betweentheshelves's reviews
2606 reviews

Heartsong by TJ Klune

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adventurous emotional sad 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? Yes

5.0

Something emotionally devastating does happen in basically every book in this series, but I'd go so far as to say this might be one of the most emotionally devastating. Also, that sort of plot twist at the beginning almost gives you whiplash. This book definitely sets up the battle that's to come in the last book, but we also get to know all of the pack even better than we did the first time. Can't wait to finish out the series!
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Youth Group by Jordan Morris

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adventurous funny lighthearted 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? No

4.5

This was a delight to read! I loved the idea of all of these groups banding together to fight evil together. The world building worked well with Kay learning about the world of fighting demons, and the characters were well developed. I loved the friendship between Kay and the youth group she joins. I wouldn't mind seeing more adventures from them in the future!
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Karate Prom by Kyle Starks

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

3.0

We start at a karate competition and somehow end up taking down a criminal organization in this strange little graphic novel. It is definitely a wild ride from start to finish, all with a romance at its core. The art style fits the overall tone of the book well, and it's a great read if you're just looking for a good time.
Ravensong by TJ Klune

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adventurous emotional tense 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? Yes

5.0

I don't know what TJ Klune puts in these books that makes them so hard to put down, but I listened to almost this entire thing yesterday. What I like about this series is that way that Klune weaves in backstory to characters we've already come to love in each book, giving us a more rounded view of this found family as a whole. Plus, the narration in the audiobook is just so good!
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Camp Prodigy by Caroline Palmer

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hopeful 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

4.0

So cute and adorable and relatable! Tate and Eli have a lovely friendship, where they both are able to support each other and help each other past their struggles. I loved how they built each other's confidence in different areas, and how Tate was eventually able to come out of their shell. It's just an overall lovely summer camp story!
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Wolfsong by TJ Klune

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adventurous emotional 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? Yes

5.0

If there's one thing that TJ Klune absolutely excels at it's writing found family. That theme can be found running through every single one of his books, especially this series. I listened to this it time around and the audiobook narrator does such a fantastic job with this story. Something about Klune's writing in this just makes it so difficult to put down. So glad the next one is on Hoopla so I can keep going with my re-read!
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What Is This Feeling? by Robby Weber

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funny hopeful lighthearted medium-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? Yes

3.5

Thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for an advanced copy of What Is This Feeling? by Robby Weber to review! Weber is always good for a feel good romance, which made this a perfect book to help round out the summer with. Scavenger hunt stories through big cities are also always fun! Especially with plenty of side adventures thrown in.

If you like the grumpy/sunshine trope, this would definitely fit the bill. Teddy and Sebastian’s relationship and budding romance is probably one of the best things about this book. It makes it easy to jump into, as well as a fast-paced read. You can see their chemistry grow as they continue their adventures throughout New York, and that makes it a fun read.

I do wish some of the side characters were a bit more fleshed out, and some of the solutions to the problems were a bit easy. But you know, it’s a rom-com. I think it’s supposed to be a bit easy.

All in all, if you’re looking for a fun romance to end your summer with, definitely check this one out! 
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Review to come!
Zita the Spacegirl by Ben Hatke

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adventurous funny lighthearted 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

4.0

A fun little adventure into space, with Zita at the helm trying to get her friend back. It was a quick read for me, but I can see why a lot of kids like it! The art style really suits the story, with some of the aliens looking really adorable. I love this little world that Hatke created!
Any Way the Wind Blows by Rainbow Rowell

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adventurous emotional funny 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

5.0

Rowell did such a good job with the ending to this trilogy. Sure, it has some flaws, but I really like where all of our faovirte characters ended up by the end. They all get those moments of happiness they didn't seem to get in the previous two books, and they so deserve that. Still one of my favorite trilogies!
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Noah Frye Gets Crushed by Maggie Horne

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emotional 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

4.0

This was absolutely adorable. I always enjoy how well some middle grade authors are able to capture the whole drama surrounding first crushes, especially when it's about a kid realizing they might be queer. Horne absolutely nails that in this one, as Noah feels like she's behind all of her friends. 

The progression of Noah's friendships in this also felt so realistic and true to middle school in this book. She has such a wonderful little friend group, and I especially liked her relationship with Archie. It was so cute. Honestly, if you aren't reading middle grade fiction, you are definitely missing out because there is some good stuff in there!
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