thebooknook180's reviews
305 reviews

Sir Gawain and the Green Knight by Anonymous

adventurous lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

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

4.0

Bringing Down the Duke by Evie Dunmore

lighthearted slow-paced

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

2.75

There’s nothing actually wrong about this book. The writing style wasn’t really for me, and I found it just lacking in the execution of plot. Overall just really underwhelming. 

Book Lovers by Emily Henry

emotional funny reflective medium-paced

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

5.0

If I wasn’t so much like Nora Stephens, I would be crying. A love letter to book lovers everywhere, Henry takes you on an emotional journey of self acceptance and being ok with change. This book was beautifully written and heartbreaking and mending at the same time. I will absolutely be re reading this again. A new favorite and everything I didn’t know it needed to be. 

Carrie Soto Is Back by Taylor Jenkins Reid

adventurous emotional informative tense fast-paced

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

3.75

My Imaginary Mary by Jodi Meadows, Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

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

4.25

The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.75

Finlay Donovan Is Killing It by Elle Cosimano

adventurous funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced

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

3.25

Coven by Jennifer Dugan

adventurous lighthearted mysterious tense fast-paced

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

3.5

This story had really good bones and a solid outline of what was good going for it. However, I think the entire graphic novel felt entirely too rushed and like we were constantly trying to get to the next thing without explaining what just happened, or sitting with it emotionally at all. There was nothing abjectly wrong about the story or idea of the characters, but it could have been more thoughtfully developed and fleshing out. It would have been really interesting to see how the main character’s powers develop (even if it’s a “2 months later” type thing) or even the actual relationship she had with her parents or friends explored more. 

That being said, this story had cute elements of friendship. And also lots of queerness. I loved that there was different types of witches (elemental & spiritual) and that we got to see the visual differences in their power manifestation. Also the ART STYLE. Gorgeous!! Absolutely winning, 11/10! 

These are kind of small things that irked me: 
-“you’ve changed so much.” “I know I have, we’re just so different now, how can we be friends?” //after literally 2 days apart 
-her not being into magic and witchcraft at all...then 2 days later, totally chill with necromancy 
-being the most powerful in their coven, but nothing to back that up? 
-also being totally out of control, but only “looses control” once, and literally nothing happens? 

I ended up rating this one a 3.5!

The Honey-Don't List by Christina Lauren

lighthearted fast-paced

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

3.0

My Contrary Mary by Jodi Meadows, Brodi Ashton, Cynthia Hand

adventurous funny lighthearted fast-paced

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

4.5