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The Daughters of Temperance Hobbs
7.0
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Connie Goodwin is an expert on America’s fractured past with witchcraft. A young, tenure-track...
Rachel King (13 KP) rated Beastly in Books
Feb 11, 2019
I have a small obsession with the classic fairy tale of Beauty and the Beast, so any time a new retelling comes out, I must read it. This version written by Alex Flinn is both modernized and aimed at the Young Adult genre. I was curious to see how closely it would parallel the original fairy tale and still feel like an original story, and I think that it succeeded fairly well. There were parts that felt cliche, and it certainly verged into the realm of fantasy with the presence of the witch, but not so much that I was bothered by these elements. Plus, I liked the ways that the author diverged from the original tale and added new elements, such as the continuing involvement of the witch and the character of Kyle's father.
The plot wraps around the character of Kyle Kingsbury, who becomes the Beast. The book mainly felt like a character study as he progressed from a conceited, self-involved boy to a self-sacrificing, repentant young man. This is certainly a change from most retellings of this tale, since it is usually from the viewpoint of the character who plays the role of "Beauty." Many of the side characters were also just as fascinating, such as the blind tutor who comes to live with Kyle. I love the fascination that Kyle adopted for roses and the details of their care that were included in the book, it gave the book more depth. Probably the most exciting part of the book was his frantic race through New York City and the way that he handled the reactions that he created during this foray.
I know that this book was turned into a movie recently. I have not seen it as of yet, other than the previews, but I do look forward to it. But I already know of one major difference that the movie has from the book, and that is Kyle's beastly appearance is changed to resemble extravagant and disfiguring tattoos. I'll reserve opinion on this until after I've seen the movie.
The plot wraps around the character of Kyle Kingsbury, who becomes the Beast. The book mainly felt like a character study as he progressed from a conceited, self-involved boy to a self-sacrificing, repentant young man. This is certainly a change from most retellings of this tale, since it is usually from the viewpoint of the character who plays the role of "Beauty." Many of the side characters were also just as fascinating, such as the blind tutor who comes to live with Kyle. I love the fascination that Kyle adopted for roses and the details of their care that were included in the book, it gave the book more depth. Probably the most exciting part of the book was his frantic race through New York City and the way that he handled the reactions that he created during this foray.
I know that this book was turned into a movie recently. I have not seen it as of yet, other than the previews, but I do look forward to it. But I already know of one major difference that the movie has from the book, and that is Kyle's beastly appearance is changed to resemble extravagant and disfiguring tattoos. I'll reserve opinion on this until after I've seen the movie.
Halloween Crafts: 35 Spooky Projects to Make and Bake
Book
With 35 of the creepiest projects you have ever seen, Halloween Crafts will inspire you to make and...
ClareR (5991 KP) rated The River Has Roots in Books
Mar 11, 2025
I have deep love for a fairy tale - especially the ones that border on the macabre.
The River Has Roots is a beautiful tale of two sisters who live on the border of Arcadia (Faerie), and sing to the Willow trees twice a day in tribute to the men they once were.
The sisters are very close: Ysabel and Esther, and they always want to be together. But of course, as in all good fairytales, a man throws a spanner in the works.
The River Has Roots is a novella and honestly, if El-Mohtar wrote this as a full length novel or decided to write more such stories, I would be all in. The writing is beautiful - full on fairytale style at its best.
This gave me “The Twa Sisters” vibes, equally as tragic, but not exactly the same - you’re not getting an exact retelling. This is a story in its own right.
The Lino-cut illustrations (Kathleen Neely) throughout the book were perfect for the story, too.
There was a bonus story at the end, “John Hollowback and the Witch”, and it was a rather pleasant surprise - a fabulous cautionary tale.
This is a must-read for my fellow fairytale fans!
The River Has Roots is a beautiful tale of two sisters who live on the border of Arcadia (Faerie), and sing to the Willow trees twice a day in tribute to the men they once were.
The sisters are very close: Ysabel and Esther, and they always want to be together. But of course, as in all good fairytales, a man throws a spanner in the works.
The River Has Roots is a novella and honestly, if El-Mohtar wrote this as a full length novel or decided to write more such stories, I would be all in. The writing is beautiful - full on fairytale style at its best.
This gave me “The Twa Sisters” vibes, equally as tragic, but not exactly the same - you’re not getting an exact retelling. This is a story in its own right.
The Lino-cut illustrations (Kathleen Neely) throughout the book were perfect for the story, too.
There was a bonus story at the end, “John Hollowback and the Witch”, and it was a rather pleasant surprise - a fabulous cautionary tale.
This is a must-read for my fellow fairytale fans!
ashezbookz (32 KP) rated Eliza and Her Monsters in Books
Jul 5, 2018
5/5 applauding stars for Eliza, oh .. oh my, can I just say that the pie portion of this book was my absolute favourite thing I have read in a while - like how adorable and cute and just .. ugh I want to go back and just re-read that portion of the book again and again it was just too darn EVERYTHING.
This book was so good - to me - and adorable and sweet and.. at the end a bit frustrating (hello Wallace it's not all about YOU). Anxiety is a witch and panic attacks are no joke, and when I first had one I was like, what the F I went to a walk in clinic said my heart rate was just insane and I felt dizzy and like I was going to faint and they were like easy peasy diagnosis. I was like, girl, I get you this was ...I'll definitely re-read, recommend, hug, love, adore this book forever.
This book was so good - to me - and adorable and sweet and.. at the end a bit frustrating (hello Wallace it's not all about YOU). Anxiety is a witch and panic attacks are no joke, and when I first had one I was like, what the F I went to a walk in clinic said my heart rate was just insane and I felt dizzy and like I was going to faint and they were like easy peasy diagnosis. I was like, girl, I get you this was ...I'll definitely re-read, recommend, hug, love, adore this book forever.
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Moonlight and Magic ( Betwixt & Between 4) in Books
May 23, 2024
102 of 220
Kindle
Moonlight and Magic ( Betwixt & Between 4)
By Darynda Jones
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Forty-something Annette Osmund always knew she was psychic. She’s not, but that didn’t stop her from giving those non-existent abilities her all. What she is, however, is a very powerful witch who has just inherited magics she never dreamed possible.
Starting over in a new town with her BFF has been an adventure. Her BFF’s status as a powerful type of witch called a charmling has kept Annette busy. But while Defiance, a seeker, is still learning to use her magics, Annette is taken over by powers of her own. Turns out, her being besties with Defiance was not an accident. They were drawn to each other even before their powers emerged. But how did this even happen?
Fortunately, there’s one way to find out. She confronts her mother, because the only way she could be a charmling is to inherit the power, and her father, while a wonderful man, is hardly a magical being. But there is someone else who wants to know where she got her powers from as well: a delicious entity who’s following her every move. When a dangerous organization threatens everything she loves, she can either use her magics to vanquish the entity from her life, or she can learn to work with him, but working together could cost her the one thing she’s kept safe for years: her heart.
First off I absolutely adore this author she has yet to write a book I do not love. This was so good and learning more about Annette I love her. This whole family is so unique and quirky just such a magical series. Also that ending really? 🙈
Kindle
Moonlight and Magic ( Betwixt & Between 4)
By Darynda Jones
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Forty-something Annette Osmund always knew she was psychic. She’s not, but that didn’t stop her from giving those non-existent abilities her all. What she is, however, is a very powerful witch who has just inherited magics she never dreamed possible.
Starting over in a new town with her BFF has been an adventure. Her BFF’s status as a powerful type of witch called a charmling has kept Annette busy. But while Defiance, a seeker, is still learning to use her magics, Annette is taken over by powers of her own. Turns out, her being besties with Defiance was not an accident. They were drawn to each other even before their powers emerged. But how did this even happen?
Fortunately, there’s one way to find out. She confronts her mother, because the only way she could be a charmling is to inherit the power, and her father, while a wonderful man, is hardly a magical being. But there is someone else who wants to know where she got her powers from as well: a delicious entity who’s following her every move. When a dangerous organization threatens everything she loves, she can either use her magics to vanquish the entity from her life, or she can learn to work with him, but working together could cost her the one thing she’s kept safe for years: her heart.
First off I absolutely adore this author she has yet to write a book I do not love. This was so good and learning more about Annette I love her. This whole family is so unique and quirky just such a magical series. Also that ending really? 🙈
Lyndsey Gollogly (2893 KP) rated Wages of Sin ( Cin Craven book 1) in Books
Mar 13, 2022
46 of 230
Book
Wages of Sin (Cin Craven Book 1)
Jenna MacLaine
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dulcinea Macgregor Craven is the only child of a wealthy English viscount. She is also a natural witch, one of a long line of Macgregor witches on her mother's side. When her parents are killed in a carriage accident, Dulcie doesn't think her life can get much worse. Then an old childhood friend returns to the country a little bit differently than he left and vows that nothing will stop him from possessing her and her magic.
In a desperate attempt to save her life, Dulcie summons a trio of vampires called The Righteous to her aid. With the help of The Righteous and four human friends, Dulcie attempts to thwart her enemy's plans to capture her and use her magic for his own evil purposes.
Even as she falls in love for the first time, Dulcie realizes that she may have to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to save the world.
I absolutely loved this book historical fiction meets urban fantasy just couldn’t put it down. Dulci is brilliant and I love the Righteous especially Justine. Not what I was expecting at all. As Dulcie becomes CIN she develops more and into a much stronger character and female lead! I’m hoping to learn more on the werewolf “woof” in the next book.
Book
Wages of Sin (Cin Craven Book 1)
Jenna MacLaine
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Dulcinea Macgregor Craven is the only child of a wealthy English viscount. She is also a natural witch, one of a long line of Macgregor witches on her mother's side. When her parents are killed in a carriage accident, Dulcie doesn't think her life can get much worse. Then an old childhood friend returns to the country a little bit differently than he left and vows that nothing will stop him from possessing her and her magic.
In a desperate attempt to save her life, Dulcie summons a trio of vampires called The Righteous to her aid. With the help of The Righteous and four human friends, Dulcie attempts to thwart her enemy's plans to capture her and use her magic for his own evil purposes.
Even as she falls in love for the first time, Dulcie realizes that she may have to make the ultimate sacrifice in order to save the world.
I absolutely loved this book historical fiction meets urban fantasy just couldn’t put it down. Dulci is brilliant and I love the Righteous especially Justine. Not what I was expecting at all. As Dulcie becomes CIN she develops more and into a much stronger character and female lead! I’m hoping to learn more on the werewolf “woof” in the next book.
OE
Old English Shorter Poems: Wisdom and Lyric: Volume II
Book
The twenty-five poems and eleven metrical charms in this Old English volume offer tantalizing...
Legends of Deceit
Book
They know her. They want her. They’re poised to attack, but then a mysterious warrior with...