Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West by Gregory Maguire
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I've read this book twice, neither time really liking it. Why read it a second time? Because I'm doing the Rory Gilmore reading challenge and for some reason have decided that even if I have read a book before, I have to read it again in order for it to count. So, here we are.

I get that Elphaba is misunderstood and not really the person that everyone makes her out to be, but she's not helping herself either.

I really wish this book just focused on the characters and didn't go so deep into the politics and religion. There was just so much going on for a book that was supposed to be the back story for the wicked witch of the west. There were whole scenes that she wasn't even a part of. They had nothing to do with the main story.

The whole book feels very like it is just surface level. The characters don't seem to have any real depth to them and events feel forced. I don't think there will be a third read.

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One of Us Is Dead

One of Us Is Dead by Jeneva Rose
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This was basically a five star read. I'm not a fan of the spice, so it's a 4.75.

I couldn't put this book down. The first couple chapters, I was reading other books at the same time, but that quickly changed. This book had my whole focus. It felt like watching reality TV or reading a gossip magazine.

One of Us Is Dead is about members of Buckhead's social elite who will do anything to stay on top. The wives all hang out at a very exclusive salon and basically have their own version Housewives of Buckhead. From the title and from the beginning of the story it is clear that one of the housewives we meet is in fact in the present, dead. Throughout the book, hints are dropped as to who died, why, and who killed them. Maybe it's because this was my first thriller/mystery, maybe I'm just not good at puzzles, but I didn't see the ending coming. I mean, that's a good thing. It's not fun to know how the book is going to end before you get there.

I will say, I see this book being listed as a thriller, and I'm not sure I get that. I would say more of a literary fiction/mystery type book. I don't know, I need to read more thrillers to be able to know what makes a thriller a thriller.

I'm putting this book down as a guilty pleasure. It is one that you read and you just hate the characters, but at the same time, you can't wait to see what they do next. I think that's one of the reasons I read it so fast, the characters were doing so many unexpected things and really just had such life to them, that I felt emotionally invested in their lives. I am rambling, but I just finished the book, and my mind is still processing. I should probably have written this after I had sat with my thoughts for a while, but here we are.

As a last thought, I was really worried when I got close to the end. I was worried that the ending was somehow going to be a let down. That last line was amazing. It was the best way the book could have ended.

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The Fallen Hero

The Fallen Hero by Katie Zhao
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I'm going to put a disclaimer at the beginning of this review. This is the second book in the series, and the series is clearly not over, but I can find nothing online about how more books are in the works, so the wait could be a while.

For me personally, this was a step down from the first book. I couldn't get behind the characters as much, especially the new ones. Ashley and Jordan just act so young. I get that this is a middle grade book, but it was a sudden flip from the way most of the characters acted in the first book. They are in a life or death situation, you would think that would affect them somehow.

I will say, I am glad that some things were explained early on in this book. I was left wondering at the end of the first one, and I'm not that patient of a person, so I'm glad the wait was short. Even if it took a while to come to a solution, I'm just happy there was an explanation so quickly.

This book really felt like a filler, so I'm hoping a third book comes out some time in the near future. The premise was interesting and it kept me reading, it just doesn't seem as finished as the first one, which in a way I understand since it is a series, but it makes it hard to review.

Age appropriate: Yes

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Now Before the Dark

Now Before the Dark by Sam Hooker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was my first time annotating a book, so it took a while for me to finish. I really noticed the great lines and just how many times I physically started laughing out loud.

Now Before the Dark is the final book in the Terribly Serious Darkness series. It follows the main character Sloot Peril as he tries to fix the narrative after the events of the second book. Even as a demon, Sloot is still sweet little Sloot, and he struggles to complete his task. Luckily, he has his friends and a new acquaintance, his bard Igor. I just love how persistent Igor was. He had a plan for his new career, and he was not going to let anything stand in his way, even Sloot.

I love all the different relationships between the characters, even those people have with Willie, who is kind of an annoying character. He really redeems himself and shows growth in this last book. In fact, there is a ton of character growth in this book for main and minor characters. Sloot and Myrtle are just adorable. I found one of my favorite descriptions of a kiss during one of their interactions. "Myrtle leaned in and gave Sloot the sort of kiss that make poets go sonnet." I mean, if you don't know poetry, then maybe it's just a line, but I really like it. Add to that the fact that Myrtle had been imprisoned at level 99 of the demon realm while Sloot is a level 100 demon, and it was a long time coming.

I will say the relationship between Vlad and Greta almost broke me. I still haven't decided how I feel about their ending. I was on Greta's side, wanting to shake everyone.

There are so many different characters, and they are all so fun. Since the first book, I've really liked the lawyers, it seems silly to say, but I do. Especially when they are in cahoots with the likes of Winking Bob. All the little side notes they randomly insert into conversations make me smile.

I will say, having annotated this book, I did notice that Sloot's thoughts got more philosophical (gasp), closer to the end, and especially at the end. Of course, I'm not sure Arthur would agree.

Some favorite lines.
* I am possessed aren't I? What does that mean for my tax liability? Can I claim a dependent?

* You don't need luck when your fate is your own.

* We are what the world makes us, thought Sloot. And we in turn make the world.

* "Every family is good," said Sloot, "until the world makes them otherwise."

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The Dragon Warrior

The Dragon Warrior by Katie Zhao
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Okay, I have been moving away from middle grade books, which I used to love, but I am so glad I read this. Honestly, age up the characters a little, and it is so close to being a YA read, at least the YA I grew up with.

The Dragon Warrior is about Faryn Liu a mixed race Chinese girl growing up in San Francisco's China Town as part of the Jade Society. The Jade Society for centuries has protected the world from demons, but slowly lost sight of their role. During the latest Chinese New Year not only do the demons come back, but the long awaited Heaven Breaker is revealed. Faryn along with her little brother, and old best friend are sent on a quest by the gods to reach their fabled island, completing side quests along the way.

For the most part, I really enjoyed the characters. I found Faryn to be a really good main character that was able to carry the story. It is clear why the gods chose her, she is still a child, so she is not always making the best choices, but she tries to see the best in a person, and wants to do the right thing.

Moli was great. She did not want to be there, but she ended up showing time and time again that she was more than anyone ever thought she was. I really think that her character had the greatest growth, and I really loved her more than even Faryn.

Faryn's little brother Alex was the worst character for me. I understand that he is the little brother, but he was too much. He was always trying so hard to be more and deciding that he didn't need to listen to his sister even when she knew what was actually going on. I really hope his character has some redeeming qualities in the second book.

There are so many Chinese gods in the book that it's hard to keep straight, but that's okay, there is a glossary in the back in case you get lost, or just want to know more about them. Strangely, I didn't get names as mixed up as I normally do.

I am going to read the next book right away because this was a wonderful read. I was not prepared for the ending, although honestly, I should have been, I don't know why I was so thrown.

Age appropriate: Yes
Content Warning: Death, One split second of a gender fluid character, if that's a problem for you, here is your warning

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Big Mushy Happy Lump

Big Mushy Happy Lump by Sarah Andersen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I think I love Sarah's Scribbles so much because they are relatable, especially to someone like me, a millennial with anxiety who is constantly overthinking EVERYTHING. It's nice to see that I'm not alone in my weird thoughts, and have a chance to laugh about them. I think that's why I enjoyed this collection in particular, there was a focus towards the end on dealing with overthinking, which I do in abundance. Sarah showed perfectly how someone who really deals with overthinking and anxiety sometimes struggle in what may be normal situations. You're brain plays funny tricks on you.

I really appreciate how Sarah manages to keep such an upbeat tone no matter what it is she is writing about. It really makes the books fun to read. Also, this collection has one of my favorite comics, so that is always a plus.

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Jade City

Jade City by Fonda Lee
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

My true rating is 2.5 stars.

I had a really hard time getting into this book. It just seemed to drag for me. Aside from the slow pace, I also really struggled with who was who. I will totally admit, I struggle with keeping characters straight to begin with, but this book gives each character multiple names, which made everything even more difficult.

I think I'm just not the right reader for this type of novel. I mean, besides my moments of confusion, Fonda Lee can write some beautiful sentences. "You give a man something to live up to, you tell him he can be more than he is now, more than other people think he’ll ever be, and he’ll try his godsdamned best to make it true." I mean, I love that sentence.

Part of me wants to continue with the series, because I now know who everyone is, and I think I know how the clans work, so maybe I will enjoy it more. You know what? After thinking about it for a whole two minutes or less, I think I will read the next one. I read this one really slowly, and that may have also been part of my problem.

Long story short, this is not my favorite book, but I'm going to read the next one in the series before deciding how I really feel about this world.

Content warning: Sexual content, Murder

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Herding Cats

Herding Cats by Sarah Andersen
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This will be a short review because it's Sarah's Scribbles, not a normal novel that's hundreds of pages long. That being said, you can never go wrong with Sarah's Scribbles, and the section at the end talking about continuing to do what you love no matter what anyone says was really needed right now. Seriously, words of wisdom.

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Where's My Cow?

Where's My Cow? by Terry Pratchett
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have been waiting to read this since I first read about this book in one of the Discworld books. Forgive me for not remembering which one, it's been a couple years, and there are many. The fact that this exists at all warms my heart.

At first I thought it was going to be the same story as what is in the main book. I was wrong. I would recommend reading some of the Discworld books before reading this. All lot of Discworld characters are mentioned, and it's fun to know who they are instead of just reading about them with no reference point.

I loved the illustrations. They were definitely different than what I had in my head for how I thought the characters looked, but they were beautiful. For some of the characters, I had had a hard time picturing them, so having that image in front of me gave my brain the push it needed.

All in all, highly enjoyable.

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Fourth Wing

Fourth Wing by Rebecca Yarros
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

My real rating is somewhere between 2.5 and 2.75. I can't decide on a final number. I rounded up because Goodreads doesn't give you the option to do partial stars.

This book reminds me of Twilight, in the way that everyone seems to have become obsessed with it. We are all focusing on the story and deciding that that is amazing while ignoring the poor writing. There is enough swearing in this book to fill at least two or three chapters. It was so prolific, and all I could think was that swearing is the language of the uneducated. Is that the truth? No. But it didn't help lift the writing up. It was like the author couldn't think of any other way to express emotion besides throwing an F-bomb repeatedly. It made all of the characters flat. If they had any lines where they showed emotion, they showed it the same way, F-bombs and other swear words. I don't swear, so I may just be hyper sensitive to it, but I don't think that is it. I truly think that there are indescribably high amount of swear words in this book. I get it, it's New Adult and not YA. In theory, the author is writing for adults and not kids, but that doesn't mean common decency just flies out the window. Also, with all the publicity this book has received, there is no way teens are not reading this, which terrifies me.

Past the swearing comes my second problem, which I feel is an even bigger problem because I know teens are reading this. There are EXTREMELY graphic sex scenes. I was listening to the audio book, and had to switch over to the kindle version because my mother was in the next room and the sex scenes were headed towards 10 minutes in length or longer. This book is high fantasy. There were plenty of ways to put that the characters were together without turning it into complete porn.

I'm so frustrated with this book. The premise was great. It could have been everything everyone is saying it is. Take away the unnecessary parts mentioned above, give it some better writing, and it would have been great. The actual storyline was interesting, and the ending made me almost want to read the sequel that is coming out, almost. I just know that there will be more of the same in the next book, and I can't deal with that. Let's just say, I'm disappointed.

Content warning: Graphic sex, Language, Murder

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The Summer I Turned Pretty

The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

I know this is YA, but it is written as juvenile. The story fell flat and the characters felt one-dimensional. I think things may have been better if so much of the rambling had been taken out. The book was unnecessarily long. Nothing happened for most of it.

I found Belly annoying. She spends so much of the book complaining and fighting with everyone. For being the main character, there doesn't seem to be much about her to like. Of course, there doesn't seem to be much to like about any of the characters. How are all of these relationships happening with these personalities?

I don't see the allure of this book. How is it so popular? There is no way I would be able to stand watching the show. This has been enough of The Summer I Turned Pretty for me.

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The Great Pencil Quest: Another Wallace the Brave Adventure

The Great Pencil Quest: Another Wallace the Brave Adventure by Will Henry
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Honestly, I love Wallace the Brave, so I would have been shocked if I had not loved this collection of comics. Sterling is still my number one favorite character, but I am a little sad. I feel like he grew up a little in this book, and I want him to stay the crazy little kid he's always been. I'm not ready for him to sound reasonable. Of course, there was more of him in this volume than in the previous four, so I can't really complain.

Will Henry is great with keeping continuity not only between one comic to the next, but from one year to the next. I have the other four volumes, and while the how changes, the annual events that happen in the summer, still happen. It's fun to see how things will play out.

The characters are all lovable, from the main character Wallace all the way down to the farmer who was around for a couple pages. If you want a quick fun read that will make you smile, this is something I would recommend.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

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Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine

Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine by Gail Honeyman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I am absolutely in love with this book. Eleanor is such a complex character. She seems very one dimensional at the beginning, but slowly gains depth as more of her story comes to light. I'm still thinking about the ending and what it means in regards to what was going on in Eleanor's life throughout the novel. You know it's a great novel if you finish it and it leaves you just thinking about what happened for a while after.

At first, I was thinking Eleanor was like me, than quickly realized that is not the case. She has no sense of social norms and ends up in incredibly awkward situations almost 100% of the time. I always cheered for her when she actually understood what was going on and picked up on social cues. This changes when she meets Raymond, an IT guy at work who slowly breaks her out of the routine she has had for years.

I love the character development Eleanor has with Raymond. It is not sudden, but gradual. Since Eleanor is narrating, you get her thoughts on their first interaction, and everyone after, and you can see how her thoughts slowly change over time. She goes from total disgust to acceptance that he is not going to go away to liking the fact that he is there. He is basically her window into a completely new world that she is hesitant to enter.

I have to say, even as I write this, I'm thinking about the ending and more of it is clicking in my head. Anyway...I need to talk about Mummy, because that was a terrifying character, and she was only ever someone Eleanor talked to. She was never physically around, but she made a huge impression on Eleanor and myself. Mummy is of course Eleanor's mother, and the way she talks to Eleanor helps explain why Eleanor is the way she is. Let's just say, I'm glad the character is rarely heard from.

Of course, all in all, an absolutely lovely book. I've been struggling to find good books lately, and this one was so refreshing.

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Red Rising

Red Rising by Pierce Brown
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I think I'm going to be in the minority and say that I really was not a fan of this book. It seems like this is a five star read for most people, but it just wasn't for me. Maybe I'm just not a sci-fi person. I think a big part was the language. I know, it's an adult book, Pierce Brown can use whatever language he so chooses, but it was a lot. For me, it took away from the actual story and just made me cringe.

I had heard it referred to as Hunger Games in space, and the book mentions capture the flag. Mix those together, and that's kind of what it is. The Hunger Games version of capture the flag...in space.

The premise is interesting, it just missed the mark for me. Darrow wasn't a character I really saw myself rooting for. I was never worried about what would happen to him, because he was written to be perfection personified basically. How can anything happen to someone like that? Even when bad things happened, it seemed more like a throw away to say, "See, he has hardships, too." Honestly, I found none of the characters really endearing. Is this just what a sci-fi novel is like? Do I just need to read more of the genre to realize how good this book is?

Content Warnings: Language, Murder

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The Blonde Identity

The Blonde Identity by Ally Carter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a quick and fun read. I feel like a broken record repeating what I have seen in other reviews, but this is similar to an adult Gallagher Girls book.

The story starts with the main character waking up with no memory of who she is, where she is, or what is going on. It only escalates when she finds herself the target of multiple enemies. Luckily for her, one mysterious hot guy comes to her rescue and helps her escape. He explains that all of her struggles are because of something her twin did. Everything could go back to normal if only anyone knew where to find this mysterious twin.

The rest of the story follows the main character Zoe and our hot guy as they try to stay alive and figure out how to find the problem twin.

There were some laugh-out-loud moments, especially during fake honeymoon scenes and when jumping scenes. I can't even explain the jumping scenes more without giving something away.

Zoe's internal monologue really makes the book. I think it would have just made it weird if everything that was going on in her head was spoken out loud, but the fact that the reader has the ability to just know what is going on in her mind, makes it funny without the cringe.

There is no way this will be a standalone, the book ends with a leadup to a new story. This book was one that was enjoyable to the point that I will be reading the sequel when it comes out.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: 08 Aug 2023

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Why Are You Like This?

Why Are You Like This?: An ArtbyMoga Comic Collection by Meg Adams
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was a cute little collection of comics about relationships. Not a whole lot to say outside of that. It was enjoyable.

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

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Archibald Lox and the Legion of the Lost

Archibald Lox and the Legion of the Lost by Darren Shan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Boy, that series went out with a freaking bang. I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. By the end, I was reading each book in a day because so much was going on, and each one was ending with a cliff hanger. I honestly wasn't sure it could all be wrapped up in one book, and the more that happened at the beginning, the more I was convince the author had backed himself into a corner.

I appreciate that everything wasn't just tied up in a nice little bow. Things were kind of messy.

It really does help to read all the books one right after the other. There were bits and pieces that I had forgotten about from previous books that played a part in this final installment. I like that everything came together in the end. Those little facts were not just throw away bits of information.

I really want to read the series over again knowing everything I know now to see if I notice any details that I missed the first time around. I know there were somethings that Archie even points out that looking back on I know I completely missed. This may be a middle-grade series, but I don't care, I found it highly enjoyable, and kind of hope that there is a spin off series if the character is that was hinted at actually comes to pass. I can't say anything more than that, because that would ruin the entire series. Of course, I would only want that series, if Archie and his friends were involved. It would seem weird without them.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review.

Content warnings: Language, violence
Age appropriate: Yes

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Archibald Lox and the Pick of Loxes

Archibald Lox and the Pick of Loxes by Darren Shan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book kept throwing me for a loop. I would think things were hopeless, and then a lifeline would appear, only to be ripped away. Wash and repeat. If you want an author that's the master of the plot twist, Darren Shan is your guy.

The book starts right were the last book left off, which was at a cliff hanger, and ends at a cliff hanger, so I would recommend getting all of the books before reading.

Stefan is brought up a lot in this book, and everyone starts to wonder exactly what is going on with Archie, and why are their so many similarities between him and the missing royal. This plays an important role in the story, and the mystery keeps the reader guessing all the way through to the ninth book.

There are times when I wanted to scream out because of a character's actions. I mean, what the heck were they thinking? I'm not going to say anything, but seriously!

I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for a review.

Age appropriate: Yes
Content warning: Language, Violence

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Archibald Lox and the Sinkhole to Hell

Archibald Lox and the Sinkhole to Hell by Darren Shan
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

The beginning of this book was kind of sad. I was a big fan of *spoiler*. But, I appreciate the respect most of the Merge showed. I guess really, the Merge showed respect, it was some of the Sub-Merged that didn't.

A lot of questions are starting to form about who Archie really is, and what his connection is to Stefan. Is he a reincarnation? Is he a descendant? What is going on. Especially now that it seems that Archie can do things that the Born cannot, facts that seemed set in stone no longer seem so sure.

I've thought a lot about extreme sports off of a inverted pyramid since this book, and I'm still thinking I would not do any of them. Not for me. No way, no how. Although, it does seem safer than the situation Archie finds himself in by the end of the book. Poor Archie, never knowing who to trust.

I received a copy of the book from the author in exchange for a review.

Age appropriate: Yes
Content warning: Language, Violence

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Archibald Lox and the Rubicon Dictate

Archibald Lox and the Rubicon Dictate by Darren Shan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

Seriously, the Merged and Sub-Merged just go at each other like there is no tomorrow. I will admit, I'm writing this after reading the whole series, and one of my favorite royals is Sub-Merged.

In a way, I can't blame the Sub-Merged for what they do, it's the exact thing the Merged had been planning on doing. While the Merged want royals to form their own views and choose for themselves if they will be Merged or Sub-Merged, the Sub-Merged want to sway royals in their favor, and view the Merged as doing the same thing.

I like the way Archie and his group handled the whole situation and talked to the Sub-Merged prince. His reaction kind of broke my heart, because of how shocked he was. I would write more on the whole situation, but that would just be a whole bunch of spoilers, and I don't want to do that.

I received a copy of this book from the author for a honest review.

Age appropriate: Yes
Content warning: Language

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Archibald Lox and the Slides of Bon Repell

Archibald Lox and the Slides of Bon Repell by Darren Shan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This is a classic example of keep your friends close and your enemies closer. Poor Archie doesn't know who is enemies are half the time, so it's hard for him to really be able to know who to watch out for.

I really wish I could watch a grop tournament. I kept imagining it in my head, but I real life would be so much better. I love how this is such a big event and someone Archie and Inez manage to not only show up, but get right in the thick of things. There is a reason for them to be there, but it still cracks me up. Those two are trouble magnets. You would think someone would have figured out that something is bound to happen if you plan something and include Archie and Inez. But no, they keep doing it.

I think the most important part of this book is what happens outside of the tournament, when Archie is left to fend for himself. He has no one to help him, and discovers just how strong he is and shows those that continually try to stop him that they will have to work harder to put him down.

I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Age appropriate: Yes
Content Warning: Language

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Animal Farm

Animal Farm by George Orwell
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Unlike many, I never read this book in school. Shocker, I know. I did not know what to expect, and boy was this book a doozy. I wonder if it's being taught in schools right now?

"Can you not understand that liberty is worth more than just ribbons?"

"Man serves the interests of no creature except himself."

This book was written in 1945, so right after WWII. When you think of that and the fact that the pigs who end up leading the animals use the term comrade, the whole thing become a chilling commentary on human nature.

Really, I don't know what to say about this book besides read it. It is a classic worth the time.

Author: George Orwell

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Last Stand of Dead Men

Last Stand of Dead Men by Derek Landy
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

As a note, this series gets darker the farther you get, so if you are reading along and find that a book is a little too much, you should probably stop. It has nothing to do with the quality of the series, but it does not go from dark back to light hearted.

The war between sanctuaries really gets me every time. It had been awhile since the first time I read the series, and I had forgotten that the lines between sides is blurred. It's hard to know who the Irish sanctuary can trust outside and inside of itself.

Darquesse of course comes out, because what would these later books be without this lovely character. I know some readers dislike her, but I love her quippy lines and internal monologue, especially when she is discovering some new skill she didn't know she possessed. Maybe, I'm just a sucker for the villain, although, not all the villains in this book are as great as she is. In fact, it's just her, so nevermind. Forget that last thought.

Author: Derek Landy
Content warning: Death, language, war
Age appropriate: Yes

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The Merchant of Death

The Merchant of Death by D.J. MacHale
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Pendragon series. I am working on reading it again since I didn't finish it the first time.

While I do appreciate the premise of the story, there is a lot of complicated plot points that are put in place to make everything work. So many worlds are included in the series that there is constantly issues with misunderstandings and the main character Bobby Pendragon not knowing what is going on. It's not like the longer things go on the more he understands. Things constantly seem to be in flux, which makes it difficult.

It makes sense that the bad guy does not play by the rules, but when Bobby is only explained things according to the rules, he is at a disadvantage when trying to actually do what he came to the land to do, which is save it. That's a lot of pressure to put on a teenager. Honestly, I think the book ended the way it did just so that there series could go on.

Author: D.J. MacHale
Parent content warning: Death
Age appropriate: Yes

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Noodle and the No Bones Day

Noodle and the No Bones Day by Dan Tavis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I think by this point, a lot of people know about Noodle, the pug that sometimes just doesn't want to get up and face the day. For Noodle, these are No Bones days. It doesn't mean that he won't eventually get up, but maybe things might just take a while. Other days, he is ready to go right from the start. People all over the world have used Noodle as their guru as to whether to take chances during their day or not. Should they ask that girl on a date? It was a no bones day, so maybe they should wait until tomorrow.

I'm not saying we should base our life decisions on if a pug decides to get up or not, but this book is a cute little story about Noodle first deciding that not every day needs to start right away. Somedays, it's just fine to start out a little slower, or spend the day just relaxing and spending time with friends and family. For little kids, I found this a cute little book.

Author: Jonathan Graziano


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Signing Their Lives Away

Signing Their Lives Away: The Fame and Misfortune of the Men Who Signed the Declaration of Independence by Denise Kiernan
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I've taken a turn for historical non-fiction lately, so I figured I would read about the men who signed the Declaration of Independence. I have to say, while this book could have been boring and densely filled with facts, it had a lot of humor and was a fast read.

I appreciate that nicknames were included, and the reasons behind them. Some of them were just brutal, and should never be brought back.

There is not a whole lot to say about this book since it is each signer is covered in around a page and a half, but it was a fun read. I recommend it for anyone that has any interest in the founding of the United States.

Author: Denise Kiernan and Joseph D'Agnese
Publication Date: 1 May 2009
Publisher: Quirk Books

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Death Bringer

Death Bringer by Derek Landy
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

A little note at the beginning of this review. I feel that Melancholia St. Clair has one of the most interesting character arcs I've ever read. That arc goes past this book, so I wouldn't necessarily call it a spoiler. She is a semi-side character (I guess that's what you would call her), but she is not flat, which is what tends to happen in other books. I appreciate that characters in this series are given a chance to grow for the most part. Definitely in this book, it's not just the main characters that have change in their lives.

I am convinced, the Necromancers are basically high school mean girls that are in a giant popularity contest with the each other and everyone else. They don't care about what is actually going on in the world, just who is going to be the Death Bringer, and there are two different options, Melancholia and Valkyrie. Each side is doing what they can to convince everyone to join them and be on the "cool" side. It's all very dramatic in a weird emo way.

Valkyrie's internal dialogue is disturbing and yet at the same time hilarious. I have a feeling that I really shouldn't laugh at those little conversations, but gosh dang it, I just can't help it. It's always satisfying every time someone learns who Darquesse is, or even Lord Vile. It doesn't matter what side the characters are on, no one expects the truth, and everyone is thrown when they learn the true identities.

One downside for me was the romance. I'm not a romance person anyway, and Valkyrie's issues are just too much for me. Personally, if I'm going to see one of her boyfriends (I guess Caelan would be called that) interact with someone, I want Fletcher and Valkyrie's dad. On second thought, let's just get a full book of the dad. I would not be mad.

Author: Derek Landy
Publisher: HarperCollins Children's

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The Red Scrolls of Magic

The Red Scrolls of Magic by Cassandra Clare
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I think I know where this book fits in with the rest of the Shadowhunter books, but there are so many of them, that I could be totally off.

I feel like this book was chaotic. There was so much going on and so many random characters introduced for little to no reason. I have to say, I think I have a problem. I'm not really a huge fan of the Shadowhunter universe, but I keep reading the books, so take that for what you will.

Author: Cassandra Clare
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's UK

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The Awkward Yeti Presents: Heart and Brain: Onward to Good Things!

The Awkward Yeti Presents: Heart and Brain: Onward to Good Things!: A Heart and Brain Collection by Nick Seluk
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Things I will never not love:
1. The Awkward Yeti
2. Heart and Brain

Yes, I know Heart and Brain are part of the Awkward Yeti, and yes, I know that was a double negative. I don't care. I can't think of anyone that would not enjoy this collection of comics, and as someone with mental health issues, I find myself deeply relating to it sometimes.

Author: Nick Seluk
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Publication Date: 2 May 2023

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Lost in Babylon

Lost in Babylon by Peter Lerangis
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I have to say, for the second book in the series, this was kind of a mind trip. As soon as parallel worlds are introduced, things go crazy, no matter what the book is. I did appreciate the premise of this one and the fact that it provided a way for the characters to actually go back to Babylon. I would say that is a spoiler, but it's in the title, so I think I'm okay.

There is so much that happens in Babylon that I want to touch on, but I can't figure out how to do so without actually giving the story away. Let's say, Marco makes a decision that affects everyone and everything, Cass's abilities are lifesaving, and the kids hold the future of a whole civilization in their hands, so you know, no pressure.

Author: Peter Lerangis
Publisher: HarperCollins
Parent content warning: None
Age appropriate: Yes

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Thinking of You (but not like in a weird creepy way): A Comic Collection

Thinking of You (but not like in a weird creepy way): A Comic Collection by Beth Evans
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I received a copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I know this was a comic collection, but I was hoping there was some type of story behind each of the comics. Some of them seemed to just be there like a motivational poster. I get it, they are supposed to be motivational, but the style just wasn't for me.

Author: Beth Evans
Publisher: Andrews McMeel Publishing
Publication Date: 2 May 2023

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Pygmalion

Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I did not realize before, but My Fair Lady is another name for Pygmalion. I think that is what most people know it by. I listened to the audio book, which I would recommend over just reading the play. Since Eliza's accent changes over time, it's great to be able to hear the change and really appreciate the difference. It's also great to hear how it starts. I live in America, I don't know how the different accents in England sound.

The men in the play made me mad. Professor Higgins really just looked at Eliza as a science experiment and didn't even think of her as a person. By the end of the story, I was totally on team Eliza. You treat a lady like a lady even if she sounds and looks like a flower girl.

Author: George Bernard Shaw

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Maximum Security

Maximum Security by Robert Muchamore
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This series has me hooked. Also, this was a crazy first mission for Lauren to do. I have to admit it, she showed those boys how to actually handle a serious mission with a lot at stake.

As the title says, for this mission, James ends up in a Maximum Security Juvenile Detention facility in Arizona. His goal, break out with one specific inmate. You know, just your normal every day easy task. Of course, there are problems around every corner, and plans go sideways. It's not like you can expect a prison break to go to plan. If they did, everyone would be breaking out.

I have to admit, I do question the lady that just helped three kids escape. I know in a way they didn't give her a choice, but also, she had a choice. It's just a little odd. She could have been the adult, but I guess, then the mission would have failed, and so far, every mission has been a success, so we can't have that.

Author: Robert Muchamore

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