dianekh3's reviews
113 reviews

The Haunted Castle by Geronimo Stilton

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4.5

i stumbled across this book in a neighborhood library and had to give it a reread. this series holds a special place in my heart because it was the first book series that i fell in love with (and was the first chapter book series I could actually read). 

plus, finding one so fitting for the season is basically fate 
Garlic & the Vampire by Bree Paulsen

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adventurous hopeful inspiring fast-paced
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

i waited to start this book in the fall and i’m so glad i did. the illustration is delightful and the coloring and tones are like a love letter to the season
The Bandit Queens by Parini Shroff

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slow-paced

3.5

this book is fun but it is shocking how slow it is when it’s about a serial killer 
The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

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adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

if i'm not trying to be quippy -- this book does a great job of expanding the universe and letting us imagine how children of other gods live their lives -- what powers they have and what burdens they bare. in a way this novel is purposefully jarring for audiences. as the sixth book in a series, but technically the first book in its own story, it had to distinguish itself from the original series -- which it does. it forces the reader to both enjoy the ride (the new quest, the new characters, the expansion to this universe), while also (sometimes disgruntledly) wondering where are the characters I already know? 
The Last Olympian by Rick Riordan

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4.5

i have some criticism, but all in all it’s a fantastic series. and who would have thought — a hero that  actually tries to create systemic change for all (im looking at you harry). 
I Who Have Never Known Men by Jacqueline Harpman

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challenging sad slow-paced
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

do i think it’s a well written book? yes. did i enjoy it? no. is that impacting my rating? absolutely.
The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan

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adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot

5.0

best of the series so far — where the titans curse was  a clunky transition at times, the battle of the labyrinth hits its rhythm in stride 

plot, villains, setting, ensemble 10/10 
Heartburn by Nora Ephron

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funny fast-paced

4.5

she writes like she’s your friend texting you about the most dramatic thing to ever happen to her
The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan

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adventurous medium-paced
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated

3.5

i have pretty mixed opinions on this one. the actual quest itself is cooler than it’s predecessor. but with new characters and the sheer number of unanswered questions it seems harder to invest emotionally. 

however, the payoff and the final third is fantastic.