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tales_of_monika's reviews
175 reviews
The Glass Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg
5.0
The Glass Magician is the second book in The Paper Magician series. After defeating Lira, Ceony Twill is now back under the wings of Emery Thane, who teaches her various spells performed with the use of paper. Things start to get complicated when an explosion happens in a paper factory that Ceony was currently visiting with the other students.
It turns out that two powerful magicians are trying to track her down so that they can bring Lira back and find out what Ceony did to put her under such a spell.
Throughout the majority of the book Ceony is trying to figure out whether or not Emery loves her back. She confessed her feelings for him a while ago and now she wants to know if the feeling is mutual. In addition, such relationships between a magician and his apprentice are looked down upon.
I really like how Ceony is not afraid to take things into her own hands. When she is forbidden from contributing in on a case she asks her friend Delilah to help her find the criminal. She would rather take action than sit and worry and blame herself for everything that happened.
I really like this series. It's so different that the standard books about magic and such a pleasant read too!
It turns out that two powerful magicians are trying to track her down so that they can bring Lira back and find out what Ceony did to put her under such a spell.
Throughout the majority of the book Ceony is trying to figure out whether or not Emery loves her back. She confessed her feelings for him a while ago and now she wants to know if the feeling is mutual. In addition, such relationships between a magician and his apprentice are looked down upon.
I really like how Ceony is not afraid to take things into her own hands. When she is forbidden from contributing in on a case she asks her friend Delilah to help her find the criminal. She would rather take action than sit and worry and blame herself for everything that happened.
I really like this series. It's so different that the standard books about magic and such a pleasant read too!
The Little Book of Yoga: Illustrated Poses to Strengthen Your Body, De-Stress and Improve Your Health by Eleanor Hall
4.0
I've wanted to get into yoga for quite some time now but instead of just jumping into doing exercises I wanted to learn about what it actually does for the body and the mind. And this little book is great for complete beginners - like me!
One of my favourite actresses inspired me to get up and start doing something and so I bought a mat, whipped out some sporty clothes and found an online course.
A lot of "beginner" courses already expect you to know some of the terminology, such as "sun salutations". This book explains these in a simple way. I love how it explains all of the poses step by step - if it was an audiobook you wouldn't even have to look at what your instructor is doing, it gives so much detail about which muscles to move, when to inhale and exhale.
The book goes through standind, seated and lying poses and not only does it explain each pose, it also gives you suggestions about the sequence, in which you should use them.
One of my favourite actresses inspired me to get up and start doing something and so I bought a mat, whipped out some sporty clothes and found an online course.
A lot of "beginner" courses already expect you to know some of the terminology, such as "sun salutations". This book explains these in a simple way. I love how it explains all of the poses step by step - if it was an audiobook you wouldn't even have to look at what your instructor is doing, it gives so much detail about which muscles to move, when to inhale and exhale.
The book goes through standind, seated and lying poses and not only does it explain each pose, it also gives you suggestions about the sequence, in which you should use them.
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett
4.0
The Secret Garden is one of my favourite stories from my childhood. I think I must have seen about 5 different movies based on it.
The book is about a young girl, Mary, who comes to live in her uncle's mansion in Yorkshire. The house is full of secrets and there is a part of the garden that has been locked away 10 years ago and nobody has seen it since.
Mary, who was a very rude and sour child before she came to her uncle's house, with time finds herself exploring her new whereabouts and making new friends.
The book is written in a specific way, which makes it difficult to get drawn in at first. But once you get used to the language it's a very enchanting journey.
It's a beautiful story about friendship. It shows us how little children need to feel happy - watching the spring, taking care of flowers and spending time with their friends is enough to ensure that they are in good humour all day.
The book is about a young girl, Mary, who comes to live in her uncle's mansion in Yorkshire. The house is full of secrets and there is a part of the garden that has been locked away 10 years ago and nobody has seen it since.
Mary, who was a very rude and sour child before she came to her uncle's house, with time finds herself exploring her new whereabouts and making new friends.
The book is written in a specific way, which makes it difficult to get drawn in at first. But once you get used to the language it's a very enchanting journey.
It's a beautiful story about friendship. It shows us how little children need to feel happy - watching the spring, taking care of flowers and spending time with their friends is enough to ensure that they are in good humour all day.
The Pirate Code by Heidi Schulz
4.0
Honestly, who doesn't love some good old treasure hunting and piracy?
Jocelyn sets out on an adventure to find her father's hidden treasure. She must decode the map and face Krueger - a gruesome pirate who is eager to get his hands on Hook's gold.
As the story unfolds we are introduced to new characters such as Tiger Lily and Evie, who become Jocelyn's friends and help her out on her journey.
What I find really interesting about the Neverland in these books is that the people who come to visit may come from different time periods, which leads to Jocelyn meeting someone from her past. And it turns out that Jocelyn must convince Evie to go back home, despite Evie's protests, before she can finally set out to find the treasure. Her life depends on Evie's decision.
I adore the narrator in both books. Jocelyn's story is told from an old, grumpy man's point of view, which definitely adds a lot of humour throughout the book. The book is full of unexpected twists - even for a children's book! It even made me tear up - at one point Jocelyn has to choose between staying in Neverland forever with Evie or letting her go back to her own life and never see her again.
Sometimes the story reminded me of Disney's Treasure Planet - but that's only a plus!
Jocelyn sets out on an adventure to find her father's hidden treasure. She must decode the map and face Krueger - a gruesome pirate who is eager to get his hands on Hook's gold.
As the story unfolds we are introduced to new characters such as Tiger Lily and Evie, who become Jocelyn's friends and help her out on her journey.
What I find really interesting about the Neverland in these books is that the people who come to visit may come from different time periods, which leads to Jocelyn meeting someone from her past. And it turns out that Jocelyn must convince Evie to go back home, despite Evie's protests, before she can finally set out to find the treasure. Her life depends on Evie's decision.
I adore the narrator in both books. Jocelyn's story is told from an old, grumpy man's point of view, which definitely adds a lot of humour throughout the book. The book is full of unexpected twists - even for a children's book! It even made me tear up - at one point Jocelyn has to choose between staying in Neverland forever with Evie or letting her go back to her own life and never see her again.
Sometimes the story reminded me of Disney's Treasure Planet - but that's only a plus!
Hades' Cult by Erin McDermott
3.0
I have been given an ARC of Hades' Cult and voluntarily decided to review it.
I was sooo happy when I found out I could read this before its release date. I liked the fist book in the series and was excited to see where things would go in this book.
I was a little disappointed. I found the book to be very repetitive from the start (how many times does Claire say that there are "wanted" posters with Jason's face on them everywhere??) Though it was quick-paced at the beginning, the middle dragged on forever and then the end was insanely quick.
I feel like the book needs at least another few hundred pages in order for some world building and character development. When the main characters run away to the Underground we don't really find out much about what the place is like. All I know is that there is no sunlight and there are immortals-criminals everywhere.
Another major thing that triggered me (and when I say triggered I mean I had notes in all caps in my notebook) was the Stockholm syndrome. The main character is in captivity for mere days and starts to find her captor "desireable" (while having a boyfriend). I was reeeally hoping it would be something to do with their bond or some sort of spell but nope. Claire has "known" the man for less than a week and already wants to hop into his bed. I definitely think that should have taken more time.
Overall I think the book is a nice, quick read. There were some plot twists I didn't expect but the majority of the book is quite predictable. I'm intrigued by the love triangle that was introduced here but I definitely think that Claire started to develop feelings for her captor way too soon.
I was sooo happy when I found out I could read this before its release date. I liked the fist book in the series and was excited to see where things would go in this book.
I was a little disappointed. I found the book to be very repetitive from the start (how many times does Claire say that there are "wanted" posters with Jason's face on them everywhere??) Though it was quick-paced at the beginning, the middle dragged on forever and then the end was insanely quick.
I feel like the book needs at least another few hundred pages in order for some world building and character development. When the main characters run away to the Underground we don't really find out much about what the place is like. All I know is that there is no sunlight and there are immortals-criminals everywhere.
Another major thing that triggered me (and when I say triggered I mean I had notes in all caps in my notebook) was the Stockholm syndrome. The main character is in captivity for mere days and starts to find her captor "desireable" (while having a boyfriend). I was reeeally hoping it would be something to do with their bond or some sort of spell but nope. Claire has "known" the man for less than a week and already wants to hop into his bed. I definitely think that should have taken more time.
Overall I think the book is a nice, quick read. There were some plot twists I didn't expect but the majority of the book is quite predictable. I'm intrigued by the love triangle that was introduced here but I definitely think that Claire started to develop feelings for her captor way too soon.
Crooked Kingdom by Leigh Bardugo
5.0
The Shadow and Bone trilogy was not my favourite series, but I can easily say that the Crows stole my heart. I've grown attached to the characters and stayed up late again just to read as much as I could.
I loved learning more about Jesper's and Wylan's past, and the (very) slow burn of emotion between Kaz and Inej made my heart feel warm. Overall Kaz has become one of my all time favourite characters that I ever got a chance to meet. He can always find a way out of a sticky situation, even when you think that nothing can save the characters. He's not cruel and he can open his heart and show love and kindness.
My respect for Leigh Bardugo has grown immensely and the ending broke my heart both in the good way and the bad way.
I loved learning more about Jesper's and Wylan's past, and the (very) slow burn of emotion between Kaz and Inej made my heart feel warm. Overall Kaz has become one of my all time favourite characters that I ever got a chance to meet. He can always find a way out of a sticky situation, even when you think that nothing can save the characters. He's not cruel and he can open his heart and show love and kindness.
My respect for Leigh Bardugo has grown immensely and the ending broke my heart both in the good way and the bad way.
King of Scars by Leigh Bardugo
4.0
The Grishaverse has won me over completely. This time I'm talking about King of Scars.
Ever since I read Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom I began liking the world of grisha much more and I'm happily learning about the adventures of the characters, both the ones introduced in previous books and the new ones.
The book grabbed my attention from the very first chapter. Here we learn about the fate of characters such as Nikolai and Zoya, as well as Nina Zenik. Although I didn't like it as much as the other grisha books, I must say that it's a pleasure to read. The tension is kept throughout the book and there are a few tear-jerking moments.
There were a few moments where it was really easy to predict what would happen next and I think that the author went overboard on one major part of the storyline, but when it comes to the ending I was completely and utterly shocked.
Ever since I read Six of Crows and Crooked Kingdom I began liking the world of grisha much more and I'm happily learning about the adventures of the characters, both the ones introduced in previous books and the new ones.
The book grabbed my attention from the very first chapter. Here we learn about the fate of characters such as Nikolai and Zoya, as well as Nina Zenik. Although I didn't like it as much as the other grisha books, I must say that it's a pleasure to read. The tension is kept throughout the book and there are a few tear-jerking moments.
There were a few moments where it was really easy to predict what would happen next and I think that the author went overboard on one major part of the storyline, but when it comes to the ending I was completely and utterly shocked.
Ania z Zielonego Wzgórza by L.M. Montgomery
5.0
I don't know a single person who doesn't like Anne of Green Gables.
This is one of my favourite childhood books and I always read it with a smile on my face.
The book tells a story about Anne Shirley - a little girl with a huge imagination and a tendency to talk non-stop. The Cuthbert siblings decide to adopt her and she settles down at Green Gables.
Anne's story can cause a lot of laughter but it can also make you shed a tear. Watching how everybody slowly learns to love this unusual girl warms your heart.
This is one of my favourite childhood books and I always read it with a smile on my face.
The book tells a story about Anne Shirley - a little girl with a huge imagination and a tendency to talk non-stop. The Cuthbert siblings decide to adopt her and she settles down at Green Gables.
Anne's story can cause a lot of laughter but it can also make you shed a tear. Watching how everybody slowly learns to love this unusual girl warms your heart.