Kenney is an instant-read author for me, and there's really no wonder. If you're looking for well written smut with interesting characters and storyliKenney is an instant-read author for me, and there's really no wonder. If you're looking for well written smut with interesting characters and storylines, then Rebecca F. Kenney is the choice to be made.
I'm continuing through her backlog, and she continues to not disappoint. Imo this was an exceptional smutty retelling of The Little Mermaid, with a gender bent sea witch. I just love the worlds Kenney creates and it always makes me wish to stay longer, to know more!...more
The emotion I'm left with post-Supernova is simply perplexed. Perplexed at what comes next.
Soooo much occurs in such little time, and for one of the oThe emotion I'm left with post-Supernova is simply perplexed. Perplexed at what comes next.
Soooo much occurs in such little time, and for one of the only times in the series, events feel rushed. I no longer understood how we got to where we were by way of what had already happened. It was like the flow was completely off.
By no means do I mean to say this wasn't good - it was. Kibuishi hits us with more than one bombshell and also harkened back to the persevering connection of the Hayes family that initially hooked me into these characters. Events get pretty intense and also unsettling at times (no, I'd never like to see the Elf King again, thank you).
As to why I'm perplexed - Supernova could have feasibly been the final book. It would have been unsatisfying, sure, and also would have left some unanswered questions. But what I anticipated to be the biggest event of the finale happened here?
Which leaves me with two potential options for the final book - either we get sunshine and happiness or this is just the calm before the storm and I need to prepare myself for some serious devastation. I just have no idea how high stakes to expect it to be. Kibuishi has definitely caused some emotional damage, but also it's a middle grade series and I don't know how far he would go to break our hearts in the final book. ...more
Holy cow. Genuinely every time I think 'there's no way this could get more interesting' I'm fantastically proven wrong!
One of my favorite thi4.5 stars
Holy cow. Genuinely every time I think 'there's no way this could get more interesting' I'm fantastically proven wrong!
One of my favorite things about the Amulet series is how seamlessly it manages to weave together a greater story with each new volume, all while building something you don't see until it's right in front of your face even though it's been in the background the whole time. I also love that we seem to be constantly learning more about all the characters in such a subtle but profound way. I truly don't know how Kibuishi does it.
The mystery! The twists! The revelations! It's just been so stunning. Is it possible that this is going to truly wrap up satisfyingly in only two more volumes? I wish it would go on forever! ...more
Prince of the Elves serves as a slower moving game piece within the wider game at play. While not much actively happens in regard to the current war mPrince of the Elves serves as a slower moving game piece within the wider game at play. While not much actively happens in regard to the current war moving forward, we are given multitudes in background. The majority of volume 5 provides us even more insight into Max, Trellis's lineage, and more excitingly, the voice of the stone.
In the past I had rated this a 3 star read, because past me was just silly like that, I suppose. Prince of the Elves absolutely deserves the higher rating it has now, for it really was a vehicle of great knowledge and context for the story as a whole.
On another note, I found the art of this volume to be especially superb. (view spoiler)[Kibuishi really put his whole Kibussy into this one, folks. (hide spoiler)] <--not a spoiler, just not an appropriate comment for the age range of this series, but one I absolutely could not stop myself from making ...more
By the time I originally read the first three installments of the Amulet series, I had known this could be adapted into an incredible animated series.By the time I originally read the first three installments of the Amulet series, I had known this could be adapted into an incredible animated series. But The Last Council is the installment that made me need it.
Kibuishi weaves uncertainty and suspicion masterfully, leaving me on the edge of my seat to find out what is really happening within the city of Cielis. We are brought into an academy that has tests to fill the council's seats as the originals fade (view spoiler)[and find ourselves in an incredibly Squid Game/Hunger Games-like situation (hide spoiler)]. The entire thing is thrilling, to say the least.
We continue to be introduced to new characters, and I just truly cannot think of anyone else capable of such dimension with so little dialogue. It makes you understand how entertainment forms such as the silent film could still be successful. There are absolutely ways to tell so much without saying anything, and Kibuishi wields this skill like the superpower it is.
PLUS we get an adorable little wyvern baby, and that's really all I'd have personally needed to know to dive in headfirst ...more
In The Cloud Searchers we are introduced to more of Alledia as we follow Emily et.al in their mission to find Cielis, the lost floating city which houIn The Cloud Searchers we are introduced to more of Alledia as we follow Emily et.al in their mission to find Cielis, the lost floating city which houses the Guardian Council.
As we take to the sky, Kibuishi continues to build a visceral and world, rich in a history that is revealed slowly and intentionally. It's astonishing how he also breathes life into characters with only imagery and the most necessary of dialogue. It takes real talent for there to be such a beautiful balance, which is always the case within the Amulet series.
Hades was just...okay. Maybe I've been away from the Immortal Warriors series for too long. But maybe this is just one of the weaker stories Kenney haHades was just...okay. Maybe I've been away from the Immortal Warriors series for too long. But maybe this is just one of the weaker stories Kenney has released.
This felt like a rather mediocre attempt at the Hades/Persephone lore. Hades is a little too much of a softie for me here, personally. Especially knowing what Kenney is capable of. However, I think what hindered this the most for me was Persephone - specifically her rapid physical and emotional maturation.
The content warning for this subject is mild age/consent/innocence issues that are resolved. And sure, I guess they're resolved. However, given the instalove nature of this story, it was still...uncomfortable? And not believable.
Look, I'm not snob when it comes to instalove. Hell, back in the day I'd find myself halfway in love after a single date. I get how instalove can be believable. And there are tons of times I've enjoyed it; definitely in other Kenney novels, to be certain.
The thing is, Persephone had been a 3 year old for 70 years immediately prior to the beginning of this story. I'll repeat, she was 3 years old for 70 years. Then, for plot reasons, she is aged up to her twenties in moments, and from there our story begins. And for more plot purposes, she does mature incredibly quickly...but given that she still referred to sex as 'the thing' after actually having sex, forgive me if my ability to properly roll with this was, er, indefinitely delayed.
Overall, it was fine. But for what I've come to expect out of Kenney in this genre, I'm underwhelmed. You can't win 'em all. ...more
In A Prison of Ink and Ice Kenney simultaneously delivers what is probably her most romantic book and what is probably one of her kinkiest. I ate. It.In A Prison of Ink and Ice Kenney simultaneously delivers what is probably her most romantic book and what is probably one of her kinkiest. I ate. It. Up.
To be honest, I entered this hesitantly because Louisa was, by far, my least favorite leading character in any of the Wicked Darlings books. I felt there was never enough time for her to grow past her insufferable tendencies. Her romance with Lir was also much less fleshed out than that of Fin and Clara, making it feel like something was missing with the pairing.
Kenney really said, 'hold my beer' and gave me everything I felt Louisa and Lir needed. Though we get to see the most progress from Louisa, we also get to witness growth for Lir and it was all *chef's kiss*.
You get character growth, you get horror, you get games, you get lots of fun, sometimes surprising, smut, and you get some of the most romantic shit ever. Honestly, I need Kenney to write for the Wicked Darlings series indefinitely. It's just way too good....more
Where The Stonekeeper served as the bones of the series, The Stonekeeper's Curse begins to form the body.
Depth begins to develop and we learn more abWhere The Stonekeeper served as the bones of the series, The Stonekeeper's Curse begins to form the body.
Depth begins to develop and we learn more about the many moving parts connected to what is, primarily, the journey of the Hayes siblings.
We are given some answers and a few more questions regarding both Emily and Navin. As well, we begin to see more of the fleshed out world of Alledia. The worldbuilding is truly phenomenal - so fun and provoking. Beginning to learn about the world's history and the engaging political aspect really helped to ensure that the lore we learn throughout book 2 has even more of an impact.
And as we continue to learn more about the stone, the more there is to fear that, despite being hunted by elves intending to kill her, what dangers her the most might just be hanging around her neck... ...more
You can tell that A Witch's Guide to Burning was a project filled with love for author & illustrator Aminder Dhaliwal. Not only is it very clear from You can tell that A Witch's Guide to Burning was a project filled with love for author & illustrator Aminder Dhaliwal. Not only is it very clear from how much fun she had with the storytelling, but by learning that she's been posting this story in segments to her Instagram since 2021 and has since amassed a good little following for Singe, Yew-Veda and Bufo.
I do feel that maybe I am lacking some of the affection for the story I may have felt had I been among the original following. While undeniably beautiful, it did lack that certain something that really should have hooked me. However, A Witch's Guide to Burning was still such a lovely, worthwhile romp. There's much to be said on burnout culture, as well as the societal longevity of woman's usefulness - namely how long society will allow for a woman to be deemed useful until she just isn't anymore.
Dhaliwal is both playful and poignant with this world and its messages. I genuinely hope to see a continuation of the story for these characters in the future. ...more
I'm a feminist, obviously / but I wouldn't really mind him savin' me / and I know that I'm fine without a man / but I think I would like his protecI'm a feminist, obviously / but I wouldn't really mind him savin' me / and I know that I'm fine without a man / but I think I would like his protection - Olivia Rodrigo
~aka~ the song Edie would have on REPEAT if she were a 21st century girly
In Guarded Treasure we follow English librarian Edith Taylor as she seeks to open a cursed Egyptian tomb and prove her worth in the field of archeology, while being hampered by the presence of her appointed 'body guard', American Benjamin Brooks, a seasoned treasure hunter...sound familiar?
Okay. Okay! I'll admit it - while I expected Guarded Treasure to maybe hit some of the nostalgia beats for all the people utterly and rightfully obsessed with The Mummy (1999), I also didn't necessarily have the highest of hopes. I expected it to be exactly what you probably expect it to be upon seeing the cover and reading the synopsis - smutty The Mummy '99 slightly AU fanfic.
Jesus H. Christ was I wrooooooooong. Forgive me, o' goddess Mae Lovette, for ever doubting what I was about to experience.
This is a top fuckin' tier romantic adventure.
On the surface, yeah, it most definitely gives the appearance of the Best Film of My Generation, valiantly helmed by national treasure Brendan Fraser. And while you'll find immediate familiarity within the general character archetypes and premise, Guarded Treasure quickly becomes something wholly its own, while succeeding in having the same balance of humor, romance and action that made the film so charming.
For a debut novel, Lovette wields tension building as skillfully as if she's a seasoned pro. I felt it build throughout the journey to uncover the mystery behind the cursed tomb, and I FELT it in the development of Edith and Ben's relationship. The sexual chemistry between these two is so palpable and believable. How we get from point A (enemies) to point B (lovers) in this action packed, quick but well paced novel, feels incredibly genuine.
There was a seamless depiction of the characters' perspectives that gave me as a reader a real sense of involvement and awareness of the growing emotion between the two that made the connection feel all the more tangible. I believe their development. In fact, they may be my favorite pairing in a long time!
My one critique of this otherwise superb novel (view spoiler)[was the reveal of how the curse came to be, namely, the person who set the curse. The mystery of the curse on Isfetheru/Anmara's tomb was the entire foreground and premise that brought the story together. It felt a little sloppy for the perpetrator to be a person we had never heard of prior to the exact moment of the reveal (hide spoiler)]. But I'll admit that my annoyance passed very quickly and, ultimately, I was left satisfied as hell!
Sure, this book can be a little tropey and predictable. But this felt like a love letter to something incredibly nostalgic, and it was damn well executed. I can't wait to see what else this author will do!...more
In The Stonekeeper we are introduced to the Hayes family - mother Karen, daughter Emily and son Navin - who, after a tragic accident, find themselves In The Stonekeeper we are introduced to the Hayes family - mother Karen, daughter Emily and son Navin - who, after a tragic accident, find themselves moving into the rundown home of the children's eccentric great grandfather, a puzzle maker who has been missing for many years. They quickly find themselves embroiled in strange and terrifying happenings that leave the children on a mission through an unknown world to rescue their mother while Emily is guided by a mysterious amulet capable of powers beyond what she can fathom.
The visual storytelling that Kibuishi provides is masterful and compelling in a way I find many other graphic novels are unable to accomplish. The main reason that graphic novels can be a format of storytelling that I don't always enjoy is because so few seem capable of satisfyingly telling so much with just a few panels of illustration. Kibuishi has absolutely zero issue with this. He is able to utilize sparse dialogue to enhance his incredibly visceral, yet uncomplicated art style.
I was so thoroughly captured by many small, but profound moments that show us so much about the characters and what they are experiencing and how they feel about one another. There are beautiful and heart wrenching parallels woven throughout the visual narrative and we're shown, so clearly, who the Hayes' are. It's a powerhouse of an introduction to a series I absolutely cannot wait to reintroduce myself to in preparation for the long awaited final installment!...more
This book isn’t even officially out yet and I’m already DYING for book 2! Maniscalco really stepped up her game with this one, y’all. I was already a This book isn’t even officially out yet and I’m already DYING for book 2! Maniscalco really stepped up her game with this one, y’all. I was already a very big fan of her Stalking Jack the Ripper series but she’s taking a deep dive into something much bigger with this, and I’m so excited for the ride!...more
Somehow this book managed to be deliciously slow and deliberate about so many lovely details while also moving at a rapid pace for the plot of intriguSomehow this book managed to be deliciously slow and deliberate about so many lovely details while also moving at a rapid pace for the plot of intrigue, mystery and magic. I was completely captivated and couldn’t help but to finish it in one sitting!...more
I’m not quite sure what to say. There was nothing outwardly bad about it; objectively it’s quite good. However, I don’t think it was the right fit forI’m not quite sure what to say. There was nothing outwardly bad about it; objectively it’s quite good. However, I don’t think it was the right fit for me. I’m a very character driven reader and the characters did not feel all that compelling. Rather, they felt like cardboard cutouts of people that was mainly meant to be a vehicle for the plot. And the plot had strong ~crime drama~ vibes which I’m very rare to lean toward. Even the elements of Magic just weren’t enough to fully sell me. There’s still a good chance I’ll continue the series just to see if it grows on me but it’s not a priority so it may be quite a while before I attempt book 2....more
2018 review: I’m torn. This may be more of a 3.5 than a 4. There are parts of this book that thrilled me. There are parts of this book that really dis2018 review: I’m torn. This may be more of a 3.5 than a 4. There are parts of this book that thrilled me. There are parts of this book that really disappointed me. I feel like that last quarter of the book was sloppier than the rest, and I feel conflicted.
2021 review: a solid 4 star upon a reread. Note to self, sometimes the book isn’t rushed. Sometimes you’re just listening to the audiobook at too high of a speed...more
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