Iris Apfel

author: Mª Isabel Sánchez Vegara
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.14
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2021/09/30
date added: 2021/09/30
shelves: childrens, non-fiction
review:
'Iris Apfel' by Maria Isabel Sanchez Vegara with illustrations by Kristen Barnhart is book 64 in the Little People, Big Dreams series.

Fashion icon Iris Apfel was the lone child at family gatherings. To entertain young Iris, her grandmother would let her play with her bag of fabric, and the rest is kind of history. She found a husband, overcame being called an ugly duckling and became a unique person.

I do love this series, especially when it brings me someone I knew nothing about. The illustrations are always fun and different and the ones here by Kristen Barnhart are brightly colored.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Quarto Publishing Group - Frances Lincoln Children's Books, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Loopholes: Microfiction

author: Susan McCreery
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2021/09/30
date added: 2021/09/30
shelves:
review:
'Loopholes' by Susan McCreery is a collection of microfiction with over 60 stories in around 90 pages.

Microfiction is concisely written fiction that still needs to convey a story and characters. There are all manner of stories and characters in this collection.

Where it sort of fell apart for me is they all feel like well written story prompts. I think all of them are open ended, which could lead to discussion, but I was hoping for a twist or some closure on some of them. I enjoyed the writing and the setups. I just felt like I wanted some closure here and there.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Spineless Wonders and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Xena: Penance

author: Meredith Finch
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.48
book published: 2019
rating: 3
read at: 2021/09/25
date added: 2021/09/25
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Xena: Penance' by Meredith Finch with art by Vicente Cifuentes is a graphic novel based on the hit television show.

In short, this is the story (or a story) of when Xena met Gabrielle. In this version, Gabrielle is a country girl travelling to the big city of Athens when she gets harassed by some soldiers. Xena steps in to help and then it's reciprocated back. A familiar villain of the show makes an appearance.

There is a version of Xena here that I wished had been explored just a bit more: the world-weary mercenary who now wants peace and forgiveness. Maybe that gets touched on more in the next volume. The art is really very good and I enjoyed reading it for the art more than the story.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, Dynamite Entertainment, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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The Book of Onions: Comics to Make You Cry Laughing and Cry Crying

author: Jake Thompson
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.10
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2021/09/25
date added: 2021/09/25
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Book of Onions' by Jake Thompson is a collection of cartoons with dark and funny twists.

Jake Thompson has a bizarre sense of humor as seen here in these four-panel comics. The humor is on clever and wry side, just like I like it and I enjoyed this collection of weirdly funny comics.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Needle and Thread

author: David Pinckney
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.12
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2021/09/23
date added: 2021/09/23
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Needle and Thread' by David Pinckney with art by Ennun Ana Iurov is a graphic novel about living the life you want instead of the one you are supposed to have.

Noah is not much like his parents, including liking sports. They want him to become a medical professional and help people like they do. Noah's dream is to sew costumes for movies. Azarie is socially about as different from Noah as can be. Or at least that's what it seems like. Azarie's dreams are also different from the ones her family wants. Can these two different people help each other.

I really liked this story and the message it has. These are likeable characters. I didn't like the art as much but it grew on me over the course of the story. This would be a good read for younger readers who feel like they don't fit in.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Maverick, Diamond Book Distributors and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Big Nate: Aloha!

author: Lincoln Peirce
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.26
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2021/09/16
date added: 2021/09/16
shelves: graphic-novels, childrens
review:
'Big Nate: Aloha!' by Lincoln Peirce is another volume in the Big Nate series for middle grade readers.

This time around, Nate wants a new girlfriend, but she wants to take things slowly and that isn't like the Big Nate we know. Nate gets called in to pitch and unexpected things happen. Nate and Teddy come up with a plan to spend Nate's haircut money with hilarious results.

This is a consistently funny series. Lincoln Peirce knows how to time jokes and wait for payoffs. It's no wonder this series is so popular with younger readers.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Beauty and the Beast of Paradise Lost, Vol. 1

author: Kaori Yuki
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.91
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2021/09/16
date added: 2021/09/16
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Beauty and the Beast of Paradise Lost 1' with story and art by Kaori Yuki is a manga twist on a famous fairy tale.

Belle goes out to the woods with her mother to gather red flowers that will go with the unusual color of her hair. When she comes home alone, her dad locks her away for years in an act of cruelty. One day, years later, Belle escapes and flees to the woods. She is captured by the Beast and taken to his castle, but the humans that were enchanted there may be trying to kill their Prince in an act of vengeance.

This is a good dark take on the Beauty and the Beast story. I liked the twists along the way as well as the cruelty Belle learns to overcome along her journey. The art is pretty great too. The Beast design is really good.

I received a review copy of this manga from Kodansha and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this manga.


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Queen of Kenosha

author: Howard Shapiro
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.27
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2021/09/12
date added: 2021/09/12
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Queen of Kenosha' by Howard Shapiro with art by Erica Chan is a graphic novel about an up and coming singer recruited for a covert operation.

Nina Overstreet is hoping to make the big time, but playing in small clubs may not get her there. When she is recruited by Nick Ladd and a group of ex-FBI operatives to hunt down Nazi operatives in the states, she takes it.

I liked this story of a young woman who wants to do right and gets caught in a world where things are not clearly black and white. I liked Nina's independence and willingness to think for herself. The art is also pretty good. This book is part of a trilogy, and I'd like to hunt down the rest of the books in this series now.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Animal Media Group and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Steampunk Soldiers: Uniforms & Weapons from the Age of Steam

author: Philip Smith
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.71
book published: 2014
rating: 3
read at: 2021/09/12
date added: 2021/09/12
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'Steampunk Soldiers: Uniforms and Weapons from the Age of Steam' by Philip Smith and Joseph McCullough with illustrations by Mark Stacey is a field guide to the uniforms and weapons of an alternate 19th century. It brought about an age of steam-powered weapons and new armor for the men wielding those weapons.

When a meteor shower in 1862 rained down a new element called hephaestium, it advanced technology as well as created new battles for this new element.

The book breaks up the major continents and discusses ranks, uniforms and weapons that might have arisen from new elements being found. As with most Osprey guides, the information, even if supposed, and the illustrations are top-notch. I had a great time poring through this book and wondering "what if?"

I received a review copy of this ebook from Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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The Ruthless Lady's Guide to Wizardry

author: C.M. Waggoner
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.76
book published: 2021
rating: 3
read at: 2021/09/12
date added: 2021/09/12
shelves: sword-and-laser
review:
'The Ruthless Lady's Guide to Wizardry' by C.M. Waggoner is an ebook about a petty con artist who gets wrapped up in a mystery.

Dellaria Wells has lost her mother and also can't seem to pay the rent, but she is a fire witch, so she takes a job protecting a wealthy client. It turns out that someone is definitely trying to kill the client.

There is humor, intrigue and romance. I felt like the novel foundered in the middle third as the story changed and details kept getting repeated. I did like it overall and I'm glad I read it.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Berkley Publishing Group and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Pizza and Taco: Super-Awesome Comic!

author: Stephen Shaskan
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.80
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2021/09/09
date added: 2021/09/09
shelves: graphic-novels, childrens
review:
'Pizza and Taco: Super-Awesome Comic!' by Stephen Shaskan is a graphic novel for young readers about two great friends.

Pizza and Taco love to have adventures together. This time around, they decide to create a comic book starring hero versions of themselves. After a series of false starts, can they come to an agreement and make a great comic?

This is a fun series and shows young readers some tips on making their own books, and also how to get along with their friends.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Random House Children's and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Anne's School Days: Inspired by Anne of Green Gables

author: Kallie George
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.47
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2021/09/09
date added: 2021/09/09
shelves: childrens
review:
'Anne's School Days: Inspired by Anne of Green Gables' by Kallie George with illustrations by Abigail Halpin is the third chapter book adventure based on a classic novel.

It's time for school and Anne loves Autumn and going to school with Diana Barry. What she doesn't love is new student Gilbert Blythe who points out her red hair and makes up a nickname that Anne doesn't like. It's so bad for Anne that she thinks about quitting school. Will Gilbert ever make it up to Anne?

These are nice books and really great adaptations. I like the illustrations and how the story has been broken up so far.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Penguin Random House Canada, Tundra Books, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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The Quest for Snacks

author: Susie Yi
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.33
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2021/09/08
date added: 2021/09/08
shelves: graphic-novels, childrens
review:
'Cat & Cat Adventures: The Quest for Snacks' with story and art by Susie Yi is a graphic novel about two cats in search of a potion for endless snacks.

Squash and Ginny live in a home with their humans and all is well until they run out of snacks. Their plan to get more involves a portal and trips to the Mermaid Ocean and Mount Lava. When they get to the Enchanted Rain Forest they have to make a sacrifice, but can they do it.

This was a really cute story of two cats that are clever and funny. They also think about others and those are all good qualities for young readers. The art is as cute as the story.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from HarperCollins Children's Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Diary of an 8-Bit Warrior Graphic Novel: An OP Alliance

author: Pirate Sourcil
name: Wayne
average rating: 5.00
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2021/09/08
date added: 2021/09/08
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Diary of an 8-Bit Warrior Graphic Novel' by Pirate Sourcil with art by Odone and Jez is a graphic novel based on the hit series for younger readers.

Runt lives in a Minecraft village, but he aspires to be a warrior, like Steve, the mythical Minecraft warrior. One day, he decides to leave the walls of his village with his wooden sword and chase his dream. Along the way, he makes some odd allies and ends up chasing after the ultimate game prize.

I had a great time reading this graphic novel. I've read a couple of the books and the same humor is evident here. I loved Runt and his zombie bff trying to live large and not kill each other. The art is bright and colorful and young readers should get a big kick out of this.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Andrews McMeel Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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They Fell from the Sky Vol. 1

author: Liezl Buenaventura
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.00
book published:
rating: 3
read at: 2021/09/07
date added: 2021/09/07
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'They Fell from the Sky Vol. 1' by Liezl Buenaventura with art by Xavier Tarrega is a graphic novel about some kids obsessed with aliens until aliens land nearby.

Tommy Murphy and his friends love a tv show about space and the aliens they see. One night, something crashes near Tommy's farm. When they investigate, they find a stranded alien that looks like a small dog. What he finds out instead is complicated as other aliens land and Tommy and his friends and family are in danger.

It's a fun read for younger readers and reminiscent of youth alien films of the 80s. The art is bright and fun too.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Dejah Thoris: The Gardens of Mars

author: Amy Chu
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.46
book published: 2018
rating: 4
read at: 2021/09/07
date added: 2021/09/07
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Dejah Thoris: The Gardens of Mars' by Amy Chu with art by Pasquale Qualano is a graphic novel about a younger Dejah Thoris learning how to rule Mars.

Dejah Thoris wants to renew Mars by finding the legendary Gardens of Mars. She recruits some scholars to help, but the area they have to go to is disputed and they run in to trouble. Dejah finds allies in her enemies and teachers and learns some valuable lessons along the way on leadership and loss.

I really liked this story of a young queen learning and failing and showing aspects of the character we know her to become. The art is almost as good as the writing.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Dynamite Entertainment, Diamond Book Distributors, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Choose Your Own Adventure Eighth Grade Witch

author: Andrew E.C. Gaska
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.63
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2021/09/06
date added: 2021/09/06
shelves: childrens, graphic-novels
review:
'Choose Your Own Adventure: Eighth Grade Witch' by Andrew E.C. Gaska, E.L. Thomas And C.E. Simpson with art by Valerio Chiola is a graphic novel version of the famous book series for a new young audience.

You are Rabbit, a young girl who has just moved in to a new, and presumably haunted house with your parents. Things in the house are not as they seem and there are all kinds of suspicious characters around, including the mysterious witch Prudence Deadly. Your choices may end well or badly for you, so choose wisely.

It's great to have this series back. There are quite a few possible endings, some better and some worse. It's definitely on the creepy side and might disturb some really sensitive young readers. The art is pretty good too.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Oni Press and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Astonisher Vol. 2: All The Nightmares

author: Alex de Campi
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.54
book published: 2018
rating: 2
read at: 2021/09/05
date added: 2021/09/05
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Astonisher Vol. 2: All The Nightmares' by Alex De Campi with art by Pop Mhan and Al Barrionuevo is a graphic novel in the Catalyst Prime universe about a hero with a rather weird power.

Magnus Attarian is a wealthy heir who went in to space and came back with a decidedly weird superpower: he can traverse the minds of others. He did this in the first volume and discovered a threat coming to Earth and ended up with PTSD. This volume picks up from there as Magnus finds himself surrounded by a team that want to help him as he gears up to fight his own brother.

Like most stuff I've read in the Catalyst Prime universe, I found this alternately boring and confusing. There needed to be more action earlier on and Magnus really comes across as a terrible person. Perhaps that is what is meant, but it was hard to feel for him or his weird powers. The art is decent enough.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Diamond Book Distributors, Oni Press, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Essential Judge Dredd: Origins

author: John Wagner
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.92
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2021/09/05
date added: 2021/09/05
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Essential Judge Dredd: Origins' by John Wagner with art by Carlos Ezquerra and Kev Walker is a graphic novel exploring the origins of Mega-City One and the Judge system.

When criminal mutants break in to Mega-City One and deliver a box to the Grand Hall of Justice, Dredd and fellow judges are sent on a mission to the outer lands. The mission involves delivering a ransom for the remains of a historical judge, and they will encounter all manner of criminals who would like the large sum of money that these eight Judges are escorting. Along the way, Joe Dredd tells the history of himself and hoe Mega-City One rose up from the ashes of a world in chaos.

I debated rating this between a 3 and a 4, but I have to bump it up since the original creators were involved. The story feels a bit wordy, but it took me back to the Judge Dredd I remember reading in the early 80s and it was fun. I did like the art by Kev Walker in the first story a bit more, and I really liked the cover gallery at the end of the book.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Rebellion, 2000 AD, and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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Scales & Scoundrels Definitive Edition Book 1: Where Dragons Wander

author: Sebastian Girner
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.15
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2021/09/01
date added: 2021/09/01
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Scales & Scoundrels Definitive Edition Book 1: Where Dragons Wander' by Sebastian Girner with art by Galaad is a graphic novel about young woman in search of treasure who may not be who she seems to be.

Luvander lives in a town where she is just trying to make a living and find a bit of treasure. She sets off for the fabled 'Dragon's Maw' and finds herself in the company of a future royal and his bodyguard, and a young dwarf looking for her brother. Luvander seems nearly indestructible and that's because she is a dragon.
In the 280 pages here, there are a series of stories, but the first one is the longest.

I really liked the fun, bold main character and the world that I got to see. The character designs are fun and liked the variety of stories.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from TKO Studios and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this graphic novel.


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