book review

Book Review: Knight’s Castle

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Knight's Castle
Knight’s Castle by Edward Eager

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Roger and Ann’s father is ill, and Roger wishes on an ancient lead soldier toy for his father to be healed. But the magical lead soldier tells Roger that wishes must be earned, and Roger, his sister, and their cousins are swept into an adventure of derring-do in the Merry England of Robin Hood, Ivanhoe, and King Richard the Lionheart.

The moment Roger arrives in this magical land, everything seems to go wrong despite his good intentions! Roger begins to doubt that he can ever do enough good deeds to earn a wish for his father, and it’s only when he relies on his sister and cousins that the adventure truly begins to come together with surprising results for everyone. Continue reading →

Book Review: The Soldiers of Halla

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The Soldiers of Halla
The Soldiers of Halla by D.J. MacHale

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I’m so happy with this last book in the series. There were a lot of questions answered and mysteries solved, and somehow it all finally made sense. I loved seeing all the story threads from previous books coming together, and all the settings being revisited.

There was a big information dump near the beginning that got a little tedious, but at least all that stuff was explained finally. But other than that, the writing is (as always) funny, serious, well-paced, compelling, heart-wrenching, with a sense of urgency that keeps you reading.

I was completely riveted with the plot, the action, and the characters! I cried a few times, and I was laughing at other times. I was utterly invested in the story.

After sticking with these characters through 10 books, it was so rewarding to see them growing into these amazing people, coming into their own, and I was cheering them on, fighting their battles alongside them. They are like real people to me now. Continue reading →

Book Review: Half Magic

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Half Magic
Half Magic by Edward Eager

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When four siblings find a talisman that grants wishes, they discover it will only give you half of what you wish for. This troublesome magic takes some getting used to, and the children make mistaken wishes with hilarious results! But is the talisman purposefully creating trouble, or is it pushing them towards a happier destiny?
A rollicking magical adventure through time and space and the children’s own backyard!

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Book Review: The Penderwicks in Spring

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The Penderwicks in Spring
The Penderwicks in Spring by Jeanne Birdsall

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Another amazingly wonderful book in this series! Little Batty is in 5th grade, and she’s no longer the youngest Penderwick sister. Lydia is the baby of the family, and clings to Batty and Ben as they form a group of Younger Penderwick Siblings. Batty discovers a love of singing and wants to surprise her family with a vocal concert on her birthday, but things don’t go as planned and poor Batty suffers as old family wounds are revealed.

As always, I adore the quirky intelligent varied personalities of every Penderwick character. That whole family is so adorable! Continue reading →

Book Review: The Optimized Woman

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The Optimized Woman: Using Your Menstrual Cycle to Achieve Success and Fulfillment
The Optimized Woman: Using Your Menstrual Cycle to Achieve Success and Fulfillment by Miranda Gray

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This book gave me some great ideas about how to deal with my cycle, allowing myself the rest I need sometimes, and taking advantage of the energy I feel at other times. I loved how there are many specific things to look for, and specific ideas to try. Continue reading →

Duology Review: The Prisoner of Zenda / Rupert of Hentzau

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The Prisoner of Zenda / Rupert of Hentzau
The Prisoner of Zenda / Rupert of Hentzau by Anthony Hope

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

When Rudolf goes on vacation to Ruritania, he discovers that he is the King’s doppelganger. When the King is kidnapped by his evil half-brother, Duke Michael, Rudolf is persuaded to masquerade on the throne until the real King can be rescued. While Rudolf’s quick wit and steady nerves will help him to act as King, he is unprepared for the vagaries of the heart when he meets Princess Flavia.

I enjoyed both the books in this duology so much! The adventure, the espionage, the dashing heroes, the battles for honor and love, and of course, the beautiful Princess Flavia who inspires others to daring deeds of courage and loyalty. Continue reading →

Manga Review: Your Lie In April

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四月は君の嘘 1
四月は君の嘘 1 by Naoshi Arakawa

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Kousei is a young pianist who stopped playing the piano when his mother died. When he meets Kaori, a violinist, she sweeps him back into the world of music by insisting that he accompany her in a violin/piano competition. Gradually, Kousei begins to deal with his grief, and finds his way back into living a life with meaning. Although Kaori is wild and full of fun, she is hiding her own dark secret grief.

I have so much love for this series, especially because it is all about musicians, and specifically a pianist. I have played piano and taught piano lessons for more than 20 years, and anything having to do with music is near to my heart. I love how the musicians in this manga are portrayed, full of the love of their artform, full of creativity, and sensitive to beauty in the world around them. Continue reading →

Manga Series Review: Orange

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Orange 1
Orange 1 by Ichigo Takano

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love this manga! Naho receives a letter from her future self, and has to follow a long list of instructions in order to save her friend. Naho’s future self is suffering from all these regrets and it’s up to the young Naho to live her life in a new way, make hard decisions, and move past her shyness to become a bold new person.

The artwork is good, the characters are funny, and the writing is great! I love how all the characters are memorable and different. There is a lot of light-hearted comedy mixed in with the tragedy. I loved the sweetness of the story mingled with the serious material.

 

Orange 2
Orange 2 by Ichigo Takano

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I love seeing all these friends growing closer, realizing their feelings, dealing with heartbreak and worry. Naho is so cute as she learns not to be so nervous around boys, and she is growing stronger and more confident on every page!
I am loving this manga so much! The story really tugs at your heartstrings!

Orange 3
Orange 3 by Ichigo Takano

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Things are heating up for the friends as they desperately work together to save Kakeru, and I love seeing how they really come together to support him. This story is so heart-felt and sweet, and I love that there are many light-hearted and funny moments in the middle of the serious subjects.
The characters are all so memorable!

Orange 4
Orange 4 by Ichigo Takano

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Oh my goodness, this manga just keeps getting better and better! I want to scream at the characters and cry and laugh with them. I adore every single person in this group of wacky friends.
I may be emotionally involved with this story. Yes, I think so. Probably. Yes.

 

Orange 5 by Ichigo Takano
Orange 5
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

My face is crying. My face is crying so much. Just a beautiful wonderful ending to this manga series! I loved seeing these friends all band together to save one of their own. I loved how each member of the group really had to open up and become vulnerable as they all got closer. Especially Naho had to take risks and become a bolder person in order to save her friend.
What a perfect ending! I love it so much!