Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook and Graphic Novel Review – The Innkeeper Chronicle Series

This may be my favorite series of all time, and though I read them a long time ago, when I saw that there were graphic novels and graphic audio adaptions, I knew I had to reread them.

Friends, here is my confession: I NEVER reread books. Honestly, I don’t think I have ever reread a book (other than to edit or revise it.) Judge me as you will, that’s just a fact.

But I absolutely LOVED diving into these again. I loved the graphic novels. Loved the graphic audio. However, please be aware that the graphic audiobooks are abridged, so they’re better for a reread than for your first read. Same with the graphic novels. Though they are wonderful, I don’t think they quite capture everything in the books. As a whole though, I found the series even better than I remembered, and I was so excited to learn the authors are planning on continuing it! I honestly cannot recommend these enough. Seriously one of my all time favorites.

Six glowing stars. The highest rating I can bestow, and I will absolutely consume every adaption of them in the future. TV SHOW PLEASE?!?!?!?

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

Honestly, more people need to read these! I can’t believe they don’t get more attention!

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches

Oh my goodddddd, I LOVED this book. Legitimately made me happy to be driving so that I could listen to it. Definitely one of my favorite reads of the year so far, and I will be recommending it so hard. If you want a cozy paranormal, whimsical magic, SO MUCH FOUND FAMILY (like, maybe one of the best executions of found family I’ve read ever? I’ll have to think about it), a brilliantly sweet & swoony Sunshine/Grump couple, and a lovable ensemble cast, dude, read this book. And the audiobook narration was absolutely delightful. I will definitely be looking to read more by Mandanna!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

So good. Definitely going to be a top read of the year.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

ARC Review – Human Scars on Planet Skin

Whoa. I read this book in one sitting when I was exhausted and worn out with the world, and it was exactly the breath of fresh air I needed. Brimming with emotion, haunting in its symbolism, and unapologetically unique, this is the book I didn’t know I was looking for. Human Scars on Planet Skin meets you at the intersection of environmental devastation, overwhelming grief, and dogged restoration. It’s a story of the scars of both the world and those we carry with us. Of the things we cannot carry. Of our place in the balance of nature, life, death, and the other souls around us. Of the pain and process of healing, even in the face of unspeakable horror. Told through the eyes of a psychedelic mushroom and somehow comfortingly bizarre, this is a one-of-a-kind story for those looking for a visceral, heartfelt journey that takes you to the depths of despair while also highlighting the tenacity of hope in a lovable word that you can feel to your bones. Highly recommend.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I love a book that feels unique.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Here One Moment

Really enjoyed this one! I love Liane Moriarty’s writing style, and it’s always so awesome to see her weave so many different point-of-views from super different characters together. Super heartwarming with a mystical flare and poignant themes. I’ll definitely be recommending this one!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I always love a good Liane Moriarty book. what can I say? I’m a fan.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Imminent (Inside the Pentagon’s Hunt for UFOs)

Okay, so I read this book at the insistence of a family member, and I entered with a quite a bit of skepticism, but I found it thought-provoking. Autobiographical-flavored nonfiction is NOT my favorite for lots of reasons, but some thoughts and takeaways from me:

– I know many people that I consider to be trustworthy and reliable who have seen or experienced things they cannot explain, which is actually why a lot of this wasn’t big news to me

– The author describes many accounts/videos of people seeing or experiencing things they cannot explain

– I think the author brings up lots of concepts that are interesting from a purely speculative point of view

– Personally, I have always accepted that the universe is full of lots of things we don’t understand yet, and this book didn’t really change my perspective in any way.

– In general, regardless of the veracity of the claims in this book, the saga makes for a good story, and definitely made me consider a lot of “what-ifs.”

– At the end of the day, my big takeaway is if you do see a UAP (unidentified aerial phenomenon), I would stay away from it.

Overall, I found this an interesting read and would recommend if you’re curious about the subject or if you want to discuss with your friends. Regardless of what you believe may or may not be true, this author truly believes that the UAPs are not of this world, and is passionate about bringing those truths to light. Personally, I’m thankful for the progress that’s been made on de-stigmatizing the topic and hope we can all learn more in the future.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

Definitely thought-provoking, any way you look at it.

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Remarkably Bright Creatures

My favorite read of the year so far, and I can say without a doubt this will be on my top ten of 2025 list. This is now my go-to recommendation for any and all readers. The audiobook narration was also fabulous. This is a short review because I really don’t have anything to say but go read it. Six glowing stars, the highest rating I can give..

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

So unbelievably good you all. I can’t wait to see what this author writes next!

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Umbra

A smart, techy sci-fi adventure with big Star Trek & Battlestar Galactica vibes & side of slowburn romance. Skyla was definitely my favorite POV, and I loved the idea of the connection with the ships. (Also, I loved that she had Fenrir – think big, epic doggo!) Definitely recommend for sci-fi fans looking for a space opera with big military & science elements.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

We definitely need more sci-fi romance in the world!

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – Time-Marked Warlock

Let’s see what did I like?
Everything

This one absolutely blew me away, and it is a book I will be recommending to literally everyone. Smart magic, fun characters, & a mystery to solve. Also, the narration was amazing. 10/10 will be recommending. Seriously, this was such an amazing find!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

This one definitely needs more attention! Loved it!

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Audiobook Review – The Starlight Heir

Unfortunately, to be honest, I don’t know if I would’ve finished this one if I hadn’t gotten it from NetGalley.

What I liked:
– Persian & Indian-inspired mythology
– The book starts off like The Selection with a Hunger Games twist.
– While there’s obviously a book 2 planned, this book has a satisfying end that feels like a complete arc

What I didn’t like:
– Honestly, the main characters just fell flat for me. I felt like their personalities & the chemistry between them didn’t quite pop, and the spice/lustiness felt like it didn’t quite fit somehow — almost like it was added just so it could fit under the romantasy label.

– The Selection/Hunger Games set-up resolves surprisingly quickly (maybe at like the 25% mark) and from there, although l liked the idea of some of the developments, in general, it just felt like the plot dragged. (However that could’ve been because I was connecting to the characters)

All that to say, while this book wasn’t really for me, if you’re a romantasy fan who loves a strong side of mythology, it might be for you!

⭐⭐⭐½

Not really for me, but it could be for you!

Thanks for reading!

Posted on by hrchow12

Book Review – Performances of Death Metal Bard

I honestly didn’t think I would describe a story about a death metal bard as adorable, but here we are. Unexpectedly cozy, original, and metal in the best way. Cute characters, short and sweet, and definitely recommend if you’re looking for something different and fresh.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

I love it when I find a book that’s such a fresh surprise!

Thanks for reading!