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2495 reviews
This Savage Song by V.E. Schwab
4.0
Disclaimer: None. I bought this book on my own!
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: June 7th, 2016
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 14+ (violence, gore, racism allegories, flashbacks of horrible unspeakable acts, and music)
Pages: 469
Amazon Link
Synopsis: There’s no such thing as safe in a city at war, a city overrun with monsters. In this dark urban fantasy from author Victoria Schwab, a young woman and a young man must choose whether to become heroes or villains—and friends or enemies—with the future of their home at stake. The first of two books.
Kate Harker and August Flynn are the heirs to a divided city—a city where the violence has begun to breed actual monsters. All Kate wants is to be as ruthless as her father, who lets the monsters roam free and makes the humans pay for his protection. All August wants is to be human, as good-hearted as his own father, to play a bigger role in protecting the innocent—but he’s one of the monsters. One who can steal a soul with a simple strain of music. When the chance arises to keep an eye on Kate, who’s just been kicked out of her sixth boarding school and returned home, August jumps at it. But Kate discovers August’s secret, and after a failed assassination attempt the pair must flee for their lives.
Review: This is a reread for me and not really much has changed from my original review. I feel that this book is gritty and amazing. It explores racism, especially within the Jim Crow era, in a way that you wouldn’t initially realize, and it has some of the best quotes. I feel that the book is written well. The characters are developed and the story is plotted well.
However, I did realize in my reread that there are significant plot holes and that this book isn’t really memorable. Going back into this book I didn’t really remember everything that happened and even after my second reread I am struggling to remember every twist and turn August and Kate make.
Verdict: I good book for English class, but maybe not the best for entertainment.
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: June 7th, 2016
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 14+ (violence, gore, racism allegories, flashbacks of horrible unspeakable acts, and music)
Pages: 469
Amazon Link
Synopsis: There’s no such thing as safe in a city at war, a city overrun with monsters. In this dark urban fantasy from author Victoria Schwab, a young woman and a young man must choose whether to become heroes or villains—and friends or enemies—with the future of their home at stake. The first of two books.
Kate Harker and August Flynn are the heirs to a divided city—a city where the violence has begun to breed actual monsters. All Kate wants is to be as ruthless as her father, who lets the monsters roam free and makes the humans pay for his protection. All August wants is to be human, as good-hearted as his own father, to play a bigger role in protecting the innocent—but he’s one of the monsters. One who can steal a soul with a simple strain of music. When the chance arises to keep an eye on Kate, who’s just been kicked out of her sixth boarding school and returned home, August jumps at it. But Kate discovers August’s secret, and after a failed assassination attempt the pair must flee for their lives.
Review: This is a reread for me and not really much has changed from my original review. I feel that this book is gritty and amazing. It explores racism, especially within the Jim Crow era, in a way that you wouldn’t initially realize, and it has some of the best quotes. I feel that the book is written well. The characters are developed and the story is plotted well.
However, I did realize in my reread that there are significant plot holes and that this book isn’t really memorable. Going back into this book I didn’t really remember everything that happened and even after my second reread I am struggling to remember every twist and turn August and Kate make.
Verdict: I good book for English class, but maybe not the best for entertainment.
The Beast Is an Animal by Peternelle van Arsdale
4.0
Disclaimer: None, I bought this book on my own.
Rating: 4.5/5
Publication Date: February 28, 2017
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (creepy moments, death, demons, murder, possession)
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Pages: 352
Amazon Link
Synopsis: A girl with a secret talent must save her village from the encroaching darkness in this haunting and deeply satisfying tale.
Alys was seven when the soul eaters came to her village.
These soul eaters, twin sisters who were abandoned by their father and slowly morphed into something not quite human, devour human souls. Alys, and all the other children, were spared—and they were sent to live in a neighboring village. There the devout people created a strict world where good and evil are as fundamental as the nursery rhymes children sing. Fear of the soul eaters—and of the Beast they believe guides them—rule village life. But the Beast is not what they think it is. And neither is Alys.
Inside, Alys feels connected to the soul eaters, and maybe even to the Beast itself. As she grows from a child to a teenager, she longs for the freedom of the forest. And she has a gift she can tell no one, for fear they will call her a witch. When disaster strikes, Alys finds herself on a journey to heal herself and her world. A journey that will take her through the darkest parts of the forest, where danger threatens her from the outside—and from within her own heart and soul.
Review: This book is really interesting. It’s told in a creepy way without being overly cheesy, the book continues the creepy vibe throughout the book. The plot is intriguing and the writing flows really well. The book is also very well paced and I didn’t feel there was any lag at any point in the book.
However, I was confused by the ending and I was left with a sense of lose at the end. I also feel that some of the characters weren’t as well developed as others. Some of them were repeating characters in the narrative but they were hardly developed.
Verdict: A creepy story perfect for Halloween.
Rating: 4.5/5
Publication Date: February 28, 2017
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (creepy moments, death, demons, murder, possession)
Publisher: Margaret K. McElderry Books
Pages: 352
Amazon Link
Synopsis: A girl with a secret talent must save her village from the encroaching darkness in this haunting and deeply satisfying tale.
Alys was seven when the soul eaters came to her village.
These soul eaters, twin sisters who were abandoned by their father and slowly morphed into something not quite human, devour human souls. Alys, and all the other children, were spared—and they were sent to live in a neighboring village. There the devout people created a strict world where good and evil are as fundamental as the nursery rhymes children sing. Fear of the soul eaters—and of the Beast they believe guides them—rule village life. But the Beast is not what they think it is. And neither is Alys.
Inside, Alys feels connected to the soul eaters, and maybe even to the Beast itself. As she grows from a child to a teenager, she longs for the freedom of the forest. And she has a gift she can tell no one, for fear they will call her a witch. When disaster strikes, Alys finds herself on a journey to heal herself and her world. A journey that will take her through the darkest parts of the forest, where danger threatens her from the outside—and from within her own heart and soul.
Review: This book is really interesting. It’s told in a creepy way without being overly cheesy, the book continues the creepy vibe throughout the book. The plot is intriguing and the writing flows really well. The book is also very well paced and I didn’t feel there was any lag at any point in the book.
However, I was confused by the ending and I was left with a sense of lose at the end. I also feel that some of the characters weren’t as well developed as others. Some of them were repeating characters in the narrative but they were hardly developed.
Verdict: A creepy story perfect for Halloween.
The Heir by Kiera Cass
5.0
Disclaimer: None, I bought this on my own.
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: May 5, 2015
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (TW for attempted rape and lewd behavior) (violence, death, heart attacks)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 342
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Princess Eadlyn has grown up hearing endless stories about how her mother and father met. Twenty years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won the heart of Prince Maxon—and they lived happily ever after. Eadlyn has always found their fairy-tale story romantic, but she has no interest in trying to repeat it. If it were up to her, she'd put off marriage for as long as possible.
But a princess's life is never entirely her own, and Eadlyn can't escape her very own Selection—no matter how fervently she protests.
Eadlyn doesn't expect her story to end in romance. But as the competition begins, one entry may just capture Eadlyn's heart, showing her all the possibilities that lie in front of her . . . and proving that finding her own happily ever after isn't as impossible as she's always thought.
Review: So I went into this hearing my friends tell me how horrible of a book it was. And for the most part I loved it. I felt very connected with Eadlyn. I have a personality like hers (I’m less spoiled however) and I don’t like not being in control and I don’t like letting people in. I really felt for her more than I did America and I would say I prefer these books to America’s. I also felt the story continued perfectly and the voice changed perfectly. The writing was still on point and the story was just as intriguing.
The only issues I had with the book were that I felt it was a bit rushed. I think it could have been slowed down a bit and it would have been perfect. I also feel that there were a lot more trigger warnings in this book and there was some questionable homophobic remarks that made me question this book.
Verdict: The new queen reigns!
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: May 5, 2015
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (TW for attempted rape and lewd behavior) (violence, death, heart attacks)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 342
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Princess Eadlyn has grown up hearing endless stories about how her mother and father met. Twenty years ago, America Singer entered the Selection and won the heart of Prince Maxon—and they lived happily ever after. Eadlyn has always found their fairy-tale story romantic, but she has no interest in trying to repeat it. If it were up to her, she'd put off marriage for as long as possible.
But a princess's life is never entirely her own, and Eadlyn can't escape her very own Selection—no matter how fervently she protests.
Eadlyn doesn't expect her story to end in romance. But as the competition begins, one entry may just capture Eadlyn's heart, showing her all the possibilities that lie in front of her . . . and proving that finding her own happily ever after isn't as impossible as she's always thought.
Review: So I went into this hearing my friends tell me how horrible of a book it was. And for the most part I loved it. I felt very connected with Eadlyn. I have a personality like hers (I’m less spoiled however) and I don’t like not being in control and I don’t like letting people in. I really felt for her more than I did America and I would say I prefer these books to America’s. I also felt the story continued perfectly and the voice changed perfectly. The writing was still on point and the story was just as intriguing.
The only issues I had with the book were that I felt it was a bit rushed. I think it could have been slowed down a bit and it would have been perfect. I also feel that there were a lot more trigger warnings in this book and there was some questionable homophobic remarks that made me question this book.
Verdict: The new queen reigns!
Red Rising by Pierce Brown
4.0
Disclaimer: My husband gave me this book because he loves me <3.
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: January 28, 2014
Genre: Sci-Fi/Dystopian
Recommended Age: 16+ (language, violence, death, gore, trigger warnings for suicide and rape)
Publisher: Del Ray
Pages: 382
Amazon Link
Synopsis: "I live for the dream that my children will be born free," she says. "That they will be what they like. That they will own the land their father gave them."
"I live for you," I say sadly.
Eo kisses my cheek. "Then you must live for more."
Darrow is a Red, a member of the lowest caste in the color-coded society of the future. Like his fellow Reds, he works all day, believing that he and his people are making the surface of Mars livable for future generations.
Yet he spends his life willingly, knowing that his blood and sweat will one day result in a better world for his children.
But Darrow and his kind have been betrayed. Soon he discovers that humanity already reached the surface generations ago. Vast cities and sprawling parks spread across the planet. Darrow—and Reds like him—are nothing more than slaves to a decadent ruling class.
Inspired by a longing for justice, and driven by the memory of lost love, Darrow sacrifices everything to infiltrate the legendary Institute, a proving ground for the dominant Gold caste, where the next generation of humanity's overlords struggle for power. He will be forced to compete for his life and the very future of civilization against the best and most brutal of Society's ruling class. There, he will stop at nothing to bring down his enemies... even if it means he has to become one of them to do so.
Review: Okay so for the most part I really liked this book. I loved the world that Pierce Brown was able to weave and it really flowed effortlessly. The character development was amazing and the book was so interesting. The plot was amazing and there wasn’t really any dull moments in the book.
My only downside to it is that the book took forever for me to get into it. My personal preference is to have the world building based somewhat on reality and this book is really an epic sci-fi. It took a bit for me to get into it, but that’s just personal preference.
Verdict: This book is an amazing book for those who are hardcore sci-fi readers and even for those who want to try epic sci-fi books!
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: January 28, 2014
Genre: Sci-Fi/Dystopian
Recommended Age: 16+ (language, violence, death, gore, trigger warnings for suicide and rape)
Publisher: Del Ray
Pages: 382
Amazon Link
Synopsis: "I live for the dream that my children will be born free," she says. "That they will be what they like. That they will own the land their father gave them."
"I live for you," I say sadly.
Eo kisses my cheek. "Then you must live for more."
Darrow is a Red, a member of the lowest caste in the color-coded society of the future. Like his fellow Reds, he works all day, believing that he and his people are making the surface of Mars livable for future generations.
Yet he spends his life willingly, knowing that his blood and sweat will one day result in a better world for his children.
But Darrow and his kind have been betrayed. Soon he discovers that humanity already reached the surface generations ago. Vast cities and sprawling parks spread across the planet. Darrow—and Reds like him—are nothing more than slaves to a decadent ruling class.
Inspired by a longing for justice, and driven by the memory of lost love, Darrow sacrifices everything to infiltrate the legendary Institute, a proving ground for the dominant Gold caste, where the next generation of humanity's overlords struggle for power. He will be forced to compete for his life and the very future of civilization against the best and most brutal of Society's ruling class. There, he will stop at nothing to bring down his enemies... even if it means he has to become one of them to do so.
Review: Okay so for the most part I really liked this book. I loved the world that Pierce Brown was able to weave and it really flowed effortlessly. The character development was amazing and the book was so interesting. The plot was amazing and there wasn’t really any dull moments in the book.
My only downside to it is that the book took forever for me to get into it. My personal preference is to have the world building based somewhat on reality and this book is really an epic sci-fi. It took a bit for me to get into it, but that’s just personal preference.
Verdict: This book is an amazing book for those who are hardcore sci-fi readers and even for those who want to try epic sci-fi books!
The Agony House by Cherie Priest
3.0
Disclaimer: I received this book through KidLitExchange and the publishing company. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: September 25, 2018
Genre: MG Mystery
Recommended Age: 12+ (mystery, some spooky moments)
Publisher: Scholastic
Pages: 272
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Denise Farber has just moved back to New Orleans with her mom and step-dad. They left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and have finally returned, wagering the last of their family's money on fixing up an old, rundown house and converting it to a bed and breakfast.Nothing seems to work around the place, which doesn't seem too weird to Denise. The unexplained noises are a little more out of the ordinary, but again, nothing too unusual. But when floors collapse, deadly objects rain down, and she hears creepy voices, it's clear to Denise that something more sinister lurks hidden here.Answers may lie in an old comic book Denise finds concealed in the attic: the lost, final project of a famous artist who disappeared in the 1950s. Denise isn't budging from her new home, so she must unravel the mystery-on the pages and off-if she and her family are to survive...
Review: For the most part this book was cute and enjoyable. The book had a good mystery in it and the characters are fairly well developed. The story is engaging as well and it would be a cute mystery for younger readers.
However, I didn’t like how the book brought up the topic of white people coming in to “white up” the neighborhood but didn’t go anywhere with it. It seemed like the book could have done better on some of the more social conscious issues but it failed to push those. Instead the book pushed random/unimportant aspects to the point where I felt that it was just trying to fill the book.
Verdict: A cute mystery.
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: September 25, 2018
Genre: MG Mystery
Recommended Age: 12+ (mystery, some spooky moments)
Publisher: Scholastic
Pages: 272
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Denise Farber has just moved back to New Orleans with her mom and step-dad. They left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and have finally returned, wagering the last of their family's money on fixing up an old, rundown house and converting it to a bed and breakfast.Nothing seems to work around the place, which doesn't seem too weird to Denise. The unexplained noises are a little more out of the ordinary, but again, nothing too unusual. But when floors collapse, deadly objects rain down, and she hears creepy voices, it's clear to Denise that something more sinister lurks hidden here.Answers may lie in an old comic book Denise finds concealed in the attic: the lost, final project of a famous artist who disappeared in the 1950s. Denise isn't budging from her new home, so she must unravel the mystery-on the pages and off-if she and her family are to survive...
Review: For the most part this book was cute and enjoyable. The book had a good mystery in it and the characters are fairly well developed. The story is engaging as well and it would be a cute mystery for younger readers.
However, I didn’t like how the book brought up the topic of white people coming in to “white up” the neighborhood but didn’t go anywhere with it. It seemed like the book could have done better on some of the more social conscious issues but it failed to push those. Instead the book pushed random/unimportant aspects to the point where I felt that it was just trying to fill the book.
Verdict: A cute mystery.
Brightly Burning by Alexa Donne
5.0
Review 2:
Disclaimer: I own this book! Love it! It’s also signed by the author. Off-topic, sorry!
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: May 1, 2018
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, scares, romance)
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Pages: 394
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Stella Ainsley wants just one thing: to go somewhere—anywhere—else. Her home is a floundering spaceship that offers few prospects, having been orbiting an ice-encased Earth for two hundred years. When a private ship hires her as a governess, Stella jumps at the chance. The captain of the Rochester, nineteen-year-old Hugo Fairfax, is notorious throughout the fleet for being a moody recluse and a drunk. But with Stella he’s kind.
But the Rochester harbors secrets: Stella is certain someone is trying to kill Hugo, and the more she discovers, the more questions she has about his role in a conspiracy threatening the fleet.
Review: Oh wow this book was just as fantastic as the first time I read it! I loved the world building and how Donne thought up how life would work in a world where we’re in space because of an Ice Age (it’s a very real threat still). I love the characters and how she took the original plot from Jane Eyre and somehow transformed it into a modern (futuristic?) tale for today’s generation. I also love the writing! I would definitely have loved a continuation of the tale ala 100 Days, but from how the author left it off is fine with me. I also thought the commentary on class and the different socio-economic impacts of certain factors was great.
My only issues are that, from my watch-through of a quick summary of Jane Eyre, that there wasn’t a lot about the Red Room and they changed some things from the original tale, but the changes, in my opinion, were well done and made for a fantastic retelling of a piece of classic literature.
Verdict: A must read if you like Jane Eyre or if you like Space (or BOTH!)
Review 1:
Rating: 5/5
Genre: YA Sci-Fi/Romance/Dystopian/Retelling
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, sexual references, dystopian like horrors, and ice age)
Pages: 400
Amazon Link
Author Website
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book as an e-arc on NetGalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: Stella Ainsley leaves poverty behind when she quits her engineering job aboard the Stalwart to become a governess on a private ship. On the Rochester, there’s no water ration, more books than one person could devour in a lifetime, and an AI who seems more friend than robot.
But no one warned Stella that the ship seems to be haunted, nor that it may be involved in a conspiracy that could topple the entire interstellar fleet. Surrounded by mysteries, Stella finds her equal in the brooding but kind, nineteen-year-old Captain Hugo. When several attempts on his life spark more questions than answers, and the beautiful Bianca Ingram appears at Hugo’s request, his unpredictable behavior causes Stella’s suspicions to mount. Without knowing who to trust, Stella must decide whether to follow her head or her heart.
Alexa Donne’s lush and enthralling reimagining of the classic Jane Eyre, set among the stars, will seduce and beguile you
So… I don’t read synopses and I shortly found out after I started reading this book that it was a Jane Eyre retelling. I’m one of those horrible people that hasn’t read many classics (well, I’ve not read the popular classics) but since I was somewhat familiar with Jane Eyre from a YouTube video explaining the highlights of it, I felt I was in a good position to read it. Surprisingly though I didn’t need my limited knowledge of the book to understand what was going on. The book was written so well and so unique given its retelling status. The book didn’t feel like a retelling and unless you were either familiar with the book you wouldn’t notice it was a retelling. The book also expanded from the original story so much and it really made the story its own. The characters in the book were very well developed and what you think is going to happen is completely the opposite of what does. The book did well at doing away at some of the tired old YA clichés. The book also had so many twists and turns that you can’t tell where the book is going. Hands down, one of my favorite Sci-Fi’s to date.
However, I did think that the book could have expanded more on the world building a bit, but once again what we got in the book was really well done and adequate. I need more though and I really hope we get a companion novel to this book. Maybe a Pride and Prejudice retelling? Little Women? White Fang? Wait…
Verdict: Jane Eyre in space is cool. If only Charlotte Bronte thought of it.
Disclaimer: I own this book! Love it! It’s also signed by the author. Off-topic, sorry!
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: May 1, 2018
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, scares, romance)
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Pages: 394
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Stella Ainsley wants just one thing: to go somewhere—anywhere—else. Her home is a floundering spaceship that offers few prospects, having been orbiting an ice-encased Earth for two hundred years. When a private ship hires her as a governess, Stella jumps at the chance. The captain of the Rochester, nineteen-year-old Hugo Fairfax, is notorious throughout the fleet for being a moody recluse and a drunk. But with Stella he’s kind.
But the Rochester harbors secrets: Stella is certain someone is trying to kill Hugo, and the more she discovers, the more questions she has about his role in a conspiracy threatening the fleet.
Review: Oh wow this book was just as fantastic as the first time I read it! I loved the world building and how Donne thought up how life would work in a world where we’re in space because of an Ice Age (it’s a very real threat still). I love the characters and how she took the original plot from Jane Eyre and somehow transformed it into a modern (futuristic?) tale for today’s generation. I also love the writing! I would definitely have loved a continuation of the tale ala 100 Days, but from how the author left it off is fine with me. I also thought the commentary on class and the different socio-economic impacts of certain factors was great.
My only issues are that, from my watch-through of a quick summary of Jane Eyre, that there wasn’t a lot about the Red Room and they changed some things from the original tale, but the changes, in my opinion, were well done and made for a fantastic retelling of a piece of classic literature.
Verdict: A must read if you like Jane Eyre or if you like Space (or BOTH!)
Review 1:
Rating: 5/5
Genre: YA Sci-Fi/Romance/Dystopian/Retelling
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, sexual references, dystopian like horrors, and ice age)
Pages: 400
Amazon Link
Author Website
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book as an e-arc on NetGalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Synopsis: Stella Ainsley leaves poverty behind when she quits her engineering job aboard the Stalwart to become a governess on a private ship. On the Rochester, there’s no water ration, more books than one person could devour in a lifetime, and an AI who seems more friend than robot.
But no one warned Stella that the ship seems to be haunted, nor that it may be involved in a conspiracy that could topple the entire interstellar fleet. Surrounded by mysteries, Stella finds her equal in the brooding but kind, nineteen-year-old Captain Hugo. When several attempts on his life spark more questions than answers, and the beautiful Bianca Ingram appears at Hugo’s request, his unpredictable behavior causes Stella’s suspicions to mount. Without knowing who to trust, Stella must decide whether to follow her head or her heart.
Alexa Donne’s lush and enthralling reimagining of the classic Jane Eyre, set among the stars, will seduce and beguile you
So… I don’t read synopses and I shortly found out after I started reading this book that it was a Jane Eyre retelling. I’m one of those horrible people that hasn’t read many classics (well, I’ve not read the popular classics) but since I was somewhat familiar with Jane Eyre from a YouTube video explaining the highlights of it, I felt I was in a good position to read it. Surprisingly though I didn’t need my limited knowledge of the book to understand what was going on. The book was written so well and so unique given its retelling status. The book didn’t feel like a retelling and unless you were either familiar with the book you wouldn’t notice it was a retelling. The book also expanded from the original story so much and it really made the story its own. The characters in the book were very well developed and what you think is going to happen is completely the opposite of what does. The book did well at doing away at some of the tired old YA clichés. The book also had so many twists and turns that you can’t tell where the book is going. Hands down, one of my favorite Sci-Fi’s to date.
However, I did think that the book could have expanded more on the world building a bit, but once again what we got in the book was really well done and adequate. I need more though and I really hope we get a companion novel to this book. Maybe a Pride and Prejudice retelling? Little Women? White Fang? Wait…
Verdict: Jane Eyre in space is cool. If only Charlotte Bronte thought of it.
Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco
5.0
Disclaimer: I bought this book! Yay me!
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: September 20, 2016
Genre: YA Thriller
Recommended Age: 15+ (dead bodies, autopsy, violence, murder, stealing kisses in back alleyways, and "unbecoming activity")
Publisher: Jimmy Patterson
Pages: 337
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Presented by James Patterson's new children's imprint, this deliciously creepy horror novel has a storyline inspired by the Ripper murders and an unexpected, blood-chilling conclusion...
Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord's daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life.
Against her stern father's wishes and society's expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle's laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world.
The story's shocking twists and turns, augmented with real, sinister period photos, will make this dazzling, #1 New York Times bestselling debut from author Kerri Maniscalco impossible to forget.
Review: Holy shit why have I waited so long to read this book?! It's absolutely marvelous! I loved every second of this mystery thriller! The main character was all I ever wanted to be, the character development was amazing, the book was well written, the pacing wasn't too fast or too slow, and I loved the twists and turns. I was guessing the killer, and while I got it right it wasn't without several doubts.
My only complaint is that the book wrapped up a bit too quickly in the end and the aftermath wasn't really discussed. How everything was handled at the end is a mystery.
Verdict: A thriller worth the read!
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: September 20, 2016
Genre: YA Thriller
Recommended Age: 15+ (dead bodies, autopsy, violence, murder, stealing kisses in back alleyways, and "unbecoming activity")
Publisher: Jimmy Patterson
Pages: 337
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Presented by James Patterson's new children's imprint, this deliciously creepy horror novel has a storyline inspired by the Ripper murders and an unexpected, blood-chilling conclusion...
Seventeen-year-old Audrey Rose Wadsworth was born a lord's daughter, with a life of wealth and privilege stretched out before her. But between the social teas and silk dress fittings, she leads a forbidden secret life.
Against her stern father's wishes and society's expectations, Audrey often slips away to her uncle's laboratory to study the gruesome practice of forensic medicine. When her work on a string of savagely killed corpses drags Audrey into the investigation of a serial murderer, her search for answers brings her close to her own sheltered world.
The story's shocking twists and turns, augmented with real, sinister period photos, will make this dazzling, #1 New York Times bestselling debut from author Kerri Maniscalco impossible to forget.
Review: Holy shit why have I waited so long to read this book?! It's absolutely marvelous! I loved every second of this mystery thriller! The main character was all I ever wanted to be, the character development was amazing, the book was well written, the pacing wasn't too fast or too slow, and I loved the twists and turns. I was guessing the killer, and while I got it right it wasn't without several doubts.
My only complaint is that the book wrapped up a bit too quickly in the end and the aftermath wasn't really discussed. How everything was handled at the end is a mystery.
Verdict: A thriller worth the read!
Dream Keeper by Amber R. Duell
4.0
Disclaimer: I received this book from Parliament House and Rockstar Book Tours. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: January 29, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (vivid death scenes, violence, gore, nightmares)
Publisher: Parliament House
Pages: 288
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The Sandman is seventeen-year-old Nora’s closest friend and best-kept secret. He has to be, if she doesn’t want a one-way ticket back to the psychiatrist. It took her too long to learn not to mention the hooded figure in her dreams to her mother, who still watches Nora as if she’ll crack. So when Nora’s friends start mysteriously dying gruesome deaths in their sleep, she isn’t altogether surprised when the police direct their suspicion at her. The Sandman is the only one she can turn to for answers. But the truth might be more than she bargained for…
For the last five years, the Sandman has spent every night protecting Nora. When he hid the secret to the Nightmare Lord’s escape inside her dreams, he never expected to fall in love with her. Neither did he think his nemesis would find her so quickly, but there’s no mistaking his cruel handiwork. The Nightmare Lord is tired of playing by the rules and will do anything to release his deadly nightmares into the world, even if that means tormenting Nora until she breaks.
When the Nightmare Lord kidnaps Nora’s sister, Nora must enter enemy territory to save her. The Sandman is determined to help, but if Nora isn’t careful, she could lose even more than her family to the darkness.
Review: I really liked this book! I thought it was very well written and the plot was interesting throughout the book. I was intrigued the whole time and I thought the characters were all well developed. I got a bit of Freddy vibes too, which is always a plus to me!
However, I do feel that the love was kind of out of place and weird. Just something about it made me feel weird. The book was also way too short and I feel like there was a lot of stuff crammed into a small amount of space. The death scenes are also horrific and vivid, so definitely not for the faint of heart!
Verdict: Don’t go to sleep!
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: January 29, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (vivid death scenes, violence, gore, nightmares)
Publisher: Parliament House
Pages: 288
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The Sandman is seventeen-year-old Nora’s closest friend and best-kept secret. He has to be, if she doesn’t want a one-way ticket back to the psychiatrist. It took her too long to learn not to mention the hooded figure in her dreams to her mother, who still watches Nora as if she’ll crack. So when Nora’s friends start mysteriously dying gruesome deaths in their sleep, she isn’t altogether surprised when the police direct their suspicion at her. The Sandman is the only one she can turn to for answers. But the truth might be more than she bargained for…
For the last five years, the Sandman has spent every night protecting Nora. When he hid the secret to the Nightmare Lord’s escape inside her dreams, he never expected to fall in love with her. Neither did he think his nemesis would find her so quickly, but there’s no mistaking his cruel handiwork. The Nightmare Lord is tired of playing by the rules and will do anything to release his deadly nightmares into the world, even if that means tormenting Nora until she breaks.
When the Nightmare Lord kidnaps Nora’s sister, Nora must enter enemy territory to save her. The Sandman is determined to help, but if Nora isn’t careful, she could lose even more than her family to the darkness.
Review: I really liked this book! I thought it was very well written and the plot was interesting throughout the book. I was intrigued the whole time and I thought the characters were all well developed. I got a bit of Freddy vibes too, which is always a plus to me!
However, I do feel that the love was kind of out of place and weird. Just something about it made me feel weird. The book was also way too short and I feel like there was a lot of stuff crammed into a small amount of space. The death scenes are also horrific and vivid, so definitely not for the faint of heart!
Verdict: Don’t go to sleep!
Once & Future by A.R. Capetta, Cory McCarthy
5.0
Disclaimer: I received this book from Little, Brown and Company/Jimmy Patterson Presents. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Book 1 of Once & Future
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: March 26, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (sex, language, magic, sassy swords, and sarcastic main characters)
Publisher: Jimmy Patterson Presents
Pages: 336
Amazon Link
Synopsis: I’ve been chased my whole life. As a fugitive refugee in the territory controlled by the tyrannical Mercer corporation, I’ve always had to hide who I am. Until I found Excalibur.
Now I’m done hiding.
My name is Ari Helix. I have a magic sword, a cranky wizard, and a revolution to start.
When Ari crash-lands on Old Earth and pulls a magic sword from its ancient resting place, she is revealed to be the newest reincarnation of King Arthur. Then she meets Merlin, who has aged backward over the centuries into a teenager, and together they must break the curse that keeps Arthur coming back. Their quest? Defeat the cruel, oppressive government and bring peace and equality to all humankind.
No pressure.
Review: I really enjoyed this book! I’ve never read a King Arthur retelling and I loved the girl power take on the classic tale. The book was highly imaginative and amazing. The cast was diverse (non-binary, lesbian, bi, ace, gay, and the main character is Arab). The book was well written and the world building was amazingly well done. The plot was intriguing and entertaining throughout the novel. I could just go on and on about how amazing this book was. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
However, I do feel that the book focused a bit too much on the romance and I wish the magic was a bit more explained. I also feel that the book was a bit confusing towards the end and it felt a bit ex machina. Still can’t wait to read the next book though!
Verdict: Queer and loving it!
Book Series: Book 1 of Once & Future
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: March 26, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (sex, language, magic, sassy swords, and sarcastic main characters)
Publisher: Jimmy Patterson Presents
Pages: 336
Amazon Link
Synopsis: I’ve been chased my whole life. As a fugitive refugee in the territory controlled by the tyrannical Mercer corporation, I’ve always had to hide who I am. Until I found Excalibur.
Now I’m done hiding.
My name is Ari Helix. I have a magic sword, a cranky wizard, and a revolution to start.
When Ari crash-lands on Old Earth and pulls a magic sword from its ancient resting place, she is revealed to be the newest reincarnation of King Arthur. Then she meets Merlin, who has aged backward over the centuries into a teenager, and together they must break the curse that keeps Arthur coming back. Their quest? Defeat the cruel, oppressive government and bring peace and equality to all humankind.
No pressure.
Review: I really enjoyed this book! I’ve never read a King Arthur retelling and I loved the girl power take on the classic tale. The book was highly imaginative and amazing. The cast was diverse (non-binary, lesbian, bi, ace, gay, and the main character is Arab). The book was well written and the world building was amazingly well done. The plot was intriguing and entertaining throughout the novel. I could just go on and on about how amazing this book was. I can’t wait for the next book in the series!
However, I do feel that the book focused a bit too much on the romance and I wish the magic was a bit more explained. I also feel that the book was a bit confusing towards the end and it felt a bit ex machina. Still can’t wait to read the next book though!
Verdict: Queer and loving it!
Our Dried Voices by Greg Hickey
3.0
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: standalone
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: November 4, 2014
Genre: Sci-fi
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, terrorist like acts, slight gore)
Publisher: Scribe Publishing Company
Pages: 234
Amazon Link
Synopsis: In 2153, cancer was cured. In 2189, AIDS. And in 2235, the last members of the human race traveled to a far distant planet called Pearl to begin the next chapter of humanity.
Several hundred years after their arrival, the remainder of humanity lives in a utopian colony in which every want is satisfied automatically, and there is no need for human labor, struggle or thought. But when the machines that regulate the colony begin to malfunction, the colonists are faced with a test for the first time in their existence.
With the lives of the colonists at stake, it is left to a young man named Samuel to repair these breakdowns and save the colony. Aided by his friend Penny, Samuel rises to meet each challenge. But he soon discovers a mysterious group of people behind each of these problems, and he must somehow find and defeat these saboteurs in order to rescue his colony.
Review: I thought this book was pretty good! It’s a dystopian novel that takes place on a different planet and I love dystopians. I thought the book was interesting. The plot was exciting and I think the author did great with the world building. The pacing was fast and this book really flew!
However, I do feel that the book had really underdeveloped characters. I think it could have slowed down greatly and developed some of the characters some more. I think that the book could have used slowing down altogether to make the book a bit more suspenseful and impactful. It just flew by so fast that I didn’t feel connected to the book.
Verdict: A pretty good book! Definitely a great one for dystopian lovers.
Book Series: standalone
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: November 4, 2014
Genre: Sci-fi
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, terrorist like acts, slight gore)
Publisher: Scribe Publishing Company
Pages: 234
Amazon Link
Synopsis: In 2153, cancer was cured. In 2189, AIDS. And in 2235, the last members of the human race traveled to a far distant planet called Pearl to begin the next chapter of humanity.
Several hundred years after their arrival, the remainder of humanity lives in a utopian colony in which every want is satisfied automatically, and there is no need for human labor, struggle or thought. But when the machines that regulate the colony begin to malfunction, the colonists are faced with a test for the first time in their existence.
With the lives of the colonists at stake, it is left to a young man named Samuel to repair these breakdowns and save the colony. Aided by his friend Penny, Samuel rises to meet each challenge. But he soon discovers a mysterious group of people behind each of these problems, and he must somehow find and defeat these saboteurs in order to rescue his colony.
Review: I thought this book was pretty good! It’s a dystopian novel that takes place on a different planet and I love dystopians. I thought the book was interesting. The plot was exciting and I think the author did great with the world building. The pacing was fast and this book really flew!
However, I do feel that the book had really underdeveloped characters. I think it could have slowed down greatly and developed some of the characters some more. I think that the book could have used slowing down altogether to make the book a bit more suspenseful and impactful. It just flew by so fast that I didn’t feel connected to the book.
Verdict: A pretty good book! Definitely a great one for dystopian lovers.