The Sprite and the Gardener

author: Joe Whitt
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.25
book published:
rating: 5
read at: 2021/05/06
date added: 2021/05/06
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'The Sprite and the Gardener' by Rii Abrego with art by Joe Whitt is a really delightful new graphic novel by two people who are new to creating a graphic novel.

Wisteria is a sprite. Sprites were once caretakers of gardens, but humans have taken over that job, and sprites now just want to remain hidden. Wisteria is curious and visits the garden of a young girl named Elena. With Wisteria's help, the garden takes shape, but what will Elena do when she finds out she has help?

I really, really enjoyed this gentle tale of working together to create something beautiful. The art is truly magical and the whole thing just took me off guard.

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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The Book of Broadway: The Definitive Plays and Musicals

author: Eric Grode
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.69
book published: 2015
rating: 5
read at: 2018/05/19
date added: 2021/05/06
shelves: non-fiction
review:
'The Book of Broadway: The Definitive Plays and Musicals' by Eric Grode makes a bold statement with it's title, but with 150 profiles of musicals and plays, I think it's valid.

The book only deals with theater that has made it to Broadway. It presents the picks in A to Z format. Initially, I wished it had been done chronologically, but I ended up agreeing with this arrangement. So from Abie's Irish Rose to Ziegfeld Follies of 1919, they are presented. There is writing about the plays including why they might have been picked. Every show picked includes original run dates, notable revivals (including tv and movies) and some of the original stars.

As a theater goer, I really enjoyed poring over this book with it's 300+ pictures. I recognized shows I've been to and put some shows on my "to see" list, although I think I've missed my chance to see Irving Berlin in Yip Yip Yaphank. The alphabetical presentation showed side by side how theater has changed, and how it hasn't. I had a great time reading this book.

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


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Fireheart Tiger

author: Aliette de Bodard
name: Wayne
average rating: 3.58
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2021/05/03
date added: 2021/05/03
shelves:
review:
'Fireheart Tiger' by Aliette de Bodard is a fantasy novella set in an interesting world.

Thanh has returned home to the royal court after being held hostage in Ephteria. She brings those memories, along with her first love, Eldris. Her mother disapproves and may not be wrong in her feelings. Thanh fights to keep her inner and external fire in check.

I liked this pretty full story in 112 pages. I liked the interesting world and characters and it feels like there is a lot here in the edges and margins that we don't get but helps to flesh out this story.

I received a review copy of this ebook from Macmillan-Tor/Forge and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.


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Living With Mochi

author: Gemma Gene
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.27
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2021/05/03
date added: 2021/05/03
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Living With Mochi' by Gemma Gene is a collection of comics about a pet pug named Mochi.

Mochi has plenty of personality, at least according to this book. The chapters talk about different aspects of Mochi's life, like how he joined the family, how much he likes food and sleep and what he thinks of other family members. Mochi doesn't like walks much or going to the doctor, either.

These comics are pretty cute. I really liked the art as well.

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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The Night Is Deep and Wide

author: Gillian Sze
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published:
rating: 4
read at: 2021/05/03
date added: 2021/05/03
shelves: childrens
review:
'The Night Is Deep and Wide' by Gillian Sze with illustrations by Sue Todd is a picture book about a quiet world going to sleep.

In a gentle read-aloud, the reader watches as the tulips close one by one. Creatures settle down for the night and the world begins to hush.

It's a lovely quiet book with beautiful illustrations. It's just the kind of thing to soothe a sleepy child right off to sleep.

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


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The House in the Cerulean Sea

author: T.J. Klune
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.52
book published: 2020
rating: 4
read at: 2021/05/02
date added: 2021/05/02
shelves: sword-and-laser
review:
'The House in the Cerulean Sea' by T.J. Klune is a fantasy novel about magical children and a bureaucrat sent to find out more about them. It was the book club pick for March for my online book club.

Linus Baker lives in the gray city and works as a case worker at the Department in Charge of Magical Youth. It's a demeaning existence, until one day he gets called before the bosses and given an assignment that will change his life forever. He finds himself out of his comfort zone and questioning his drab life.

I liked this book quite a lot. It's got lots of quotable prose. The characters are pretty memorable. There are things that felt a bit over-stereotyped, like the faceless bosses or the extreme contrast between The life Linus has in the city and on the island.


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Shadow Service Vol. 1

author: Cavan Scott
name: Wayne
average rating: 4.00
book published: 2021
rating: 4
read at: 2021/05/02
date added: 2021/05/02
shelves: graphic-novels
review:
'Shadow Service Vol. 1: Dark Arts' by Cavan Scott with illustrations by Corin Howell is a graphic novel that tells an urban fantasy story.

Gina is a P.I. with an edge. She's a natural born witch and she has a rat familiar for helping out. When her case crosses paths with London's dark spy society, MI666, there is an initial mistrust, then they try to recruit her. Along the way, we get Gina's backstory.

This was engaging storytelling and it kept me interested from the beginning. The art is prett good too. I'd like to read more about this character and the creepy world she lives in.

I received a review copy of this graphic novel from Vault Comics, 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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