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indieandajean's reviews
427 reviews
Penguin Gentlemen by Kishi Ueno
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
4.0
A great quick read full of humor and penguin facts! This was recommended to me by a friend who said that she really enjoyed it because she learned so many facts about penguins from the book and I would recommend it to those looking to do the same!
I had no idea that penguin behavior and mannerisms are so different from species to species and learning this through the lens of anthropomorphized gentlemen penguins was certainly a new experience!
The art is great, capturing the physical details of the penguins perfectly as well as making the gentlemen penguins very very handsome.
I would have liked a little more plot, but it's worth a read just to learn more about penguins!
I had no idea that penguin behavior and mannerisms are so different from species to species and learning this through the lens of anthropomorphized gentlemen penguins was certainly a new experience!
The art is great, capturing the physical details of the penguins perfectly as well as making the gentlemen penguins very very handsome.
I would have liked a little more plot, but it's worth a read just to learn more about penguins!
Off the Map by Trish Doller
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
This was a solid 4.5/5 star read for me!
I very rarely start a series with a book that isn't #1, but by the time I realized that it was book #3 I was almost finished! I was honestly so in love with the characters in this one, that it wasn't until the end of the book that I realized that I was meant to have already met them in the earlier two installments of the series, so that alone gets this book my recommendation!
Overall this is a read with lovable characters, positive vibes, humorous moments and just the right amount of spice. If you like your romances without major angst, but with a few very strong emotional moments, this is the book for you!
I very rarely start a series with a book that isn't #1, but by the time I realized that it was book #3 I was almost finished! I was honestly so in love with the characters in this one, that it wasn't until the end of the book that I realized that I was meant to have already met them in the earlier two installments of the series, so that alone gets this book my recommendation!
Overall this is a read with lovable characters, positive vibes, humorous moments and just the right amount of spice. If you like your romances without major angst, but with a few very strong emotional moments, this is the book for you!
Content Warnings
Minor: Chronic illness, Violence, Dementia, Car accident, Death of parent, and Abandonment
The Story of Doctor Dolittle (Junior Classics for Young Readers) by Nick Price, Kathryn R. Knight, Hugh Lofting
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
This abridged version of the story of Doctor Dolittle is short, sweet and to the point. I picked it up as my mother and I were looking for a light story to read together, and it certainly met the mark for that.
That said this version entirely sanitizes the racist language and depictions present in the original story. I know that this is a version meant to be read to modern children, but the fact that there was no mention of the racism in the original text in the foreword or about the author section, I felt that it missed the mark on offering an important perspective on the negative depictions present in the original story.
Overall I would say that this is a great version to read to young children, but I would recommend that adults also read the original and have an age appropriate conversation with their children about the parts of the story that this version glosses over or leaves out entirely.
That said this version entirely sanitizes the racist language and depictions present in the original story. I know that this is a version meant to be read to modern children, but the fact that there was no mention of the racism in the original text in the foreword or about the author section, I felt that it missed the mark on offering an important perspective on the negative depictions present in the original story.
Overall I would say that this is a great version to read to young children, but I would recommend that adults also read the original and have an age appropriate conversation with their children about the parts of the story that this version glosses over or leaves out entirely.
That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon by Kimberly Lemming
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Sweet and spicy, just like Cinnamon. If you're looking for excellent monster romance content, look no further.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Sexual content, Violence, Blood, and Alcohol
Minor: Child death, Cursing, Death, Fatphobia, Gore, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Grief, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, Sexual harassment, War, and Injury/Injury detail
A Witch's Guide to Fake Dating a Demon by Sarah Hawley
emotional
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
This has all the heavy hitter tropes! Enemies to lovers? Check. Misunderstandings and associated angst? Check. Forced proximity? Check. Pining? You bet your buttons. Fake dating? It's in the title for a reason. All the tropes, and all the tropes done well!
Mariel Spark is a witch who can't control her magic and despite a prophecy saying that she is the strongest witch in generations, no one can take her plant magic seriously. Least of all her family who bows to her mother's insistence to cut her down every-time she tries to stand tall. Thankfully her supportive friends, and one accidentally summoned supremely attractive demon are all it takes to help her find herself and stand tall. This book is full of magical shenanigans, well written characters, fun trope-y romance, and spice.
I knew when I was reading this that it had to be a series set up, the supporting cast of characters is just too good and I can't wait to see each and every one of them have their own hilarious and sweet love story. It was easy to fall in love with Mariel, Oz, Calladia and Themmie as well as with some of the other minor characters around town and I'm looking forward to more of them in the future.
Also as a side note: the magic system was interesting, well written, and made sense throughout, something I usually can't say for most paranormal romances I read, and something I was very excited to see here.
A couple minor complaints:
Mariel's mom was entirely too much. I know that was the point, but for the turnaround in the end to make sense, she needed to be a little less oblivious to how her narcissism effects others.
There were a few plot hooks that came up that were underused, like "problem appears, problem disappears" issues. These were mostly in the 3rd act, and I know they were there to raise the ante, but they weren't there long enough to have the punch that "do this or everything you love dies" should have for both Mariel and Oz.
Overall though I really enjoyed this book and found it an enjoyable read. Can't wait to see what Sarah Hawley writes next!
Mariel Spark is a witch who can't control her magic and despite a prophecy saying that she is the strongest witch in generations, no one can take her plant magic seriously. Least of all her family who bows to her mother's insistence to cut her down every-time she tries to stand tall. Thankfully her supportive friends, and one accidentally summoned supremely attractive demon are all it takes to help her find herself and stand tall. This book is full of magical shenanigans, well written characters, fun trope-y romance, and spice.
I knew when I was reading this that it had to be a series set up, the supporting cast of characters is just too good and I can't wait to see each and every one of them have their own hilarious and sweet love story. It was easy to fall in love with Mariel, Oz, Calladia and Themmie as well as with some of the other minor characters around town and I'm looking forward to more of them in the future.
Also as a side note: the magic system was interesting, well written, and made sense throughout, something I usually can't say for most paranormal romances I read, and something I was very excited to see here.
A couple minor complaints:
Mariel's mom was entirely too much. I know that was the point, but for the turnaround in the end to make sense, she needed to be a little less oblivious to how her narcissism effects others.
There were a few plot hooks that came up that were underused, like "problem appears, problem disappears" issues. These were mostly in the 3rd act, and I know they were there to raise the ante, but they weren't there long enough to have the punch that "do this or everything you love dies" should have for both Mariel and Oz.
Overall though I really enjoyed this book and found it an enjoyable read. Can't wait to see what Sarah Hawley writes next!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Emotional abuse
Minor: Animal death, Violence, Fire/Fire injury, Alcohol, and Injury/Injury detail
The Deep!: Wild Life at the Ocean's Darkest Depths by Lindsey Leigh
informative
medium-paced
5.0
Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Young Readers Group for the egalley of The Deep!: Wild Life at the Ocean's Darkest Depths.
This was a 5/5 for me for children's nonfiction and I can't wait to get it for my library shelves! This book had the perfect balance of well researched ocean animal facts, jokes and humor, and gorgeous illustrations to make for a great children's nonfiction book.
I learned some interesting facts and got a great refresher on some information I learned about the ocean when I was getting my bachelors in biology. Did you know that vampire squid aren't squids at all? I sure didn't! The information in this book is perfect for a child (or adult) who can't get enough information about the ocean, or who wants to be a marine biologist someday.
The gorgeous illustrations are stylized and colorful, but maintain accuracy to the animals and oceanic zones they are describing. The visuals are stunning and despite being full page, they do not distract from the information being provided.
Overall, I can't say enough about how beautiful, funny, and informative this book was and it's a winner in the absolute sea (haha) of ocean nonfiction for kids.
This was a 5/5 for me for children's nonfiction and I can't wait to get it for my library shelves! This book had the perfect balance of well researched ocean animal facts, jokes and humor, and gorgeous illustrations to make for a great children's nonfiction book.
I learned some interesting facts and got a great refresher on some information I learned about the ocean when I was getting my bachelors in biology. Did you know that vampire squid aren't squids at all? I sure didn't! The information in this book is perfect for a child (or adult) who can't get enough information about the ocean, or who wants to be a marine biologist someday.
The gorgeous illustrations are stylized and colorful, but maintain accuracy to the animals and oceanic zones they are describing. The visuals are stunning and despite being full page, they do not distract from the information being provided.
Overall, I can't say enough about how beautiful, funny, and informative this book was and it's a winner in the absolute sea (haha) of ocean nonfiction for kids.
Content Warnings
Minor: Animal death
Dear Rosie by Rachael Briner, Meghan Boehman
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
4.5/ 5 stars for this great middle grade graphic novel about friendship, grief, and growing up.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Children's Books for the egalley of Dear Rosie.
Dear Rosie shows us the aftermath and healing process of four young teen girls who have lost their friend in a car accident. Through emotive, colorful artwork and the conversations the girls have together and with the adults in their lives, we can see the different ways in which the healing process operates in different people. Some act out, some get angry, some search for belonging, and some feel the need to find answers, and none of these ways of coping are demonized through the story. The conflicts the girls face throughout their 7th grade year feel emotionally true and young readers who are grieving loss, and those who are trying to deal with changes in their lives, will likely find this story and its characters relatable.
My minor complaint that keeps this from being a 5/5 star book is that the pacing feels a bit fast in a way that doesn't really work with the timeline of the story. The story spans the girls 7th grade year from the first day of school, to the first day of summer break, and while there are some slight changes in season, it feels like the story occurs in the span of a month rather than in the span of nearly a year. It's nit-picky, but I was surprised and confused when I realized at the end of the book that we'd been seeing snippets of a whole year, not just a month or two. I don't think that this is a major detriment to the story, but it was enough to give me a little bit of whiplash.
This reads a lot like The Plain Janes by Cecil Castellucci, and it made me a bit nostalgic for the time in which I first read that book, which I think means this book is perfect for the middle schooler of today as The Plain Janes was for me at the same age.
I would highly recommend this to readers who enjoy realistic fiction comics like Raina Telgemeier's books as well as to any young teen who is dealing with loss and major changes in their life. This story is a comfort and it shows that pain is something we all feel and learn to navigate with the help of the people we love and care for.
Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Children's Books for the egalley of Dear Rosie.
Dear Rosie shows us the aftermath and healing process of four young teen girls who have lost their friend in a car accident. Through emotive, colorful artwork and the conversations the girls have together and with the adults in their lives, we can see the different ways in which the healing process operates in different people. Some act out, some get angry, some search for belonging, and some feel the need to find answers, and none of these ways of coping are demonized through the story. The conflicts the girls face throughout their 7th grade year feel emotionally true and young readers who are grieving loss, and those who are trying to deal with changes in their lives, will likely find this story and its characters relatable.
My minor complaint that keeps this from being a 5/5 star book is that the pacing feels a bit fast in a way that doesn't really work with the timeline of the story. The story spans the girls 7th grade year from the first day of school, to the first day of summer break, and while there are some slight changes in season, it feels like the story occurs in the span of a month rather than in the span of nearly a year. It's nit-picky, but I was surprised and confused when I realized at the end of the book that we'd been seeing snippets of a whole year, not just a month or two. I don't think that this is a major detriment to the story, but it was enough to give me a little bit of whiplash.
This reads a lot like The Plain Janes by Cecil Castellucci, and it made me a bit nostalgic for the time in which I first read that book, which I think means this book is perfect for the middle schooler of today as The Plain Janes was for me at the same age.
I would highly recommend this to readers who enjoy realistic fiction comics like Raina Telgemeier's books as well as to any young teen who is dealing with loss and major changes in their life. This story is a comfort and it shows that pain is something we all feel and learn to navigate with the help of the people we love and care for.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Child death, Death, and Car accident
Keturah and Lord Death by Martine Leavitt
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
reflective
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
I very much enjoyed this one. The story itself is fast paced and impactful, hopeful and heartbreaking all in one package. I'd recommend this one for those who enjoy Hades and Persephone retellings (though this isn't a retelling exactly) and for anyone who enjoyed Marissa Meyer's Gilded duology because they have a very similar vibe.
The ending is pretty clear from the start, but it does lose a few points from me for how sudden it feels and how Keturah's choice doesn't feel wholly earned. I would have liked to see a little more development in the relationship between her and death through their time together, but overall I did enjoy the bittersweet ending.
The ending is pretty clear from the start, but it does lose a few points from me for how sudden it feels and how Keturah's choice doesn't feel wholly earned. I would have liked to see a little more development in the relationship between her and death through their time together, but overall I did enjoy the bittersweet ending.
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Grief, Death of parent, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
What Stays Buried by Suzanne Young
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
Thank you to Netgalley and Harper Audio for this Voice Galley of What Stays Buried.
This book has everything that I enjoy about Middle Grade horror and none of the pitfalls I find in the genre. Despite being written for children, it does not wear "kid gloves" and pulls no punches when it comes to terror. As a reader, I felt just as frightened and powerless as Calista did throughout the story, but the sources walked the line of "too scary" and "not scary" perfectly providing the scares through sensations of being watched and outmatched by the big bad instead of relying on the gross and gorey.
The elements of child deaths, demonic possession and angry ghosts offer much of the punch that adult horror, and provide the scares I see children requesting with increasing frequency at the library, but in a package that is age appropriate.
Of course I also have to say that I deeply love it when a scary story is set in New York. I find that the South and Midwest are often the settings of much juvenile horror, and I love some North East representation! I'm planning on pairing this book with some nonfiction on the Spiritualist movement and the Fox sisters to encourage some New York historical education along with the story!
Overall I really enjoyed this book! The characters were all lovable, even when they made mistakes, and the villain didn't feel flat (one of the issues I have with children's horror). I'll absolutely be recommending this book to young horror fans at my library!
This book has everything that I enjoy about Middle Grade horror and none of the pitfalls I find in the genre. Despite being written for children, it does not wear "kid gloves" and pulls no punches when it comes to terror. As a reader, I felt just as frightened and powerless as Calista did throughout the story, but the sources walked the line of "too scary" and "not scary" perfectly providing the scares through sensations of being watched and outmatched by the big bad instead of relying on the gross and gorey.
The elements of child deaths, demonic possession and angry ghosts offer much of the punch that adult horror, and provide the scares I see children requesting with increasing frequency at the library, but in a package that is age appropriate.
Of course I also have to say that I deeply love it when a scary story is set in New York. I find that the South and Midwest are often the settings of much juvenile horror, and I love some North East representation! I'm planning on pairing this book with some nonfiction on the Spiritualist movement and the Fox sisters to encourage some New York historical education along with the story!
Overall I really enjoyed this book! The characters were all lovable, even when they made mistakes, and the villain didn't feel flat (one of the issues I have with children's horror). I'll absolutely be recommending this book to young horror fans at my library!
Content Warnings
Minor: Child death, Death, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, and Death of parent
Cursed by Marissa Meyer
adventurous
dark
emotional
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
I've been patiently waiting to borrow the audiobook of Cursed for months on Libby and let me just start by saying it was well worth the wait.
Marissa Meyer continues to have the perfect stranglehold on romance tropes that make my heart race. Someone give this woman a medal, seriously.
The pacing of this one was a bit too fast at times and a touch too slow at others and the new conflicts at every turn didn't offer much breathing room for Serilda and Gild's relationship which is my favorite element of the duology. I wish this book had some more moments of them talking and just being together to ease the conflict a bit.
Overall the HEA feels earned and the story was great, but this is the weaker book in the duology in my opinion.
Marissa Meyer continues to have the perfect stranglehold on romance tropes that make my heart race. Someone give this woman a medal, seriously.
The pacing of this one was a bit too fast at times and a touch too slow at others and the new conflicts at every turn didn't offer much breathing room for Serilda and Gild's relationship which is my favorite element of the duology. I wish this book had some more moments of them talking and just being together to ease the conflict a bit.
Overall the HEA feels earned and the story was great, but this is the weaker book in the duology in my opinion.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Child death, Death, Violence, and Blood
Minor: Infertility, Pregnancy, and Dysphoria