{Review} The Tea Dragon Society, The Tea Dragon Festival, & Dewdrop by Katie O' Neill

Hey, guys!

This summer I fell deep into love with Katie O'Neill's writing style, art style, and overall skill. Her books are so engaging and entertaining. I've loved all three that I have read and they have been instant 5-star reads.  

If you adore beautiful art, wholesome and complex stories with wonderful and complex characters, and engaging story-lines --- YOU WILL LOVE THESE BOOKS! 

Please read these books! They deserve every bit of hype that they receive!

Dewdrop is out April 7, 2020

an eARC copy of this book was provided via NetGalley!

This is such a wonderful and uplifting little book.

Dewdrop is so encouraging and works to empathize with their friends to try to make sure that they aren't damaging their mental or physical health.

The different characters all have different struggles that they face. They all overcome their issues with simple, relatable solutions, and they're generally positive and relatable overall.

I think that this is such an important little book for young readers. It shows readers that everyone struggles at times, but with the proper encouragement and a different look on life, you can accomplish anything. I cannot wait to share this with my younger reader friends, older friends, kiddos --- well, anyone! This was such a delight!

I'm definitely going to be a long-term Katie O'Neill fan! 

The Tea Dragon Festival was released September 17, 2019

An eARC was provided via NetGalley for my honest review

This was such a lovely and perfect little story. I absolutely adore everything about this story, the art style, the plot, and the characters. The representation in this book was so freaking wonderful! Wonderfully done! I loved learning more and more about the world of dragons and tea dragons. I'm so in love with this world. I hardcore recommend this book to anyone who loves whimsical, lovely, soft stories. Everything by Katie O'Neill is perfect so far.

The Tea Dragon Society was released on October 31, 2017

I borrowed this sweet book from my local library

This was such a perfect story. It made me laugh, it made me cry, it made me feel so much emotion! If you haven't read this beautiful story yet, you are missing out!

Katie O'Neill has a magical, heartwarming storytelling skill that I rarely find in my favorite books. I tend to go for the darker, more violent stories and protagonists, but this book and her later books made me really appreciate the more wholesome and fluffy aspects that I love in my favorite characters, fantasy worlds, and my dragon babies. 

I don't want to spoil too much of this book, but I honestly think that every moment of it is perfect. I cannot wait to read it again and binge all of O'Neill's books. She deserves the world!

Happy reading!

Olivia

~ Liv the Book Nerd ~

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{Review} Nevermoor: The Trials of Morrigan Crow (Nevermoor #1) by Jessica Townsend

Page Count: 465

Published On: October 31, 2017

Published By: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers

Genre(s): Fantasy, Middle Grade, Adventure 

Source: paperback - personally purchased

Where To Find It: Amazon // Book Depository 

My Rating: 5 stars 

Goodreads synopsis:

A cursed girl escapes death and finds herself in a magical world - but is then tested beyond her wildest imagination

Morrigan Crow is cursed. Having been born on Eventide, the unluckiest day for any child to be born, she's blamed for all local misfortunes, from hailstorms to heart attacks--and, worst of all, the curse means that Morrigan is doomed to die at midnight on her eleventh birthday.

But as Morrigan awaits her fate, a strange and remarkable man named Jupiter North appears. Chased by black-smoke hounds and shadowy hunters on horseback, he whisks her away into the safety of a secret, magical city called Nevermoor.

It's then that Morrigan discovers Jupiter has chosen her to contend for a place in the city's most prestigious organization: the Wundrous Society. In order to join, she must compete in four difficult and dangerous trials against hundreds of other children, each boasting an extraordinary talent that sets them apart - an extraordinary talent that Morrigan insists she does not have. To stay in the safety of Nevermoor for good, Morrigan will need to find a way to pass the tests - or she'll have to leave the city to confront her deadly fate.

~~~

Content/Trigger Warnings: abusive parental figures and abandonment

Hey, guys!

I purchased this book at the insistence of my friends: Brooke, Mariana, Becky, and Alice. This lovely book has circulated bookstagram, book twitter, booktube, and the book community and taken it by storm since its publication in 2017. Let me tell you, guys, I'm pretty much kicking myself for waiting so long to read this book. It has to be one of my new favorites of 2019 and I'm so excited to continue reading more of Townsend's books in the future.

The Trials of Morrigan Crow follows Morrigan as she comes upon her eleventh birthday, the last birthday that she will experience before her foretold death on her twelfth birthday. Morrigan is a cursed child, a child who brings mayhem and destruction wherever she goes -- and she can't control it. Because she was born on Eventide, she is deemed one of the unluckiest children in the Republic. She's to blame for any bad occurrence in her area and she is doomed to die on Eventide when she turns twelve years old. On the day of her eleventh birthday, however, a mysterious man named Juniper North appears and takes her away to the land of Nevermoor, escaping her cursed death and the horrible things that follow her. Juniper has chosen Morrigan to be his candidate for the Wundrous Society. To join the society, she must complete a series of trials against many other hopeful children with extraordinary talents. To stay in Nevermoor, Morrigan must beat them in the trials and confront the terrible things that she left behind in her home town.

This book was so well crafted and magical. If you enjoy elements from Harry Potter (JK Rowling), Furthermore and Whichwood (Tahereh Mafi), The Land of Stories series (Chris Colfer), and the Sisters Grimm series (Michael Buckley) -- you will definitely enjoy this story!

This was a lovely testament to finding your true family (or found family). It truly warmed my heart to read Morrigan's story and journey to finding a loving family. I think this book could really help children realize that even if they feel like their blood family doesn't love an appreciate them, there is someone out there that does love them. The universe has a way of connecting the unloved with those who love them. This book is a testament to that. 

This book also shows kids, readers, etc. that you are more than you think you are and that you can do anything you set your heart to do. Throughout the story, Morrigan's insecurities caused her to doubt herself and the trials that she went through during her first 11 years really knocked her down. But when she finally was pushed into a nurturing and caring environment, she saw that with encouragement and love and kindness, she is more than what her family and her old town made her out to be. You are not born evil. The things that you encounter and shape you cause you to go along that path. Just like in Christian mythology, the Bible shows that humanity was not evil upon creation. Man's actions caused him to go down the path of damnation. Therefore Man and his ancestors are no longer perfect in the sight of God. I'm not sure why I added this religious crash course to evil, but I guess that happened. 

While reading this book, I experienced feelings of absolute joy. I don't think I've enjoyed a middle-grade story like this since I first read Harry Potter. I wish this had been published when I was 11. I cannot wait to share this with my 11-year-old sister. This story is so beautiful, whimsical, and fantastical. It is a truly wonderful story for all ages. I cannot wait to read the second book in the series and I hope that there are more and more.

I definitely recommend this book! Please please please read it and let me know what you think of it in the comments!

Happy reading,

Olivia

~Liv the Book Nerd~
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New Adult Reviews -Colleen Hoover & Erin Watt Edition

Hey, guys!

I'm back with another group of reviews! This past year was a really great year for reading new adult romance. I really enjoyed exploring the genre and finding the authors that I enjoyed. I'm excited to see what other new adult books I pick up in 2019. Stay tuned for more reviews and maybe some rereads!

November 9 by Colleen Hoover

Page Count: 310

Published on: November 10, 2015

Published by: Atria Books

Genre(s): Romance, New Adult, Contemporary

Source: Print

Where To Find It: Goodreads// Amazon  

My Rating: 4 stars

TW: trauma, questionable advances, non-consensual sexual advances 

     I have a love-hate relationship with this book. I absolutely adore the characters - Fallon and Ben. I loved the whole concept of this book. It was really unrealistic but so addicting to read and I couldn't put it down. I really wish it had been executed a little differently, but overall I really enjoyed the story. Though I really enjoyed the concept and the characters. I also really loved how the book would make fun of itself sometimes. It was sort of meta, but also not? I'm not sure what to think. 

     With that being said, there were also quite a few aspects that were really problematic. I'm still not sure what to rate this book because of these elements. I really did not enjoy how Colleen used trauma and exploited the character's self-confidence issues to further the relationship. That really irritated me and made me feel gross for enjoying the book. Ben also really did not understand what consent meant. Some of the "romantic" scenes made me very uncomfortable and I wish they had been handled with more care. I understood what Colleen was going for, but the execution was just not stellar. 

      I think I'm going to reread this book in 2019. I'd love to mark up my book and write a longer review. I'm just so unsure at this point, but I really wanted to get my initial thoughts down. 

When reading this book, read with caution. 

It Ends With Us ~ 3 stars

Page Count: 367

Published on: August 2, 2016

Published by: Atria Books

Genre(s): Romance, New Adult, Contemporary

Source: Print

Where To Find It: Goodreads// Amazon  

My Rating: 3 stars

     I read this book while on a plane to and from Seattle, Washington and let me tell you...this was a hard book to read. The topic was incredibly impactful and very hard to stomach at times. This probably the most impactful CoHo book to date. I really did enjoy this book quite a lot. Lily is such an admirable and wonderful character. I absolutely adored reading her story. She is one of those characters that I can't help but root for and be proud of. She was raw, she was realistic, she was vulnerable, she was stronger than I could ever be. 

     The powerful message of this book is so inspirational but so heartbreaking. I love the originality of this storyline and I'm so glad that I picked this up. If you read this book, I implore that you read the author's note after finishing this book...but only AFTER, okay? It's pretty essential to the whole ending of the book. 

All Your Perfects by Colleen Hoover

Page Count: 306

Published on: July 17, 2018

Published by: Atria Books

Genre(s): Romance, New Adult, Contemporary

Source: Print

Where To Find It: Goodreads// Amazon  

My Rating: 4 stars

     This was another CoHo book that I could hardly put down (that tends to be the case whenever I read her books). This was another romance novel that touched on such a relevant and heartbreaking for both parties in the relationship: infertility. While reading this book, I felt so incredibly empathetic for Quinn and Graham. Their love is so beautiful and real, but when they begin to have problems having a child, their relationship and marriage are tested. 

     This story was absolutely beautiful. It is definitely my second favorite CoHo book. I can't wait to read what Colleen gives us next. 

     I'm also so glad that I got to go see Colleen during her Chicago tour stop. It was definitely an adventure to remember. 

Follow Courtney and Mallory @bookishmalpal and @courtney_ann_g

Paper Princess by Erin Watt

Page Count: 370

Published on: April 4, 2016

Published by: Timeout LLC

Genre(s): Romance, New Adult, Contemporary, Young Adult

Source: Print

Where To Find It: Goodreads// Amazon  

My Rating: 3 stars

    I'm not usually prone to reading romance novels that are solely written for those who just want drama drama drama. I'm not usually a mega fan of books that are so unrealistic and fantastical that I roll my eyes every other page, but I surprisingly was quite engaged when reading this book. It was just so mindless and fast that I couldn't put it down. I'm not sure if I'll continue the series, but we'll have to see. I might pick them up from the library. 

    This was just really fun to read. If you're looking for something mindless, potentially sexy, and full of drama..this is for you! 

When It's Real by Erin Watt

Page Count: 413

Published on: May 30, 2017

Published by: Harlequin Teen

Genre(s): Romance, New Adult, Contemporary, Young Adult

Source: Print & ebook

Where To Find It: Goodreads// Amazon  

My Rating: 3 stars

When I first started this book, I was absolutely addicted. I loved it so much, but once it hit the half-way mark I really started to hate it. Once the two love interests got together, it was just bad. I was not a fan of the romance. One of my comments was "gag me with a tuning fork". I think I said that two or three times while reading this book. 

Overall, the first half of the book was excellent, but the last half really killed it. I just really did not enjoy the cringy-ness of the relationship. It wasn't executed well.

Happy reading!

Olivia

~LivTheBookNerd~

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{Review} Foolish Hearts by Emma Mills

Page Count: 320

Published On: December 5, 2017

Published By: Henry Holt and Co.

Genre(s): Contemporary, YA, Romance

Source: paperback ARC provided by publisher

Age Rating: 13+

Where To Find It: Amazon // Book Depository

My Rating: 5 stars 

Goodreads synopsis

A contemporary novel about a girl whose high school production of A Midsummer Night's Dream leads her to new friends—and maybe even new love.

The day of the last party of the summer, Claudia overhears a conversation she wasn't supposed to. Now on the wrong side of one of the meanest girls in school, Claudia doesn't know what to expect when the two are paired up to write a paper—let alone when they're both forced to try out for the school production of A Midsummer Night's Dream.

But mandatory participation has its upsides—namely, an unexpected friendship, a boy band obsession, and a guy with the best dimpled smile Claudia's ever seen. As Claudia's world starts to expand, she finds that maybe there are some things worth sticking her neck out for.

~~~

Hey, guys!

      Foolish Hearts has managed to become one of my favorite books of the year. I received a copy from the lovely Julia for Christmas 2017 and I finally read it in June. I absolutely adored every bit of this book. The characters were so well written and their stories were so compelling. There were so many great elements to this book. I really do not think I found anything particularly wrong with this book. 

     I absolutely adored the characters in this story.  I loved her friendships and the friendships that developed throughout the story. It was so much fun to see the characters grow and change. There was a lovely bromance, a beautifully done sibling relationship, and a wonderful romantic relationship that developed. 

     Claudia was such a great character. She was flawed and made some annoying/bad choices, but she was so sweet and realistic. Gideon was such a fun character too. I absolutely adored his humor. He is such a sweetie pie. I could read about Gideon forever. The romance that surrounds Gideon is so wholesome and adorable. I couldn't get enough of the romance in this book.

     The romance was, as I said, so wholesome and good. It wasn't an annoying insta-love situation. It built up really naturally and sweetly. It was a wholesome slow burn situation. 

    The nerdy characters and fandom culture is so nicely done. There's such a beautiful message about acceptance and friendship and it will really warm your heart. It's so beautifully fluffy and fun. I recommend it to everyone. If you love Emma Mills' books, but you haven't picked up Foolish Hearts; you should definitely pick it up!

Other Emma Mills Reviews

• First & Then
• This Adventure Ends
• This Adventure Ends [Julia's Review]

Happy reading!

Olivia

~LivTheBookNerd~

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{Guest Reviews by Alex} The Hate You Give by Angie Thomas & Erotic Stories for Punjabi Women by Balli Kaur Jaswal

This review pairing consists of Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal and The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas. Unlike the other stories, these novels are realistic fiction. The unifying theme of these novels is the message that culture and societal expectations affect how a person acts and how to express oneself within those constraints. The two also place a heavy emphasis on family cohesion and love for others within your family. These stories tackle more adult ideas and I would recommend waiting to read them until late teens. The stories make you think about your life and your impact on others, good and bad.

Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows by Balli Kaur Jaswal 

Rating: 4 stars

Page Count: 304

Published on: June 13, 2017

Published by: William Morrow

Genre(s): Fiction, Contemporary, Romance

Age Rating: adult content

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

Book Depository: {click here}

Goodreads synopsis:

A lively, sexy, and thought-provoking East-meets-West story about community, friendship, and women’s lives at all ages—a spicy and alluring mix of Together Tea and Calendar Girls.

Every woman has a secret life . . .

Nikki lives in cosmopolitan West London, where she tends bar at the local pub. The daughter of Indian immigrants, she’s spent most of her twenty-odd years distancing herself from the traditional Sikh community of her childhood, preferring a more independent (that is, Western) life. When her father’s death leaves the family financially strapped, Nikki, a law school dropout, impulsively takes a job teaching a "creative writing" course at the community center in the beating heart of London’s close-knit Punjabi community.

Because of a miscommunication, the proper Sikh widows who show up are expecting to learn basic English literacy, not the art of short-story writing. When one of the widows finds a book of sexy stories in English and shares it with the class, Nikki realizes that beneath their white dupattas, her students have a wealth of fantasies and memories. Eager to liberate these modest women, she teaches them how to express their untold stories, unleashing creativity of the most unexpected—and exciting—kind.

As more women are drawn to the class, Nikki warns her students to keep their work secret from the Brotherhood, a group of highly conservative young men who have appointed themselves the community’s "moral police." But when the widows’ gossip offers shocking insights into the death of a young wife—a modern woman like Nikki—and some of the class erotica is shared among friends, it sparks a scandal that threatens them all.

~~~

     Goodness, some of the stories by the widows are raunchy. After getting past the title and first impressions, I was left with a story of community and fitting in with expected social roles. It also turned into a mystery novel partway through. I can’t complain though, I was compelled to keep reading. I think I read the book in a couple long sessions. The erotic stories themselves are diverse enough to believably be from multiple writers with varying interests. The book entertaining, funny, and at times, suspenseful. The novel is obviously not for everyone, and should not be read by everyone. If the story were adapted for film, the MPAA would rate it either PG or R. Older teens and up should be mature enough to read Erotic Stories for Punjabi Widows and enjoy it.

The Hate U Give by Angie Thomas 

Rating: 4.3 stars

Page Count: 444

Published on: February 28, 2017

Published by: Balzer + Bray

Genre(s): YA, Contemporary, Fiction, Realistic Fiction

Age Rating: YA

Where To Find It: Goodreads // Amazon

Book Depository: {click here}

Goodreads synopsis:

Sixteen-year-old Starr Carter moves between two worlds: the poor neighborhood where she lives and the fancy suburban prep school she attends. The uneasy balance between these worlds is shattered when Starr witnesses the fatal shooting of her childhood best friend Khalil at the hands of a police officer. Khalil was unarmed.

Soon afterward, his death is a national headline. Some are calling him a thug, maybe even a drug dealer and a gangbanger. Protesters are taking to the streets in Khalil's name. Some cops and the local drug lord try to intimidate Starr and her family. What everyone wants to know is: what really went down that night? And the only person alive who can answer that is Starr.

But what Starr does or does not say could upend her community. It could also endanger her life.

~~~

The family is adorable. I love their interactions. No character makes the “right” choice every time. People have to live with their actions and the actions of others. There are so many societal expectations and different situations that characters must navigate in an attempt to fit in. The idea of wearing different faces for different circumstances is prevalent in the novel. So is the idea of doing what you must to provide for yourself and family. Thomas is not afraid to shy away from the harsh realities facing POC in America right now. I look forward to seeing the movie later this year.

Other Reviews by Alex: {click here}

Keep ya head up,
Alex

{Comic Series Review // GN Reviews #6-11} The Runaways #1-6 by Rainbow Rowell & Kris Anka

Page Count: (collectively 130 pages) 18, 28, 20, 22, 21, & 21 pages

Published on: these comics have been published individually starting in September 2017 up to February 2018. There are more single issues in the works and the series will continue for some time. 

Published by: Marvel

Genre(s): Comics, Sequential Art, Superheroes, Fantasy, Paranormal, Young Adult, Graphic Novels

Source: paperback - personally purchased in single issue form

Age Rating: marketed as YA, but everyone will love it

Where To Find It: Goodreads 

My Rating: 5 stars

Goodreads synopsis: 

GET READY TO RUN! The "IT" book of the early 2000s with the original cast is back – Nico! Karolina! Molly! Chase! Old Lace! And, could it be? GERT?! The heart of the Runaways died years ago, but you won't believe how she returns! Superstar author Rainbow Rowell (Eleanor & Park, Carry On) makes her Marvel debut with fan-favorite artist Kris Anka (ALL-NEW X-MEN, CAPTAIN MARVEL) in the series that will shock you and break your heart!

~~~

Hey, guys!

Back in December, my boyfriend and I decided to start the new Marvel show, Runaways, on Hulu. We automatically were hooked to the awesome story that was being told. Because of this, we had a genuine interest in reading the comics and fully understanding the original Runaways storyline. Soon after Christmas, we went book shopping and managed to be sucked into the comics and graphic novel section of our local Books-A-Million. We actually managed to find the first few single issues of the newest Runaways comic series by Rainbow Rowell and Kris Anka. I was, personally, hooked. Since December, I've read a few more of the single issues that have been put out and I've picked up the first two massive volumes of Brian K. Vaughan's adaptation of the Runaways.

     I'm not going to individually review every single volume of this series, but I'm just going to say that I absolutely love it. Kris Anka has perfectly captured the essence of the Runaways and Rainbow Rowell has, once again, stolen my heart with her writing. She is a beautiful wordsmith from above. I just love basically everything she writes. I cannot wait to continue on with this awesome story. I wish I had money to buy all of the rest of the single issues, and the larger compiled volumes, and the eventual massive ultra volume bind-ups. I'm that extra. 

I highly recommend this series if you love Marvel, kids with superpowers, and action-packed stories. 

Happy reading!

Olivia

~LivTheBookNerd~

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A Very Gudetama Review

Hey, guys!

This is a very unconventional review, but I really wanted to share these hilarious and super fun Gudetama books with you all. My best friend, Emmie, absolutely loves the character Gudetama. She often sends me Gudetama related pictures, memes, and videos. When we go out shopping and we see a Gudetama themed thing, she will point it out and get excited about his character. Because of her interest and love for Gudetama, I have begun to really relate and enjoy his character as well. He's just so fun. 

    

I have been sent these Gudetama books for an honest review by Penguin Random House. 

All thoughts and opinions are my own. 

~~~

Synopsis:

Eggsistential Thoughts by Francesco Sedita and Max Bisantz

Not all Sanrio characters are cheery! In Japanese, when you're lazy, you are referred to as gude gude. And that's where our new friend gets its name. Gudetama (tama from "tamago," egg in Japanese) is the lazy egg. Gudetama likes soy sauce and being left alone. Sometimes, Gudetama wonders if we are born only to suffer. And here, in Eggsistential Thoughts, are Gudetama's musings on life.

Gudetama's Guide to Life by Brian D. Clark

In Japanese, when you're lazy, you are referred to as gude gude. Gudetama (tama from "tamago," egg in Japanese) is the lazy egg. Gudetama likes soy sauce and being left alone. Sometimes, Gudetama wonders if we are born only to suffer.

Each page of this book is kind of packed with helpful lessons, inspiring quotes and mind-blowing advice that will have you laying around like an egg in no time! And all of it comes straight from the yolk of a Gudetama!

~~~

Publication Information

Page Count: 48 pages - Eggsistential Thoughts 

80 - Guide to Life

Published on: October 17, 2017 - Eggsistential Thoughts

 April 10, 2018 - Guide to Life

Published by: Penguin Random House

Genre(s): graphic novel, sequential art, humor, picture books, children's

Source: provided by publisher

Age Rating: all ages

~~~

Purchasing Information:

Where To Find It: 

Eggsistential Thoughts: Goodreads // Amazon

Guide to Life: Goodreads // Amazon

Book Depository: 

Guide to Life -- {click here}

Eggsistential Thoughts -- {click here}

~~~

My Ratings: 3 stars (both)

~~~

My Thoughts:

Eggsistential Thoughts by Gudetama the Lazy Egg

Overall, this was a pretty cute coffee table book. The art was really cute and really fun. I really enjoyed Gudetama's drama and complaints. However, this book does not have much substance to it. It's cute, but it's not an actual novel about Gudetama, if that is what you're looking for (I wasn't). This is the perfect book to flip through in a waiting room, while you're having a longer bathroom excursion, or if you're just killing time.

Gudetama's Guide to Life

Overall, this was really cute too. There was more substance than Eggsistential Thoughts, which I enjoyed. The humor that was used throughout was really entertaining and I really enjoyed the illustrations that were featured throughout. I really did relate so some of Gudetama's behavior. He's quite relatable for an egg. 

I hope you guys enjoyed these small reviews. Gudetama is lots of fun. If you enjoy Sanrio's other characters and you enjoy dry humor and eggs, you'll love these books. 

Happy reading!

Olivia

~LivTheBookNerd~

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