Happy Saturday! Once again, I’m doing a later post, but that’s okay. The day just got away from me. With the holiday this week, I haven’t quite read as much as normal, but that’s okay! I did some graphic novel reading, which there have been some good ones released in the last month. Definitely adding them to my list! Anyway, for the Week of 11/20, I read a total of 8 books!
Bite Size Reviews: week of 11/20
Oksi by Mari Ahokoivu (11/21)
This is a retelling of a Finnish folktale, which is about bears and magic. However, I think to fully understand the story, you need to know the main story that the book is based on. The art, though, is gorgeous. This might be one of the most beautifully illustrated graphic novels I’ve seen in the last year. I would read it for that alone (3 stars).
Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson (11/21)
The Lord Ruler has reigned with absolute power for a thousand years. Kelsier escaped from the worst prison with a newfound hope. Now, with the help of Vin, he’s going to overthrow the government. While high fantasy books are intimidating, once I got into this, it was difficult to put down! The characters were well done and the magic system was fascinating (4 stars).
The Legend of Auntie Po by Shing Yin Khor (11/22)
Set in a western logging camp in the year 1885, Mei and her father work in the kitchens, feeding the workers. Mei entertains the children in the camp with her tales of Auntie Po. Which she also uses to anchor herself in the changing politics of the time. Illustrated in a watercolor style, I don’t think there’s anything about this book that isn’t gorgeous. This might be one that I want to own someday, too (5 stars).
Fruits Basket Vol. 3 by Natsuki Takaya (11/22)
We’re continuing the Fruits Basket story, this time getting Kyo’s back story. Which is so heartbreaking! I can see what people are saying when people say that this series gets really emotional. I’m only on volume 3 and I can already see where it’s going. Also watching the anime and reading this at the same time has been really helpful! (4 stars).
Bridge of Souls by Victoria Schwab (11/23)
The third book in the Cassidy Blake series, this time we find Cassidy in New Orleans. And Cassidy is being haunted by an emissary of death. Taking it on will be her most dangerous challenge yet. I’ve bene loving this middle grade series by Victoria Schwab. It’s just the right amount of spooky with great spunky characters (4 stars).
The Lost Girls by Sonia Hartl (11/24)
Holly has been stuck as her teenage self since 1987, when she let her boyfriend, Elton, turn her into a vampire. She’s been resigned to her eternal teenage life, stuck working in a Taco Bell, until two other vampires come and ask her to help them take revenge on Elton. I loved the concept of this book, I just didn’t think it was fully executed. Fans of vampire legends will definitely enjoy the nods throughout, though! (3 stars).
Himawari House by Harmony Becker (11/26)
I think they waited until the end of the year to publish all of the amazing graphic novels. This book is about a trio of girls who study abroad in Japan for a year, learning the language, the culture, and finding themselves. One of my favorite things about this book was the way other languages were incorporated. It really mimicked language learning. But the art was amazing, too. I loved everything about this book (5 stars).
The Seventh Raven by David Elliott (11/26)
Based on the story “The Seven Ravens” by the Brothers’ Grimm, this is a novel in verse following a group of ravens. I listened to the audiobook, and what I didn’t like about it was the fact that it rhymed. I don’t know, it just took me out of the story for some reason. But overall, this was a entertaining read (3 stars).