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spootilious's reviews
137 reviews
Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune
Review:
In short: This was cute.
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.5
Read: January 5, 2025
Title: Somewhere Beyond the Sea
Series: Cerulean Chronicles #2
Author: TJ Klune
Genre: LGBTQ Fantasy
Rating: 2.5/5
Review:
In short: This was cute.
TBH: I chose the worst time to read it. The issues in this book hit far too close to home at the moment. I knew going in that this was an anti-Rowling and very politically based novel. Yet, it was the sequel to such a sweet and heart-warming book… so, I wasn’t too sure what I was getting into.
What I got was a strange mix of venom and sugar. I struggled with it. I have to respect Klune for wanting to be the anti-Rowling and he’s not doing a bad job of it… However, doing so in the Cerulean chronicles feels odd… even if it makes sense considering the premise of the government. Still, it’s such a contrast to the first book.
I also found it to be extremely unsubtle, which made it a bit more boring than I expected it to be.
Like the first, the dialog struggled in places but the characters (with few exceptions) were adorable and the idea behind it was engaging.
Overall a solid book, though I may have enjoyed it more if the anti-rowling message was chosen for a different one of his series.
QUOTES:
N/A
N/A
Wind and Truth by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
slow-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
2.5
Read: January 5, 2025
Title: Wind and Truth
Series: Stormlight Archive #5
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Rating: 2.5/5
Review:
I’m very frustrated with this review… With this book…
Perhaps, it was the reread… or maybe the anticipatory release . Regardless I feel that this is the weakest book of the series hands down.
First off let's talk about its strengths. Sanderson’s imagery and writing is beautiful, as always, and his characters are unique and loveable. His representation of non-binary, trans, and/or gay characters was masterfully done in this book. (I will say that the romance in this one felt as flat as the straight romance from the previous books which I find respectable since they are being treated the same and does not feel tokenized… in my opinion.) I also enjoyed the focus on mental health just as I did the previous book though I feel like it was taken a bit too far in this one. I prefer the subject to be addressed, not to have it feel like I’m being run over by it (and then reversed over again).
To be honest, I think my biggest complaint is that the entirety of the book felt like Sanderson was just… tired. Like he had lived in the story of Roshar so long that he was just ready to be done with it, which is soul crushing.
The ‘twists’ throughout the books were gut wrenchingly predictable (with the exception of (maybe) 2 minor ones).
Some of the characters that have really made the series felt warped with a sense of indifference or lack of intensity. Their entire basis of personality having been shifted.
The book was also unnecessarily long, with many (large) portions being repetitive or simply unneeded in the long run, making the journey that much more of a slog and causing me as a reader to lose much of my enthusiasm.
After such a hard journey I felt like this book was simply a let down. The only real light in the otherwise mediocrity of the book was really getting to see Adolin’s redemption arc.
I will not be giving up on this series, I don’t think I ever could but I am a bit heartbroken.
TLDR: Good LGBT rep, predictable, too long, Adolin is the bestest of boys.
QUOTES:
Even in failure, it is often not the tool, but the wielder, who is at fault.
It was the artist's way to paint a picture of someone the moment she saw them - but art was locked to the page, and a person was always so much more than any image could contain.
if someone you deeply respected disagreed with you, perhaps it was worth reconsidering.
two sides delineated simply. One who can just be 'the enemy'. People can be wonderful or terrible; an enemy, though, can only be something to fight.
The thing is the deepest truths always sound a little trite. Because we all know them, and feel foolish being reminded.
Understanding has never led to hatred.
Few combatants win on board or battlefield without first having won the fight against their own minds.
This place had never been home. But home had been here.
War was being forced to step on another man's entrails, hearing him wail as you pushed them out farther, because you had to keep fighting.
Because if you could do it all yourself you wouldn't need a sword at your side.
The dirty secret is that all governments are quietly republics - the voting is simply done with the sword or the coin. Everyone conveniently neglects to tell the lower class that it's their coin, and their lack of swords.
There is no need to trust someone who couldn't hurt you.
A virtue is something that is valuable even if it gives you nothing. A virtue persists without payment or compensation. Positive thinking is great. Vital. Useful. But it has to remain so even if it gets you nothing. Belief, truth, honor... if these exist only to get you something, you've missed the storming point.
Would that any of us... could protect ourselves from the costs heroism often requires. But again, if there were no cost, no sacrifice, then would it be heroism at all?
If we never had the power to do terrible things, then what heroism would it be to resist?
Title: Wind and Truth
Series: Stormlight Archive #5
Author: Brandon Sanderson
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Rating: 2.5/5
Review:
I’m very frustrated with this review… With this book…
Perhaps, it was the reread… or maybe the anticipatory release . Regardless I feel that this is the weakest book of the series hands down.
First off let's talk about its strengths. Sanderson’s imagery and writing is beautiful, as always, and his characters are unique and loveable. His representation of non-binary, trans, and/or gay characters was masterfully done in this book. (I will say that the romance in this one felt as flat as the straight romance from the previous books which I find respectable since they are being treated the same and does not feel tokenized… in my opinion.) I also enjoyed the focus on mental health just as I did the previous book though I feel like it was taken a bit too far in this one. I prefer the subject to be addressed, not to have it feel like I’m being run over by it (and then reversed over again).
To be honest, I think my biggest complaint is that the entirety of the book felt like Sanderson was just… tired. Like he had lived in the story of Roshar so long that he was just ready to be done with it, which is soul crushing.
The ‘twists’ throughout the books were gut wrenchingly predictable (with the exception of (maybe) 2 minor ones).
Some of the characters that have really made the series felt warped with a sense of indifference or lack of intensity. Their entire basis of personality having been shifted.
The book was also unnecessarily long, with many (large) portions being repetitive or simply unneeded in the long run, making the journey that much more of a slog and causing me as a reader to lose much of my enthusiasm.
After such a hard journey I felt like this book was simply a let down. The only real light in the otherwise mediocrity of the book was really getting to see Adolin’s redemption arc.
I will not be giving up on this series, I don’t think I ever could but I am a bit heartbroken.
TLDR: Good LGBT rep, predictable, too long, Adolin is the bestest of boys.
QUOTES:
Even in failure, it is often not the tool, but the wielder, who is at fault.
It was the artist's way to paint a picture of someone the moment she saw them - but art was locked to the page, and a person was always so much more than any image could contain.
if someone you deeply respected disagreed with you, perhaps it was worth reconsidering.
two sides delineated simply. One who can just be 'the enemy'. People can be wonderful or terrible; an enemy, though, can only be something to fight.
The thing is the deepest truths always sound a little trite. Because we all know them, and feel foolish being reminded.
Understanding has never led to hatred.
Few combatants win on board or battlefield without first having won the fight against their own minds.
This place had never been home. But home had been here.
War was being forced to step on another man's entrails, hearing him wail as you pushed them out farther, because you had to keep fighting.
Because if you could do it all yourself you wouldn't need a sword at your side.
The dirty secret is that all governments are quietly republics - the voting is simply done with the sword or the coin. Everyone conveniently neglects to tell the lower class that it's their coin, and their lack of swords.
There is no need to trust someone who couldn't hurt you.
A virtue is something that is valuable even if it gives you nothing. A virtue persists without payment or compensation. Positive thinking is great. Vital. Useful. But it has to remain so even if it gets you nothing. Belief, truth, honor... if these exist only to get you something, you've missed the storming point.
Would that any of us... could protect ourselves from the costs heroism often requires. But again, if there were no cost, no sacrifice, then would it be heroism at all?
If we never had the power to do terrible things, then what heroism would it be to resist?
The Bakery Dragon by Devin Elle Kurtz
Review:
Stunning!
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
Read: December 17, 2024
Title: The Bakery Dragon
Author: Devin Elle Kurtz
Illustrator: Devin Elle Kurtz
Genre: Picture Book
Rating: 4/5
Review:
Stunning!
The artwork in this book is absolutely breathtaking! The story is adorable and compelling and the moral is a good one.
TBH I can’t think of anything negative to say. :)
QUOTES: NA
Don't Touch That Flower by Alice Hemming
Review:
Giving the same review as The Leaf Thief! A+++
The illustrations are FANTASTIC! They are humorous but not over the top, beautiful without being too elegant. It’s truly a wonderful balance.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
Read: December 5, 2024
Title: Don’t Touch That Flower
Series: Squirrel and Bird
Author: Alice Hemming
Illustrator: Nicola Slater
Genre: Picture Book
Rating: 3/5
Review:
Giving the same review as The Leaf Thief! A+++
The illustrations are FANTASTIC! They are humorous but not over the top, beautiful without being too elegant. It’s truly a wonderful balance.
The story is fun without being too simplistic, so children can expand their vocabulary. It has a wonderful moral that comes across in a fun and affectionate way and teaches about the seasons.
One of my favorite picture books of the year.
QUOTES: NA
The Snow Thief by Alice Hemming
Review:
Giving the same review as The Leaf Thief! A+++
The illustrations are FANTASTIC! They are humorous but not over the top, beautiful without being too elegant. It’s truly a wonderful balance.
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
3.0
Read: December 5, 2024
Title: The Snow Thief
Series: Squirrel and Bird
Author: Alice Hemming
Illustrator: Nicola Slater
Genre: Picture Book
Rating: 3/5
Review:
Giving the same review as The Leaf Thief! A+++
The illustrations are FANTASTIC! They are humorous but not over the top, beautiful without being too elegant. It’s truly a wonderful balance.
The story is fun without being too simplistic, so children can expand their vocabulary. It has a wonderful moral that comes across in a fun and affectionate way and teaches about the seasons.
One of my favorite picture books of the year.
QUOTES: NA
The Most Boring Book Ever by Brandon Sanderson
Review:
I went into this book knowing what it was supposed to be and yet I find it lacking.
I love Sanderson… and have no doubt he could write a good children’s book. This however is not it.
The premise is cute, but the title is correct. The writing is boring. In fact the only reason I know it’s Sanderson is the name on the front. But this could be written by ANYONE.
Kibuishi is the one that makes this book. Their illustrations are beautiful. Still they weren’t unique enough to pull off the satire that this book was supposed to be.
Still I didn’t struggle to get through it. So, two stars for Kibuishi’s wonderful work!
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
2.0
Read: December 3, 2024
Title: The Most Boring Book Ever
Author: Bandon Sanderson
Illustrator: Kazu Kibuishi
Genre: Picture Book
Rating: 2/5
Review:
I went into this book knowing what it was supposed to be and yet I find it lacking.
I love Sanderson… and have no doubt he could write a good children’s book. This however is not it.
The premise is cute, but the title is correct. The writing is boring. In fact the only reason I know it’s Sanderson is the name on the front. But this could be written by ANYONE.
Kibuishi is the one that makes this book. Their illustrations are beautiful. Still they weren’t unique enough to pull off the satire that this book was supposed to be.
Still I didn’t struggle to get through it. So, two stars for Kibuishi’s wonderful work!
QUOTES: NA
Dawnshard by Brandon Sanderson
Review:
It's great to get to read a new story right before book 5 comes out. I’ve been rereading Stormlight in preparation but had originally skipped over the novellas. Reading them now provides a really nice break up between this marathon I have thrust upon myself.
funny
lighthearted
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? It's complicated
4.0
Read: November 21, 2024
Title: Dawnshard
Series: The Stormlight Archive # 3.5
Author: Bandon Sanderson
Genre: High Fantasy
Rating: 4/5
Review:
It's great to get to read a new story right before book 5 comes out. I’ve been rereading Stormlight in preparation but had originally skipped over the novellas. Reading them now provides a really nice break up between this marathon I have thrust upon myself.
That being said, I really enjoyed this one. It certainly isn’t my favorite but Sanderson can’t seem to miss. However, when a nice painting is hung next to masterpieces, it will always fall a bit flat as this one did for me.
Still I cannot find any real faults with the novel. Sanderson’s characters and worldbuilding is always astounding and the nuances and dimensions to each is just A++, and I always love a sprinkle of representation!
The pacing was a bit off compared to the rest of the series but wasn’t too noticeable and it didn’t feel like it was quite his ‘signature’ ending but in 200 pages what do you expect?
Love, Love, Love! (To no one’s surprise I’m sure.)
Love, Love, Love! (To no one’s surprise I’m sure.)
QUOTES: NA
The Leaf Thief by Alice Hemming
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Read: October 31, 2024
Title: The Leaf Thief
Author: Alice Hemming
Illustrator: Nicola Slater
Title: The Leaf Thief
Author: Alice Hemming
Illustrator: Nicola Slater
Genre: Picture Book
Rating: 3.5/5
Review:
I adored this book!
The illustrations are FANTASTIC! They are humorous but not over the top, beautiful without being too elegant. It’s truly a wonderful balance.
Review:
I adored this book!
The illustrations are FANTASTIC! They are humorous but not over the top, beautiful without being too elegant. It’s truly a wonderful balance.
The story is fun without being too simplistic, so children can expand their vocabulary. There is conflict without being aggressive or violent. It has a wonderful moral that comes across in a fun and affectionate way and teaches about the seasons.
One of my favorite picture books of the year.
QUOTES: NA
Magic by Jed Mackay
adventurous
emotional
funny
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Read: November 1, 2024
Title: Magic Book 1
Author: Jed MacKay, Ig Guara
Genre: Graphic Novel
Rating: 3/5
Review:
Having read some of the MTG novels, I have never been impressed with the writing or storylines. I think, because of this, I was surprised to enjoy this novel as much as I have.
The artwork is fantastic and the story has a good pace and hook. Though the lines tend to be a bit corny. The characters are great, each with a unique voice and feel.
I will say that the biggest critique I have is that for anyone who is reading the novel without knowing at least some MTG lore will be very lost. The story is enjoyable regardless of MTG knowledge.
Heartbreaking, exciting, and adorable all at the same time.
QUOTES: NA