marywjensen's reviews
637 reviews

An Academy for Liars by Alexis Henderson

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challenging dark mysterious sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

Beanie the Bansheenie by Eoin Colfer

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adventurous hopeful informative reflective medium-paced
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

I loved getting to learn about the folklore of the Banshees, but then delighted as Colfer turned it around and Beanie is a very unique bansheenie. Lovely art and story, of songs and love.
My Little Pony: 40th Anniversary Celebration—The Deluxe Edition by Sam Maggs, Jeremy Whitley

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hopeful inspiring reflective

4.0

This is three stories that celebrate My Little Pony over the years. One is about friends that play with their ponies and are struggling with the move to middle school. The second is the newest generation of ponies finding books about the original ponies. And the third is a nostalgic connection between a girl who loves MLP who learns her aunt also had ponies. Always about friendship and magic. Great way to connect the generations and celebrate 40 years of MLP. I had original ponies and remember watching the movies, and have enjoyed each new version. I am glad new people are still enjoying ponies today.
Once More Upon a Time by Roshani Chokshi

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adventurous funny hopeful 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? Yes

5.0

Short but delightful twist on fairytales. Imelda and Ambrose go on a quest for a witch, the same witch who took their love as payment for saving Imelda's life. Can they find love again? Plenty of adventure, banter, and untraditional characters. I loved how they used traditional magical gifts in unconventional ways (like using dresses from a walnut shell as a makeshift tent). Plenty of fun. Highly recommend.
King Cheer by Molly Horton Booth, Stephanie Kate Strohm

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emotional 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

This follows the drama of choosing a new captain for Cheer Squad. Plenty of diversity and queer inclusivity, and just a dash of magic. Can't make a comparison to the King Lear aspect, as I am not familiar with it. But there were definite Team Rocket vibes with our cheer twins. Plenty of high school and relationship drama.
The Christmas Book Hunt by Jenny Colgan

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adventurous lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Loveable characters? Yes

5.0

Delightful book hunt from London to Scotland. The descriptions of the cities and bookshops were so good that I want to do the tour following their journey. You may not always find what you are looking for, but the unexpected treasures can be the best. I enjoyed Mirren's relationship with her great-aunt, and the old fashioned banter with Theo.
Red Dust and Dancing Horses and Other Stories by Beth Cato

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adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring sad medium-paced

4.0

Lots of great stories, ranging from historical fantasy to sci-fi to magical realism to post-apocalyptic. Beth Cato has a clear voice throughout. Themes of memory, souls, and identity. 
The Strange Case of Harleen and Harley by Melissa Marr, Jenn St-Onge

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adventurous dark 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? Yes

5.0

Interesting mash up of Harley Quinn and Jekyll and Hyde. Good chemistry between Harleen and Pam (Ivy). I liked how clear it was when Harleen switched to Harley, both visually with the change in text and personality.
Impact Winter Season 3 by Travis Beacham

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adventurous dark hopeful 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

So good! More twists and turns and amazing characters. So intense. Wish I didn't have to wait for the final season!
The Conjurer's Wife by Sarah Penner

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mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix

5.0

I wasn't able to guess the twist on this one. You really feel for the main character, and cheer for her success as she solves a mystery. I love a good karma story. I hope Olivia finds her happy ending. This was short but satisfying.