chippyreads's reviews
530 reviews

Evocation by S.T. Gibson
Did not finish book. Stopped at 44%.

 

Got 44% and found it really boring. 

Reasons why others might like this book:

-Slow

-All character, no plot

-Complicated relationships

Thanks to Angry Robot for the eARC. All opinions are my own. 

 

The Only Light Left Burning: The Astounding Sequel to All That's Left in the World by Erik J. Brown

5.0

 

The Only Light Left Brubing by Erik J. Brown

Release date: 28th May

I remember seeing the cover to All That's Left in the World on one of my first visits to a local library after it received an impressive renovation. Something about the cover drew me in. Once I read that it was a dystopian YA about two young boys finding safety and love in one another I immediately grabbed it. I devoured it in a few sittings. I gave the first book 5 stars, even though the ending wasn’t as satisfying as I’d hoped. This book takes that ending, throws it in the bin and gives us the ending we thought Andrew and Jamie deserved.

I was reading The Only Light Left Burning at the same time as a few other YA dystopians. The others were very reminiscent of YA I read as a teen, hitting all the typical marks. But this one gave me the most anxiety. It stood out as a book not afraid to make young (and older) readers squirm. So, thank you? I still cringe thinking about THAT animal scene.

Andrew and Jamie's relationship is already established, so it was a shock AND refreshing to see them already struggling to communicate in the first chapter. Jamie wants to go back to the cabin, Andrew wants community. This is a big theme of the book and drives both of them to make rash and sometimes deadly decisions.

There were times when I couldn’t put the book down because I HAD to know what happened next and other times when I was scared to keep reading because I was so invested in every character.

Top tier YA queer dystopian duology. Looking forward to rereading them both in the future.

Rating: Obsessed = 5 stars.

eARC provided by Hachette AU via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

 

Recipe for Confidence by Samantha Picaro
Did not finish book. Stopped at 64%.

 

DNF ARC Review 

DNFd at 64%

I just couldn’t do it. The writing was clunky af and the dialogue was unbelievable. I was pulled out of the story too many times by writing that just didn’t make sense. 

The messages this book has are great! But I refuse to believe a whole school is talking about ‘setback cakes’ as if they’re the next best thing. They’re not THAT interesting. But apparently the main character Bryn has become a whole celebrity over the things. 

This book also seems pretty messy with how much conflict is happening. Even the setback cakes are part of the conflict with random strangers calling for their removal. It's just all a bit too much.

eARC provided by the author. All opinions are my own.

 

Homebody by Theo Parish

5.0

I've read so many books about being non binary. I think I've even cried over all of them. This one hit a different type of affirmation for me. My name and nickname. 

The audiobook was beautifully produced. I could picture Theo walking in nature as they told their story, changing from one scene to another. Hearing school chatter in the background and even some snide remarks students made really put me in Theos awkward shoes. 

Such a beautiful affirmative book about self love as a non-binary person. 

Now to go out and buy the physical book to come back to on days I need a little comfort.


'We are all just trying to find a place to call our own. We are all deserving of comfort and safety. A place to call home'

You are enough. 

Rating: Obsessed = 5 stars. 

Free audiobook copy provided by Macmillan via NetGalley.  All opinions are my own. 

Sheine Lende by Darcie Little Badger

4.5

 While Elatsoe didn’t live up to my high expectations (everyone said I’d love it), Sheine Lende certainly made up for it.

Shane is a wonderful confident main character I couldn’t help but like. She cares for her friends and family deeply and it shows. Shane’s mother goes missing and is left to care for her younger brother who isn’t quite in school yet. She doesn’t complain about it at all or let him feel like a burden. She’s patient with him and encourages his curiosity.

This book celebrates Indigenous storytelling. Shane is Lipan Apache and cares for her culture by sharing her family's history with those around her. While there isn't a lot of world building, the tiny snippets we get of a world like ours (but with magic and paranormal creatures) worked.

A beautiful and charming read.

The narrator Kinsale Hueston was amazing and did a wonderful job at giving this book a voice.

Rating: Loved = 4.5 stars 

Thanks to NetGalley and RB Media | Recorded Books for an audio ARC. All opinions are my own. 

Dead Girls Walking by Sami Ellis

3.0

What a ride.

Lots of blood, murder and a few too many characters. 

I had a hard time keeping track of who was who and what role everyone played in the camp. I think reading the audiobook helped a little with this because the narrator (Tamika Katon-Donegal) had a distinct voice for each character. 

Sometimes with slasher/thriller novels I get a little bored waiting around for something bloody to happen, this book didn’t seem to have that problem. I was able to keep up with the action and understand most of what was happening but the plot almost lost me towards the end. It seemed to drag on when it felt like things were starting to wrap up.

Temple is difficult to get along with and doesn’t want to interact with the camp goers at all. Because of this we don't learn much about the others, so when the gore started I didn’t really know who to worry about. Temple has EVERY reason to be the way she is, I just wish we had a few less characters so we can get to know everyone a bit more. 

I was a bit confused about everyone's ages as they all seem to be the same age? Temple signs up as a counsellor but they’re ALL teenagers? 

Loved the snippets we got in between chapters. Quotes from books, recordings from Temple’s fasthers sentencing, memories of her past, etc.

Rating: Not bad = I enjoyed some of it. 3 stars. 

Thanks to NetGalley and RB Media | Recorded Books for an audio ARC. All opinions are my own. 

 

 

Euphoria Kids by Alison Evans

4.0

 

Joy is the main focus of the book as the 3 main characters meet and grow their friendship. Suitable for any young reader but seems like it might appeal to the younger side of the ya audience.

This book is based in Melbourne, Australia so I was able to instantly picture the bush behind Iris’ house. The writing is simple yet beautiful, so it’s very accessible to young readers. I’ll definitely be coming back to this book when I need something soft and gentle.

I’ve added Alison Evans' other books to my TBR

 

Flooded Secrets by Claudie Arseneault

4.0

 

How has it already been a few months since the first book release? It feels like I just finished reading Awakenings.

Flooded Secrets follows  Horace, Rumi, and Aliyah in their sentient wagon as they travel towards a forest that might hold the answers to Aliyah’s powers. This novel’s side quest involves the wagon being robbed and then stranded due to a flooded tunnel. 

This book really delivers on the side quest dnd vibes. Giving as a glimpse of life on the road before throwing the characters into another puzzle to solve. Just like in Awakenings, Horace gets to play table top (or floor) games with his friends, allowing him to learn more about their personalities.

I love getting this series in a bite sized format, it always leaves me wanting more. 

Rating: Great = 4 stars.

  

I received this book from the author. All opinions are my own. 

 

Feathers of Dawn by Jess Galaxie

4.5

 

The perfect amount of cosy, romance and action.

The tenderness Asith and Dradevi show each other is refreshing. I’m really starting to appreciate cosy books where the main characters take the time to understand and care for one another. 

There are two distinct halves of this book. The first half Dradevi kidnaps Asith and they both live within Dradevi’s hoard on a mountain.  The second half is more adventurous with a few more characters. I’m not great with too many characters but this was the perfect amount. I could remember who everyone was and how everyone tied in with on another. 

I’m hooked and already checking the calendar for book 2 (Dec 2024)

-Non-Binary main character 
-Queer cast

-Platonic relationships

-Cosy

-Magic

-Dragons

-Open door mild spice

I was given a copy from the author. All opinions are my own.

Rating: Loved = 4.5 stars 

 

Just Shy Of Ordinary by A.J. Sass

5.0

OMG i loved everything about this. i cried, i laughed and i saw myself a lot in this child. this book is a must read. Rating: Obsessed = 5 stars