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kitkatkatdog's reviews
41 reviews
Fable for the End of the World by Ava Reid
adventurous
emotional
reflective
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
3.75
All opinions below are my own. This was my first Ava Reid book and she is very popular at my bookstore. It was exciting to finally read some of her work after much hype.
Inesa and Melinoë are the new Everlark with this tale reminiscent of Hunger Games and all your favorite YA dystopians meets Survivor. Inesa is just doing what she can to survive but she wishes for a world that could be kinder, even after shes nominated as a Lamb for a deadly competition called the Gauntlet. Melinoë is an Angel, the hunter sent out in the Gauntlet to hunt down the Lamb at all costs, and is quite literally made for this job. But things get complicated when the two of them get stranded without any reception and must help each other if they have any chance at surviving. But what will happen when the cameras are back? Will the show go on?
As a diehard fan of the Hunger Games trilogy I am always excited to read something inspired by it. It was fun to read the little bits I could tell had been inspired from the original trilogy. It was the author's first foray into YA after previous adult novels and I believe she handled the transition well. Ava Reid was a masterclass at weaving the inspired moments with her own original story that captured my attention immediately. This book is definitely for any fans of 2010s dystopians and anyone who enjoys critiquing reality TV shows and capitalism.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC and thank you the HarperCollins Children's Books for picking this story to publish.
Inesa and Melinoë are the new Everlark with this tale reminiscent of Hunger Games and all your favorite YA dystopians meets Survivor. Inesa is just doing what she can to survive but she wishes for a world that could be kinder, even after shes nominated as a Lamb for a deadly competition called the Gauntlet. Melinoë is an Angel, the hunter sent out in the Gauntlet to hunt down the Lamb at all costs, and is quite literally made for this job. But things get complicated when the two of them get stranded without any reception and must help each other if they have any chance at surviving. But what will happen when the cameras are back? Will the show go on?
As a diehard fan of the Hunger Games trilogy I am always excited to read something inspired by it. It was fun to read the little bits I could tell had been inspired from the original trilogy. It was the author's first foray into YA after previous adult novels and I believe she handled the transition well. Ava Reid was a masterclass at weaving the inspired moments with her own original story that captured my attention immediately. This book is definitely for any fans of 2010s dystopians and anyone who enjoys critiquing reality TV shows and capitalism.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC and thank you the HarperCollins Children's Books for picking this story to publish.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence
Moderate: Gun violence, Torture, Vomit, Medical content, Grief, Abandonment, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism
Minor: Animal death, Child death, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Alcohol, and Sexual harassment
Saint Catherine by Anna Meyer
emotional
reflective
sad
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
3.75
Good Girl, Bad Blood by Holly Jackson
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
This sequel is perfect for mystery lovers and anyone who likes to read a good downward spiral.
Holly Jackson writes an amazing second book that brings together loose ends you thought you’d forgotten about from the first book, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. The case Pip is forced into solving, like some reluctant 50’s cop who’s too old for this, is the disappearance of her childhood friend’s older brother. In a race against the clock and whoever took Jaime, Pip gets lost in her detective work once again. Will she find Jaime in time? Will she save the day in Fairview once again or ruin everything?
Reread this book for a book club at my work, Bookish Modesto. I love this series and Holly Jackson, I could go on for days about Pip Fitz-Amobi and her descent into darkness. This is a stellar sequel with a powerful metaphor for Pip’s trauma and PTSD from book one. Fabulous mystery and I can’t wait to reread book 3 next. It’s a perfect trilogy.
Holly Jackson writes an amazing second book that brings together loose ends you thought you’d forgotten about from the first book, A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder. The case Pip is forced into solving, like some reluctant 50’s cop who’s too old for this, is the disappearance of her childhood friend’s older brother. In a race against the clock and whoever took Jaime, Pip gets lost in her detective work once again. Will she find Jaime in time? Will she save the day in Fairview once again or ruin everything?
Reread this book for a book club at my work, Bookish Modesto. I love this series and Holly Jackson, I could go on for days about Pip Fitz-Amobi and her descent into darkness. This is a stellar sequel with a powerful metaphor for Pip’s trauma and PTSD from book one. Fabulous mystery and I can’t wait to reread book 3 next. It’s a perfect trilogy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Violence, Kidnapping, Grief, Stalking, Murder, Fire/Fire injury, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Bullying, Child death, Confinement, Rape, and Blood
The History of Everything by Victoria Evans
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
The History of Everything is the perfect coming of age graphic novel for any kid you know who’s moved around.
Victoria Evan’s writes and illustrates a fun and emotional tale of two young girls who have been best friends their whole lives. When Agnes must move away at the end of the summer, she and Daisy decide to fill their memory book with as much as possible. But the fear of moving and being apart, mixed with a new boyfriend, throws some wrenches in Daisy and Agnes’ plans. What will happen before the summer ends?
This story highlights what it feels like to move away and all the heavy emotions that come with it. It also shares the side of the non-mover and how difficult it is to stay behind and make new friends when one is leaving. The trials and tribulations of being a teenager. This was a fabulous story I wish I could’ve read when I was younger and moving around a lot.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for the fantastic graphic novel!
Victoria Evan’s writes and illustrates a fun and emotional tale of two young girls who have been best friends their whole lives. When Agnes must move away at the end of the summer, she and Daisy decide to fill their memory book with as much as possible. But the fear of moving and being apart, mixed with a new boyfriend, throws some wrenches in Daisy and Agnes’ plans. What will happen before the summer ends?
This story highlights what it feels like to move away and all the heavy emotions that come with it. It also shares the side of the non-mover and how difficult it is to stay behind and make new friends when one is leaving. The trials and tribulations of being a teenager. This was a fabulous story I wish I could’ve read when I was younger and moving around a lot.
Thank you to NetGalley and HarperCollins Children’s Books for the fantastic graphic novel!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief and Abandonment
The Devourer by Alison Ames
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
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? Yes
4.0
The Devourer is a great tense pirate story. One of revenge, of trusted bonds, and of womanhood.
Adrasteia Dantes will get revenge on her half-brother, Cameron, no matter what it takes. But when a magical unknown power is destroying pirate ships, Adra must pause her pursuit to save her own ship and quite possibly the world.
Alison Ames writes a wonderful pirate story with magic, consequences, and the strange yet unbreakable bond between women. The bonds between Adra and her crew as well as Adraand the Devourer are well written and gripping. Each moment feels real and emotional. Not to mention Alison Ames sets a scene and tone wonderfully. The fear I felt while the crew attempts to walk the bottom of the ocean was unparalleled.
Thank you NetGalley and Page Street Publishing for the chance to read this YA fantasy!
Adrasteia Dantes will get revenge on her half-brother, Cameron, no matter what it takes. But when a magical unknown power is destroying pirate ships, Adra must pause her pursuit to save her own ship and quite possibly the world.
Alison Ames writes a wonderful pirate story with magic, consequences, and the strange yet unbreakable bond between women. The bonds between Adra and her crew as well as Adra
Thank you NetGalley and Page Street Publishing for the chance to read this YA fantasy!
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, Vomit, Grief, Murder, Abandonment, and Injury/Injury detail
Minor: Emotional abuse, Gun violence, Panic attacks/disorders, Blood, Kidnapping, and Alcohol
Iron & Embers by Helen Scheuerer
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Iron & Embers is the perfect book for anyone into spicy romantasy stories especially based in an academic setting.
Wren Embervale is an alchemist turned poisoner who is finally accepted into the alchemist school of her dreams, Drevenor, just one catch though. She’s accepted only after the Royals of the mid realms start dying and she is forced to find a possible cure. Her bodyguard, a Warsword she has a tangled past with, is accompanying her and hopes the two of them can make it out alive. It takes all his willpower not to kill her. Or fall in love with her.
The audiobook was wonderfully narrated by Emilia Bauer and Matt Haynes in dual POV chapters. They brought fantastic voices to each character that shaped the story into the adventure it is. Helen Scheuerer created a wonderful spin off series from her original series The Legends of Thezmarr. This story was fairly easy to dive into even without previous background, I do wish there was a bit more context added for extra understanding. It will be interesting to see how this new series progresses. The spice level was easily a 5 with those descriptions. The friends and side characters were entertaining and I had such fun with the unexpected twists and turns.
Thank you Libro.fm and Dreamscape Media for the ALC and the opportunity to hear this story.
Wren Embervale is an alchemist turned poisoner who is finally accepted into the alchemist school of her dreams, Drevenor, just one catch though. She’s accepted only after the Royals of the mid realms start dying and she is forced to find a possible cure. Her bodyguard, a Warsword she has a tangled past with, is accompanying her and hopes the two of them can make it out alive. It takes all his willpower not to kill her. Or fall in love with her.
The audiobook was wonderfully narrated by Emilia Bauer and Matt Haynes in dual POV chapters. They brought fantastic voices to each character that shaped the story into the adventure it is. Helen Scheuerer created a wonderful spin off series from her original series The Legends of Thezmarr. This story was fairly easy to dive into even without previous background, I do wish there was a bit more context added for extra understanding. It will be interesting to see how this new series progresses. The spice level was easily a 5 with those descriptions. The friends and side characters were entertaining and I had such fun with the unexpected twists and turns.
Thank you Libro.fm and Dreamscape Media for the ALC and the opportunity to hear this story.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual content
Moderate: Death, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Murder, and War
February Fever by Jess Lourey
adventurous
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-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? No
4.0
I didn’t realize this was a series until I started. It was still fairly easy to pick up and was a fun read. Mira James is a PI in her small town, not by choice. But because every month since she’s moved here she has found a dead body. Other than being the police chief’s number one suspect, she runs the local library and investigates the body’s she finds. With her boyfriend unexpectedly moving to Portland, her best friend books them tickets on a train that ends with a visit to him. Mira thinks this could be the perfect vacation from murder, but when someone ends up dead in the room next to hers on the train, a vacation becomes the last thing on her mind.
The end was unexpectedly emotional and I’m upset I started with this book and not earlier into the series.The death of character I had just gotten to know and hope for was so unexpected. It was unexpectedly gut wrenching for myself, but it adds even more intrigue for me. I am even more interested in how the series started, how Mira started happening upon dead bodies and becoming a PI in the first place. This was a cozy light mystery read. I would suggest this series to anyone who enjoy the quirky small town dynamics of Schitt’s Creek.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. Thank you to Jess Lourey for writing such a compelling story that was entertaining and the right amounts of emotional.
The end was unexpectedly emotional and I’m upset I started with this book and not earlier into the series.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. Thank you to Jess Lourey for writing such a compelling story that was entertaining and the right amounts of emotional.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Confinement and Death
Minor: Drug use, Gun violence, Violence, Blood, and Kidnapping
Rosarita by Anita Desai
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
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? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Death of parent, and Classism
Minor: Colonisation
I Died on a Tuesday by Jane Corry
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-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? It's complicated
3.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Body horror, Bullying, Death, Drug abuse, Drug use, Infertility, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, Blood, Medical content, Grief, Stalking, Car accident, Suicide attempt, Murder, Gaslighting, Toxic friendship, and Injury/Injury detail
Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
medium-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? Yes
4.0
All opinions below are my own. I truly enjoyed the wild ride that was Witchcraft for Wayward Girls. Grady Hendrix has a way with horror and suspense that is perfect for new and old fans.
This story follows Fern, who has exchanged her real identity for a fake flower at the Wellwood House, and the friends she makes as she stays at the boarding house for unwed pregnant girls. Fern and her friends feel helpless and like their futures are inescapable, they will do anything to take control over their lives. Control come in the from of the librarian and her spell book she gives specially to Fern. But soon the girls realize nothing comes without a price.
I enjoyed this mysterious horror story about girlhood and pregnancy more than I expected. I am an avid mystery reader, but am new to delving into horror, this was a great stepping stone. I almost expected more outright horror to begin, and right as I was wondering when the "horror" would begin I was blown out of the water. It was creepy, unnerving, and uncomfortable in all the best ways. The gradual build of body horror was also well done and well paced. This book is perfect for horror and mystery fans, as well as female rage fans.
Thank you NetGalley for giving me the chance the read this ARC. Thank you to Berkley Publishing House for the ARC.
This story follows Fern, who has exchanged her real identity for a fake flower at the Wellwood House, and the friends she makes as she stays at the boarding house for unwed pregnant girls. Fern and her friends feel helpless and like their futures are inescapable, they will do anything to take control over their lives. Control come in the from of the librarian and her spell book she gives specially to Fern. But soon the girls realize nothing comes without a price.
I enjoyed this mysterious horror story about girlhood and pregnancy more than I expected. I am an avid mystery reader, but am new to delving into horror, this was a great stepping stone. I almost expected more outright horror to begin, and right as I was wondering when the "horror" would begin I was blown out of the water. It was creepy, unnerving, and uncomfortable in all the best ways. The gradual build of body horror was also well done and well paced. This book is perfect for horror and mystery fans, as well as female rage fans.
Thank you NetGalley for giving me the chance the read this ARC. Thank you to Berkley Publishing House for the ARC.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Gore, Blood, Vomit, Pregnancy, and Injury/Injury detail
Moderate: Abandonment
Minor: Pedophilia, Rape, and Sexual assault