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wuthrinheights's reviews
202 reviews
Pirate/Castle Diary by Richard Platt
adventurous
funny
informative
lighthearted
fast-paced
4.0
Pirate Diary was a surprisingly good book. I thought it would be a simple, silly kids book but it was a lot more than that. On top of the language written like a classic book, it was also filled with a lot of educational knowledge about ships, piracy, and history. It was explicit and grueling. I learned a lot in this short book and I'd love a reread someday to study the contents again.
Castle Diary (plot wise) wasn't as great as Pirate Diary, but the main character was better. He was a hater and it was funny to read about. I couldn't connect with any of the other characters, though. I think the characters in Pirate were more interesting. But personally medieval books have always been an interest of mine recently so this was great to learn more about the castle and the work that goes behind it. Absolutely loved the last part of the book where they talked about the historical context of the theme.
The illustrator was amazing. His artworks (although it was in black and white,) were alive and colourful. It made you feel like you were in those stories. The duo was a match made in heaven!
Castle Diary (plot wise) wasn't as great as Pirate Diary, but the main character was better. He was a hater and it was funny to read about. I couldn't connect with any of the other characters, though. I think the characters in Pirate were more interesting. But personally medieval books have always been an interest of mine recently so this was great to learn more about the castle and the work that goes behind it. Absolutely loved the last part of the book where they talked about the historical context of the theme.
The illustrator was amazing. His artworks (although it was in black and white,) were alive and colourful. It made you feel like you were in those stories. The duo was a match made in heaven!
The Wakefield Legacy: The Untold Story by Francine Pascal, Kate William
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
It's been years since I've read this but I am still blown away by it.
The many years and generations of the Wakefield family; the different struggles and triumphs, the love and betrayal and loss, the different economic and historic eras, the lives between Ned and Alice's ancestors constantly meeting and parting--only to reunite again in the end.
It was beautiful and it gives me so much hope for destined love. Incredible story telling, probably the best saga to come out of the Sweet Valley books. I wish I have the Patmans and the other Wakefield book to complete this saga. I remember loving the other Wakefield book the most.
The many years and generations of the Wakefield family; the different struggles and triumphs, the love and betrayal and loss, the different economic and historic eras, the lives between Ned and Alice's ancestors constantly meeting and parting--only to reunite again in the end.
It was beautiful and it gives me so much hope for destined love. Incredible story telling, probably the best saga to come out of the Sweet Valley books. I wish I have the Patmans and the other Wakefield book to complete this saga. I remember loving the other Wakefield book the most.
Goosebumps Graphix #3: Scary Summer by R.L. Stine
adventurous
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This was one of my fave Goosebumps books before, and probably the only Goosebumps graphic novel I have. I used to reread it so often when I was younger. It's been a super long time and I've forgotten 2 out of 3 of the stories so it was nice to feel like I'm reading it for the first time again!
And finding this book while it's still in summer felt like a stroke of good luck/perfect timing. It fits the weather perfectly.
Plot wise, I'd rate them as Ghost Beach > The Horror at Camp Jellyjam > Revenge of the Lawn Gnomes. Graphic wise would be Gnomes > Camp > Beach.
Ghost Beach was the story I forgot the most so it felt fresh to read it. Without the memories, I didn't quite know what to expect and it felt brand new. The illustrations looked really creepy and the ending was the scariest to me.
Camp Jellyjam had an almost lighthearted feel to it compared to the other stories. The horror at the end felt a bit too rushed, though. But the plot was still better than the Gnomes.
Lawn Gnomes was the most memorable to me and I think even back then, it wasn't the best story out of the 3. But I loved the illustration style the most.
And finding this book while it's still in summer felt like a stroke of good luck/perfect timing. It fits the weather perfectly.
Plot wise, I'd rate them as Ghost Beach > The Horror at Camp Jellyjam > Revenge of the Lawn Gnomes. Graphic wise would be Gnomes > Camp > Beach.
Ghost Beach was the story I forgot the most so it felt fresh to read it. Without the memories, I didn't quite know what to expect and it felt brand new. The illustrations looked really creepy and the ending was the scariest to me.
Camp Jellyjam had an almost lighthearted feel to it compared to the other stories. The horror at the end felt a bit too rushed, though. But the plot was still better than the Gnomes.
Lawn Gnomes was the most memorable to me and I think even back then, it wasn't the best story out of the 3. But I loved the illustration style the most.
Murder on the Line by Francine Pascal, Kate William
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Have always loved reading SVH and I was thrilled I had an unread copy on my shelf. The special editions are usually more dark than the usual series and this one was no exception.
While doing their summer internship at the local newspaper, Jessica accidentally stumbled on a dangerous drug ring in the building and suddenly her life is in danger! With no one to trust, carrying a lethal secret like this could make her life incredibly shorter by the seconds.
Fast paced, tense, and mysterious, it was a real page turner. The reason why it wasn't 5 stars was because it was a little predictable and I'm starting to feel like I've outgrown this little town.
While doing their summer internship at the local newspaper, Jessica accidentally stumbled on a dangerous drug ring in the building and suddenly her life is in danger! With no one to trust, carrying a lethal secret like this could make her life incredibly shorter by the seconds.
Fast paced, tense, and mysterious, it was a real page turner. The reason why it wasn't 5 stars was because it was a little predictable and I'm starting to feel like I've outgrown this little town.
Herman et Dominique by Alexandra Pichard
hopeful
sad
fast-paced
3.5
With my very rusty French, I could probably translate like maybe 20-35% of this book, and the ending left me feeling quite confused. Especially with the funny illustration, I couldn't quite figure out what Dominique was until I got to the last page.
Using Google translate, I translated each page and I understood better but the ending still had me feeling stumped. Did Dominique really write that parting letter? Did Herman find a new companion in her absence? Was she human? And did he reunite with Dominique or was he just reminded of her when he saw the plate in the end?
Quite funny. I'll work on my French then reread this another day. But for now, I'm just happy I could still remember some vocabulary enough to roughly read a book that's fully French.
Using Google translate, I translated each page and I understood better but the ending still had me feeling stumped. Did Dominique really write that parting letter? Did Herman find a new companion in her absence? Was she human? And did he reunite with Dominique or was he just reminded of her when he saw the plate in the end?
Quite funny. I'll work on my French then reread this another day. But for now, I'm just happy I could still remember some vocabulary enough to roughly read a book that's fully French.
Salem Goes to Rome (Salem's Tails) by Cathy East Dubowski, Mark Dubowski, David Berendsen
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
A short, fun, and fast book. I read the Sabrina Goes to Rome book a few years back but didn't like it. For some reason, this Salem tie in was a much better experience.
Salem was a funny character and his love-hate relationship with his hamster roommate was fun to read about. Watching them combine their wits as they race all around Rome to retrieve Sabrina's stolen locket, it was both suspenseful and exciting!
Salem was a funny character and his love-hate relationship with his hamster roommate was fun to read about. Watching them combine their wits as they race all around Rome to retrieve Sabrina's stolen locket, it was both suspenseful and exciting!
Rockin' Class Trip by L.E. Blair
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
Class Trip books/shows are always a great treat for me. Like in River Heights and Dawson's Creek. Taken out of their usual setting, being in a new touristy place, getting into all kinds of shenanigans. "Rockin Class Trip" delivered it well. It was just the right balance of lighthearted fun and stressful situations that you'd expect when going on a trip with many people.
As a kid, I was obsessed with Girl Talk and it's been a while since I've picked it up. I forgot that it will focus on each character of the friend group. Unfortunately for this one, it was about my least favourite character. But the cute story made up for it. And as always, my favourite part of the book is when they have their phone call conversations.
As a kid, I was obsessed with Girl Talk and it's been a while since I've picked it up. I forgot that it will focus on each character of the friend group. Unfortunately for this one, it was about my least favourite character. But the cute story made up for it. And as always, my favourite part of the book is when they have their phone call conversations.
Legend of Sleepy Hollow and Rip Van Winkle by Washington Irving
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.0
Utterly dull and sleep-inducing. Super slow story telling, with very little excitement. If it had been an audiobook, it would've flown from one ear to another.
I've heard some stories of Sleepy Hollow and have always thought it was fascinating but reading the real thing was super disappointing. It wasn't creepy and the post script section made the story even more infuriatingly boring.
Rip Van Winkle sounded interesting too, at first. But despite being really short, it was also uneventful. I don't think I'll be picking up any more Washington Irving in the future.
I've heard some stories of Sleepy Hollow and have always thought it was fascinating but reading the real thing was super disappointing. It wasn't creepy and the post script section made the story even more infuriatingly boring.
Rip Van Winkle sounded interesting too, at first. But despite being really short, it was also uneventful. I don't think I'll be picking up any more Washington Irving in the future.
The False Prince by Jennifer A. Nielsen
adventurous
lighthearted
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.25
It has been a decade since I first read (and fell in love with) this book. I had a huge crush on Sage and even learned how to roll a coin over my knuckles like he did. For ten years, I kept saying how underrated this trilogy is and so far I've only known maybe one or two other people who have read and loved it like I did.
Rereading it now, I've certainly outgrown it. It is a lot lighter and childlike compared to other high fantasy books I've read (like Fallen Kingdoms). And if I've forgotten the plot twists during this reread, I would've rated this higher. Knowing the story took the fun out of it.
But still, this was a really great book and I still have a soft spot for Sage. He makes a great main character, even if he's wild and untameable--much to everyone's annoyances.
Rereading it now, I've certainly outgrown it. It is a lot lighter and childlike compared to other high fantasy books I've read (like Fallen Kingdoms). And if I've forgotten the plot twists during this reread, I would've rated this higher. Knowing the story took the fun out of it.
But still, this was a really great book and I still have a soft spot for Sage. He makes a great main character, even if he's wild and untameable--much to everyone's annoyances.
Heck: Where the Bad Kids Go by Dale E. Basye
adventurous
funny
informative
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
This story is like the kids book version of the TV show: The Good Place. Where the main characters have died and gone to the afterlife but they don't feel like they belong where they're assigned. And if they were wrongfully placed there, then there must be some kind of a mistake in the universe and how they judge these souls. And if that's the case, this could cause a really huge revolution.
Fast paced, colourful, creative, and funny, it was a joyful ride (well, for me at least. Not for them. The poor kids got tortured) as they descended to the first level of Heck (the kids version of hell where they must undergo a series of tests and classes until their souls could be correctly assessed when they turn 18). Spanning over nine books (the last one hasn't been released yet), I am curious to see how the rest of the series will go. The first book was already so well-written. I wonder what kind of horrors will they face next. And yes, I'm rooting for them!
Fast paced, colourful, creative, and funny, it was a joyful ride (well, for me at least. Not for them. The poor kids got tortured) as they descended to the first level of Heck (the kids version of hell where they must undergo a series of tests and classes until their souls could be correctly assessed when they turn 18). Spanning over nine books (the last one hasn't been released yet), I am curious to see how the rest of the series will go. The first book was already so well-written. I wonder what kind of horrors will they face next. And yes, I'm rooting for them!