Libyrinth Review

This book was such an exquisite read! It's for Bibliophiles and very realistic.

It contains a lot of quotes that are very timely and make you want to read the other books- of which there is a list at the end.

It was interesting to read a bout the various cultures- they are so different but also complimentary. There are the people of the Libyrinth with value the written word and are equal in treatment of women and men. There is the Singers who value the song and are mostly patriarchal. And there are the people of Ilysies which like books but are also warriors and like the good life and are mainly matriarchal. Anthropologically this book is appealing. Even ebing so different, they had some things the same and this shows that the environmental context does affect culture.

It was interesting to see these cultures and that people look different. There is an Earth-culture element combined with new. It was also nice to see how there is no concrete bad vs. concrete good. Everyone and every group was not perfect, they all made mistakes. It was interesting to see how they all came together and in the end did not base their existence solely on old knowledge but strived to make up new knowledge by working together. It was also good that they admitted their mistakes and saw how things got twisted along the way.

There was the element of how both practice and theory are needed and this is something that reminds me of ancient Greeks. There was also the element of one-ness which reminds me of Hindu philosophy.

I felt that things mentioned, like vaccines and eggs were not mentioned for nothing but were later tied in the story. Although then some things remain a mystery such as what happened to Scio- maybe this is brought up in the second book.

It was interesting to see that Haly, Selene (who was my favourite) and Clauda all did not want to lead or be seen - although Clauda and Haly were happy to have their value noticed- but they all do what they must and there was a lot of creative thinking to do this.

It was also interesting to see how the various sexualities- mainly of Haly and Clauda were treated. Although I am still curious about Selene and Clauda! 

The Circle Review

This book was amazing! read it in like 5 days while I was on holiday. It was good that I discovered it while in Sweden and also had the opportunity to meet the authors who as amazing people.

It is very realistic in its portrayal of teen characters and has ethnic, body types, sexuality, social class and lifestyle diversity with hints of sexual orientation diversity.

Some characters want to feel special, others get corrupt from power but then realize their mistake. They have to stick together but it is sometimes difficult as they are very different from each other. I do hope to get some Ida chapters in the next two books because yes, she is a bully but I want to know why. The characters all have their own problems but in a way, are strong because of that.

The side characters are also compelling, they are not there just to fill the gaps but they all have their own story and their own roles.

It also has enticing world building for the fantasy element although it may be that I think that because I have been meaning to read a witch story for a while.

It is told from different perspectives so secrets remain so for a while and you are kept curious. Some things are not resolved but the ending is not annoying with a big cliff hanger, you still want to read more though!


Even though I read the English translation, the writing style is still really good and the authors work well together.

me hyping about this book could also be seen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cYMwkAjn1D0&list=UUkCw26jDSeZglXrSxh0tp1w
my goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/21468880-marthese-formosa
my twitter: mew_mar
my youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/mewmar

Blue is the Warmest Colour Review

I really enjoyed this book, but if you are looking for a happy-go-lucky read, don't read this now.
It immediately tells you what happens, although you don't know how. In fact, I had assumed wrong.

Art wise: I like how some panels are just art, movements, without the need for words. I like how when there is loneliness, there is a blank in the page. I like the prominence of colours, especially blue. I also like the font, it seems so personal.

The script: was fantastic, most characters, especially Emma and Valentin, know what they are talking about. You can easily memorize some quotes as comebacks for real life.

Plot wise: This is a coming of age story but goes beyond that. The discovering of sexuality and acceptance is so point on for many people. I liked how Maroh showed prejudice within the queer community, how simply because you are young, inexperienced and look a certain way, you are labeled as straight. Was what happened later, a case of loneliness, wanting children, or a case of self-predicting future? Emma is Clementine's first in many things and I think it could be said also the other way. They both change. The quotes on love, were spot on. This story also shows how some people can helps us to accept ourselves, and how some others are so influential that even if we fight against it, their opinion is ingrain in our minds. They had to mature so quickly, it was painful to see.

characters: I liked how some were flawed. There were reconciliations and not. It's real, cause they are not perfect. I  think, even more than Emma or Clementine, I liked Valentin. Everyone needs someone like that in their lives.

This graphic novel made me cry, but I'm glad I read it. Be careful, it could be triggering to some people.

I also put up a video review here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q00mMr7imFs
my goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/21468880-marthese-formosa
my twitter: mew_mar
my youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/mewmar