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The Troubled Girls of Dragomir AcademyThe Troubled Girls of Dragomir Academy, Book
by Ursu, AnneBook - 2021Book, 2021
Added Feb 29, 2024
Added Dec 13, 2023
Comment:
This story grabbed me from the first chapter and didn't let go. I found the dual time periods to both be fascinating on their own, and seeing them come together as the plot evolved was captivating. I always feel the most satisfied with a thriller when I'm left wondering in the end what's really true, and this one did not disappoint.This story grabbed me from the first chapter and didn't let go. I found the dual time periods to both be fascinating on their own, and seeing them come together as the plot evolved was captivating. I always feel the most satisfied with a thriller…
Added Dec 11, 2023
Comment:
This edge of your seat ride is so well written. The author doesn't miss on the details that make the story work, and all the questions I may have found myself asking were answered. There are some directions the story went that I wasn't necessarily a huge fan of, but over all this was so much fun. I read almost the whole thing in a day! Though the overarching premise has been done before, the setting was enough to set it apart. 90s nostalgia anyone?This edge of your seat ride is so well written. The author doesn't miss on the details that make the story work, and all the questions I may have found myself asking were answered. There are some directions the story went that I wasn't necessarily a…
Added Nov 16, 2023
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The story took me some time to get into because it felt a bit too all over the place at first. When the pieces starting clicking and I was able to start making connections, though, it got really exciting. It has all the ingredients for a fun and exciting magical adventure that will keep you on your toes, and the cast of characters both makes you love them and makes you question them; who's really a "bad guy?" I'm sure the rest of the series will be great!The story took me some time to get into because it felt a bit too all over the place at first. When the pieces starting clicking and I was able to start making connections, though, it got really exciting. It has all the ingredients for a fun and…
Eva Evergreen, Semi-magical WitchEva Evergreen, Semi-magical Witch, Book
by Abe, JulieBook - 2020Book, 2020
Added Sep 28, 2023
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What a fun read this was! It's somehow both cozy and exciting. As the story builds, you get a sense of suspense and intrigue as you worry about how Eva will accomplish her task. The growth of friendship and support in the town was beautiful to watch unfold. And the mystery of what the Culling really is holds its own sort of excitement. Though I haven't read further than the first book, I think this is a great series for fantasy fans.What a fun read this was! It's somehow both cozy and exciting. As the story builds, you get a sense of suspense and intrigue as you worry about how Eva will accomplish her task. The growth of friendship and support in the town was beautiful to watch…
Added Sep 23, 2023
Comment:
This was even more fun than I imagined! A human doctor who cares for monsters and a supernatural murder mystery? Yes please! It was written beautifully, and the relationships among the characters was so special. The whole story had just enough suspense to keep me on the edge of my seat but not so much that it was overwhelming. I can't wait to read the next one!This was even more fun than I imagined! A human doctor who cares for monsters and a supernatural murder mystery? Yes please! It was written beautifully, and the relationships among the characters was so special. The whole story had just enough…
Added Aug 07, 2023
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What a fun glimpse into a genre of TV that I'm not familiar with, and I felt truly immersed in it. The story itself swept me away, and I really enjoyed the look at two people struggling with trauma and mental health and self-identity work to navigate a relationship and the pain and love that can come with it. It was really interesting to see how each of their families played into the development as well.What a fun glimpse into a genre of TV that I'm not familiar with, and I felt truly immersed in it. The story itself swept me away, and I really enjoyed the look at two people struggling with trauma and mental health and self-identity work to…
Added Jun 29, 2023
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I wasn't sure about this one at first, but it ended up being so good! The focal point of the story was the development of the relationships between the characters, but the setting of the magical community within a non-magical community was really well done too. I liked how it was designed for the two to coexist and support one another. The build up of the conflict kept me on my toes for sure, and I was really satisfied with how it all came together in the end.I wasn't sure about this one at first, but it ended up being so good! The focal point of the story was the development of the relationships between the characters, but the setting of the magical community within a non-magical community was really…
You're A Mean One, Matthew PrinceYou're A Mean One, Matthew Prince, Book
by Janovsky, TimothyBook - 2022Book, 2022
Added Jun 15, 2023
Comment:
I really enjoyed this bit of Christmas in the summer! I loved the coziness of the story arc, and I'm a sucker for a great cast of characters (this one did not disappoint!). Matthew and Hector were a great couple to watch grow in the stages of their relationship. The conflict was just the right amount rather than being too much. Kudos to Timothy Janovsky for this gem! I'll be back for more.I really enjoyed this bit of Christmas in the summer! I loved the coziness of the story arc, and I'm a sucker for a great cast of characters (this one did not disappoint!). Matthew and Hector were a great couple to watch grow in the stages of their…
Added May 10, 2023
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I didn't expect this story to be told from various perspectives, but I do love a character piece! I enjoyed how the threads of magical realism wove in with the mystery and truly centered around finding out who the characters are while watching them figure out who they are themselves. Beautifully done!I didn't expect this story to be told from various perspectives, but I do love a character piece! I enjoyed how the threads of magical realism wove in with the mystery and truly centered around finding out who the characters are while watching them…
Added May 03, 2023
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I loved this series! I was completely swept up in the atmosphere of the storyline because Callie and Des' relationship was just so beautiful. I really enjoyed the worldbuilding, the structure of the Otherworld, and how it connected to the human world. It was really interesting to see the conflict build as the stories went, and it kept me invested through each new development. If you're interested in a good fantasy series wrapped up with a gorgeous, sexy romance, give this series a go!I loved this series! I was completely swept up in the atmosphere of the storyline because Callie and Des' relationship was just so beautiful. I really enjoyed the worldbuilding, the structure of the Otherworld, and how it connected to the human…
Added May 02, 2023
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This was a pretty quick read with lots of illustrations to accompany the story (some of them comic book style, some regular illustrations to accompany the text). The style of the illustrations does a great job of conveying the sinister feel of the story. It's scary enough for kids who want to be a bit frightened, but it's not so scary that it leaves you with the full heebie-jeebies. I also like that it's a series; there are a few things left unanswered (not enough to make the story unsatisfying), and it makes you want to see what comes next. A good option for kids who like some horror, adventure, mystery, or all three in their books. And a good option for kids who may want something at a higher reading level but are intimidated by large chunks of text.This was a pretty quick read with lots of illustrations to accompany the story (some of them comic book style, some regular illustrations to accompany the text). The style of the illustrations does a great job of conveying the sinister feel of the…
Added Apr 18, 2023
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This was actually a lot more fun than I expected - some magical realism, a touch of tough topics, and finding your way back to love. The chapters are short, so it's an easy, quick read. As the story evolved, it was beautiful in the way it grew and the truth it holds.This was actually a lot more fun than I expected - some magical realism, a touch of tough topics, and finding your way back to love. The chapters are short, so it's an easy, quick read. As the story evolved, it was beautiful in the way it grew and…
Added Apr 13, 2023
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I wasn't sure about this one at first, but I found myself unexpectedly drawn into the story. It has a dystopian feel to it and, similar to other comments, similarities to The Handmaid's Tale and Lord of the Flies, with hints of Wilder Girls. The story weaves a lot of intrigue about what happens during the grace year, and the way it was slowly developed kept me curious to see how it would all play out. It kept me guessing and rethinking how I imagined the ending would play out, and I definitely didn't settle on what actually happened. I can't say I love how it all ended; I was content until the last few pages when it lost me, but I can't discount the whole book for that. Some people may love that part, and I definitely still think this one is worth the read.I wasn't sure about this one at first, but I found myself unexpectedly drawn into the story. It has a dystopian feel to it and, similar to other comments, similarities to The Handmaid's Tale and Lord of the Flies, with hints of Wilder Girls. The…
Added Mar 30, 2023
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I don't want to say too much and spoil the story, but this was a really engaging and interesting, though very sinister, thriller. It ended up being quite the ride, and I found it to be very satisfying.
Added Mar 20, 2023
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So intriguing and mysterious and just a bit spooky (too much for me to read it at bedtime). The art and journal entries sprinkled here and there along with the bits of story from the other side really helped keep the mysterious vibe and the curiosity alive. I really like a story that incorporates more than just the text of the story itself because it makes it that much more rich. Overall I really liked this one.So intriguing and mysterious and just a bit spooky (too much for me to read it at bedtime). The art and journal entries sprinkled here and there along with the bits of story from the other side really helped keep the mysterious vibe and the…
The Thirteenth TaleThe Thirteenth Tale, Audiobook CD
by Setterfield, DianeAudiobook CD - 2006Audiobook CD, 2006
Added Mar 07, 2023
Comment:
In any other time that I've picked up (or thought about picking up) this type of story, I turned quickly away from it for being too long or too dense, but this one just works. It is a slow story, but there's something enchanting about it. I loved how the tale of Vida herself was done by a different narrator, and both the narrators fit their characters really well, which takes you even deeper into the story. To really enjoy this one, you have to be open to going along for the ride and to wait patiently for the story to unfold. And it's so so worth it in the end.In any other time that I've picked up (or thought about picking up) this type of story, I turned quickly away from it for being too long or too dense, but this one just works. It is a slow story, but there's something enchanting about it. I loved…
Added Feb 02, 2023
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I didn't realize at first that this series is by the same author as the American Royals series (which I really like), so I was excited to read more from Katharine McGee. This book has a creative setting, an interesting cast of characters, and plenty of drama all wrapped up with a bit of unease knowing that something bad is coming. I have to say, I wasn't sure how it was all going to come together (I suppose, if I was a reader that really paid attention and looked for clues, I probably could have guessed, but I prefer to go along for the ride), and the ending was riveting. Overall, I was completely sucked in by the story, and can't wait to pick up the next book.I didn't realize at first that this series is by the same author as the American Royals series (which I really like), so I was excited to read more from Katharine McGee. This book has a creative setting, an interesting cast of characters, and plenty…
Added Jan 28, 2023
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This was a delight from the very start! I found myself smiling through the whole thing and giggling at the antics and illustrations of the pups. This is a great beginning chapter book option with simple but engaging illustrations that spread out the text and a fun story that will leave the readers wanting more.This was a delight from the very start! I found myself smiling through the whole thing and giggling at the antics and illustrations of the pups. This is a great beginning chapter book option with simple but engaging illustrations that spread out the…
The Castle of Tangled MagicThe Castle of Tangled Magic, Book
by Anderson, SophieBook - 2022Book, 2022
Added Jan 20, 2023
Comment:
Oh, I loved this SO much! It was refreshing how in this story there was very little antagonism among any of the characters, and the main feelings they had toward one another was love and kindness and support. The climax was exciting, and the description of the world and the creatures was so well done that I could picture it all. The ending wasn't quite how I imagined, but it was genuine and beautiful. A great read for kids and adults alike!Oh, I loved this SO much! It was refreshing how in this story there was very little antagonism among any of the characters, and the main feelings they had toward one another was love and kindness and support. The climax was exciting, and the…
Help! I'm A Prisoner in the LibraryHelp! I'm A Prisoner in the Library, Book
by Clifford, EthBook - 1979Book, 1979
Added Dec 23, 2022
Comment:
I found when I was straightening the shelves. The title caught my eye, so I had to check it out. It's a very cute and fun story with a bit of a mystery feel, and I found myself chuckling through the whole thing. I think kids who like stories about kids/real life or mysteries would really enjoy this one. The text is simple and the chapters are short, which makes it easy to digest for readers of a variety of ages.I found when I was straightening the shelves. The title caught my eye, so I had to check it out. It's a very cute and fun story with a bit of a mystery feel, and I found myself chuckling through the whole thing. I think kids who like stories about…
Added Dec 05, 2022
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This was a treat! All the stories really were short (just a few pages), which I really liked, and they were so funny, upbeat, and cheerful. It was a perfect way to set the mood for the season. Holiday fans that want something light and fun to read for the holidays, be sure to check this one out. It may even make it onto my gift giving list next year!This was a treat! All the stories really were short (just a few pages), which I really liked, and they were so funny, upbeat, and cheerful. It was a perfect way to set the mood for the season. Holiday fans that want something light and fun to read…
Added Nov 22, 2022
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I'm big on setting and characters when I read, and I found the world building in this story to be unique and appealing. The characters were complex and frustrating at times, but I couldn't help rooting for them. There were many conflicts that seemed impossible to overcome, and yet I was pleased with the way the story progressed each time. Overall, this is a great book, especially for those who like to read about magic, multiple worlds, action and adventure, and a bit of suspense.I'm big on setting and characters when I read, and I found the world building in this story to be unique and appealing. The characters were complex and frustrating at times, but I couldn't help rooting for them. There were many conflicts that seemed…
Added Nov 14, 2022
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If I could only use one word to describe this book, it'd be "delightful." What a fun, atmospheric, cozy story! I was sucked in right away and enjoyed this the whole way through. The climax was exciting, the ending was satisfying, the characters were engaging. I'm not much of a re-reader, but this is one I may need to revisit sometime.If I could only use one word to describe this book, it'd be "delightful." What a fun, atmospheric, cozy story! I was sucked in right away and enjoyed this the whole way through. The climax was exciting, the ending was satisfying, the characters were…
Etta and Otto and Russell and JamesEtta and Otto and Russell and James, BookA Novel
by Hooper, EmmaBook - 2015Book, 2015
Added Nov 02, 2022
Comment:
Such an easy, engaging story that ended up being one of those books that you just want to hug in the end. I liked the separate story-lines of the "now" and the "past" for the main characters and the way they wove together throughout the book. Even though it covered some pretty heavy topics, it didn't feel heavy, and I think that just goes to show the skill of the author. Overall, I really enjoyed this one!Such an easy, engaging story that ended up being one of those books that you just want to hug in the end. I liked the separate story-lines of the "now" and the "past" for the main characters and the way they wove together throughout the book. Even…
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