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betweentheshelves's reviews
2475 reviews
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
Thirsty: A Novel by Jas Hammonds
dark
emotional
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
4.5
It’s the summer right after graduation and Blake and her girlfriend, Ella, have been invited to join the elusive Serena Society. The Serena Society is a sorority that promises lifelong networking and community to women of color. While Ella’s acceptance is given, since her mom is an alum, Blake has to work harder for acceptance.
However, as the pledging gets more intense, so does Blake’s drinking. Soon, she notices that it’s slipping into every other crevice of her life. With success on the horizon, Blake has to decide how far she’s willing to go to make it happen.
Thanks to NetGalley and Roaring Brook Press for an advanced copy of Thirsty by Jas Hammonds to review! This is Hammonds’ second book, and since I absolutely loved We Deserve Monuments, I was excited to pick this one up.
Tone wise, this book feels different than We Deserve Monuments, while still dealing with heavy issues like addiction, relationships, mental illness, and race. Blake is mixed (her dad is Black and her mom is white), and she struggles a lot with her relationship with her mom because of this. She realizes that a lot of her struggles stem from this relationship, which seeps into other aspects of her life.
This book also deals heavily with alcohol addiction. Blake becomes addicted to the way that alcohol makes her confident, but her close friends notice that it is not doing good things for her mental health. She goes through a process of realizing the roots of her issue and eventually gets on the way to getting help. Though alcohol is the main addictive substance for Blake, her emotional journey can be applied to other types of addiction as well.
We also get a lot of complex relationships in this book, which Hammonds seems to excel at. I remember a lot of that in their debut novel as well. It’s important in showing that relationships that seem good on the surface might have other problems happening underneath.
All in all, if you like books that might deal with heavier topics and enjoy strong writing and characters, definitely pick this one up when it comes out in May!
However, as the pledging gets more intense, so does Blake’s drinking. Soon, she notices that it’s slipping into every other crevice of her life. With success on the horizon, Blake has to decide how far she’s willing to go to make it happen.
Thanks to NetGalley and Roaring Brook Press for an advanced copy of Thirsty by Jas Hammonds to review! This is Hammonds’ second book, and since I absolutely loved We Deserve Monuments, I was excited to pick this one up.
Tone wise, this book feels different than We Deserve Monuments, while still dealing with heavy issues like addiction, relationships, mental illness, and race. Blake is mixed (her dad is Black and her mom is white), and she struggles a lot with her relationship with her mom because of this. She realizes that a lot of her struggles stem from this relationship, which seeps into other aspects of her life.
This book also deals heavily with alcohol addiction. Blake becomes addicted to the way that alcohol makes her confident, but her close friends notice that it is not doing good things for her mental health. She goes through a process of realizing the roots of her issue and eventually gets on the way to getting help. Though alcohol is the main addictive substance for Blake, her emotional journey can be applied to other types of addiction as well.
We also get a lot of complex relationships in this book, which Hammonds seems to excel at. I remember a lot of that in their debut novel as well. It’s important in showing that relationships that seem good on the surface might have other problems happening underneath.
All in all, if you like books that might deal with heavier topics and enjoy strong writing and characters, definitely pick this one up when it comes out in May!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Transphobia, Alcoholism, and Racism
Moderate: Racial slurs
So Far from the Bamboo Grove by Yoko Kawashima Watkins
dark
emotional
sad
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? No
3.0
I had honestly never heard of this book before picking it up for Banned Book Club, but apparently it's considered a children's classic! I would perhaps rate it more YA than anything else, just because there are some pretty violent things included in this story. Which makes sense because war.
I will say I appreciate that this is a side of WWII that is rarely focused on in books, especially books tarageted towards kids or teens. I know there is some controversy about the way Korean especially were portrayed, but it's also from the perspective of an 11-year-old. Plus, there's historical context, at least at the back of this particular edition. It will definitely make for interesting discussion tomorrow at book club!
I will say I appreciate that this is a side of WWII that is rarely focused on in books, especially books tarageted towards kids or teens. I know there is some controversy about the way Korean especially were portrayed, but it's also from the perspective of an 11-year-old. Plus, there's historical context, at least at the back of this particular edition. It will definitely make for interesting discussion tomorrow at book club!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Death, and Racism
Moderate: Genocide, Blood, and Gore
Sky's End by Marc J Gregson
adventurous
tense
fast-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
A first book in a series that doesn't end on a cliffhanger? We love to see it. There's space for the series to move forward, but the story in this book is pretty much wrapped up. I am excited to see where it goes next, though!
The world Gregson has created in this book is fascinating, and I enjoyed the twists that he threw in along the way. I can't explain it, but the vibes of this book remind me of Red Rising. I think it has to do with the main characters. If you like the vibes of that book, chances are you'll enjoy this one!
The world Gregson has created in this book is fascinating, and I enjoyed the twists that he threw in along the way. I can't explain it, but the vibes of this book remind me of Red Rising. I think it has to do with the main characters. If you like the vibes of that book, chances are you'll enjoy this one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death of parent, and Death
Moderate: War, Bullying, and Physical abuse
Minor: Animal death, Child abuse, and Chronic illness
In Repair by A.L. Graziadei
emotional
hopeful
sad
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
Nathaniel Conti hates being alone with his own thoughts. It’s why he’s always looking for ways to make sure that all eyes are on him, so he doesn’t have to feel his own emotions. That’s why he’s always had a reputation as a troublemaker.
But everything is about to change in his first year of college. He’s made some new friends in class, through lacrosse. An aspiring photographer has even asked him to be a part of their project. However, when an old friend shows back up, Nathaniel starts to spiral back into old habits.
Thanks to Macmillan Children’s and NetGalley for an advanced copy of In Repair by A.L. Graziadei to review! I loved Icebreaker when it came out a few years ago, and I was excited to find out this is set in the same place! So you’ll get to see some familiar characters pop up throughout.
A fair warning, this is a pretty emotionally heavy book to read. Nathaniel is struggling with a lot of mental health issues due to childhood trauma, and it’s expressed so well in this book. Graziadei’s writing reflects Nathaniel’s struggles so accurately that there were definitely moments where I had to pause. Because he is just hurting so much for most of the book.
However, despite the heaviness, there are so many moments of hope. Nathaniel finds some great friends, and they put in the effort to help Nathaniel. Is he the most likable character, for a lot of the book? Not necessarily, but so much of it is a facade that he puts up to hide his real emotions. Honestly, I don’t cry a lot in books, but I’m not going to lie, this one got to me a couple of times. It’s probably partly why it took me longer to read this book than it normally does.
Definitely make sure you’re in the right headspace before picking this book up. But if you do, it’s absolutely worth the read. And shows how messy recovering from trauma can actually be. This is a book I’ll probably be thinking about for a while.
But everything is about to change in his first year of college. He’s made some new friends in class, through lacrosse. An aspiring photographer has even asked him to be a part of their project. However, when an old friend shows back up, Nathaniel starts to spiral back into old habits.
Thanks to Macmillan Children’s and NetGalley for an advanced copy of In Repair by A.L. Graziadei to review! I loved Icebreaker when it came out a few years ago, and I was excited to find out this is set in the same place! So you’ll get to see some familiar characters pop up throughout.
A fair warning, this is a pretty emotionally heavy book to read. Nathaniel is struggling with a lot of mental health issues due to childhood trauma, and it’s expressed so well in this book. Graziadei’s writing reflects Nathaniel’s struggles so accurately that there were definitely moments where I had to pause. Because he is just hurting so much for most of the book.
However, despite the heaviness, there are so many moments of hope. Nathaniel finds some great friends, and they put in the effort to help Nathaniel. Is he the most likable character, for a lot of the book? Not necessarily, but so much of it is a facade that he puts up to hide his real emotions. Honestly, I don’t cry a lot in books, but I’m not going to lie, this one got to me a couple of times. It’s probably partly why it took me longer to read this book than it normally does.
Definitely make sure you’re in the right headspace before picking this book up. But if you do, it’s absolutely worth the read. And shows how messy recovering from trauma can actually be. This is a book I’ll probably be thinking about for a while.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, Mental illness, and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Child abuse, Self harm, and Sexual assault
Minor: Suicide
The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
adventurous
hopeful
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was a delight! I do understand what all the hype was about now. And I can definitely see why this would make an excellent read aloud for elementary schools. There's a little something for everyone in this book; survival, found family, talking animals, commentary about the environment. I'm excited to pick up the next one!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence and Animal death
Moderate: Death of parent, Death, and Violence
Minor: Fire/Fire injury
Snowglobe by Soyoung Park
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
I thoroughly enjoyed this! Its vibes felt a little like The Selection, mostly in the reality TV aspect. The world building was well done, and though the story really focused on plot over character, I was in for the ride! The world that Park has created is fascinating, and I'm excited to see more of it in a second book.
There are a lot of twists and turns by the end, even if I could see some of them coming. I also appreciated that this is a dystopia with basically no romance. So definitely bonus points for that!
There are a lot of twists and turns by the end, even if I could see some of them coming. I also appreciated that this is a dystopia with basically no romance. So definitely bonus points for that!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, Death, and Emotional abuse
Moderate: Cancer, Suicide, and Murder
Minor: Child death, Child abuse, and Medical content