The Sassy Bookworm
Added to listFictionwith 1324 books.
Added to listFantasywith 497 books.
Book Review: Murder Ballads: Illustrated Lyrics & Lore by Katy Horan 📚
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have to say, stumbling upon Murder Ballads by Katy Horan was such a treat! From the moment I saw the cover – which is absolutely stunning, I was hooked. It’s one of those rare finds that feels quirky and fascinating all at once. 🎨📚
Katy Horan, co-creator of Literary Witches, dives deep into the world of murder ballads, unwrapping both the true crime and mythic stories behind twenty traditional songs. These aren’t just retellings; each ballad comes with a beautifully eerie illustration by Horan herself, alongside a thoughtful exploration of the song’s origins, cultural context, and evolution. What makes this book stand out is how it doesn’t shy away from the darker roots of these ballads—touching on themes like patriarchal violence and white supremacy—while also connecting them to today’s true crime obsession. 🕯️🔍
The collection ranges from haunting tales like “Delia's Gone” to historical legends such as “The Death of Queen Jane,” making it a rich journey through folk music’s shadowy side. Plus, if you want to dive deeper, there’s a handy list of essential recordings at the back that perfectly complements the stories. 🎶📜
As someone who loves all things spooky and atmospheric, this book was incredibly satisfying. The artwork is superb—macabre yet mesmerizing—and the whole package feels like a dark cottagecore dream come to life. If you’re into folklore, music history, or just enjoy a good eerie story, Murder Ballads is an absolute must-read. 🌙✨
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Originally posted at tinyurl.com.
Book Review: Murder Ballads: Illustrated Lyrics & Lore by Katy Horan 📚
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have to say, stumbling upon Murder Ballads by Katy Horan was such a treat! From the moment I saw the cover – which is absolutely stunning, I was hooked. It’s one of those rare finds that feels quirky and fascinating all at once. 🎨📚
Katy Horan, co-creator of Literary Witches, dives deep into the world of murder ballads, unwrapping both the true crime and mythic stories behind twenty traditional songs. These aren’t just retellings; each ballad comes with a beautifully eerie illustration by Horan herself, alongside a thoughtful exploration of the song’s origins, cultural context, and evolution. What makes this book stand out is how it doesn’t shy away from the darker roots of these ballads—touching on themes like patriarchal violence and white supremacy—while also connecting them to today’s true crime obsession. 🕯️🔍
The collection ranges from haunting tales like “Delia's Gone” to historical legends such as “The Death of Queen Jane,” making it a rich journey through folk music’s shadowy side. Plus, if you want to dive deeper, there’s a handy list of essential recordings at the back that perfectly complements the stories. 🎶📜
As someone who loves all things spooky and atmospheric, this book was incredibly satisfying. The artwork is superb—macabre yet mesmerizing—and the whole package feels like a dark cottagecore dream come to life. If you’re into folklore, music history, or just enjoy a good eerie story, Murder Ballads is an absolute must-read. 🌙✨
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Originally posted at tinyurl.com.
Book Review: Nature at Night: Discover the Hidden World That Comes Alive after Dark by Charles Hood 📚
Rating: 4 Stars
As someone who’s always been fascinated by the mysteries of the night, Nature at Night by Charles Hood was a real treat to dive into. This book takes you on a global journey to witness the incredible life that thrives once the sun sets—a world often overlooked or misunderstood. Hood beautifully captures everything from glowing bioluminescent creatures to moonlit flowers and the diverse animals active in the dark, all through his stunning photography and engaging storytelling. 🌙📸✨
The book debunks the old myth that the night is just a time of danger, revealing instead a vibrant ecosystem alive with color and activity. You’ll find yourself marveling at scenes like the Northern and Southern Lights painting the sky, delicate desert blooms attracting moths under the moon, grizzly bears snacking on insects in the Rockies before hibernation, dolphins chasing squid at night in the ocean, and jaguars stealthily hunting in the jungle shadows. Hood’s firsthand accounts bring these moments to life with a mix of scientific insight and light-hearted humor, making it both informative and enjoyable. 🌌🐻🌺🐬🐆
One of the first things that caught my eye was the absolutely gorgeous cover—it's a perfect invitation for anyone who loves night and nature. The photography inside lives up to that initial impression, filled with over 240 breathtaking images that make you feel like you’re right there in the wild after dark. The writing strikes a nice balance, blending factual details with a conversational tone that keeps things interesting without feeling heavy. 📚🌿🖼️
If you’re curious about what really goes on when the world sleeps or just want to appreciate some incredible natural beauty, this book is definitely worth checking out. I’m giving it four stars because while it’s a fantastic visual and educational experience, sometimes I wished for a bit more depth in certain sections. Still, it’s a wonderful celebration of the night’s hidden wonders that will leave you looking at darkness in a whole new light. ⭐🌠📖
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Originally posted at tinyurl.com.
Book Review: Nature at Night: Discover the Hidden World That Comes Alive after Dark by Charles Hood 📚
Rating: 4 Stars
As someone who’s always been fascinated by the mysteries of the night, Nature at Night by Charles Hood was a real treat to dive into. This book takes you on a global journey to witness the incredible life that thrives once the sun sets—a world often overlooked or misunderstood. Hood beautifully captures everything from glowing bioluminescent creatures to moonlit flowers and the diverse animals active in the dark, all through his stunning photography and engaging storytelling. 🌙📸✨
The book debunks the old myth that the night is just a time of danger, revealing instead a vibrant ecosystem alive with color and activity. You’ll find yourself marveling at scenes like the Northern and Southern Lights painting the sky, delicate desert blooms attracting moths under the moon, grizzly bears snacking on insects in the Rockies before hibernation, dolphins chasing squid at night in the ocean, and jaguars stealthily hunting in the jungle shadows. Hood’s firsthand accounts bring these moments to life with a mix of scientific insight and light-hearted humor, making it both informative and enjoyable. 🌌🐻🌺🐬🐆
One of the first things that caught my eye was the absolutely gorgeous cover—it's a perfect invitation for anyone who loves night and nature. The photography inside lives up to that initial impression, filled with over 240 breathtaking images that make you feel like you’re right there in the wild after dark. The writing strikes a nice balance, blending factual details with a conversational tone that keeps things interesting without feeling heavy. 📚🌿🖼️
If you’re curious about what really goes on when the world sleeps or just want to appreciate some incredible natural beauty, this book is definitely worth checking out. I’m giving it four stars because while it’s a fantastic visual and educational experience, sometimes I wished for a bit more depth in certain sections. Still, it’s a wonderful celebration of the night’s hidden wonders that will leave you looking at darkness in a whole new light. ⭐🌠📖
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Originally posted at tinyurl.com.
Book Review: Picking Tea with Baba by Xu Bin 🌿📚
Rating: 5 Stars
I just finished reading Picking Tea with Baba by Xu Bin, and I have to say—it’s an absolute gem! This picture book takes you on a charming journey up a mountainside tea garden, where a young boy and his brother join their parents for a day of hard work and family bonding. From spotting playful animals to racing each other in picking tea leaves, every moment is filled with warmth and simple joys. Even an unexpected rainstorm can’t dampen their spirits! 🌧️👦👦🍃
What I really loved about this book is how it beautifully captures the sensory experience of working in a tea garden, while also celebrating Chinese culture and the importance of family. Making it perfect for kids aged 5-9 who are curious about traditions from around the world. 🌏👨👩👧👦🍵
And can we talk about the illustrations? They’re stunning—vibrant, detailed, and full of life. The colors pop off the page, drawing readers right into the scene. Plus, the writing, skillfully translated by Shan Chen, is straightforward yet heartfelt, making it easy for young readers to connect with the story. 🎨✨📖
All in all, Picking Tea with Baba is a delightful addition to any home or school library. It’s a sweet, sensory-rich tale that celebrates family, culture, and the joy found in everyday moments. Highly recommend! ❤️🏡📚
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Originally posted at tinyurl.com.
Book Review: Picking Tea with Baba by Xu Bin 🌿📚
Rating: 5 Stars
I just finished reading Picking Tea with Baba by Xu Bin, and I have to say—it’s an absolute gem! This picture book takes you on a charming journey up a mountainside tea garden, where a young boy and his brother join their parents for a day of hard work and family bonding. From spotting playful animals to racing each other in picking tea leaves, every moment is filled with warmth and simple joys. Even an unexpected rainstorm can’t dampen their spirits! 🌧️👦👦🍃
What I really loved about this book is how it beautifully captures the sensory experience of working in a tea garden, while also celebrating Chinese culture and the importance of family. Making it perfect for kids aged 5-9 who are curious about traditions from around the world. 🌏👨👩👧👦🍵
And can we talk about the illustrations? They’re stunning—vibrant, detailed, and full of life. The colors pop off the page, drawing readers right into the scene. Plus, the writing, skillfully translated by Shan Chen, is straightforward yet heartfelt, making it easy for young readers to connect with the story. 🎨✨📖
All in all, Picking Tea with Baba is a delightful addition to any home or school library. It’s a sweet, sensory-rich tale that celebrates family, culture, and the joy found in everyday moments. Highly recommend! ❤️🏡📚
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Originally posted at tinyurl.com.
Added to listMay 2025with 25 books.
Added to listSept 2025with 48 books.
Added to listMysterywith 897 books.
Added to listHistoricalwith 526 books.
Added to listFantasywith 495 books.
Added to listFictionwith 1322 books.
Added to listOct 2025with 35 books.
Book Review: The Angel Deception by David Leadbeater 📚
Rating: 4 Stars
I recently finished The Angel Deception by David Leadbeater, and it’s a thrilling ride from start to finish. Leadbeater brings us another fast-paced action thriller that keeps you hooked. 🔥
The story follows ex-MI5 operative Joe Mason, who’s on a high-stakes mission to stop a dangerous satanic cult bent on acquiring the legendary Hellfire—a treasure said to grant unimaginable power. If the cult succeeds, they could unleash chaos and devastation on a global scale, making them more powerful than any government. Mason and his team race across Europe, chasing down cryptic clues hidden in eerie mausoleums in Scotland, secret crypts in Milan, shadowy alleys in Florence, Berlin's darker corners, and even the most guarded halls of the Vatican. The tension ramps up as they try to find the Hellfire before it falls into the wrong hands. 🌍🕵️♂️⚔️
What really stood out to me was how well Leadbeater combines historical mystery with modern espionage, making every location feel atmospheric and alive. The pacing is relentless, with plenty of action-packed moments that keep the adrenaline flowing. ⏳💥
Also, I have to mention the cover—it’s absolutely striking and fits the vibe of the series perfectly. Each book in this series feels like a fresh adventure, and I genuinely enjoy every installment. The characters are well-drawn and engaging; you really root for Mason and his team as they navigate danger at every turn. 🎨👍
If you’re into action thrillers with a bit of supernatural intrigue and a strong cast, The Angel Deception is definitely worth picking up. I’m giving it 4 stars because while it’s an exciting and entertaining read, I’d love to see even deeper character development in future books. Still, it’s a fantastic addition to Leadbeater’s work and a great way to spend an afternoon. ⭐📖
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Originally posted at tinyurl.com.
Book Review: The Angel Deception by David Leadbeater 📚
Rating: 4 Stars
I recently finished The Angel Deception by David Leadbeater, and it’s a thrilling ride from start to finish. Leadbeater brings us another fast-paced action thriller that keeps you hooked. 🔥
The story follows ex-MI5 operative Joe Mason, who’s on a high-stakes mission to stop a dangerous satanic cult bent on acquiring the legendary Hellfire—a treasure said to grant unimaginable power. If the cult succeeds, they could unleash chaos and devastation on a global scale, making them more powerful than any government. Mason and his team race across Europe, chasing down cryptic clues hidden in eerie mausoleums in Scotland, secret crypts in Milan, shadowy alleys in Florence, Berlin's darker corners, and even the most guarded halls of the Vatican. The tension ramps up as they try to find the Hellfire before it falls into the wrong hands. 🌍🕵️♂️⚔️
What really stood out to me was how well Leadbeater combines historical mystery with modern espionage, making every location feel atmospheric and alive. The pacing is relentless, with plenty of action-packed moments that keep the adrenaline flowing. ⏳💥
Also, I have to mention the cover—it’s absolutely striking and fits the vibe of the series perfectly. Each book in this series feels like a fresh adventure, and I genuinely enjoy every installment. The characters are well-drawn and engaging; you really root for Mason and his team as they navigate danger at every turn. 🎨👍
If you’re into action thrillers with a bit of supernatural intrigue and a strong cast, The Angel Deception is definitely worth picking up. I’m giving it 4 stars because while it’s an exciting and entertaining read, I’d love to see even deeper character development in future books. Still, it’s a fantastic addition to Leadbeater’s work and a great way to spend an afternoon. ⭐📖
⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️
Originally posted at tinyurl.com.
Added to listOct 2025with 34 books.
Added to listThrillerwith 504 books.
Added to listFictionwith 1319 books.
Added to listMysterywith 895 books.
Leo and the Crazy Genre Hotel
Added to listMiddle Gradewith 71 books.
Leo and the Crazy Genre Hotel
Added to listApr 2025with 33 books.
