Special Investigations Department Chief, Zhao Yulan is on a case regarding a murder at a local university of a student who has her organs removed. WitSpecial Investigations Department Chief, Zhao Yulan is on a case regarding a murder at a local university of a student who has her organs removed. With his colleagues and a new recruit, Zhao sets out on his investigation leading to a theory that a supernatural relic was unleashed onto the mortal realm. During his investigation, he becomes acquainted with professor, Shen Wei, and Zhao begins the experience of feeling lust...
Now I have read plenty of queer stories at this point, and many of them were pretty decent to say the least. Guardian felt like it was two different types of stories mashed together, one half fantasy mystery & the second half the romance. The first half is really focused on the crime at hand, with only sporadic hits of attractions between the two leads, then it takes a turn when becoming heavily focused on the romantic aspect and putting the mystery to a background. While the story pacing was already slow, I did start to lose gradual interest as it progressed. Maybe this kind of style just isn't for me, and I don't think I would be moving forward with this series, unfortunately. On the one plus side, I did enjoy and recognize familiar Chinese phrases within here, so it's a little nice. ...more
Taking a slightly different gear, Diper Overlode is focused on Rodrick's band as they prepare for the Battle of the Bands. Greg recounts his time as aTaking a slightly different gear, Diper Overlode is focused on Rodrick's band as they prepare for the Battle of the Bands. Greg recounts his time as a roadie as misfortune and bad decisions appear to block the band's chances of winning the competition. At their low point, the bandmates also seeks out the wisdom of their idols, Metallichihuahua, a former metal act that have since retired. The only problem is that can they find where their heroes are in time before the competition starts?
So this diary takes a different turn where Rodrick gets more of the spotlight here than anyone else, including Greg, though he is the one telling the story. In the process, all the usual characters: Susan, Frank, Manny & Rowley are pushed to making small cameos throughout the plot. It still keeps up with the same humor as previous books where bad luck and poor decision making are the root cause of all their misfortunes. Since it is Rodrick we're talking about, the decisions he makes are even more half-baked than how Greg would do, whether that's to your own amusement or chagrin. I enjoyed it, more for how in other books Rodrick does get much consequences for much his own bad actions, and here it comes back to bite him every time. Of course, the heavier focus on him feels like a missed opportunity for the other characters be a part of the slapstick at the same time. Like Big Shot, this one ends on a "happier" ending than some of the other books, but there were some open endings to certain plot points that were not closed. Despite that, it is still enjoyable to me, but I prefer if it stook to Greg's perspective or included the other cast in it more. ...more
Volume 10 continues the daily life of ex-Yakuza turned househusband, Tatsu. Through his acquaintance, he gets a job as a supermarket security to catchVolume 10 continues the daily life of ex-Yakuza turned househusband, Tatsu. Through his acquaintance, he gets a job as a supermarket security to catch any sneaking thieves. Of course, it ends in fabulous Tatsu fashion when he captures the unknown thief. Then he and his gang of housewives assist in a member's struggle with her weight, though that's not stopping him from making his new group almost like a new yakuza. Tatsu also gets to meet his former boss's granddaughter, whom he realizes is a lot more than handle when it comes to satisfying the girl. Still Tatsu continues to show his worth and heroic deeds when it comes to helping out a neighbor, lecturing of a healthy lifestyle and prepping up a gift exchange.
Noticeably, Volume 10 has Tatsu spend more time outdoors and out of the house, with only about one chapter devoted to being in his own home. Similarly, Miku, his wife, only has prominence in two scenes as well. It is not bad, in fact it gets a chance to showcase some of Tatsu's friends much more, including new character, An, the Big Boss's granddaughter. In more of a surprise move, the general tone of this manga is much more calmer, with the exception of a few chapters, compared to previous ones. Tatsu, himself, doesn't have too many outbursts or overexaggerated moments either. Again, not bad, just surprising. So while the formula is almost the same as previous ones, it is still very much an entertaining, lighthearted series that I shall continue to move forward with....more
Admittedly, I never read any works of Billy Collins, so this is my first try at what his poetry is like. All new, 50 poems and what a pleaser this colAdmittedly, I never read any works of Billy Collins, so this is my first try at what his poetry is like. All new, 50 poems and what a pleaser this collection is. His works are pretty short and the titles are usually also pretty direct on what they are about. All of them are about mostly mundane or everyday occurrences that we often do not look as heavily significant to the roles they play in a bigger picture. And yet, Collins managed to capture beauty and life in such trivial and simplistic activities that they sound as refreshing to do as they are mundane.
I can see why other reviewers are openly positive about Billy Collins and his other works. Such daily activities are put into a humorous, witty and introspective insight that they just seem fun and relaxing to do. Additionally, there is a small theme of morality doused in and around selected works. But truly, this is a case where such short works of poetry have greater depth when you look more into it. I wish I could say more, but it is hard for me to describe thoroughly what I felt when I read Whale Day. I would like to add that I listened to an audiobook version here, with the author narrating his own work, and that added to the ambient pleasure I experienced when listening to these poems read aloud. I would say Billy Collins won me over, as I would gladly pick up another work of his to explore. ...more
The third and final book of the Max Disaster continues onward about learning to adapt to changes. Max is still heart broken about his parents' divorceThe third and final book of the Max Disaster continues onward about learning to adapt to changes. Max is still heart broken about his parents' divorce, and much to his chargin, his Mom is dating again. This coincides with his class learning about evolution, a series of changes to adapt to new environment. Max is about to learn of more changes to come.
Initially, the book started off good with Max adjusting to his family's situation and his angst about his Mom moving on. However, there's really no closure about the situation. Although by the end, Max accepts he'll have to learn to adapt again, it was never brought up much about the conflict he has with both parents. In fact, I would his family was barely present much to the plot. While it's admirable Marissa Moss tries to aim at the boy demographic with Max, it felt a little lackluster and with minimal development going on in storyline too. It's a shame, cause I did enjoy her Amelia series a lot more than I did this one....more
One Summer in Savannah was selected as part of the Together We Read, an online bookclub. Sara is a single mom raising her daughter, Alana, on her own One Summer in Savannah was selected as part of the Together We Read, an online bookclub. Sara is a single mom raising her daughter, Alana, on her own in Maine. When she got word that her Dad was hospitalized, she returns home to Savannah to see him. But not without hesitation. Nine years ago, Sara got raped by Daniel Wyler, son of the prominent family in the town. The experience and following trial was devastating for her, and was the reason behind Alana's conception. Taking care of her father, she still deals with the demons within her. On the other side, Jacob, the twin brother of Daniel, discovers that Sara is back and is also dealing with the trauma that broke apart his family. Both individuals would soon find the meaning behind forgiveness.
This was a long novel packed with many characters, many different experiences, and handling a difficult topic. There's an even balance between character and plot, though it definitely is more character driven. Sara and Jacob are both dealing with trauma they vowed to never forgive or forget and it impacts their mentality. However, as the story progresses, they also realize there is power in forgiveness, one that can help heal their wounds. The portrayl of their resentment and actions are believable, in that it is not an easy decision to make. But for both, it represented the freedom of the burden and pain to be lifted. For what it's worth, I do fond the story to be very moving and uplifting in its theme, even though there are small areas that drag on for a bit. One Summer in Savannah us well worth the read and I am glad Together We Read chose this one for this year's selection....more
And so the slice of life if Max Disaster continues. He's got assigned a new report to do with his best friend, Omar, on the topic of pyramids. He's veAnd so the slice of life if Max Disaster continues. He's got assigned a new report to do with his best friend, Omar, on the topic of pyramids. He's very into it, whether it be how pyramids are made or the supernatural elements associated with them. All the same, Max tries to see if he can his parents to be reunited.
Although the book follows the same formula as the first one, there's definitely less focus going on Max's personal life than the previous one. There was more focus on Egyptology, though I don't think it's enough for kids to know much on the subject, but the experiments were kind of cool. However, the overall plot felt like little had happened and barely appeared until the end of the story. While I don't expect Marissa Moss to go that deep into the storyline, it felt a little lackluster here.
A spin-off of Amelia's Notebook, Marissa Moss introduces Amelia's classmate, Max through his own notebook. Unlike Amelia's own notebook, Max doesn't wA spin-off of Amelia's Notebook, Marissa Moss introduces Amelia's classmate, Max through his own notebook. Unlike Amelia's own notebook, Max doesn't want to document everything in his life, rather he wants to write down every idea that pops into his head in this little book. Coming from parents who are both scientists, Max is very much into science, especially if the topics relate to robots or aliens. He and his friend, Omar, got an idea to pass their boring class by making an alien colony out of erasers and writing a comic about an alien visiting Earth. But Max starts realizing certain changes in his home, his parents are fighting more, and rumor of divorce is heading his way. Max begins to learn that his story about an alien in a strange land is becoming real, only that he sees himself in a strange new world.
Possibly due to the popularity of the Amelia series had with girls, Marissa Moss may have thought up Max Disaster as a book for the boy audience. In his own book, Max comes off as a typical boy, sort of: very into robotics, gets bored in class easily, likes drawing comics, and is irritated by his pimpled older brother. Each page is filled with scientific inventions, alien comics, and his own art. Admittedly, the art is not as well-put or as sporadic as Amelia's, but given that Max never admitted to liking art, it's an inverted trope since it's suppose to be his own style. Even though he admits he doesn't want to write about his life, Max does pour a couple pages around regarding his parents' divorce. While it doesn't go too deep, it does present readers with a subtle way in looking how divorce could feel for a child around Max's age.
Surprisingly, I never heard of the spin-off, given that I was into the Amelia series when around this book was published in 2009. I do like it for what it's worth, as Max himself is different from the personality of Amelia, so I expected his wouldn't be as detailed as she was. But it is still an enjoyable read. ...more
Lemony Snicket has returned after all these years to discuss what he has for breakfast. Or more importantly, what he found in his breakfast for he hasLemony Snicket has returned after all these years to discuss what he has for breakfast. Or more importantly, what he found in his breakfast for he has been poisoned! Upon finishing up his meal and find a scrap sheet of paper that said it's been poisoned, Snicket contemplates about everything: where the poison came from, who put it in his food, what did he do to deserve it, etc. On a life-limited journey, Snicket goes to see how he will find his answer in the most peculiar of ways.
Having read A Series of Unfortunate Events, the writing style of Lemony Snicket is pretty much on par with that series. Wordy with exposition and a sarcastic tone, makes it for an entertaining read. In fact, this little book is a surprising mix of philosophy, mystery and humor altogether. It is very much in vein of A Series of Unfortunate Events, though much more lighthearted here. If you witty voices and numerous book references all around, give this little book a try, you might come out thinking differently about life. ...more
Walter Davis has it tough, at only 20, he lost his mother to lung cancer and he is homeless. Living in his car, he attempts to get his dream job in fiWalter Davis has it tough, at only 20, he lost his mother to lung cancer and he is homeless. Living in his car, he attempts to get his dream job in finance, unfortunately, the job is fried on his first day. Walter knows he can get himself out his predicament, he just has to keep on going.
From what I gathered about Rapid Reads based on other reviews, these stories are short, but on point and likely used in classrooms for positive literature reinforcement. The Way It Works fits into that, with a short page count and a story that teaches about perseverance and positive outlook. Walter is likeable and not too angsty about how his situation came to be, which is a little unique. I like it enough for what it is....more
The Wall is a picture book about a little boy and his father going to see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. As the father searches for the grandfathThe Wall is a picture book about a little boy and his father going to see the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. As the father searches for the grandfather's name among the many others, the boy notices the other things happening at the wall. A group of schoolgirls placing flags, an older couple weeping, a former soldier paying his respects, and a grandpa with his grandson. Upon finding his grandfather's name, the boy realizes what this place means him and the others that come to see the wall.
While it lacks the historical information about the Memorial Wall, Eve Bunting captures the reality of families who had their loved ones go serve in the war. In short words, Bunting describes the bittersweet tone of missing them, and for boy's perspective, missing the opportunity to get to know them. Hilmer's watercolors also compliments the story well with its detailed and calm style. I would say this is an excellent tribute to the veterans that served. ...more
Big Shot has Greg Heffley deciding to enroll on a sports team, mainly motivated to reach the fame and riches that comes with being a top athlete. TherBig Shot has Greg Heffley deciding to enroll on a sports team, mainly motivated to reach the fame and riches that comes with being a top athlete. There's only one issue, Greg's no good at any sports. By luck, he got accepted into a last-minute formed basketball team with other rejects. Despite all of them being rejects, the coach is going to make them into a formidable team....it's just going to take a lot of elbow grease. Every tournament they enter, they are continuously creamed and made fools of. But when Susan Heffley decides to take over, could things change for Greg and his team?
Well this is a lot better than Wrecking Ball for sure. Greg and his rag team competing against pro-players were definitely laughable moments. One of the surprising things in Big Shot was the near absence of Greg's family and Rowley, with the exception of Susan, none of them had much of an appearance, nor even a role much in this book. It's pretty much heavily focused on the basketball team for much of the entirety. The other surprise was where Susan takes over and her motives supports my point that she's one of the worst in the Heffley family. Still, the ending does go well off for Greg, more so than how other previous ones ended for him, so I give that. ...more
As the title suggests, Cassie has found herself a new roommate in a new apartment. The place looks the style of another century and the rent sounds toAs the title suggests, Cassie has found herself a new roommate in a new apartment. The place looks the style of another century and the rent sounds too good to be true. The real mystery is why her roommate is secretive of his room and why he dresses in a fashion right out of Bridgerton. Once Cassie finds out that Frederick is definitely more than what he seems, do things push to a new level and new relationships.
Written as a rom-com, My Roommate Is a Vampire is an entertaining story of falling in love with a vampire. Thankfully, Frederick is not an angsty or bloodthirsty vampire preying on vulnerable victims, he's rather charming and sensitive, and wants to explore the modern world. Cassie, the main lead, is ripe in personality as a struggling artist making ends meet while trying to fulfill her dream of an art career. There's fun banther and generally good development in showing a gradual love relationship between the two. Easy reading and rather quick on the flow of the story, though I do feel that the main conflict had a rather anticlimatic closing. It's a lighthearted romance read for Halloween horror, one where art, social media and a hot vampire takes the stage....more
Plot Twist is about two different individuals: one hit wonder author, Sophie Lyons, and Dash Montrose, a former teen actor. Sophia is going through a Plot Twist is about two different individuals: one hit wonder author, Sophie Lyons, and Dash Montrose, a former teen actor. Sophia is going through a bad case of writer's block, her second novel is barely developed and her publisher is pushing for a manuscript or else she'll be let go. To make matters worse, a viral video of her, drunk at karaoke, has her shouting out that she'd never been in love and love is never real. Now Sophie is looking to PR control, and surprisingly, the advice to take a documented journey through her love life to figure out herself comes from her landlord, Dash. Dash is a former actor, having lost his appetite for acting with his career-ambitious mother's interference being one reason. The other is that he's trying to maintain sobriety, having had a drinking problem for much of his career. But Dash's Mom is not giving up, and is pressuring him to go back to the business. The two protagonists will soon find themselves they may have more in common with each other than they initially believe.
For a romance novel, it is not so melodramatic as it is cliched on certain romantic tropes. However, I do like the more lighthearted tone with this novel than the other romance novel I have read this month. The dialogue is definitely not cringey, and feels as close to authentic as possible for a fictional romance novel. Both the characters of Sophia and Dash are likeable and relatable, though I found some of the secondary characters to be under developed. But may be due to the viewpoints being limited to just the duo, so they really lack prominence. One other thing I didn't enjoy as much was the ending act, as I found it a little rushed about rehab and recovery, considering how the author took her time to explore the relationships and struggles Dash & Sophia had. Also, the heavy presence of TikTok was weird at certain points, but that may just be me since I don't use that app. Overall, Plot Twist does have some surprises lurking about for a tropey romance novel, which I found adds to the appeal of its story. ...more
Now with Volume 4 of Heartstoppers, there is a little change in tone. While it was mentioned briefly in the past novels, things get shaken up when ChaNow with Volume 4 of Heartstoppers, there is a little change in tone. While it was mentioned briefly in the past novels, things get shaken up when Charlie wants to confess how much he is in love with Nick. Meanwhile, Nick is growing concern over Charlie's health, he's been eating less, getting into fights with his parents more, and has become more exhausted lately. It gets to the point that Charlie needs to go into therapy by his own admission. Then Nick must also face the fact that he has to tell his distant father of his coming out as well as his own family struggles. For sure, there are skeletons that are starting to escape both of their closets as they near their senior year.
Compared to previous volumes, the fourth one definitely takes a much more serious, although not totally dark, turn of events. There's heavier discussions on mental health and family dysfunctions in here than before. During Charlie's pages, it shows thoroughly how hard it is to admit they're going through stuff and that while going to therapy is a good option, it doesn't heal all the pain instantly. Charlie's problems are dealt realistically and done in a relatable way that shows a positive way on how to deal with these issues. Similarly, Nick's POV is executed well in stating how it takes more than one person to save another, it is the individual themselves who must initiate the stages of healing. What definitely did like was the way the pair figure out they still need other people in their lives, in that, just being together is not healthy enough for their own sakes. Even if it took almost the whole volume to figure out, I'm glad they realized that. And it appears their relationship has grown even stronger than ever before too in the process.
On a minor note, I did find the romance to have become even more sappier than before. Obviously, since the whole plot is about two boys falling in love, it would be the main focus. I think it's probably because I had overexposed myself in the romance genre a lot more than I thought, so I don't think would've looked forward to more of that, even though I did want to continue this saga. Other than that, I found Volume 4 to be a very fulfilling, even better than all the predecessors, with all the family dynamics and the melodrama that occurred here. Of course, Volume 5 could be the best of the bunch as it will the finale to this love story, and I will be looking forward to it once it comes out. ...more
Crush is a poetry collection by Richard Siken. It seems to be mainly focused on the themes of boy on boy love, or in some cases, obsession. Many of thCrush is a poetry collection by Richard Siken. It seems to be mainly focused on the themes of boy on boy love, or in some cases, obsession. Many of the poetry on here describes the adrenaline rush of fixation that comes with finding the one. Of which, instead of the usual idea of romantic, these come off as heavily dramatic and extremely tense. From the urge of wanting to the shame of their identity. Yet, there are also small moments of tenderness abound every few pages.
I would say it is quite different from the usual poetry I read, but this was particularly unique. I can't exactly describe what I feel when I read this, but it is good for sure. I do agree with one top reviewer that it does feel like a storyline where much of the context is taken out, and all we get to see is the action and most dramatic scenes. If you want a pice of poetry that leans on more heavier analysis, I think Crush is good choice to start that process....more
I'm back to reading the Alvin Ho books, this one's an earlier book about camping. Alvin Ho is a very anxious boy, anything could scare him. When he heI'm back to reading the Alvin Ho books, this one's an earlier book about camping. Alvin Ho is a very anxious boy, anything could scare him. When he hears about what camping for his friends was like, he is not interested, until his Dad proposes a little trip. Frightful, Alvin tries to find ways to avoid the trip, and when that fails, he takes advice from his brother Calvin, his dad, and Uncle Dennis on how to prepare. Of course, Alvin knows you can never be fully prepared when you go out and face nature.
Done in a humorous manner, Alvin learns how to face his fears and embrace the wilderness. This book follows the same formula to the other one I read, with a screw up happening and Alvin learning how to fix it while overcoming his fears. But like other endings in this series, just because he managed to fix the problem, doesn't mean the rest of the family is spared from the issue of toilet paper, poison ivy, and a large credit card bill. ...more
Influenced by her own experiences with mental health, Kaufman's When the World Didn't End comes off as real as how a poet can describe their struggle.Influenced by her own experiences with mental health, Kaufman's When the World Didn't End comes off as real as how a poet can describe their struggle. Many, if not all, the poems in this book are related towards topics of depression, pain, recovery, trauma, and other similar issues. However, while she writes on dark topics, much of the tone is from someone who survived. Kaufman appears to be reconnecting with her past self in these words, and showing that her future could always be possible even with the cards she dealt with. If anything, the poetry here shows her having a more positive outlook in her situations while keeping her health under control. Kaufman is pretty blunt on the issues she suffered from most of her youth and well aware of the pain it caused her.
Having never read Kaufman's other works, I will say When The World Didn't End is a surprising piece of work. Some of the works are relatable and I can see why it would attract readers in here, but the main reason that I find it appealing is because of how blunt she is about her dark past. There was no sugar-coating in her tone nor were words coming off as flavorful, if you get what I mean. Even with the dark issues, it is a welcoming piece to read about someone who looks at the past, but doesn't let it define their future. ...more
Gone Camping is a children's novel told in verses. A family with two children, Sam and Lucy, are excited to go camping. But when Dad falls ill, and MoGone Camping is a children's novel told in verses. A family with two children, Sam and Lucy, are excited to go camping. But when Dad falls ill, and Mom needs to stay with him, Sam and Lucy are taken camping with Gramps. Surprisingly, Gramps is shown to be a good camp director and the siblings get to do all fun sorts of exploration and camping activities. They go through all sorts of experience: going fishing, scavenging, fire-making, and enduring snoring. And they return home, ready for the next camping trip.
Gone Camping shows all the fun experiences of camping, mainly from a kid's point of view. The restlessness and anxiety of being out in nature is all very relatable, and played straight in this book. Each event that happens in the story is told in its own form of poetry, which is pretty unique. The author puts in many different styles that greatly shows the details of the plot at hands. The illustrations are also pretty nice, giving me some Ronald Dahl vibes with it. I think most children will be fond of reading Gone Camping for both its simple story and learning poetry in the process. ...more
A supplementary material to the Heartstopper graphic novel series, this yearbook provides some insight from the author on character profiles, a timeliA supplementary material to the Heartstopper graphic novel series, this yearbook provides some insight from the author on character profiles, a timeline of the series creation, mini-in-between comics and drawing tutorials.
Having read three books in the series at this point, this book is meant for more hard-core fans. I like the series, but I felt this book could've been more. Go deeper into the characters that gets less spotlight, more onto the activities and whatnot. Or, you know, format this to be like an actual yearbook, playing into the Heartstopper universe would've been more fulfilling to me....more
Loading...
