Author: Bunny

What Once Was Mine | Book Review

- Bunny 1 Comment

About The Book
What Once Was Mine is the 12th book in the series. This book is focused on the story of Tangled. Instead of Rapunzel’s mother being given the Sundrop Flower, she is instead given the Moondrop Flower. Needless to say, Rapunzel’s story becomes a much different tale than the one that we all know and love.

My Rating

 

I had a feeling going into this book that I was going to enjoy it, and I wasn’t wrong. The plot was different than I imagined, but that wasn’t a bed thing. Right from the start, I got ‘The Princess Bride’ vibes, because there was a whole storytelling aspect thrown in. If you’ve seen the movie, or read the book, then you will know what I’m talking about.

As for the story, it was very original, yet it still kept the true the essence of the ‘Tangled’ movie. There were (of course) some differences, but they just made the story more interesting. It was truly a new, refreshing take on the story that, as a tangled fan, I found entertaining.

Unlike the movie, Mother Gothel was way more cruel and ruthless. Honestly, I felt bad for Rapunzel, because it was almost as if she was neglected, or even unloved. She was gaslighted, and possible had Stockholm syndrome. I might be overreacting, but Rapunzel and Mother Gothel’s relationship seemed darker in the book, as compared to the movie.

In the book, I found Rapunzel to be a bit annoying and childish at times, yet I can see that being locked in a tower can make you not able to grow up, so to speak. Also, she came off as boy crazy., which was irritating. However, even in the movie, I found her a tad annoying, so I guess the author kept true to her personality. She just isn’t my favorite Disney princess.

There was the addition of some new characters, which I loved. We got a strong female, an older witch, and of course Flynn Rider. Let me say, out of all the Disney princess’ love interests, Flynn is my favorite. He’s cocky, funny, and charming! Who isn’t in love with Flynn Rider?

“The truth about you is all tangled, like your braids, Rapunzel. Bound up unnaturally. It’s time to let it all down, to let it out, let it go.”

Of course, to keep true to the original story, Rapunzel and Flynn end up together, but to me it was an instant love romance. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes I like a good insta-love plot, but only if they are done right. However, this one fell short, since I didn’t see a real connection between the two characters. At least, not the same connection they developed in the animated film.

The message within the story was that we must accept and forgive ourselves. And, we must look deep inside us to find what true love means to us. The plot had a lot to do with loving yourself, as well as love in general. It was a simple message that wasn’t shoved in the reader’s face. It existed more in the background, but was there all the same.

Overall, I liked the story, writing, and how everything was wrapped up at the end. However, the plot as a whole is darker than the original story, while still being tween and teen friendly. I would daresay that I liked the book slightly more than the movie, and the movie was good. The book does touch on the topic of cancer, specifically in teenagers, so that may be triggering to some readers.

In the comments, let me know which Disney princess is your favorite. Mine has always been Belle from ‘Beauty and the Beast’. Don’t forget to give this post a like and share! If you want to support my blog, and like bookish content like this, you can follow my blog to get post notifications.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

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Reading Wrap-Up // August 2022

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Hi Friends,
Below is my August wrap-up! I show all the books that I read in the month of August and my ratings for them. August was a great reading month, since I was able to read 13 books. My ratings were all over the place and I had my first 1 star read of the year. In the comments, let me know if you are excited to see my reviews for each of these books. And, feel free to follow not only my blog but my booktok (@bookswithbunny) and bookstagram (@books.with.bunny).

Long Live The Pumpkin Queen | Book Review

- Bunny 3 Comments

About The Book
Nightmare Before Christmas fans rejoice! Long Live the Pumpkin Queen picks up where the beloved film left off, with Sally in her new role as the Queen of Halloween Town. This delightful return to The Nightmare Before Christmas universe is sure to appeal to fans old and new.

My Rating

If you are a lover of ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’, but have been dying for another story with these characters, then this book is for you. This time around, we follow Sally as she struggles to come to terms with her new role as the Pumpkin Queen.

It was interesting getting to know Sally a bit more. All we learned about her in the movie was that she was in with love with Jack, and created by the Professor. However, through this story, we discover, along with Sally herself, that she is strong, smart, and not simply a creation.

I don’t want spoil too much, but Sally’s discovery of something life changing was kind of cheesy in my opinion. The author literally flips the script on Sally’s whole backstory. So, it takes retelling to the max.

All I can say is that love and family are very important aspects in this story. I liked that the author showed that family is more than blood. Sally, despite her life before Jack, loved her home of Halloweentown. She would do anything for the monsters that lived there.

“I am now Sally Skellington. The Pumpkin Queen. And I’m certain I will never again be as happy as I am right now.”

The book takes our rag doll protagonist on a journey of self discovery, and I liked seeing her come into her own. She makes a great Pumpkin Queen. Also, the addition of the Sandman as an evil character was a nice touch. Especially since the Sandman is such an interesting fantasy character.

The other characters in the book were great! Jack and Zero were so similar to their movie counterparts. Shea Ernshaw captured the essence of Tim Burton’s film perfectly.

Overall, the book isn’t amazing, and something felt kind of ridiculous, yet I loved it! Honestly, if you have any love for ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’, you need this book on your TBR. I would 100% recommend the audiobook, because the voices are nearly identical to the ones in the movie. It takes the reading experience to the next level.

In the comments, let me know your favorite Tim Burton film! Mine has to either be ‘The Nightmare Before Christmas’ or ‘Corpse Bride’. Don’t forget to follow my blog if you like bookish posts!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

Rereading Books // Bunny Babbles

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Hi Friends,
Recently, I was considering rereading a book that I read a few years ago. Well, I wondered to myself if rereads should count towards people’s reading goals for the year. I am the type of reader that actually enjoys rereading books. Yet there are some exceptions to my rereading. I wouldn’t necessarily read a thriller over again, since it’s less impactful the second time around. But, I love rereading YA contemporaries!

Every year, I reread ‘A Christmas Carol’ by Charles Dickens and ‘The Afterlife of Holly Chase’ by Cynthia Hand. But, I think it is pretty normal to reread holiday books, since people rewatch their favorite holiday films every year.

There are some books that I do want to read again, because I can’t fully remember them. And, I always try to reread a series if it’s been over a year since I read the previous books. I am someone that does count rereads towards my yearly reading goal, because whether I’ve already read it or not, I’m still technically reading. A reading goal is for all the books you read that year, right? It isn’t just for new books read in a year.

In the comments, I would love to know where you stand on rereading, if they should count towards your yearly reading goal. Please follow my book blog, so that I know you like these types of posts.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

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Book Tropes // The Ones I Dislike

- Bunny 5 Comments

Hi Friends,
You might remember that I did a post talking about my favorite book tropes. Well, for sometime now I have been meaning to do one dedicated to my least favorite tropes. I have 5 book tropes that just don’t work for me, but this isn’t to say I won’t read books containing these tropes. Even though these types of books aren’t my favorites, I am sometimes up for giving them a try. Especially if the book is written by a favorite author of mine.

Single Parents
This is one that I don’t really have a reason for not liking, which seems kind of weird. I read a lot of YA books, and it seems as though one parent always has to be dead or absent. This is also a factor in a lot of Disney Channel movies and shows. I’m looking at you ‘That’s So Raven’ and ‘The Suite Life Of Zack And Cody’. And, don’t even get me started on Disney movies. I just feel like the trope is thrown in there to make us sympathize with the main character. I am not a fan of plot points that are only there so that we feel bad for the MC.

Desperate
I am so done with reading about girls that are extremely desperate to be liked or get a boyfriend. It is annoying to read a book where 50% of the time the protagonist is whining about not having a boyfriend. Or, they’re so resolute for someone to like them that they lie about who they truly are. Let’s get more self-assured female characters that don’t need a man! As Christina Yang said, “He’s very dreamy, but he is not the sun, you are.”

Bad Boy, Good Girls
I know that bad boys make them good girls go bad. You see what I did there? Anyways, what is so appealing about the ‘bad boy’ in books? It seems like every girl that is shy and smart always fall for the dangerous guy. I like a bad boy love story just as much as the next person, but let’s flip the script and do bad girl meets good boy for a change. Girls can be rebels too.

Ordinary Girl
In half the books I read, the protagonist is the average girl. There’s nothing special about her, and she isn’t a raving beauty. Typically, she’s shy, smart, and doesn’t fit in. Think Bella Swan. There are so many other type of personalities out there that should be represented. I would once like to read a book about a girl who has a lot of friends, knows who she is but is still a little weird. Also, why do all ordinary girls have to not wear makeup or have a good fashion sense? This trope is seriously outdated.


Cheating
Nope. No. No way! Thank you, next! Cheating is a trope that I can’t stand in the slightest. If someone cheats on you, then they don’t care about you or your relationship. Even worse, some books that contain cheating end with the couple staying together. In my opinion, cheating is unforgivable. It’s possible that some books make this trope work, but I still won’t be picking up those books.

Those are the main book tropes that I don’t like to read. In the comments, let me know what your least favorite tropes are. Don’t forget to follow the blog for more bookish content.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

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The Fear // Book Review

- Bunny 4 Comments

About The Book
It’s just a stupid meme that’s going around their small fishing town in the dead of winter—people reposting and sharing their biggest fear. But when her classmates start turning up dead—dying in the way that they said scared them the most—Izzy knows it’s no joke. With each death hitting closer to home, Izzy sets out to try to stop the killer.

My Rating

After reading ‘The Lake’ (read my review) by this author, I didn’t think I’d ever pick up another one of her books. However, after reading the synopsis for this book, I knew I had to give it a chance. So, I decided to keep an open mind, but my expectations were fairly low. The plot is all about a viral meme where you share the worst way to die, according to you. My husband is an avid memer, so the premise intrigued me.

The first chapter was intense, and kept me wanting read more. Izzy is the main protagonist, and a smart, non-judgmental character. She thinks the meme is weird and the trend is completely ridiculous. However, she was wishy-washy at times, and also naive. What’s with teenage thriller characters being so naive? Are high-schoolers all so clueless these days?

There wasn’t a lot of other characters, at least not ones that we got to know very well. But, I didn’t mind that the author solely focused on Izzy. I liked being inside her head, and following her as she’s trying to help solve these murders.

One of the best things about this book was that it’s scary, but not in an intense way. It is more creepy than anything. But, the creepiness of it makes for such an engaging story – one that keeps the reader immersed until the end. However, the book doesn’t focus on the killing aspect of the story too much, which I prefer in thrillers. Even in horror movies, I’m not one for death after bloody death, just for the sake of it.

“The truth is, when death comes, no matter how it comes, it’s always scary.”

The most chilling thing about this book was that there were chapter from the killer’s perspective. Being inside a killer’s mind is a little frightening. What’s even worse, is that you don’t know who they are, or what they’ll do next. Those chapters had me pretty freaked. And, the book reminds us all to never have a set routine, because you never know who’s following your every move. Creepy, right?

So, the ending was amazing! I loved the outcome and reveal. It was exactly what I wanted in a thriller! The one flaw is that it didn’t answer a huge question that is still on my mind. I have to hand it to Natasha Preston for creating an intense thriller, but what is with these cliffhangers? Does she not like complete endings?

Overall, the writing style in this book is great, and I had a good reading experience. Although, I am unsure now if I want to continue reading her books, knowing how most of them end with an incomplete feeling. I do want to point out that the murders are pretty descriptive in the book, and they made my skin-crawl. There is also mention of child abuse, so be warned if that may be triggering to you.

In the comments, tell me what you think is the worst way to go. Just kidding, I don’t want to know. Instead, tell me your favorite thriller read. If you have read this book, let me know your thoughts on it. Don’t forget to give my little book blog a follow before you go.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

To Be Read // September 2022

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Hi Friends,
I am so excited to be doing my September TBR, because not only am I premiering my TBR game, but this month is Scary Readathon! If you haven’t heard, Scary Readathon is a Monsters University inspired readathon that will be happening from September 1st – 30th. I am actually one of the hosts for the readathon! My team is ROR! You visit the Readathon’s Twitter for all the information on the readathon, so please go join my team! I will also be hosting reading sprints, and I’ll let you know on Twitter when those will be happening.

This month, to help pick the book I’ll be reading, I have created a TBR game! The game is ‘The Sims Chooses My TBR’ since my husband is a big Sims player. He helped me create this little game, which I am grateful for. I will be choosing 5 books every game, and each book picked has a different prompt on it. I have to choose a book that fits the prompt given.


The first prompt Sims gave me was ‘Under 350 Pages’! Which works perfectly, since one of the Monsters University Prompts is to read a book under 300 pages. So, I decided to go with ‘Coraline’ by Neil Gaiman. I read this book years ago, and decided it was about time to reread it. The next prompt picked was ‘Poll Pick’, and the winner was ‘The Woman In The Library’ by Sulari Gentill.

Next we had ‘Steal A Book’, which is to take a book off of someone else’s September TBR. I stole this book off of Liv’s from Liv’s Library’s TBR, and it is ‘Sorceline’ by Sylvia Douye and Paola Anista. This is a graphic novel, which I don’t typically read, so I’m using it for the Monsters University prompt: “Read a book in a format you don’t usually read”


After that was ‘Husband Pick’, and he picked ‘Recommended For You’ by Laura Silverman. Finally, my Sim picked ‘A Book With Representation’, and luckily, my team’s book for the Monsters University readathon is ‘People Like Us’ by Dana Mele. This book has queer representation, and is set in an educational setting, which is another prompt for the readathon. The next three prompts I will be checking off for the Monsters University readathon are a book with a strong female lead, a YA book and finish a series. I will be reading ‘This Coven Won’t Break’ by Isabel Sterling!


Then, I randomly had Goodreads choose a book for me, and it was ‘The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities’ by Rick Riordan (Editor). This completes the random chosen book and a book I know nothing about prompts. I am marking off another three prompts with ‘The Witches’ by Roald Dahl. The prompts that it fills are a book that features a child as the main character, a TBR vet, and features a person on the cover. Next, I decided to fill the prompts to start a series, and to read a backlist from a favorite author. I went with Kiersten White, because I have been wanting to read more of her books. The book is ‘Wretched Waterpark’, which is the first in the ‘Sinister Summer’ series.

The last two prompts I will be trying to complete for the Monsters University readathon is to read a book with only good or bad reviews, and to read your last purchased book. I got ‘Mooncakes’ by Suzanne Walker, and it is a graphic novel that I have only heard good things about!

There you have my entire September TBR! This TBR is a bit ambitious, since I have a million other books I would like to read this month, but I am trying to stay positive. In the comments, let me know if you are taking part in the Monsters University readathon, and what team you are on. Team ROR is the best!

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

5 Summertime Films // Toss-Up Tuesday

- Bunny 2 Comments

Hi Friends,
Fall is just around the corner, which means that it’s your last chance to watch some summer movies. Although I’m much more of an autumn and winter girl myself, I thought I’d share some summer films you should check out before the season changes!

There’s Someone Inside Your House (Netflix)
“The graduating class at Osborne High is being targeted by a masked assailant, intent on exposing the darkest secret of each victim, and only a group of misfit outsiders can stop the killings.”

This is a teen thriller based on the Stephanie Perkins book of the same name. I personally wasn’t a fan of the book (read my review) but I think the film seems like it would be a good summer slasher flick.

Love and Gelato (Netflix)
“Lina makes a promise to her sick mother that she’ll spend the summer before college in Rome, where she falls for the city, the people – and the “gelato”.”

Yep, another book-to-movie adaptation, courtesy of Netflix. I read this book as well (see my review), but the movie looks quite different than the book. However, if you separate the two from each other, then you’ll get a fun summertime teen movie.

Moonshot (HBO Max)
“This romantic comedy with a twist follows two college students as they join forces in order to be reunited with their significant others, embarking on a lively journey that takes them wildly off course.”

This is a cute movie that is all about finding love in space. The film is one of those feel good teen flicks that is perfect for a summer date night. Or, just a good watch for a summer night in.

Teen Beach Movie (Disney+)
“Two surfing lovers, whose doomed relationship is nearing to a close, find themselves swept into a dimension-traversing wave that sends them into a beach movie musical in the 60’s.”

If you like summer and musicals, then this one is for you. It’s Pleasantville meets Grease, but more kid friendly. This film gives off all those summer vibes that you might be looking for, before the season ends.

Secret Headquarters (Paramount+)
“While hanging out after school, Charlie and his friends discover the headquarters of the world’s most powerful superhero hidden beneath his home. When villains attack, they must team up to defend the headquarters and save the world.”

This film is essentially a new twist on the Spy Kids movie. There’s action, comedy, and a superhero element. Honestly, it’s a great pick for a summertime family movie night.

Those are my picks for five awesome movie to watch before the summer ends. I can’t wait to watch them myself! Before you go, give this post a like, and follow my blog.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

The Lake // Book Review

- Bunny 2 Comments

About The Book
Esme and Kayla are back at Camp Pine Lake as counselors-in-training, years after they agreed to cover up a terrible incident that occurred while they were campers there themselves. Unfortunately, it’s not all fun and games at camp, and when mysterious threats aimed at the counselors start getting more and more violent, the girls know they aren’t the only ones who know their secret.

My Rating

There were just so many things wrong with this book, that I don’t know where to start. The characters weren’t likable, and the plot was so predictable. And, to top it all off, there wasn’t even one twist that I didn’t see coming. If anything, the only redeeming quality was that it was over quickly.

In the book, Esme and her best friend Kayla return to a summer camp they went to as kids, to be camp counselors themselves. But Esme is nervous, since they did something horrible at the camp when they were kids, and it’s been their little secret for years now. Esme’s character was boring and annoying. She was seriously paranoid, which made me wonder why she even agreed to go back to the camp in the first place.

As for Kayla, she was a bad friend, and didn’t even want to take responsibility for her part in their past mistake. She kept making Esme think she was overreacting. Like, it was very obvious someone was after them. Personally, I would have left that camp after the first creepy experience.

The book was very main character focused, but there were a few side characters. Esme and Kayla formed a friend group with the other camp counselors, one being Esme’s sort of love interest. I say sort of, since the two didn’t have much chemistry, and didn’t seem to really trust one another. The rest of the characters were okay, but didn’t play much of a part in the story.

“Living with guilt is hell.”

You could say that there were a lot of suspects throughout the book, but early on, Esme, and probably the reader, knows the culprit. I was hoping that the author would throw a curveball, and make the villain someone out of the blue. Instead of, you know, taking the easy way out and picking the most likely person. It was frustrating knowing right away who was behind it all, and so desperately hoping for some kind of twist.

However, there was a part where Esme pretended her car had broken down in order to talk with someone. The interaction reminded me of a scene in ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’, so that was kind of fun. But one short and silly scene didn’t make up for a very lackluster thriller.

Overall, the plot didn’t have much depth to it, and the big secret wasn’t my favorite. The book was missing those thriller vibes, and was more of a mystery. The book ends on a cliffhanger, so be aware of that. However, I know some people like that in books. I am not one of those people.

As you can tell, this wasn’t the thriller for me, but let me know in the comments your thoughts on it, if you have read it. Please give my blog a quick follow before you go.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny

24-Hour Horrorathon // To Be Read

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Hi Friends,
You might not know, but Ashley from Ashley’s Little Library is hosting the 24-hour Horrorathon. This is a readathon dedicated to reading scary and horror books for a whole 24-hours. The readathon will start on August 26th at 8 est., 7 pm for me, to August 27th at 8 pm est. I have put together quite an ambitious TBR for a 24-hour readathon, but what else is new?


White Smoke by Tiffany D. Jackson
This is a psychological thriller with ghost and a haunted house. I’ve read a few ghost stories before, but no haunted house ones. I have been wanting pick up this book for a while, so hopefully I can finally get to it.

Took: A Ghost Story by Mary Downing Hahn
This book was originally published in 2015, but I think the graphic novel edition I have is a new release. Since it is a graphic novel, it should be fairly easy to fly through. All I know about it is that it’s a middle grade ghost story, in which the main character’s sister goes missing.

Squad by Maggie Tokuda-Hall, illustrated by Lisa Sterle
This is another graphic novel, which is supposed to be ‘Pretty Little Liars’ meets ‘Teen Wolf’. I’ve seen both of those shows, and I’m not sure if combining them will work. Nevertheless, I’m intrigued enough to read it and see how it all plays out.

His Hideous Heart by Dahlia Adler (Editor)
This is a collection of retellings, based on Edgar Allan Poe’s most unsettling stories. There are stories from some great young adult authors, and let’s face it, Edgar Allan Poe knows how to do horror. Actually, I started this book a year ago, and never made it very far through it. Horrorathon seems like the perfect time to finish it.

Those are the books that I will be attempting to read for the readathon. But, keep in mind that I will be sleeping for a few hours because I can’t do an all nighter. In the comments, share your Horrorathon TBR, or just some of your favorite scary books. It is spooky season, after all. Don’t forget to follow the blog for more posts like this one.

Until The Next Chapter,
Bunny