turrean's reviews
2269 reviews

Hollow Kingdom by Kira Jane Buxton

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

4.25

This was right up my alley. The depictions of humankind, or Mofos, as the crow narrator calls them, are sublime and ridiculous, rueful but loving. There were some pacing issues, especially as the story begins and also in the finale, but the book was delightful and emotionally satisfying. 
The Memory Police by Yōko Ogawa

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dark sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? No
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No
Odd, sad, and disturbing. 

Read about 50% and then skimmed. 
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Rez Dogs by Joseph Bruchac

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emotional reflective slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This is a slow-paced, gentle story, but one that doesn’t flinch from hard truths. I found the free verse hard going at first, but discovered the deliberate pace was an excellent match for the oral history aspects to the story. 
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Kodi (Book 1) by Jared Cullum

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

3.75

This graphic novel features watercolor illustrations that showcase the beauty of Kodi’s habitat. It’s a comforting, sweet choice for the lower elementary grades. 
Five Broken Blades by Mai Corland

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

2.75

The pros? Some genuinely tense and exciting moments, and a labyrinthine plot. Unfortunately these aspects are largely outweighed by the negatives: the angst of the sexy, broody, secretive twenty-somethings, some stupendously banal dialogue and improbable character motivations, and a style that is all surface. The abrupt ending was super annoying.

The way the six main characters neatly paired up into three couples made me yearn to introduce them to a dating app. And some really good therapists. 

It’ll make a good movie! 
Mal Goes to War by Edward Ashton

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

4.0

Great storytelling, great protagonist. 
At the end, the narrative does a time jump that robs the reader of some crucial character insight. 
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Mooncakes by Suzanne Walker

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emotional funny mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

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The Enchanted Hacienda by J.C. Cervantes

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Did not finish book. Stopped at 41%.
The novel has a very promising setup (including an epic breakup scene); a cast of loyal, loving friends & family; and a beautifully magical setting. Lots of Encanto vibes here; this does lend the story a certain charm, but ultimately feels very derivative.

The love interest was more than a bit repellent, as he intrudes on Harlow’s space, and assumes his circumstances trump her wish for peace. The instant physical attraction made me roll my eyes, particularly since his personality didn’t seem to merit the swooning. Other contradictions drag down the story as well.
(“You MUST all be here for the FAMILY MAGIC to work! Oh, your cousin’s flight was cancelled? Ah, well, she wasn’t meant to be here.”  Then there was the family’s constant begging and cajoling Harlow to write a book. But once she has begun…in a way that seems clearly to be divinely inspired, the reaction is “Mi corazón, you cannot write this book!” I’d also like to ask the family’s divine patroness a few questions about her abysmal timing.
The Bakery Dragon by Devin Elle Kurtz

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

4.0

The illustrations glow, the dragon is adorable, the illustrations in the bakery are delectable. The story is quick and unserious, but its gentle message about what things are truly worthwhile is clear and relatable. 
Ella Minnow Pea by Mark Dunn

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challenging funny medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? N/A
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

Clever and thought-provoking. 
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