rambles's reviews
49 reviews

Encanto: Nightmares and Sueños by Alex Segura

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adventurous reflective fast-paced

2.5

I loved Encanto and Bruno was a stand out from the film so I was excited about a book from his POV. It was disappointing. It had great ideas and a good message but the execution wasn't that great. 

Like, I know Encanto is for kids, but kids don't need to be spoon-fed things you know. I wish this hadn't the vibes of something I could recommend to the age that Bruno and the triplets are in the story. Encanto has more story baked into it, and I hope we get more. Just maybe handled better. 

Also! The people who chase down Alma and Pedro's group are called conquistadors in the book. Twice. They get called the correct thing the last time they're mentioned (Colombian soldiers), so I'm just like ????
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The Spellshop by Sarah Beth Durst

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

You would probably pick up this up if you love books about books enjoy fantasy worldbuilding expecting a cozy story. You get a cozy story don't get me wrong. What I didn't expect was the deep undertones. It speaks to grief, abuse, the trauma of living through a revolution, and how knowledge should be for everyone. In an age of book banning and restricting of knowledge this feels like a rebellion wrapped in a cozy blanket. It's not subtle in these themes but I read this during the 2024 US Elections. I wasn't looking for subtle. 
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A Dark and Secret Magic by Wallis Kinney

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adventurous emotional lighthearted mysterious reflective sad medium-paced
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.5

The only reason it's not a 5 is the romance felt rushed but if you're a love at first sight believer then that won't be a problem. Otherwise I loved this book. Perfect Halloween vibes. There's tension but nothing too dark happens, the mental visual of the climax is pretty damn cool, and I like this world the author has built. I was worried it was going to be too cozy at first but I think it has some good spooks. Good commentary about how we may respect our elders but they are far from perfect. I would love more stories from this world. 
"Stop it, Kate," I whisper, covering my eyes with one hand. "If you suspect the cat, that officially makes you a crazy person." 

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Somewhere Beyond the Sea by TJ Klune

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

I adored the first book but I remember thinking I would love to get into Arthur's mind and this sequel delivered. It's everything a sequel should be. It picks up on threads from the first book, shows growth of the characters, raises the stakes, and leave you with the same joy you felt with the first one. Sal's growth was my favorite it made me so happy. I laughed and I cried and I blew through this one faster than I have any other book this year. 
How to Become the Dark Lord and Die Trying by Django Wexler

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adventurous dark emotional funny lighthearted fast-paced
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes

4.5

 It's a fun ride The main character is like if a gender flipped Deadpool got isekaied into a fantasy world and instead of healing powers got stuck in a time loop. Looking forward to the next one. 
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Where the Dark Stands Still by A.B. Poranek

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adventurous emotional funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

I adored this mix of Polish Folklore, Beauty and the Beast, and Howl's Moving Castle. It has the perfect found family vibes. My only complaint is how fast everything happens in universe time. All that happened in
four months. That's a wild four months.
Loved the narrator for the audiobook too. 
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A Magical Girl Retires by Park Seolyeon

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dark funny hopeful fast-paced

3.25

What Once Was Mine by Liz Braswell

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adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective medium-paced

4.5

The narrator for the audio book kills it with her performance. Had to say that off the bat. 

I like the direction the story took and exploring the idea of Repunzel going full witch is a lot of fun. There's some historical context and set building which add to the story and the best part is Repunzel really reflecting on how Gothel treated her. Shaky start but good ending. The framing device that the story is set in isn't necessary but sweet and touching. 
Someone You Can Build a Nest In by John Wiswell

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adventurous dark funny reflective fast-paced
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

A delightfully weird book. The ending dragged a bit but I get what the author was going for. 
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The Tusks of Extinction by Ray Nayler

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challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective sad fast-paced
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

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