Reader Fox

Instant Karma [Marissa Meyer]

I believe I’m a good person. But what if I’m not? I usually spend a rather inordinate amount of time praising Marissa Meyer’s books, so in a way I suppose it’s not surprising that I loved her newest book, Instant Karma. But, in my defense, there’s actually a lot to love about this one. I usually enter Marissa’s books with pretty high expectations, too, since I’m often riding off how much I love…

Fullmetal Alchemist; Fullmetal Edition Volume 5 [Hiromu Arakawa]

This sucks. Why do dogs have to be so loyal?

Gosh, this was always one of the strangest parts of the series for me. I think, throughout every rewatch and every reread I’ve ever done of this series, I’m always surprised by how much I love Greed and his gang. They’re not exactly on the right side, but they go against the major villains of the story. Not to mention, they’re extremely intriguing…

The Polar Express [Chris Van Allsburg]

“Seeing is believing.”

It genuinely took me a while to figure out just what it was that I couldn’t stand about Chris Van Allsburg’s The Polar Express. And in truth, it wasn’t the fact that this doesn’t really work as an engaging children’s book–though that was annoying–nor is it the complete uselessness of the main character. I think, over the years, I have just become very bothered by the…

Wedding Hacks [Maddie Eisenhart]

Don’t ignore history.

No, I’m not getting married any time soon. But yes, I was curious.

Honestly, I liked Maddie Eisenhart’s Wedding Hacks: 500+ Ways to Stick to Your Budget, Stay Stress-Free, and Plan the Best Wedding Ever!Though, between you and me, that title is a bit ridiculous. Still, this was a pretty comprehensive compilation of some very useful tips that I’m sure I will one day…

Candy Hearts [Tommy Siegel]

I am hurt by this flirt.

Despite finding Candy Hearts by Tommy Siegel mildly funny, I don’t really have a lot to say about this particular book. It’s the kind of cartoon compilation that is amusing and relatable enough to read all the way through, but it’s also the kind of buy I’d read entirely in the bookstore and never once consider actually buying.

It’s Hearts…Doing Stuff Barnes…

Fullmetal Alchemist; Fullmetal Edition Volume 4 [Hiromu Arakawa]

You’re so not cute.

Winry helps deliver a baby while Ed and Al sit around completely useless at the start of Fullmetal Alchemist Volume 4 of the Fullmetal Editions and it’s wonderful. Of course, I live for the Ed and Winry moments. These two are just so darn adorable together, even when in serious conversation. You can’t help loving them together.

The Flashbacks Barnes & Noble Am…

Fullmetal Alchemist; Fullmetal Edition Volume 3 [Hiromu Arakawa]

Looks like…it’s starting to rain.

Oh my gosh, what a sob fest. This is, without a doubt, one of the darkest volumes of the series. And it’s chock full of incredibly emotional moments. I, personally, don’t think you can really be a fan of Fullmetal Alchemistwithout having a lot of feels about Maes Hughes and his fate. And while his story isn’t entirely the central focus of this volume, the…

Fullmetal Alchemist; Fullmetal Edition Volume 2 [Hiromu Arakawa]

…just when I think our goal is within reach it slips right through our fingers.

I’ve always found Edward and Alphonse Elric incredibly endearing. Much of my time with them has been spent loving the two–Edward, in particular–without really ever giving much thought as to why. And, ultimately, among the amusing antics and humorous freak-outs, the moments of sincerity from Edward fill and break my…

Fullmetal Alchemist; Fullmetal Edition Volume 1 [Hiromu Arakawa]

Alchemists are scientists. We don’t believe in unprovable concepts like “god.”

You know the books that you’ve read so many times and, subsequently, the shows based on those books you’ve spent so much of your life watching? The ones where you’ve done this to the point that writing a review about how much you love it seems nearly impossible? It’s so much to the point that I’m convinced I don’t…

Stay This Way Forever [Linsey Davis]

I think of all the memories that I would like to keep.

Eh, I’ll be honest…I didn’t really care all that much for Linsey Davis’ Stay This Way Forever. I suppose I should have known better, since the title basically gives away exactly what this book is about. But I think I was blinded by the dazzling illustrations Lucy Fleming brought the book to life with. And I think that’s fair; they are…

Stars Above [Marissa Meyer]

“The first time, he had wondered why she liked books so much, and if it had anything to do with why he liked spaceships. Because they could take you somewhere far, far away from here.”

Stars Above is an incredible collection of short stories that take place within the world of Marissa Meyer’s The Lunar Chroniclesseries. Each story is unique and exciting, an added small glimpse into characters…

Cinders and Sparks: Magic at Midnight [Lindsey Kelk]

Just a tiny tickling in the tip-pity-tips of her fingers.

I’m honestly not sure if I would have liked Lindsey Kelk’s Cinders and Sparks: Magic at Midnight had I read it as a child, but I sure didn’t love it now. If you’re looking for an over the top fanciful (and mildly annoying) Cinderella retelling, ‘good golly gosh’this is a book for you. But, if you find excessive cutesy language and…