Teen Titans Vol. 1: Damian Knows Best.

Benjamin Percy & Jonboy Meyers

Paperback, Trade, 144 pages

Published June 13th 2017 by DC Comics

My Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Received from publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis:

As a part of DC Universe: Rebirth, the son of Batman, Damian Wayne, joins the Teen Titans!

The Teen Titans are further apart than ever before…until Damian Wayne recruits Starfire, Raven, Beast Boy and the new Kid Flash to join him in a fight against his own grandfather, Ra’s al Ghul! But true leadership is more than just calling the shots–is Robin really up to the task? Or will the Teen Titans dismiss this diminutive dictator?

The team will have to figure this out fast, as a great evil from Damian’s past is lurking around the corner, ready to strike at the team’s newest leader and destroy the new Teen Titans before they even begin!

The newest era of one of DC’s greatest super-teams begins here in Teen Titans, Volume 1: Damian Knows Best! Written by Benjamin Percy (Green Arrow) with spectacular art by newcomer Jonboy Meyers.

Collecting: Teen Titans 1-5, Rebirth

My Thoughts:

My little demon baby went out and made some friends! *dies*

I really enjoyed this volume. It was filled with action and heart, and those two factors put together are always a win in my book. I really was looking forward to this one, just because it has Damian. He’s my demon baby and I love him. He’s also my second favorite Robin, Jason being my first. But also, who doesn’t have a soft spot for the teen titans?

What I liked:

I loved the beginning! Watching as Damian assembled his team was the simultaneously worrying and hilarious. Being the little demon he is, he didn’t just ask them to join the Teen Titans. That would’ve been too easy.

The relationship between Alfred and Damian. This relationship really made me realize how young and lonely Damian really is, and it was a tad heartbreaking. HE’S JUST A LITTLE BABY!

Damian making friends. It was a miserable experience for him. I loved it!

Starfire lowkey being the team mom.

Wally (my other baby) being the glue, and making connections with everybody on the team.

TEAMWORK MAKES THE DREAM WORK

Damian being vulnerable, saying PLEASE, and accepting help.

And finally, Damian putting Bruce in his place.

What I didn’t like:

Why does every Damian storyline have to be about Ra’s al Ghul, his mother, or showing everybody he’s the best. It was fine the first time around, but I want a storyline that doesn’t involve his past. We already know what he wants for his future, what he wants to be, and I need a storyline that’s going to bring us closer to that. That shows him growing without being hampered and constantly plagued by his past. We already have that with just about every member of the Bat-Family.

That is really the only thing I didn’t like. It’s annoying to be getting the same storyline in different variations. Damian’s overall character feels stagnant. He can’t grow beyond being the Demon. In this volume, there was quite a bit of growth and I loved it. I want it to continue, but with these same played out storylines, it ain’t gonna happen.

Now, in saying that I’m by no means discounting Percy’s storyline or writing because it was good. I like his depiction of Damian’s character and the rest of the team. His writing was intriguing and fast-paced, and as previously stated filled with action and heart. My critique comes from wanting to see more of Damian’s character in a way that doesn’t involve his past. I also blame Son of Superman, because it gave me all I wanted in two issues.

As this run continues I hope to see more growth from all characters and some interesting storylines.

Hufflepuff Reads!

Hello Everybody, today I will be showing some house pride and be sharing books that represent my house: Hufflepuff.  I based each book on Hufflepuff traits, and some of those traits include: loyal, just, patient, determined, open-minded, caring, and hardworking, just to name a few.  

1. Lynburn Legacy
I picked this book for the characters, their determination to finding answers, the willingness to fight for those who couldn’t fight for themselves, their outstanding loyalty and compassion.  This book is chocked full of Hufflepuff traits.

2. Buzz Kill
This book is an underrated read, it’s pretty great. It’s a mystery novel, I had so many suspects and none of them was the murderer. In all actuality, all of my suspects died.  I chose this read for Millie’s wholehearted loyalty to her father, her open-minded acceptance of Chase, and her kind heart even when people didn’t deserve it. Also, her unwavering tenacity, because this book gets crazy.

3. The Goddess Test

There is a specific moment In this book, a kinda turning point where the characters are shocked by the main character Kate’s unwavering loyalty. Kate is a Hufflepuff through and through, but it’s her loyalty, kindness, and compassion that really stand out to me. Definitely not afraid of toil either.

4. My Most Excellent Year
Also, another underrated read and an excellent one at that. When it comes to tenacity, kindness, loyalty, compassion, patience, hardworking, and caring, every character in this book between the three main characters and their parents that’s what they are. It’s such a sweet coming of age novel, and the perfect Hufflepuff read.

5. Scorpio Races
I picked this book because of the main character, Puck. Some might say that her bravery makes her a Gryffindor, you would be wrong. Her loyalty to her family and her determination makes her a Hufflepuff. Every decision she made wasn’t because she was brave, or to prove her strength it was her loyalty to her family and her determination to protect them.

 

As always, happy reading! 

 

 

Review: New Super-Man, Volume 1: Made in China

 Gene Luen Yang & Viktor Bogdanovic 

Paperback, Trade, 144 pages

Published June 27th, 2017 by DC Comics

My Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Received from publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis:

#1 New York Times best-selling author and National Book Award nominee Gene Luen Yang continues his work at DC with New Super-Man, Volume 1, a part of DC Universe: Rebirth!

An impulsive act of heroism thrusts an arrogant young man into the limelight of Shanghai as China begins to form its own Justice League of powerful heroes. As the government creates their own Superman, will they live to regret the person they’ve chosen? Rising from the ashes of Superman: The Final Days of Superman and the death of the Man of Steel, will this New Super-Man step up to the challenge, or be crushed under the weight of his hubris and inexperience?

Award-winning writer Gene Luen Yang (American Born Chinese, Superman) and on-the-rise art star Viktor Bogdanovic (Batman: Arkham Knight) introduce readers to Kong Kenan, an all-new superhero who could change the world…or be the end of it, in New Super-Man, Volume 1.

Collecting: New Super-Man 1-6

My Thoughts: 

Yo. This is one of the best titles in Rebirth. I don’t care what anybody says, ITS ONE OF THE BEST.

Gene’s writing in this was so funny, vibrant, and realistic. Kenan felt like a child, he acted exactly how you would expect a teenager to act if he were given superpowers and it was great. This trade is lighthearted and fun, has action, and heart.

Kenan is far from being Clark Kent, and that’s what makes him such a great character. Honestly, he’s more Tony Stark than he is Clark Kent. He has Clark’s powers, but he isn’t Clark at all. What Kenan is, is a little shithead. I say that with love because by the end of the trade he has grown. He’s still a little brat, but if he weren’t he wouldn’t be Kenan and then this trade would suck. The kid we are introduced to in the beginning is, different than the kid we see at the end. He’s been knocked down and so he doesn’t shine as bright, but the growth is noticeable.

This a new run with a new character so there isn’t much I can say without spoiling the whole trade but here are a few things you will find in this trade: great characters, an unlikely team, broken family ties, lots of sarcasm and teasing, a magic lasso, Chinese politics, and a plot twist that I saw coming a mile way, and a plot twist at the end that shocked the hell out of me.

Review: The Flash, Volume 2: Speed of Darkness

Joshua Williamson & Felipe Watanabe

Paperback, Trade, 128 pages

Published May 23rd 2017 by DC Comics

My Rating: 4 of 5 stars

Received from publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis: 

A part of DC Universe: Rebirth!
A new storm brews over Central City and disproves the old adage about lightning never, well…you know. Just as Barry begins to feel overwhelmed fighting crime, a new speedster debuts–but just where did this amazing new friend come from? Spinning directly out of the epic events of DC Universe: Rebirth, the Fastest Man Alive finds himself at the center of a DC Universe at a crossroads.
From up-and-coming writer Joshua Williamson (Illuminati, Red Skull) and illustrator Carmine Di Giandomenico comes The Flash, Vol. 2: Speed of Darkness!

Collecting: The Flash 9-13

My Thoughts: 

Thankfully they dropped the repetitiveness In this volume which that in itself is a vast improvement in my eyes.

The artwork was pretty rough in the beginning but starting in the midpoint of the first issue it improved vastly, and it was beautiful. I liked the design of the characters and the colors were nice and bright which worked wonderfully with the storyline.

Barry Allen, I love him but he works every single one of my nerves! He constantly talks about his shortcomings and how he has to teach Wally (the young one), and how he needs to show Wally that he cares, but he doesn’t! He actually just stops and tells him he can’t be Kid Flash anymore until he can trust him….wtf? I as a reader can see his mindset and why this decision might be plausible in his head, but to Wally, it just seems like bullshit. Which I completely understand, Barry needs to think about and take care of Wally considering he is only a child.

And if this little rant wasn’t clear, I have a soft spot for Kid Flash, both Wally’s actually. I want to give the red-headed Wally a big hug! He has lost so much. I really loved the moment between him and Kid Flash it was so sweet, and really drove home how neglectful Barry is. I really could go on and on about all of Barry’s faults and it will come back to how he treats his sidekicks.

But then, he had this really sweet moment with Kid Flash that was pretty freaking amazing and made me forget all of the BS and simultaneously made me remember why I love Barry Allen. Though he works my nerves, he’s a great hero, and he gets it eventually.

Overall, though this trade was very short it was pretty awesome. Filled with action and relationships I thought it was a solid follow-up to volume 1.

My Underrated Reads | Supernatural Series

Hey, everyone! Today I will be sharing my favorite underrated supernatural series. While putting together this list I realized that I have quite a bit of reads I feel that need some more love so there will be more of these coming! Happy Reading

1. Strange Angels by Lili St. Crow. This series is hands down one of my all time favorites. Without spoiling too much it follows the main character, Dru, after her life turns upside down after father disappears after a hunting trip. It has werewolves and vampires, and some pretty interesting mythology. It’s filled with action and adventure, Dru is a kickass main character, and has an amazing cast of secondary and supporting characters. The only downside is the series has an open ending.

2. Lily Dale by Wendy Corsi Staub – I like this series because it was such a realistic, relatable version of the typical ghost story. It’s a great mystery, but also a great coming of age tale, I loved watching as Calla grew and learned. Calla just lost her mom and has moved in with her grandmother for the summer in Lily Dale. This story follows Calla’s journey is accepting her mother’s death and the mystery that surrounds it. I think if you loved Jennifer Love Hewitt’s Ghost Whisperer you would love this series as well.

3. Dark Visions by L.J. Smith – love, adventure, mystery, and psychic powers. Also in book two, there’s a road trip and it’s pretty amazing. I know this series was first released in the 90s, and then released in a bind up a few years ago. It’s such an interesting series filled with twists and turns. Thinking about it right now it kind of reminds me of Sense8.

4. Claire de Lune by Christine Johnson – this one is a lot like season one of Teen Wolf but with a female protagonist. This duology is really a coming of age werewolf story and it’s really sweet and has some cool werewolf mythology.

5. Darkest Powers by Kelley Armstrong – Okay this one isn’t underrated, but it is one of my favorite supernatural series. This is the series that made me love Kelley Armstrong. Now this series is pretty amazing. It follows a group of kids at Lyle House a special home for troubled kids. Lyle house has many secrets, and unfortunately for these kids, they’re right in the middle of it. I can’t say any more than that without spoiling the series, but it’s a really fun series, with great characters. (I recommend starting with The Summoning)

ARC Review: Emma In The Night by Wendy Walker

Emma in the Night by Wendy Walker

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Anyone whom loves psychological thrillers MUST READ THIS BOOK!!

I have recently become obsessed with these types of books and I tend to just let them consume my life until I hit the very end and gather all info needed to solve the puzzle. This particular book was definitely one of those stay up til 3 AM types of books!

There is so much going on and so much dysfunction with these characters that I do not even know where to start. I can tell you that right off the bat, I loathed Cass & Emma’s mother. If you ever encounter a person like this in real life, then you know exactly what I am talking about because I have! I felt sorry for their father and alot of sadness for Cass herself.

The book was written in dual POV from the view of Cass and the detective on the case that had grown up with dysfunction in her family too. I enjoyed it this way because you got to see what was happening behind the scenes while also seeing everything from Cass’s eyes since she had been the last person to see Emma.

The ending was not exactly what I had expected but that is what made the book sooo good…because you do not expect that crazy ending! I am telling you to pick this one up!!!

View all my reviews

Thank you to St. Martin Press for the review copy!

Review: Superman, Volume 2: Trial of the Super Sons

Peter J. Tomasi & Patrick Gleason

Paperback, First, 168 pages

Published April 25th 2017 by DC Comics

My Rating: 4 of 5 stars

 

Received from publisher in exchange for an honest review.

 

Synopsis: 

Superman and his super-son Jon are back in the second volume by best-selling author Peter J. Tomasi!

With Jon becoming more and more powerful by the day, Superman’s greatest foes are starting to take notice of the new super-kid on the block. When one of the most evil and ruthless of Superman’s rogues’ gallery comes for the Man of Steel’s son, Clark must decide just how far he’s willing to go to protect the ones he loves.
Superman and Jon Kent are transported to Dinosaur Island to find the last of the Losers! Then, after a quick trip to the county fair, Jon meets his match in Damian Wayne—and the Super Sons’ fathers soon put the two young heroes through their paces as a new crime-fighting team is forged!

Collecting: Superman 7-13

My Thoughts: 

First of all,

This trade was a little different than the last one. Instead of having one story arc that was explored throughout the whole trade, this one had three. I will share my thoughts on each story arc, there will be a little spoilers but nothing that will ruin the trade or the story arcs.

The first arc was Dinosaur Island part 1&2. I thought this arc was really good and I can’t wait to see where the storyline goes. It left me with so many questions! It did a great job of exploring Jon and Clark’s relationship, and Jon ever developing powers, all while introducing a new plot line that I expect will show up in the coming trades. Honestly, these issues were so good that it could be its own series. Now, looking back I wish the story arc was further explored and fleshed out more, just because it was that good and exciting.

Now, after I read the first trade which I gave a 1-star rating, I was sure that I wasn’t going to be continuing on with this run. But, I saw the cover and knew I had to read it.

Truly, I only wanted to read this volume to see Damian beat up Jon.

Not that I have anything against Jon because he’s pretty freaking adorable but, Damian Wayne is my little demon baby and I love him!

The two issues in which Damian was featured were great! I enjoyed seeing Maya & Goliath again. Also, Maya calls Damian little brother and I die. Watching these two super sons work together was adorable, sweet, and oh so funny! I really can’t say much about this arc without spoiling anything, but these issues serve as a kind of backdoor pilot. And after reading this, I will definitely be picking Super Sons.

The last two issues in this trade felt a little out of place. Though Lois Lane continues to be pretty freaking amazing.

Frankenstein and his Bride are hunting for a fugitive. These last issues mainly focused on them, and their relationship. The ending for the last issue was rushed, one second they’re looking for the fugitive and the next she’s apprehended with little explanation. but the main focus really wasn’t on the fugitive it was the Frankensteins and, damn the Bride was ice cold! By the end, I wanted to punch her and hug Frankenstein.

One critique I have is there needs to be more dad jokes. Clark told only TWO dad jokes in this whole trade. I would love it if Batman told a dad joke, can imagine?

While I still stand behind the 1 star I have volume 1, I have to say this volume was pretty freaking adorable. I think I liked this volume much better because I knew what to expect. It has action but it’s mainly family-focused and filled with fluff, it’s sweet and entertaining.

I get it now.

If you’re new to comics and don’t know where to start, this run is a good starting point if you’re interested in Superman or fans of Smallville!

WOW: Into the Bright Unknown by Rae Carson

Into the Bright Unknown (The Gold Seer Trilogy #3)

by Rae Carson

4.22  ·  Rating Details ·  36 Ratings  ·  8 Reviews

The stunning conclusion to Rae Carson’s New York Times–bestselling Gold Seer trilogy, which Publishers Weekly in a starred review called “Simply terrific.” A historical fantasy brimming with magic, romance, and adventure—perfect for fans of Leigh Bardugo, Sarah Maas, and Westworld.

Leah Westfall, her fiancé Jefferson, and her friends have become rich in the California Territory, thanks to Lee’s magical ability to sense precious gold. But their fortune has made them a target, and when a dangerous billionaire sets out to destroy them, Lee and her friends decide they’ve had enough—they will fight back with all their power and talents. Lee’s magic is continuing to strengthen and grow, but someone is on to her—someone who might have a bit of magic herself. The stakes are higher than ever as Lee and her friends hatch a daring scheme that could alter the California landscape forever. With a distinctive young heroine and a unique interpretation of American history, Into the Bright Unknown strikes a rich vein of romance, magic, and adventure, bringing the Gold Seer Trilogy to its epic conclusion. Includes a map and an author’s note.

Why I’m waiting?

I really enjoyed the first 2 books in this series and cannot WAIT to get my hands on the third!! I loved the time period and the whole premise and of course…the romance;)

Mini Reviews: Hugo Cabret & This Is Where I Leave You

Hello everyone!

Sorry I went MIA on you guys, but the end of the semester was a killer, and I was swamped with papers, exams, projects, presentations, and then finals week. I was lucky to make it out alive and when it was all said and done, I slept for like a week straight.

Anyhow, I’m back! I haven’t been reading much but I have a couple of reviews coming your way and other cool things!

For today I have some mini reviews for you guys, these books were okay but they weren’t my favorite, and so I don’t have a lot to say about them. Click the pictures to be taken to a goodreads page if you want more info on the books.

 

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆

I really don’t like this book.

I mean the artwork was gorgeous & the structure of the book is amazing. I love that this book is told in both in prose and pictures. The pictures are what make this book worth the read.

But the story and characters are pretty freaking bad. Hugo is in my opinion an unlikable character, and he really annoyed me. The other main character Isabelle  is pretty bratty but,  I didn’t hate her. When together Hugo and Isabelle is a volatile, annoying, stubborn mix.

I expected something better, and what I got was something that was pretty boring. I read it pretty much in one sitting, and I had only 120 pages felt (majority of that is just pictures) and I just couldn’t finish it, I didn’t care!

While the pictures are amazing and I really enjoyed that part, I wish the whole book was pictures only because the writing was subpar. 2 stars

｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆｡･:*:･ﾟ★,｡･:*:･ﾟ☆

I’m giving up on this book.

I started it January 13th 2016

It has sat unread for over a year, and I just don’t see myself going back to finish it, at least not anytime soon.

Though I have chosen to leave this book unfinished, what I did read wasn’t bad.

I really enjoyed the family dynamic and I loved Judd’s character. He was this hopeless romantic, who is just down on his luck, and being in his head was entertaining. Sad, but entertaining nonetheless. I spent majority of this book wanting to fight everybody who did Judd wrong, and then wanting to give him a hug.

Phillip pissed me off, I was rooting for him and then he just disappointed me. He was the youngest child and I had high hopes for him, he was my favorite sibling before he went and made me hate him. What I enjoyed about this book is that each and every character is facing their own battle. Everyone is a little sad, a little broken, a little angry, but all trying to cope, move on, or just accept it. Their flawed but loveable, accept Jen. Jen is horrible.

Also, I know there was supposed to be this big twist, it was so freaking obvious! I saw it from the get, but I loved the way it was handled. Though it was an obvious twist it was an interesting twist. 3 stars

 

Happy Reading!

ARC Review: Royal Bastards by Andrew Shvarts

Royal Bastards by Andrew Shvarts

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I really, REALLY loved this book!! It was chalked full of bravery, running for your life and romance!! I really enjoyed the story line dealing with all the bastard children and where the story led to. I must admit that I usually tend to lean towards books written by female authors, for some reason they always seem to get the romance done just right, but Mr. Shvarts did a pretty amazing job and I was very happy in that department:)

The ending of the book was explosive and sad but I am very happy to have received this review copy and am really hoping that this is a series!!!

If you enjoy action and adventure, then you need to pick this one up! I thought it was pretty unique.

View all my reviews

Thank you to Disney Hyperion for the review copy!