Mini Thoughts
Hello, all!
Big thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for these copies!
Happily Ever After & Everything in Between- Debbie Tung: I became obsessed with Debbie Tung's art style after binge reading Book Love and Quiet Girl in a Noisy World, and her latest release did not disappoint. She has such an lovely outlook on life and it really shines through in each of her panels. She's not afraid to showcase the more vulnerable side of her anxieties, but balances them with the more lighthearted and sweet aspects of her life. Her work never fails to put a smile on my face and I always connect to some part of it. I simply adored her take on marriage and relationships, and I flew through this in one sitting because I loved it so much. If you're a fan of heartwarming comics, this'll be perfect for you.
Rating: 4/5
The Little Teashop in Tokyo- Julie Caplin: Travel blogger Fiona has always dreamt of going to Japan, so she jumps at the chance to enter a contest for an all-expense paid photography mentorship there. To her surprise she wins and she believes she's headed for the trip of a lifetime, that is until she arrives and finds her mentor for the two weeks is none other than Gabe, the man who broke her heart and made her life miserable ten years prior. And the worst part? He doesn't even remember her. As the pair make amends, they find that the cherry blossoms aren't the only things blooming. I wanted to like this, but it just really wasn't for me. The plot felt clunky and the dialogue unbelievable. I didn't like Caplin's writing style and didn't connect with any of the characters. Fiona was so insecure and not in a charming modest way, more in an eye-rollingly annoying way. I really felt her grudge against Gabe was so blown out of proportion and childish as well. The only thing I will say I liked was all the Japanese culture woven throughout. Other than that, I'd pass on this.
Rating: 2/5
Such Big Teeth- Gabby Hutchinson Crouch: This is the second installment in the Darkwood series, and it picks up right after the events in the first book (you can read my review of that one here.) The Battle of Nearby Village may be over and the Huntsmen waylaid by Gretel and her band of magical misfits, but the war is far from over. Knowing they'll need a lot more forces to join their cause, the group journey to the hostile lands of the north forest seeking help from whoever they can. Along the way, they meet a grumpy old Bear Witch, a werewolf and a cursed raven man. As Gretel and gang try to persuade them to their side, her brother Hansel and best friend Daisy head off on their own dangerous quest to the Citadel, where they stumble upon an election that's sure to shake the entire country to its core. Just like the first book, this was a hilarious magical romp. Crouch's writing is so clever and quick witted, I found myself chuckling the entire time. It still gives off all the Monty Python/Terry Pratchett vibes which I loved. I did find some parts of this a little slower than the first, but still really enjoyed it. If you're in the mood for a funny take on the fairytale trope, check this series out.
Rating: 3/5
Big thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for these copies!
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| Pub Date: 6-6-20 Graphic Novel |
Happily Ever After & Everything in Between- Debbie Tung: I became obsessed with Debbie Tung's art style after binge reading Book Love and Quiet Girl in a Noisy World, and her latest release did not disappoint. She has such an lovely outlook on life and it really shines through in each of her panels. She's not afraid to showcase the more vulnerable side of her anxieties, but balances them with the more lighthearted and sweet aspects of her life. Her work never fails to put a smile on my face and I always connect to some part of it. I simply adored her take on marriage and relationships, and I flew through this in one sitting because I loved it so much. If you're a fan of heartwarming comics, this'll be perfect for you.
Rating: 4/5
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| Pub Date: 6-19-20 Adult - Contemporary |
The Little Teashop in Tokyo- Julie Caplin: Travel blogger Fiona has always dreamt of going to Japan, so she jumps at the chance to enter a contest for an all-expense paid photography mentorship there. To her surprise she wins and she believes she's headed for the trip of a lifetime, that is until she arrives and finds her mentor for the two weeks is none other than Gabe, the man who broke her heart and made her life miserable ten years prior. And the worst part? He doesn't even remember her. As the pair make amends, they find that the cherry blossoms aren't the only things blooming. I wanted to like this, but it just really wasn't for me. The plot felt clunky and the dialogue unbelievable. I didn't like Caplin's writing style and didn't connect with any of the characters. Fiona was so insecure and not in a charming modest way, more in an eye-rollingly annoying way. I really felt her grudge against Gabe was so blown out of proportion and childish as well. The only thing I will say I liked was all the Japanese culture woven throughout. Other than that, I'd pass on this.
Rating: 2/5
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| Pub Date: 6-25-20 YA - Fantasy |
Such Big Teeth- Gabby Hutchinson Crouch: This is the second installment in the Darkwood series, and it picks up right after the events in the first book (you can read my review of that one here.) The Battle of Nearby Village may be over and the Huntsmen waylaid by Gretel and her band of magical misfits, but the war is far from over. Knowing they'll need a lot more forces to join their cause, the group journey to the hostile lands of the north forest seeking help from whoever they can. Along the way, they meet a grumpy old Bear Witch, a werewolf and a cursed raven man. As Gretel and gang try to persuade them to their side, her brother Hansel and best friend Daisy head off on their own dangerous quest to the Citadel, where they stumble upon an election that's sure to shake the entire country to its core. Just like the first book, this was a hilarious magical romp. Crouch's writing is so clever and quick witted, I found myself chuckling the entire time. It still gives off all the Monty Python/Terry Pratchett vibes which I loved. I did find some parts of this a little slower than the first, but still really enjoyed it. If you're in the mood for a funny take on the fairytale trope, check this series out.
Rating: 3/5
At first glance, I thought the Happily Ever After book might be by the same author of Adulthood is a Myth ..but turns out they're different lol. The covers look similar with the cartoon type art and sassy/funny texts inside. You should check out Adulthood is a Myth by Sarah Andersen, I think you'd enjoy it's wit.
ReplyDeleteI'll add it to my list!
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