Hello friends! And happy Saturday! I know I missed my weekly Bite Size Review post last week, but I’m back this week! Last weekend just got away from me, since it was my weekend to work Saturday. Now it’s my weekend to work Sunday, but at least that’s a shorter shift! Anyway, I feel like I didn’t do as much reading this week. With everything that’s going on in the world, I just felt distracted. So, I worked on my crossstitch instead. But, I did do some! For the Week of 2/19, I read a total of 4 books! I know, like half of what I normally read. But I picked up some graphic novels I’m really excited about!
Bite Size Reviews: Week of 2/19
A Thousand Steps Into Night by Traci Chee (2/19)
I posted a review for this one this week, so just a few thoughts here! The mythology in this book worked so well in its favor. Especially the way that footnotes were included to help ensure that the reader was on the same page. And the characters! They weren’t overwhelmed by the world building, and they were just a joy to read (4 stars).
Estranged by Ethan M. Aldridge (2/19)
The Childe is a human living in the fae world, while Edmund took his place in the human world. When the fae world comes under attack, the Childe goes to find Edmund, the only person he can think of to help. This is a fun adventure graphic novel for middle grade readers! While the art style isn’t necessarily my favorite, the story was engaging and the characters were interesting. I know there’s a sequel, so I will definitely be checking that one out as well! (4 stars)
My Fine Fellow by Jennieke Cohen (2/22)
A gender-swapped retelling of My Fair Lady, it’s 1830s England and set in a culinary school. Helena is at the top of her class, with her friend Penelope. They take in Elijah, a boy selling his empanadas on the street. Honestly, if you like Victorian fiction and The Great British Baking Show, you’ll love this book. It’s a great blend of the two of them. There were just some moments I wish would have been explored more. And I wish some of the characters would have been a bit more fleshed out (3 stars).
Light from Uncommon Stars by Ryka Akoi (2/25)
If you like that genre that’s like a blend between sci-fi and fantasy with characters full of heart and hope, this is the book for you. Bonuses include: violin music, fantastic descriptions of food (especially donuts), and a lovely little found family. It follows Shizuka, a violin teacher who made a deal with the devil: seven souls for her own. She just needs one more, and Katrina might just be the key. I loved the world building and the characters, the format was just a bit difficult to follow at times (4 stars).