thekuster's reviews
397 reviews

Get a Life, Chloe Brown by Talia Hibbert

funny lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.75

 First 50% of the novel: I love Chloe and Red, both of them - together, separate; doesn't even matter - they are both marshmallows and I would hug them if I could. Also, the Brown family? AMAZING, every single one of them. If Talia Hibbert is trying to get us on the Brown's sister bandwagon for 3 books, I'm on! Sign me up!

50% - 75% mark: Ugh... the miscommunications and the self doubt! I can definitely appreciate that both Chloe and Red's past and current circumstances cause their behaviour and that none of this feels fake or forced... but it makes me wonder, am I impatient or just not empathetic? Another thing that bugs me are Chloe's friends - ok, Chloe's ex-fiancé was garbage, but NONE of her friends remained and supported her? Really?! They were ALL terrible people?

Final hurdle: I hate this part, I think I just can't process final conflicts in romance novels anymore - they just always feel contrived. I know the reaction is not unrealistic and caused by prior trauma, but stop separating them! I do have to thank Hibbert for keeping this conflict short and bringing the realization and final redemption around SUPER quick (literally immediately after closing the door!), so I didn't have to suffer more. Tears were shed!

I think I need a break from romance novels for a while. But once the break is over, Dani & Eve are first in line! 

The Terracotta Bride by Zen Cho

challenging dark emotional reflective sad slow-paced

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

3.75

 3.75* This is the second novella/short story that I've read by Zen Cho and I have to admit, even though this was the shorter of the two, the story felt fuller and more complete. The story unfolded delicately, hinting at trauma and enveloped in a sense of profound sadness. The ending was wistful and hopeful and exactly why I enjoy short stories so much. 

In Love & Pajamas: A Collection of Comics about Being Yourself Together by Catana Chetwynd

funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

4.0

All the cute, cuddly humour that I've come to love from Catana Chetwynd! (I have to say, I definitely enjoyed this more than Snug: A Collection of Comics about Dating Your Best Friend!) 

The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water by Zen Cho

adventurous challenging mysterious slow-paced

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

3.5

 3.5* It's difficult to explain whether I enjoyed reading The Order of the Pure Moon Reflected in Water or not...

Zen Cho's writing, the style, the word choices, and of course, the character names are so different to anything I've read, possibly ever. It almost has a translational quality to it - written in English, but able to evoke the feeling of another language. And it reminds me once again that I need to diversify the authors I read on a regular basis. It also makes me wistful that although I have a Chinese background, my fluency in written Chinese isn't strong enough for me to read novels in my native language.

Without the comfort of familiarity, it took me well into the second half of this short novella to start feeling any attachment to the story or the characters. And unfortunately, by the time revelations had come to light and I was finally anxious to see where this story would take me, it quickly came to an end. Overall, it felt a bit jarring and incomplete despite my usual love for novellas and short stories. 

Penny Nichols by Greg Means, MK Reed

adventurous funny lighthearted medium-paced

3.0

I've been on a graphic novel binge lately, just plowing through 2-3 of them in-between other novels/novellas. So when Penny Nichols became available from my library and I noticed it was already on my TBR list, I didn't hesitate to borrow it immediately. I assumed since it was on my TBR list - something about the synopsis had peaked my interest. (Looking back now, I have no idea why I would have tagged it...)

I jumped right in with no idea where we were going and perhaps for another reader, this story would have been immensely satisfying - but it just wasn't for me. As someone who does not watch horror movies, or low-budget indie films, this did not connect with me in any way. It also did not help that Penny's temp work career and roommate situation is my version of a nightmare and made me quite anxious on her behalf. Unfortunately, I also didn't like any of the side characters (I especially hate people who cannot pull their weight in a project), so there really wasn't much that I enjoyed.

However, I did appreciate the artwork by Matt Wiegle which was fun and very engaging. The slight variations to identify a panel that was part of the movie was a great touch and each character was very distinct. The narrative itself was also well thought out, so really - the lower rating here is a case of a "it's not you, it's me" scenario. *shrugs* 

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

adventurous emotional funny hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced

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

4.5

 4.5* As I'm sure 99% of all the other reviews attest, The House in the Cerulean Sea is heartwarming, emotional and just so, so beautiful. My tiny, shriveled heart wondered if it would be affected when I picked up this novel, especially since I generally dislike child characters, more likely to find them annoying than endearing. I was completely wrong in my initial assumptions.

These children were exactly what made this narrative so heartfelt and delightful. Ah, I don't even have the right words to describe them all - suffice it to say, you should read this and they will show you. And then when Linus Baker describes them all in detail at the end- you'll be thumping along with him with impassioned fury! I've reread the last 3 chapters a few times now and every time, it makes my heart break and swell with happiness; I can hardly contain my emotions (as evidenced by a pile of Kleenex).

So why not a full 5 stars? Unfortunately, it has everything to do with the cynic that the real world has turned me into. The assumption that governing bodies will correct their course when they are found to be prejudiced and that bigots though loud are but very few - no longer sound realistic. Even phrases like "change takes time" rings hollow. 

Assuming an anonymous report would cause a chain of events that would slowly but surely overturn and remove the entrenched prejudices in government? Now that is almost a fairy tale...

But in the end, all cynicism aside - the overwhelming message here is hope. Hope and love and finding a home where you belong and stepping outside your bubble to change the world around you for the better. And for that, "You silly, delightful book... How I cherish you." 

Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker

adventurous fast-paced

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

3.25

 3.5* Great diversity and representation... however, the story left quite a bit to be desired. All the characters were loveable and the familial relationships were sweet, but I still feel like there was quite a bit lacking. Some of the plot points were quite dark (Tam's stepfather!?!) and it doesn't feel like the aftermath is given enough thought. Overall, it seems like Mooncakes wants to explore and delve into some serious topics but once they're introduced, Walker doesn't know where to go from there and the effect is a meandering lack of depth.

Still, a short and fun read. 

Hollowpox: The Hunt for Morrigan Crow by Jessica Townsend

adventurous dark mysterious medium-paced

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

4.25

 Reading a middle-grade book about a pandemic while living in a pandemic almost hit too close to home! This made me in awe of all those people who are currently reading adult pandemic fiction... honestly, I bet it reads like horror.

Anyways, back to the topic at hand - Jessica Townsend brings us back to the world of Nevermoor with Morrigan finally able to get some knowledge and training of the Wundrous Arts.

As such, Mog gets a bit self-absorbed, neglecting some of her teammates and causing a bit of friction within Unit 919 (as expected and reminiscent of another magical middle-grade series). Discovering sub-nine was such an adventure - the ghostly hours, the research nerds (I wish we were able to meet the others besides Conall & Sofia), the Dieties within the Liminal Halls... there is undoubtedly so much more to discover! Plus, I cannot wait to see more of the Gobleian Library...

Reading about the Hollowpox pandemic would have been an adventure any other time, but forced closures, curfews, fear of contracting the disease and the worst part - loud, racist, bigots spreading lies and spewing hatred - I mean, it was just a fantastical version of 2020. It even had it's own version of a riotous mob trying to overthrow a longstanding, peaceful institution; even though it ended much more peacefully for the Wundrous Society - how's that for reflecting the current state of the US?! For a middle-grade fantasy novel, it came dangerously close to being too dark and too real.

Finally, for the revelations about Wintersea and Ezra Squall - I did not see that coming. It seems like Townsend is building Squall up to be a Snape-like character rather than the real big-bad. I am so anxious to find out more and unravel the mystery of his character, motivations and backstory.

I just wish we didn't have to wait so long for another installment! 

Snug: A Collection of Comics about Dating Your Best Friend by Catana Chetwynd

funny lighthearted fast-paced

3.75

 3.75* I continue to love Catana comics and I continue to be the exact target audience! ( More snuggles, always more snuggles! ) I didn't find this collection as endearing as the last, but since Chetwynd's releasing another book soon, I won't dwell on that and simply look forward to the next one! 

The Tea Dragon Festival by K. O'Neill

adventurous hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

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

4.0

 Just so gosh-darn cute, heartwarming and lovely! Like a balm for our hearts after it's taken it's daily beating from the world. I would like to be reincarnated here and help raise tea dragons, please and thank you!