Heartstopper Vol. 1 by Alice Oseman

A long time ago back in 2014 I reviewed Alice Oseman's book 'Solitaire' which gave the impression that this universe is vast and in no ways done yet. We got to know a little about Tori Spring, but what about the story between Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson? Well, we have it now and it is glorious; captured in the pages of a comic book which Oseman had drawn herself.

Oseman captures themes such as being gay at school and sometimes how bullying might ensue because of their lack of knowledge. There are close friendships and diversity that I don't think I have ever seen before on this level, such as the mention of transgender people, bisexuality, lesbians and of course gay men.

In particular this focuses on the love story between Charlie and Nick and how they became to be such a powerhouse that they are in the universe. It's real, it's relatable, it's completely brilliant.

I've never been one to really read comic books in this way. I have comics and bought them in the past, but this is different, it feels like a commitment rather than the usual twenty pages that you would probably get from Marvel or Titan comics. But now I can't wait to see more volumes! I feel like the way that it has brilliantly been presented, these two people are my favourite OTP (bear in mind I'm not really one who thinks this way for any character couple). Usually, when I read something romantic, it is far more interesting to see the beginning of the relationship, but Nick and Charlie are on a completely different level. Almost superior in my eyes. I want to see more of the relationship as it blossoms and grows and it's exciting.

Really looking forward to the second volume and without much effort I gave this treat five stars.

Comments

Blog Tour: The Beast Hunters Dark Sovereign by Christer Lende

REVIEW So we are back in the world of the Beast Hunters for a sophomore instalment where we see Ara, Khendric and Topper back on another adventure. But this time with a difference. Instead of the world building from the previous book, we get to delve into a mystery with darkness starting to make pace in the background. We meet new characters, some good and some not so much. Not only do we have the overarching themes of beasts but also political intrigue and secretive plots. It is far more intricate than the previous instalment where the characters are making decisive and confident choices. Especially for our fave apprentice, Ara. If you want to get away from the current world affairs, this book will serve as an escape from reality. What these last two books do remind me of however, is a tv show. Why I say this is because it felt kind of episodic but they both have reinvented themselves with different themes. I found this to be quite good actually. This is because it feels l...

The Do-Over by Lynn Painter

If you are in the mood for a sweet romance that gives Groundhog Day and Ferris Bueller vibes then this book is for you. What happens if you wake up to the same Valentine’s Day and everything always goes not to plan? What if you are someone who likes to plan and not share how you are really feeling? Emilie, our female protagonist is very much a stickler for planning and keeping to societal norms. She never really speaks her mind. But this Valentine’s Day is different. She is different. I found that the book itself is quirky and fun. It does have moments of sadness but there is a lot of heart in terms of how it is done. There could have been more time with other characters that are mentioned throughout but at the end of the day it is very much a Young Adult piece. There is nothing wrong with that. Would I read it again? Possibly if I want a Valentines themed book. It was also very quick to read for those who are not into big tomes. Rating: 4 Stars

Blog Tour: Christmas for the Shop Girls by Joanna Toye

SYNOPSIS 'For Lily Collins and her fellow shop girls at Marlows Department Store, another Christmas with ration books, shortages of goods and staff not to mention a store coping with war damage will be a real challenge. But the girls rally round and put their worries aside to make this, the hardest wartime Christmas yet, one that their families, and their own town, will never forget.'

Love is for Losers by Wibke Brueggemann

SYNOPSIS As far as Phoebe is concerned, love is to be avoided at all costs. Why would you spend your life worrying about something that turns you into a complete moron? If her best friend Polly is anything to go by, the first sniff of a relationship makes you forget about your friends (like, hello?), get completely obsessed with sex (yawn) and bang on constantly about a person who definitely isn't as great as you think they are. So Phoebe isn't going to fall in love, ever. But then she meets Emma...

The One That I Want by Sandy Barker

The One That I Want is simply the friends to lovers trope packaged with bad communication. Has this trope been written well? I think not. It is drab and boring and I feel so bad for the matchmaker, Poppy. The only redeemable character in this book. Greta, unlucky with love, is the main focus of the story. She is getting older and she wants a real kind of love. Somehow, her work gets roped into her shenanigans and soon she is off having dates with men who she doesn’t even like. When she does finally get somewhere with someone she actually would like to spend time with it almost like she wants to sabotage her happiness for her stupidity. I just feel sorry for how much effort Poppy had to make and even then it mainly went to waste. I really hoped that I would enjoy this book as I enjoyed Poppy and Tristan’s story but the story and writing really fell short. It took me numerous times of picking up the book and putting it down again to get through. Honestly, I kind of wished that I DNF...