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aliciasrealm's reviews
436 reviews
Keeper Chance and the Conundrum of Chaos by Alex Evanovich
4.0
While this was a fun middle grade story, it feels disingenuous to compare this to Percy Jackson. I would compare it more to the Alex Rider series or even City Spies, books in which kids are recruited to join an elite secret organization.
I loved that this books subverts the "good vs evil" trope. While the E.V.I.L. villains are evil in name they are a lawful evil: they try not to hurt people or animals, they don't harm other villains, and they operate like a family, helping each other out as needed. Meanwhile, there are "good guys" who don't seem to care who gets caught up in their schemes.
The E.V.I.L. villains are cartoonish in nature, with silly skills like sucking the fun out of situations or being able to haggle prices, and the initiation process involves stealing cookies. It has Despicable Me vibes, which is lots of fun, and the story has low/moderate stakes.
I liked the idea that this organization basically recruits misfits and into a sort of family. I also liked the healthy friendship between Toby and Keeper.
A minor gripe: it was an odd choice to make a middle grade protagonist sixteen years old at the start of the series, especially given that the tone of the book seems targeted at a younger audience.
But overall, the book is fun and an easy read.
I received an advanced review copy of this book from the publisher.
I loved that this books subverts the "good vs evil" trope. While the E.V.I.L. villains are evil in name they are a lawful evil: they try not to hurt people or animals, they don't harm other villains, and they operate like a family, helping each other out as needed. Meanwhile, there are "good guys" who don't seem to care who gets caught up in their schemes.
The E.V.I.L. villains are cartoonish in nature, with silly skills like sucking the fun out of situations or being able to haggle prices, and the initiation process involves stealing cookies. It has Despicable Me vibes, which is lots of fun, and the story has low/moderate stakes.
I liked the idea that this organization basically recruits misfits and into a sort of family. I also liked the healthy friendship between Toby and Keeper.
A minor gripe: it was an odd choice to make a middle grade protagonist sixteen years old at the start of the series, especially given that the tone of the book seems targeted at a younger audience.
But overall, the book is fun and an easy read.
I received an advanced review copy of this book from the publisher.
Their Vicious Games by Joelle Wellington
5.0
Full of commentary on class, race, privilege, and performative allyship, this was a fantastic thriller with a complex protagonist, a Black girl from a working class family who has been able to attend an upper class school on scholarship.
Joining this competition, the other eleven girls are privileged upper class students who clearly have an advantage over Adina. Some have grudges against her, while others have less clear motivations. With twelve girls shut away in the Remington estate, the competition quickly becomes vicious--and shockingly brutal. While Adina is initially set on winning so she can regain her Ivy League admission, her mission evolves as she learns more about the history of the competition and the Remington family.
If you loved Ace of Spaces, you have to check out Their Vicious Games!
Joining this competition, the other eleven girls are privileged upper class students who clearly have an advantage over Adina. Some have grudges against her, while others have less clear motivations. With twelve girls shut away in the Remington estate, the competition quickly becomes vicious--and shockingly brutal. While Adina is initially set on winning so she can regain her Ivy League admission, her mission evolves as she learns more about the history of the competition and the Remington family.
If you loved Ace of Spaces, you have to check out Their Vicious Games!
Temple of Swoon by Jo Segura
4.5
Miri was so relatable, especially in the way she puts pressure on herself to succeed. Her tenacity and drive had me cheering her on the entire book and I loved her cheesy jokes.
She and Rafa were perfect for each other. I loved the awkward meet cute and instant attraction between them. They have great chemistry and the banter is so much fun! I loved that this was dual POV because seeing Miri through Rafa's eyes was so sweet. There's lots of sexual tension and spicy moments throughout, with several open door scenes.
I absolutely love the Indiana Jones vibes of this book. The expedition to find the lost city had it all: high stakes, action, adventure, and even some capybaras. As Miri might say, this book was rad!
Thank you Berkeley Romance for the free copy of this book!!
She and Rafa were perfect for each other. I loved the awkward meet cute and instant attraction between them. They have great chemistry and the banter is so much fun! I loved that this was dual POV because seeing Miri through Rafa's eyes was so sweet. There's lots of sexual tension and spicy moments throughout, with several open door scenes.
I absolutely love the Indiana Jones vibes of this book. The expedition to find the lost city had it all: high stakes, action, adventure, and even some capybaras. As Miri might say, this book was rad!
Thank you Berkeley Romance for the free copy of this book!!
The Tournament of Heirs by Amilea Perez
slow-paced
3.5
An ambitious debut, The Tournament of Heirs delivers on its theme of an unbreakable sibling bond and its promise that sacrifices must be made.
CHARACTERS:
I loved the dual POV narration, which showed strong characterization of the two protagonists, Metzli and Acalan. Their character voices and personalities were well differentiated, showing Metztli's fierce and protective nature while Acalan is more bookish and sensitive. Their strong sibling bond and their sense of duty to each other was very apparent.
WORLD BUILDING:
The history and traditions of the Mexica people are organically shared through the narrative without overwhelming the reader. The story is slow paced at the start, thoroughly demonstrating the Metzli and Acalan's relationship, and sets up expectations for the tournament while introducing the heirs from the other houses.
THE TOURNAMENT:
Since the first half of the story focuses on set up and character development, the tournament doesn't begin until about 60% into the book. Once it starts, the pace picks up and we get the promised bloodshed and sacrifice.
ROMANCE:
I would classify this novel as fantasy rather than romantasy. The author describes this book as having "a sprinkle of romance" and that feels accurate, especially since the romantic interests are not introduced immediately. There is one closed door sex scene and one more explicit scene. So if you prefer fantasy with light romance, this will be perfect for you!
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
This is a self published novel. The author provides content warnings at the beginning of the book. I received an advance review copy of this novel from the author.
CHARACTERS:
I loved the dual POV narration, which showed strong characterization of the two protagonists, Metzli and Acalan. Their character voices and personalities were well differentiated, showing Metztli's fierce and protective nature while Acalan is more bookish and sensitive. Their strong sibling bond and their sense of duty to each other was very apparent.
WORLD BUILDING:
The history and traditions of the Mexica people are organically shared through the narrative without overwhelming the reader. The story is slow paced at the start, thoroughly demonstrating the Metzli and Acalan's relationship, and sets up expectations for the tournament while introducing the heirs from the other houses.
THE TOURNAMENT:
Since the first half of the story focuses on set up and character development, the tournament doesn't begin until about 60% into the book. Once it starts, the pace picks up and we get the promised bloodshed and sacrifice.
ROMANCE:
I would classify this novel as fantasy rather than romantasy. The author describes this book as having "a sprinkle of romance" and that feels accurate, especially since the romantic interests are not introduced immediately. There is one closed door sex scene and one more explicit scene. So if you prefer fantasy with light romance, this will be perfect for you!
ADDITIONAL NOTES:
This is a self published novel. The author provides content warnings at the beginning of the book. I received an advance review copy of this novel from the author.