Graphic Novel Review of Max Meow: Donuts and Danger by John Gallagher

 

Read for: Requested Review/ Netgalley/ Graphic Novel

Previous Books in Series: 

Cat Crusader

Synopsis: "Meowza! Max was just getting used to being a SECRET SUPER HERO when his and his best friend Mindy's evil look-alikes show up in Kittyopolis! And what's worse, they're determined to take over the world's donut supply--and Max and Mindy are getting blamed! Can Max and Mindy work together to save the day--and the donuts?!" 

My Review:  I read the first graphic novel in the Max Meow series and really enjoyed it and could see where young readers would love it. This time around I was anxious to not only read it but to also share it with my son, he is a huge Dog Man and InvestiGators fan. I really enjoyed this one, maybe even more than the first. It is a fun action story with super heroes, a mystery thrown in and (yes this is the parent in me) some really great lessons too! My son did not want to put this one down and neither did I, we both finished it within 2 days and are so excited for another one to come out!

My Rating: This is definitely a great book to add to young readers shelves, the art style is bright and bold with fun details.  Reluctant readers and avid readers alike will enjoy it. Both Munchkin and I give it a rating of Four Paws and can't wait for the next book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book via Netgalley. The above is my honest review and opinion.

You can find out more about John Gallagher and his book on his Goodreads Page or Website. 

Max Meow: Donuts and Danger is out now (and book 3 in the series is releasing next month in September) so you can obtain your own copy in print or digital format from Amazon or Barnes & Noble or request it at your local library or bookstore.

Review of Twelve: Poems Inspired by the Brothers Grimm Fairy Tale by Andrea Blythe

 

Read for: Requested Review/ Poetry Library Challenge

Synopsis: "Twelve is a poetic retelling of the Brothers Grimm fairytale "The Twelve Dancing Princesses." Bewitching and beguiling, this short series of linked poems takes the reader to the underground realm and back, following the stories of twelve princesses and their life after the magic shoes."

My Review:  I received this book some time ago but honestly it got lost in my mess of a TBR shelf. I re-discovered it and it fit perfectly with the library's summer reading challenge. I wasn't sure what to expect from this one, I don't think I have ever read the original story of the Twelve Dancing Princesses. From what I understand this book of poetry picks up after the original ended. I really love what Blythe did with these princesses, they each got their own unique 'after the story' ending. They also got to take control of their own lives and futures, so that is always great. I also really enjoyed the writing style, it doesn't always strike as outwardly poetry in the sense you are taught in school but it really flows beautifully. The only downfall for me is that I wanted more, I want a whole novel written in this style about these girls.

My Rating: I really enjoyed this collection of poems, it reads like a story but flows beautifully like poetry. I am intrigued by the way this story takes what is intended in the original and give the girls their power back to choose their own paths.  I give it a rating of Four Paws.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, the above is my honest opinion and review.

You can find out more about Andrea Blythe and her books on her Goodreads Page or Website. 

You can obtain your own copy in print or digital format from Amazon or request it at your local bookstore or library.

July 2021 Wrap Up & August TBR

 Boy did July fly by like crazy! I can't believe how quickly this year is suddenly flying.  After many years of working on the house every spare minute, we have taken full advantage of the freedom of finishing; we have taken many local short vacations to rest and relax.  Unfortunately those vacations tend to not allow for much reading.  I have managed to squeeze in more reading with audio books and the library reading challenge allowing adults to participate has really pushed me to read even more.

We will start with my main challenge this year . . .

TBR Books Read:

Again, not quite the 5 book monthly goal but 3 books read off that old TBR

 

 

And DNFed one other

2021 Books added to TBR & Read:

I did so much better this month with limiting my purchases, I only picked up 3 new books and managed to read all of them this month!  ( I also unhauled 2 books that I just didn't see myself getting to anywhere in the near future).

 

 

Other Recent Additions:

Woohoo! I think this is the first time every I have read every book I purchased in that month!! This is really something for me to be excited about!  

In other reading I am tracking this year, I read . . .

Re-Reads:

Goal: Re-read 15 books

None

Borrowed Books:

Goal: Borrow 30 books

19. Broke Down

20. Buying Charlotte

21. Knocked Up

22. Whiskey in a Teacup

Books Over 500 Pages:

Goal: 10 books

9. Buying Charlotte (809)

10. The Summer Dragon (512)

Requested Reviews: 

24. Paws & Prejudice (Direct/Netgalley)

25. All Together Now (Netgalley)

26. Half Sick of Shadows (Netgalley)

27. Max Meow: Donuts & Danger (Netgalley)

 Reading Stats:

I read a total of 20 books this month

2,909 pages read and 4 days, 1 hour and 27 minute of listening

*** I have not been able to keep up with my reading stats, these are the numbers as of the end of February. Maybe at some point I will get around to calculating but honestly, I am not minding not knowing exactly the pages read and hours listened ***

Resolutions Check in:

1. Read that TBR: I am still not meeting my 5 book a month goal but I am so close, I might just have to drop my goal down to 4 a month instead - CHECK

2. Re-Read More: I haven't re-read any books this month but have one in progress and will be starting a series binge this week -  :/

3. Purchase Less & Read More: I actually managed to only purchase 3 books this month and I read them all! - CHECK

4. Keep Trying New Genres/Authors: I have been picking up new authors and trying books that I have heard a lot of hype around.  - CHECK

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

August TBR

Last month I wanted to read 4 TBR books, 4 New additions and more requested reviews and I actually did a pretty good job of that.  I think that was a pretty nice balanced reading list and I am going to shoot for that again this month

For TBR books: 

Gates of Stone

The Sea King

Let it All Burn

Spellbreaker

Dead Drop

Sorrowland *Currently Reading

The Shadow of the Gods

For Re-Reads:

The Black Stallion

First 5 Books in The Queen's Thief Series

ARCs:

Cuckoo's Flight

Local Star *Currently reading

Even and Odd

Twelve *Currently Reading

Six Crimson Cranes

Heartbreak for Hire

Frankie and Amelia

I really am trying to get more posts up and a little more regularly but it has been difficult with all the traveling we have done in the past month! We went away 3 times in the past month and have another 2 long weekend getaways planned. So while I want to get more posts up for you, it may all have to wait another month.  The good news is that I am nearly caught up on requested reviews and can start sharing other posts soon!

I hope you are all finding yourselves on great adventures in your books!