×
Login

Don't have an account? Register now
Did you forget your password? Get it by email
Popular Books
book cover That's Not My Dinosaur
by: Fiona Watt
ISBN: 9780794501297

book cover 101 Bible Stories for Toddlers
by: Carolyn Larsen
ISBN: 9781869209278

book cover That's Not My Donkey
by: Fiona Watt
ISBN: 9781409523048

book cover Nickelodeon PAW Patrol: School Time Adventure
by: Steve Behling
ISBN: 9780794440206

book cover All About Bluey
by: Penguin Young Readers Licenses
ISBN: 9780593383179
Book Reviews
Search All Book Reviews
Pandora's Legacy
by Kara Leopard
View in Library Catalog
book cover


It was okay. I feel like there was too much tell when it came to plot (exposition is still exposition, even if it's a talking cat that's somehow also a Titan), and any characterization was sacrificed to speed and fighting. Also, all the easily identifiable villains are female? All the male monsters in Greek mythology and they cherry-pick the female ones and imply Zeus is a good guy?! (What the heck is the Jabberwocky doing in here? Just saying...)

The Night Circus
by Erin Morgenstern
View in Library Catalog
book cover


Vivid imagery of a fantastical time and place with colorful characters. A magical circus at turn of the century Europe / Northeastern US. Conjures the feeling of "The Prestige" and Tim Burton films, with two main characters caught in the crosshairs of an epic Game. I enjoyed living in the circus, with all its wondrous tents and entertainers, but fell out of love once the danger and death started to kick in. Couldn't feel strongly about the two main characters falling in love and what happened to them, but I greatly enjoyed the setting and imagery of the book.

Girls With Sharp Sticks
by Suzanne Young
View in Library Catalog
book cover


Depressingly timely. I liked the way the author illustrated different ways in which older men tend to manipulate young women. It added a degree of nuance and extra claustrophobia to the environment. I get that it was trying for a slow build of tightness and fear, but think its length detracted from the acceleration a little.

Edison Beaker Creature Seeker
by Frank Cammuso
View in Library Catalog
book cover


This one fits a little oddly. It seems like the plot and writing are a little young for the length. I'm wondering if it'd be good for reluctant readers. All the underwear jokes do make it seem like a good choice for captain underpants fans or the younger end of Hilo fans!

The Cooking Gene A Journey Through African American Culinary
by Michael Twitty
View in Library Catalog
book cover


A complex and complicated history of African-American culinary history, as well as American and world history in general in light of the long history and legacy of slaves brought from Africa to the Americas. Worth reading slowly and thoughtfully. Provocative.

Agatha Raisin and the Wellspring of Death (Agatha Raisin, #7)
by Mc Beaton Agatha Raisin Mysteries
View in Library Catalog
book cover


I'd recommend MC Beaton's books for Lillian Jackson Braun fans, someone looking for a cozy mystery with a bit of bite on a rainy day, or those fond of British Mysteries. (Also for fans of the show Midsomer Murders.) It's a murder mystery, but hardly bloody. The murder is almost lost in the setting-small town pettiness, gossip, and pubs!

Order Of The Majestic
by Matt Myklusch
View in Library Catalog
book cover


There's nothing exactly wrong with it, just wasn't thrilled either. Another white boy savior of the world fantasy with backup characters from 19th century vaguely 'exotic' localities and spellings. Somehow extraordinary long but also very rushed feeling. I do like the introduction of possible interplay between science and magic, wish that'd been more than a last nod. (If you know the cultural refs-Star Wars, Harry Potter, the MCU, you're going to know exactly what's going to happen blow by blow for the ending.)

Frida Kahlo And Her Animalitos
by Monica Brown
View in Library Catalog
book cover


It's wonderfully illustrated, but not much of a biography. I'm not keen on biographies that make statements about the subject's interior life, or on books about artists that never show examples of the artists work. (Or in general, on books that compare women to animals, even though I get it's meant to be a positive bridge.)

Tough Mothers
by Jason Porath
View in Library Catalog
book cover


Another great introduction to a batch of badass women. Not a be all and end all, but an amazing starting place with a highly readable pace. Also greatly appreciate the broader approach to the use of mother and matriarch. (I feel like the casual style would do better in teen with the first book, but I think the use of mother in the title is why the few libraries that have it put it in adult...)

Unicorn Quest
by Kamilla Benko
View in Library Catalog
book cover


I had a lot of trouble getting into this one. Both busy and long. Interesting though confusing magic system. Nice to see different types of friend and family relationships. Seems like often the main siblings are brother and sister, so two quite different sisters was a good dynamic.
Copyright (c) 2013-2025    ReadSquared