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I am incredibly happy with this reboot of Archie. The artwork of Fiona Staples is amazing combined with the writing makes a really fun and mature Archie for me to truly enjoy! If you loved this you might like a slightly darker take of Afterlife with Archie, Vol. 1: Escape from Riverdale ~Ashley

Couldn't fall in love with it. It was a fun read and the illustration was really amazing. Reminds me a lot of [b:The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Vol. 1: Squirrel Power 23732096 The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl, Vol. 1 Squirrel Power Ryan North https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1440092318l/23732096.SY75.jpg 43344260] ~Ashley

This book really blew me away! This book has some great magic ideas, amazing art, family, friendship, and identity. I was really impressed with such a short book what a vast and solid world they built with room to expand. This was a really exciting story with a lot of commentary that I think would make for a good book club pick. I can't recommend enough! ~Ashley

This is one of the best books I've read in a while! I grabbed the audio book of this, The 1st disk was setting the world and characters up. It was just alright, I decided to listen to one more disk and I'm so happy that I did! From the second disk on I was totally engaged in these characters and the book. So, If you stopped reading early on I highly recommend picking it back up and reading on.

There is so much thought put into this book, I especially like the well built and clear character motivations. I understand what the character's motivations are, why, and how other characters and events will affect them. I also really enjoyed the switching perspectives of the characters, You really get the feel for them and how everything comes together. There is also some really subtle culture between the people or orisha and the royalty of orisha, the people use the word “Gods” and the royals use “Skies” because of the lore they set up in the story of the world!

I did this on audobook, the narrator was a really nice choice. She really worked well with the character's emotions. Also, I would struggle pronouncing those incantations. Please, also read the heartfelt author's note. ~Ashley

I really enjoyed all of Adrienne's curious and thoughtful questions of social norms, It was a strong characteristic from the beginning and something I enjoy about her. It starts off with her thinking about what to do with her hair because a part was burned off. She thinks about the history of her hair (which is naturally kinky) past hairstyles that didn't work, jealous of her sisters naturally beautiful hair. There is even a reference to hair relaxer that tends to burn the scalp in order to straighten hair. There was a lot of sacrifice and time spent just on her hair and she realizes this and Cuts it off! I love the troupe of women cutting of there hair because frankly there is a ton of time invested in it and cutting off or short is just so freeing! We also meet the Dwarves in this one and I love the Warriors and the Lesbian Dwarves! I love that Adrienne is asking questions to the Lesbian dwarf she's currently on an adventure with and learning more about different relationships. There are so many characters on side quests right now I have a feeling it's going to get really epic! ~Ashley

This is illustrated by one of my favorites Babs Tarr! The artwork, coloring, and layout is amazing ! The story is also great, with Domino being a racer and has a mysterious being following her and her ability to use the power of ‘crush' when no one else can. I wish they would explain why ‘crush' is valuable to people who don't have the power to directly use it. Maybe just to power source? Kinda has a neon mad max vibe at times and is a quick fun read! ~Ashley

If you liked this, then I would try Batgirl, Vol. 1: The Batgirl of Burnside

This sets up a really well built and interesting fantasy world without making it complicated, just wow, I'm blown away! The story is short, simple, and really charming. It seems like it could be a fairy tale! The art work is really cute and you will fall in love with all these tiny tea dragons! I hope to see more of this series if she decides to continue. ~Ashley

If you are looking for something short and cute, be sure to check out her previous work Princess Princess Ever After

This was cute, creepy, and colorful! After reading the authors note on the back that is exactly what they were aiming for! The illustrations are really great and the use of color gives it this really unique vibe through out the book. I really like the story and characters and getting this accomplished in a short book is a great achievement. Despite this book being a bit short, I wish it ended one chapter earlier on that powerful high note. I'd rather have a great end then another chapter that kinda ends up boring. [ I'd rather it end with a beautiful death, then the love of his life(?) coming back and him owing the grim reaper a favor. That says strong sequel! (hide spoiler)] Anyway, great book that has a nice story, strong concept, and some amazing art! ~AshleyIf you want some more spooky nature graphic novels I recommend reading Beautiful Darkness and for something just as cute check out Moonstruck, Volume One: Magic to Brew ALSO!![b:Beetle & the Hollowbones 52765957 Beetle & the Hollowbones Aliza Layne https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1570969104l/52765957.SX50.jpg 73727790]

I really enjoyed these fantasy illustrations and ideas, That being said I wished for a little more to do storywise with our main character. What it was like to have magic in a non-human world, college time, being without his mother. That was the shock of him having to re-adjust to human world only be thrown back into a fantastical one would impact me more. I'm snorting with laughter that he ripped of the constitution to make it reflect this fantasy setting, being educated and changing the entire political system they have had me on the FLOOR! Since it says volume 1, I really hope to see more! I'd love to see whole series get more fleshed out and see where he can go from here. ~Ashley

If you liked reading this you may enjoy Saga, Vol. 1.

The art is great! The stories are a bunch of one shots that are alright. I'm all for fun one shots, but the Christmas one in here AGAIN pretty much anyone who wanted to snoop around could find out who batgirl is based on bring her friends along her missions. - If I remember right I had the same issue with the last volume.
I'd hoping to get a more out of this volume, all in all it was an enjoyable read.
~Ashley

I really liked this, I really dig the characters, the world, the art style, color pallet, and it's fun and engaging... It really works for me if it just stayed fun adventures BUT what I'm really craving is more world building and substance. Who knows? The longer it continues may have a long going story arc until then it's a fantastic no-pressure read. Love it! ~Ashley

The first volume of the web comic series http://chirault.sevensmith.net/

The duo of Teeko and Kiran is really cute and they have a strong dynamic together. I especially like the inking coloring changes that makes the illustration have a nice warm tone when they are together. Beautiful illustrations that are strong monochromatic and nice designs. Be sure to check out the web comic! ~Ashley

One of the things I do every year is review first aid, check fire extinguishers, check smoke detectors, and review self-defense! I kept this book a little longer than usual to try out the techniques in the books. I highly suggest getting a friend or a partner to practice and learn with because it will really benefit you in learning these techniques. They have very nice photos and even some extra resources in the back of the book for martial arts training and more. If you're looking for some more books on self defense I highly recommend Weapons of Fitness: The Women's Ultimate Guide to Fitness, Self-Defense, and Empowerment. ~Ashley

This was more of a book to encourage young investors. So, I feel like I was introduced to a lot of new things, but I didn't really get to learn about them too much. Some of this book was right on target for me and some of it was a little confusing. I'm eager to perhaps pick up this book again when I learn some more about investing. I think there is some solid advice here so I would recommend this book. ~Ashley

Getting to read D&D animated series stuff like this is pretty special. I love the series so it's not too often you see something like this. This book has written short stories with illustrations, choose your own adventure segments, and a board game.

A story about Sisters that take a trip to see their mother that had left them. This book has really nicely sized chapters that just seems to encourage you not to put the book down and just keep reading! The sisters I found extremely compelling characters that I couldn't stop rooting for them on the journey they take together without Pa and Big Ma. ~Ashley

We happen to have a ferret in my house now (My boyfriend couldn't be happier about it) and after reading this I feel a lot more prepared on what to expect with his behavior and health. I like that this really took the time to write out some of the strange behaviors that they do and assure they are normal. I'm a hedgehog type of gal, who loves an animal that can chill with me and sleeps all day... Our ferret, Musket, does sleep a lot though so that's something I really like! We get him out about 4-5 hours a day total. We play and train (nip train, clicker train, and hopefully soon he'll start to understand litter training techniques) for about an hour then break. I've learned a lot from this book and from a trainer on youtube found under JoeyTheTrainedFerret and she is super helpful! I found this book especially handy for people who haven't owned a ferret before and this book is probably my favorite of the ones I have read so far! ~Ashley

This is still a solid ok read for me, kids seem to really like this book. I like this volume better than the first and I feel like they are setting something up because they have introduced a new character and the big bad villain. ~Ashley


UPDATE! They did do a great set up! I've read up to book #3

Gosh, I'm not sure if I enjoyed this book (3.5 star for now) because it is incredibly frustrating yet at the same time it gives me so much to think about. It's hard to explain, they are always so close to the treasure but continue to dig to find better stuff yet none of it is ever uncovered and they fall through the book back to where they started without any hole. Anyways, one thing is for sure always listen to the dog. ~Ashley

This book is really charming. It is diverse and gives a sense of community. Not everyone has and easy life and can't have everything. This is really half-glass full type of book, try to find the best of everything. The kid asks many questions and Nana gives the best answers she has. This book has a fantastic end about giving back to the community. ~Ashley

This is the self-defense book has been really helpful. Not only does it go over self-defense techniques but I goes over fitness and visualization. I liked this book a lot because it goes over fitness and even has combatant type exercises that go with what you learned from the book. ~Ashley


I actually recommend buying this book because when I borrowed it from the library I had to renew it a few times because I was practicing the techniques with a partner and sometimes it was hard to get together. This is also is a fantastic new year review book to go over and keep yourself sharp. (I go over self-defense and first aid)

Excellent read to be introduced to The Day of the Dead holiday with the addition of Spanish vocabulary. ~Ashley

This book reminds me of 2 things... The art style reminds me of the game Night in the Woods. (Great game if you like story and characters!) The story reminds me of Sweet Tooth, Volume 1: Out of the Deep Woods This story is kinda the perfect mix of the two, so if you enjoyed either of those things (or both) this would be great to check out. Same if you enjoyed this book you might like the above mentioned. The art is amazing, It was so charming and enjoyable just looking at it and the characters were very strong. I liked that they still kind of had their animal traits like the dog was loyal waiting for the owners to come back and liked having another dog around, kinda like a pack. The raccoon was clever and great at scavenging, and the deer had the “deer in the headlights” when things happened. Had some great hints of how things used to be with some good mystery still left to solve and get deeper into. I'm hoping to see a vol. 2 soon! ~Ashley


I actually received this copy of this book from ALA2017 Chicago that was signed by the author! Jen even drew a hedgehog in it for me! Thank you~

This is an early reader book that introduces hedgehogs and their care. I enjoy most of the pictures in here and I think it is a fun read. I'm cutting it a bit of slack because it's a introduction to reading type book but I wish they would stick with domesticated hedgehogs...They mention wild hedgehogs and domesticated and don't bother to really distinguish the two. So, DO NOT leave a pet hedgehog outside because it's very dangerous to a pet hedgehog.

For a level 2 reader book about hedgehogs I think it is a good start for kids to understand the care for this bookish creature. Parents should read and do more research before making the commitment. Be sure to look up videos to see what a grumpy hedgehog looks and a gentle one looks like so you're prepared to know what you're dealing with. Are you prepared to take care of a hedgehog long term whose nature could range from grumpy to tame?
I would not recommend them as pets for kids who are under the age of 10. They have quills that are pokey that could hurt small children. Understand that they are not petpets like dogs or cats. They make nice companions but need to be treated gently.

Please buy hedgehogs a wheel that has a solid bottom and is not wired. Sometimes their legs/nails can get caught and cause them injury. Please, raise your hedgehogs in separate cages (especially if they are male and female)

I've had a total of 7 hedgehogs through my life (so far...) 5 of them I've bought from breeders and 2 have been rescues from bad situations. Sometimes I bring My hedgehogs into the library to show and talk about these amazing animals. If you're interested in them as pets please visit http://www.hedgehogwelfare.org/ for more information about the care needed for hedgies! ~Ashley

This young vampire works very hard to make her sleepover a success even if she thinks she has to adapt to her friends style and not her own. They do makeovers and share each others styles and reassures her they like her just the way she is. This again has super cute illustrations and a fun quick story. If you like party stories with great artwork be sure to check out The Princess in Black and the Perfect Princess Party ~Ashley