cliffhanger

I've had a lot of books let me down recently.  Right now I only have five minutes here and there to read, so I'm not even sure it's any book's fault.  When I was working at the library I worked with a lot of brilliant people.  A few people had these elaborate book rating systems, and over the years I eventually developed my own.  It's pretty simple.  I have only a few categories, and I simply rate them on a scale of 1 to 5.

My categories are characters, language, details, illustrations (if applicable), delivery/clarity of message for nonfiction, conflict/resolution/story for fiction and narrative nonfiction, and two categories that are pretty squishy.  First, if it's a book written for children I make sure my old self is thinking about it from a child's perspective (tricky and squishy).  Second, I rate my gut feelings.  Sometimes I love a book that has completely appalling structural and/or grammatical flaws.  Sometimes the book chips away at my soul but the audiobook narrator's delivery stays with me (The Stranger in the Woods).  Squishy but's that what gut feelings are.

I love getting through my rating system and being completely surprised.  The latest book in the Witches of Brooklyn series surprised me.  I don't like mega cliff hangers.  I recognize it's a perfectly acceptable thing to do, and the author doesn't need to humor my lack of patience.

Witches of Brooklyn: Curse & Reverse by Sophie Escabasse (juvenile graphic novel)

Folks, number five in the Witches of Brooklyn: Curse & Reverse ends with a mega cliffhanger.  It really doesn't wrap up anything at all.  It ends during the super murky outcome of a life and death duel!  I was super miffed after finishing.  I couldn't even rate it for a while.

But it still got a high score, and it's really because the series is just so spectacular.  There's so much world and character building going on.  I love the characters and care about them just like they're my family.  The illustrations are incredible.  I got so lost in the spreads where the writer/illustrator depicted the passing of time.  There's a fine blend of comfort and adventure, which is important for me.  I like action just as much as anyone else, but please include a movie night with friends or a mini nail painting party!  I'll accept the cliffhanger with only a little grumbling but only because I adore this series.  And when I talk about it with others, I will highly recommend waiting until the sixth book comes out!