aprilyang1's reviews
93 reviews

lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

I absolutely loved the found family trope and boy band dynamic. I honestly wish I could experience Third Eye for real 😩 and just know that I’d be front row for ‘Late Night’! I also loved the therapy representation. It's always heartwarming when characters actively seek therapy because they understand its importance.

Tashie Bhuiyan does a great job placing a bit of realism into the story with the direction she decided to take Liana and her fathers relationship. It mirrors reality for many people, really emphasizing that family can extend beyond blood to include the friends around you.

However, I was somewhat disappointed because the story didn't resonate with me as well as I expected. I struggled to understand and appreciate Liana’s choices. While I empathize with her need for her father's attention, her character felt a bit selfish because her inability to own up to her mistakes by being honest. I felt like she justified her lies based on her situation and the others were expected to just allow things to happen without regard for their own situations.

I loved the book's general premise, and despite falling short for me, it still had so many heartwarming aspects that I really enjoyed.

Content Warnings

Finally Seen by Kelly Yang

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emotional hopeful informative inspiring reflective fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

This book spoke to me on multiple levels—as a teacher, an advocate for diverse children’s literature, and as the daughter of immigrants. It was truly everything my heart needed. Honestly, I picked it up for an extra credit book club, but it ended up being so much more.

Finally Seen discusses the importance of diversity, inclusion, and acceptance while also shedding light on the damaging effects of book bans and censorship on children. On top of that, through Lina's journey from China to America, it also tackles the challenges of assimilation and immigrantion. I especially loved Lina's resilience navigating her life despite so many ongoing struggles. Each character contributed some sort of added layer to the overall story and I appreciate the complexity Kelly Yang managed to intertwine through these stories despite this being a shorter middle grade book. I think each layer of the story showed that we might have a lot going on, but we are strong and capable enough to continue on and conquer these large challenges.

As someone completing their Masters in Elementary Education, with a focus on literacy and English language learners, I appreciated how Kelly Yang subtly referenced educational concepts like Mirrors, Windows, and Sliding Glass Doors. It added authenticity not only to Lina's experiences but also to the educational aspect of the book. There a million and ten other reasons I admire what Kelly Yang did with this story, but I don’t want this to be 30 pages long!!

So, to wrap it up, I encourage everyone to read this because it truly is a story with a message that resonates regardless of age and experience.

Content Warnings

Gothikana by RuNyx

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dark mysterious fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? No
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

Content Warnings

Twelfth Knight by Alexene Farol Follmuth

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emotional funny inspiring lighthearted fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

An absolute no-brainer 5-star read! The story was filled with subtle, enjoyable details that were so fun, but at the same time, the maturity and the way the conversations flowed made it feel realistic. While reading it felt like there was a coming-of-age movie playing in my mind, and I felt nostalgic the entire time. Vi's tough and hostile exterior honestly drew me in; her journey to embrace vulnerability was incredibly relatable. I loved her sass and realness, even though she definitely would’ve made me cry had I been on the other end of her words 😂. Despite her seeming certainty, her emotional growth stuck with me and helped my own realizations, even as a 23-year-old woman. I think that’s the beauty of reading YA, you can still learn so much even as an adult. I appreciated that Jack, despite being your typical YA football jock, wasn’t portrayed as a rude and dumb individual. His charm really masked his insecurities and you could tell that he played into a role he was given so well, even he believed he was unstoppable. Truly, the cutest opposites attract, jock, and nerd romance.

As someone who goes to conventions, like DragonCon, when Alexene Farol Follmuth described MagiCon, you could tell she had a true appreciation for the community because the sentiment towards it was so positive. But, I especially love that she didn’t shy away from talking about the toxic nature of the gaming and convention community, specifically towards women.

Overall, I absolutely loved her presentation of MagiCon, and it made me miss DragonCon (or conventions in general) so much.

I wish I had this book when I was in HS. I know I would’ve benefited from the conversations & emotional maturity.

Thank you NetGalley & publisher for providing me an advanced e-arc in exchange for an honest review! Twelfth Knight publishes May 28, 2024!

Content Warnings

A Study in Drowning by Ava Reid

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adventurous dark mysterious tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.5

“You don’t have to take up a sword. Survival is bravery, too.”

I didn’t love this book, but the overall development and journey left a really strong impact on me. I especially liked how the plot kind of mirrored Effy's inner struggles. Ava Reid does a good job of insinuating what was happening through her details and plot choices, although I do think it made the plot somewhat predictable because I knew what was going to happen pretty early on.

Character wise, I didn’t really love Effy. But, while she initially seems selfish and whiny, she does go through character growth. Understandably though it is/was difficult for her to process certain emotions because of various traumatic experiences. So, while I do understand why she reacts anxiously or insecurely to a lot of the situations I don’t see those experiences as an excuse for the racial animosity she held towards Argantian’s in the beginning (yes, I know there is a war and everyone else also shared her similar sentiments but still?). I think that there would have been an even greater character arc had Effy mentioned or discussed her prejudices. She did say sorry one time (as far as I can remember), but I don’t think it’s necessarily enough to say “sorry” one and done and move on without more discussion. Especially, when I felt that she as a character constantly kept using negative remarks about being Argantian when she she was upset AND seemed to feel that it was wrong to do that in the same thought.

Past the first 30% the story picks up with the magic and suspense. While there's a bit of romance (albeit not the strongest most developed romance), the heart of the story is really Effy's determination to overcome her traumas and find her voice in a society that constantly tells her and other women no.

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Otherworldly by F.T. Lukens

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adventurous emotional inspiring medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

This story was so cute! It had found family, star-crossed lovers, and a sweet romance. The characters were definitely the highlight for me - each one had their own unique personality and spark, even the secondary characters. Zada and Charley were particularly memorable because they help emphasize and reiterate themes of self-discovery, emotional authenticity, and acceptance of love and differing perspectives.

While I really enjoyed the overall concept of gods, goddesses, the “other world” and supernatural beings hiding in plain sight, I felt that the fantasy elements overall could have been further explored and developed. The stakes didn't feel high or complex enough for me to fully invest in the story or a lot of the characters' decisions, which led to a slightly underwhelming climax. As someone who loves and reads predominantly YA books, I found the overall complexity and pacing to be a bit juvenile at times because of that.

Regardless, I really think that young adult readers will enjoy this book and find a lot of comfort in it. If I had read it in high school, I would have absolutely loved it. Overall, as my first F.T. Lukens book, it was a fun and cozy read, and I would definitely pick up another one of their books in the future!

Thank you NetGalley & publisher for providing me an advanced copy!

Content Warnings

Damsel by Evelyn Skye

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adventurous dark fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

3.0

The concept of this book is so interesting to me and I especially loved the addition of the past princess’ experience to not only increase Elodie’s chances of survival but support her mental battle. Elodie’s personal battle against the elements and herself really is the heart of the story. However, I felt that it could have been explored in more depth. I think a lot of this story could have. Despite touching on heavy topics, a lot of the narrative felt superficial. But, Evelyn Skye does do a great job of embedding themes of female empowerment throughout the story.

Really my main critique is the juvenile writing style. While I enjoy and read a majority of YA (and occasionally middle grade books), this story felt almost too juvenile?

Overall, the story itself was interesting, and the ending took me by surprise. But, I think it could have delved deeper into the complexity of certain plot points.

Content Warnings

Pahua and the Soul Stealer by Lori M. Lee

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adventurous hopeful informative inspiring reflective medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

This book holds a special place in my heart because it is the first time I truly felt represented in a book. The Hmong as a community often go unnoticed, unless you're from an area with a prominent Hmong community. Lori M. Lee's work is groundbreaking as one of the first, if not the first, Hmong authors to feature a Hmong character, endorsed by someone as influential as Rick Riordan (author of the Percy Jackson series). It's a feat I never even thought possible. Through Pahua Moua, Lori showcases that we are more than the stereotypes imposed upon us and more than our physical appearance.

Pahua is an exceptional character, embodying strength, confidence, and vulnerability all at the same time. She reminded me of myself so much it’s actually a little crazy. Lori does such a great job building the background to Pahua’s life and personal struggles while also creating this magical world that emulates Hmong culture. I found myself wondering how non-Hmong readers envisioned this world and Pahua’s experiences because it just felt so relatable to what I know and what I’ve experienced. I think everyone should read this book, no matter how old you are, to learn something new about other people and maybe even discover something about themselves.

Also, I want to point out that there have been two distinct moments where I felt truly represented and proud to be Asian: after watching 'Crazy Rich Asians' and reading the first few chapters of this book.

I truly truly hope that this series can become more known and readers can enjoy this series as much as Harry Potter or Percy Jackson 🫶🏻

Content Warnings

Champion of Fate by Kendare Blake

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adventurous emotional funny tense slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

As expected, this was such a good book! I mean, Kendare Blake does not let me down. I can't stop thinking about Reed and the other Aristene even though it’s been days after I finished it. Although the start felt a bit slow, the whole premise alone kept me going and could’ve kept me going regardless of how I felt. The descriptions, the plot, the suspense, the fighting… it was all so *chefs kiss*. Honestly, I thought the slower beginning helped build up the story really well, so I did not mind it and appreciated it so much as I kept reading.

I really loved the friendship between Reed, Lyonene, and Gretchen. They had each other's backs while balancing what's right for themselves and the greater good. It was heartwarming to see. Reading this book made me realize that not every nice girl in a story has to turn out to be a backstabber lol It’s truly crazy how many books and movies show girls backstabbing other girls after being nice or pretending to be nice. Of course, none of the girls were perfect and had their humaness, but in the end they stuck by each other.

Without spoiling the ending, I do want to say, I love the ending even though it’s not the choice I found myself wanting Reed to choose in the moment. That is to say, I’m not sure I would’ve really been happy had Reed gone towards the direction I was rooting for 🤷🏻‍♀️ ? All this vague beating around the bush to say, when I compare to Blake’s Three Dark Crown series, I find it so interesting how she can make us understand and fleshes out choices that might’ve been different from what we would’ve chosen.

Romancing Mister Bridgerton by Julia Quinn

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funny lighthearted medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

I love how I could empathize with both Colin and Penelope. Penelope, often overlooked by society, has grown used to her wallflower status because of societal constraints. Despite her intelligence and inner strength, she can't even begin to believe someone like Colin could have romantic feelings for her. Colin, on the other hand, struggles with feeling inadequate compared to his older siblings despite appearing to have everything he could ever want, a feeling I can relate to as a younger sibling.

I think their relationship complements each other's strengths and vulnerabilities. I know some say Colin makes “dumb” choices, but I think they reflect his internal struggle and confusion. Going from viewing Penelope as a friend to something more should be challenging and uncertain. I mean, this is someone you have seen as a friend or friend of your younger sister for 10+ years… it would be difficult when all the sudden you are starting to see them in a different light. Did I feel like Colin was forceful and demanding and hiding behind a “joke” or being “mischievous”? Yes *eye twitch*. But, we pick our battles with these books lol.

Something that can NEVER do me wrong is the Bridgerton family dynamic! Hyacinth, Eloise, and Violet bring so much joy to the story. I also loved getting the little snippet with Daphne as well. Although Benedict and Sophie's story was more thrilling for me, each chapter's mini cliffhangers kept me saying “ok one more chapter” too many times. I’m super excited to see how Netflix takes this story and makes it their own!

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aprilyang1's reviews 93 reviews

aprilyang1's reviews
93 reviews