Review: Archie, Volume 1: The New Riverdale by Mark Waid, Fiona Staples, Annie Wu, and Veronica Fish

Title: Archie, Volume 1: The New Riverdale

Story by: Mark Waid

Art by: Fiona Staples, Annie Wu, Veronica Fish

Coloring by: Andre Szymanowicz, Jen Vaughn

Lettering by: Jack Morelli

Published by; Archie Comic Publications, Inc.

Released: 2016

Source: Library

Synopsis: America’s Favorite Teenager, Archie Andrews, is reborn in the pages of this must-have graphic novel collecting the first six issues of the comic book series that everyone is talking about. Meet Riverdale High teen Archie, his oddball, food-loving best friend Jughead, girl-next-door Betty and well-to-do snob Veronica Lodge as they embark on a modern reimagining of the beloved Archie world. It’s all here: the love triangle, friendship, humor, charm and lots of fun – but with a decidedly modern twist.

Brought to you by some of the masters of the comic book genre, including writer Mark Waid and the all-star lineup of artists: Fiona Staples, Annie Wu and Veronica Fish, the first volume of ARCHIE presents readers with a new take on the beloved Archie Comics concepts while retaining the best elements from the company’s 75 years of history. ARCHIE VOL. 1 collects ARCHIE #1-6 and features bonus content including scripts, sketches, variant covers and the full first issue of the all new JUGHEAD series by acclaimed writer Chip Zdarsky and artist Erica Henderson. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: This wasn't what I was expecting, but I really enjoyed it. I thought it was going to have the same flavor as the CW's Riverdale show, but that's not what it was. It really was just an updated version of the Archie Comics and it was great! It was a lot of fun.

I loved the art and color. The stories were really fun. I didn't necessarily get why Archie would talk to the audience, but whatever. I'm definitely going to read more of it.

One pet peeve was that I wish they had just kept the same artist throughout the whole Volume. All the art was good, but I never understand why they feel the need to change it halfway through. It can be jarring.

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 4/5

Great!

Reading Right Now! (254)

What I'm Reading Right Now! is...

The Disasters by M. K. England -- I've been so excited to read this book since the moment I saw the cover. It just looks like a book that I will love.

I'm about 100 pages into it and I like it, but I don't love it so far. It has almost everything that I really like in a sci-fi book, but but but something is holding me back.

I don't really love the tone of this book, maybe that's right. I don't know. It's almost too chummy and light. I'm not in love with the main character Nax's voice. One thing that really annoys me about Nax is that while they are going through this really serious situation, he notices just how attractive all his crew members are, over and over again. I would think if you are running for your life, you wouldn't have time to flirt with everybody. It just feels kind of immature for the situation.

This team in the story are really strangers and they get put into this crazy situation, and I don't feel like the team growth is there. It's one minute they are strangers, and the next they are best buds. It just doesn't feel natural.

I don't know. I'm only 100 pages in, so maybe my feelings will change. I really was excited for this book, thought I'd love it, maybe even hyped it up in my mind a little bit, and it's not living up to what I thought it was going to be. It's a good story so far, but I'm not head over heels for it.

That's what I'm Reading Right Now! What are you reading?

Review: Gotham High by Melissa de la Cruz and Thomas Pitilli

Title: Gotham High

Author: Melissa de la Cruz

Illustrated by: Thomas Pitilli

Published by: DC Ink

Released: April 7, 2020

Source: Review Copy from Publisher

Synopsis: From the #1 New York Times bestselling author of Alex and Eliza and The Witches of East End comes a reimagining of Gotham for a new generation of readers. Before they became Batman, Catwoman, and The Joker, Bruce, Selina, and Jack were high schoolers who would do whatever it took--even destroy the ones they love--to satisfy their own motives.

After being kicked out of his boarding school, 16-year-old Bruce Wayne returns to Gotham City to find that nothing is as he left it. What once was his family home is now an empty husk, lonely but haunted by the memory of his parents' murder. Selina Kyle, once the innocent girl next door, now rules over Gotham High School with a dangerous flair, aided by the class clown, Jack Napier.
When a kidnapping rattles the school, Bruce seeks answers as the dark and troubled knight--but is he actually the pawn? Nothing is ever as it seems, especially at Gotham High, where the parties and romances are of the highest stakes ... and where everyone is a suspect.
With enchanting art by Thomas Pitilli, this new graphic novel is just as intoxicating as it is chilling, in which dearest friends turn into greatest enemies--all within the hallways of Gotham High! (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: Thanks so much to DC Ink for providing me with an early copy for honest review.

This was an okay, enjoyable read for me. I won't say that anything about it really blew me out of the water, but it was fine. I enjoyed the art style and coloring, although I sometimes wished Bruce had more detail in his face. His main look seemed to be a very angular face and black hair with swish. I felt like the other characters had more detail put into their appearance then Bruce did. It was still good art though and nice colors. The story was interesting enough. It never said Batman to me though. This could have been any dark, YA high school book, it had that feel to it over a teenage Batman story. Jack didn't scream Joker. Ivy was very, very background. Selena did have that murky character feel, but she was really it.

I also didn't really understand the choice to change character races. It didn't bother me, but I just didn't really see why. I also didn't really get why butler Alfred became Uncle Alfred. I think it helps shape Batman's character that he doesn't really have an older family figure checking up on him. Alfred as a butler is there to take care of him, but isn't really in a position to tell him what to do, if that makes sense. He can make suggestions, offer advice, but he's not in charge of Bruce Wayne.

The overall plot was okay. There was a little bit of danger in it. It was a very fast story.

Gotham High was fine. If you're looking for something quick, I'd say give it a read, but if you are a true Batman fan, I don't think this story will do anything for you. It didn't give me that caped crusader feel. Granted, I don't know every minute detail of Batman's life and backstory, but Batman has a feel to it and this story didn't capture that for me.

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3/5

Well, here it is

BLOG TOUR: Best Behavior by Wendy Francis

I'm really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Best Behavior by Wendy Francis. I was provided with a free copy for honest review from the publisher. Thanks so much to Graydon House and Wendy Francis for letting me be a part of this fun tour!

Title: Best Behavior

Author: Wendy Francis

Published by: Graydon House

Released: May 5, 2020

Source: Electronic Review Copy from Publisher

Goodreads   Amazon

Synopsis: A modern-day family gathers for a weekend to remember in a novel rich in both humor and heart…

Meredith Parker has made the journey to Bolton, her twins’ college, dozens of times. This weekend, though, is different. Dawn and Cody are about to graduate and move away to separate corners of the country. Meredith is proud of her kids, and she’s proud of herself for helping them get this far. She just never expected the tidal wave of emotions sweeping over her—or the tangled family dynamics complicating everything.
Meredith doesn’t miss her cheating ex, Roger, one bit, but sitting across from his very young, very gorgeous second wife threatens to unravel the graceful facade she’s trying so hard to maintain. Joel, Meredith’s husband, can see she’s feeling the first pangs of empty-nest syndrome and wants to soften the blow—but he’s distracted by a familiar face. Meanwhile, Cody and Dawn are sitting on their own secrets, and Roger’s new wife, Lily, wonders if she really wants to be a part of this wild, mixed-up family.

As tensions simmer with each passing appetizer tray, Meredith’s vision of the perfect weekend goes up in flames. But before the party’s over, as best behavior gives way to brutal honesty, there’ll be a chance for this new blended family to truly come together—in all its messy and glorious imperfection. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this novel of family. I really got pulled into the story and enjoyed my time reading it. The writing style was easy, and I liked that.

This story presents a blended family, and with that blend comes complications. First wife and mother of the children having to face a younger second wife. A second wife being unsure of where she fits in this family situation. Twins who are now about to graduate college and move to different parts of the country. And there are secrets in this family. This all makes for one very eye-opening get together.

I enjoyed this book. I was interested to see what was going to happen with every member of the family. I was waiting for the fireworks.

I also really enjoyed how everything came together in the end. Family is Family.

I'd definitely read more from Wendy Francis. I had a good time with Best Behavior and I think you would too.

Wendy Francis is a former book editor and the author of Best Behavior, The Summer Sail, The Summer of Good Intentions, and Three Good Things. Her essays have appeared in Good Housekeeping, The Washington Post, YahooParenting, The Huffington Post, and WBUR's Cognoscenti. She lives outside of Boston with her husband and 11-year-old son. For events and updates, check out her webpage at www.facebook.com/wendyfrancisauthor or follow her on twitter @wendyfrancis4 and on Instagram @wendyfrancisauthor.

Thanks so much for stopping by my Blog Tour Stop for Best Behavior by Wendy Francis. Thanks so much to Graydon House and Wendy Francis for letting me be a part of this fun tour.

April 2020 Wrap-Up!

Here are all the books that I read in April 2020. I didn't read as much as I did last month, but I did read more novels instead of comics/graphic novels. I also started and finished the O.W.L.S. Magical Readathon, so I'm excited about that. I successfully completed my career for Potioneer.

Like Never and Always by Ann Aguirre -- I was pretty interested in this one. It had a really intriguing plot and I liked the writing style. I'm not sure how I feel about the two brothers angle, but I do like the one she chose. Definitely reading more by Ann Aguirre. BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 4/5

O.W.L.S. MAGICAL READATHON 2020

Career of Potioneer

  

 

A Curious Beginning (Veronica Speedwell #1) by Deanna Raybourn -- Subject: Aritmancy - Read a book outside of your favorite genre. This grew on me the more I read it. It was a book full of chaos and I liked it. Definitely going to continue with this series. It started out a little slow, but it pulled me in. 

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3.8/5

Woven in Moonlight by Isabel Ibanez -- Subject: Care of Magical Creatures - a book with a beak on the cover.  This was cute. I thought it was fun. There were times when it tried to go hard and violent, and I just don't think it gelled well with the rest of the book. I liked all the magical gifts, but I can't say that I understood why or how these people had magic. This was mainly a cover grab, but I did like the story.

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3.8/5

Switchback (Nightshades #2) by Melissa F. Olson -- Subject: Charms - a book with a white cover. I liked this book too. This one was a dark and gritty urban fantasy. It's a special FBI Unit that investigates vampire crimes, and they have a vampire on the team. It was a super fast read and I'm intrigued to read the last book and see how it all ends.

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 4/5

Motor Crush, Volume 1 by Brenden Fletcher, Cameron Stewart, and Babs Tarr -- Subject: Herbology - a book with a title that starts with the letter M. I really liked the art style in this and the story was interesting too. I'll be on the lookout for Volume 2 whenever my library reopens.

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 4/5

Hammers on Bone (Persons Non Grata #1) by Cassandra Khaw -- Subject Potions: A book under 150 pages. This was a little strange, but overall I liked it. It was very Lovecraftian in its horror, which means there were so many gross eyeballs. An interesting story and I'd be curious to check out more.

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3.5/5

Diamond City (#1) by Francesca Flores -- This was pretty good. There was a lot of action, a lot of adventure. I was a little slow in reading through this, but I think it was me instead of the book. I'm interested to see where the sequel goes.

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3.8/5

And that is everything I read in April 2020! I pretty much liked everything, so that was good. I'm happy that I finished my O.W.L.S. and am now excited for when the N.E.W.T.S. happen. It's a really fun readathon, and I definitely recommend you take part in it. Hopefully I have a good reading month in May.

Reading Right Now! (253)

So, I missed last Friday's post. Oops. I also finished all my O.W.L.S. Magical Readathon prompts and I will be putting all of them in my April 2020 Wrap-up.
What I'm Reading Right Now! is...

 

Strange Exit by Parker Peevyhouse -- I just started this, so I don't know much. I know it's sci-fi and it sounds interesting. The first chapter was a little strange to understand what was happening, but I'm hoping to really like this one.

Gotham Academy by Melissa de la Cruz and Thomas Pitilli -- I got this one for review from Netgalley and the publisher, but I didn't get around to reading it before it was released. I checked out a copy from Hoopla because I figure it might be easier to read it this way.

I'm interested in this. Batman in high school. I have heard that characters' races get changed and I don't know. I feel like in this climate, it's okay to change a character's race if they've always been white, but it never goes the other way. I haven't read it, so I'll not form an opinion yet.

So that's what I'm Reading Right Now! What are you reading?

Review: In An Absent Dream (Wayward Children #4) by Seanan McGuire

Title: In An Absent Dream (Wayward Children #4)

Author: Seanan McGuire

Published by: Tom Doherty Associates

Released: 2018

Source: Library

Synopsis: This fourth entry and prequel tells the story of Lundy, a very serious young girl who would rather study and dream than become a respectable housewife and live up to the expectations of the world around her. As well she should.

When she finds a doorway to a world founded on logic and reason, riddles and lies, she thinks she's found her paradise. Alas, everything costs at the goblin market, and when her time there is drawing to a close, she makes the kind of bargain that never plays out well. (Synopsis from Goodreads)

My Thoughts: *Le Sigh* I wish that I could love these things like everybody else does. I didn't love this. I thought the story was interesting enough, but the way it was told irritated me. It skipped over every action scene, quest, and journey, and would then mention them later in passing. We never saw any of it! I think that's lazy writing. It's a lazy way to tell a story without really showing anything. Controversial opinion when it comes to this author and this series, I know.

I was also irritated because this character called Mockery was mentioned over and over with sadness, because she's dead, but the story NEVER EVEN INTRODUCED HER! Why should I even care? Don't know her. That's not fair value storytelling.

Parts of Lundy's story were interesting. She was different from the other kids in the Wayward Children Series because she could go back and forth between worlds. Her door was always there waiting for her. It was also interesting that her dad visited the same world when he was a child.

And I guess the moral is that in life, you eventually have to make a choice. You can't have everything.

BOOKCITEMENT LEVEL 3.5/5

Irritating