sphynxreads's reviews
771 reviews

Land of Stories: A Treasury of Classic Fairy Tales by Jacob Grimm, Chris Colfer

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adventurous hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

A beautifully illustrated fairy tale collection. It was so nice to revisit these stories of my childhood, many of which I forgot significant details about.
Anxious People by Fredrik Backman

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective 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

3.5

This is probably one of the most deeply unserious books I have ever read and yet it still has Backman's signature charm! While I liked the humor well enough and definitely laughed out loud multiple times (Zara, the diva that you are), it became rather tiresome towards the end. It has a lot of hard-hitting quotes and emotional scenes to be sure, but having already read Beartown, I can't help but feel that this just simply pales in comparison. I was anticipating some semblance of the sobfest some fans seem to experience, but alas, maybe I have a heart of stone. Still, I have to respect just how much of a twisty ride this was, oddily reminiscent of Ellen Raskin's The Westing Game. This is also Backman's most unique work that I've read to date.
Spy x Family, Vol. 11 by Tatsuya Endo

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funny tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

As always, the perfect blend of humor, heart, and high stakes.
Second Chance Summer by Morgan Matson

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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

4.5

Well, Morgan Matson, I believe you just got yourself a new fan. This book was so heartfelt and sincere that despite many scenes feeling intentionally written to make one cry, it doesn't feel cheap. What a beautiful story about grief, complicated friendships, and the comfort that comes from being loved. I am looking forward to read more books from this author.
Fence, Vol. 3 by C.S. Pacat

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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

3.5

I don't know what it is but this volume just wasn't as charming as the previous ones.
Chords of Strength: A Memoir of Soul, Song and the Power of Perseverance by David Archuleta

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lighthearted reflective medium-paced

3.0

Anyone who knows me well knows how much I love David Archuleta. He is basically my Taylor Swift. Many of his life experiences mirror mine: growing up Mormon and serving a mission, having a music-filled home, coming out as queer, and eventually leaving the church. I have always connected with his music because of this, even way past his American Idol days.

I went into this book not really expecting to be left in awe of him as a person—he was a teenager when this came out after all—but to get a glimpse of what he was like before everything changed for him following his coming out.

The writing is very juvenile here, which was to be expected. And having read Jennette McCurdy's I'm Glad My Mom Died, I was hyperaware of just how "not normal" the childhoods of young artists are. So much of what Archuleta went through at the encouragement of his father—who has turned out to be emotionally abusive—left me in discomfort considering just how young he was when he was put on the spotlight. In addtion, you get the sense in this book that Archuleta felt the need to be inspirational, which is a lot to ask for someone his age back then.

Overall though, it's pretty clear that Archuleta's passion for music is unquestionable. The man lives and breathes it. Looking forward to his new memoir this year. I think it will shed more light and vulnerability on the events recounted here.
One Piece, Vol. 1: Romance Dawn by Eiichiro Oda

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adventurous lighthearted medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.5

This is a fun introduction to the series and it was interesting to compare with the live action adaptation. I'm not the biggest fan of the art style so far but I'm sure it will grow on me.
Vinland Saga, Volume 1 by Makoto Yukimura

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adventurous medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

I don't really get the hype so far, but I trust that the succeeding volumes will get me hooked.
Nightwing, Vol. 5: Time of the Titans by Travis Moore, Adriano Lucas, Bruno Redondo, Tom Taylor

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adventurous fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

My love for the Titans is growing and I am interested in reading more stories about them as a group. Another great installment for Nightwing!
Nightwing Vol. 4: The Leap by Tom Taylor

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adventurous hopeful inspiring 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? No

4.0

This volume isn't as strong as the previous ones but still great! I love the cast of characters and the explanation to some of the previous events. Also great character work for Nightwing.