We are at the end of another week! I did a decent amount of reading this week, mostly graphic novels. But that’s where we’re at right now. Though I did get a couple of novels this week from the library, so that might change in the coming weeks! Especially since I’m planning on doing nothing tomorrow except reading and watching a lot of TV. Anyway! For the Week of 1/8, I read a total of 10 books!
Bite Size Reviews: Week of 1/8
The Coldest Touch by Isabel Sterling (1/9)
Every time Elise touches someone, she sees how they’re going to die. She will do anything to get rid of her gift. Claire, a vampire, is the one chosen to help train Elise. As long as she doesn’t catch feelings, first. I listened to the audiobook of this, and I was pleasantly surprised! Some of my favorite things about this one were the aspects of the death curse, the idea of turninig vampires too young, and the discussions of bisexuality. Overall, a great addition to vampire YA! (4 stars).
Bitter by Akwaeke Emezi (1/10)
I already wrote a review for this one this week, so just a few thoughts here! What I appreciate about Emezi’s writing is the way it parallels the real world. Emezie really hits the nail on the head in discussions about protests and uprisings. Not everyone is cut out for being out on the frontlines, and I love that this is featured in this book (5 stars).
Coming Back by Jessi Zabarsky (1/11)
Everyone in Preet and Valissa’s village has a little bit of magic. Preet is the one who is the strongest, while Valissa probably has the least amount of magic. Which is why she volunteers to see what’s going on with the mist coming into their village. At its core, this graphic novel is about cultural change and cultural shifts. While maybe some of the story is sacrificed for the metaphor, the artwork more than makes up for it. It’s absolutely gorgeous from start to finish (4 stars).
Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson (1/11)
At the start of high school, Melinda is already starting at the bottom of a chain after calling the police at a party. But no one else knows the real reason why. Re-read this for a Banned Book Club I’m a part of, and I’m just in awe of how Anderson writes teenagers. She’s just so good at it. Unfortunately, the subject matter in this book is still really relavant to teenagers. There are still teenagers who can relate to Melinda’s story (5 stars).
Witches of Brooklyn: What the Hex?! by Sophie Escabasse (1/12)
Effie is excited to meet other witches in Brooklyn and begin working with them. However, as she starts school, she realizes her friends have possibly found a new friend to replace her. This middle grade graphic novel series is fantastic. I love the magic and the witches and Sophie’s group of friends. This sequel builds on the first book and I would definitely read more set in this world! (4 stars).
Only Mostly Devastated by Sophie Gonzales (1/12)
At the end of summer vacation, Ollie is ready to go back to southern California and forget his summer fling with Will. But when his family ends up staying in North Carolina to help his aunt, who does he see when he starts school? Will. Who is definitely not out. Okay, this book has been on my radar for a while, and I’m so glad I read it! It’s such a great romance. Not only do you have those swoony moments, but it packs an emotional punch as well (4.5 stars).
The Girl Who Fell Beneath the Sea by Axie Oh (1/14)
For generations, Mina’s homeland has sent a girl to be the Sea God’s bride to stop the storms. When Mina’s brother’s beloved is the one chosen, Mina takes her place instead. Now in the Spirit Realm, Mina has to figure out how to help the Sea God and save her homeland. There was somewhere that said that this felt like Spirited Away, and I definitely get those vibes from this book. It was great! I’ll be writing a full review for this one this week (4 stars).
Seance Tea Party by Reimena Yee (1/14)
Lora’s friend group has started to fade away as they become teenagers. But Lora is desperate to hold onto the fun they had as kids. Which is when she discovers a ghost named Alexa, who shows her that she doesn’t have to give up that childhood imagination to grow up. While I originally picked this up becuase it looked adorable (which it is), I wasn’t expecting it to pack the emotional punch that it did. I definitely teared up in places! It was such a beautiful story about growing up (4.5 stars).
Spy x Family Vol. 1 by Tatsuya Endo (1/14)
Twilight is one of the best spies in the business. However, his next mission might prove one of the most difficult: pose as a family man to infilitrate a school. So he finds Anya, a secret telepath, and Yor, a secret assassin. Anya is the only one who knows everyone’s secret identities. This manga was so much fun! It was recommended to me awhile ago, and I’m so glad I picked it up. I read the entire first volume in one sitting! (5 stars).
Marvel Masterworks: The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 16 by Len Wein (1/14)
This is a part of my quest to read all of the Spider-Man comics, which is quite the feat. But I’m determined to get there eventually! This is a part of some of the older comics, and I enjoyed it more than the previous volume. However, there were some cringey moments in this particular volume. Just have to keep in mind the time period it was published in! (4 stars).
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