Scarlett Hart: Monster Hunter by Marcus Sedgwick (4 stars)
Summary from
Goodreads:
Scarlett Hart, orphaned daughter of two legendary monster
hunters, is determined to carry on in her parents’ footsteps—even if the Royal
Academy for the Pursuit and Eradication of Zoological Eccentricities says she’s
too young to fight perilous horrors. But whether it's creepy mummies or a
horrid hound, Scarlett won’t back down, and with the help of her loyal butler
and a lot of monster-mashing gadgets, she’s on the case.
With her parent’s archrival, Count Stankovic, ratting her out to T.R.A.P.E.Z.E. and taking all the monster-catching rewards for himself, it’s getting hard for Scarlett to do what she was born to do. And when more monsters start mysteriously manifesting than ever before, Scarlett knows she has to get to the bottom of it and save the city... whatever the danger!
In his first adventure for middle-grade readers, acclaimed YA author Marcus Sedgwick teams up with Thomas Taylor (illustrator of the original edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone) to create a rip-roaring romp full of hairy horrors, villainous villains, and introducing the world’s toughest monster hunter—Scarlett Hart!
With her parent’s archrival, Count Stankovic, ratting her out to T.R.A.P.E.Z.E. and taking all the monster-catching rewards for himself, it’s getting hard for Scarlett to do what she was born to do. And when more monsters start mysteriously manifesting than ever before, Scarlett knows she has to get to the bottom of it and save the city... whatever the danger!
In his first adventure for middle-grade readers, acclaimed YA author Marcus Sedgwick teams up with Thomas Taylor (illustrator of the original edition of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone) to create a rip-roaring romp full of hairy horrors, villainous villains, and introducing the world’s toughest monster hunter—Scarlett Hart!
Mini Review:
I really enjoyed this one. I
read it in one sitting.
Really, the only thing that would make it better is more background. More background on the world filled with monsters. More background on the characters. I don’t even know the main character that well. However, I loved her. Young girl fighting monsters, despite fears, underage laws, and bad guys? Yes, I’m in.
On the other hand, it felt like I was kinda reading a comic book, versus a graphic novel. A comic book actually designed for girls. Scarlett was a young Bruce Wayne, for sure. She even had her Alfred. And I guess comic books get background within many installments -not all in the beginning. I hope this gets more installments.
It was just so much fun watching Scarlett take down monsters.
Really, the only thing that would make it better is more background. More background on the world filled with monsters. More background on the characters. I don’t even know the main character that well. However, I loved her. Young girl fighting monsters, despite fears, underage laws, and bad guys? Yes, I’m in.
On the other hand, it felt like I was kinda reading a comic book, versus a graphic novel. A comic book actually designed for girls. Scarlett was a young Bruce Wayne, for sure. She even had her Alfred. And I guess comic books get background within many installments -not all in the beginning. I hope this gets more installments.
It was just so much fun watching Scarlett take down monsters.
Suitors and Sabotage by Cindy Anstey (5 stars)
Summary from
Goodreads:
Shy aspiring artist Imogene Chively has just had a
successful Season in London, complete with a suitor of her father's approval.
Imogene is ambivalent about the young gentleman until he comes to visit her at
the Chively estate with his younger brother in tow. When her interest is
piqued, however, it is for the wrong brother.
Charming Ben Steeple has a secret: despite being an architectural apprentice, he has no drawing aptitude. When Imogene offers to teach him, Ben is soon smitten by the young lady he considers his brother's intended.
But hiding their true feelings becomes the least of their problems when, after a series of "accidents," it becomes apparent that someone means Ben harm. And as their affection for each other grows—despite their efforts to remain just friends—so does the danger. . .
Charming Ben Steeple has a secret: despite being an architectural apprentice, he has no drawing aptitude. When Imogene offers to teach him, Ben is soon smitten by the young lady he considers his brother's intended.
But hiding their true feelings becomes the least of their problems when, after a series of "accidents," it becomes apparent that someone means Ben harm. And as their affection for each other grows—despite their efforts to remain just friends—so does the danger. . .
Mini Review:
This book was just
delightful. It was Jane Austen-light. Reading it was like going to high tea and
finding all your favorite desserts waiting for you.
I loved the romance. I loved the friendship. I loved the family drama. I loved the witty banter. I loved the drawing lessons. And I loved the mini mystery.
This was a fluffy, entertaining book. And I’m so glad this author keeps writing these wonderful historical romances.
I loved the romance. I loved the friendship. I loved the family drama. I loved the witty banter. I loved the drawing lessons. And I loved the mini mystery.
This was a fluffy, entertaining book. And I’m so glad this author keeps writing these wonderful historical romances.
Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli (5 stars)
Summary from
Goodreads:
Leah Burke—girl-band drummer, master of deadpan, and Simon
Spier’s best friend from the award-winning Simon
vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda—takes center stage in this novel of first love
and senior-year angst.
When it comes to drumming, Leah Burke is usually on beat—but real life isn’t always so rhythmic. An anomaly in her friend group, she’s the only child of a young, single mom, and her life is decidedly less privileged. She loves to draw but is too self-conscious to show it. And even though her mom knows she’s bisexual, she hasn’t mustered the courage to tell her friends—not even her openly gay BFF, Simon.
So Leah really doesn’t know what to do when her rock-solid friend group starts to fracture in unexpected ways. With prom and college on the horizon, tensions are running high. It’s hard for Leah to strike the right note while the people she loves are fighting—especially when she realizes she might love one of them more than she ever intended.
When it comes to drumming, Leah Burke is usually on beat—but real life isn’t always so rhythmic. An anomaly in her friend group, she’s the only child of a young, single mom, and her life is decidedly less privileged. She loves to draw but is too self-conscious to show it. And even though her mom knows she’s bisexual, she hasn’t mustered the courage to tell her friends—not even her openly gay BFF, Simon.
So Leah really doesn’t know what to do when her rock-solid friend group starts to fracture in unexpected ways. With prom and college on the horizon, tensions are running high. It’s hard for Leah to strike the right note while the people she loves are fighting—especially when she realizes she might love one of them more than she ever intended.
Mini Review:
All honesty here: I was super
worried about this one. I love where everything ended in Simon, and I wasn’t
sure I was ready to read all the stuff that happened afterward. And I wasn’t
sure I’d like a book about Leah.
I loved this book about Leah! She’s so much more cynical, sarcastic, and awkward than Simon is. I read the whole thing in two sittings. It moves super fast.
I loved getting to see Simon and Bram and their adorable relationship. I loved the Harry Potter references. I loved the musical bits. I loved the characters. And I’m so ecstatically happy that I got to be in Leah’s head here because I loved her way more than I was expecting to.
I had such a ship in this book too. This is a book for those who love having ships.
I guess after 3 wonderful books, it’s safe to say Becky Albertalli knows what she’s doing. And I sincerely hope she writes more.
I loved this book about Leah! She’s so much more cynical, sarcastic, and awkward than Simon is. I read the whole thing in two sittings. It moves super fast.
I loved getting to see Simon and Bram and their adorable relationship. I loved the Harry Potter references. I loved the musical bits. I loved the characters. And I’m so ecstatically happy that I got to be in Leah’s head here because I loved her way more than I was expecting to.
I had such a ship in this book too. This is a book for those who love having ships.
I guess after 3 wonderful books, it’s safe to say Becky Albertalli knows what she’s doing. And I sincerely hope she writes more.
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