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spootilious's reviews
123 reviews
Crystal Keepers by Brandon Mull
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
Going into this book I didn’t have my hopes set very high. I found Skyraiders to be predictable, slow, and oddly split (as if it needed to be two books). The Rogue Knight was better but still not the Brandon Mull I remembered. Crystal Keepers, however, was exactly what I needed.
The book introduces a new kingdom full of crazy tech, well rounded characters, and awesome sub plots. It still is a bit predictable but managed to hold itself up. Its action packed with a great balance of funny and serious moments. The ending is a bit abrupt but that isn’t uncommon in some of Mull’s books (a few of the Fablehaven books… Dragonwatch (particularly Master of the Phantom Isle)).
Overall, this was probably my favorite out of the series so far.
Master of the Phantom Isle by Brandon Mull
adventurous
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
I struggled with this one. Master of the Phantom Isle definitely suffers from middle book syndrome. That of course doesn’t mean it was bad! I enjoyed it quite immensely, in fact. I suppose my biggest issue was that there was no real ups and downs. It read at a meanderingly even pace, even during actions scenes. It just chugged slowly along. Of course, there is nothing wrong with that; though it does make for a lengthy read despite its lower page numbers.
The book introduces a number of new creatures and characters, along with new settings and challenges. In that aspect I really enjoyed seeing more of the Fablehaven world. And of course, Mull is all ways creative when it comes to magical mechanics and restrictions. Many of them so unique that I just might have to add them to my next D&D campaign.
Overall, Master of the Phantom Isle felt like a stepping stone to the next installment of the Dragonwatch series.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Parts One and Two by J.K. Rowling, Jack Thorne
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
medium-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
3.5
Let me be completely clear going into this review: this was not meant to be read like a book. It was meant to be performed and I completely understand that.
Now, that being said I think that if it /had/ been written as a book I would enjoy it far more than I had. I would love to see it preformed! As it stands, I had to settle for the audiobook.
The characters of Albus and Scorpius are adorably well rounded though the adult seem to fall a bit flat, but that may be due to the fact that this was written with the knowledge that the people who would flock to see it would already be well versed in who they were.
The multiple iterations of each characters were also creative, which was enjoyable, and the story line did have certain points that definitely stirred emotions. However, it’s a bit choppy even for a playwright which can be a bit disorientating, and I found it to be very repetitive. Overall, however, I enjoyed it and recommend it to anyone who simply wants something new from their favorite wizarding trio.
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune was a joy to read. That being said there was nothing inherently ‘great’ about it. Don’t get me wrong, I enjoyed every second of it! The characters were all loveable and sweet. The plot, while very predictable, was cute and fun.
The book expresses a number of parallels between the segregation of magical creatures and the segregation of race that our own world has presented throughout history. There is a good moral of acceptance in the subtext of the book that a great number of individuals would do well to learn in today’s society (though I doubt those individuals would be reading a book with two gay characters).
All of that being considered, the book feels like a well written fanfiction. Which there is ABSOLUTELY nothing wrong with. More and more I see these writing styles becoming bestsellers and it make me very happy. The truth is however, that I doubt this book will ever earn its place among the ‘great’ books, and that okay.
The language is simplistic but straight forward. The descriptions are adequate and effective. The plot has a traditional flow. The conflict is obvious, and the character development is on par. This book is exactly as it should be nothing more and nothing less.
This is a feel-good fluff story set in a modern fantasy world about two men falling in love with one another and a group of unique children.
I am certainly going to reread every time I need a pick me up!
The book expresses a number of parallels between the segregation of magical creatures and the segregation of race that our own world has presented throughout history. There is a good moral of acceptance in the subtext of the book that a great number of individuals would do well to learn in today’s society (though I doubt those individuals would be reading a book with two gay characters).
All of that being considered, the book feels like a well written fanfiction. Which there is ABSOLUTELY nothing wrong with. More and more I see these writing styles becoming bestsellers and it make me very happy. The truth is however, that I doubt this book will ever earn its place among the ‘great’ books, and that okay.
The language is simplistic but straight forward. The descriptions are adequate and effective. The plot has a traditional flow. The conflict is obvious, and the character development is on par. This book is exactly as it should be nothing more and nothing less.
This is a feel-good fluff story set in a modern fantasy world about two men falling in love with one another and a group of unique children.
I am certainly going to reread every time I need a pick me up!
Wrath of the Dragon King by Brandon Mull
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
It is obvious that Brandon Mull’s passion project was definitely Fablehaven. You can feel it in his writing that he loves these characters and setting so much that it draws you in. Dragonwatch has been a joy to read! With loveable characters and twists that leave you in suspense. This modern fantasy book is full of twist and turns, excitement and heartwarming adventures. I loved it!
I will say that Mull struggles with natural dialog, though it not in a way that bogs down the reading. It’s something he obviously tries to focus on as he works through certain conversations in this book. His simplistic writing style also reminds me a lot of a more detail-oriented Rick Riordan. Definitely an underrated author.
Rogue Knight by Brandon Mull
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I went into this book disappointed from the first. Skyraiders was not what I wanted it to be; especially when I loved Fablehaven so much and am also reading Dragonwatch. Still, The Rogue Knight didn’t disappoint. It wasn’t the best book of Mull’s by far but it wasn’t bad.
Likes: Lovable characters, unique worlds, relatable character, interesting magic systems, more world building.
Dislikes: Bulky dialog, suitable but not great ending, kinda predictable.
Mull takes his time getting to know the characters this time, pulling the reading into caring for them. Meanwhile he continues to build an interesting world with stark division lines that will obviously be the main settings of the rest of the series. His magic system in also unique. It remains fluid despite boards but also very vague leaving me wanting to know more.
Mull unfortunately has an issue with bulky dialog as he did in the first book. It is present in the Fablehaven series as well but not so much that it is too noticeable. I found myself drifting in and out of the conversations in The Rogue Knight and discovering that even in doing so I don’t miss anything. The ending of the novel is also quite suitable which is not necessarily a bad thing but also leaves something to be desired.
Over all The Rogue Knight is a solid read for those just coming of age to enter the YA genre.
The Hero of Ages by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
dark
hopeful
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
The Well of Ascension by Brandon Sanderson
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
tense
slow-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Likes
-Eland's Character development
-Majority of plot points unpredictable
-Wonderful Characters
-Unique cultures
-A magic system that (half)reminds me of David Farland's Runelords
Dislikes:
-Focuses mostly on politics (this is mostly for set up for the end of the book and book three but it still gets a bit slow)
-A few sentences of plot are repeated through this whole book so often that if feels like Sanderson is beating it into the reader's head.
-There are a number of minor plot points that are extremely predictable.
-Slower paced than the first book.
-Eland's Character development
-Majority of plot points unpredictable
-Wonderful Characters
-Unique cultures
-A magic system that (half)reminds me of David Farland's Runelords
Dislikes:
-Focuses mostly on politics (this is mostly for set up for the end of the book and book three but it still gets a bit slow)
-A few sentences of plot are repeated through this whole book so often that if feels like Sanderson is beating it into the reader's head.
-There are a number of minor plot points that are extremely predictable.
-Slower paced than the first book.
Where the Crawdads Sing by Delia Owens
I have spent two days trying to decide on a rating for this book. It can be difficult to separate a reader’s response from a literary examination of a work and this novel is a prime example of this conundrum. The truth is I adore this book. I would love to give it 5/5 stars. I have a soft spot for works that leave me with what booktok calls a ‘book hangover’; a work that causes you to stare at a wall for a period after you have put it down. A work that makes you examine life (both real and fictional) in a way that poses questions you may not have considered before. This is one of those books.
Where the Crawdads Sing, is more than a story of a young girl growing up alone, isolated, and judged. This is a book about Human Sociology. It examines the interaction between a young individual and the social world; the prejudice, hate, love, and acceptance she receives for being perceived as different. It addresses the stereotypes that we have even now in 2020. It is moving, soul crushing and enlightening.
This book will always have a place on my shelf and in my heart. It has instantly become one of my all-time favorites. This book will no doubt be considered a classic for years to come. (I will not say that it will be read in HS classrooms due to sensitive descriptions of nudity and sex).
As for the reasons this novel did not get a 5/5 star rating:
When I began this novel I did not care for it. I knew immediately from the tone of the book that I would be hurt by then end which was not surprising. However, the thing that really had me pausing was the massive amount of descriptions involving swamp land and marshes. I personally love the descriptions the author writes. While I realize the novel is based in North Carolina it screamed of Louisiana, a place I once called home and is still very near and dear to my heart. I also feel that these descriptions are necessary despite slowing the reading. They are an integral part of Kya’s (the main character) personality and thoughts. However, I recognize that this could be an issue to many readers and took it into account.
Another reason for a lower review is the build up to the final chapters and the predictable plot points throughout the book. I don’t have problems with predictable plot points if they are handled correctly and I must say Delia Owens handles them beautifully. That being said, once again, I recognize that this is a downfall for some readers and take that into consideration.
The final reason for this rating is in part to the dialog written. While the things said never really felt forced or wrong, the dialect is a bit of a struggle. Having spent a number of years living in a heavily Cajun area of LA I have to say that the dialect written in this novel is not exactly ‘incorrect’ (though I cannot speak for North Carolina or the fact that this is set in the 1960s). The dialect is a bit over pronounced in some areas and is certainly difficult to read. I will say it sounds better when you read the dialog aloud than when silently reading.
Regardless, this is one book I will be recommending for years to come and will certainly never forget.
adventurous
dark
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
sad
medium-paced
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I have spent two days trying to decide on a rating for this book. It can be difficult to separate a reader’s response from a literary examination of a work and this novel is a prime example of this conundrum. The truth is I adore this book. I would love to give it 5/5 stars. I have a soft spot for works that leave me with what booktok calls a ‘book hangover’; a work that causes you to stare at a wall for a period after you have put it down. A work that makes you examine life (both real and fictional) in a way that poses questions you may not have considered before. This is one of those books.
Where the Crawdads Sing, is more than a story of a young girl growing up alone, isolated, and judged. This is a book about Human Sociology. It examines the interaction between a young individual and the social world; the prejudice, hate, love, and acceptance she receives for being perceived as different. It addresses the stereotypes that we have even now in 2020. It is moving, soul crushing and enlightening.
This book will always have a place on my shelf and in my heart. It has instantly become one of my all-time favorites. This book will no doubt be considered a classic for years to come. (I will not say that it will be read in HS classrooms due to sensitive descriptions of nudity and sex).
As for the reasons this novel did not get a 5/5 star rating:
When I began this novel I did not care for it. I knew immediately from the tone of the book that I would be hurt by then end which was not surprising. However, the thing that really had me pausing was the massive amount of descriptions involving swamp land and marshes. I personally love the descriptions the author writes. While I realize the novel is based in North Carolina it screamed of Louisiana, a place I once called home and is still very near and dear to my heart. I also feel that these descriptions are necessary despite slowing the reading. They are an integral part of Kya’s (the main character) personality and thoughts. However, I recognize that this could be an issue to many readers and took it into account.
Another reason for a lower review is the build up to the final chapters and the predictable plot points throughout the book. I don’t have problems with predictable plot points if they are handled correctly and I must say Delia Owens handles them beautifully. That being said, once again, I recognize that this is a downfall for some readers and take that into consideration.
The final reason for this rating is in part to the dialog written. While the things said never really felt forced or wrong, the dialect is a bit of a struggle. Having spent a number of years living in a heavily Cajun area of LA I have to say that the dialect written in this novel is not exactly ‘incorrect’ (though I cannot speak for North Carolina or the fact that this is set in the 1960s). The dialect is a bit over pronounced in some areas and is certainly difficult to read. I will say it sounds better when you read the dialog aloud than when silently reading.
Regardless, this is one book I will be recommending for years to come and will certainly never forget.
Sky Raiders by Brandon Mull
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
Like many others I read Fablehaven years ago and have recent found Brandon Mull's other series (Definitely loving Dragonwatch!). I was excited to read Sky Raiders, it was the first non-Fablehaven book of his I have had a chance to read.
Sky Raiders is light hearted and fun just as Fablehaven was. It has some relatable characters and great one liners. The action is fast paced and fluid. With original creatures and setting, Its a great book for middle schoolers.
That being said I felt like it fell flat. Mull obviously didn't have as big of a passion for this story as his Fablehaven works. That is not to say it was bad, it is a solid read, simply that I know he can do better. The characters were a bit two dimensional, and (as others have pointed out) it feels as if ths story is split in two: the sky castles and the adventure afterwards. The plot points are also far two predictable for my taste, but there isn't necessarily anything wrong with that.
Overall, I will probably read the rest of the series, but it has moved much lower on my TBR.
Sky Raiders is light hearted and fun just as Fablehaven was. It has some relatable characters and great one liners. The action is fast paced and fluid. With original creatures and setting, Its a great book for middle schoolers.
That being said I felt like it fell flat. Mull obviously didn't have as big of a passion for this story as his Fablehaven works. That is not to say it was bad, it is a solid read, simply that I know he can do better. The characters were a bit two dimensional, and (as others have pointed out) it feels as if ths story is split in two: the sky castles and the adventure afterwards. The plot points are also far two predictable for my taste, but there isn't necessarily anything wrong with that.
Overall, I will probably read the rest of the series, but it has moved much lower on my TBR.