spootilious's reviews
117 reviews

Hammered by Kevin Hearne

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

3.0

 
Read: December 28, 2022 
Title: Hammered 
Series: The Iron Druid Chronicles #3 
Author: Kevin Hearne 
Genre: Urban Fantasy / Paranormal 
 
Rating: 3/5 
 
Review: 
I feel as if my reviews for this series is becoming repetitive so I will keep this one brief. 
 
I find the humor funny, the characters lovable, the mythology mix interesting, the female representation a bit sexist, the superman syndrome boring and the plot holes to be expected. 
 
Now, what really sets this book apart from the others are two specific scenes. 
 
First off, there is a scene which a number of characters discuss their backgrounds which was written shockingly well, and I admit is my favorite scene throughout the entire series thus far. Hearne surprised me in his ability to take matters in a more serious direction and pulled at my heart strings a bit. 
 
Secondly, there is a scene were frost giants take a person as a prize and the main character had agreed to this which I find shockingly out of place considering that the entire book is based on he and his friends taking revenge on an asshat god who treated people as if they were nothing and now, they agree to doing the same with nothing more than… ‘I kinda sorta feel guilty’ moment, after condemning that person to an eternity of rape… Kinda ruins the whole ‘hero’ thing for me with Atticus… 
 
Still a fun serious, though things are beginning to feel a bit cookie cutter as I get further into the series… but we’ll see how it goes. 
 
 
Quotes: 
N/A 
 

Hexed by Kevin Hearne

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adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

 
Read: December 26, 2022 
Title: Hexed 
Series: The Iron Druid Chronicles #2 
Author: Kevin Hearne 
Genre: Urban Fantasy / Paranormal 
 
Rating: 3/5 
 
Review: 
Just as the first book in this series I found Hexed to be delightful. However, there were a few things in book 1 that I felt if continued would be things I didn’t much care for in the book if they grew into fruition…. Which unfortunately they did… 
 
Namely, the fact that there are only two females in the series so far that aren’t sexualized beyond belief: An old widow (though there is a comment about how disgusting it would be to sleep with her) and a schoolteacher which was implied that she’s not very attractive and there for must not have a lot of sex (I am not including the chubby witch obsessed with food in this because she was so brief and there is a whole other issue there). Otherwise, every woman in the story is drop dead gorgeous and barely clothed and all of them want to sleep with the main character (or act as if they do). 
 
Then there is the ‘Superman Syndrome’ (as I like to call it). The main character is very old and that makes him powerful, and I get that. But more powerful than his own god which is older than he is? Granted… Maybe but it seems that every time there is a new big bad he just happens to have the ability to beat them just as superman always discovers a new ability as soon as he needs it. 
 
All of that plus the plot holes and the try to hard humor (in some cases) do NOT make this a bad book. In fact, I loved it and can’t wait to read book three. However, these things are downsides to the series and prevent it from being as good as it could be in my eyes. 
 
As for the wonderful things about this book: Just like book 1 the characters are all lovable and hilarious, the humor is always present and has had my sides splitting at times, the magic system is unique and interesting and my favorite thing about the series is the mix of mythology and faith throughout. 
 
I’m loving the series and definitely recommend (with the warning of the above issues). 
 
Quotes: 
N/A 
 

Hounded by Kevin Hearne

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

3.5

 
Read: December 23, 2022 

Title: Hounded 

Series: The Iron Druid Chronicles #1 

Author: Kevin Hearne 

Genre: Urban Fantasy / Paranormal 

Rating:  3.5/5 

Review: 

This book was delightful! 

Every page had me laughing or at least grinning. It certainly wouldn’t win any literary awards for me, but I enjoyed it immensely. 

The entire journey was fun and hilarious with a mix of different mythologies that made the entire thing fascinating, loveable characters and a fast pace to keep everyone on their toes. 

Granted there are quite a few plot holes, and the main characters can be a bit… ‘too awesome’ at times and the writing can be a bit forced in places. But this is definitely going on my shelf as a reread for when I need a pick me up and I’m already ¾ of the way through the next book. 

Definitely recommend. 

Quotes: 

N/A 

Beastly Bones by William Ritter

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

3.5

 
Read: December 17, 2022 
Title: Beastly Bones 
Series: Jackaby #2 
Author: William Ritter 
Genre: Young Adult / Fantasy 
 
 
Rating:  3.5/5 
Review: 
Just as he did the first book, William Ritter delivered another charming and fun adventure for Ms. Abigail Rook and Mr. R.F. Jackaby. 
 
Unlike book one Beastly Bones is a bit drier than expects and has a far slower pace. I don’t believe this is a downside, however, considering it is a young adult novel, I can see where this is not idea. The book also focusses quite a bit on Ms. Rook’s love life and while I found that endearing because of the loveable characters I felt it was unnecessary. 
 
Overall, however, the book was just as fun as the last, with charming interactions, strong female characters, an action-packed ending, and hilarious missteps. 
 
I also found this book to be less predictable than the first, which surprised me considering I had all the pieces and knew where they were going to tie together but couldn’t for the life of me figure out how… Which is a rare thing indeed. 
 
 
Quotes: 
N/A 
The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner

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

2.0

 
Read: December 13, 2022 
Title: The Lost Apothecary 
Author: Sarah Penner 
 
Genre: Historical Fiction 
Rating: 2/5 
Review: 
I really wanted to love this book. I went into it excited about the history, adventure and the numerous female main characters. What was there not to love regarding a story about a woman who runs an apothecary that helps women murder men that have jaded them? 
 
First thing I noticed is that present day main character is extremely melodramatic and puts far too much of her self-worth on whether or not she can have a baby. Then Nella, one of the main characters in the late 1700s is mirrored in this… along with one of her clients. It felt as if each of these women portrayed themselves as useless if they could not have a child. I suppose this makes sense in the 1700s for the wealthy but rubbed me the wrong way. 
 
One the opposite side, every man in this story (with the exception of the bachelor that goes mud larking and the bookshop attendant (that may or may not end up murdered, so I rather not count him)) are all described in disgusting manners and are outright manipulative, feral, or aggressive. While I understand why this is the case I would have liked to see one (supporting) male character to cling to and be reminded that not all men are that terrible. 
 
I also found the story to be extremely predictable along with the ‘happy’ ending that felt far too unrealistic. It wasn’t HOW everyone was saved but rather that they were saved. I think the story would have had more substance if there were consequences to the actions of our main characters rather than these happy endings (specifically Eliza and Nella). 
 
Overall, the 2-star rating is taking into account that I can see why others like it. The premise is good, the message of choosing yourself, and your passion, over what society would force upon you is great. The book has a steady pace and is easy to read. Those that want to get into historical fiction or just enjoy slice of life reads would enjoy this. It is simply not for me. 
 
 
Quotes: 
N/A 
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I'm a Unicorn by Helen Yoon

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funny lighthearted fast-paced

4.0

 
Read: November 17th, 2022 

Title: I’m A Unicorn 

Author: Helen Yoon 

Illustrator: Helen Yoon 

Genre: Children’s Picture Book 

Rating: 4/5 

Review: 

This was such a fun story! I enjoyed every second of it! 

The illustrations were eye catching and absolutely adorable! 

The message of self-definition was great (though it could have dug a bit deeper than unicorn poop XD). 

Oh! And it’s basically a big poop joke which will definitely go over well with kids! 

It is also the perfect length to keep their attention. 

Love it! 

Quotes: 

N/A 

Jackaby by William Ritter

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adventurous funny lighthearted medium-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? It's complicated

4.0

 
Read: November 15, 2022 
Title: Jackaby 
Series: Jackaby (Book #1) 
Author: William Ritter 
Genre: Young Adult / Fantasy / Mystery 
 
Rating: 4/5 
 
Review: 
This book was pitched to me as ‘Sherlock Holmes meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer’. As a sucker for all things Holmes, I added it to my TBR. Though, now that I’ve read it, I would disagree with that pitch. The Sherlock Holmes bit is spot on, in fact, the author mentions Holmes (indirectly) as a sort of satire. But this book is less Buffy the Vampire Slayer and more… Fantastic Beasts. Which honestly, I couldn’t be happier about! 
 
This book was utterly delightful! One of my favorite reads of the year! 
 
It’s shorter than most books I read but I found that it didn’t drag on or rush in any places. The writing was consistence and engrossing. Ritter has beautiful imagery that I could spend all day devouring. 
 
I was a bit skeptical when I opened the book to find that it was in first person (which I’m a bit bias against) but was delighted when the writing style felt genuine and smooth; not to mention the main character was a strong female which made me immensely happy. A decently written woman at that. 
 
It was refreshing to see the platonic relationship between Jackaby and Rook, and the bashfulness of the romantic subplots (with other characters) were both a nice change of pace compared to modern Young Adult novels. 
 
The only real negative I have for this book is how supremely predictable it was. Other than that, strongly recommend! 
 
Quotes: 
“That the battles are usually in her head does not lesson the bravery of it.” 

“Monsters are easy… They’re Monsters. But a monster in a suit? That’s basically just a wicked man, and a wicked man is a more dangerous thing by far.” 

“This world is full of dragon-slayers. What we need are a few more people who aren’t too proud to listen to a fish.” 

Auntie Uncle: Drag Queen Hero by Ellie Royce

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

4.5

 
Read: November 7th, 2022 (approximately) 
Title: Auntie Uncle Drag Queen Hero 
Author: Ellie Royce 
Illustrator: Hannah Chambers 
Genre: Children’s Picture Book, LGBTQIA+ 
 
Rating: 4.5/5 
 
Review: 
There is so much to love about this book, so I’ll just start off with the negatives: 
There isn’t a real climax to the book and it’s not very adventurous so its not one of the books that I could reread repeatedly and not get board of. 
 
Now for the positive: 
EVERYTHING! This book is practically perfect! It’s lighthearted but realistic. It’s fun and colorful, moving and heartfelt. It has LGBTQIA+ representation and acceptance. 
 
With such a great message and beautiful and fun artwork, this is definitely one of my favorite children’s books so far. 
 
Quotes: 
N/A 

We Don't Eat Our Classmates by Ryan T. Higgins

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

3.0

 
Read: November 7th, 2022 (approximately) 
Title: We Don’t Eat Our Classmates 
Series: Penelope Rex Book #1 
Author: Ryan T. Higgins 
Genre: Children’s Picture Book 
 
Rating: 3/5 
 
Review: 
The illustrations in this book are adorable. The dinos are so beautifully proportioned that I was immediately drawn in, despite the strange and quirky concept of eating children. 
 
There isn’t much to say about the story besides its empathetic message which is delivered in the typical method of having the main character experience what its like to be treated the way they are treating others. Overall, I wished it would have had a better turning point but it is written as well as many other books with the same message. 
 
Not one I could reread over and over but definitely a strong book. 
 
 
Quotes: 
N/A 

My Shadow Is Purple by Scott Stuart

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hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

 
Read: November 7th, 2022 (approximately) 
Title: My Shadow is Purple 
Author: Scott Stuart 
Genre: Children’s Picture Book, LGTBQ 
 
Rating: 4/5 
 
Review: 
My Shadow is Purple is an utter delight! 
 
The colorful and fun artwork is eye catching and the LGBTQIA+ Representation is always a plus. 
 
While I wish that there were more diverse shadows throughout the book, maybe hidden in the backgrounds or out of the corner of the main character’s field of vision (to hint that they were out there but that the protagonist just hadn’t found them). As it stands there were simply just blue shadows and 1 pink at the end. This isn’t a major complaint, simply a missed opportunity. 
 
The message of acceptance was handled well enough, and I was really happy to see that it wasn’t overthought or overdone (which can happen pretty easily when we forget that these books are written for children). 
 
The rhyming was spot on as well which is always a love of mine. 
 
Definitely a book I will be returning to often. 
 
 
Quotes: 
N/A