiichiro Oda

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.5

This is a fun introduction to the series and it was interesting to compare with the live action adaptation. I'm not the biggest fan of the art style so far but I'm sure it will grow on me.

Vinland Saga, Volume 1 by Makoto Yukimura

adventurous medium-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? No

3.0

I don't really get the hype so far, but I trust that the succeeding volumes will get me hooked.

Nightwing, Vol. 5: Time of the Titans by Travis Moore, Adriano Lucas, Bruno Redondo, Tom Taylor

adventurous fast-paced

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

4.5

My love for the Titans is growing and I am interested in reading more stories about them as a group. Another great installment for Nightwing!

Nightwing Vol. 4: The Leap by Tom Taylor

adventurous hopeful inspiring fast-paced

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

4.0

This volume isn't as strong as the previous ones but still great! I love the cast of characters and the explanation to some of the previous events. Also great character work for Nightwing.

Contact by Carl Sagan

hopeful mysterious reflective slow-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

3.0

I wanted to read this because I remember loving the film adaptation as a kid and watching it multiple times with my mom who was a huge Jodie Foster fan, and I remember seeing Interstellar for the first time and thinking that it evoked a similar feeling in me that Contact had, so naturally I was excited to get into this. I would say I did like it for the most part. Sagan's writing is thoughtful, although I did struggle with it quite a bit. I loved how every "phase" of the story gave me something to think about: from the reception of the Message, the aftermath of the trip to Vega, to Ellie's personal life. Overall, I think it takes a smarter person than I am to appreciate this novel so I'll be reading some analyses of this book later on.

Nightwing Vol. 3: The Battle for Bludhaven's Heart by Bruno Redondo, Tom Taylor

adventurous mysterious tense fast-paced

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

4.5

Another solid volume! Nightwing, Blüdhaven, and the entire cast of characters are all just so compelling that I could read about them forever.