April started off as a really good reading month, but ended up not being so great towards the end because that's when I went into a reading slump that I couldn't really get out of it. I spent this month trying to catch up to my Goodreads goal so I read a lot of shorter books. It would've worked out if I kept it up but unfortunately, life had other plans. But, reviews! Reviews Bossman by Vi Keeland I don't know what it was about this book that didn't do it for me. I really thought this was going to be another one of those steamy books I love, but for the most part, it was okay. I think the past vs. present story line wasn't something I really enjoyed. While I get that the author was trying to show the tragic past of the male protagonist, I felt like it was dragged on too long. It could've been told as a prologue and then I would've felt more attachment seeing his side of the story as well. I found this to be a little predictable and overall meh in the sex...
Title: Grump: The (Fairly) True Tale of Snow White and the Seven DwarvesAuthor: Liesl Shurtliff
Copy Obtained: From publisher for an honest review
Ever since he was a dwarfling, Borlen (nicknamed "Grump") has dreamed of visiting The Surface, so when opportunity knocks, he leaves his cavern home behind.
At first, life aboveground is a dream come true. Queen Elfrieda Veronika Ingrid Lenore (E.V.I.L.) is the best friend Grump always wanted, feeding him all the rubies he can eat and allowing him to rule at her side in exchange for magic and information. But as time goes on, Grump starts to suspect that Queen E.V.I.L. may not be as nice as she seems. . . .
When the queen commands him to carry out a horrible task against her stepdaughter Snow White, Grump is in over his head. He's bound by magic to help the queen, but also to protect Snow White. As if that wasn't stressful enough, the queen keeps bugging him for updates through her magic mirror! He'll have to dig deep to find a way out of this pickle, and that's enough to make any dwarf Grumpy indeed.
Ok so I've never read a book by this author before even though I have them in my media center. I will now be recommending them a lot! This book was just fun and cute and everything that is an enjoyable middle-grade read.
I'm not always one for a retelling of fairy tales. So I was a bit hesitant, but it was so cute. I really like stories where a character is different from the whole group. Grump doesn't completely fit in with the other dwarves because he doesn't feel as comfortable in the deep underground. This sets off a whole series of events that puts in into the middle of the Snow White story. It kinda reminded me of the Lion King movie that shows the story of Pumba and Timon - where you get to see the other side of the story. I think kids will get a kick out of that, and even better than can read more by this author.
The story itself was well done. It had the right amount of tension and pacing. It didn't seem to drag which is very important when it comes to middle-grade books. I pretty much zipped through it. And pulling it along - Grump. Loved that character. It was flawed and determined and wanted to do what was right. Great character!
Final thought: Great little book that I will be pointing out to many students now!
Library Thoughts: For sure I'll be adding it to the collection
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