Book Review: Mr. Cavendish, I Presume by Julia Quinn

Author: Julia Quinn

Title: Mr. Cavendish, I Presume

Series: Two Dukes of Wyndham #2

Genre: Historical Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 383

Published: September 30, 2008

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

There went the bride...

Amelia Willoughby has been engaged to the Duke of Wyndham for as long as she can remember. Literally. A mere six months old when the contracts were signed, she has spent the rest of her life waiting. And waiting. And waiting... for Thomas Cavendish, the oh-so-lofty duke, to finally get around to marrying her. But as she watches him from afar, she has a sneaking suspicion that he never thinks about her at all...

It's true. He doesn't. Thomas rather likes having a fiancée—all the better to keep the husband-hunters at bay—and he does intend to marry her... eventually. But just when he begins to realize that his bride might be something more than convenient, Thomas's world is rocked by the arrival of his long-lost cousin, who may or may not be the true Duke of Wyndham. And if Thomas is not the duke, then he's not engaged to Amelia. Which is the cruelest joke of all, because this arrogant and illustrious duke has made the mistake of falling in love... with his own fiancée!

Review:

I waited a while before reading this one after book 1. This one overlaps a lot and is told in Amelia's  and Thomas' POV (they were sides in book 1). 

Amelia and Thomas have been engaged since they were pretty much babes. Amelia has been waiting all her life to marry him. Even when they reached the appropriate age for marriage she was told to wait....and wait. Does he intend to marry her? He does....eventually. When he starts to realize that Amelia is more than just a convenient step in life, his long-lost cousin arrives. His long-lost cousin could take his role as Duke away. If Thomas is NOT the duke....then he is not actually engaged to the Amelia. 

I hate Thomas. I really do. He's boring and annoying and dumb. He only truly realized he "loved" Amelia because another man might be the actual duke and want to marry her instead. GAH. Amelia is an angel and deserves far better than Thomas. 

Now here you would expect me to say that I warmed up to Thomas? Right? NOPE. Big fat NOOOO for me. I still hold true that Amelia deserves better. 

I did enjoy the switch of POV but bleh. Thomas sucks. 

All-in-all, it was entertaining but Amelia deserved a better person. 

3 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Okay

Reading Challenges: 

- Library Love #32

Blodeuedd Reviews: The Gargoyle Grinch by Lilith Stone

By: Lilith Stone

Narrated by: Rachel Leblang

Series: Motham City Monsters, Book 2

Length: 5 hrs and 35 mins

Release date: 11-19-24

I listened to book 1 and wanted more. And this one was just as fun.

It is Xmas time and Maisie gets a temp job as a housekeeper. Working for a grumpy gargoyle named Grayson who spends all his time being stone and watching the city as he owns a security company.

But she will melt his stony heart.

It was sweet and very passionate too. They work close to each other and feelings are there. But he has ptsd, and she has her own issues. But they will work it out and live happily ever after. As much as a human and gargoyle can. I mean he can turn to flesh and not being all stone. Gotta love a monster story.

A fun holiday story.

I like the narrator. Her alphamale voices were pretty similar, but then this is mostly just Maisie and Grayson so that does not matter at all. She works for this story. A good pleasant voice

Can her sunshine melt his frozen heart this Christmas?

Gargoyle security guard Grayson Lightfoot never celebrates Christmas. It brings back too many bad memories. Besides he’s got a job to do—watching over Motham City 24/7 from his rooftop.

Maisie doesn’t celebrate Christmas either. Orphaned at an early age, she’s a sensible human with a mission—to earn enough money to open up a drop-in center for street kids in Motham. So naturally she jumps at a lucrative holiday contract to work as a housekeeper for Grayson.

Except Maisie hasn’t factored in what a total grinch Grayson is. And sure, he may be handsome, but when her cheery presence meets with stony silence and a granite stare, Maisie’s good nature is tested. But when Maisie suddenly gets sick and Grayson flies down from the roof to nurse her, she gets to see a very different side to the grumpy gargoyle.

As for Grayson… could Maisie be the Christmas gift he’s always secretly longed for?

DNF: Handyman by Linda Nichols

Author: Linda Nichols

Title: Handyman

Genre: Romance, Chick Lit, Christian Fiction

Format: Hardcover

Pages: 270

Published: January 11, 2000

Where I Got It: My shelf (Used bookstore)

Summary: 

Maggie Ivey is about to make the best mistake of her life.

A struggling twenty-six-year-old single mom, Maggie Ivey is just trying to keep it all together. She's got a lecherous boss, a dead-end job, and a worried mother who just wants her to move back home to Georgia. Maggie's prospects look dim, until a friend signs her up for the famous Dr. Jason Golding's 21-Day Overhaul. The first session seems to go perfectly. Dr. Golding is warm, sensitive, and a terrific listener. There's only one The handsome man in Dr. Golding's chair isn't Dr. Golding. In fact, he's not even a therapist; he's Jake Cooper, a contractor hired to remodel the office. But all Maggie knows is that talking to him helps her feel better. And Jake doesn't quite know how to let Maggie in on the secret. Will he eventually confess to his ruse? Will she discover the truth on her own? And the most important question of Can a Handyman fix a broken heart?

Review:

This has been collecting dust for a while so why not finally get in it!

Maggie is a single mom trying to keep it all together. She has a crap job, a lecherous boss, and her mother won't leave her alone. Her prospects are dim....until her friend signs her up for the famous Dr. Jason Golding's 21-Day Overhaul. The first session is fine. However, the doctor isn't a doctor at all....it is a contractor named Jake who accidently got roped into this. Should he tell her the truth? Will she discover it on her own? 

I tried so hardddddddd and got so farrrrr *insert headbanging*!!!!!!!! 

I had to call it. Maggie and Jake seem fine enough but ugh. That is a lie I don't think anyone should get over. 

Boring. Slow.

Meh. Not for me. Maybe for someone else. I could be bitter and have been struggling to find my rhythm in reading this month. 

DNF. 

Book Review: Apprentice to the Villain by Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Author: Hannah Nicole Maehrer

Title: Apprentice to the Villain

Series: Assistant to the Villain #2

Genre: Fantasy, YA, Romance

Format: ebook

Pages: 368

Published: August 8, 2024

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

NOTICE TO STAFF: There has been a disturbing increase in cheeriness, sprightly behavior, and overall optimism of late. Please resume your former dark, ominous terrors at your earliest convenience. ―Mgmt

Evie Sage has never been happier to be the assistant to The Villain. Who would have thought that working for an outrageously handsome (shhh, bad for his brand) evil overlord would be so rewarding? Still, the business of being bad is demanding, the forces of good are annoyingly persistent, and said forbidding boss is somewhat…er, out-of-evil-office.

But Rennedawn is in grave trouble, and all signs―Kingsley’s included―point to catastrophe. Something peculiar is happening with the kingdom’s magic, and it’s made The Villain’s manor vulnerable to their enemies...including their nemesis, the king.

Now it’s time for Evie to face her greatest challenge: protecting The Villain’s lair, all of his nefarious works, and maybe (provided no one finds out) the entire kingdom. No pressure, Evie.

It’s time to step out of her comfort zone and learn new skills. Like treason. Dagger work. Conspiring with the enemy. It’s all so…so…delightfully fun.

But what happens when the assistant to The Villain is ready to become his apprentice?

Review:

When I finished book 1 I HAD to get book 2 read. I was on the waitlist and I was 7th in line. To my surprise it came WAY quicker than I thought. Weeeeee!

We continue where we left off. Things happen and Evie and the Villain are back at it. Evie has never been happier in her life as being an assistant to the Villain. She also can't get him out of her head. Romance will have to wait since Rennedawn and all of magic is in grave trouble. Evie, her boss, and her co-workers will have to step out of their comfort zones and be the heroes. 

The end of the last book had me so upset! Such a cliffie! Luckily I got this and I'm a happy bean. The ending for this one was slightly cliff-hanger-ish....but not as bad so I'm amused. I still want to get my hands on book 3 asap but I can wait a bit. 

The romance is sooooo slow but it works for them. They have issues and there is a LOT going on. All of magic and Rennedawn need help. 

Lots of twists and turns here. I didn't want to stop reading but life gets busy so it took longer than I wanted to finish this. 

I enjoyed this much more than book 1. Surprising I know!!! Book 2s are so 50/50. Sophomore curse and all. 

There were a couple of cringey moments but it a slight YA so it comes with the category. 

But yes. I'm enjoying this series and I recommend it if you like fantasy, comedy, and a splash of romance. 4 stars from me. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Better

Reading Challenges: 

- Library Love #31

B's Monday Review: Gods of Jade and Shadow by Silvia Moreno-Garcia

Format: 338 pages, Hardcover

Published: July 23, 2019 by Del Rey

Historical fantasy/own

I am having conflicting feelings. I always enjoyed the book while reading, but the minute I put it down I forgot about it, I started something else. So it took me 2 months to finish. And I do not know why.

The story was interesting, Cassiopeia lives with her crappy family and then she goes on an adventure with a Mayan god of death who is a prisoner. Maybe that was the problem. Things works out so well. No true blood sweat and tears. I feel his evil brother could have worked a little harder. The book was soft. Which is not a bad thing, but then Casiopeia and the God starts having feelings too. And I like nice books, I do not needs violence and blood...but, being Mayan Gods and all. Maybe a bit more

It was good. Do not get me wrong. But I struggled too. Nothing bad happens

The Jazz Age is in full swing, but Casiopea Tun is too busy cleaning the floors of her wealthy grandfather’s house to listen to any fast tunes. Nevertheless, she dreams of a life far from her dusty small town in southern Mexico. A life she can call her own.

Yet this new life seems as distant as the stars, until the day she finds a curious wooden box in her grandfather’s room. She opens it—and accidentally frees the spirit of the Mayan god of death, who requests her help in recovering his throne from his treacherous brother. Failure will mean Casiopea’s demise, but success could make her dreams come true.

In the company of the strangely alluring god and armed with her wits, Casiopea begins an adventure that will take her on a cross-country odyssey from the jungles of Yucatán to the bright lights of Mexico City—and deep into the darkness of the Mayan underworld.

Book Review: The Answer is No by Fredrik Backman

Author: Fredrik Backman

Title: The Answer is No

Genre: Short story, Novella, Humor, Fiction

Format: ebook

Pages: 68

Expected publication December 1, 2024

Where I Got It: My shelf (Amazon)

Summary: 

In a hilarious short story from New York Times bestselling author Fredrik Backman, the absurdities of modern life cause one man’s solitary world to spin suddenly, and comically, out of control.

Lucas knows the perfect night entails just three things: video games, wine, and pad thai. Peanuts are a must! Other people? Not so much. Why complicate things when he’s happy alone?

Then one day the apartment board, a vexing trio of authority, rings his doorbell. And Lucas’s solitude takes a startling hike. They demand to see his frying pan. Someone left one next to the recycling room overnight, and instead of removing the errant object, as Lucas suggests, they insist on finding the guilty party. But their plan backfires. Colossally.

Review:

When I seen this was available I knew I had to grab it. I had enjoyed a previous book by this author and I love a good novella!

Lucas just wants to be alone. He has the perfect life.......video games, wine, pad thai, and no people. Being alone is great. It is all to come crumbling down thanks to a frying pan. The apartment board is pissed and is on a manhunt. They are on the hunt for the person who left a frying pan next to the recycling room. Somehow Lucas is dragged into the fray. 

This made me want Thai food really, really bad while reading. LOL And maybe a cup of wine. 

Lucas is just a sweet bean. He loves his solitude and quiet. He is truly happy, but it is all destroyed when people keep barging into his life and his apartment over a silly frying pan. Things escalate when more objects start appearing. 

This was funny and frustrating. I could feel Lucas' pain. I would be pissed!!!! Like leave me alone guys. 

The ending was adorable and very fitting. 

All-in-all, this was a little gem. It was a quick, but a entertaining read. 5 stars. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Entertaining

Book Review: Daisy Jones & The Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid

Author: Taylor Jenkins Reid

Title: Daisy Jones and the Six

Genre: Historical Fiction

Format: ebook

Pages: 369

Published: March 5, 2019

Where I Got It: Borrowed from library

Summary: 

A gripping novel about the whirlwind rise of an iconic 1970s rock group and their beautiful lead singer, revealing the mystery behind their infamous break up.

Everyone knows Daisy Jones & The Six, but nobody knows the real reason why they split at the absolute height of their popularity...until now.

Daisy is a girl coming of age in L.A. in the late sixties, sneaking into clubs on the Sunset Strip, sleeping with rock stars, and dreaming of singing at the Whisky a Go-Go. The sex and drugs are thrilling, but it's the rock and roll she loves most. By the time she's twenty, her voice is getting noticed, and she has the kind of heedless beauty that makes people do crazy things.

Another band getting noticed is The Six, led by the brooding Billy Dunne. On the eve of their first tour, his girlfriend Camila finds out she's pregnant, and with the pressure of impending fatherhood and fame, Billy goes a little wild on the road.

Daisy and Billy cross paths when a producer realizes the key to supercharged success is to put the two together. What happens next will become the stuff of legend.

Review:

I've eyeballed this one and funnily enough this was picked for Book Club soooooooooo sure why not. 

Told in the format of an interview we get to the heart of the raise and fall of Daisy Jones & The Six. We'll get the behind-the-scenes that everyone has wanted. 

First thing first.....the format was wildly different. You know those documentaries where they interview people to tell the story? The author attempts this here. We get multiple people telling us the story of the band. It was interesting and refreshing. It was done alright. I do wish we had more descriptives of HOW the people were talking and feeling and looking. You could assume. There were some instances of the author putting a few descriptives like "[pauses]", but there should have been more instances and more descriptives. I'm sure if I had done the audiobook, the narrator would've taken liberties and it might've helped. But yes, more would've been a great benefit, because the reader is left to pretty much assume.

The beginning had me curious...and then it lost me for a few, but after a certain scene it had me in it's grasps again. I could only read small chunks at a time, but I was hooked. I had to know what the final straw to break the camel's back was. There was SOOOO much drama in this band. It was bound to erupt, but it was just waiting for that last straw to fall. 

I hated everyone BUT I was enraptured with them all. They are all selfish, emotional, and immature. But you gotta remember....they are young and they are "stars". LOTS of ego in the room. 

The ending felt...rushed in a way. And I don't agree with a certain email. Gah. I'm just going to say it.......no I'm not.....I am. EEE. Okay [SPOILER ALERT] Billy's wife passes and pretty much gives the AOK for Billy and Daisy to reconnect and make another "song". Which YOU KNOW was her giving them permission to finally be together. Gag. They are so toxic for each other. Billy being Billy, though, he'll do it. :S Plus it felt so reductive of the characters. You can love someone but it doesn't mean that you should be together. SIGHS. Plus....I feel like Camila would've NEVER wanted that. IDK. It just didn't vibe with the whole story [SPOILER END]

Other then that ending and how I wanted more from the format.....I did like this. It was different and entertaining. Toxic characters doing toxic things in the 60s and 70s. What more can you ask for?

All-in-all, I did find myself liking this. I had some issues especially the ending little curveball. Bleh. Other than that I liked it. I can't wait to discuss this one. I'm sure we will have a lot to talk about. Rating???? Mmmmm. This has been a struggle for sure. 3....yes....3 stars seems fine. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Conflicting

Challenge(s):

- Library Love #31

B's Monday Review: This Fallen Prey by Kelley Armstrong

Series: Rockton/Casey Duncan (#3)

Format: 359 pages, Hardcover

Published: February 6, 2018 by Minotaur Book

Crime mystery thriller /own

Omg, like can this town get any worse? YES it can. 

The stupid council that loves money sends a serial killer to Rockton. His family has enough money to pay. And all they say is try to keep him contained. This place is not working.

And again, outside the town is wilderness with dangerous animals, dangerous hostiles, and settlers that can be pretty crazy too. Remind me never to go to Canada.

But what a thrill. Is the guy actually guilty? And then he escapes and all hell breaks loose. And I kept guessing. Did he do it. I am sure he did. Then I was maybe not. Then I was hell yes. Shoot him. And then...well she sure kept me guessing. No one is so be trusted here.

And that end. Brutal.

I need more. I have more :D

Casey Duncan is about to face her toughest job as police detective in Rockton yet. When Casey first arrived at the off-the-grid town, an isolated community built as a haven for people running from their pasts, she had no idea what to expect, with no cell phones, no internet, no mail, and no way of getting in or out without the town councils approval. She certainly didn't expect to be the homicide detective on two separate cases or to begin a romantic relationship with her boss. But the very last thing she expected was for the council to drop a dangerous criminal into their midst without a plan to keep him imprisoned and to keep others safe. Of course, Oliver Brady claims he's being set up. But the longer Brady stays in town, the more things start to go wrong. When evidence comes to light that someone inside Rockton might be working as his accomplice, helping him to escape, Casey races to figure out who exactly Brady is and what crimes he's truly responsible for committing. In the next page-turning entry in Kelley Armstrong's gripping series, life in Rockton is about to get even more dangerous.

Audiobook Review: Black Truth, White Lies by Hailey Edwards

Author: Hailey Edwards

Narrator: Stephanie Richardson

Title: Black Truth, White Lies

Series: Black Hat Bureau #3

Genre: UF, Paranormal Romance, Fantasy

Format: Audiobook

Published: December 7, 2021

Where I got It: Audible 

Summary: 

When one of Santa’s reindeer meets a grisly end during the annual A Downtown Dickens Christmas Festival, Rue realizes her enemies are closing in on her location, and Samford will pay the price.

But when one creature turns into two, and two into three, and then three into four, Rue knows the problem is bigger than a singular threat to her new hometown. And that’s before a holiday shopper strolls into Hollis Apothecary claiming to be a long-lost relative. Of her father’s.

As old loyalties are tested and new relationships threaten to unravel the fabric of her identity, Rue must choose either the family she was born into or the one she created for herself, and the losing side might not survive her decision.

Review: 

On accident I saved this for the best time!

It is nearly Xmas when one of Santa's reindeer meets a grisly end during the annual A Downtown Dicken's Christmas Festival. Rue realizes that her enemies are closing in on her and her town and loved ones will pay the price if the enemies find her. Things keep getting worse and worse. There is a more than a singular threat to her and her new life. 

We got to learn a lot about Rue's past with this one. It was nice learning more about her and her family. It's not glamorous but it made me appreciate Rue more. 

I feel like the romance is staling for me. They have barely made any headway. Yes there was some decent movement near the end here, but it still feels like it is moving in molasses. I'm not expecting marriage and a million babies but they are moving SO SLOW it hurts my eyes. Yes, yes, they have a lot of internal and external issues going on.......I get that.......but c'mon guys. D: 

Aiden is an adorable addition. I hope he sticks around. 

I'm SO shipping a couple of side characters. I hope they can make it work. But we'll see. 

My biggest gripe with the book (and series) at the moment is the constant repeating. It gets so repetitive. One example, is her whole Black Witch era. Yes, yes, we get you were a Black Witch and struggle with your decisions. Stop telling us, SHOW us the struggle. I feel like we get it if you say it once and the rest of the book just struggle. And two, the hair thing. Eeeeeek. 

I'm liking this series, but I hope some things change as we go along.

Oh! Nearly forgot. The narrator is really coming into her own with this series. I'm liking the voices a lot. All different for all the vastly different characters we see. 

I'll give this 3 stars. Some issues that I hope fix itself in future books. 

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Alright

Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #51

Book Review: Mog and Tom by Leila Summers

Author: Leila Summers

Illustrated: Nicole Reasonda

Title: Mog and Tom

Genre: Graphic Novel, Cartoon, Children's book, short story

Format: ebook

Pages: 40

Published: July 31, 2024

Where I Got It: My shelf (Netgalley)

Summary: 

Mog is a daring cat who loves trying new things. Tom is more of a homebody and a sloth. It is rare to see him anywhere other than lying on the soft, red sofa. One chilly afternoon, Mog has an idea. She draws a map and convinces Tom to go on an adventure.

Mog and Tom is a charming children’s story in the Humorous Healing Anagrams series using words that are anagrams of the phrase “stomach flu” and other connected words and phrases. These two cats will warm your heart as they take your mind off your problem, allowing you to focus on something different. You’ll find that sometimes the best adventures are the ones where you don’t know where you will end up.

At the end of the book is a list of the anagram words used to create this story. Children are encouraged to write their own fun stories using this list of words.

Review:

I was asked to read and review this little gem of a story. It is about cats so OF COURSE I said "Sign me up". 

Mog is daring. Tom is a homebody. They are best friends, but oh so different. One chilly afternoon, Mog has an idea. She convinces Tom to go on an adventure with her. He reluctantly agrees, but doesn't want Mog alone out in the big world. 

This was so utterly adorable. I loved Tom and Mog. They are too cute!!!! I loved how different they were but how much they loved each other. So very sweet. 

The animation was cute and the story was sweet. 

Honestly, this should be a print. I don't think kids would enjoy this as much...plus I think it would bring the art to life. 

I loved the messages this conveyed. 

However, I didn't fully get the anagram thing at first. I read some reviews and etc and then went back. Okay....I see it but I don't think it's necessary at all. I just enjoyed the story, the cats, and the art. Maybe I am missing the point. 

Minus the whole anagram thing, I found this delightful and cute. I would read this to a little one. 

4 stars.

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Adorable

TMST: 5 Things That Make You Happy

Tell Me Something Tuesday is a weekly discussion post where bloggers discuss a wide range of topics from books and blogging to life in general. Weigh in and join the conversation by adding your thoughts in the comments. If you want to do your own post, grab the question and answer it on your blog. Feel free to leave your links in the comments if you are participating.

11/5/2024: What are five things that make you happy?

Things....like in general?

Mmmmm....

1. Books

2. Group activities like Gal's Day, etc.

3. Video games

4. Chocolate

5. My cozy blankets and pillows. 

For fun....here are things in a book that make me happy....

1. Cool/pretty cover

2. That new book smell

3. Complex characters

4. A good ending that isn't too cliffhanger-ish

5. Nice world-building that engulfs you

I Have a Good Excuse! This Was For Book Club: You Can Thank Me Later

Author: Kelly Harms 

Narrator: Lauren Fortgang

Title: You Can Thank Me Later

Genre: Short Story, Novella, Fiction, Romance, Chick Lit

Format: Audiobook

Published:  October 31st 2019

Where I got It: My shelf (Audible)

Summary: When the Dickenson clan sits down for Thanksgiving dinner in 2016, it is the last holiday when their tight-knit family will ever be the same. Oldest brother Pete and his wife are expecting their first child. Youngest sibling Sophie is too busy running her restaurant, The Little Plum, to bother with any kind of social life. And middle child Charlie's happy, uncomplicated life as a Midwestern science professor is upended when his wife Annette is diagnosed with a terminal illness. Knowing this will be her last Thanksgiving, Annette asks Sophie to look after Charlie after she's gone. Which would be a lot easier if Charlie didn't show up with an insufferable new girlfriend at the next holiday meal.

Review:

*awkward laugh* I picked this for Book Club for our re-read time (we each pick a book we have personally read and we want the others to read). How could I not pick this gem? It's perfect for November!!!!!!

I've lost count of the times I've listened to this *ignores Goodreads telling me the number* and I still can't get enough. This story touches a part of my soul that I can't express. I still cry and laugh and cheer at the right moments.

Our main, Sophie, is a brat but I love her. I can understand her a bit. I can sympathize and empathize with her. It's hard losing a friend (been there, done that). 

The character growth of all the characters are wonderful. Sure there is some cheese (especially near the end) but I love every.single.second. 

5 stars of course. 

Challenge(s):

- Audiobook #51

Book Review: The Last Unicorn by Peter S Beagle

Author: Peter S Beagle

Title: The Last Unicorn

Genre: Fantasy, YA, classics, SciFi

Format: paperback

Pages: 304

Published: March 1, 1968

Where I Got It: My shelf (Gift)

Summary: 

The unicorn discovers that she is the last unicorn in the world, and sets off to find the others. She meets Schmendrick the Magician—whose magic seldom works, and never as he intended—when he rescues her from Mommy Fortuna's Midnight Carnival, where only some of the mythical beasts displayed are illusions. They are joined by Molly Grue, who believes in legends despite her experiences with a Robin Hood wannabe and his unmerry men. Ahead wait King Haggard and his Red Bull, who banished unicorns from the land.

Review:

Been meaning to read this for YEARS but just never did it. I received this as a gift a couple years back so I was excited to read it! (*cough* so was my puppy Wallace. He got some nibbles on it. D:) 

Our story follows a unicorn who discovers she is the last unicorn in the world. She can't and won't believe it, so she sets off on an adventure to find others. On the way she meets Schmendrick the Magician whose magic seldom works. They become fast friends and companions after he rescues her from Mommy Fortuna's Midnight Carnival. They soon meet up with Molly Grue who believes in legends. They find out that King Haggard and his Red Bull are the reasons behind the other unicorns disappearing. It will be up to these three to save the unicorns and bring them back to the land. 

When I was growing up I watched this movie a million times. I always fast forwarded it during a certain scene because it was scary, but I loved this movie so much. I even have watched it a time or two as an adult. Honestly, I'm ashamed I didn't read the book sooner, but oh well. 

Sighs. Let's get it over with....................

I wish I loved the book as much as I loved the movie, but it didn't feel as magical to me. The writing style had all the makings of a great writer, but I just struggled hardcore with this classic. Now, the beginning was beautiful and fantastic. However, I felt that as the story progressed he started trying too hard. There were times it felt forced. 

I never connected with anyone but the unicorn. The other characters felt 2D. The Unicorn never acted human and she didn't need to....she's a unicorn! The humans though? Eh. Meh. Boo. 

Did I enjoy the story overall though? Sure. I loved watching the unicorn make her way through this terrible world of cruddy humans. She was truly the best character. However, with a flat supporting cast and the author really trying to make this lyrical and beautiful.....it felt hollow in some parts.

I will say I am glad I read this. As with all book to movie adaptions, things are left out. I'm glad I got to read more of the lore and now I may understand the movie a bit more. That was nice. 

All-in-all, I wish I had liked this more. I did enjoy the journey by the end, but I didn't love this as the movie. The supporting cast were not as magical as the unicorn. The writing prose was lovely, but at times it felt like he was trying too hard. This is a classic and I do recommend people who loved the movie to read this. There are additional things shown here. More lore. More story. Will I read book 2? Probably not. 

I shall stamp this with 2 stars.

ONE WORD SUMMARY: Fair