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betweentheshelves's reviews
2678 reviews
Drama by Raina Telgemeier
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I've read other Raina Telgemeier books, but this is my first time reading Drama for our Banned Book Club this week! This book captures middle school so well, with the crushes and the friend drama. Telgemeier's drawing style is also so accessible to kids of all ages. Everyone will experience these awkward years, so it's great for kids to see that they're not alone. Can't wait to discuss this at book club tomorrow!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia
Moderate: Biphobia and Toxic friendship
Minor: Bullying, Misogyny, and Toxic relationship
The New Avengers: Illuminati by Brian Michael Bendis
adventurous
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.5
A prelude to Secret Invasion, one of those big Marvel comics crossover events that I'm about to tackle next! I have read a few Secret Invasion stories here and there, but I liked getting to see where it all kicks off. Unfortunately, this storyline was botched in the MCU (maybe they'll revisit it!), but I'm interested in seeing where it goes next!
Make the Season Bright by Ashley Herring Blake
emotional
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
3.5
As a Michigander who lives on the West side of the state, loved the references to Grand Haven. It's so rare to see that in a big name book! Overall, this was a sweet romance, though maybe not my favorite of Blake's books. The mis/no communication trope isn't always my favorite, but it does work for these characters. Plus, there's a great cast of side characters that really help make the story!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content, Abandonment, and Alcohol
Moderate: Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, and Vomit
Minor: Confinement, Racism, and Religious bigotry
Young Avengers Presents by Ed Brubaker
adventurous
emotional
funny
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? Yes
4.0
Definitely really enjoying this group of kids being superheroes. Always been a sucker for teenage superheroes, though (hence why I enjoy Spider-Man so much). This collection felt like more of a filler than something that actually moves the story forward, and that's totally okay with me. I liked each of the characters getting their own story that was woven together with the other characters. While I wasn't necessarily a fan of each of the art styles, overall this was really enjoyable.
Heavenly Tyrant by Xiran Jay Zhao
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Review to come!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Misogyny, Sexism, and Violence
Moderate: Child abuse, Pregnancy, and Colonisation
Minor: Sexual content
Civil War: Young Avengers & Runaways by Zeb Wells
adventurous
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? N/A
3.5
I mean, there are a lot of these Civil War stories featuring different groups of Marvel characters, and I would say most of them read pretty much the same. However, I did like the chemistry between the characters in this one, as it made the story a bit more interesting.
Not sure how much this will play into future Young Avengers stories, but Civil War overall is sure to have an impact. Onto the next thing!
Not sure how much this will play into future Young Avengers stories, but Civil War overall is sure to have an impact. Onto the next thing!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Torture
The Merriest Misters by Timothy Janovsky
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
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
4.0
A delightful little Christmas romance! "The Santa Clause" was one of my favorite movies growing up, and this takes that sort of premise and makes it unique. I also appreciated that this focused on Patrick and Quinn's already established relationship and how they could make it stronger moving forward. They both learn a lot about themselves and each other through the whole Santa experience, and it works well overall for the story.
Some of the magical elements weren't quite fully fleshed out, but I found I didn't mind because the focus was more on their relationship and their personal growth than the other aspects. I always enjoy Janovsky's work, and this definitely hit all of the right holiday notes.
Some of the magical elements weren't quite fully fleshed out, but I found I didn't mind because the focus was more on their relationship and their personal growth than the other aspects. I always enjoy Janovsky's work, and this definitely hit all of the right holiday notes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Homophobia and Abandonment
Minor: Death, Emotional abuse, and Sexual content
Young Avengers Ultimate Collection by Allan Heinberg
adventurous
funny
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? Yes
4.5
I've read a few Young Avengers stories, but I don't think I ever started from the beginning. And this was an overall great origin story! You get to see a lot of characters that have become important in later Marvel stories, and I'm hopeful that these will get translated to the big screen soon as many of them have already been introduced into the MCU. Plus, we love a good group of teenage superheroes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug use, Violence, and Death of parent
Moderate: Death, Racism, and Blood
Minor: Addiction, Sexual assault, and Grief
Build a Girlfriend by Elba Luz
funny
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
Review to come!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Fire/Fire injury
Moderate: Abandonment
Avengers West Coast Epic Collection, Vol. 5: Darker than Scarlet by Paul Ryan, John Byrne, Roy Thomas, Dann Thomas
adventurous
emotional
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? Yes
3.0
The only problem with trying to follow characters in the Marvel comic universe instead of following storylines is that sometimes, you're dropped into a larger storyline with no context. Which is what I had with this one, in trying to read where Wiccan was first introduced (even if the way he's included in this volume is a bit disturbing).
You do get to see Wanda's decent back into the villain of the story, which eventually leads to the House of M storyline. Which I have read most of! I am excited to move forward with the Young Avengeres, though. Some of which I've read, but I'm excited to read more!
You do get to see Wanda's decent back into the villain of the story, which eventually leads to the House of M storyline. Which I have read most of! I am excited to move forward with the Young Avengeres, though. Some of which I've read, but I'm excited to read more!