J Lenni Dorner

The graphic novel version is like the original. The best parts of the books- friendship, a business sense, setting goals, being responsible, and using creativity- are still relevant.

I plan to buy as many of this new version as the publisher will crank out! (Hopefully at least the first 35, but I'd buy all 131.)

This book was impossible to put down. It's intelligent, hilarious, and suspenseful. I'd recommend this book to anyone who likes comedy (especially sarcastic wit), drama, realistic fiction, science, thrillers, or suspense. There's even a romance between two minor characters. It's a remarkable book that will restore your faith in humanity.

I have farmed potatoes. But I've never had to grow taters to survive on Mars. Yet, while reading Andy Weir's "The Martian," I felt like I had. A great story with a setting that can't be swapped. Mark Watney wouldn't be as compelling if the book were "The Idahoan." A story where the majority of the population is in favor of spending billions of dollars to help one farmer out doesn't seem plausible. But put him on Mars and it works.

I am a Twihard, so naturally I ordered a copy of this book. I was not disappointed. The gender swap reads well, though I don't think it would have sold as well if it were the original story. Naturally the ending is somewhat different from the original one. Frankly, I think I prefer it. It's like a modern-day gender swapped fairy tale.

Thanks so much for the laughs! I loved the cousin from England. My friend loaned this book to me. Our shared love of this comic has brought us even closer together.

This book has insight into the kind of mystery, and news, stories that newspapers print. The tale told in the book, the one of the Colorado Kid, is not one of them. This book is more of a make-you-think-and-wonder than it is a straightforward crime novel. The cover, though a beautiful piece of artwork, may be misleading because the book takes place in 2005.

'tis intentionally bad piece be full 'o humorous nautical nonsense. th' target audience be adults who seek a hoot and hollar 'n some mild adventure in an erotic tale. It be lewd, crude, 'n hardyharhar in that campy obscure kind 'o way. 'tis tale has several curse words that gunna gift some readers a chuckle. Read 'tis fer #TalkLikeAPirateDay matey.

There's a social commentary hidden somewhere in these pages. It must be there, for I conclude that subtext is why the book is so popular. Kelsea has become even vainer in this book than in the first. So much so that her magic has interpreted beauty to be the one true desire of her heart, thus makes her thin and pretty. It does have a purpose, as beauty ends up being the key to everything. Kelsea also suffers from the mental health issue of self-harm known as cutting. It turns out that this self-abuse was actually a path to power, that it was how she learned to heal. As such, encouragement for cutting is implied. Kelsea, once she's beautiful, uses a friend for sexual purposes- a friend who she doesn't have romantic feelings for, and who she believes is in a relationship with someone else. Rather than feeling guilty for turning her friend into a cheater (the friend is not in much of a position to say no to the queen), she feels relieved at the idea that he probably won't develop feelings for her. This is an interesting insight into the mind of a mistress. It's interesting that someone who is so opposed to slavery would wield her position of power in this manner. I certainly agree that she does not need a man to be whole, and does not need to marry a King or anyone else to cement herself. However, the idea that she'd rather manipulate someone into her bed instead of finding someone who actually wants her is disheartening. (She's the QUEEN. Not one single guy in the kingdom that might willingly offer her company? There's a whole area dedicated to prostitution— at least one of those guys would have traded a no-strings night for a few coins. Instead, she makes a loyal man become disloyal.) Kelsea, as a main character, I'd only give 2 stars.

All that being said, there's another story that's woven in to the book. Lily, and her story, is exceptional. If just that portion were made into a novella, it would be worth it. There is exemplary writing in those snippets. The Lily story I would give 5 stars to in a heartbeat.

In the final Kelsea chapter, the book hits a small climax of sorts. Much like in the first book, there isn't an actual ending. The first book was just an introduction and a bit of rising action. This book is more rising action. SPOILER ALERT! As one reads about the possible army coming, then about the army coming, then sees it coming, one expects a battle. There's a point where it's clear that there aren't enough pages left for a battle. That's because there isn't one. But no, nothing is resolved. One character laughs, one cries, and the army does nothing. END SPOILER. Apparently, there's going to be another book.

Do NOT try to read this book without the first one- you'll have no idea who anyone is. And don't try reading the ending first, because the ending is part of Lily's story, not Kelsea's, so it won't make any sense.

This book is very short. It makes quick and clear points. These are the same six simple ideas that every financial book, seminar, and class offers. This is a retelling of an ancient parable. If a person reads this short book (a pamphlet by today's standards- originally carved in stone), and then lives by these principles, that person would be on the path to having more money.

This feels like a debut author novel. There are many pages of long blocks of text.
One fact is established as certain— this is a utopia gone wrong.
What I liked best about the main character, Kelsea, is her appreciation for books. She offers some diversity in that she is plain looking and overweight. Skin shades were also mentioned a few times, mostly in that dark skin was rare in this world.
I was very impressed with the rich vocabulary that Harper publishing permitted the book to use. There was a whole host of words rarely seen printed in fiction nowadays.
The climax felt reminiscent of Breaking Dawn (Stephenie Meyer's Twilight saga) in that the main character finally reaches the eluded-to powerful self, but the battle fizzles. If tension is about "how can this main character defeat that enemy," there's a disappointment here. It does, however, "sell the next book," in that now the story is developed. It feels less like the first book in a series and more like an origin story that has to read, or got out of the way, in order to get to the action.
Despite that, the book leaves a great deal of background questions. The biggest being where The Tearling (and other countries) actually are located. It seems to take place in a future where most technology and advancements have been lost— some intentionally.
The main religion is a mix of Catholic, Protestant, and preservation of the species. Readers who are easily upset by atheist may be offended by this work of fiction. Also note that there are adult situations and language in this story.

Book Two has the ending I craved after reading the first book. This portal fantasy is well-written. The characters are interesting. A story with unexpected twists and turns. I enjoyed it immensely. Book Three will be on my reading list for sure.

Wow! This book was better, and different, than expected. It isn't just another book on craft. It's barely even a reference guide. It has essays packed with valuable tips written by authors I love. Sure, a few of these were not in my niche, but the ones that were blew my mind. I could not recommend this enough.

This book felt like a long leaflet to me. It was more of an introduction to this way of eating instead of detailed instructions. Were there recipes or a suggested meal-planned-week, I'd give it a higher rating. I hoped for considerably more information.

Callan is a wonderful rare character. She's a foster child in England. But she might be from a fantasy world. The book sits on the edge between Portal and Urban Fantasy. The relatable story of this "Anne-like-luck" girl getting a new family that ships her to a premier private school soon mixes with a portal fantasy leading to another world. There's a heavy cast to keep track of, but it gets easier as it goes on.

The book ends without ending. You'll need to get the second one.

A few minor spots contain either an error missed by the editor, a UK versus US translation difference, or a formatting flaw caused in publication. The work is exemplary writing otherwise.

Any book that can combine the use of the names Gawain and Lorcan, from a fantasy realm yet, impresses me.
This is an honest review, written after reading the free copy I was given.

It was informative. The book itself is much shorter than portrayed. There is "extra" content. But the titled content is straightforward and well-explained. A useful book. The 13 techniques and 5-minute magic can be learned in under an hour by most readers.

The earlier in one's writing career this book is read, the more enjoyable it will be. While I was able to find some useful tidbits, most of this book focused on that which I already knew. This reference guide is written in textbook style.

This is an interesting period piece. The writing is unlike that of our time. The setting is distinctly England. I have the impression that the more one knows about literature and London a century ago, the more enjoyable the book will be. I did enjoy the character Sally, though, especially where the story dives into the memory of when she and Clarissa first met.