An amazing story of wishes and their complications, woven with social and economic implications of wishes being available yet valuable. Characters areAn amazing story of wishes and their complications, woven with social and economic implications of wishes being available yet valuable. Characters are richly human, imperfect yet likeable sometimes almost despite themselves. The art has deep rich colors, generous detail, and both a darkness and sometimes a warmth....more
Fascinating stories, some partly or mostly true, about Okinawa through memories of the creator's family members and other resources. Some true storiesFascinating stories, some partly or mostly true, about Okinawa through memories of the creator's family members and other resources. Some true stories, some based in truth, starting from World War II in Okinawa through early establishment of US bases up to nearly the present.
Intimate stories of daily life, often in poverty or during the horrors of wartime, but always with an element of hope. Art is fairly simple and quietly expressive....more
Another fascinating visit with the Wayward Children and into several alternate worlds. Not one of my favorites but still an excellent read, devoured iAnother fascinating visit with the Wayward Children and into several alternate worlds. Not one of my favorites but still an excellent read, devoured in two sittings. Many longstanding characters are in here, and we learn more about Kade (hurrah!) and his world as well as some secondary characters--and they learn more about Antsy.
My most anticipated book of the year! I hope "out in 2024" doesn't mean December, though I would rather the book be edited properly than rushed out.My most anticipated book of the year! I hope "out in 2024" doesn't mean December, though I would rather the book be edited properly than rushed out....more
A beautiful novellette (or long short story?) Wonderful to find out about Christopher's time in "his" alternate world and about his beloved Skeleton GA beautiful novellette (or long short story?) Wonderful to find out about Christopher's time in "his" alternate world and about his beloved Skeleton Girl....more
**spoiler alert** One of my favorites of the series so far, though I've loved all of them. Everything fits together well, and the storytelling plus th**spoiler alert** One of my favorites of the series so far, though I've loved all of them. Everything fits together well, and the storytelling plus the meta-commentary about storytelling by some of the characters is just one excellent part of the entirety....more
This entire series is excellent--brilliant world-building (using elements of Asian history and folklore) and characters, engaging stories, some dry huThis entire series is excellent--brilliant world-building (using elements of Asian history and folklore) and characters, engaging stories, some dry humor, and a bit of realistic romance in each title....more
A richly imagined alternate world with historical East and Southeast Asian elements and fresh magic. Characters are intriguing and well fleshed out foA richly imagined alternate world with historical East and Southeast Asian elements and fresh magic. Characters are intriguing and well fleshed out for a novella. I've put the second volume on hold already, and the fourth just came out.
For older teens (because of complexity of politics and relationships) and adults. Several brief violent scenes and implied serious violence, important to the plot....more
Such a fun read with marvelous descriptions, endearing or annoying characters, and some depth to keep it from being toss-away fluff. Yes, they use theSuch a fun read with marvelous descriptions, endearing or annoying characters, and some depth to keep it from being toss-away fluff. Yes, they use the term "lattes" and have some other alternate-world equivalents to "our" inventions. The author writes women realistically and well, not always the case with male authors. Great for D&D fans, people who like to see fantasy tropes tipped sideways, and someone who wants really good quality fluff to read. Fine for most teens (some profanity; not much violence; romance/sexuality is teen-appropriate). I'm glad a peek into the next book in the series (there better be a series) is included at the end....more
Great story, excellent ending. Amazing characters--Jordan, Hennessey, and Declan's developments are so complex and beautifully revealed.Great story, excellent ending. Amazing characters--Jordan, Hennessey, and Declan's developments are so complex and beautifully revealed....more
A fascinating story with a wonderful inside look at The Cloisters (a museum I love) and life in NY city. Characters were interesting but not highly apA fascinating story with a wonderful inside look at The Cloisters (a museum I love) and life in NY city. Characters were interesting but not highly appealing. I could tell what was going to happen regarding several plot points but still enjoyed the story....more
I've read the 4-book Raven Cycle series and this is my latest fandom/obsession!!
What a synopsis of this first volume won't tell you: witty and sometimI've read the 4-book Raven Cycle series and this is my latest fandom/obsession!!
What a synopsis of this first volume won't tell you: witty and sometimes dry/mordant banter. Subtle and excellent characterization. Fantasy. Amazement. Horror. Various family situations from "women of all ages, some related, living like family" to "odd wealthy family that gets more bizarre the more you learn." Realistic-feeling portrayal of psychic abilities. Wonderfully realized, well balanced magic systems (at least 3). Love, so much love of various kinds both healthy and unhealthy, between adult characters and between teen characters.
Possible flaws: Mostly white characters. Main characters, primarily teen boys (but Blue and the women are amazing and signficant). Profanity (variously expressed depending on the character and appropriate). Romance but handled in a non-stereotypical fashion. Characters "aren't realistic" (even disregarding paranormal/fantasy elements)--Some teens *are* brilliantly snarky, obsessed with a weird thing, etc. Deal.
If you wish John Green or someone like him (especially a woman) would write spec fic, read this. If you want fantasy with original plot elements and subverted tropes, read this.
This review does not do this book or the series justice. I just need to keyboard smash and squee for hours. And I'm in my fifties. Wish there were books like this when I was 16.
Warnings for physical abuse, brief description of murder, terrifying details of nightmares.
Highly recommended for all teen and adult spec-fic fans, plus precocious preteens who can handle stuff in warnings....more
A complex tale with many twists and turns, realistic (within the context of fantasy) problems, rich folklore elements, and a satisfying ending at the A complex tale with many twists and turns, realistic (within the context of fantasy) problems, rich folklore elements, and a satisfying ending at the last. Characters are wonderfully real and no one is purely good or evil. One interesting element: the three women characters have a lower opinion of themselves than I believe they should have--highly realistic and relatable!
For mid-teens through adults. Content warnings for moderate violence, domestic abuse, attempted rape and brief mention of rape....more
A warmhearted book about the love and importance of books, about a teenager developing confidence and an interest in the world around him, and about aA warmhearted book about the love and importance of books, about a teenager developing confidence and an interest in the world around him, and about a stubborn (is there any other kind?) cat.
Recommended for teens and adult who enjoy fantasy, cats, and/or books...more
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