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Wow! I have been thinking about this book all day after finishing it. It took me a little while longer than usual to finish because the middle did slow down quite a bit. But the ending was perfect. Marissa Meyer captured the essence of the Looking Glass/Alice in Wonderland perfectly, with lyrical and clever prose and characters that come to life. OFF WITH HIS HEAD is my new life motto.

“Practical Magic” by Alice Hoffman left me feeling underwhelmed. While Hoffman's writing shows potential, with a few memorable quotes and reflections that stand out, the story itself felt lazy, and the characters failed to engage. While the portrayal of motherhood was handled reasonably well, the depiction of sisterhood was disappointing. The sisters shared no genuine connection until a traumatic event, making that part of the plot feel forced and underdeveloped. The portrayal of women was particularly disappointing, as they seemed defined by their beauty or their relationships with men, which felt outdated and reductive. The murder plot, which had the potential for real intrigue, ultimately fell flat. Instead, we spent full chapters on side characters who added little to the narrative, detracting from the main storyline (which I'm still trying to figure out if there was one). Overall, this book was a letdown despite its moments of promise. I've heard the movie is better and am excited to watch it!

Siege and Storm, the second book in Leigh Bardugo's Grishaverse series, builds on its predecessor with a captivating mix of magic, conflict, and the quest for power. Bardugo's ability to deepen the world's lore while focusing on character development is impressive, making the protagonists and their dilemmas feel real and relatable. The novel introduces intriguing new characters that add complexity to the plot, though at times the pacing seems to slow, particularly in the middle. I still rated this a 5/5 despite that because the blend of action, emotional depth, and the exploration of themes like leadership and sacrifice keeps the narrative engaging. Overall, it's a solid sequel that sets a high bar for the finale!