spootilious's reviews
117 reviews

Gold! by David Shannon

lighthearted medium-paced

2.0

 

Read: November 7th, 2022 

Title: GOLD! 

Author: David Shannon 

Genre: Children’s Picture Book, Classic Retelling 

 

Rating: 2/5 

 

Review: 

GOLD! Is an adorable retelling of the classic myth of Midas. It’s simplistic writing is effective though the rhyming can be awkward at times and the ending is a bit abrupt/confusing. 

 

It was a fun little read with decent artwork and a good enough message. 

 

Might not be one of the books I revisit more than once or twice, however. 

 

Quotes: 

N/A 

The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt by Riel Nason

lighthearted 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

3.0

 

Read: October 30th, 2022 

Title: The Little Ghost Who Was a Quilt 

Author: Riel Nason 

Illustrator: Byron Eggenschwiler 

Genre: Children’s Picture Book, Halloween 

 

Rating: 3/5 

 

Review: 

This was a very cute Halloween themed picture book. It checked almost every box with its cozy Halloween theme, a heartwarming message about uniqueness, adorable art work and a unique story premise. 

 

I will say that there is nothing really to pull in the reader, its not exciting or adventurous, and it’s not a story I would read year-round. However, I will no doubt be returning to visit our little quilt ghost around Halloween next year. 

 

Quotes: 

N/A 

The 7½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton

adventurous dark mysterious reflective 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? It's complicated

2.5

 

Read: 11/3/2022 

Title: The 7 ½ Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle 

Author: Stuart Turton 

Genre: Murder Mystery/Science Fiction/Thriller 

 

 

Rating: 3/5 

Review: 

I am a sucker for a good murder mystery, and I suppose this book has all the makings of one with a bit of the supernatural sprinkled on top. 

 

That being said, I found myself dissatisfied at the end of this novel but probably not for the same reasons many other readers have that have rated this book so low. 

 

I find myself stuck between 2.5 – 3 stars for this novel. It has some wonderful qualities! The characters are distinct and likable (or loathe worthy depending on their role) and Turton occasionally has such beautiful prose that it takes my breath away. His twists and turns can be surprising and leaves the reader on the edge of their seat. 

 

But I suppose the thing I love most about this book is that it forces the reader to question what makes an individual themselves? Is the accumulation of our memories and experiences? Or is it something else entirely? The very core of ourselves that when stripped away of all experiences still remains exactly as it should? Is that core inherently good? Bad? Or perhaps neither? 

 

Regardless, I found many aspects of this book lacking. Turton (like many writers) suffers with inconsistency in his writings. There are many places where he embellishes scenery and emotion that could elevate this book to 'classic’ status, while falling flat in other places keeping it from that title. It’s as if he is so focused on setting up the chess pieces (pun intended) ‘just so’ in order for them to all fall into place at the end of the novel that he forgets that background matters. It feels like he gets excited for certain scenes and thus embellishes them wall others are used to simply fill in the gaps. 

 

There are moments, in which the author also seems to spell out details, reiterating them repeatedly as if waving them in front of the reader to make sure they realize it is an important clue, rather than trusting the reader to either take note or overlook the clue (which would cause a larger surprise at the end in my opinion). 

 

**Incoming Spoilers** 

 

||These two issues are minor things and are quite common, so I can not fault the author too much. No, the two issues that stood out to me the most were in regards to Ravencourt and the number of murders (outside of Evelyn) that occurred. 

 

The first thing noted about Ravencourt is just how fat he is. This is quite understandable and the first chapter he’s in handles it fairly well without being over the top. However, ever chapter following the first borders on fatphobic. Which the struggles of the obese man could still be portrayed without beating the reader over the head with how ‘disgusting’ he is or how others see him, or the way that he eats and being quite offensive (especially as someone who has been classified as obese in the past). Not to mention that when paired with the ‘rumors of young men’ employed by Ravencourt that is mentioned later in the book it demonizes both the fat and LGBTQ+ communities. 

 

Now, That being said. I doubt that Turton ever intended to do such a thing and probably didn’t notice. To be honest, very rarely have a seen a good representation of a fat individual. And obesity at Ravencourt’s level should not be glorified but it also should not be demonized. Regardless it did make it obvious that Turton is neither obese or part of the LGBTQ community. 

 

Lastly, by the end of the book, I was shocked to see that anyone was left alive in the house. Every turn was another murder to the point that it became overwhelming. At some point I felt that if the murder just poisoned all the liquor in the house it would have been much easier for everyone, including our protagonist. I suppose it fit the character in question considering they were ‘murder happy’ to begin with but… I dunno, so many murder felt overdone. || 

 

I can definitely see the influence of Agatha Christie in this novel and enjoyed reading it. I would most certainly recommend this novel to anyone who enjoys a complex (this being the key word) murder mystery. 

 

 

Quotes: 

“Anger’s solid; it has weight. You can beat your fists against it. Pity’s a fog to become lost within.” 

“How lost do you have to be to let the devil lead you home?” 

“… bars can’t build better men and misery con only break what goodness remains.” 

“We are never more ourselves than when we think people aren’t watching.” 

Rhythm of War by Brandon Sanderson

dark emotional mysterious reflective sad tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

 

Read: September 8, 2022 

Title: Rhythm of War 

Series: Stormlight Archives #4 

Author: Brandon Sanderson 

Genre: Fantasy 

Rating: 3/5 

Review: 

Let me begin this by saying that despite the lower rating of this book, the Stormlight Archives as a whole is a wonderful series that I highly recommend. 

 

Now, getting into the nitty gritty: 

 

This book suffers from MAJOR middle book syndrome (which is sad considering that it’s not even the middle book). Rhythm of War such a wildly different feel than the rest of the series. 

 

While I adored the mental illness themes (which were handles quite well) I felt a bit blindsided by them. The issues had been mostly ignored through books 1-3 and then suddenly were a HUGE theme in ROW (even in the beginning chapters). Dealing with PTSD myself, I am happy to see such important topics being discussed but seeing a bit more of a build up would have been preferred. 

 

In addition, I feel as if a few of the main characters are pulling what I call a ‘superman’. ||Basically, when the character has no way out they suddenly discover a new ability. In the case of the ROW, they say a new vow.|| While this is not unusual and doesn’t make for a bad story I do find it a bit annoying. 

 

Lastly (for negatives regarding ROW), I have never been too fond of the flashback chapters of the Stormlight Archives, but in ROW they felt redundant. I will be the first to admit that I did not read these chapters all the way through. I skimmed most and TBH didn’t really miss anything of important. The chapters could have been completely omitted and the ‘big reveal’ with Venli’s character could have been explained to the readers when it was explained to Rlain and it would have made a better climax and (in my opinion) a better storyline for that character. These chapters made the book even longer than it needed to be (this coming from a woman who likes her book thiCC!). 

 

All of that being said I enjoyed ROW. Sanderson has amazing characters, and the world building is always phenomenal. In ROW we get to explore more of Shadesmare which is awesome! The Characters are always great, and the povs are spot on. The imagery is breathtaking. 

 

Overall, a solid book, despite being the weakest in the series. 

 

Quotes: 

 

“Our weakness doesn’t make us weak. Our weakness makes us strong. For we had to carry it all these years.” 

“No one ever accomplished anything by being content with who they were.” 

“Heroism is a myth you tell idealistic young people—specifically when you want them to go bleed for you.” 

“Who do you think is stronger?... The man who has walked easily his entire life, or the man with no legs? The man who must pull himself by his arms?” 

“When good men disobeyed, it was time to look at your orders.” 

“That's the point of having a monarch. A man to wallow in blood, to be stained by it and destroyed by it, so that others might not suffer.” 

“Simple affirmation could be worth more than medication.” 

“Integrity doesn't stop men from killing... It just makes them use different justifications.” 

“If you spend your life knocking people down, you eventually find they won't stand up for you. There's poetry in that...” 

“Places have power over us... Places have memories. Sometimes when you go to a place you've never been, it can be wonderful... because it lets you be someone else. No expectations. No storming memories.” 

“Time. It was a sadistic master. It made adults of children = then gleefully, relentlessly, stole away everthing it had given.” 

“There are no fair fights... There's never been such a thing. The term is a lie used to impose imaginary order on something chaotic.” 

“The best and truest duty of a person is to add to the world. To create, and not destroy.” 

“It's not such a terrible thing, to be too weak. Makes us need one another. I should never complain if someone recognizes their failings.” 

“It will get better. Then it will get worse again. Then better. This is life, and I will not lie by saying every day will be sunshine. But there will be sunshine again, and that is a very different thing to say. That is truth. I promise you.” 

Noodle and the No Bones Day by Jonathan Graziano, Dan Tavis

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

4.5

 

Read: July 23rd 2022 

Title: Noodle and the No Bones Day 

Series: N/A 

Author: Johnathan Graziano 

Illustrations: Dan Tavis 

Genre: Children’s Picture book 

Rating: 4.5/5 

Review: 

I absolutely adored this book. Like most of us, I was a aware of Johnathan and Noodle on Tiktok. I also knew that the book had been published but had not ordered a copy. A fact, which I now sorely regret. 

Spotting it on the shelf of my local Barnes and Nobels, I couldn’t help but stop and give it a quick read. I loved it so much I bought it on the spot. 

The illustrations alone had me grinning from ear to ear. This was the most adorable book I had seen all year. That paired with the self-care message and inclusive tone of the book had me in love at first sight. 

The only thing that could make it better would have been a really tacky rhyming scheme (but that might be a me thing. I’m a sucker for those). 

 

 

Captain Jack and the Pirates by Peter Bently

adventurous lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.0

 

Read: August 27th 2022 

Title: Captain Jack and the Pirates 

Series: N/A 

Author: Peter Bently 

Illustrations: Helen Oxenbury 

Genre: Children’s Picture book 

Rating: 3/5 

Review: 

I absolutely adored King Jack and the Dragon. It is one of the few books I rated 5 out of 5. So, discovering Captain Jack and the Pirates had me really excited. 

As always, Helen Oxenbury comes out strong with her beautiful illustrations of the group of multi-cultural characters and I can not find any fault with her skill. 

That being said the story fell a bit flat for me. I love that imagination is the primary story generator here just as it was in King Jack. However, the rhyming scheme seemed a bit off unlocking the original book and had me far too distracted… Well, that and the different spelling of Zak’s name (or is it Zack now?). 

Overall, this book is a joy to read to children and I highly recommend it for that purpose. I however, will be sticking with my favorite (King Jack and the Dragon). 

 

 

Gondra's Treasure by Linda Sue Park

lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.0

 

A beautifully illustrated children’s book about a child born into two different cultures! 

Gondra’s father is an eastern dragon, while her mother is a western dragon, and throughout the book the three discuss the differences in culture and celebrate the different mix that presents itself in Gondra. 

It’s a wonderful story about celebrating who we are and our differences along with the things we have in common. 

Even though I doubt young children will consciously pick up on the message the story is engaging and the art is stunning. 

They Both Die at the End by Adam Silvera

dark emotional funny medium-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

2.5

 

This book started out strong. I was really enjoying through the entirety of part one. The characters were well rounded and the world was super interesting. You could definitely tell that Silvera has a background in fanfiction and I kind of like that. 

The writing was straight forward but well done, even with it being in first person (which makes me think it really should have been named We Both Die at the End but oh well.). 

All in all it wasn’t a bad book. The further in I got however, the less I really loved it. The ‘curve balls’ were very predictable and over-done. The rest of the book was pretty predictable as well but not as bad as that. The insta-love was understandable considering they knew how it would it but I dunno… I suppose it felt a little tainted because of it. The fact that there is a loose end on how the reporter dies bugs me but I can understand the choice of leaving it out. 

All in all, I understand why this book is so popular and recommend it to any who like YA romance, a celebration of life and a good cry. 

The Color of Magic by Terry Pratchett

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

3.0

 

My thoughts on this book are a bit all over the place. I liked the characters well enough, and the world was quite unique. It was certainly entertaining… 

The Color of Magic felt like Adams meeting Hubbert. The prose was over the top in some places and lacking in other. The world building was cumbersome here and there and smooth at other points. The descriptions were always well done but there was no real plot. 

All in all, I enjoyed the book. I can understand why others love it so and look forward to seeing the miniseries which I feel may be a better medium for this particular story. 

I still love Terry Pratchett but don’t feel like I will be continuing my journey through the Discworld series. 

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

funny lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

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

3.5

 

One word is all that is needed to explain this book: Delightful 

This is most certainly a feel-good book. A cozy coffeeshop AU with a gay couple in a D&D esc world. The descriptions are worthwhile and while the writing is simplistic it is easy to read and quite effective. 

I will admit there is no real complexity to the story, but I don’t feel it is needed. In fact, Baldree’s writing reminds me quite a lot of TJ Klune. It is a simple story of love and found family with wonderful characters and settings. 

It is not life changing or thought provoking… It is simply a nice steaming cup of coffee and a warm cinnamon roll on a cold morning. 

Go read it! It’s worth it.