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monarchbooks's reviews
506 reviews
My Oxford Year by Julia Whelan
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
4.5
"What if Oz is home now?"
That is the question that Ella Duran, the protagonist of My Oxford Year asks herself in the moment she chooses to abandon her life plan. Ever since a tragic loss in her childhood, her plan has always been: Become a Rhodes Scholar. Have an amazing political career. Never fall in love. And it seems to be working out for her, because on the same day she landed in England, she was offered her dream job consulting for the future first female President of the United States (they hope). She can do it all! But also on that same day, she (literally) runs into Jamie Davenport, the man destined to fuck up her blouse and her plans. But still, she can't help but be interested and when he happens to show up everywhere, particularly in her most embarrassing moments, who is Ella to say no when he makes her a proposition? Great sex. A tour guide around the city. And absolutely no falling in love. But you know what they say: We make plans and God delivers life changing news to our doorstep... or something like that.
That is the question that Ella Duran, the protagonist of My Oxford Year asks herself in the moment she chooses to abandon her life plan. Ever since a tragic loss in her childhood, her plan has always been: Become a Rhodes Scholar. Have an amazing political career. Never fall in love. And it seems to be working out for her, because on the same day she landed in England, she was offered her dream job consulting for the future first female President of the United States (they hope). She can do it all! But also on that same day, she (literally) runs into Jamie Davenport, the man destined to fuck up her blouse and her plans. But still, she can't help but be interested and when he happens to show up everywhere, particularly in her most embarrassing moments, who is Ella to say no when he makes her a proposition? Great sex. A tour guide around the city. And absolutely no falling in love. But you know what they say: We make plans and God delivers life changing news to our doorstep... or something like that.
The Giant Garden of Oz by Eric Shanower
adventurous
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
4.0
Pretty good but some weird bits
The Ghost and the Dead Man's Library by Cleo Coyle, Alice Kimberly
adventurous
dark
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
4.5
An interesting tale spun from a fictional mystery surrounding Edgar Allan Poe's death (His true last words were ""Lord, help my poor soul"")
Dorohedoro, Vol. 1 by Q Hayashida
adventurous
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
I enjoyed it a lot! But this is just an intro novel and nothing really special happened so it's not the greatest.
Chainsaw Man, Volume 12 by Tatsuki Fujimoto
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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
4.0
Enjoyable read. Don't like the meta manga jokes.
Sky Island by Amy Chu, Janet K Lee
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
If you looking for something close to the original story, this is not for you. However, I did really enjoy this graphic novel and the new story the authors wrote for Trot and Cap'n Bill.
Sea Sirens by Amy Chu
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
I was hoping to see more of the original story with them exploring the ocean or Cap'n Joe but this was a quick, amazingly illustrated, fun read
Sky Island by L. Frank Baum
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This one was so much more fun than the first. Maybe because of the Oz characters.
The Sea Fairies by L. Frank Baum
adventurous
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
This was cute and I liked Captain Bill's arc but it wasn't really anything special
Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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
I don't know what I was expecting going into this book but it was not what I got. Every page shocked me. A bit wordy and heavy on metaphors. Unexpected queer rep.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Gun violence, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Suicide, Violence, Forced institutionalization, Blood, Grief, Murder, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , Lesbophobia, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Animal cruelty, Homophobia, Kidnapping, and Alcohol
Minor: Deadnaming