Book Review #774 - Road to Riverdale Vol 3 (Road to Riverdale) by Mark Waid, Chip Zdarsky, Marguerite Bennett, Adam Hughes and Fiona Staples

In the past two years, the little town of Riverdale has changed in a number of amazing ways. The entire Archie universe has been given a fresh coat of paint and it's only getting bigger and better from here. Road to Riverdale presents to readers all of the third issues of each of our new series so far, including Archie, Jughead, Betty and Veronica, Josie and the Pussycats, and Reggie & Me. This graphic novel features riveting stories and dazzling artwork from superstar writers and artists like Mark Waid, Adam Hughes, Marguerite Bennett, Fiona Staples, Chip Zdarsky and much more. You won't want to miss out on this one-of-a-kind collection that shines the spotlight on the New Riverdale, and serves as the ultimate guide for both new readers and long-time fans.

My Rating: 3/5

There is not much else I can say about this book that I haven't already said in my reviews of the first and second volumes in this series other than I hope they make more of these and in the meantime I might try and pick up some of the original Archie comics.

Book Review #770 - Road to Riverdale Vol 2 (Road to Riverdale) by Mark Waid, Chip Zdarsky, Marguerite Bennett, Adam Hughes and Fiona Staples

In the past two years, the little town of Riverdale has changed in a number of amazing ways. The entire Archie universe has been given a fresh coat of paint and it's only getting bigger and better from here. Road to Riverdale presents to readers all of the second issues of each of our new series so far, including Archie, Jughead, Betty and Veronica, Josie and the Pussycats and Reggie & Me, timed to the Season One Finale of the brand new CW series Riverdale. This volume also contains a new story based in the show's universe as a bonus for viewers!

This graphic novel features riveting stories and dazzling artwork from superstar writers and artists like Mark Waid, Adam Hughes, Marguerite Bennett, Fiona Staples, Chip Zdarsky and much more. You won't want to miss out on this collection that shines the spotlight on the New Riverdale, and serves as the ultimate guide for both new readers and long-time fans.

My Rating: 3/5

This is the second graphic novel I have read centered around the Riverdale gang.

I loved that this one had a lot more emphasis on Jughead as he is my favourite character but also showed a lot of the secondary characters as well in starring roles.

I really loved all the different stories following all the different characters throughout as well as all the different art styles as each story is written/illustrated by a different author.

As far as the story goes I liked that the plot of the TV show Riverdale was mentioned in one of these stories.

I also like the modern approach these books have as the original Archie comics were published so long ago and these versions contain so many pop culture references. 

Book Review #764 - Road to Riverdale Vol 1 (Road to Riverdale) by Mark Waid, Chip Zdarsky, Adam Hughes, Marguerite Bennett and Fiona Staples

ROAD TO RIVERDALE is an entry-level collection featuring the first issues of all modern-day Archie relaunches. 

Featuring the top talents in comics, this graphic novel is perfect for those new fans of the CW's Riverdale TV series, debuting in January 2017. Timed alongside the first episode, it captures the New Riverdale that inspired the show and is a guide for new readers to explore the variety of Archie comics and graphic novels available.

READ THE STORIES THAT INSPIRED THE NEW CW TV SERIES!

In the past two years, the little town of Riverdale has changed in a number of amazing ways. The entire Archie universe has been given a fresh coat of paint and it's only getting bigger and better from here. Road to Riverdale presents to readers all of the first issues of each of our new series so far, including Archie, Jughead, Betty and Veronica, Josie and the Pussycats, and Reggie & Me, timed to the release of the brand new CW series Riverdale. This graphic novel features riveting stories and dazzling artwork from superstar writers and artists like Mark Waid, Adam Hughes, Marguerite Bennett, Fiona Staples, Chip Zdarsky and much more. You won't want to miss out on this one-of-a-kind collection that shines the spotlight on the New Riverdale, and serves as the ultimate guide for both new readers and long-time fans.

My Rating: 2/5

I borrowed this book from my local library after I had been sick and spent a few days in bed binge watching Riverdale on Netflix.

There were quite a few different stories in this edition which was good because we got to see a variety of different characters but also bad because I would have preferred one continuing storyline.

Some of the characters were completely different to that portrayed in the TV show. This was not necessarily a negative thing but one in particular made me laugh. The teacher that Archie has the affair with in the show is portrayed as an elderly woman in this book.

Book Review #749 - Twilight: The Graphic Novel Volume 1 (Twilight: The Graphic Novel #1) by Stephenie Meyer and Young Kim

When Isabella Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious, alluring Edward Cullen, her life takes a thrilling and terrifying turn. With his porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts, Edward is both irresistible and impenetrable. Up until now, he has managed to keep his true identity hidden, but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret... 

My Rating: 3/5

I read this book for the Popsugar 2018 Reading Challenge for the prompt of reading a Goodreads winner and this was the only book I had on my TBR that fit that description.

I used to love Twilight back in the day but have recently discovered that I am just unable to re-read it anymore so returning to the story in a graphic novel format was ideal for me.

I loved how the story was condensed and made lighter and the artwork throughout was amazing and really brought the characters and story to life.

Book Review #725 - Wonderstruck by Brian Selznick

Ben and Rose secretly wish for better lives. Ben longs for the father he has never known. Rose dreams of a mysterious actress whose life she chronicles in a scrapbook. When Ben discovers a puzzling clue in his mother's room and Rose reads an enticing headline in the newspaper, both children set out alone on desperate quests to find what they are missing.

Set fifty years apart, these two independent stories - Ben's told in words, Rose's in pictures - weave back and worth in symmetry.

 

 

My Rating: 8/10

 

 

I absolutely loved The Invention of Hugo Cabret and The Marvels and was pleased to discover that Wonderstruck was of the same quality.

 

I loved that both the drawings and the written words both equally portray the story. Neither of the elements is more dominant than the other.

 

The way the two stories seamlessly weaved together was really well done and is something that I admired about the previous two books as well.

 

The fact that a number of the main characters were deaf really added a whole other layer to the story especially how it was told not through any words, but drawings.

 

This book perfectly gives a silent nod to both art museums and New York which added so much character to the story and the drawings helped immensely bring this element alive.

 

Overall, this was a very beautifully woven adventure that had so much magic on every single one of its 600 plus pages.

Book Review #700 - The Third Wheel (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #7) by Jeff Kinney

Love is in the air - but what does that mean for Greg Heffley?

 

 

A Valentine's Day dance at Greg's middle school has turned his world upside down. As Greg scrambles to find a date, he's worried he'll be left out in the cold on the big night. His best friend, Rowley, doesn't have any prospects either, but that's a small consolation.

 

 

An unexpected twist gives Greg a partner for the dance and leaves Rowley the odd man out. But a lot can happen in one night, and in the end, you never know who's going to be lucky in love.

 

 

My Rating: 3/5

 

 

It had been a while since I last read a Wimpy Kid book when I decided to pick this one up. I find these books are perfect to read between dense fantasy books. I find it quick and easy to jump straight back into these books.

 

 

Even though this is the seventh book in the series, it still managed to contain the same amount of charm and humour as the previous six books did.

 

This book is centred around Valentine's Day and so even though the characters grew up a little, Greg was still at his immature best and managing to screw things up in ways only Greg could possibly manage.

 

 

I liked how this book centred not just heavily around Greg's school, but also his home life as the previous books seem to just focus on one or the other, or focus on one more than the other.

Book Review #676 - The Walking Dead, Book 2 (#13-#24)

My Rating: 3/5

I didn't like this book as much as the first one. This book contained way too much personal drama especially for a post-apocalyptic book. 

There was way too much focus on romantic relationships, some because of the portrayal of them on the TV show I couldn't get my head around like Carol and Tyreese. 

I loved that Michonne was finally introduced as she is one of my favourite characters. 

Overall I was a little disappointed with this one and am not sure I am going to continue on with this series. 

Book Review #604 - The Marvels by Brian Selznick

My Rating: 5/5


Source: Scholastic Australia


Buy: The Book Depository


Goodreads


Two seemingly unrelated stories--one in words, the other in pictures--come together. The illustrated story begins in 1766 with Billy Marvel, the lone survivor of a shipwreck, and charts the adventures of his family of actors over five generations. The prose story opens in 1990 and follows Joseph, who has run away from school to an estranged uncle's puzzling house in London, where he, along with the reader, must piece together many mysteries.


This book contains two stories that are connected in a way I can't explain without revealing massive spoilers. 

The first book is told entirely through drawings. The second is told through a combination of drawings and words. 

The author conveys his story extremely well using both methods. I honestly cannot choose which skill he is better at. 

I love the drawings in this book. They really carried the story. They were expressive and conveyed the story perfectly. 

Book Review #591 - Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life (Scott Pilgrim #1) by Bryan Lee O'Malley

My Rating: 3/5


Source: Library



Buy: The Book Depository or Booktopia



Goodreads

Scott Pilgrim's life is totally sweet. He's 23 years old, he's in a rock band, he's ""between jobs,"" and he's dating a cute high school girl. Nothing could possibly go wrong, unless a seriously mind-blowing, dangerously fashionable, rollerblading delivery girl named Ramona Flowers starts cruising through his dreams and sailing by him at parties. Will Scott's awesome life get turned upside-down? Will he have to face Ramona's seven evil ex-boyfriends in battle? The short answer is yes. The long answer is Scott Pilgrim, Volume 1: Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life. 

I'm still relatively new to graphic novels and when I saw this at my local library I decided to pick it up as I had seen the movie adaptation. 

This book was clever, unique and hilarious. I liked it so much more than the film and am looking forward to reading the rest of the series. 

Book Review #575 - Hyperbole and a Half by Allie Brosh

My Rating: 5/5



Source: Bought from a charity shop



Buy: The Book Depository



Goodreads

This is a book I wrote. Because I wrote it, I had to figure out what to put on the back cover to explain what it is. I tried to write a long, third-person summary that would imply how great the book is and also sound vaguely authoritative--like maybe someone who isn’t me wrote it--but I soon discovered that I’m not sneaky enough to pull it off convincingly. So I decided to just make a list of things that are in the book:

Pictures

Words

Stories about things that happened to me

Stories about things that happened to other people because of me

Eight billion dollars*

Stories about dogs

The secret to eternal happiness*

*These are lies. Perhaps I have underestimated my sneakiness!

I bought and finished this book on the same day - that virtually summarizes just how much I enjoyed this book. 

I found this book hilarious and incredibly fast paced. It was just simply very fun to read. 

My favourite chapters or stories were the one about the cake and any of the ones involving the dogs. Also the goose - pretty much every chapter is memorable and funny.

I had not read or heard of the blog upon which this book (and plenty of other stories) originated from but I am definitely going to be checking it out.  

Book Review #477 - The Sea of Monsters: The Graphic Novel (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #2) by Rick Riordan

Seventh grade has been surprisingly quiet for Percy Jackson. Not a single monster has set foot on his New York prep-school campus. But when an innocent game of dodgeball among Percy and his classmates turns into a death match against an ugly gang of cannibal giants, things get...well, ugly. And the unexpected arrival of his friend Annabeth brings more bad news: the magical borders that protect Camp Half-Blood have been poisoned by a mysterious enemy, and unless a cure is found, the only safe haven for demigods will be destroyed.

In the follow-up to the wildly popular The Lightning Thief, The Graphic Novel, Percy and his friends must journey into the Sea of Monsters to save their camp. But first, Percy will discover a stunning new secret about his family--one that makes him question whether being claimed as Poseidon's son is an honor or simply a cruel joke.

My Rating: 3/5

I'm not the biggest fan of graphic novels especially ones adapted from novels but seeing as I read the first one, I thought I would try its sequel.

Whilst I thought that the drawings were more expressive than the first book, the story was a lot weaker. If it wasn't for the fact that I have read the novel, I would have been left confused as there were numerous plot holes.

Reading this though has inspired me to finish the Percy Jackson and the Olympians books, so I hope to read the remaining four books soon.

Book Review #431 - The Walking Dead (The Walking Dead #1-12) by Robert Kirkman, Tony Moor, Charlie Adlard & Cliff Rathburn

The world we knew is gone. The world of commerce and frivolous necessity has been replaced by a world of survival and responsibility. An epidemic of apocalyptic proportions has swept the globe, causing the dead to rise and feed on the living. In a matter of months society has crumbled: no government, no grocery stores, no mail delivery, no cable TV. In a world ruled by the dead, the survivors are forced to finally start living.

My Rating: 5/5

This is the first full length Graphic Novel that I have read that hasn't been converted from another book. 

As a fan of the TV Show, I have been wanting to read the graphic novels for the longest time and had high expectations for it. 

Apart from character development I thought that it was equally as good as the show. Nothing could be done about the character development though because clearly it is easier for that on TV. 

There were a few main characters on the show that were noticeably missing such as Daryl, Merle and Beth but the plot was on a basic level the same. 

If these hardcover books weren't so expensive I would definitely be reading the second book right now.

Book Review #410 - Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief: The Graphic Novel (Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1) by Rick Riordan

After learning that he is the son of a mortal woman and Poseidon, god of the sea, twelve-year-old Percy is sent to a summer camp for demigods like himself, and joins his new friends on a quest to prevent a war between the gods.

My Rating: 3/5

This is the first full length graphic novel that I have read. I thought that reading a story that I am already familiar with would be the perfect introduction to a new style of reading.

I do see myself reading more graphic novels in the future although I will probably stick with original ones rather than ones based off of some of my favourite books as it is hard not to compare them with each other.

The only positives of the graphic novel over the actual novel were that it was a thousand times quicker to read and that it was good to get a visual of what I was reading.

Book Review #305 - Cabin Fever (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #6) by Jeff Kinney

 

Greg Heffley is in big trouble. School property has been damaged, and Greg is the prime suspect. But the crazy thing is, he’s innocent. Or at least sort of.

The authorities are closing in, but when a surprise blizzard hits, the Heffley family is trapped indoors. Greg knows that when the snow melts he’s going to have to face the music, but could any punishment be worse than being stuck inside with your family for the holidays?

 

 

My Rating: 3/5

 

 

This was probably my least favourite in the series so far. I just felt like had less depth to it than previous books.

 

 

For the first part of the book, there was no real storyline. I know that these books don't really have much structure, but I found myself waiting for something to happen.

 

 

This book didn't lack the humour from previous books, but I didn't think it was as funny as it could have been.

 

 

I liked how Manny became a more dominant character, and turned out to be as destructive as Rodrick.

 

 

 

Book Review #281 - The Ugly Truth (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #5) by Jeff Kinney

Greg Heffley has always been in a hurry to grow up. But is getting older really all it's cracked up to be?

Greg suddenly finds himself dealing with the pressures of boy-girl parties, increased responsibilities, and even the awkward changes that come with getting older-all without his best friend, Rowley, at his side. Can Greg make it through on his own? Or will he have to face the "ugly truth"?

 

 

My Rating: 3.5/5

 

 

Like all the previous books in the series, I read this book in under a hour and I loved every page of it.

 

 

Whilst I didn't think this book was as funny as the previous ones in the series it still had a lot of funny moments.

 

 

Greg's extended family are present in this book which gives fresh new characters.

Book Review #269 - Dog Days (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #4) by Jeff Kinney

It's the summer holidays, the weather's great, and all the kids are having fun outside. So where's Greg Heffley? Inside his house, playing video games with the shades drawn.

Greg, a self-confessed 'indoor person,' is living out his ultimate summer fantasy: no responsibilities and no rules. But Greg's mom has a different vision for an ideal summer . . . one packed with outdoor activities and 'family togetherness.'

Whose vision will win out? Or will a new addition to the Heffley family change everything?

 

 

My Rating: 3.5/5

 

 

I liked this book more than the third one, but I still don't think it matched the first two.

 

 

When you look at Greg's characteristics he doesn't seem like a very nice character, but I find I can't help but like him whilst reading about him.

 

 

His relationship with Rowley is the best aspect of this series. I would have liked more of Rodrick involved.

 

 

The plot in this instalment is over a short period of time and the writing was as funny as always.

Book Review #264 - The Last Straw (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #3) by Jeff Kinney

 

Let’s face it: Greg Heffley will never change his wimpy ways. Somebody just needs to explain that to Greg’s father. You see, Frank Heffley actually thinks he can get his son to toughen up, and he enlists Greg in organized sports and other "manly” endeavors. Of course, Greg is able to easily sidestep his father’s efforts to change him. But when Greg’s dad threatens to send him to military academy, Greg realizes he has to shape up . . . or get shipped out.

My Rating: 4/5

I read this book as fast as I read the others in the series. Once I start reading these books I tend to finish them in one sitting. 

The main reason why I was unable to give this book five stars was because there was less stuff happening than in the previous two books. 

Another reason I didn't like this book as much as the previous two was because my two favourite characters Rodrick and Rowley were barely present. 

The humour was still at the same quality as the others and as long as that remains, I will continue to love this series.   

Book Review #259 - The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl (The Astonishing Adventures of Fanboy and Goth Girl #1) by Barry Lyga

Fanboy has never had it good, but lately his sophomore year is turning out to be its own special hell. The bullies have made him their favorite target, his best (and only) friend seems headed for the dark side (sports and popularity), and his pregnant mother and the step-fascist are eagerly awaiting the birth of the alien life form known as Fanboy’s new little brother or sister.

Fanboy, though, has a secret: a graphic novel he’s been working on without telling anyone, a graphic novel that he is convinced will lead to publication, fame, and—most important of all—a way out of the crappy little town he lives in and all the people that make it hell for him.

When Fanboy meets Kyra, a.k.a. Goth Girl, he finds an outrageous, cynical girl who shares his love of comics as well as his hatred for jocks and bullies. Fanboy can’t resist someone who actually seems to understand him, and soon he finds himself willing to heed her advice—to ignore or crush anyone who stands in his way.

 

 

 

My Rating: 5/5

 

 

I didn't really know what to expect from this book. I had read mixed reviews before reading and given that I have limited knowledge of comic books/graphic novels my opinion for this book could have gone either way.

 

 

What initially drew me into this book was the character of Fanboy. I liked him instantly and that helped me to become absorbed in the story.

 

 

The character of Kyra aka Goth Girl I thought I had the potential to like more that what I actually did if she wasn't constantly coming in and out of the story.

 

 

The storyline, although predictable at times I thought was interesting and completely absorbing.

 

 

Given that Goth Girl is the narrator in the second book and Fanboy was the main reason I liked this book I am sure I won't like the sequel as much as this one, but I am still excited to read it anyway.

Book Review #245 - Rodrick Rules (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #2) by Jeff Kinney

Whatever you do, don't ask Greg Heffley how he spent his summer vacation, because he definitely doesn't want to talk about it.

As Greg enters the new school year, he's eager to put the past three months behind him ... and one even in particular.

Unfortunately for Greg, his older brother, Rodrick, knows all about the incident Greg wants to keep under wraps. But secrets have a way of getting out ... especially when a diary is involved.

 

 

 

My Rating: 4/5

 

 

After reading this book I have to say that Rodrick is by far my favourite character.

 

 

I found this book a lot funnier than the first one. I had seen the movie prior to reading but I found that didn't impact me at all whilst reading even though I knew the ending.

 

 

There were heaps of funny moments in the book that were not included in the movie which surprised me. Although I did enjoy the movie it didn't compare to the book.

 

 

 

I would have liked to have seen more of Rowley as he was my favourite character from the first book but enjoyed seeing the sibling rivalry between Greg and Rodrick.

Book Review #169 - Diary of a Wimpy Kid (Diary of a Wimpy Kid #1) by Jeff Kinney

 

Boys don’t keep diaries—or do they?

The launch of an exciting and innovatively illustrated new series narrated by an unforgettable kid every family can relate to

It’s a new school year, and Greg Heffley finds himself thrust into middle school, where undersized weaklings share the hallways with kids who are taller, meaner, and already shaving. The hazards of growing up before you’re ready are uniquely revealed through words and drawings as Greg records them in his diary.

In book one of this debut series, Greg is happy to have Rowley, his sidekick, along for the ride. But when Rowley’s star starts to rise, Greg tries to use his best friend’s newfound popularity to his own advantage, kicking off a chain of events that will test their friendship in hilarious fashion.

My Rating: 5/5

I watched the movie before I read this book. The reason for this was because I wasn't sure I would like the book as it is a children's book.

I read this book in less than a hour. I found it to be very funny with an interesting concept and intriguing characters.

Every single character in this book had depth and the pictures depicted throughout gave you a visual idea of what they looked like.

This is one of those books that children will get the most enjoyment out of reading, but there is something there that adults will enjoy as well.