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cortanasreadingnook's reviews
368 reviews
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, Vol. 19 by Koyoharu Gotouge
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Song of Silver, Flame Like Night by Amélie Wen Zhao
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
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
5.0
Song of Silver, Flame Like Night is the stunning first installment in The Last Kingdom duology, inspired by the beauty of ancient China and Xianxia dramas. The world building was extensive with the high-stakes story itself narrated through two alternating POVs in an elegant prose. This is a romance fantasy book worth reading as it outlines the intergenerational traumatic impact of colonialism and ethnic cleansing through generations as told by history. This brings out a reader’s rage and hope as they live through the characters’ experiences, particularly that of Lan and Zen. A very timely, eye-opening book. I’m excited for how the author plans to conclude a story in a world that’s so full of magic and potential. I highly recommend!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Genocide, Racism, Colonisation, and War
The Last Dragon of the East by Katrina Kwan
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
sad
tense
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
5.0
My thanks to Saga Press for sending me a review copy in exchange for my honest review! I still can’t believe I secured an ARC. This doesn’t affect my thoughts about the book in any way.
The Last Dragon of the East is out on October 8th!
Buddy read with sea!
This dazzling adult romantasy debut from Katrina Kwan is woven from the tales of Chinese folklore and mythology, and features the fated soulmates trope between a grumpy dragon and a charismatic teahouse owner. I was captivated by the storytelling, with the perfect thrill of adventure and romance between the two characters. I absolutely loved Sai’s softhearted and courageous persona because he wasn’t a typical MC who wields a sword from the very beginning into battle. Sai is clumsy and impulsive, and gets into a lot of trouble throughout this book (the man is literally on death’s doorstep that’s how unlucky he is). However, it never diminished how loveable and appealing he is to me because of his devotion and loyalty (the man is literally down bad). Reading this book from Sai’s perspective was sweet and funny. To avoid spoilers, I will simply say that this book is a tragic and hopeful story of love and loss. Perfect for fans of Daughter of the Moon Goddess and Legend of The White Snake.
The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents by Nicki Pau Preto
adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
3.75
I received a complimentary review copy from Penguin Young Readers Group in exchange for my honest review. This doesn’t affect my thoughts about the book in any way. Out on shelves on October 1st!
This middle grade fantasy novel is perfect for fans of Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children and Witch Hat Atelier. I loved how cozy it was, even though its themes don’t fall under my demographic. The plot and magic system were simple yet fun to navigate, and this book would be something you’d stumble upon when you’re a kid and absolutely enjoy it. I didn’t expect to like literature for 12-year-olds, but I appreciate how the writing style had a way of taking me back to when I first started reading books, which is more than a decade ago already. The Last Hope School for Magical Delinquents is a children’s book that teaches strength, camaraderie, and the bond of found family through the humorous dynamics between the characters and the engaging storytelling. That cliffhanger ending was so unexpected, yet I’m excited for the future of these books.
Falling: A Fake Dating College Hockey Romance by Janisha Boswell
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
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
My thanks to Janisha Boswell for sending me an ARC!
What happens when you fake date the charming captain of the hockey team? Wren and Miles having that black cat gf x golden retriever bf relationship was both sweet and wholesome to read about. I will never get tired of my favorite romance tropes. There was something special about the innate chemistry in this book, along with the great character development. This also heavily emphasizes mental health, which I found very important. I love my grumpy girls, and in so many ways Wren’s character was reflective to read (what’s scary was I honestly could relate to her a little too much). On the other hand, I was able to sympathize with Miles just as easily and I also enjoyed his playful, charismatic persona. I appreciate how the characters felt essentially human to me, with their friendship dynamics an added bonus to this already wholesome book. I’m looking forward to the rest of the books, with particular rivals in mind :D
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, and Gaslighting
Moderate: Alcoholism