This was so cute and witty! Like Austen but short and easier to read as the language is more modern. Suitable for 16+, though not because there are anThis was so cute and witty! Like Austen but short and easier to read as the language is more modern. Suitable for 16+, though not because there are any major issues in content. The main character is 20.
CONTENT: There are two uses of the B word but both refer to an illegitimate child and it's acknowledged that the wording is inappropriate. A mention of ladies of the night. A mention of some young men drinking. A reference to a woman dressing as a man to go out and play cards....more
This was so cute! Loved the sentient castle and the strong family bonds (siblings and parents). Due to the frequent talk of a flirtatious (and handsomThis was so cute! Loved the sentient castle and the strong family bonds (siblings and parents). Due to the frequent talk of a flirtatious (and handsome) teen boy and his effect on the girls, I'd recommend more for 11+. Main character is 11.
CONTENT: Language: None Faith: About two mentions of prayer. Romance: Talk of flirting and giggling/blushing, etc. quite a few times throughout. There's a hand kiss and some cheek kisses (though not necessarily romantic). Magic: A sentient castle. A school of wizardry, a little magic and some dark magic....more
This was such a fun read! I loved the do-gooder aspect of the Dreadful Penny Society. As with most modern historical fiction novels, I feel like moderThis was such a fun read! I loved the do-gooder aspect of the Dreadful Penny Society. As with most modern historical fiction novels, I feel like modern values were super imposed on the story which felt a bit awkward, for me mostly problematic in the romance department. Content info below. I'd like to read more of these.
CONTENT: Language: None worrying for an adult audience. Romance: Up to kissing and not very descriptive. The interactions felt very inappropriate for the time and class of the characters (alone a lot, plenty of touch, no talk of marriage). Other: Drinking (not by FMC), talk of more gritty topics like girls being kidnapped for 'bawdy houses'....more
This was such a quirky book and it reads like the author had FUN in writing it. The care taken over the artwork outside and in was so special too.
I loThis was such a quirky book and it reads like the author had FUN in writing it. The care taken over the artwork outside and in was so special too.
I loved the opening chapters, they were actually my favourite. I also really loved Tress's character. Unassuming and softer than your usual fantasy FMC. I loved her integrity throughout and the cup collecting quirkiness. Lastly I loved how a deaf character is interwoven in the story so seamlessly.
The only reason this isn't a 5 is that some of the talk of religion made me uncomfortable. Content info (that I remember) is below. Although written for adults, Tress is in her late teens and I'd say the content and style of writing make it suitable for 16+.
CONTENT:
Language: Very mild for an adult book. Words like d*nm. Some more subtle, innuendo type comments.
Romance: A "brief kiss" is the most that is mentioned. Mostly just hand holding and love between m/f characters.
Faith: World has a fictional faith based around the moons. Is obviously a part of Tress's life and upbringing. Many references to "praying to the moons" when in need. There were at least two instances that felt somewhat mocking of religion in general. E.g. religion not getting it together because preachers disagreed on the purpose of life.
Other: Alcohol mentioned several times but not drunk by the FMC....more
I was so pleasantly surprised by this early chapter book! I read it to check content for my daughter and was expecting a fluffy fairy book. But it actI was so pleasantly surprised by this early chapter book! I read it to check content for my daughter and was expecting a fluffy fairy book. But it actually had substance and I weirdly enjoyed it.
Mum is a fairy but pretty awful at magic, however the story doesn't put her down at all. The main character adores her mother and looks up to her. Their relationship is so sweet. There are some lovely messages throughout about teamwork, patience and integrity.
CONTENT: Nothing worrying. There's fairies, magic, wands and spells. There's some kiddy toilet type humour like the ladies having to wiggle their 'behind' as part of the process to turn into a fairy. There are about 3 illustrations where a kid is wearing shorts or a skirt above knee length....more
This gets most of its stars for being so sweet, cute, and innocent. Two dorky, introverted book lovers meet on a dating website and email back and forThis gets most of its stars for being so sweet, cute, and innocent. Two dorky, introverted book lovers meet on a dating website and email back and forth. I loved how loving and involved their families were, I loved how they developed a deeper emotional connection before a physical one and I loved the faith running through. Lots of LOTR and classics talk. It was all a tad slow and I'd have liked Brodie to have had a little more depth (a flaw or two, maybe?). But wholesome WINS for me. Other than the kissing, super Muslim 'clean'.
CONTENT: Language: None Faith: Characters mention going to church and there's talk of 'God' and prayer and nature and Him looking after us. All very Muslim friendly. Romance: Some kissing, not overly descriptive. No mention of anything more and marriage always a part of the discussion....more
I loved the 'apothecary' parts of this book! The focus on how powerful natural substances can be and the ability to poison AND heal. It makes for a fuI loved the 'apothecary' parts of this book! The focus on how powerful natural substances can be and the ability to poison AND heal. It makes for a fun, geeky read for a Homeopathy student as you come across many remedy substances and get fictionalised toxicology examples. I found the storytelling gripping and only wish it didn't nag at some pet peeves of mine.
This book was so much about womens' experiences- relationships, menstruation, fertility, miscarriage. There were some beautiful, supportive relationships between the female characters. However it was often (always?) working together against oppressive men. I get the premise of the book and I get Nella's issues giving a bias, but I'd have liked a few more positive male characters to balance things out.
I also didn't like how it was written as if sexual relationships outside of marriage were frequent and normal in the 1790's. Felt like current values imposed on a time where they don't fit. Where was the horror? Where was the shock? Where was the faith?
Lastly, I'd have liked more interesting growth to a character than 'I need to look after ME. I need to follow my dreams.' I feel like that's all we're told these days- self love, self care. Was hoping for more. Nella and the last note though was awesome.
CONTENT:
Language: F word x 3, S word x 2 and other milder words throughout (like a**, d*mn, etc.)
Romance: Nothing explicit on page (not even a kiss). Extramarital affairs. Many sexual relationships, pregnancies out of marriage (in 1700's). Usually spoken of quite indirectly.
Abuse: Implied sexual abuse, attempted drugged rape of a minor. Most that happens on page is an unwanted hand up a girl's thigh.
Violence: Lots of murder. Poisonings with effects described.
Gender: Nearly every male in this is a jerk, usually disloyal and/or unable to control his sexual desires. Good relationships between the women but usually against the men.
Other: A little magic (tinctures and brews). Alcohol. Suicidal ideation and talk of suicide....more