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betweentheshelves's reviews
2471 reviews
Spy x Family, Vol. 11 by Tatsuya Endo
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
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? Yes
5.0
Honestly, that entire scene on the bus made this entire volume worth it. Anya is on form while they're on the bus and there are so many great moments. There's something brewing there at the end, too! Excited to see where it goes.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping, Gun violence, and Violence
Moderate: War, Abandonment, and Grief
Minor: Classism, Death, and Police brutality
Under This Red Rock by Mindy McGinnis
dark
emotional
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Mindy McGinnis never shies away from the dark, and that's definitely true in this book. Neely has auditory halucinations throughout the story, and often questions her reality. It makes for a good narrator in a mystery/thriller, honestly. Leaves you questioning what really happened.
So far in 2024, it feels like there has been more variety in mental illness rep in YA and I am here for it. This isn't an easy book to read by far, but definitely worth it. And there's a plot twist towards the end that will make you see the entire rest of the book in a totally different light.
So far in 2024, it feels like there has been more variety in mental illness rep in YA and I am here for it. This isn't an easy book to read by far, but definitely worth it. And there's a plot twist towards the end that will make you see the entire rest of the book in a totally different light.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Schizophrenia/Psychosis , and Suicide
Moderate: Animal death, Murder, and Suicidal thoughts
Minor: Drug use, Adult/minor relationship, and Rape
Spider-Man: Big Time by Dan Slott, Dan Slott
adventurous
funny
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
I am a fan of Dan Slott, so I like seeing where he's taking Spider-Man in this arc. Things are looking up for Peter Parker, which isn't something he can say a lot. The art was pretty good in this volume, and I am excited to see where it goes next!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Gore, and Violence
Minor: Classism
The Amazing Spider-Man: Origin of the Species by Mark Waid
adventurous
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- 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
A fine Spider-Man story, really pulling all of the story arcs together that have been happening over the last issues. The story in the first half of the book was pretty meh to me, but the catch up at the end was immensely helpful in laying out everything that's happened to Peter since being unmasked in Civil War. Definitely recommend that if you've been confused!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Pregnancy and Violence
Wide Awake Now by David Levithan
emotional
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
I read Wide Awake back when it was first published in 2004, and it definitely hasn't ever been my favorite David Levithan novel. Tone wise, it just felt like it didn't fit with the other things he was writing? While the author's note does give context as to why he decided to give this novel a refresh, I'm not sure it was necessarily something we needed.
A lot of this book reflects what is currently happening in the US (politics wise, at least), and while it is important to talk about those issues, a lot of people read to escape (especially teenagers). I'm not sure this will necessarily have wide appeal. Levithan does deal with these complex issues with grace, but a lot of it just hits too close to home.
Not a terrible read, but probably not a book I'll ever visit again.
A lot of this book reflects what is currently happening in the US (politics wise, at least), and while it is important to talk about those issues, a lot of people read to escape (especially teenagers). I'm not sure this will necessarily have wide appeal. Levithan does deal with these complex issues with grace, but a lot of it just hits too close to home.
Not a terrible read, but probably not a book I'll ever visit again.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Antisemitism and Homophobia
Where Sleeping Girls Lie by Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
dark
mysterious
tense
slow-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
4.0
This is definitely a slow burn mystery set at a boarding school that pulls you in and doesn't let go. The stage is set from the beginning when Sade's roommate disappears, and the mystery unfolds from there. As you read on, you realize how intricately woven the whole mystery is in the fabric of the school.
I will say, the second half of the book definitely picks up from the first, but it still felt a little long to me. I don't think this is quite at the level of Ace of Spades, but it is still an excellent mystery read!
I will say, the second half of the book definitely picks up from the first, but it still felt a little long to me. I don't think this is quite at the level of Ace of Spades, but it is still an excellent mystery read!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide, Rape, and Sexual assault
Moderate: Death of parent, Sexism, and Murder
Minor: Animal death
Twelfth Knight by Alexene Farol Follmuth
funny
lighthearted
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
4.0
Things haven't been going right for Viola Reyes. Her gaming campaign was shut down, her best friend thinks she could be more likable, and she has to work with football star Jack Orsino on student counsel. Lately, her favorite way to escape has been planing the online game Twelfth Knight, as long as she plays as a boy.
When Jack Orsino finds his way onto Twelfth Knight after a football injury, Vi is surprised to see that they're well matched. However, Jack doesn't realize he's playing with Viola--he thinks he's playing with her brother. As the two start getting closer in real life, their online and their real lives start to get more complicated.
Thanks to Tor Teen and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Twelfth Knight by Alexene Farol Follmuth to review! Twelfth Night retellings are always so fun, and remind me of She's The Man which is just a great movie. If you like fun nerd references, rivals to lovers, and just cute high school romance, this is the book for you!
We get alternating perspectives between Vi and Jack throughout. Which means we get to see their feelings for each other unfold in real time. It also allows for some good character development, both for them and for some of the side characters. If you're familiar with the original play, you'll see a lot of Shakespeare references throughout. If you're a fan of fantasy or video games, you'll get a lot of those references throughout as well. Even if they are slightly changed because of copyright.
Personally, I enjoyed Vi's character arc more than Jack's. She's not afraid to stand up for herself from the beginning, but she learns that maybe not everyone is out to get her all the time. Jack learns that there might be more to life than football, finding interets outside the sport. They both had great chemistry, both when playing the game and when they're interacting in person. It's really fun to read.
If you're looking for a fun romance to read going into the summer, definitely pick this one up when it comes out at the end of May!
When Jack Orsino finds his way onto Twelfth Knight after a football injury, Vi is surprised to see that they're well matched. However, Jack doesn't realize he's playing with Viola--he thinks he's playing with her brother. As the two start getting closer in real life, their online and their real lives start to get more complicated.
Thanks to Tor Teen and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Twelfth Knight by Alexene Farol Follmuth to review! Twelfth Night retellings are always so fun, and remind me of She's The Man which is just a great movie. If you like fun nerd references, rivals to lovers, and just cute high school romance, this is the book for you!
We get alternating perspectives between Vi and Jack throughout. Which means we get to see their feelings for each other unfold in real time. It also allows for some good character development, both for them and for some of the side characters. If you're familiar with the original play, you'll see a lot of Shakespeare references throughout. If you're a fan of fantasy or video games, you'll get a lot of those references throughout as well. Even if they are slightly changed because of copyright.
Personally, I enjoyed Vi's character arc more than Jack's. She's not afraid to stand up for herself from the beginning, but she learns that maybe not everyone is out to get her all the time. Jack learns that there might be more to life than football, finding interets outside the sport. They both had great chemistry, both when playing the game and when they're interacting in person. It's really fun to read.
If you're looking for a fun romance to read going into the summer, definitely pick this one up when it comes out at the end of May!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexual harassment, and Sexism
Another First Chance by Robbie Couch
emotional
reflective
fast-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? It's complicated
5.0
Ever since his best friend Dylan died in a car accident, River has had to drive past the billboard that reminds people not to text and drive. River wants people to remember Dylan has more than just a lesson. So, when he's caught vandalizing the billboard, he's blackmailed into participating in the Affinity Trials--a study for teens struggling socially. But who is also there? His ex-best friend, Mavis.
During the trials, River finds company in Nash, a football player from the neighboring camp. As he gets closer to Nash, feelings from River's past start to come to the surface. But things also start to get wierd with the Trials, too. When they learn the real motivation, River has to decide what he would do for a chance at first love.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Another First Chance by Robbie Couch to review! Love that Couch is branching out into more speculative fiction, and this was so well done. It's definitely a deep dive into the grieving process, learning how to move forward after tragedy.
Couch is always great at writing strong characters, and we get that in both Dylan and River. There are two perspectives throughout, allowing us to see what Dylan was up to before his tragic car accident. I thoroughly enjoyed this format for the story, as it added layers to the story and honestly made River's story more interesting. Dylan was so interesting, and I would definitely read another book about him!
You know from the beginning that something is up from the Trials, but the way it unfolds is so well done. I didn't want to put this book down for the second half of the book. The way it's revealed what's actually happening is done so smoothly, and you'll definitely be hooked by that twist at the end.
While The Sky Blues has a special place in my heart, I think this might be Couch's best writing yet. He does such a good job of showing the complexity of emotions that come with grief, leaving with a bit of hope at the end. I can't wait to have a physical copy.
During the trials, River finds company in Nash, a football player from the neighboring camp. As he gets closer to Nash, feelings from River's past start to come to the surface. But things also start to get wierd with the Trials, too. When they learn the real motivation, River has to decide what he would do for a chance at first love.
Thanks to Simon & Schuster and NetGalley for an advanced copy of Another First Chance by Robbie Couch to review! Love that Couch is branching out into more speculative fiction, and this was so well done. It's definitely a deep dive into the grieving process, learning how to move forward after tragedy.
Couch is always great at writing strong characters, and we get that in both Dylan and River. There are two perspectives throughout, allowing us to see what Dylan was up to before his tragic car accident. I thoroughly enjoyed this format for the story, as it added layers to the story and honestly made River's story more interesting. Dylan was so interesting, and I would definitely read another book about him!
You know from the beginning that something is up from the Trials, but the way it unfolds is so well done. I didn't want to put this book down for the second half of the book. The way it's revealed what's actually happening is done so smoothly, and you'll definitely be hooked by that twist at the end.
While The Sky Blues has a special place in my heart, I think this might be Couch's best writing yet. He does such a good job of showing the complexity of emotions that come with grief, leaving with a bit of hope at the end. I can't wait to have a physical copy.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Grief and Death
Moderate: Car accident
Minor: Medical content
Murray Out of Water by Taylor Tracy
emotional
hopeful
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
Murray has always loved the ocean, because it never expects her to be something she’s not. She also has a secret magic connection to the water that makes her feel at home. But when a hurricane destroys her home and forces her family to move inland, her magical connection is severed.
Now stuck in a house with her family, Murray can’t avoid the things she’s learning about herself. A new friendship with a boy named Dylan opens up a whole new world for her, especially when she learns he also has magic. Her new friendships show that family doesn’t always have to just be blood.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an advanced copy of Murray Out of Water by Taylor Tracy to review! I saw this book on NetGalley and was immediately drawn in by the cover. Since I’m trying to read more middle grade this year, I decided to give it a try!
This is a novel in verse, hitting a ton of strong emotional notes throughout. At the beginning, Murray’s parents are very conservative; contrasting strongly with her aunt and uncle she lives with most of the book. I loved the way Murray was able to reforge a connection with her estranged older brother, and also became closer with her other siblings.
In addition to the family relationships, Murray makes a lot of new friends along the way. She learns that a lot of queer community is based around found family because of people like her parents. She’s able to learn more about herself in these new relationships, and I loved that journey in a middle grade novel. There are so many middle grade readers that will resonate with her journey.
The magic aspect of the book is there, but it mostly reflects Murray’s emotional journey throughout the story. As she figures out more about herself, she is eventually able to find her way back to her magic. I loved the parallels between magic and queer identity throughout the story.
All in all, this is a wonderful middle grade novel you’ll definitely want to check out when it comes out in May!
Now stuck in a house with her family, Murray can’t avoid the things she’s learning about herself. A new friendship with a boy named Dylan opens up a whole new world for her, especially when she learns he also has magic. Her new friendships show that family doesn’t always have to just be blood.
Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an advanced copy of Murray Out of Water by Taylor Tracy to review! I saw this book on NetGalley and was immediately drawn in by the cover. Since I’m trying to read more middle grade this year, I decided to give it a try!
This is a novel in verse, hitting a ton of strong emotional notes throughout. At the beginning, Murray’s parents are very conservative; contrasting strongly with her aunt and uncle she lives with most of the book. I loved the way Murray was able to reforge a connection with her estranged older brother, and also became closer with her other siblings.
In addition to the family relationships, Murray makes a lot of new friends along the way. She learns that a lot of queer community is based around found family because of people like her parents. She’s able to learn more about herself in these new relationships, and I loved that journey in a middle grade novel. There are so many middle grade readers that will resonate with her journey.
The magic aspect of the book is there, but it mostly reflects Murray’s emotional journey throughout the story. As she figures out more about herself, she is eventually able to find her way back to her magic. I loved the parallels between magic and queer identity throughout the story.
All in all, this is a wonderful middle grade novel you’ll definitely want to check out when it comes out in May!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Homophobia
The Invocations by Krystal Sutherland
dark
mysterious
tense
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
4.0
Dark, witchy, and all about female empowerment. I would stay away from this one if blood/gore isn't your thing because there is quite a bit of blood in this one. Sometimes just being used for spells, but still. There is a lot.
I enjoyed how the overall story unfolded, with the twists and turns that I wasn't quite expecting until they were happening. Towards the end of the book, you'll definitely be kept on the edge of your seat, wondering how it's all going to wrap up.
If you like witchy, female empowerment kind of stories and don't mind a little bit of horror, this is definitely the book for you!
I enjoyed how the overall story unfolded, with the twists and turns that I wasn't quite expecting until they were happening. Towards the end of the book, you'll definitely be kept on the edge of your seat, wondering how it's all going to wrap up.
If you like witchy, female empowerment kind of stories and don't mind a little bit of horror, this is definitely the book for you!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Body horror, and Gore
Moderate: Death, Vomit, and Death of parent
Minor: Pregnancy