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elm's review
3.0
this was such a funny, light-hearted mystery with a super adorable established relationship at the centre. great fun!
curiosityp's review
adventurous
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.0
kaa's review
3.0
There was a phase in my fantasy reading as a young teen when it seemed like every single book I picked up starred some bumbling young man who despite incredible naivete and obliviousness still managed to save the day and get the girl. I hated (and still am not a fan of) that trope. Though Lucas has already gotten his guy, this book reminded me far too much of that experience. Most of the characters are caricatures, but especially the women, who are either compulsive shoppers or ultra-competent. (As a young reader, I had a love-hate relationship with the latter type of female characters - part of me wanted to be her/be with her, but part of me had Feelings about the idea of being expected to be the practical one taking care of a boy who would trip over his own feet but always get all the credit.)
The first time I tried to read The Queen's Librarian, I dnf'ed it out of exasperation with Lucas's absurdity. I came back to give it another try in a more forgiving mood, and managed to get through it pretty quickly. There were actually quite a few things I did enjoy about this book. The plot seemed a little slow to get started, but overall it was pretty entertaining and the pace got better as it went along. I felt as though things were foreshadowed and revealed to the reader at appropriate points, which is something I've been frustrated at other books about recently. I liked many of the secondary characters - Alex and Lucas's animal companions were especial favorites, and Laurie was also amusing. On the second read, when I was in the mood for something silly, the over-the-top characterization and humor were a lot more amusing - although never quite enough to make me get over my annoyance with Lucas. I think others who are more entertained by bumbling heroes are likely to enjoy this book much more than I did.
The first time I tried to read The Queen's Librarian, I dnf'ed it out of exasperation with Lucas's absurdity. I came back to give it another try in a more forgiving mood, and managed to get through it pretty quickly. There were actually quite a few things I did enjoy about this book. The plot seemed a little slow to get started, but overall it was pretty entertaining and the pace got better as it went along. I felt as though things were foreshadowed and revealed to the reader at appropriate points, which is something I've been frustrated at other books about recently. I liked many of the secondary characters - Alex and Lucas's animal companions were especial favorites, and Laurie was also amusing. On the second read, when I was in the mood for something silly, the over-the-top characterization and humor were a lot more amusing - although never quite enough to make me get over my annoyance with Lucas. I think others who are more entertained by bumbling heroes are likely to enjoy this book much more than I did.
kaje_harper's review
4.0
This book is just a fun, light, amusing read with a sweet, lovely, established relationship at its heart. Lucas is adorable - distracted, a little awkward, so busy taking care of everyone else that he can't see his own needs or his own worth. Thank goodness he has Alex, who found him, seduced him and somehow moved into his life as his lover and partner, although Lucas still seems a bit confused about how that miracle happened. (And Carole, if you ever feel inclined to write us that story - the one where Alex comes along to court a girl, and instead finds the wonderful man that is Lucas, and manages to convince him that he's truly wanted...? I'd read that one in a heartbeat.)
The fantasy plot is interesting, and the resolution is amusing. The dog and cat are excellent supporting characters, and the world-building is satisfying without needing a whole lot of detail and exposition. The story lost a little momentum plot-wise in the last third, but plot wasn't really the attraction here. Lucas and Alex will go on my list of favorite couples, and this book immediately goes into my comfort-reread shelf. Just... awwww. Finished with a big smile on my face.
The fantasy plot is interesting, and the resolution is amusing. The dog and cat are excellent supporting characters, and the world-building is satisfying without needing a whole lot of detail and exposition. The story lost a little momentum plot-wise in the last third, but plot wasn't really the attraction here. Lucas and Alex will go on my list of favorite couples, and this book immediately goes into my comfort-reread shelf. Just... awwww. Finished with a big smile on my face.
the_novel_approach's review
5.0
Another wonderful book by Carole Cummings. Please check out my full review over at The Novel Approach!
http://thenovelapproachreviews.com/2013/07/26/carole-cummings-the-queens-librarian-puts-the-fun-in-the-fundamental-of-reading/
http://thenovelapproachreviews.com/2013/07/26/carole-cummings-the-queens-librarian-puts-the-fun-in-the-fundamental-of-reading/
ifihadatail7's review
4.0
3.5 stars because the beginning is rather confusing.
i love the characters, the world building is great, the story is fun.
the major problem is that the story opening feels like you've stepped into an ongoing series. i had to go back & re-read the first chapter because i thought i'd missed something.
there are 3 short stories on the author's webpage, which i enjoyed...but i still feel like i missed a vital introduction somewhere.
i love the characters, the world building is great, the story is fun.
the major problem is that the story opening feels like you've stepped into an ongoing series. i had to go back & re-read the first chapter because i thought i'd missed something.
there are 3 short stories on the author's webpage, which i enjoyed...but i still feel like i missed a vital introduction somewhere.
mrella's review
5.0
That was a fun read. Characters did tend to get lost in their thoughts every once in a while, right to the point where a paragraph or two needed to be re-read to follow the events, but on the whole it was adorable, funny and very engaging :D
Hope book 2 comes out soon.
4.5 stars.
Cassandra, thank so much for recommending this one! :D
Hope book 2 comes out soon.
4.5 stars.
Cassandra, thank so much for recommending this one! :D
lillian_francis's review
4.0
Would have been a 4* read if not for Lucas' rambling and slightly hard to follow mental tangents, which resulted in some seriously long sentences. Apart from that I enjoyed following the adventure along with an established couple, and I felt that the sex happening off the page fit perfectly with the general tone of the book.
Would happily read a sequel with these characters, I'd especially like to read something from Alex's POV.
Would happily read a sequel with these characters, I'd especially like to read something from Alex's POV.
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