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mycozybooknest's reviews
353 reviews
Love From A to Z by S.K. Ali
5.0
***Digital arc provided by Salaam Reads / Simon & Schuster Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***
4.75*
I think it is my highest rated book of the year and it's not perfect as I try to explain a little bit throughout my review.
Main reasons I was drawn to this book is the blue cover but mostly the fact that a character deals with MS, an illness that I am dealing with since 2009.
I am giving the book an almost perfect rating because on MS alone, you can tell there was research done as it isn't a simple one. MS is complicated to booth; not one person feels it the same as someone else and I liked that there was a spot at the end explaining all this. Very nice touch. And even though I'm not the target audience for this due to the bigger plot, all about Muslim teens falling in love and what it enthails (which I cannot relate or appreciate to it's right value) and what they have to deal with (Zayneb) with racism/Islamophobia.
After saying I cannot appreciate the true value of this, I loved how it was written, the flow of it felt really good. Two point of views written in first person and parts of both by way of a journal of sorts. I definitely prefered when the stories didn't join together... meaning that I liked Zayneb's separate life and dealings with people, family, school and general life. Same with Adam dealing with repercussions of his illness and history with his mother living with it and questions and doubts about the future.
Surprisingly enough, I was more drawn towards Zayneb's story so I basically did a 180 on what got me interested in the book in the first place. And I'm actually happy about it. Not that Adam's isn't interesting or important... all the contrary! We actually need more stories and characters that deal with MS. Such a complicated one it is, it's crazy. I feel like a broken record as I already said so above.
Zayneb is a very strong character who has to fight for her values and rights and deal with her teacher's and a lot of other people's racism/Islamophobia. Basically, it's mostly all about misundertanding and the general human being tends to hate what they don't understand/is different than who/what he/she is. It's fact!
The love story was really cute none the less but I wanted more about Muslim and what it is and all. The closer I was getting to the end, I wondered many times if there would be a sequel to the book but the way it ended, basically like a fairytale of "... and they lived happily ever after..." left me on my hunger somehow. it is still a really cool story and I'm glad I requested it. I recommend it whole heartedly!!
4.75*
I think it is my highest rated book of the year and it's not perfect as I try to explain a little bit throughout my review.
Main reasons I was drawn to this book is the blue cover but mostly the fact that a character deals with MS, an illness that I am dealing with since 2009.
I am giving the book an almost perfect rating because on MS alone, you can tell there was research done as it isn't a simple one. MS is complicated to booth; not one person feels it the same as someone else and I liked that there was a spot at the end explaining all this. Very nice touch. And even though I'm not the target audience for this due to the bigger plot, all about Muslim teens falling in love and what it enthails (which I cannot relate or appreciate to it's right value) and what they have to deal with (Zayneb) with racism/Islamophobia.
After saying I cannot appreciate the true value of this, I loved how it was written, the flow of it felt really good. Two point of views written in first person and parts of both by way of a journal of sorts. I definitely prefered when the stories didn't join together... meaning that I liked Zayneb's separate life and dealings with people, family, school and general life. Same with Adam dealing with repercussions of his illness and history with his mother living with it and questions and doubts about the future.
Surprisingly enough, I was more drawn towards Zayneb's story so I basically did a 180 on what got me interested in the book in the first place. And I'm actually happy about it. Not that Adam's isn't interesting or important... all the contrary! We actually need more stories and characters that deal with MS. Such a complicated one it is, it's crazy. I feel like a broken record as I already said so above.
Zayneb is a very strong character who has to fight for her values and rights and deal with her teacher's and a lot of other people's racism/Islamophobia. Basically, it's mostly all about misundertanding and the general human being tends to hate what they don't understand/is different than who/what he/she is. It's fact!
The love story was really cute none the less but I wanted more about Muslim and what it is and all. The closer I was getting to the end, I wondered many times if there would be a sequel to the book but the way it ended, basically like a fairytale of "... and they lived happily ever after..." left me on my hunger somehow. it is still a really cool story and I'm glad I requested it. I recommend it whole heartedly!!
Secret Magic by Elena Paige
5.0
4.5*
**Free copy on Amazon.ca**
What a cute little book this was. I'm glad I picked that one up to try. First of all, that cover reminds me of Sabrina the Teenage Witch so much. Also, it was a nice change from all the cozy mysteries and big plotted fantasy books I've been reading lately.
Meet Evie, a young witch who's spends her time surrounded by the supernatural, of course, goes to a magic school but has no friends at all. Her dream is to live a normal life, go to a normal school and make normal friends. Normal being non magical. Her parents agree to let her go to Windermere school and right on the first day, she meets izzy, the outsider at school. And things seem to be going well for Evie and she loves it. But then it goes too well and then weird things start to happen.
Secret Magic is a very quick read that I only paused for my lunch break at work. I liked the little arts throughtout the book, that was a very nice touch. The art, the story and the writing style are really well done and it will definitely appeal to kids of all ages for sure. I also like that there is a lesson in this book: never change for someone else. You'll never attrack the right people to you otherwise.
**Free copy on Amazon.ca**
What a cute little book this was. I'm glad I picked that one up to try. First of all, that cover reminds me of Sabrina the Teenage Witch so much. Also, it was a nice change from all the cozy mysteries and big plotted fantasy books I've been reading lately.
Meet Evie, a young witch who's spends her time surrounded by the supernatural, of course, goes to a magic school but has no friends at all. Her dream is to live a normal life, go to a normal school and make normal friends. Normal being non magical. Her parents agree to let her go to Windermere school and right on the first day, she meets izzy, the outsider at school. And things seem to be going well for Evie and she loves it. But then it goes too well and then weird things start to happen.
Secret Magic is a very quick read that I only paused for my lunch break at work. I liked the little arts throughtout the book, that was a very nice touch. The art, the story and the writing style are really well done and it will definitely appeal to kids of all ages for sure. I also like that there is a lesson in this book: never change for someone else. You'll never attrack the right people to you otherwise.
Slayer by Kiersten White
4.0
4*
I'm a huge fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer so when I heard this book was coming, I knew I had to get my hands on it one way or another. I haven't read any ofseason 8 or the following in comic book but I know enough about season 8 to understand that this story follows pretty closely after its event. Athena (Nina) lives in a new Watcher Academy where she's training to be a healer. Unbeknownst to her and her surroundings, she's been chosen before magic disappeared from the world completely. She's the last Slayer ever. Unprepared, she's awkward and a bit whiny, mainly complaining about Buffy. She's a bit helpless and so relies on her sister and her friends a lot but she learns to trust herself more. Following her transition into this strong and powerful girl is really fun. At times, it felt a bit rushed but Slayers... you know... She's got an awesome sister and a Scooby Gang of her own. And I loved the diversity in this book, too.
As for the overall plot, I thought it was nicely done. Again there were things that were happening that went a little bit fast. Kinda like "blink and you'll miss it" kinda deal but otherwise, the story was pretty easy to follow. The ending is jammed packed with action and certain things are predictable while others are surprising. Then again, there are things happening through the book that made me go "ooooh, that explains a lot". I really liked this book and I definitely need a physical copy of this as I feel I'll get it even more than just listneing to it.
This was my first Kiersten White novel and it didn't disappointed. I'm looking forward to the second book, Chosen, and I can't wait to read any of her other books. If you loved the movie and the show, the whole universe, I definitely recommend it. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
I'm a huge fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer so when I heard this book was coming, I knew I had to get my hands on it one way or another. I haven't read any ofseason 8 or the following in comic book but I know enough about season 8 to understand that this story follows pretty closely after its event. Athena (Nina) lives in a new Watcher Academy where she's training to be a healer. Unbeknownst to her and her surroundings, she's been chosen before magic disappeared from the world completely. She's the last Slayer ever. Unprepared, she's awkward and a bit whiny, mainly complaining about Buffy. She's a bit helpless and so relies on her sister and her friends a lot but she learns to trust herself more. Following her transition into this strong and powerful girl is really fun. At times, it felt a bit rushed but Slayers... you know... She's got an awesome sister and a Scooby Gang of her own. And I loved the diversity in this book, too.
As for the overall plot, I thought it was nicely done. Again there were things that were happening that went a little bit fast. Kinda like "blink and you'll miss it" kinda deal but otherwise, the story was pretty easy to follow. The ending is jammed packed with action and certain things are predictable while others are surprising. Then again, there are things happening through the book that made me go "ooooh, that explains a lot". I really liked this book and I definitely need a physical copy of this as I feel I'll get it even more than just listneing to it.
This was my first Kiersten White novel and it didn't disappointed. I'm looking forward to the second book, Chosen, and I can't wait to read any of her other books. If you loved the movie and the show, the whole universe, I definitely recommend it. I don't think you'll be disappointed.
Decker and Joy by Elle Rush
5.0
4.75*
First off, let me say that I want to adopted Pumpkin and the terrible trio!! I love kittens. Mine is new two years old and I already miss her meeping at me. Thankfully, she kept her baby mews so it's fun. Kittens ♥♥♥
I went into this book not knowing much of anything about it and knowing nothing of the author as well. This was a nice little romance and mystery all wrapped into one as well as a quick read. It took me 2 afternoons to read and the reason is that I was reading it during off times at work. I'd have finished in one day and this was definitely a nice book to have picked up for that.
I usually stand clear from a romances that happen really fast but Decker and Joy had such chemistry between them and it was happening really nice. They actually took time to date even if it happened in the span of a few days or a week. The progress was really nice and I definitely rooted for them by the end of the book.
As for the detective work, I liked that there's was a little twist to it and that he ended up solving two issues in one. I could guess at the second part pretty quickly but it was interesting anyway.
Not a perfect score because I wished it was a bit longer as i would have liked to read more about the romance between Deacker and Joy. it's a pretty big move they're doing in the end but it's all good anyway. I'm glad I gave this book a go!!
Oh yes. Let's not forget that this story is based in Canada. I love that so much!
First off, let me say that I want to adopted Pumpkin and the terrible trio!! I love kittens. Mine is new two years old and I already miss her meeping at me. Thankfully, she kept her baby mews so it's fun. Kittens ♥♥♥
I went into this book not knowing much of anything about it and knowing nothing of the author as well. This was a nice little romance and mystery all wrapped into one as well as a quick read. It took me 2 afternoons to read and the reason is that I was reading it during off times at work. I'd have finished in one day and this was definitely a nice book to have picked up for that.
I usually stand clear from a romances that happen really fast but Decker and Joy had such chemistry between them and it was happening really nice. They actually took time to date even if it happened in the span of a few days or a week. The progress was really nice and I definitely rooted for them by the end of the book.
As for the detective work, I liked that there's was a little twist to it and that he ended up solving two issues in one. I could guess at the second part pretty quickly but it was interesting anyway.
Not a perfect score because I wished it was a bit longer as i would have liked to read more about the romance between Deacker and Joy. it's a pretty big move they're doing in the end but it's all good anyway. I'm glad I gave this book a go!!
Oh yes. Let's not forget that this story is based in Canada. I love that so much!
Death in the Park by London Lovett
4.0
3.5*
This book has a simple, yet pretty cover and I liked the synopsis a lot.
In all honesty, this book started pretty slow and it left me wondering if I would like what I was reading enough to continue it. Glad I did. We get to meet lots of fun and interesting characters, like Rayne. And let's talk about the names Sunni and Rayne for a second... I really like the play on the names with the weather.
Once the dead body has been discovered, the story picks up just enough to be a more decent pacing and it flows well all through to the end of the book. And though I really like the supernatural/paranormal, not sure the haunted inn side of this story meshes well but I didn't dislike it. I definitely liked how it didn't overpower the story and Sunni's investigation. Very nice twist at the end too.
I'm definitely interested in continuing the series now.
This book has a simple, yet pretty cover and I liked the synopsis a lot.
In all honesty, this book started pretty slow and it left me wondering if I would like what I was reading enough to continue it. Glad I did. We get to meet lots of fun and interesting characters, like Rayne. And let's talk about the names Sunni and Rayne for a second... I really like the play on the names with the weather.
Once the dead body has been discovered, the story picks up just enough to be a more decent pacing and it flows well all through to the end of the book. And though I really like the supernatural/paranormal, not sure the haunted inn side of this story meshes well but I didn't dislike it. I definitely liked how it didn't overpower the story and Sunni's investigation. Very nice twist at the end too.
I'm definitely interested in continuing the series now.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling
This was a reread as an audio this time around. I loved, loved, loved it!!
Soul of the Witch by Deanna Chase
4.0
3.5*
This was not bad but for a town full of witches and magic, I basically forgot about that almost all through the book. I don't know if my expectations were too high or if I missed something but anyway. This was a nice story and now will be moving on to book 2.
This was not bad but for a town full of witches and magic, I basically forgot about that almost all through the book. I don't know if my expectations were too high or if I missed something but anyway. This was a nice story and now will be moving on to book 2.
Scandalous Prince by Rachel Van Dyken
4.0
4.5*
This one took me longer to finish it because I had other books I gave attention to more than this one but I really liked it a lot. I have to admit I thought it was completely different than Ruthless Princess and it's a very good thing but it was also a bit off putting to me for some reasons. Not sure why. Once I really gave it my attention though, I really liked what I was reading and got into it more and more.
This one took me longer to finish it because I had other books I gave attention to more than this one but I really liked it a lot. I have to admit I thought it was completely different than Ruthless Princess and it's a very good thing but it was also a bit off putting to me for some reasons. Not sure why. Once I really gave it my attention though, I really liked what I was reading and got into it more and more.