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thebooknerdscorner's reviews
1451 reviews
Prepped by Bethany Mangle
4.0
A romance featuring two teens raised in a doomsday community that will do anything to escape from the cult that they have grown up in.
Becca Aldaine and her family are a part of a community of doomsday preppers. Rather than getting to prioritize senior prom and her last science fair, Becca is forced to float in freezing cold duck ponds to test her survival skills. Her parents control every aspect of her life in the hopes that she'll be prepared for the end of the world. They've even arranged for her to marry Roy Kang, which in her parent's eyes is a steal, because he's Korean and his gene pool is allegedly quite different than hers. Desperate to escape her crazy life, Becca is willing to risk everything for a chance at freedom and a normal life.
The premise of this one is a tad bizarre, but that only had me more intrigued to read it. People tend to have an odd obsession towards the occult, and a romance featuring two kids raised in a survivalist doomsday cult definitely piqued my interest. And it ended up being such a cute read!
I have no idea if Mangle has any personal experience with cult-like behavior, but I feel that this book was a pretty solid depiction of life in one. Becca is forced to do a whole bunch of things that most humans would never consider, all for the betterment of the community. Her parents rule the community with an iron fist, and no one dare questions their judgement, no matter what gibberish they are spewing. The way that Becca's younger sister, Katie, is being brainwashed by the elders is crazy, and a peak example of cultish hive mindset. The survival activities that the community forces upon their youth are quite extreme, such as mock car accidents and hostage situations. I shudder to think how damaging such activities would be for anyone who has to live through so much trauma repetitively.
Becca is willing to do anything to escape from her less-than-ideal circumstances. That is, except for abandon her little sister, Katie, alone in the dangerous and traumatic situations that the community puts their youth through on a daily basis. Becca is so desperate for a chance to start over, but she is unwilling to bend unless she knows that her sister will be safe and cared for. This type of devotion is so rare, but I'm glad that Becca refused to abandon her little sister. I know this is something that many cult survivors had to grapple with, and many aren't lucky enough to have an opportunity to help the youngsters that still remain within the cult. The guilt of being a survivor of a cult can be just as devastating as being in the cult if one has to leave loved ones behind in the process.
Roy was such a positive part of this book's experience for me. Not only is he super loyal and protective of Becca, but he is also sly and resourceful. This not only makes him a great love interest, but also a perfect partner in crime. I don't want to go into any details of how Becca and Roy plan to escape the cult but take my word for it that it is quite the journey that these two go on. I respect anyone who has to make the hard choices that these two have to grapple with, along with those who are willing to leave so much up to chance in the fight for a better tomorrow.
I think that the best part of this book is that it showcases that even in the darkest of situations, there are always people who will rise to care for you. Becca has been neglected her entire life by her parents and community members, but she comes to find allies in the most unlikely places. In a boy that she has hated for years. In an eccentric science teacher who is willing to go the extra mile to support her. In the girl that she accidently gave a bruised eye socket to after a morning gone awry. Hope is a fickle thing, but when you have others to help nourish it, the future tends to look a little less bleak.
Overall, "Prepped" is a sweet romance that showcases the resilience it takes to survive a cult and the length that a few teens are willing to go to find hope and love in a world that they were taught is lacking in both. My heart really goes out to Becca and Roy and the devastating circumstances that they had to live through. I'm so glad that these two were there for one another through thick and thin. I hope that other readers can learn more about the lives of cult survivors through this thrill ride of a book that is also sure to tug at one's heartstrings.
Becca Aldaine and her family are a part of a community of doomsday preppers. Rather than getting to prioritize senior prom and her last science fair, Becca is forced to float in freezing cold duck ponds to test her survival skills. Her parents control every aspect of her life in the hopes that she'll be prepared for the end of the world. They've even arranged for her to marry Roy Kang, which in her parent's eyes is a steal, because he's Korean and his gene pool is allegedly quite different than hers. Desperate to escape her crazy life, Becca is willing to risk everything for a chance at freedom and a normal life.
The premise of this one is a tad bizarre, but that only had me more intrigued to read it. People tend to have an odd obsession towards the occult, and a romance featuring two kids raised in a survivalist doomsday cult definitely piqued my interest. And it ended up being such a cute read!
I have no idea if Mangle has any personal experience with cult-like behavior, but I feel that this book was a pretty solid depiction of life in one. Becca is forced to do a whole bunch of things that most humans would never consider, all for the betterment of the community. Her parents rule the community with an iron fist, and no one dare questions their judgement, no matter what gibberish they are spewing. The way that Becca's younger sister, Katie, is being brainwashed by the elders is crazy, and a peak example of cultish hive mindset. The survival activities that the community forces upon their youth are quite extreme, such as mock car accidents and hostage situations. I shudder to think how damaging such activities would be for anyone who has to live through so much trauma repetitively.
Becca is willing to do anything to escape from her less-than-ideal circumstances. That is, except for abandon her little sister, Katie, alone in the dangerous and traumatic situations that the community puts their youth through on a daily basis. Becca is so desperate for a chance to start over, but she is unwilling to bend unless she knows that her sister will be safe and cared for. This type of devotion is so rare, but I'm glad that Becca refused to abandon her little sister. I know this is something that many cult survivors had to grapple with, and many aren't lucky enough to have an opportunity to help the youngsters that still remain within the cult. The guilt of being a survivor of a cult can be just as devastating as being in the cult if one has to leave loved ones behind in the process.
Roy was such a positive part of this book's experience for me. Not only is he super loyal and protective of Becca, but he is also sly and resourceful. This not only makes him a great love interest, but also a perfect partner in crime. I don't want to go into any details of how Becca and Roy plan to escape the cult but take my word for it that it is quite the journey that these two go on. I respect anyone who has to make the hard choices that these two have to grapple with, along with those who are willing to leave so much up to chance in the fight for a better tomorrow.
I think that the best part of this book is that it showcases that even in the darkest of situations, there are always people who will rise to care for you. Becca has been neglected her entire life by her parents and community members, but she comes to find allies in the most unlikely places. In a boy that she has hated for years. In an eccentric science teacher who is willing to go the extra mile to support her. In the girl that she accidently gave a bruised eye socket to after a morning gone awry. Hope is a fickle thing, but when you have others to help nourish it, the future tends to look a little less bleak.
Overall, "Prepped" is a sweet romance that showcases the resilience it takes to survive a cult and the length that a few teens are willing to go to find hope and love in a world that they were taught is lacking in both. My heart really goes out to Becca and Roy and the devastating circumstances that they had to live through. I'm so glad that these two were there for one another through thick and thin. I hope that other readers can learn more about the lives of cult survivors through this thrill ride of a book that is also sure to tug at one's heartstrings.
Of Jade and Dragons by Amber Chen
Aihui Ying has always admired her father and his knack for engineering. She's always wanted to follow in his footsteps, but the Engineers Guild doesn't accept women among its ranks. When Ying's father is killed by a mysterious assassin, Ying seeks vengeance. All clues point towards the Guild, so she disguises herself as her brother, Min, and sets off. As she travels towards the capital, she runs into Aogiya Ye-yang, the eighth prince of the High Command. He offers to take her to the Guild on his recommendation. Unsure of his motives, Ying is reluctant to accept, but she can't give up the only chance she has to discover the secrets of her father's past. Ying now faces the biggest challenges of her life. Not only does she have to study rigorously in order to pass the Guild's illustrious trials, but she also has to dodge assassins, conceal her true identity, and try her hardest not to fall for Ye-yang, who is way out of her league.
I have such mixed feelings on this one. At a glance, it wasn't an awful book, but there also isn't a ton I liked about it either, which is saying a lot for a book that is nearly 500 pages long. I found myself bored throughout the majority of this book and felt that the worldbuilding was very disjointed and confusing. I also wasn't drawn to any of the characters, and the only one I actually like is Ye-kan. I am greatly disappointed to report this, because this was such a highly anticipated series for me, but it was not at all what I wanted it to be.
One thing that I want to put out here early on, is that this book is a steampunk fantasy, meaning that there is no magic, just high technology in an ancient Chinese society. I was slightly disappointed by the delivery of this one, but honestly, I may just not be the biggest fan of steampunk. Yes, it's cool that all the characters are extreme tinkers and amazingly good at utilizing technology but engineering just isn't something that I find to be very interesting.
I spent the entirety of this book being very confused about the world that this story took place in. I think it's an AU of ancient China, but it could honestly take place in a fantasy world; I'm really not sure. I was also heavily confused about the relation between the Empire and the Isles. I probably shouldn't be as lost as I was, but I just couldn't bring myself to care enough to try to actively piece the world together one clue at a time.
This book drug on and on for me. Literally nothing happens for the first one hundred pages, and I was bored out of my mind until page 280ish. If I was someone who DNFed books, this one would have been abandoned early on. However, I like to stick out books to the end to see where they go. I am glad to report that it did pick up as the book progressed, but it still wasn't enough to redeem this book for me.
Usually when I find a book boring, the characters and the romance usually keep me going regardless. That was not the case with this one. I didn't connect to anyone personally and Ye-kan is the only characters I found manageable, and he was whiny brat. But at least he was a slightly comical whiny brat. Ye-yang is actually such a creep, which had me totally turned off from the romance in this book. Ying also isn't all that likeable; she's immature, selfish, and rash. Not liking the main character or the romance really plummeted my feelings for this book from neutral to negative.
Overall, "Of Jade and Dragons" was such a disappointment for me. I was really looking forward to reading this Asian Fantasy series, but I was just so bored the entire time and was severely underwhelmed by everything that occurred. It wasn't the worst read ever, but I didn't like the romance or the characters at all. I also found the world plain confusing, which wasn't helpful. I am going to read the second one because I was gifted a copy of the whole series from the publisher, but I have my doubts about whether it can redeem itself at this point. I am a little intrigued about where this series is going, but I'm definitely going to read a couple of other books before reading the series finale to give myself a break.
2.0
A young woman disguises herself as her brother in the hopes of joining the illustrious guild of engineers that her father once occupied in this first installment of a steampunk fantasy duology.
Aihui Ying has always admired her father and his knack for engineering. She's always wanted to follow in his footsteps, but the Engineers Guild doesn't accept women among its ranks. When Ying's father is killed by a mysterious assassin, Ying seeks vengeance. All clues point towards the Guild, so she disguises herself as her brother, Min, and sets off. As she travels towards the capital, she runs into Aogiya Ye-yang, the eighth prince of the High Command. He offers to take her to the Guild on his recommendation. Unsure of his motives, Ying is reluctant to accept, but she can't give up the only chance she has to discover the secrets of her father's past. Ying now faces the biggest challenges of her life. Not only does she have to study rigorously in order to pass the Guild's illustrious trials, but she also has to dodge assassins, conceal her true identity, and try her hardest not to fall for Ye-yang, who is way out of her league.
I have such mixed feelings on this one. At a glance, it wasn't an awful book, but there also isn't a ton I liked about it either, which is saying a lot for a book that is nearly 500 pages long. I found myself bored throughout the majority of this book and felt that the worldbuilding was very disjointed and confusing. I also wasn't drawn to any of the characters, and the only one I actually like is Ye-kan. I am greatly disappointed to report this, because this was such a highly anticipated series for me, but it was not at all what I wanted it to be.
One thing that I want to put out here early on, is that this book is a steampunk fantasy, meaning that there is no magic, just high technology in an ancient Chinese society. I was slightly disappointed by the delivery of this one, but honestly, I may just not be the biggest fan of steampunk. Yes, it's cool that all the characters are extreme tinkers and amazingly good at utilizing technology but engineering just isn't something that I find to be very interesting.
I spent the entirety of this book being very confused about the world that this story took place in. I think it's an AU of ancient China, but it could honestly take place in a fantasy world; I'm really not sure. I was also heavily confused about the relation between the Empire and the Isles. I probably shouldn't be as lost as I was, but I just couldn't bring myself to care enough to try to actively piece the world together one clue at a time.
This book drug on and on for me. Literally nothing happens for the first one hundred pages, and I was bored out of my mind until page 280ish. If I was someone who DNFed books, this one would have been abandoned early on. However, I like to stick out books to the end to see where they go. I am glad to report that it did pick up as the book progressed, but it still wasn't enough to redeem this book for me.
Usually when I find a book boring, the characters and the romance usually keep me going regardless. That was not the case with this one. I didn't connect to anyone personally and Ye-kan is the only characters I found manageable, and he was whiny brat. But at least he was a slightly comical whiny brat. Ye-yang is actually such a creep, which had me totally turned off from the romance in this book. Ying also isn't all that likeable; she's immature, selfish, and rash. Not liking the main character or the romance really plummeted my feelings for this book from neutral to negative.
Overall, "Of Jade and Dragons" was such a disappointment for me. I was really looking forward to reading this Asian Fantasy series, but I was just so bored the entire time and was severely underwhelmed by everything that occurred. It wasn't the worst read ever, but I didn't like the romance or the characters at all. I also found the world plain confusing, which wasn't helpful. I am going to read the second one because I was gifted a copy of the whole series from the publisher, but I have my doubts about whether it can redeem itself at this point. I am a little intrigued about where this series is going, but I'm definitely going to read a couple of other books before reading the series finale to give myself a break.
Must Love Moss and Moonshine by Maisy Magill
3.0
A cozy romantasy between a solitary dryad and a sylvan woman with amnesia.
Tansy Foxglove is a traveling artisan who yearns for a place to call home. This year, she is finally going to put down her roots in Moonshine Hollow and discover what it is like to have a place to call her own. First though, she needs to make enough money at the Moonshine festival to pay for rent and other vital supplies. Things don't go as planned when an unfortunate incident leads her stranded in the Silvervale Woods. A lonely dryad by the name of Kellen rescues her and soon discovers that the woman once known as Tansy has amnesia and doesn't remember a thing about her past life. As Kellen leads Tansy through her healing journey, the two begin to develop feelings for one another. Unfortunately, neither know what Tansy's past life holds, which leaves them hesitant to start anything romantic between them. But when you find your soulmate, how do you stay away?
This one is a relatively quick read that is brimming with cozy vibes, fiery romance, and a small town that is hard not to like. Plus, there's a squirrel with magical powers, so that's certainly a bonus. Unfortunately, there are quite a few things about this one that also bothered me, so it wasn't my favorite read ever. The feel good happily ever after vibes are certainly present, though, so I think it passes for a cozy fantasy romance quite splendidly.
Let's talk about the characters a bit. I enjoyed Tansy, Kellen, Rosalyn, and Bromir. Everyone else was a blip on the radar whom I forgot about immediately. Tansy is spunky yet kind, while Kellen is caring while also a tad brooding, so they have an interesting dynamic with one another. Also, Kellen's character design is so peak; he has antlers, which I find to be really dope and he's also like seven feet tall, so he has this entire awesome aesthetic going for him. Rosalyn, a pixie who bakes, seems pretty neat, and I'm excited to dig into her romance in the next installment of this series when I have some free time on my hands. Bromir is a dwarf who works alongside Tansy to craft enchanted jewelry. He likes to craft, drink, and be merry, so he's a pretty stereotypical dwarf, but I adore his devotion to Tansy regardless.
I've never read an amnesia romance so I was curious to see if this was something I would like or not. I think the way it was utilized in this romance added necessary romantic tension that this story needed. However, I wasn't the biggest fan of how Tansy regains her memory in the end. It just felt so underwhelming and led into one of the dumbest third act conflicts I've ever read. Luckily, the aftermath was less annoying than I anticipated it being, but I still didn't see the entire point. It is literally stated within the first few pages of this book that Tansy is looking to settle down, so why did she and Kellen make things so complicated for no reason? The grand gesture sort of redeemed their romance, but I'm still a tad alienated by their relationship. Amnesia, plus the savior trope, plus a stupid third act conflict truly left me skeptical.
My two favorite things about this novel have got to be Magill's writing style and her clear love of nature. I highlighted many passages from this book, especially those involving love and soul mates. The way she wrote about romance as a whole rather than the romantic scenes between Tansy and Kellen really enraptured me in this one. Kellen is the Guardian of Silvervale Forest, so he is constantly looking after the plants, animals, and magical creatures that reside there. I thought this was super sweet, but also a great way to showcase the message that we should all work to protect the natural environment.
Overall, "Must Love Moss and Moonshine" was a relatively quick and cozy read that provided a good time. Tansy and Kellen are both likable main characters, but there are just elements of their romance that irk me. I wasn't the biggest fan of how the amnesia trope is used and I was a bit disappointed by the third act conflict. The world is super cozy and mystical though, so I am excited to dive into more of Magill's work and explore what else Moonshine Hollow has to offer in the future installments of this series.
Tansy Foxglove is a traveling artisan who yearns for a place to call home. This year, she is finally going to put down her roots in Moonshine Hollow and discover what it is like to have a place to call her own. First though, she needs to make enough money at the Moonshine festival to pay for rent and other vital supplies. Things don't go as planned when an unfortunate incident leads her stranded in the Silvervale Woods. A lonely dryad by the name of Kellen rescues her and soon discovers that the woman once known as Tansy has amnesia and doesn't remember a thing about her past life. As Kellen leads Tansy through her healing journey, the two begin to develop feelings for one another. Unfortunately, neither know what Tansy's past life holds, which leaves them hesitant to start anything romantic between them. But when you find your soulmate, how do you stay away?
This one is a relatively quick read that is brimming with cozy vibes, fiery romance, and a small town that is hard not to like. Plus, there's a squirrel with magical powers, so that's certainly a bonus. Unfortunately, there are quite a few things about this one that also bothered me, so it wasn't my favorite read ever. The feel good happily ever after vibes are certainly present, though, so I think it passes for a cozy fantasy romance quite splendidly.
Let's talk about the characters a bit. I enjoyed Tansy, Kellen, Rosalyn, and Bromir. Everyone else was a blip on the radar whom I forgot about immediately. Tansy is spunky yet kind, while Kellen is caring while also a tad brooding, so they have an interesting dynamic with one another. Also, Kellen's character design is so peak; he has antlers, which I find to be really dope and he's also like seven feet tall, so he has this entire awesome aesthetic going for him. Rosalyn, a pixie who bakes, seems pretty neat, and I'm excited to dig into her romance in the next installment of this series when I have some free time on my hands. Bromir is a dwarf who works alongside Tansy to craft enchanted jewelry. He likes to craft, drink, and be merry, so he's a pretty stereotypical dwarf, but I adore his devotion to Tansy regardless.
I've never read an amnesia romance so I was curious to see if this was something I would like or not. I think the way it was utilized in this romance added necessary romantic tension that this story needed. However, I wasn't the biggest fan of how Tansy regains her memory in the end. It just felt so underwhelming and led into one of the dumbest third act conflicts I've ever read. Luckily, the aftermath was less annoying than I anticipated it being, but I still didn't see the entire point. It is literally stated within the first few pages of this book that Tansy is looking to settle down, so why did she and Kellen make things so complicated for no reason? The grand gesture sort of redeemed their romance, but I'm still a tad alienated by their relationship. Amnesia, plus the savior trope, plus a stupid third act conflict truly left me skeptical.
My two favorite things about this novel have got to be Magill's writing style and her clear love of nature. I highlighted many passages from this book, especially those involving love and soul mates. The way she wrote about romance as a whole rather than the romantic scenes between Tansy and Kellen really enraptured me in this one. Kellen is the Guardian of Silvervale Forest, so he is constantly looking after the plants, animals, and magical creatures that reside there. I thought this was super sweet, but also a great way to showcase the message that we should all work to protect the natural environment.
Overall, "Must Love Moss and Moonshine" was a relatively quick and cozy read that provided a good time. Tansy and Kellen are both likable main characters, but there are just elements of their romance that irk me. I wasn't the biggest fan of how the amnesia trope is used and I was a bit disappointed by the third act conflict. The world is super cozy and mystical though, so I am excited to dive into more of Magill's work and explore what else Moonshine Hollow has to offer in the future installments of this series.
Nick and Charlie by Alice Oseman
5.0
A novella that gives a glimpse into the less than perfect relationship of the famous Nick and Charlie featured in "Heartstopper"!
Once the summer is through, Nick will be heading off to university. In the meantime, Nick and Charlie will be spending as much time as they possible can together. That is, until they get into an argument that has them both wondering if it even makes sense to keep dating when it's most likely that things will come to an end anyway.
My heart! This was honestly so difficult to read, even know I knew they'd pull through in the end. I mean, it's Nick and Charlie! (On a side note, I love how characters in this series have literally started using the term "like Nick and Charlie" to translate to soulmates. Like seriously, that is so adorable!) Despite knowing this, my stomach dropped when their huge argument went down. I hate seeing people who love each other so much fight each other so aggressively, especially over things so petty.
Unlike "This Winter," "Nick and Charlie" adds a whole bunch to the Osemanverse due to the fact that the sixth novel of "Heartstopper" has yet to be released at the time that I am first reading this book. Since this story takes place partway through what will be the sixth volume, a ton of new content is revealed. Also, this book finally provides more details about Charlie's relapse that occurs during "Solitaire" and the fourth installment of "Heartstopper."
This novella essentially takes a deep dive into Nick and Charlie preparing to enter a long distance relationship. Can their love survive with them apart? Most high school romances don't make it, after all, but most teen romances aren't Nick and Charlie either. I literally found myself tearing up at certain portions of this book, especially the scene where Charlie realizes that their life together may be boring, but it is the perfect kind of boring that he wants to live for the rest of his life. Seriously, peak couple goals right here.
Recently, I was faced with a situation that was much too similar to the events in this book for my liking. My boyfriend is moving to a different city to pursue higher education too, and I had to decide how we were going to proceed. Luckily, I am not a high schooler like Charlie is, so I had a few more options to consider. However, I still had to contemplate going long distance with him for years at a time and that absolutely destroyed me. I would think about him leaving constantly, and I had many of the same concerns as Charlie does: that I would hold him back, that he would find a new group and not need me anymore, that he would get bored by the mundane activities that I like to participate in, etc. In the past few days, I have decided that I will be moving in with my boyfriend rather than going long distance with him again for several years, but this topic matter is still very raw to me. Which may be another reason that this one hit me so hard emotionally. Though I would still have been worried sick for Charlie and Nick regardless of my own life situation.
The rom com feel of this one is still there, despite the more serious topic matter, which makes this novella feel more "Heartstopper" whereas "This Winter" felt more "Solitaire" vibe wise. The romantic crumbs throughout this novella as well as the grand romantic gesture really come full circle, and they are super cute to boot.
Overall, I am really glad that Oseman left us with "Nick and Charlie" to hold us over until she releases the final installment of "Heartstopper." This novella has me really excited to see where Nick and Charlie's adventures take them. The discussions about long distance relationships, high school romances, and soul mates are all poignant, and I'm glad that Oseman took some time to highlight this point in Charlie and Nick's journey. I would definitely recommend this novella after you consume the rest of the content in the "Heartstopper" series. In my opinion, one can never have enough Nick and Charlie!
Once the summer is through, Nick will be heading off to university. In the meantime, Nick and Charlie will be spending as much time as they possible can together. That is, until they get into an argument that has them both wondering if it even makes sense to keep dating when it's most likely that things will come to an end anyway.
My heart! This was honestly so difficult to read, even know I knew they'd pull through in the end. I mean, it's Nick and Charlie! (On a side note, I love how characters in this series have literally started using the term "like Nick and Charlie" to translate to soulmates. Like seriously, that is so adorable!) Despite knowing this, my stomach dropped when their huge argument went down. I hate seeing people who love each other so much fight each other so aggressively, especially over things so petty.
Unlike "This Winter," "Nick and Charlie" adds a whole bunch to the Osemanverse due to the fact that the sixth novel of "Heartstopper" has yet to be released at the time that I am first reading this book. Since this story takes place partway through what will be the sixth volume, a ton of new content is revealed. Also, this book finally provides more details about Charlie's relapse that occurs during "Solitaire" and the fourth installment of "Heartstopper."
This novella essentially takes a deep dive into Nick and Charlie preparing to enter a long distance relationship. Can their love survive with them apart? Most high school romances don't make it, after all, but most teen romances aren't Nick and Charlie either. I literally found myself tearing up at certain portions of this book, especially the scene where Charlie realizes that their life together may be boring, but it is the perfect kind of boring that he wants to live for the rest of his life. Seriously, peak couple goals right here.
Recently, I was faced with a situation that was much too similar to the events in this book for my liking. My boyfriend is moving to a different city to pursue higher education too, and I had to decide how we were going to proceed. Luckily, I am not a high schooler like Charlie is, so I had a few more options to consider. However, I still had to contemplate going long distance with him for years at a time and that absolutely destroyed me. I would think about him leaving constantly, and I had many of the same concerns as Charlie does: that I would hold him back, that he would find a new group and not need me anymore, that he would get bored by the mundane activities that I like to participate in, etc. In the past few days, I have decided that I will be moving in with my boyfriend rather than going long distance with him again for several years, but this topic matter is still very raw to me. Which may be another reason that this one hit me so hard emotionally. Though I would still have been worried sick for Charlie and Nick regardless of my own life situation.
The rom com feel of this one is still there, despite the more serious topic matter, which makes this novella feel more "Heartstopper" whereas "This Winter" felt more "Solitaire" vibe wise. The romantic crumbs throughout this novella as well as the grand romantic gesture really come full circle, and they are super cute to boot.
Overall, I am really glad that Oseman left us with "Nick and Charlie" to hold us over until she releases the final installment of "Heartstopper." This novella has me really excited to see where Nick and Charlie's adventures take them. The discussions about long distance relationships, high school romances, and soul mates are all poignant, and I'm glad that Oseman took some time to highlight this point in Charlie and Nick's journey. I would definitely recommend this novella after you consume the rest of the content in the "Heartstopper" series. In my opinion, one can never have enough Nick and Charlie!
This Winter by Alice Oseman
5.0
A "Heartstopper"/"Solitaire" novella featuring a segment told by each of the Spring siblings in turn.
It's been an extremely difficult winter season for the Spring family, and it is far from over. With Charlie having recently returned from a psychiatric facility and his eating disorder worse than it's ever been before, Charlie feels overwhelmed by being the center of his family's attention. Tori wants to help him as best she can, but how do you help your little brother when he is pushing you away? Oliver may not understand all that is going on in Charlie and Tori's lives, but he gets that Christmas feels a little bit different this year. Though times are rough, the three Spring siblings find that everything is better when they are together.
For those that don't know, this novella takes place halfway through volume four of the "Heartstopper" books (between the journal entry that Nick writes and the letter that Charlie pens) and about a month before the events of "Solitaire" begin. I personally have completed both "Heartstopper" and "Solitaire" before reading this novella and I feel that is probably the best way to do so, because you will be heavily familiar with both Charlie and Tori as characters. You could, however, read it after reading only "Solitaire," stop in the middle of volume four of "Heartstopper," or read it after only completing "Heartstopper." All of these methods would be viable.
Despite the heavy subject matter and the darker tone of this one, it is still a very enjoyable read. I adore all three of the Spring siblings, so getting to read from all three of their perspectives is an absolute gift.
The novella starts from Tori's PoV, and it was really nice to return to her pessimistic approach to the world. She is still fiercely loyal and will do anything to protect her brothers, and it's always great seeing this fierce loyalty in action. It then shifts to Charlie's perspective. The text messages he exchanges with Nick are so peak and they really showcase that even at ones worst, one can still have amazing interactions with the people that just get them. I couldn't keep a smile off my face when Nick and Charlie finally reunited on the page; they are just so adorable together! It then concludes with Oliver's point of view, which leaves us with a feeling of joy at the end of this rather sad tinged novella. Oliver is just a beacon of light, so it is hard not to be happy when he is happy.
I totally understand how awkward family gatherings can be, especially when family members are overly invested in all the hot gossip that has been going on in everyone's lives. I personally always feel so targeted because I never feel like anything interesting happens in my life that is worth sharing with distant relatives, but I would feel even worse if I was being treated as the gay/mentally ill spectacle of the family. Charlie and Tori are both going through so much, and it saddens me greatly that their families don't understand how deeply they need their support. I'm beyond relieved though that the Spring siblings are always there for one another.
Not a ton of new stuff is really revealed throughout the course of this book, but it still one hundred percent worth reading. The jokes land wonderfully, getting Oliver's perspective is so precious, and the characters are still some of my favorites that I have ever encountered.
Overall, "This Winter" is a wonderful novella that provides readers of "Heartstopper" and "Solitaire" with some extra information about beloved characters from the Osemanverse. It may not add a ton of new things to the universe, but it is a really fun way to be reunited with some fan favorite characters in a different format. The subject matter is a tad darker than many of Oseman's other works due to how center mental illness and Charlie's eating disorder is to the narrative of this book. I personally loved this one and would recommend reading it if you get the chance!
It's been an extremely difficult winter season for the Spring family, and it is far from over. With Charlie having recently returned from a psychiatric facility and his eating disorder worse than it's ever been before, Charlie feels overwhelmed by being the center of his family's attention. Tori wants to help him as best she can, but how do you help your little brother when he is pushing you away? Oliver may not understand all that is going on in Charlie and Tori's lives, but he gets that Christmas feels a little bit different this year. Though times are rough, the three Spring siblings find that everything is better when they are together.
For those that don't know, this novella takes place halfway through volume four of the "Heartstopper" books (between the journal entry that Nick writes and the letter that Charlie pens) and about a month before the events of "Solitaire" begin. I personally have completed both "Heartstopper" and "Solitaire" before reading this novella and I feel that is probably the best way to do so, because you will be heavily familiar with both Charlie and Tori as characters. You could, however, read it after reading only "Solitaire," stop in the middle of volume four of "Heartstopper," or read it after only completing "Heartstopper." All of these methods would be viable.
Despite the heavy subject matter and the darker tone of this one, it is still a very enjoyable read. I adore all three of the Spring siblings, so getting to read from all three of their perspectives is an absolute gift.
The novella starts from Tori's PoV, and it was really nice to return to her pessimistic approach to the world. She is still fiercely loyal and will do anything to protect her brothers, and it's always great seeing this fierce loyalty in action. It then shifts to Charlie's perspective. The text messages he exchanges with Nick are so peak and they really showcase that even at ones worst, one can still have amazing interactions with the people that just get them. I couldn't keep a smile off my face when Nick and Charlie finally reunited on the page; they are just so adorable together! It then concludes with Oliver's point of view, which leaves us with a feeling of joy at the end of this rather sad tinged novella. Oliver is just a beacon of light, so it is hard not to be happy when he is happy.
I totally understand how awkward family gatherings can be, especially when family members are overly invested in all the hot gossip that has been going on in everyone's lives. I personally always feel so targeted because I never feel like anything interesting happens in my life that is worth sharing with distant relatives, but I would feel even worse if I was being treated as the gay/mentally ill spectacle of the family. Charlie and Tori are both going through so much, and it saddens me greatly that their families don't understand how deeply they need their support. I'm beyond relieved though that the Spring siblings are always there for one another.
Not a ton of new stuff is really revealed throughout the course of this book, but it still one hundred percent worth reading. The jokes land wonderfully, getting Oliver's perspective is so precious, and the characters are still some of my favorites that I have ever encountered.
Overall, "This Winter" is a wonderful novella that provides readers of "Heartstopper" and "Solitaire" with some extra information about beloved characters from the Osemanverse. It may not add a ton of new things to the universe, but it is a really fun way to be reunited with some fan favorite characters in a different format. The subject matter is a tad darker than many of Oseman's other works due to how center mental illness and Charlie's eating disorder is to the narrative of this book. I personally loved this one and would recommend reading it if you get the chance!
The Solitary Rose by Anne Rollins
4.0
A regency romance set in a magical world that's filled with banter, romance, and a plentiful helping of spice.
Henry Dawson is a fallen noble, one that works his hardest to support his younger siblings and his mother's extravagant taste. After his father's sudden death, he's had little more to support himself with than his wits and his skill as a sorcerer. Desperate for cash, he accepts a job cataloging the books in a nobleman's library. It turns out Lord Ainsworth actually wants to hire Henry to woo and court his niece. With little choice, Henry accepts the job. Upon meeting Emma Ainsworth, Henry soon realizes that he has signed up for more than he had bargained for. Can Henry escape the house before Emma becomes the undoing of him. . . Or will he be forced to act on the passion that he is desperately trying to suppress?
I was honestly surprised by how much I enjoyed reading this one. Lately, I've felt that historical fiction has felt rather boring, but this one was anything but that. It was romantic, entertaining, and even quite comical!
Emma and Henry have such an interesting chemistry. Emma starts out hating him due to the fact that her uncle hired Henry to woo her, but she eventually finds herself warming to the young gentleman. Henry decides that since Emma seems to hate him, he'll back out of the agreement as soon as possible. When unexpected circumstances lead to Henry's stay being extended, the two find themselves constantly confined to small quarters, which has them frequently bickering with one another. Obviously, this bickering soon turns positive, and they begin to shift into friendlier territory as the book progresses.
The magic is pretty subtle in this book, but also quite interesting. There are sorcerers and wizards that practice magic that allows them to do all sorts of things. Henry pretty much only uses his magic to shield his thoughts from others. This is important, because Emma is a highly sensitive empath who can sense other's thoughts so viscerally that it can often be painful. I think this alludes a bit to neurotypical people and how sensitive they are to loud noises and other people's actions. I can't confirm this, but that's how I viewed Emma's magic.
The way that this one talks about physical beauty versus inner beauty was quite nice, in my opinion. Emma is marked by smallpox scars, which has many suitors turning away from her in disgust, despite the large fortune that she has. She often feels that people only perceive her as the scars on her face and the money in her pockets. Henry is the first young man to look at her deeper than that, which has her greatly puzzled and intrigued.
Another thing I found interesting in this one is the discussion of virtue and premarital sex. This book is set in 1814 England, so these topics are obviously viewed a bit different than they are today. Henry is a young man who feels he owes it to his future wife to never bed another women. Emma, on the other hand, is a fair maiden who wants to test out whether she could manage to have sex without being in pain due to her abilities as an empath. Emma doesn't understand why Henry is unwilling to go to bed with her if she is willing. After all, society only seems to pressure young women into remaining chaste and virtuous until their marriage bed. I found this book to open a lovely discussion about such topics, and I thought it was interesting to compare their beliefs to the world that we are currently living in. Also, I am always down for something that highlights how different society's unfair expectations are towards men and women.
I thought the ending of this book was very cute. Henry and Emma are both stubborn and foolish, so they get themselves into quite the pickle when their tongues were a bit too loose during a battle of wits. However, the way that everything is resolved was very romantic and sweet despite it being a tad silly. I found the ending to come all too soon, but I was pleased that the ending was mostly positive.
Overall, "The Solitary Rose" was a fun historical fantasy brimming with romantic tension. I found the way that Henry and Emma constantly jab at one another to be quite comical and entertaining to read. The discussions about physical beauty versus inner beauty as well as those involving premarital intercourse are well written and open great paths for discussion. I'd say this one certainly reads as a regency rom com with a hint of magic, so if that sounds up your alleyway, I'd recommend checking this one out!
Henry Dawson is a fallen noble, one that works his hardest to support his younger siblings and his mother's extravagant taste. After his father's sudden death, he's had little more to support himself with than his wits and his skill as a sorcerer. Desperate for cash, he accepts a job cataloging the books in a nobleman's library. It turns out Lord Ainsworth actually wants to hire Henry to woo and court his niece. With little choice, Henry accepts the job. Upon meeting Emma Ainsworth, Henry soon realizes that he has signed up for more than he had bargained for. Can Henry escape the house before Emma becomes the undoing of him. . . Or will he be forced to act on the passion that he is desperately trying to suppress?
I was honestly surprised by how much I enjoyed reading this one. Lately, I've felt that historical fiction has felt rather boring, but this one was anything but that. It was romantic, entertaining, and even quite comical!
Emma and Henry have such an interesting chemistry. Emma starts out hating him due to the fact that her uncle hired Henry to woo her, but she eventually finds herself warming to the young gentleman. Henry decides that since Emma seems to hate him, he'll back out of the agreement as soon as possible. When unexpected circumstances lead to Henry's stay being extended, the two find themselves constantly confined to small quarters, which has them frequently bickering with one another. Obviously, this bickering soon turns positive, and they begin to shift into friendlier territory as the book progresses.
The magic is pretty subtle in this book, but also quite interesting. There are sorcerers and wizards that practice magic that allows them to do all sorts of things. Henry pretty much only uses his magic to shield his thoughts from others. This is important, because Emma is a highly sensitive empath who can sense other's thoughts so viscerally that it can often be painful. I think this alludes a bit to neurotypical people and how sensitive they are to loud noises and other people's actions. I can't confirm this, but that's how I viewed Emma's magic.
The way that this one talks about physical beauty versus inner beauty was quite nice, in my opinion. Emma is marked by smallpox scars, which has many suitors turning away from her in disgust, despite the large fortune that she has. She often feels that people only perceive her as the scars on her face and the money in her pockets. Henry is the first young man to look at her deeper than that, which has her greatly puzzled and intrigued.
Another thing I found interesting in this one is the discussion of virtue and premarital sex. This book is set in 1814 England, so these topics are obviously viewed a bit different than they are today. Henry is a young man who feels he owes it to his future wife to never bed another women. Emma, on the other hand, is a fair maiden who wants to test out whether she could manage to have sex without being in pain due to her abilities as an empath. Emma doesn't understand why Henry is unwilling to go to bed with her if she is willing. After all, society only seems to pressure young women into remaining chaste and virtuous until their marriage bed. I found this book to open a lovely discussion about such topics, and I thought it was interesting to compare their beliefs to the world that we are currently living in. Also, I am always down for something that highlights how different society's unfair expectations are towards men and women.
I thought the ending of this book was very cute. Henry and Emma are both stubborn and foolish, so they get themselves into quite the pickle when their tongues were a bit too loose during a battle of wits. However, the way that everything is resolved was very romantic and sweet despite it being a tad silly. I found the ending to come all too soon, but I was pleased that the ending was mostly positive.
Overall, "The Solitary Rose" was a fun historical fantasy brimming with romantic tension. I found the way that Henry and Emma constantly jab at one another to be quite comical and entertaining to read. The discussions about physical beauty versus inner beauty as well as those involving premarital intercourse are well written and open great paths for discussion. I'd say this one certainly reads as a regency rom com with a hint of magic, so if that sounds up your alleyway, I'd recommend checking this one out!
Solitaire by Alice Oseman
4.0
Meet Tori Spring, the older sister of the beloved Charlie from "Heartstopper," in this novel that was the original introduction to the Osemanverse.
Tori Spring doesn't remember the last time she was truly happy. She used to not mind people as much as she does now and could cope with the unfairness of the world. Recently though, she just wants it all to end. Life seems to have other ideas though when she follows a trail of post-it notes that lead her to a mysterious blog by the name of "Solitaire." Unsure what it means, she plans to ignore it. That is, until she meets, Michael Holden, an odd boy who becomes obsessed with who is behind "Solitaire" after they complete a series of pranks that are rapidly getting more dangerous. The unlikely duo team up and attempt to uncover the culprit before anything truly disastrous occurs.
I am one of those people who came to "Solitaire" after reading "Heartstopper," as many others have. Tori was always such an enigma during those graphic novels, so I was very excited to dive into this one and learn more about Tori as well as be reunited with Nick, Charlie, Michael, and Oliver.
Tori's story was just as dark and depressing as I thought it would be. She definitely suffers from severe depression, hopelessness, and grapples with suicidal thoughts more frequently than is safe. This book also takes place during the darkest part of Charlie's mental health journey, so that added an extra weight to her plate. This certainly isn't the most fun read, but it authentically captures burnout, self-loathing, and the burden that the world places on people so powerfully.
Reading "Solitaire" after devouring "Heartstopper" is a very interesting literary experience. It features quite a few of the same characters, deals in many of the same themes, and even takes place during a bit of the same time frame. However, the narrative experiences are so different. Tori is a huge pessimist who doesn't' give a crap and "Solitaire" is a detective story. Charlie is more upbeat and awkward and "Heartstopper" is a romance. Very difference vibes, but I love the world and the characters so much, which made it quite an enjoyable ride. The way that we learn so much more about Tori and Michael is really enlightening and adds even more depth to the "Heartstopper" narrative.
It honestly feels weird that the events of this book are barely alluded to in "Heartstopper: Volume 4," but I understand why this is. One doesn't want to spoil too much for the people who haven't read "Solitaire," and no one wants it to be too repetitive for those that have. Some really exciting and tragic events go down in this book though, so it is a tad odd that Charlie says little more than "Victoria has her own share of problems." Yeah, that's the understatement of the century.
The mystery element in this one wasn't the most alluring of plots to me. Yes, I was curious to what was up with the person behind the moniker "Solitaire," but I enjoyed Tori's day to day life much more. From time to time, life can feel so heavy that find it hard to believe that we can't all relate to Tori's mindset every once in a while. Also, the whole situation with Ben's return (or I guess debut, because "Solitaire" was written before "Heartstopper") was also such a potent story arc. He's a jerk, that's been proven one too many times, but at least he makes for a good lesson.
Overall, "Solitaire" is a powerful story of learning how to rewrite one's life one step at a time when the world seems too heavy. Tori's tale is often a somber one, but it is also such a realistic one. We all go through rough patches, and some find themselves living in them more than others, so I think we can all relate to Tori's experience. I hope to never feel as lost as Tori does, but I'm comforted to know that I'm not alone if I ever do. I would be lying to admit that being reunited with Tori's brothers, Charlie and Oliver, wasn't a huge highlight in reading this book. I love the Spring siblings so much, and I'm excited that there is a ton of content about them that exists. I would definitely recommend this one, but caution others to take care of themselves first. This book goes to some seriously dark places, and I want to make sure that everyone is ready for that.
Tori Spring doesn't remember the last time she was truly happy. She used to not mind people as much as she does now and could cope with the unfairness of the world. Recently though, she just wants it all to end. Life seems to have other ideas though when she follows a trail of post-it notes that lead her to a mysterious blog by the name of "Solitaire." Unsure what it means, she plans to ignore it. That is, until she meets, Michael Holden, an odd boy who becomes obsessed with who is behind "Solitaire" after they complete a series of pranks that are rapidly getting more dangerous. The unlikely duo team up and attempt to uncover the culprit before anything truly disastrous occurs.
I am one of those people who came to "Solitaire" after reading "Heartstopper," as many others have. Tori was always such an enigma during those graphic novels, so I was very excited to dive into this one and learn more about Tori as well as be reunited with Nick, Charlie, Michael, and Oliver.
Tori's story was just as dark and depressing as I thought it would be. She definitely suffers from severe depression, hopelessness, and grapples with suicidal thoughts more frequently than is safe. This book also takes place during the darkest part of Charlie's mental health journey, so that added an extra weight to her plate. This certainly isn't the most fun read, but it authentically captures burnout, self-loathing, and the burden that the world places on people so powerfully.
Reading "Solitaire" after devouring "Heartstopper" is a very interesting literary experience. It features quite a few of the same characters, deals in many of the same themes, and even takes place during a bit of the same time frame. However, the narrative experiences are so different. Tori is a huge pessimist who doesn't' give a crap and "Solitaire" is a detective story. Charlie is more upbeat and awkward and "Heartstopper" is a romance. Very difference vibes, but I love the world and the characters so much, which made it quite an enjoyable ride. The way that we learn so much more about Tori and Michael is really enlightening and adds even more depth to the "Heartstopper" narrative.
It honestly feels weird that the events of this book are barely alluded to in "Heartstopper: Volume 4," but I understand why this is. One doesn't want to spoil too much for the people who haven't read "Solitaire," and no one wants it to be too repetitive for those that have. Some really exciting and tragic events go down in this book though, so it is a tad odd that Charlie says little more than "Victoria has her own share of problems." Yeah, that's the understatement of the century.
The mystery element in this one wasn't the most alluring of plots to me. Yes, I was curious to what was up with the person behind the moniker "Solitaire," but I enjoyed Tori's day to day life much more. From time to time, life can feel so heavy that find it hard to believe that we can't all relate to Tori's mindset every once in a while. Also, the whole situation with Ben's return (or I guess debut, because "Solitaire" was written before "Heartstopper") was also such a potent story arc. He's a jerk, that's been proven one too many times, but at least he makes for a good lesson.
Overall, "Solitaire" is a powerful story of learning how to rewrite one's life one step at a time when the world seems too heavy. Tori's tale is often a somber one, but it is also such a realistic one. We all go through rough patches, and some find themselves living in them more than others, so I think we can all relate to Tori's experience. I hope to never feel as lost as Tori does, but I'm comforted to know that I'm not alone if I ever do. I would be lying to admit that being reunited with Tori's brothers, Charlie and Oliver, wasn't a huge highlight in reading this book. I love the Spring siblings so much, and I'm excited that there is a ton of content about them that exists. I would definitely recommend this one, but caution others to take care of themselves first. This book goes to some seriously dark places, and I want to make sure that everyone is ready for that.
Unbroken: 13 Stories Starring Disabled Teens by Marieke Nijkamp
3.0
This anthology includes 13 short stories featuring resilient teens with all manners of disabilities.
From alien space invaders to fantastical theatre performances, to falling in love for the first time and learning to accept oneself, this anthology has a little bit of everything. It showcases teens with various chronic illnesses, physical disabilities, and developmental differences who all have their own stories to tell.
I didn't have many expectations when it came to this one, but I ended having pretty mixed feelings about it. I found the first half to be mostly boring, but the last few stories did a better job of keeping my interest. I'll talk about them all individually below.
"The Long Road" by Heidi Heilig: 🌟🌟
Honestly, I think the story that started it all was my least favorite of the entire volume, which made for a rough beginning. This one follows a kid with a disability (I honestly didn't pick up on which one) as they cross the desert to find a cure for their condition. It has a good theme of learning that they don't need to be fixed, rather they need to be understood, but that was about all this one had to offer me.
"Britt and the Bike God" by Kody Keplinger: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
This one was one of my favorites in the collection. It follows a young cyclist who has retinitis pigmentosa, which is a degenerative eye disease that eventually leads to a hundred percent blindness. Britt now has to ride tandem whenever she rides due to how bad her eyesight has become. This one had a really sweet message with Britt realizing that she isn't a burden due to her blindness. The romance in this one also had me smiling. A great read overall.
"The Leap and the Fall" by Kayla Whaley: 🌟🌟🌟
Two girls, one in a wheelchair, enter a forest and discover an abandoned carnival. This one is a paranormal horror story with a sapphic romance, which was quite different than most of this anthology. I found it interesting enough, but nothing special.
"Per Aspera Ad Astra" by Katherine Locke: 🌟🌟
A space opera starring a girl with severe anxiety and panic attacks who is tasked to help restore the shield that protects her home from violent alien invaders. I was pretty confused by this entire story, and I found it a tad odd that the characters were named after people from "Pride and Prejudice."
"Found Objects" by William Alexander: 🌟🌟🌟
A theatre geek with chronic pain who uses a cane fights the ghosts of the theatre in this short story. I think the author was alluding to how pain always haunts those with chronic pain, but people can still fight their ghosts and not be confined to suffering despite the hurt. Not one hundred percent sure, but not a bad read regardless.
"Plus One" by Karuna Riazi: 🌟🌟
A young woman partaking on the holy journey of Umrah is haunted by "It." This story is a good crash course into a holy Islamic journey, but I was bothered by the ambiguity of "It." I'm guessing it was probably depression, but it could have been anxiety, OCD, or even gender dysphoria for all I know.
"The Day the Dragon Came" by Marieke Nijkamp: 🌟🌟🌟
An indebted girl is forced to deliver messages despite her limp and the cane she uses. A young boy addicted to the belltower crosses her path, and both of their priorities begin to shift. As they wait for the dragon to come and their futures to change, they learn more about themselves than they ever could have imagined. I think this one had a cool fantasy set-up and a cute romance going for it, but I needed more time to truly get invested in the lore or the characters.
"Captain, My Captain" by Francisco X. Stork: 🌟🌟🌟
A young boy with an "intellectual and developmental disability" finds companionship in a young girl named Becky. I honestly don't remember much about this one besides the bit with the goldfish and the fact the main character, Alberto, seems to have OCD, despite the notes I took. It was fine, but nothing memorable.
"Dear Nora James, You Know Nothing" by Dhonielle Clayton: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This has to be the most coherent and well thought out story in the entire collection. It follows Nora, who is afflicted with irritable bowel syndrome, as she writes a dating column despite her absolute fear of relationships. Between her parents' divorce and her disability, she believes that love will never work out for her. The events in this one are pretty comical and the romance is cute, so I'd say it wins for a short story.
"A Play in Many Parts" by Fox Benwell: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
A chronically ill cane-user works to put on the play of a lifetime with their local theatre troupe. This one really embraces the theme of doing everything likes it's the last chance you'll have to do it. The way that love of the theatre is expressed as well as the grind of a stage actor's life is front and center in this one. As someone who's worked the stage myself, I related to this one a ton and I understand why one puts all this work in day in day out to bring a show to life.
"Ballad of Weary Daughters" by Kristine Wyllys: 🌟🌟🌟
A seventeen-year-old with bipolar II is tasked with taking care of their little siblings despite barely being able to take care of themself. Luckily, they have their best friend Lucy to get them through the day. This one really focuses on the importance of having a solid support system and the side effects that medicines have.
"Mother Nature's Youngest Daughter" by Keah Brown: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I was pleasantly surprised that the title of this one is literal. It follows the youngest daughter of Mother Nature who is bullied due to the fact that she has cerebral palsy. Desperate for the taunting to end, she uses her elemental powers to seek revenge on those that have wronged her. This one also focuses on sibling bonds, which I found to be cute.
"A Curse, A Kindness" by Corinne Duyvis: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The last one set this collection off with a bang at least. This is a story that I happily would read a whole length novel following Mia and Sienna. Sienna is a teem with autism who is cursed to repay acts of kindness directed her way by granting three wishes to the person who helped them out. Mia is a girl who is actually kind enough to try to find a lasting solution to Sienna's predicament. The ending of this one is so bittersweet, but it is tinged with such hope and longing; it's truly a powerful short story.
Overall, I found most of the stories in "Unbroken" to be pretty mid. There are a few stories that really sparkle, but most of them I will retain very little from. Also, there were a few stories that I couldn't even identify the disability featured within, which I found to be a major oof. This has to be one of the more boring anthologies I've read, but I'm glad that I still checked it out for the three stories that I found myself strongly attached to.
From alien space invaders to fantastical theatre performances, to falling in love for the first time and learning to accept oneself, this anthology has a little bit of everything. It showcases teens with various chronic illnesses, physical disabilities, and developmental differences who all have their own stories to tell.
I didn't have many expectations when it came to this one, but I ended having pretty mixed feelings about it. I found the first half to be mostly boring, but the last few stories did a better job of keeping my interest. I'll talk about them all individually below.
"The Long Road" by Heidi Heilig: 🌟🌟
Honestly, I think the story that started it all was my least favorite of the entire volume, which made for a rough beginning. This one follows a kid with a disability (I honestly didn't pick up on which one) as they cross the desert to find a cure for their condition. It has a good theme of learning that they don't need to be fixed, rather they need to be understood, but that was about all this one had to offer me.
"Britt and the Bike God" by Kody Keplinger: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
This one was one of my favorites in the collection. It follows a young cyclist who has retinitis pigmentosa, which is a degenerative eye disease that eventually leads to a hundred percent blindness. Britt now has to ride tandem whenever she rides due to how bad her eyesight has become. This one had a really sweet message with Britt realizing that she isn't a burden due to her blindness. The romance in this one also had me smiling. A great read overall.
"The Leap and the Fall" by Kayla Whaley: 🌟🌟🌟
Two girls, one in a wheelchair, enter a forest and discover an abandoned carnival. This one is a paranormal horror story with a sapphic romance, which was quite different than most of this anthology. I found it interesting enough, but nothing special.
"Per Aspera Ad Astra" by Katherine Locke: 🌟🌟
A space opera starring a girl with severe anxiety and panic attacks who is tasked to help restore the shield that protects her home from violent alien invaders. I was pretty confused by this entire story, and I found it a tad odd that the characters were named after people from "Pride and Prejudice."
"Found Objects" by William Alexander: 🌟🌟🌟
A theatre geek with chronic pain who uses a cane fights the ghosts of the theatre in this short story. I think the author was alluding to how pain always haunts those with chronic pain, but people can still fight their ghosts and not be confined to suffering despite the hurt. Not one hundred percent sure, but not a bad read regardless.
"Plus One" by Karuna Riazi: 🌟🌟
A young woman partaking on the holy journey of Umrah is haunted by "It." This story is a good crash course into a holy Islamic journey, but I was bothered by the ambiguity of "It." I'm guessing it was probably depression, but it could have been anxiety, OCD, or even gender dysphoria for all I know.
"The Day the Dragon Came" by Marieke Nijkamp: 🌟🌟🌟
An indebted girl is forced to deliver messages despite her limp and the cane she uses. A young boy addicted to the belltower crosses her path, and both of their priorities begin to shift. As they wait for the dragon to come and their futures to change, they learn more about themselves than they ever could have imagined. I think this one had a cool fantasy set-up and a cute romance going for it, but I needed more time to truly get invested in the lore or the characters.
"Captain, My Captain" by Francisco X. Stork: 🌟🌟🌟
A young boy with an "intellectual and developmental disability" finds companionship in a young girl named Becky. I honestly don't remember much about this one besides the bit with the goldfish and the fact the main character, Alberto, seems to have OCD, despite the notes I took. It was fine, but nothing memorable.
"Dear Nora James, You Know Nothing" by Dhonielle Clayton: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This has to be the most coherent and well thought out story in the entire collection. It follows Nora, who is afflicted with irritable bowel syndrome, as she writes a dating column despite her absolute fear of relationships. Between her parents' divorce and her disability, she believes that love will never work out for her. The events in this one are pretty comical and the romance is cute, so I'd say it wins for a short story.
"A Play in Many Parts" by Fox Benwell: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
A chronically ill cane-user works to put on the play of a lifetime with their local theatre troupe. This one really embraces the theme of doing everything likes it's the last chance you'll have to do it. The way that love of the theatre is expressed as well as the grind of a stage actor's life is front and center in this one. As someone who's worked the stage myself, I related to this one a ton and I understand why one puts all this work in day in day out to bring a show to life.
"Ballad of Weary Daughters" by Kristine Wyllys: 🌟🌟🌟
A seventeen-year-old with bipolar II is tasked with taking care of their little siblings despite barely being able to take care of themself. Luckily, they have their best friend Lucy to get them through the day. This one really focuses on the importance of having a solid support system and the side effects that medicines have.
"Mother Nature's Youngest Daughter" by Keah Brown: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
I was pleasantly surprised that the title of this one is literal. It follows the youngest daughter of Mother Nature who is bullied due to the fact that she has cerebral palsy. Desperate for the taunting to end, she uses her elemental powers to seek revenge on those that have wronged her. This one also focuses on sibling bonds, which I found to be cute.
"A Curse, A Kindness" by Corinne Duyvis: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
The last one set this collection off with a bang at least. This is a story that I happily would read a whole length novel following Mia and Sienna. Sienna is a teem with autism who is cursed to repay acts of kindness directed her way by granting three wishes to the person who helped them out. Mia is a girl who is actually kind enough to try to find a lasting solution to Sienna's predicament. The ending of this one is so bittersweet, but it is tinged with such hope and longing; it's truly a powerful short story.
Overall, I found most of the stories in "Unbroken" to be pretty mid. There are a few stories that really sparkle, but most of them I will retain very little from. Also, there were a few stories that I couldn't even identify the disability featured within, which I found to be a major oof. This has to be one of the more boring anthologies I've read, but I'm glad that I still checked it out for the three stories that I found myself strongly attached to.
The Rebellious Fae's Guide To Family Rivalries by Ariana Jade
4.0
A cozy fantasy travel novelette featuring two young fae from rival families that set off into the world to find their own adventure.
Violet Springwater is ready to set off and forge her own path. With the Springtime ceremony about to commence, all of the of age fae finally get to venture to the human realm to try to strike big and acquire the wealth that it takes to be a successful fae. And Violet will finally be able to get away from the pesky Uphills that disrupt her family twenty-four-seven. That is, until an accident occurs that leaves her stuck with Rowan Uphill, her greatest rival. But as the two spend more time with one another away from the influence of their families, they realize that they may actually have a ton in common.
This is a short novelette that can certainly be read in a single sitting (though I must admit, I read it aloud to myself in two sittings, so consider me odd). It's a sweet story of learning to put asides one's differences, let go of family prejudices, and embrace the world and everything that it has to offer.
Violet and Rowan have some pretty awesome banter. Their families are like Montague and Capulet bad when it comes to constantly badgering and pestering one another, so it's no surprise that a forbidden romance forms between these two girls as soon as they are out of their parent's hair. I think they have a sweet growth arc in this short story in which they both realize a lot about themselves and each other. The romance may have heated up pretty quickly, but these two have known each other in one way or another forever now, so it didn't bother me too much.
The world that Jade sets up had me interested from the get-go. I tend to always enjoy things set in the Fae realm, so it was no surprise that I enjoyed the initial set up in this book. The magic system isn't overly explained in this short introduction to the series, but it is made well known that the fae have access to all sorts of magic items that can do a wide variety of things. I'm interested to learn more about the magic of this world in future installments of this series.
Overall, "The Rebellious Fae's Guide to Family Rivalries" was a great intro into the "Cozy Fae Guides" series that has me greatly intrigued to learn more. Violet and Rowan were pretty fun protagonists. I am interested in the magic system and the world, so I'm excited to check out what the rest of this series has in store!
Violet Springwater is ready to set off and forge her own path. With the Springtime ceremony about to commence, all of the of age fae finally get to venture to the human realm to try to strike big and acquire the wealth that it takes to be a successful fae. And Violet will finally be able to get away from the pesky Uphills that disrupt her family twenty-four-seven. That is, until an accident occurs that leaves her stuck with Rowan Uphill, her greatest rival. But as the two spend more time with one another away from the influence of their families, they realize that they may actually have a ton in common.
This is a short novelette that can certainly be read in a single sitting (though I must admit, I read it aloud to myself in two sittings, so consider me odd). It's a sweet story of learning to put asides one's differences, let go of family prejudices, and embrace the world and everything that it has to offer.
Violet and Rowan have some pretty awesome banter. Their families are like Montague and Capulet bad when it comes to constantly badgering and pestering one another, so it's no surprise that a forbidden romance forms between these two girls as soon as they are out of their parent's hair. I think they have a sweet growth arc in this short story in which they both realize a lot about themselves and each other. The romance may have heated up pretty quickly, but these two have known each other in one way or another forever now, so it didn't bother me too much.
The world that Jade sets up had me interested from the get-go. I tend to always enjoy things set in the Fae realm, so it was no surprise that I enjoyed the initial set up in this book. The magic system isn't overly explained in this short introduction to the series, but it is made well known that the fae have access to all sorts of magic items that can do a wide variety of things. I'm interested to learn more about the magic of this world in future installments of this series.
Overall, "The Rebellious Fae's Guide to Family Rivalries" was a great intro into the "Cozy Fae Guides" series that has me greatly intrigued to learn more. Violet and Rowan were pretty fun protagonists. I am interested in the magic system and the world, so I'm excited to check out what the rest of this series has in store!
Kirby's Lessons for Falling (in Love) by Laura Gao
2.0
A graphic novel starring a young rock climber who is learning how to fall, both physically and emotionally.
After suffering from an injury that has Kirby out of rock climbing for several months, Kirby finds herself enrolled in the Newspaper Club instead. There, she meets a group of rambunctious kids who aren't afraid to be their authentic (and queer) selves. Kirby soon finds herself paired up with another girl, Bex, and they soon find themselves offering a matchmaking service which gets them into more trouble than they anticipated.
I'm sorry, but I just didn't connect with this one at all. I recognize that this story has great themes about identity, learning to trust, dealing with grief, pushing through setbacks, and so much more, but it felt too disjointed for me to really grasp any one message in any powerful way.
The parts that explore Kirby's Chinese history are fine and Bex is Latine, which is also great, but nothing is too terribly in depth, which just felt like a waste of potential to me. However, I did appreciate how this one talks about super religious families reacting in different ways when their kids come out as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Reading this book felt like trying to connect a bunch of dots that are scattered all around. I found the paneling difficult to follow, the art style to be a bit too erratic, and the plot to be all over the place. This book is written in a series of lessons more than anything else, which could have been a neat reading experience, but only had me confused.
Overall, I was very disappointed with "Kirby's Lessons for Falling (In Love)." It was extremely disjointed, and I found myself bored or confused (or both) for the majority of my time reading this one. I can say with certainty that I won't remember having read this book in a few weeks; that's how little of an impact it had on me. There are some great messages scattered throughout this novel, but there isn't enough to back them up. Very mid, very skippable, in my opinion.
After suffering from an injury that has Kirby out of rock climbing for several months, Kirby finds herself enrolled in the Newspaper Club instead. There, she meets a group of rambunctious kids who aren't afraid to be their authentic (and queer) selves. Kirby soon finds herself paired up with another girl, Bex, and they soon find themselves offering a matchmaking service which gets them into more trouble than they anticipated.
I'm sorry, but I just didn't connect with this one at all. I recognize that this story has great themes about identity, learning to trust, dealing with grief, pushing through setbacks, and so much more, but it felt too disjointed for me to really grasp any one message in any powerful way.
The parts that explore Kirby's Chinese history are fine and Bex is Latine, which is also great, but nothing is too terribly in depth, which just felt like a waste of potential to me. However, I did appreciate how this one talks about super religious families reacting in different ways when their kids come out as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community.
Reading this book felt like trying to connect a bunch of dots that are scattered all around. I found the paneling difficult to follow, the art style to be a bit too erratic, and the plot to be all over the place. This book is written in a series of lessons more than anything else, which could have been a neat reading experience, but only had me confused.
Overall, I was very disappointed with "Kirby's Lessons for Falling (In Love)." It was extremely disjointed, and I found myself bored or confused (or both) for the majority of my time reading this one. I can say with certainty that I won't remember having read this book in a few weeks; that's how little of an impact it had on me. There are some great messages scattered throughout this novel, but there isn't enough to back them up. Very mid, very skippable, in my opinion.