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vel629vet's reviews
1015 reviews
Ana María and the Fox by Liana De la Rosa
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I wanted to like this more than I did, but I think I’ve realized regency-era romances just aren’t my thing. The burn is too slow and the plot is too non-existent. The best part about this book is the audiobook narrator because I got to hear all of the Spanish in her beautiful accent. Other than that, this was decidedly ‘meh.’
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content
Minor: Slavery
Fat Witch Summer by Lizzy Ives
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
Thrash is a lonely, plus-sized (but not ashamed of it) teenager struggling to connect with her career ambitious mother after the death of her mum. In addition, she’s eagerly waiting for her ‘knack’ - a sign that she has the abilities of a witch like both of her moms.
When her power does arrive, her mother’s superficial desires for Thrash become clear, and she takes off cross-country with a new group of friends who each have something to prove. Along the way they learn to trust each other and discover that the gifts bestowed to witches aren’t what they seem.
I was pleasantly surprised by this fun, road trip-driven story once I got into it. However, I constantly felt like something was missing, and I realized by the end it was a deeper world-building experience. There’s so much going on in this United States/Salem witch inspired universe, but more time needed to be spent building out the country, the government, and the sentiment toward witches. For example, at one point it’s mentioned that 80% of people aren’t witches, but every single person we meet in the story has magic (save 1 or 2). There was a tight focus on what was happening with the girls (with a slightly confusing POV switch here and there), but then we’d get tiny glimpses of the rest of the country and how it functioned. It left me wanting to know more about the native/indigenous people, about each state’s individual laws, about how little things work with and without magic.
Overall, a really enjoyable book! I’m intrigued to see if there are sequels planned!
When her power does arrive, her mother’s superficial desires for Thrash become clear, and she takes off cross-country with a new group of friends who each have something to prove. Along the way they learn to trust each other and discover that the gifts bestowed to witches aren’t what they seem.
I was pleasantly surprised by this fun, road trip-driven story once I got into it. However, I constantly felt like something was missing, and I realized by the end it was a deeper world-building experience. There’s so much going on in this United States/Salem witch inspired universe, but more time needed to be spent building out the country, the government, and the sentiment toward witches. For example, at one point it’s mentioned that 80% of people aren’t witches, but every single person we meet in the story has magic (save 1 or 2). There was a tight focus on what was happening with the girls (with a slightly confusing POV switch here and there), but then we’d get tiny glimpses of the rest of the country and how it functioned. It left me wanting to know more about the native/indigenous people, about each state’s individual laws, about how little things work with and without magic.
Overall, a really enjoyable book! I’m intrigued to see if there are sequels planned!
Content Warnings
Minor: Fatphobia and Death of parent
Happy Place by Emily Henry
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-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
4.25
Another beautiful Emily Henry story. This one featuring a couple who had been together for years before breaking up, and are hiding it from their mutual friends on an annual trip they all take together.
This wasn’t a 5 star read to me because I am always annoyed by lack of communication being a pivotal plot device. It’s not miscommunication, it’s just 30-year-olds who are best friends but don’t talk to each other.
Other than that, I loved the main characters. Harriet is me - all of the tension and pressure that she has created for herself affecting her relationships. And Wyn is just darling - a tad unrealistic, but darling.
All of the lighthearted fun and joy in the happy place were my favorite bits, and I could have read much more of that story. The ending wasn’t my favorite of her books, but I still adore her writing and will happily read everything she publishes.
This wasn’t a 5 star read to me because I am always annoyed by lack of communication being a pivotal plot device. It’s not miscommunication, it’s just 30-year-olds who are best friends but don’t talk to each other.
Other than that, I loved the main characters. Harriet is me - all of the tension and pressure that she has created for herself affecting her relationships. And Wyn is just darling - a tad unrealistic, but darling.
All of the lighthearted fun and joy in the happy place were my favorite bits, and I could have read much more of that story. The ending wasn’t my favorite of her books, but I still adore her writing and will happily read everything she publishes.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual content and Death of parent
Minor: Mental illness
The Demigod Files by Rick Riordan
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
A fun and light addition to the Percy Jackson megaverse.
The Princess Trap by Talia Hibbert
lighthearted
- 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
3.0
75% spice 25% substance. Which is unfortunate, because the substance that existed was actually pretty good. I can definitely tell that the author has improved her writing, because her newer books have a better balance between the two. Three stars because I just saw so much potential.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Child abuse
Minor: Racism
Amazing Spider-Man: Brand New Day: The Complete Collection, Vol. 1 by Phil Jimenez, Marc Guggenheim, Steve McNiven, Salvador Larroca, Dan Slott
I was pleasantly surprised to find I am enjoying the Brand New Day content. I’m still annoyed by the total destruction of over 40 years of Peter Parker and MJ material but you can tell that the comic got a much needed refresh.
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
3.5
I was pleasantly surprised to find I am enjoying the Brand New Day content. I’m still annoyed by the total destruction of over 40 years of Peter Parker and MJ material but you can tell that the comic got a much needed refresh.
Young Avengers Omnibus by Matthew Wilson, Kieron Gillen, Jamie McKelvie
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I adored Jamie McKelvie(‘s art). And I was so impressed by how Kieron Gillen writes superhero stories. I’ve read Gillen’s non-Marvel stuff (WicDiv and Die) and I love how this series read like a truly independent superhero story, and didn’t depend heavily on Marvel lore. The story itself was deep and well developed and just great. Loki was the highlight character, Noh-Varr seemed like a waste of space, and I want to read more Kate Bishop and America Chavez now.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts and Suicide attempt
The Kingdom of Copper by S.A. Chakraborty
adventurous
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Some of the frequent POV switching bogged me down, and it took until about 60% for me to become really invested. Chakraborty expertly weaves a complicated generational tapestry where there is no black and white and the only character with a true moral compass doesn’t seem to actually be the hero… interesting but complicated, and not my favorite type of story. But definitely going to finish the trilogy.
Captain Marvel Vol. 9: Revenge of the Brood Part 1 by Kelly Thompson
adventurous
fast-paced
3.0
A fun team up with some of the X-Men, but overall I just wasn’t that interested in the story.
Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-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
4.5
I really enjoyed the format! The humor was quick witted and fun, and the main character was relatable in her self destructive tendencies. The love interest was a little too perfect, but the story wasn’t really about him so I can forgive that. Highly recommend!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Pandemic/Epidemic
Minor: Excrement and Pregnancy