Book Review: Miss Miyazen Would Love to Get Closer to You (Volume 1) by Akitaka

Miss Miyazen Would Love to Get Closer to You (Volume 1) by Akitaka is a manga style graphic novel. Two high school classmates, Sakura Miyazen and Sota Matsubayashi, are polar opposites: Miyazen is a prim and proper young lady, while Matsubayashi is a brusque former troublemaker. They’re secretly dying to talk to each other, but their backgrounds are so different, they can’t seem to strike up a conversation! And why does a simple greeting make the both of them turn red?!

Miss Miyazen Would Love to Get Closer to You is a sweet opposites attract story. I loved that we get the points of view from both our main characters- and they are both so earnest and self doubting. I felt like the inner dialogue was very realistic, especially for the high school age group. Doesn't everyone overthink how the people they want to get closer to take the things they say and do and then get so lost in those thoughts that they miss other things going on arounds them? No, just me?  I thought this was a cute story- and I look forward to following the story as it continues. 

Book Review: I Can't Say No to the Lonely Girl, Volume 1, by Kashikaze

I Can't Say No to the Lonely Girl (Volume 1) by Kashikaze is a manga style graphic novel. Quintessential good girl Sakurai finds herself trapped in the middle of a bribery scheme. Her teacher offers to write a recommendation letter in exchange for luring a truant student into attendance. Sakurai pins down the reclusive transfer student Honda, but there are strings attached. Honda demands that Sakurai grant one wish every day. The first wish is a kiss—and Sakurai finds herself feeling very eager to please.

I Can't Say No to the Lonely Girl is a graphic novel about a budding friendship that did not have the most natural beginning- blackmail. It is nice to see the two girls get to know each other, with the possibility of more than friendship clearly an option. It is well drawn and engaging. My only issue was that I think I might have read this before as a webcomic or something since it all seemed very familiar- and not just because it leans heavily on the tropes of the subgenre. It was cute, fun, and is a great start to a series about figuring out who you are and how you feel about those around you.

Book Review: Crowned A Traitor: Book One (A Hellish Fairytale Universe) by Kate Callaghan

Crowned A Traitor is the first book in the Hellish Fairytale Universe series by Kate Callaghan. Heir to Hell and the Dark Forest of Malum, Klara has been called upon to take her place as High Queen of Malum. Though Klara has no intention of ruling, her guardians want her head on a spike. Klara's only option - escape to Kalos, Fae ruled lands free from Dark Magic. To survive the perilous journey, she needs help. A Leprechaun with a talent for smuggling. A mischievous Demon with swaying loyalties. The soul of a greying Warlock. Lycaon siblings with a talent for deception. Destiny has an awful habit of catching up with those who run.

Crowned A Traitor is an interesting start to a fantasy series. I thought the world building was well thought out and provided some twists and turns. It was in engaging story, with plenty of action and putting the world and some of its inhabitants on the page to help paint a picture of where the main characters and series might go from here. I must admit that there story did not quite grab me they way I had hoped. I see potential in the series, but some of the twists and turns just did not really work for me and I failed to connect to the characters. I do think that this book, and following series, will be a hit for some readers. 

Early Book Review: Summer Vamp by Violet Chan Karim

Summer Vamp by Violet Chan Karim is a middle grade graphic novel scheduled for release on May 14 2024. After a lackluster school year, Maya anticipates an even more disappointing summer. The only thing she’s looking forward to is cooking and mixing ingredients in the kitchen, which these days brings her more joy than mingling with her peers. That is until her dad's girlfriend registers her for culinary summer camp! Maya's summer is saved, or not. What was meant to be a summer filled with baking pastries and cooking pasta is suddenly looking a lot . . . paler?! Why do all of the kids have pointy fangs? And hate garlic? Turns out that Maya isn't at culinary camp—she's at a camp for VAMPIRES! Maya has a lot to learn if she's going to survive this summer. If she's lucky, she might even make some friends along the way.

Summer Vamp is a fun and entertaining read about embracing and owning the interests that make us different. I thought Maya was a well written character, one readers could empathize with and relate to even if they did not always agree with her words or choices. Her fears and doubts are universal, at least in my opinion, and I loved going along as she got a little more comfortable in her own skin and found her friend group. I think upper elementary and middle school readers will get the most out of this read, but older and younger readers that are interested will enjoy it just as much. 

Early Book Review: Summer Vamp by Violet Chan Karim

Summer Vamp by Violet Chan Karim is a middle grade graphic novel scheduled for release on May 14 2024. After a lackluster school year, Maya anticipates an even more disappointing summer. The only thing she’s looking forward to is cooking and mixing ingredients in the kitchen, which these days brings her more joy than mingling with her peers. That is until her dad's girlfriend registers her for culinary summer camp! Maya's summer is saved, or not. What was meant to be a summer filled with baking pastries and cooking pasta is suddenly looking a lot . . . paler?! Why do all of the kids have pointy fangs? And hate garlic? Turns out that Maya isn't at culinary camp—she's at a camp for VAMPIRES! Maya has a lot to learn if she's going to survive this summer. If she's lucky, she might even make some friends along the way.

Summer Vamp is a fun and entertaining read about embracing and owning the interests that make us different. I thought Maya was a well written character, one readers could empathize with and relate to even if they did not always agree with her words or choices. Her fears and doubts are universal, at least in my opinion, and I loved going along as she got a little more comfortable in her own skin and found her friend group. I think upper elementary and middle school readers will get the most out of this read, but older and younger readers that are interested will enjoy it just as much. 

Early Book Review: Royal Scandal (Royal Blood) by Aimée Carter

Royal Scandal is the follow up to Royal Blood by Aimée Carter, and is currently scheduled for release on March 26 2024.  American girl turned monarchy nightmare, Evan Bright, has gotten used to the press about her but the media attention has only seemed to get worse. From desperate clickbait articles about her and the President's son to Royal Record headlines pitting her against Princess Maisie, it seems everyone is dying for Evan to return back to America for good. Meanwhile Evan is receiving mysterious threats about her real story being revealed in a tell-all biography.  When more information is leaked about Evan, she fears she will always be Britain's media villain. But the threats escalate when there is an attempted assassination with no suspects, and Evan believes the person is in the palace's walls. They say what doesn't kill you will make you stronger, but what if it's the royal family who wants you dead?

Royal Scandal is a great follow up to the first book in the series. The story picks up not long after the end of Royal Blood, and I do highly suggest reading the series in order so that the personalities and dynamics are fully understood going into this book. That being said, this book has just as much emotional angst and struggle as the first book. It was very well written with layers of growth for the characters, with intrigue and mystery woven through the whole thing. There were elements and choices in the book that surprised me, and things that I saw coming but came in from a slightly different angle than I was prepared for. Again, like the first book, it is not what I would call an easy read. It had me anger, emotional, and concerned for Evan and the rest in a variety of ways through out the book. However, it is very well written and engaging. My biggest complaint is the end, because I felt like we were just about to get another chapter or two- more wrap up or hints as to what was coming next- but instead the book was over. I am already in need of the next instalment. 

Early Book Review: Nothing Special, Volume One Through the Elder Woods (A Graphic Novel) by Katie Cook

Through the Elder Woods is volume one of the Nothing Special graphic novel series by Katie Cook, which is currently scheduled for release on March 5 2024. The first season of mayhem, magic, vegetables and adventure from Katie Cook's beloved Webtoon, Nothing Special, is collected in this gorgeous graphic novel, which also features exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

In the grand scheme of the worlds at large, Callie thinks she's nothing special. Sure, she's friends with the ghost of a radish and her dad owns a magical antique shop--but she's spent her life in the human world. Her dad won't let her join him on his collection trips in the magical realm “for her own protection”, so she’s only caught glimpses of that world through the gates of the town where her father’s store is. On her seventeenth birthday, Callie goes home with her friend Declan to find her home in disarray and her dad missing. Signs of a struggle point to the portal to the magical realm and when there are signs, you follow them. Now it's up to Callie, Declan, and Radish to band together and bring him home. As they face creatures good and bad, and all sorts of adventure, Callie and Declan may just find out that they are both special in their own ways after all. 

Through the Elder Woods is an entertaining read, and one that I enjoyed on several levels. First, and with graphic novels very important, I love the art style. The artwork captures the emotion of the characters, gives subtle clues to the larger story, and also has a sense of fun and whimsy to it. It matched and complimented the story perfectly, and I enjoyed the book as a whole. I thought the character development and slow reveal of the world building was very well done. I loved getting to know Callie as she was figuring it out for herself. I loved getting to see her relationships bloom, and while there is romance and the dreaded love triangle hint in there, that part of the story never overshadowed the adventure and figuring out just who she was and what she wanted. That made me very happy. I think the fact that even when the adventure and danger got serious, there was still a light hearted whimsy to the overall story is what really captured me with this book. I will be eagerly awaiting book two, and perhaps finally exploring Webtoon for more as well. 

Through the Elder Woods is a fun and engaging graphic novel. I only wish I had discovered it sooner. 

Book Review: Gwen & Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher

Gwen & Art Are Not in Love by Lex Croucher has sword-fighting, found family, and romantic shenanigans. It’s been hundreds of years since King Arthur’s reign. His descendant, Arthur, a future Lord and general gadabout, has been betrothed to Gwendoline, the quick-witted, short-tempered princess of England, since birth. The only thing they can agree on is that they despise each other. They’re forced to spend the summer together at Camelot in the run up to their nuptials, and within 24 hours, Gwen has discovered Arthur kissing a boy and Arthur has gone digging for Gwen's childhood diary and found confessions about her crush on the kingdom's only lady knight, Bridget Leclair. Realizing they might make better allies than enemies, they make a reluctant pact to cover for each other, and as things heat up at the annual royal tournament, Gwen is swept off her feet by her knight and Arthur takes an interest in Gwen's royal brother.

Gwen & Art Are Not in Love  is a book with a little bit of everything- but no one aspect of the book takes precedence. There is romance, there is coming of age and trying to figure out who you really want to be. There is also danger, family, and intrigue. I enjoyed the read and the way the book uses legends combined with the struggles of people trying to find their place amid expectations, social pressures, and conflicting desires. I love how timeless some of these ideas are, and that the era and setting of this book do not make these themes any further removed from the reader than the pages of the book. There characters were well written, as imperfect and questioning as real people even though they are facing things we are never going to.  I think this book will be a much loved book for many young, new, and those of us older adults.

 

Book Review: Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree

Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree is a prequel to Legends & Lattes. Viv's career with the notorious mercenary company Rackam's Ravens isn't going as planned. Wounded during the hunt for a powerful necromancer, she's packed off against her will to recuperate in the sleepy beach town of Murk—so far from the action that she worries she'll never be able to return to it. What's a thwarted soldier of fortune to do? Spending her hours at a beleaguered bookshop in the company of its foul-mouthed proprietor is the last thing Viv would have predicted, but it may be both exactly what she needs and the seed of changes she couldn't possibly imagine. Still, adventure isn't all that far away. A suspicious traveler in gray, a gnome with a chip on her shoulder, a summer fling, and an improbable number of skeletons prove Murk to be more eventful than Viv could have ever expected.

Bookshops & Bonedust is a solid addition to Viv's world, and I was glad to see some of her life from before she discovered coffee. Those that have not yet discovered Legends & Lattes can start with either book. It feels like it has been awhile since I read the other book, so it took me a hot minute to realize that this was the prequel- at first I thought it was just set in the same world- but I caught on. I loved getting to know this set of characters and how a baker and bookshop owner affected Viv's mindset. Aside from that, it was an enjoyable and engaging read, even for those not looking for Viv's character development. I thought there was a nice balance of adventure, mystery, and good fun. I think fans of the genre and the author will greatly enjoy the read. 

Book Review: The Witching Hour (Secrets of Camp Whatever) by Chris Grine

The Witching Hour is the third (and final) graphic novel in the Secrets of Camp Whatever trilogy by Chris Grine. I would definitely recommend reading this series in order.

After former camp leader Clarence P'sketty Tooter is freed from a hypnosis spell, he remembers everything, including that pesky pre-teen Willow and her scrappy friends. But most importantly, he remembers the ancient mystery surrounding Nowhere's sleep-away camp. Now, Tooter seeks revenge against Willow and her friends, and inadvertently awakens a long-dormant evil which seeks to destroy the world.

The Witching Hour is a solid conclusion to this trilogy and wraps everything up nicely. There is a lot more going on in this volume than the blurb mentions, but I would hate to spoil anything for fans of this series so I will not go into detail. I do think that there was less character growth in this installment, and I wanted a little bit more from our crew of teens reconnecting and figuring things out, although admittedly with everything else happening in the story there was not really time built in for that. I love that the art was consistent, and that there were some really fun twists and turns. I also liked the inclusion and introduction of a variety of creature. I think that this is a must read for those that have read the two previous books, but it was not as attention grabbing or keeping as the previous installments for me. 

Book Review: Overgeared, Vol. 1 Art by Team Argo, Adapted by Monohumbug, Story by Saenal

Overgeared, Vol. 1 Art by Team Argo, adapted by Monohumbug with story by Saenal is a manga style graphic novel. Youngwoo Shin is a deadbeat in real life, working odd jobs to fuel his video game addiction. But inside the VR game Satisfy, he becomes Grid the Warrior, who is also painfully ordinary. Everything changes when he discovers the tome of a legendary blacksmith. Who needs skills when you have god-tier items, right?

Overgeared is a fun read for gamers. I liked the set up and the story and could understand Shin's frustration and struggles as he tries to level up his player in the game, and make enough money through the game not to have to do manual labor to pay the bills. I think I would have liked a bit more back story for Shin, not just that it took him years to get to the point readers meet him in the beginning of the story. I also felt a bit like things were just getting past the set up and into the story when the volume ended. The story pretty much ended mid-fight. I get wanting to hook readers so they want the next volume, but at least get us to a reasonable stopping point rather than a complete cliff hanger. That always drives me crazy. I did like the story, and would love to see how Shin gets to the point we see him in the opening teaser. I think I will keep reading this if I find the next volume, but I will not be hunting it down. 

Book Review: A Misanthrope Teaches a Class for Demi-Humans, Vol. 1 Story by Kurusu Natsume, Illustration by Sai Izumi

A Misanthrope Teaches a Class for Demi-Humans, Vol. 1 Story by Kurusu Natsume, Illustration by Sai Izumi. Judging by the title and cover I thought this was a graphic novel, fair warning that while there are scattered illustrations, it is not.

I'm Rei Hitoma, a self-professed misanthrope thanks to some past trauma. Just when I thought my new teaching job in the mountains would provide a chill, rejuvenating environment, it turns out that this school is actually for demi-humans who want to become full-fledged human beings! There’s a mermaid, a werewolf, a rabbit, and a bird...all of whom are now my charges. It’s my duty to teach them about humankind—and maybe in the process, I’ll learn a few things myself. This isn't an alternate world or a case of reincarnation. It’s just the story of a teacher at a somewhat peculiar school, and his students who are striving to become human.

A Misanthrope Teaches a Class for Demi-Humans is an interesting read, and deeper than I was looking for or expecting from the title. I was expecting a bit of a fun fish out of water story. There certainly was some of that, but there was also a great deal of insight into how people think and think they are perceived by others. Not only does Hitoma learn about the demi humans that are his students, he grows and matures along the way as well. I think readers get a good understanding of all the major characters and still get surprised a few times along the way. I honestly picked this book up expecting a light, fun read to take a break between some denser reads- and while I did not get what I was looking for I still really enjoyed the ride. 

Audiobook Review: Pirates, Parley, Plunder! (Dungeon Runner) by Dustin Tigner, Narrated by Jackie Meloche

Pirates, Parley, Plunder! is the second book in the Dungeon Runner series by Dustin Tigner, the audiobook is narrated by Jackie Meloche. This book picks up right where the first left off, and I highly recommend reading them in order.

Entin’s guild flourishes, eager to face the untamed dungeons of Eternal Fantasy Online. These dangerous places are worlds within worlds, each presenting unique themes that truly stretch the definition of what a dungeon should be. All seems well until Entin meets a young woman by the name of Aymie Avys. She brings a wealth of knowledge and secrets that challenge everything he thought he knew. There is something dark in this world, a festering corruption that might hold the answers to questions no one is asking. But pursuing these answers could threaten everything Entin and his Runners have built and force him to choose between who he was in the past life and who he is now.

Pirates, Parley, Plunder! is a much more cohesive and engaging read than the first book in the series for me, mostly because it was written to be. I enjoyed getting to know the characters more and seeing them grow as individuals and as a team. I am glad that the author continued to give us the story through several points of view. This gave me a much better understanding of the bigger picture and each character's emotions well before the rest figured things out. I like that while there is romance, and in some sections very important, I like that the book did not become all romance. The pairing off did not derail the other aspects of the story, instead just made the mundane interactions more intense and important.  I think readers that enjoy fantasy and Game lit will enjoy this very much. I am grateful that the author unearthed the stories that became the first book in this series and continued it. 

Pirates, Parley, Plunder! is a fabulous follow up to the first runners book. I cannot wait to see what Entin, Aymie, and the rest get up to next.

Audiobook Review: Love in Winter Wonderland by Abiola Bello, Narrated by Ben Bailey Smith, Nneka Okoye

Love in Winter Wonderland by Abiola Bello is a young to new adult romance. The audiobook is narrated by Ben Bailey Smith and Nneka Okoye. Charming, handsome Trey Anderson balances the pressures of school popularity with a job at his family’s beloved local bookshop, Wonderland. Quirky, creative Ariel Spencer needs tuition for the prestigious art program of her dreams, and an opening at Wonderland is the answer. When Trey and Ariel learn that Wonderland is on the brink of being shut down by a neighborhood gentrifier, they team up to stop the doors from closing before the Christmas Eve deadline—and embark on a hate-to-love journey that will change them forever. 

Love in Winter Wonderland is a great read for young adults, new adults, and everyone else that loves a good holiday romance or underdog coming out on top tale. To make the listen even better, the narrators are absolutely wonderful. The inflections and emotions that they pour into their performances added so much to the book. Honestly, I think I could listen to this pair read the phone book and they would make it entertaining and engaging. I loved Ariel's character, her fears and self doubt felt very realistic and relatable to me. Trey's ambitions and circle of friends were a little less relatable to me- as I was never one of the cool kids myself and hung out with those more like Ariel's group instead. I thought the balance of getting to know each other, figuring out who they are and what they want, and working towards a worthy goal together. I really enjoyed the uncovering of their personalities and coming together. I thought the drama of college age antics and family dynamics was very well done, and I have to admit that there were several points that had me angry or frustrated on the character's behalf.  Not the most calming read, but overall it was extremely engaging and entertaining. 

Love in Winter Wonderland is a wonderful story that fits so many of my favorite categories, I think there is something for everyone here.

Audiobook Review: Exploit, Extract, Exit! (Dungeon Runner)by Dustin Tigner, Narrated by Jackie Meloche

Exploit, Extract, Exit! is the first book in the Dragon Runner series written by Dustin Tigner, and the audiobook is narrated by Jackie Meloche. This is a collection of six novellas set in the same world with connected characters.  There should be two more books coming in this series. 

Eighteen-year-old Entin Soroy was supposed to be the cogging best fighter pilot of the Garentin space colony. But after an unthinkable terrorist attack forced the colony to digitize to survive, he finds himself thrust into a world repurposed from a rushed video game: Eternal Fantasy Online. This new reality might be beautiful. It might be full of endless wonder for its new immortal inhabitants. But the developers, in their haste, failed all those who lost their families and were too young to be given starting resources. Now Entin is a market Runner, working for copper chyps delivering packages to earn what little he can for the orphanage. It’s grueling, thankless work. That is, it was until a far more lucrative job found its way to him, revealing a new path forward. But nothing is ever easy. There are risks involved with going into the Wilds, a place of monsters and dangerous mysteries. Is the loot worth it? What price will he have to pay to succeed where others have failed? Full of adventures, puzzles, and unusual paths to success.

Exploit, Extract, Exit! is not quite what I had expected when I started listening, but that is because I read the author's name and not the description. This is not related to the Arachnomancer series- this is a different game world, with different characters and rules. Once I got past my own expectations I was able to get drawn into the story much more. I thought the characters and world building were well done, and I enjoyed getting to know new aspects of the world along side the characters. I thought the dynamics on Entin and his circle of friends and found family were fantastic, and I enjoyed that those relationships grew and changed without making it the focus of the story. I really liked the development of the main character of the alternating stories, and think she shows a great deal of growth in her stories as well. I liked the world building, and while the author admits in the forward and afterward of the book that it comes off as a little disjointed, because of the format the stories were originally written in, I think it still is very much worth the read, and I look forward to reading more to find out how everything comes together.

Book Review: Shipwrecked! Diving for Hidden Time Capsules on the Ocean Floor by Martin W. Sandler

Shipwrecked! Diving for Hidden Time Capsules on the Ocean Floor by Martin W. Sandler is scheduled for release tomorrow, October 31 2023. Most of the world’s ocean floor remains to be discovered. In fact, it’s estimated to be home to over 3 million sunken vessels and countless treasures of the past. This enthralling and adventure-filled nonfiction book for young readers recounts some of the most captivating shipwrecks from history, ranging from the Shinan, a Chinese merchant ship laden with riches from the 14th century, to the the HMS Erebus and Terror, two polar exploration ships that mysteriously disappeared in the early 1800s. Combining new research, stunning archival material, and vivid storytelling, Shipwrecked! dives deep into the world of marine archaeology and shows young readers what each discovery reveals about the world before our time.

Shipwrecked! is an interesting introduction the topic of shipwrecks and their discoveries. I think that this book is for young readers that already have an interest in the subject matter, and adults that are looking for a solid introduction. I have always been fascinated with archeology, and marine archeology is fascinating although not the  specialty I wanted to explore back in the day. The book focused on the history of the ships and their owners, not just the wrecks and salvage. I was engaged while reading the book, and I learned a great deal. However, I think younger readers might loose interest if this is not something they are already interested in. Sometimes it read a bit dry, and I could see some losing focus. I was disappointed in the lack of maps, but I was very appreciative of the index, brief notes on other shipwrecks, bibliography, and other back matter.

Book Review: The Library of Shadows by Rachel Moore

The Library of Shadows by Rachel Moore is a young adult paranormal mystery. Radcliffe Prep is the third most haunted school in the country. A student disappearance isn’t uncommon and no one dares stay in the library after dark. And Este Logano enrolls with the hopes of finding her dead father. Not literally, of course. She doesn’t believe in ghosts. Going to her dad’s school just seems like her best hope at figuring out who he was. But then Este meets Mateo, who is maybe—probably—definitely—a real ghost. And an annoying one at that. When Mateo frames Este for the theft of a rare book from the library’s secret spire and then vanishes, Este will have to track him down or risk being expelled and leaving Radcliffe early just like her father did. Except following her father’s footsteps might be more dangerous than Este ever anticipated. As she investigates the library with its secret passageways, hidden tunnels, and haunted halls, she learns that the student disappearances aren’t just myth. And if she isn’t careful, she’ll be next.

The Library of Shadows is an interesting read. I liked getting to know Este, and thought her thoughts and behaviors were realistic, and I could relate to some of her efforts to stay unconnected to those around her. Her struggles to do everything herself, and do the best she can were completely on point for me. Mateo, the mystery of the book, and her father's connect to it all were revealed in a slow but steady pace, and I think that was done very well. I will admit that I saw certain reveals and aspects of the story coming, but the ride was worth it. I do have to admit that at some point I started to drift from the story, but that could completely be blamed on a busy life and could very well have nothing to do with the read. However, I felt like there was just a little bit of a lull in the story, but it picked back up for the ending. 

The Library of Shadows is an engaging read with a nice balance of mystery, ghosts, and romance.

Early Book Review: unOrdinary (Volume 1) by uru-chan

unOrdinary (Volume 1) by uru-chan is currently scheduled for release on November 7 2023. From WEBTOON, the #1 digital comic platform, comes unOrdinary, the popular, action-packed series about John, an ordinary teen trying to survive high school in a world where superpowers dictate social status, and betrayal and conspiracies make up every turn. Nobody pays much attention to John – just a normal teenager at a high school where the social elite happen to possess unthinkable powers and abilities. John prefers it that way. The more he stays under the radar, and stays close to the Royal’s most powerful Ace, Seraphina, the safer he is in the halls of Wellston High. But John has a secret past that threatens to bring down the school’s whole social order—and much more. And when the other students start to suspect John has something to hide, he becomes their latest target. Suddenly, John is pulled into a world of turf wars, betrayals, and deadly conspiracies. 

unOrdinary is an enjoyable and engaging read. I liked that hints to the personalities and secrets of many characters were given, and there is clearly more going on in the background of the story than the author is sharing with readers thus far. John and those in the story are all so much more than they appear. There are several storylines and important characters that have been well developed, and while there is so much going on the strength of the writing and flow does not suffer for it- which sometimes happens when there are this many threads to follow. I feel like there is a great deal of foreshadowing, and I have many ideas where certain parts of the story might go next, but there are so many story threads that I am doubting myself. My only complaint with this volume is that it ends at the perfect spot. I felt like I had a decent handle on who everyone was and that something big was coming, and then it was over. Perfect way to leave me looking for the next volume- and to explore WEBTOON more. 

Audiobook Review: Stray Shadow: Oh Sh*t! Wrong Side of Heaven! (Arachnomancer) by Dustin Tigner, Narrated by Qarie Marshall

Stray Shadow: Oh Sh*t! Wrong Side of Heaven! is the second book in the Arachnomancer series by Dustin Tigner, audiobook narrated by Qarie Marshall. This is very much a series that needs to be read, or listened to in order. 

Heaven sucks. It most definitely, undeniably did not live up to the expectation of a paradise in the clouds, not with the talking spiders, evil priests of Light, and war, lots of war. Those of Light simply wouldn’t leave the fledgling village—Dedu Tedu Novus—alone. Peace was not on the menu. The seven declarations of war made that point crystal clear. Worse, in a series of unfortunate and escalating events, our stray King of Shadows finds himself where he really ought not to be. But maybe . . . this is a good thing? Probably not. Dhane, Dhane, Dhane, what ever will you do next? Uncover forgotten truths? Form alliances with monsters? Take a stroll in the most dangerous places a Shadow can be? Probably.

Stray Shadow is just as much fun, and as full or danger and angst, as the first book in the series. Dhane is coming into his own more, leaning into his responsibilities, abilities, and role in the larger picture. I liked getting to see some of my favorite characters from the first book make an appearance, and I look forward to how the story will continue. There is constant and consistent world building, and character building. It is exciting seeing all the thread get woven together and towards a bigger conclusion. I think my biggest complaint is that I listened to a companion book for a secondary character, that took place before the action of Dhane's first book. They have had moments in both of Dhane's book, and there is clearly so much more to their story (which I want desperately) but see no coming books for them, instead I see another companion book for another character coming. Do not get me wrong, I will be reading that one too- but I need some loose ends tied up and some questions answered for Sarah. 

Stray Shadow is a superb follow up to Wrong Divinity. This series, and related companion books, is my new obsession. 

Early Book Review: Finding My Elf by David Valdes

Finding My Elf by David Valdes is a young to new adult romance currently scheduled for release on November 7 2023. Escaping to NYU for college didn’t turn out the way Cameron planned—he’s flunking his theater classes, about to lose his scholarship, and he still hasn’t found anyone he can call his “people.” When he gets home for winter break, he’s so desperate to avoid a Conversation with his dad that he takes the first acting job he can get—as a mall elf. Despite how Scroogey he feels, the plus side is that there’s a cash prize for the most festive of Santa’s helpers. But the competition is fierce—especially from fellow elf Marco. Christmas spirit oozes out of his veins. At first Cam is determined to see him as nothing but a rival, but as they spend more time together, Cam starts to second-guess himself. What if he’s finally found his people here—in the fakest consumerist nightmare place on Earth, where he least expected it?

Finding My Elf is a book that is as much about finding romance as it is figuring yourself out. I think it also hold the great reminder, that even the people you think have it all figured out are struggling too, and that being true to the people that matter is much more important that what anyone else thinks of you (which you might have wrong any way). I felt for Cameron a great deal, even when he made mistakes that I felt were realistic for someone their age and struggling to find their place. I adored Marco, and saw the basic trajectory of the story coming from the start, but I loved the ride. I thought the depth given to the secondary characters was great, making no character all bad or good- just human with concerns, flaws, and issues that they need to figure out. I really enjoyed this read and will be on the lookout for more from the author. 

Finding My Elf is a a romance that many readers will be able o relate to on some level while getting into the holiday spirit.