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thebooknerdscorner's reviews
1452 reviews
The Secret Song of Shelby Rey by Rayne Lacko
Shelby Rey has always been able to hear the secret songs that people hide deep within themselves. With a single touch, she can know a stranger's deepest secrets and their darkest fears. Her life has been a living nightmare after her father committed suicide, which led her mother to rely on alcohol and pills to numb the pain. Shelby's only escape is in music. When she meets Zac Wyatt, a moody rockstar with a charming side that only Shelby can hear, her life begins to change drastically. Feeling seen for the first time in her life, Shelby gets caught up in the world of fortune and fame. Shelby begins to discover that the brightest lights often hide the darkest secrets. Now, she must learn to walk to the beat of her own drum or be lost within the confines of everyone else's issues forever.
Whenever a book is centered around a musical element, my interest is piqued. Shelby's musical gift that allows her to hear other people's life stories is an interesting piece of magical realism. Stories that showcase the music industry and boy bands are also usually pretty fun, so I signed up for this one immediately. However, this book wasn't exactly the fun ride I was hoping it would be.
This book dives into many hard topics that many people experience. Addiction, suicide, domestic abuse, and mental disorders are all front and center in this novel. Shelby comes from a horrendous home situation where she has to sleep on the couch, share her mother's clothes, and deal with her mother's constant toxic behavior and badgering. My heart really goes out to Shelby, but she also doesn't make very many intelligent decisions throughout the course of this novel. She refuses therapy, hooks up with a sus guy she just met, and allows herself to be wrapped up in a whirlwind of toxic masculinity and abusive situations all over again. I know that she's the victim here, but I wish she would have advocated for herself a little better. I'm glad to report that by the end of this book she does stand up for herself and starts to pave a decent life for herself, which is certainly inspiring.
I have read several books that feature boy bands, K-pop groups, and other communities that thrive in the spotlight. This book was similar to them in many ways, which had me zoning out at moments. This isn't the book's fault, per se, but it is worth mentioning that it's pretty typical celebrity drama. There is a ton of drug abuse, toxic relationships, false reports in the media, and lots of people backstabbing each other to get ahead in the industry. If you love gossip and drama, this is a positive, but I found it a tad tedious at times.
The thing that I disliked the most about this one is Shelby and Zac's romantic relationship. I know that it is supposed to be toxic and Zac taking advantage of her is an important life lesson for Shelby to learn, but that didn't make it any less icky. The sexual tension between these two is quite. . . intense, and they certainly act upon their inclinations as soon as they possible can. The way that Zac forces Shelby to dress as well as the way he tries to take credit for her work is also gross; it all makes Zac a truly unlikable character.
I think the think I like most of about this book is the way that it speaks about music. A well written song can invoke so many feelings in a person and let them feel seen in a way that few other things can; Lacko captures this feeling so eloquently. Being able to connect with a songwriter's life even though I've never met them is a truly magical experience. Music brings people together so effortlessly and a song that one relates to dearly can feel as though someone is looking directly into one's soul. Shelby's gift is a physical manifestation of this, which I found to be pretty neat.
Overall, "The Secret Song of Shelby Rey" is a moving story about overcoming life's challenges and forging the path that makes you feel good about yourself. The way that this book talks about music and how humanity connects to it is truly magical, and the way this book tackles topics such as substance abuse is mature and impactful. Unfortunately, this book is filled with such toxic relations and circumstances that I found myself often not loving my time with it. Especially when it came to Shelby and Zac's instant attraction to one another. The characters certainly grow, and many lessons are learned through all the tragic situations the characters find themselves in, but it made it hard for me to truly dig this story.
3.0
An ode to music that brings learning to love oneself and the struggles of dealing with addiction center stage.
Shelby Rey has always been able to hear the secret songs that people hide deep within themselves. With a single touch, she can know a stranger's deepest secrets and their darkest fears. Her life has been a living nightmare after her father committed suicide, which led her mother to rely on alcohol and pills to numb the pain. Shelby's only escape is in music. When she meets Zac Wyatt, a moody rockstar with a charming side that only Shelby can hear, her life begins to change drastically. Feeling seen for the first time in her life, Shelby gets caught up in the world of fortune and fame. Shelby begins to discover that the brightest lights often hide the darkest secrets. Now, she must learn to walk to the beat of her own drum or be lost within the confines of everyone else's issues forever.
Whenever a book is centered around a musical element, my interest is piqued. Shelby's musical gift that allows her to hear other people's life stories is an interesting piece of magical realism. Stories that showcase the music industry and boy bands are also usually pretty fun, so I signed up for this one immediately. However, this book wasn't exactly the fun ride I was hoping it would be.
This book dives into many hard topics that many people experience. Addiction, suicide, domestic abuse, and mental disorders are all front and center in this novel. Shelby comes from a horrendous home situation where she has to sleep on the couch, share her mother's clothes, and deal with her mother's constant toxic behavior and badgering. My heart really goes out to Shelby, but she also doesn't make very many intelligent decisions throughout the course of this novel. She refuses therapy, hooks up with a sus guy she just met, and allows herself to be wrapped up in a whirlwind of toxic masculinity and abusive situations all over again. I know that she's the victim here, but I wish she would have advocated for herself a little better. I'm glad to report that by the end of this book she does stand up for herself and starts to pave a decent life for herself, which is certainly inspiring.
I have read several books that feature boy bands, K-pop groups, and other communities that thrive in the spotlight. This book was similar to them in many ways, which had me zoning out at moments. This isn't the book's fault, per se, but it is worth mentioning that it's pretty typical celebrity drama. There is a ton of drug abuse, toxic relationships, false reports in the media, and lots of people backstabbing each other to get ahead in the industry. If you love gossip and drama, this is a positive, but I found it a tad tedious at times.
The thing that I disliked the most about this one is Shelby and Zac's romantic relationship. I know that it is supposed to be toxic and Zac taking advantage of her is an important life lesson for Shelby to learn, but that didn't make it any less icky. The sexual tension between these two is quite. . . intense, and they certainly act upon their inclinations as soon as they possible can. The way that Zac forces Shelby to dress as well as the way he tries to take credit for her work is also gross; it all makes Zac a truly unlikable character.
I think the think I like most of about this book is the way that it speaks about music. A well written song can invoke so many feelings in a person and let them feel seen in a way that few other things can; Lacko captures this feeling so eloquently. Being able to connect with a songwriter's life even though I've never met them is a truly magical experience. Music brings people together so effortlessly and a song that one relates to dearly can feel as though someone is looking directly into one's soul. Shelby's gift is a physical manifestation of this, which I found to be pretty neat.
Overall, "The Secret Song of Shelby Rey" is a moving story about overcoming life's challenges and forging the path that makes you feel good about yourself. The way that this book talks about music and how humanity connects to it is truly magical, and the way this book tackles topics such as substance abuse is mature and impactful. Unfortunately, this book is filled with such toxic relations and circumstances that I found myself often not loving my time with it. Especially when it came to Shelby and Zac's instant attraction to one another. The characters certainly grow, and many lessons are learned through all the tragic situations the characters find themselves in, but it made it hard for me to truly dig this story.
Let Them Stare by Jonathan Van Ness, Julie Murphy
3.0
Sully has been waiting for their life to change after they graduate from high school—finding a vintage bag haunted by a drag performer is a change, right?
Sully is beyond ready to escape their small town of Hearst, Pennsylvania. For a nonconforming teen like them, being one of the only queer people in their town has been a living hell. With an influencer internship secured, they are ready to head to New York City and live the life they've always imagined for themself. That is, until their position gets nixed and they are stuck right back where they started. Desperate to get their job back, Sully goes to Yesterday's Tomorrow, their favorite thrift store which they used to work at. Unfortunately, they can't acquire their old position, but they do come across a vintage Butler handbag that can sell for thousands of dollars. The catch? The purse is haunted by a drag performer by the name of Rufus who also happens to suffer from memory loss. Not knowing what else to do with all the time on their hands, Sully sets off to discover just what happened to Rufus.
When I was offered the chance to be on a tour for this book, I had to jump on it. A queer read that's centered around a nonbinary teen and the ghost of a drag performer trying to solve a mystery? Sounds like a great read! Also, this cover had me immediately interested. Kudos to whoever designed this cover; it is truly hard to ignore.
Unfortunately, I didn't love this book as much as I was hoping I would. It was still a great read that focuses on the often-silenced stories of queer people throughout the ages. It has great themes, it is written with such wit, and praises queer joy the whole way through. However, I didn't love any of the characters, so it made it hard for me to follow this slice of life story with a hint of mystery.
Learning about Rufus' past really hit me in the feels though. It is so difficult to read about people being suppressed by others, and every time I read about the mistreatment of queer people, my heart breaks. They were treated so horrendously in the past, and we still have a long way to go before all members of the LGBTQIA+ community can feel safe in their own skins. Rufus' love story is one filled with heartbreak and pain, but it is also tinged with hope and resilience. I hope that this book allows many queer teens to feel less alone and shows them that there is a light amidst all the crazy stuff that is happening in this dark day and age.
I also liked the message of finding beauty in one's hometown. It is so easy to think that your hometown is boring, outdated, and just waiting for you to move on to better. Learning to recognize the beauty in what has always surrounded you is a great lesson, and this book is an amazing reminder to slow down and appreciate what you have now in your life. Sully is so desperate to escape that they often forget about the people that love them and the places that made them who they are now.
I must say, this book has such a unique and intriguing premise. Hopefully that brings many people flocking to this diverse book that showcases queer history and begs us to love each other for our authentic, diverse selves. And if people don't accept you for who you are? Then let them stare.
Overall, "Let Them Stare" is an interesting slice of life mystery that begs the reader to consider the joy that surrounds them right where they are and to love themselves for exactly who they are. The deep dive into queer history is fascinating, and it breaks my heart to recall that queerness used to be (and still is by some) viewed as an illness that needs to be cured. Rufus' and Sully's stories are both moving, and I'm sure that many teens with relate to both of their experiences. I truly hope that this story makes its way into the hands of people who need it most.
Sully is beyond ready to escape their small town of Hearst, Pennsylvania. For a nonconforming teen like them, being one of the only queer people in their town has been a living hell. With an influencer internship secured, they are ready to head to New York City and live the life they've always imagined for themself. That is, until their position gets nixed and they are stuck right back where they started. Desperate to get their job back, Sully goes to Yesterday's Tomorrow, their favorite thrift store which they used to work at. Unfortunately, they can't acquire their old position, but they do come across a vintage Butler handbag that can sell for thousands of dollars. The catch? The purse is haunted by a drag performer by the name of Rufus who also happens to suffer from memory loss. Not knowing what else to do with all the time on their hands, Sully sets off to discover just what happened to Rufus.
When I was offered the chance to be on a tour for this book, I had to jump on it. A queer read that's centered around a nonbinary teen and the ghost of a drag performer trying to solve a mystery? Sounds like a great read! Also, this cover had me immediately interested. Kudos to whoever designed this cover; it is truly hard to ignore.
Unfortunately, I didn't love this book as much as I was hoping I would. It was still a great read that focuses on the often-silenced stories of queer people throughout the ages. It has great themes, it is written with such wit, and praises queer joy the whole way through. However, I didn't love any of the characters, so it made it hard for me to follow this slice of life story with a hint of mystery.
Learning about Rufus' past really hit me in the feels though. It is so difficult to read about people being suppressed by others, and every time I read about the mistreatment of queer people, my heart breaks. They were treated so horrendously in the past, and we still have a long way to go before all members of the LGBTQIA+ community can feel safe in their own skins. Rufus' love story is one filled with heartbreak and pain, but it is also tinged with hope and resilience. I hope that this book allows many queer teens to feel less alone and shows them that there is a light amidst all the crazy stuff that is happening in this dark day and age.
I also liked the message of finding beauty in one's hometown. It is so easy to think that your hometown is boring, outdated, and just waiting for you to move on to better. Learning to recognize the beauty in what has always surrounded you is a great lesson, and this book is an amazing reminder to slow down and appreciate what you have now in your life. Sully is so desperate to escape that they often forget about the people that love them and the places that made them who they are now.
I must say, this book has such a unique and intriguing premise. Hopefully that brings many people flocking to this diverse book that showcases queer history and begs us to love each other for our authentic, diverse selves. And if people don't accept you for who you are? Then let them stare.
Overall, "Let Them Stare" is an interesting slice of life mystery that begs the reader to consider the joy that surrounds them right where they are and to love themselves for exactly who they are. The deep dive into queer history is fascinating, and it breaks my heart to recall that queerness used to be (and still is by some) viewed as an illness that needs to be cured. Rufus' and Sully's stories are both moving, and I'm sure that many teens with relate to both of their experiences. I truly hope that this story makes its way into the hands of people who need it most.
Fires Burning Underground by Nancy McCabe
4.0
A middle grade novella featuring a young girl as she tackles middle school, her identity, and the everchanging friendships that she has found herself thrust in the middle of.
After being homeschooled her entire life, Anny is starting her first day of middle school. Not only is she adapting to a new school system, she is also learning to navigate teen drama, discover her sexual identity, and move on from the death of someone she knew. Many things can change over the course of a year, and Anny is about to discover some things aren't meant to stay the same.
For a novella, this middle grade story certainly packs a punch. It captures the nuances of tween drama, shifting relationships, and self-identity. Anny also deals with grief, fear of missing out, and the anxiety of being different than her peers. These are all things that most children go through in their adolescence, so these aspects of this book are on point.
In my opinion, this book is super "Are You There God? It's Me Margaret." coded. Anny's family is super religious, and she also questions elements of her faith. "Fires Burning Underground" really focuses on sexual identity, which is not a huge theme in Judy Blume's book. The scenes where the girls would have sleep overs had super similar vibes to Margaret's experiences; in many ways, it felt like this book was set in the seventies. The kids are addicted to ESP (extrasensory perception), technology was nearly nonexistent, and the entire town that Anny lived in felt rather old school. I'm not saying this is necessarily a bad thing, it just may not be the most accurate picture of most kids' experiences in this day and age.
I think my favorite part of this book is the intersection between sexual identity and religion. This is a topic that I always take interest in; I am passionate about supporting LGBTQIA+ rights (i.e. human rights). Living in a rural smallish town, I see my community constantly holding onto these outdated mindsets that divides humanity over issues that shouldn't even be others' concern. It makes me so sad that Anny's parents ignored her for several weeks just because she was *questioning* her identity. She's only twelve years old, and it breaks my heart that kids in the real world have to deal with these stresses on a daily basis. Also, shout-out for introducing all types of identities to children including demisexual and pansexual.
I really appreciate that McCabe allowed the page count to remain as short as it is. She wraps it up nicely as soon as she checks all the boxes that need to be checked. I would have been alarmed if this story drug on, so I'm glad that this one is a novella that introduces middle schoolers to many topics and prompts them to do more research on their own if their interest is piqued.
Quick note, there is a character who is oddly infatuated with one of her teachers in this book. I find this to be quite weird (especially because these kids are middle schoolers), but I've also lived through similar experiences with kids in my class, so I know this happens. The teacher has no part in this, so it's not creepy or weird, but it's definitely something I have to mention.
Overall, "Fires Burning Underground" is a middle grade novella that showcases how tough middle school can be. It tackles the complexities of many types of relationships, challenges outdated religious ideas, and captures the mischievous nature of young kids so well. It's definitely not a perfect book, but people are far from perfect, aren't they?
After being homeschooled her entire life, Anny is starting her first day of middle school. Not only is she adapting to a new school system, she is also learning to navigate teen drama, discover her sexual identity, and move on from the death of someone she knew. Many things can change over the course of a year, and Anny is about to discover some things aren't meant to stay the same.
For a novella, this middle grade story certainly packs a punch. It captures the nuances of tween drama, shifting relationships, and self-identity. Anny also deals with grief, fear of missing out, and the anxiety of being different than her peers. These are all things that most children go through in their adolescence, so these aspects of this book are on point.
In my opinion, this book is super "Are You There God? It's Me Margaret." coded. Anny's family is super religious, and she also questions elements of her faith. "Fires Burning Underground" really focuses on sexual identity, which is not a huge theme in Judy Blume's book. The scenes where the girls would have sleep overs had super similar vibes to Margaret's experiences; in many ways, it felt like this book was set in the seventies. The kids are addicted to ESP (extrasensory perception), technology was nearly nonexistent, and the entire town that Anny lived in felt rather old school. I'm not saying this is necessarily a bad thing, it just may not be the most accurate picture of most kids' experiences in this day and age.
I think my favorite part of this book is the intersection between sexual identity and religion. This is a topic that I always take interest in; I am passionate about supporting LGBTQIA+ rights (i.e. human rights). Living in a rural smallish town, I see my community constantly holding onto these outdated mindsets that divides humanity over issues that shouldn't even be others' concern. It makes me so sad that Anny's parents ignored her for several weeks just because she was *questioning* her identity. She's only twelve years old, and it breaks my heart that kids in the real world have to deal with these stresses on a daily basis. Also, shout-out for introducing all types of identities to children including demisexual and pansexual.
I really appreciate that McCabe allowed the page count to remain as short as it is. She wraps it up nicely as soon as she checks all the boxes that need to be checked. I would have been alarmed if this story drug on, so I'm glad that this one is a novella that introduces middle schoolers to many topics and prompts them to do more research on their own if their interest is piqued.
Quick note, there is a character who is oddly infatuated with one of her teachers in this book. I find this to be quite weird (especially because these kids are middle schoolers), but I've also lived through similar experiences with kids in my class, so I know this happens. The teacher has no part in this, so it's not creepy or weird, but it's definitely something I have to mention.
Overall, "Fires Burning Underground" is a middle grade novella that showcases how tough middle school can be. It tackles the complexities of many types of relationships, challenges outdated religious ideas, and captures the mischievous nature of young kids so well. It's definitely not a perfect book, but people are far from perfect, aren't they?
Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns) by Mindy Kaling
4.0
I pulled this book out of a Little Free Library a while ago with no idea who Mindy Kaling was (yes, I live under a rock). I thought it looked like a funny book and I love reading memoirs, so I thought this would be a good fit. Flash to 2025 when me and my boyfriend started watching "The Office: together. I am constantly reorganizing my books and looking for more nonfiction reads, so when I once more came across this book, this time around I recognized who Mindy Kaling is. So why not dive into one of her memoirs? And that's exactly what I did!
Even though me and Mindy have quite different lifestyles, ways of thinking, and humor styles, I still found myself really enjoying this memoir. Learning more about the film industry, scriptwriting, and acting was really neat. The fact that I've finally fallen into the hive mindset that is "The Office," much of this book was really cool to read. I love learning about actors that portray iconic characters, so having such a personal view into the actor behind Kelly was awesome. And the fact that she is one of the writers on the show is also quite apparent; one can really read her humor style in the words that she pens.
Mindy has big opinions on things such as celebrities, clothing, best friends, boyfriends, marriage, music, crying, filmmaking, and so much more. I enjoyed many essays in this book, whereas others did absolutely nothing for me. I'd say that there is a little bit of something for everyone in this memoir.
Overall, I really enjoyed my time with "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)." Mindy is quite an interesting human with strong opinions and often bizarre perspectives. It was neat learning more about her time on "The Office" and the early parts of her career. I'll definitely have to check out more of her books in the future!
Even though me and Mindy have quite different lifestyles, ways of thinking, and humor styles, I still found myself really enjoying this memoir. Learning more about the film industry, scriptwriting, and acting was really neat. The fact that I've finally fallen into the hive mindset that is "The Office," much of this book was really cool to read. I love learning about actors that portray iconic characters, so having such a personal view into the actor behind Kelly was awesome. And the fact that she is one of the writers on the show is also quite apparent; one can really read her humor style in the words that she pens.
Mindy has big opinions on things such as celebrities, clothing, best friends, boyfriends, marriage, music, crying, filmmaking, and so much more. I enjoyed many essays in this book, whereas others did absolutely nothing for me. I'd say that there is a little bit of something for everyone in this memoir.
Overall, I really enjoyed my time with "Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me? (And Other Concerns)." Mindy is quite an interesting human with strong opinions and often bizarre perspectives. It was neat learning more about her time on "The Office" and the early parts of her career. I'll definitely have to check out more of her books in the future!
When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandhya Menon
3.0
Dimple is finally getting to pursue her dreams in STEM without her strict Indian parents pressuring her to get married. . . until she learns that her parents only let her go to the summer camp of her dreams in the hopes that she will hit it off with their candidate for the Ideal Indian Husband after all.
Dimple has always been different than the other kids. As one of the only Indian students and one of the few girls with an interest in computers and coding, Dimple's never felt like she belonged. That is why she is super excited to attend Insomnia Con, a six-week camp in which young web developers and coders get to pitch their apps to investors in the tech industry. Dimple never expects her parents to agree to send her, but she is pleasantly surprised. That is, until she gets on campus and meets Rishi. It turns out that Rishi and Dimple's parents are friends and that they are all on board for a union between Dimple and Rishi. Wanting nothing to do with him and his traditional ways, Dimple wishes him her best and leaves. When circumstances bring them together again and again, Dimple begins to accept that maybe Rishi isn't all that bad.
Over the years, I've heard many things about "When Dimple Met Rishi." Some people praise it as an authentic, diverse romance. Others comment on how funny it is. Some people constantly rant about how cringey the writing is and others can't help but scream about how awful Dimple is. Strangely enough, I kind of agree with all of it. I think many aspects of this book are cringe and Dimple is a pretty awful person, but at the same time, I found this book to be a fine read with plenty of humorous bits. Yes, this book definitely has some issues, but I don't think it's all that terrible in the long run.
First, let's start with Dimple. Personally, I really disliked this woman. She is super selfish, hardly regards her parents' opinions, and is honestly how I'd define a brat. It is neat that she loves technology and that she is super into going to Insomnia Con, but this wasn't enough to redeem her character, especially because the tech element of this book was barely even touched on. She is also really shortsighted, but I know some people really do live in the moment and don't worry much about the future.
Rishi, on the other hand, is much more relatable and down-to-earth. He values the traditions of his people and is looking forward to a life with an arranged marriage. He plans to attend MIT, secure a stable job, and support his family. He's also a funny guy filled with witty quips, is willing to stand up against the injustices in the world, and is willing to realize his shortcomings. I'm not saying that he is perfect, but he is worlds better than Dimple. He recognizes when he is flawed and apologizes for it. Beyond that, he is also willing to change his plans when he realizes that he isn't following his passion in the arts and wants more than his parents' wishes.
Despite having a great disdain for Dimple, I didn't mind the experience of reading about Dimple and Rishi falling for one another. Some things heated up a little fast for me (I mean, the whole book takes place over six weeks), but many people are willing to dive all in rather quickly. After finishing this book though, I can recognize that these two are truly not that great of a couple. But if they make each other happy, who am I to complain? Some of my favorite moments between them was the photo scavenger hunt, the fancy dinner, and them practicing for the talent show.
Something that I found rather odd about this book is that it alternates between Dimple and Rishi's POVs sometimes dozens of times per chapter. I honestly don't know why the author decided to do this, but I found it quite odd. It worked better than I thought it would, but it makes me think that the author wasn't confident that they could portray both characters at one time through a single perspective. It did add to the comedy a couple of times, but that's the only thing this style really has going for it.
Overall, "When Dimple Met Rishi" is an okay romance that had many things going for it. Even though I spent most of this review commenting on some of the less-than-optimal parts of this book, I found it to be a fine read. Long story short, this book is a romance meant to entertain, and I feel that it did that. Yes, it was a bit cliché and it reinforces many negative stereotypes, but this book definitely isn't as bad as many people complain about it being. This book is riddled with really funny moments, and it was solid enough that I think I'll check out the rest of the series someday.
Dimple has always been different than the other kids. As one of the only Indian students and one of the few girls with an interest in computers and coding, Dimple's never felt like she belonged. That is why she is super excited to attend Insomnia Con, a six-week camp in which young web developers and coders get to pitch their apps to investors in the tech industry. Dimple never expects her parents to agree to send her, but she is pleasantly surprised. That is, until she gets on campus and meets Rishi. It turns out that Rishi and Dimple's parents are friends and that they are all on board for a union between Dimple and Rishi. Wanting nothing to do with him and his traditional ways, Dimple wishes him her best and leaves. When circumstances bring them together again and again, Dimple begins to accept that maybe Rishi isn't all that bad.
Over the years, I've heard many things about "When Dimple Met Rishi." Some people praise it as an authentic, diverse romance. Others comment on how funny it is. Some people constantly rant about how cringey the writing is and others can't help but scream about how awful Dimple is. Strangely enough, I kind of agree with all of it. I think many aspects of this book are cringe and Dimple is a pretty awful person, but at the same time, I found this book to be a fine read with plenty of humorous bits. Yes, this book definitely has some issues, but I don't think it's all that terrible in the long run.
First, let's start with Dimple. Personally, I really disliked this woman. She is super selfish, hardly regards her parents' opinions, and is honestly how I'd define a brat. It is neat that she loves technology and that she is super into going to Insomnia Con, but this wasn't enough to redeem her character, especially because the tech element of this book was barely even touched on. She is also really shortsighted, but I know some people really do live in the moment and don't worry much about the future.
Rishi, on the other hand, is much more relatable and down-to-earth. He values the traditions of his people and is looking forward to a life with an arranged marriage. He plans to attend MIT, secure a stable job, and support his family. He's also a funny guy filled with witty quips, is willing to stand up against the injustices in the world, and is willing to realize his shortcomings. I'm not saying that he is perfect, but he is worlds better than Dimple. He recognizes when he is flawed and apologizes for it. Beyond that, he is also willing to change his plans when he realizes that he isn't following his passion in the arts and wants more than his parents' wishes.
Despite having a great disdain for Dimple, I didn't mind the experience of reading about Dimple and Rishi falling for one another. Some things heated up a little fast for me (I mean, the whole book takes place over six weeks), but many people are willing to dive all in rather quickly. After finishing this book though, I can recognize that these two are truly not that great of a couple. But if they make each other happy, who am I to complain? Some of my favorite moments between them was the photo scavenger hunt, the fancy dinner, and them practicing for the talent show.
Something that I found rather odd about this book is that it alternates between Dimple and Rishi's POVs sometimes dozens of times per chapter. I honestly don't know why the author decided to do this, but I found it quite odd. It worked better than I thought it would, but it makes me think that the author wasn't confident that they could portray both characters at one time through a single perspective. It did add to the comedy a couple of times, but that's the only thing this style really has going for it.
Overall, "When Dimple Met Rishi" is an okay romance that had many things going for it. Even though I spent most of this review commenting on some of the less-than-optimal parts of this book, I found it to be a fine read. Long story short, this book is a romance meant to entertain, and I feel that it did that. Yes, it was a bit cliché and it reinforces many negative stereotypes, but this book definitely isn't as bad as many people complain about it being. This book is riddled with really funny moments, and it was solid enough that I think I'll check out the rest of the series someday.
Rules for Rule Breaking by Talia Tucker
4.0
An academic rivals to lovers road trip romance in which two goodie two-shoes learn that sometimes it's better to write their own rules and take the less traveled path.
Winter Park and Bobby Bae have known each other for ages, but that's only because their families have been long time friends. If they had their way, they would never speak to one another outside of the many academic activities they find themselves in together. Unfortunately, they will be seeing a lot more of each other over the summer since their parents have agreed that it would be a great idea for the two of them to go on a road trip to explore potential colleges. Now, the two rivals find themselves stuck in a car together for over 700 miles. Forced to spend time with one another, Winter and Bobby learn that they may have more in common than they originally assumed. . .
This was such a cute, relatable romance! Both Winter and Bobby are overachievers who have spent most of their lives thus far excelling in school and trying their hardest to prep for their collegebound lives after high school. School was pretty much my entire life too, so I totally can get behind this. The road trip element added the forced proximity trope that this rivals to lovers romance needed, and I was hooked as soon as their rule breaking adventure began!
The thing that made this romance click for me was how relatable both of the main characters are. I see a ton of myself in Bobby. From his high anxiety that often leads to panic attacks, his need to extensively plan ahead, and his overly sensitive nature, I see a ton of myself in him. Winter is a tad more rambunctious and filled with more fire, but I definitely see myself in many of the little parts of her. I can certainly relate to her unease with driving and the fact that mosquitoes just can't get enough of her.
These two have the cutest banter. At the start of this novel, I worried that the rivalry would stand a bit in the way of the sweetness of this book, but that wasn't the case. The way these two feed off one another and respond with witty remarks makes for a really fun and goofy ride.
The concept of these two having a list of rules that they cannot break unless they call a truce was a great idea. Not only was it a super fun way to have Bobby and Winter grow together, but it was a really smart way to format the book. Each chapter is named after a specific rule that gets broken before the chapter is through. Learning to go with the flow can often be a hard lesson to learn, but sometimes letting one's guard down can lead to the most magical of moments. Seeing Winter and Bobby embrace spontaneity was really fun, and a great reminder that some of life's greatest treasures happen when you least expect them to. I was a tad disappointed that many of these things involved super cliché things such as vaping, going to parties, and drinking, but at least these two seemed to learn their lessons in the long run.
This book deals quite a bit with pursuing one's own happiness rather than doing what others thinks is best for them. It can be really hard to break free from familial expectations, so it was nice seeing Winter help Bobby through many of his insecurities. This didn't just come into play involving choosing a college and career path, but it also came up with past familial traumas and disagreements. Every family has history, but it is important to remind oneself that you are more than your family's past endeavors.
Both Winter and Bobby's families are Korean, but they have both lived through very different life experiences. Winter's family embraces their culture, speaks the language, and continues to keep the culture alive, whereas Bobby's family tries to assimilate to all things American. This has caused Bobby to feel alienated through many of life's circumstances. Seeing him work through some of his doubts with his family was another great part of this novel.
Kai was another highlight of this book for me. Kai is Bobby's unapologetically queer, black, outspoken friend who is also a huge nerd. He lives in the world of comic books and design, which I found added a ton to his already awesome character. His one-liners were so hilarious, and Kai did a great job of adding another layer of humor and authenticity to this already great book.
Overall, "Rules for Rule Breaking" is a fun, academic rivals to lovers romance that does a great job of showcasing that life doesn't always go as planned and that some of the best memories come from putting aside your fears and living in the moment. I adore Bobby (he's such a relatable worrywart of a boy; I just want to give him a hug!) and Winter as main characters. They are both so relatable and had such realistic, pressing problems in their lives. The banter, the summery road trip vibes, and the Korean culture were all top tier in this book. It may not be my favorite book, but I certainly had a fun time with this one. I am excited to check out more of Tucker's work in the future!
Winter Park and Bobby Bae have known each other for ages, but that's only because their families have been long time friends. If they had their way, they would never speak to one another outside of the many academic activities they find themselves in together. Unfortunately, they will be seeing a lot more of each other over the summer since their parents have agreed that it would be a great idea for the two of them to go on a road trip to explore potential colleges. Now, the two rivals find themselves stuck in a car together for over 700 miles. Forced to spend time with one another, Winter and Bobby learn that they may have more in common than they originally assumed. . .
This was such a cute, relatable romance! Both Winter and Bobby are overachievers who have spent most of their lives thus far excelling in school and trying their hardest to prep for their collegebound lives after high school. School was pretty much my entire life too, so I totally can get behind this. The road trip element added the forced proximity trope that this rivals to lovers romance needed, and I was hooked as soon as their rule breaking adventure began!
The thing that made this romance click for me was how relatable both of the main characters are. I see a ton of myself in Bobby. From his high anxiety that often leads to panic attacks, his need to extensively plan ahead, and his overly sensitive nature, I see a ton of myself in him. Winter is a tad more rambunctious and filled with more fire, but I definitely see myself in many of the little parts of her. I can certainly relate to her unease with driving and the fact that mosquitoes just can't get enough of her.
These two have the cutest banter. At the start of this novel, I worried that the rivalry would stand a bit in the way of the sweetness of this book, but that wasn't the case. The way these two feed off one another and respond with witty remarks makes for a really fun and goofy ride.
The concept of these two having a list of rules that they cannot break unless they call a truce was a great idea. Not only was it a super fun way to have Bobby and Winter grow together, but it was a really smart way to format the book. Each chapter is named after a specific rule that gets broken before the chapter is through. Learning to go with the flow can often be a hard lesson to learn, but sometimes letting one's guard down can lead to the most magical of moments. Seeing Winter and Bobby embrace spontaneity was really fun, and a great reminder that some of life's greatest treasures happen when you least expect them to. I was a tad disappointed that many of these things involved super cliché things such as vaping, going to parties, and drinking, but at least these two seemed to learn their lessons in the long run.
This book deals quite a bit with pursuing one's own happiness rather than doing what others thinks is best for them. It can be really hard to break free from familial expectations, so it was nice seeing Winter help Bobby through many of his insecurities. This didn't just come into play involving choosing a college and career path, but it also came up with past familial traumas and disagreements. Every family has history, but it is important to remind oneself that you are more than your family's past endeavors.
Both Winter and Bobby's families are Korean, but they have both lived through very different life experiences. Winter's family embraces their culture, speaks the language, and continues to keep the culture alive, whereas Bobby's family tries to assimilate to all things American. This has caused Bobby to feel alienated through many of life's circumstances. Seeing him work through some of his doubts with his family was another great part of this novel.
Kai was another highlight of this book for me. Kai is Bobby's unapologetically queer, black, outspoken friend who is also a huge nerd. He lives in the world of comic books and design, which I found added a ton to his already awesome character. His one-liners were so hilarious, and Kai did a great job of adding another layer of humor and authenticity to this already great book.
Overall, "Rules for Rule Breaking" is a fun, academic rivals to lovers romance that does a great job of showcasing that life doesn't always go as planned and that some of the best memories come from putting aside your fears and living in the moment. I adore Bobby (he's such a relatable worrywart of a boy; I just want to give him a hug!) and Winter as main characters. They are both so relatable and had such realistic, pressing problems in their lives. The banter, the summery road trip vibes, and the Korean culture were all top tier in this book. It may not be my favorite book, but I certainly had a fun time with this one. I am excited to check out more of Tucker's work in the future!
A Complicated Love Story Set in Space by Shaun David Hutchinson
5.0
Space monsters, robot teachers, snobby holograms, times loops, and more await the crew that are stuck aboard the "Qriosity" in this queer, sci-fi adventure set in space!
Noa's life has been pretty mundane, and he doesn't expect this to change as he closes his eyes before bed. But when he wakes up, he finds himself floating in space outside of a ship called the "Qriosity." He soon realizes that he is stuck aboard alongside a handsome boy named DJ and a spitfire of a girl named Jenny. The three of them have no idea how they got on this ship or where they are, but that is only the start of their problems. They soon find themselves battling crazy alien creatures, stuck in a time loop, and battling the mundanity of being one of three people stuck on a spaceship that is blasting through space. Can the three young heroes unravel the mysteries that lurk all around the spaceship? Or will they be stuck floating around space aimlessly until they inevitably run out of supplies?
Oh. My. Goodness. I have loved all of the books that I have read by Shaun David Hutchinson in the past so it's no shock that I loved my time with this one, too. However, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. It's hilarious, filled with fun twists and turns, and showcases one of the best love stories that I have ever read. Truly just. . . Wow.
This is definitely my favorite story set in space that I have ever interacted with. I'm usually not a huge fan of space operas, but this book is the type of romance filled space adventure that I can get behind. I mean, Gays in Space! (If you know, you know.)
Hutchinson's writing (as always) is truly top tier. For some reason, it always astounds me that people can be so funny and write with such tenderness at the same time. In one paragraph, a character spits out the wittiest one-liner, and in the next, a character is dropping a touching viewpoint on our purpose in the world. I adore the way that Hutchinson does this with such skill and ease.
The love story in this one is so pure. DJ is willing to do anything for Noa, but Noa is trying to learn how to trust again after his worldview was shattered by a devastating incident. The banter, the sexual tension, the lengths these two go to protect one another? *chef's kiss* It's truly a S-tier relationship that I loved exploring from the very first page to the last. And all the dirt that is revealed in the last few segments between these two are insane! Also, shout-out to Jenny for being stuck with these two lovebirds for so long in such a confined area.
The concept of this book isn't super crazy, but the art is kinda in the simplicity. Three teens get stuck in space with no idea how they got there and they must work together to try to return home. So many obstacles come at them throughout the length of this book, and I found myself rooting for these kids every step of the way. And the ending was so shocking (though looking back on it, it explains so much. . .)!
This book is funny, swoonworthy, and full of heart, but it also touches on some really dark topics such as depression, suicide, and sexual assault. All of Hutchinson's books seem to touch on these topics, so this didn't come out of left field for me, though it is something to definitely take into account especially if you've never read his work before. The time loop element that was included in this novel is such a creative way to showcase the mundanity of depression and the ideology that one can't escape from the situation that they find themself stuck in.
Overall, "A Complicated Love Story Set in Space" blew my high expectations out of the water. I loved it so much and I found myself consuming all four hundred and fifty some pages in one day; I just couldn't put it down! I adore all the characters, the strange events that happen to them in space, and all the messages that this book portrays. It's super hilarious, has one of the most precious romantic relationships I've ever read, and had me tearing up at certain moments. This book takes the reader on quite the journey, and I know for a fact that it is one that I will relive again and again before my time on this planet is through.
Noa's life has been pretty mundane, and he doesn't expect this to change as he closes his eyes before bed. But when he wakes up, he finds himself floating in space outside of a ship called the "Qriosity." He soon realizes that he is stuck aboard alongside a handsome boy named DJ and a spitfire of a girl named Jenny. The three of them have no idea how they got on this ship or where they are, but that is only the start of their problems. They soon find themselves battling crazy alien creatures, stuck in a time loop, and battling the mundanity of being one of three people stuck on a spaceship that is blasting through space. Can the three young heroes unravel the mysteries that lurk all around the spaceship? Or will they be stuck floating around space aimlessly until they inevitably run out of supplies?
Oh. My. Goodness. I have loved all of the books that I have read by Shaun David Hutchinson in the past so it's no shock that I loved my time with this one, too. However, I was surprised by how much I enjoyed this one. It's hilarious, filled with fun twists and turns, and showcases one of the best love stories that I have ever read. Truly just. . . Wow.
This is definitely my favorite story set in space that I have ever interacted with. I'm usually not a huge fan of space operas, but this book is the type of romance filled space adventure that I can get behind. I mean, Gays in Space! (If you know, you know.)
Hutchinson's writing (as always) is truly top tier. For some reason, it always astounds me that people can be so funny and write with such tenderness at the same time. In one paragraph, a character spits out the wittiest one-liner, and in the next, a character is dropping a touching viewpoint on our purpose in the world. I adore the way that Hutchinson does this with such skill and ease.
The love story in this one is so pure. DJ is willing to do anything for Noa, but Noa is trying to learn how to trust again after his worldview was shattered by a devastating incident. The banter, the sexual tension, the lengths these two go to protect one another? *chef's kiss* It's truly a S-tier relationship that I loved exploring from the very first page to the last. And all the dirt that is revealed in the last few segments between these two are insane! Also, shout-out to Jenny for being stuck with these two lovebirds for so long in such a confined area.
The concept of this book isn't super crazy, but the art is kinda in the simplicity. Three teens get stuck in space with no idea how they got there and they must work together to try to return home. So many obstacles come at them throughout the length of this book, and I found myself rooting for these kids every step of the way. And the ending was so shocking (though looking back on it, it explains so much. . .)!
This book is funny, swoonworthy, and full of heart, but it also touches on some really dark topics such as depression, suicide, and sexual assault. All of Hutchinson's books seem to touch on these topics, so this didn't come out of left field for me, though it is something to definitely take into account especially if you've never read his work before. The time loop element that was included in this novel is such a creative way to showcase the mundanity of depression and the ideology that one can't escape from the situation that they find themself stuck in.
Overall, "A Complicated Love Story Set in Space" blew my high expectations out of the water. I loved it so much and I found myself consuming all four hundred and fifty some pages in one day; I just couldn't put it down! I adore all the characters, the strange events that happen to them in space, and all the messages that this book portrays. It's super hilarious, has one of the most precious romantic relationships I've ever read, and had me tearing up at certain moments. This book takes the reader on quite the journey, and I know for a fact that it is one that I will relive again and again before my time on this planet is through.
Your Blood, My Bones by Kelly Andrew
Wyatt Westlock is finally returning to her childhood home after her father's death. Upon reaching the property, she has every intention of burning the farmhouse to the ground. That is, until she finds her childhood best friend, Peter, chained up in the basement. Wyatt doesn't know it, but Peter is actually an immortal being that the Westlock family has killed for many generations in order to keep the beast of the woods at bay. The only way for Peter to break free is to end the Westlock bloodline—even if it means killing the only person he's every truly cared about. With the dangers in the forest growing closer, Wyatt and Peter must put aside their differences and work together, even if neither one can trust the other.
This book had me feeling so stupid. The entire time, I felt like I was putting together a puzzle but none of the pieces fit together all that well. All of the magical elements in this book had little lore to back it up, and I found that incredibly frustrating. The fact that this book isn't told in chronological order also had me trying to discern what happened in the past between the three children that made them all hate each other, which took more of my brain power than I liked.
I think that though the overarching plot in this one isn't super unique, it also had some serious potential. Dark fantasies tinged with horror are in right now, so I can see the reader appeal. I just wish that this book would have flowed more fluently so that I could have understood more of the magical elements. I literally finished the entire book and still have a hard time explaining to someone else what went down in it.
The only thing that this one really had going for it was Peter. I really pitied the fact that his father practically sold his soul to a demon. Like, seriously dad? Who hits their young child with an ax and then sells their soul to a literal demon? Definitely not the smartest move. I felt so bad that Peter had to choose between his freedom and the girl that he loved. Unfortunately, not even the romance carried this book for me, so I still found myself mostly bored and confused the entire way through.
Overall, I am extremely disappointed to say that "Your Blood, My Bones" was a complete and utter miss for me. I was really looking forward to reading this one, but the organization of this book had me so confused. I think if this book would have been told in chronological order and the characters had time to grow on me before they all started hating each other I could have really enjoyed this one. As it is, I was confused by the laws of magic, I didn't dig the romance, and I found the ending to be super predictable despite not really knowing what was happening. I am still looking forward to checking out more of Andrew's work in the future, though I will definitely go into her next books cautiously optimistic.
2.0
Dark secrets lie on the Westlock property and it's up to three estranged childhood best friends to put them to rest once and for all.
Wyatt Westlock is finally returning to her childhood home after her father's death. Upon reaching the property, she has every intention of burning the farmhouse to the ground. That is, until she finds her childhood best friend, Peter, chained up in the basement. Wyatt doesn't know it, but Peter is actually an immortal being that the Westlock family has killed for many generations in order to keep the beast of the woods at bay. The only way for Peter to break free is to end the Westlock bloodline—even if it means killing the only person he's every truly cared about. With the dangers in the forest growing closer, Wyatt and Peter must put aside their differences and work together, even if neither one can trust the other.
This book had me feeling so stupid. The entire time, I felt like I was putting together a puzzle but none of the pieces fit together all that well. All of the magical elements in this book had little lore to back it up, and I found that incredibly frustrating. The fact that this book isn't told in chronological order also had me trying to discern what happened in the past between the three children that made them all hate each other, which took more of my brain power than I liked.
I think that though the overarching plot in this one isn't super unique, it also had some serious potential. Dark fantasies tinged with horror are in right now, so I can see the reader appeal. I just wish that this book would have flowed more fluently so that I could have understood more of the magical elements. I literally finished the entire book and still have a hard time explaining to someone else what went down in it.
The only thing that this one really had going for it was Peter. I really pitied the fact that his father practically sold his soul to a demon. Like, seriously dad? Who hits their young child with an ax and then sells their soul to a literal demon? Definitely not the smartest move. I felt so bad that Peter had to choose between his freedom and the girl that he loved. Unfortunately, not even the romance carried this book for me, so I still found myself mostly bored and confused the entire way through.
Overall, I am extremely disappointed to say that "Your Blood, My Bones" was a complete and utter miss for me. I was really looking forward to reading this one, but the organization of this book had me so confused. I think if this book would have been told in chronological order and the characters had time to grow on me before they all started hating each other I could have really enjoyed this one. As it is, I was confused by the laws of magic, I didn't dig the romance, and I found the ending to be super predictable despite not really knowing what was happening. I am still looking forward to checking out more of Andrew's work in the future, though I will definitely go into her next books cautiously optimistic.
The Prison Healer by Lynette Noni
5.0
A slow-burn romantasy set within the confines of prison with political turmoil boiling inside and out.
Kiva Meridan has spent the last ten years of her life inside the dangerous prison, Zalindov, working as the prison healer. Her life is mundane, but she finds purpose in keeping her young friend, Tipp, safe from harm. She awaits the day that her family will return for her, but in the meantime, she is doing everything it takes just to survive. That is, until the Rebel Queen is captured and is about to be put to death by the Trial of Ordeals. Unwilling to bear the death of the woman who fights hardest for the common people, Kiva volunteers to take her place. Now, Kiva must figure out how to survive all four trials while also avoiding the everyday hazards of the world's most dangerous prison.
How does one rate a book like this? On one hand, I almost fell asleep multiple times reading the middle section, but this book had me feeling so many emotions over the course of it. The ending was super intense, filled with crazy twists, and also made me tear up. I think this book still deserve five stars, despite the slow pacing. This book takes its sweet time and isn't overflowing with action, but I really enjoyed my time learning about Kiva and her life working as the prison healer. And I never disliked my experience while reading this book, so I think the high rating is still warranted.
One of my favorite parts of this book is just the everyday interactions between the characters. Kiva, Tipp, Jaren, Naari, and Mot make up quite a disheveled found family, but I found them to have such a sweet vibe. It's also inspiring to see that even in a horrible prison, pieces of light always seem to shine through somehow.
Kiva is a complex girl. It is clear that she has many secrets (though I definitely didn't see most of them coming), but she mostly keeps to herself and just wants to live to see the next day. Tipp is so precious and makes me want to protect him at all costs. The young and innocent characters always seem to die in dark fantasies and dystopian worlds, so I will be watching this kid like a hawk! Jaren is slightly aggravating, but also quite charming; things that I love to see in a love interest. He certainly has his fair of secrets (though his are a bit easier to disclose than Kiva's), but he puts everything on the line for Kiva, which is so darn cute. I can't wait to see how these two's relationship develops in the future installments of this series!
Oddly enough, this book often felt like I was reading an account from the Holocaust. From the way that the prisoners are treated by the guards to the way that the prison functions, it reminded me of the prison camps that existed during World War II. Obviously, they are very different, but it was interesting to read a fantasy book that was this dark yet still allowed the light to stream in from time to time.
I know that everyone says this, but the ending of this book truly does go crazy! I found that I couldn't turn the pages fast enough and that my heart was practically pounding out of my chest for the last few chapters of this book. There was a few close calls (I was definitely crying), but Noni was nice enough not to leave us in too horrible of a situation by the end of the book. I surprisingly didn't see the bomb of a secret that was shared on the last page, but I am stoked to read the rest of this series as soon as possible. Between watching how Kiva and Jaren's relationship will develop despite their secrets, how the revolution plays out, and learning more about the world's magic system, I am so excited to dive into the rest of this series!
Overall, I was pleasantly shocked by how tightly "The Prison Healer" had me grasped in its talons. When I first started this book, I gave kudos to how strong Noni's writing is and the interesting world that she has crafted. It did see a bit too "Hunger Games"-esque for me at the start, but it quickly morphs into its own story that I came to love dearly. I adore the characters, often didn't see the twists coming, and am so intrigued by the magic system. The fact that this book takes place in a prison is also unique, and I can't wait to see more of this world outside of Zalindov. I am desperate to see how the rest of this series will pan out after the crazy ending that this book has; I am truly looking forward to a thousand more pages with this cast of characters!
Kiva Meridan has spent the last ten years of her life inside the dangerous prison, Zalindov, working as the prison healer. Her life is mundane, but she finds purpose in keeping her young friend, Tipp, safe from harm. She awaits the day that her family will return for her, but in the meantime, she is doing everything it takes just to survive. That is, until the Rebel Queen is captured and is about to be put to death by the Trial of Ordeals. Unwilling to bear the death of the woman who fights hardest for the common people, Kiva volunteers to take her place. Now, Kiva must figure out how to survive all four trials while also avoiding the everyday hazards of the world's most dangerous prison.
How does one rate a book like this? On one hand, I almost fell asleep multiple times reading the middle section, but this book had me feeling so many emotions over the course of it. The ending was super intense, filled with crazy twists, and also made me tear up. I think this book still deserve five stars, despite the slow pacing. This book takes its sweet time and isn't overflowing with action, but I really enjoyed my time learning about Kiva and her life working as the prison healer. And I never disliked my experience while reading this book, so I think the high rating is still warranted.
One of my favorite parts of this book is just the everyday interactions between the characters. Kiva, Tipp, Jaren, Naari, and Mot make up quite a disheveled found family, but I found them to have such a sweet vibe. It's also inspiring to see that even in a horrible prison, pieces of light always seem to shine through somehow.
Kiva is a complex girl. It is clear that she has many secrets (though I definitely didn't see most of them coming), but she mostly keeps to herself and just wants to live to see the next day. Tipp is so precious and makes me want to protect him at all costs. The young and innocent characters always seem to die in dark fantasies and dystopian worlds, so I will be watching this kid like a hawk! Jaren is slightly aggravating, but also quite charming; things that I love to see in a love interest. He certainly has his fair of secrets (though his are a bit easier to disclose than Kiva's), but he puts everything on the line for Kiva, which is so darn cute. I can't wait to see how these two's relationship develops in the future installments of this series!
Oddly enough, this book often felt like I was reading an account from the Holocaust. From the way that the prisoners are treated by the guards to the way that the prison functions, it reminded me of the prison camps that existed during World War II. Obviously, they are very different, but it was interesting to read a fantasy book that was this dark yet still allowed the light to stream in from time to time.
I know that everyone says this, but the ending of this book truly does go crazy! I found that I couldn't turn the pages fast enough and that my heart was practically pounding out of my chest for the last few chapters of this book. There was a few close calls (I was definitely crying), but Noni was nice enough not to leave us in too horrible of a situation by the end of the book. I surprisingly didn't see the bomb of a secret that was shared on the last page, but I am stoked to read the rest of this series as soon as possible. Between watching how Kiva and Jaren's relationship will develop despite their secrets, how the revolution plays out, and learning more about the world's magic system, I am so excited to dive into the rest of this series!
Overall, I was pleasantly shocked by how tightly "The Prison Healer" had me grasped in its talons. When I first started this book, I gave kudos to how strong Noni's writing is and the interesting world that she has crafted. It did see a bit too "Hunger Games"-esque for me at the start, but it quickly morphs into its own story that I came to love dearly. I adore the characters, often didn't see the twists coming, and am so intrigued by the magic system. The fact that this book takes place in a prison is also unique, and I can't wait to see more of this world outside of Zalindov. I am desperate to see how the rest of this series will pan out after the crazy ending that this book has; I am truly looking forward to a thousand more pages with this cast of characters!
Long Live the Pumpkin Queen by Shea Ernshaw
2.0
Sally's story is brought to life in this reimaging of Tim Burton's "The Nightmare Before Christmas," which gives her more personality and more backstory than ever before.
Sally has just married the love of her life, Jack Skellington, and has officially been appointed the Pumpkin Queen of Halloween Town. Upon marrying Jack, Sally is thrust into a spotlight that she never wanted. It turns out that when one marries a king, it is hard to stick to the shadows that she knows and loves so well. Overwhelmed by all the expectations, Sally flees Halloween Town looking for a break. Her respite takes an unexpected turn when she accidently unleashes a dangerous force onto her beloved subjects. Now she must do everything in her power to save her people before it's too late.
This is the definition of a book that I would never pick out for myself to read. I've never been a huge fan of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and Sally has always creeped me out, so it's no surprise that this book wasn't high on my bucket list. I found myself reading it now because I allowed some of my best friends to pick out books for me. Unsurprisingly, I found myself quite alienated by this book for several reasons, but I was holding out hope that maybe the writing would be spectacular, or the plot would be super engaging. Sadly, neither was the case.
Disney books are always interesting because they depend greatly on already knowing and loving the characters. In the past, I haven't liked Sally and it has been years since I've watched the original movie, so I found myself constantly having to think real hard to figure out what this book was talking about. This certainly alienated me and constantly took me out of the reading experience, which didn't do this book any favors.
On top of that, the writing was quite simple and though it was super creepy at times, the word choice was overall weak. I found the writing style to be plain and boring, which had me drifting away consistently and having to reread certain sections to catch up on what I had missed.
Lastly, the plot was predictable, cliche, and yet hard to believe at times. Also, a huge portion of this book features Sally traveling through the realms, which made for a real lackluster book. In the midst of all this traveling, Sally finds herself in Dream Town. While there, she learns many hard truths that I found hard to accept. I don't remember "The Nightmare Before Christmas" lore all that well, but this entire scenario just seemed super unlikely. And come on, I knew who the mysterious sand creature was from the first mention, which took away most of this book's urgency.
Overall, "Long Live the Pumpkin King" is probably a decent book, but I am definitely not the target audience. Not only am I not a fan of Sally and "The Nightmare Before Christmas," but I've had a hard time suspending my belief when it comes to the scenarios that are presented in Disney books. I am a stickler on it following Disney's canon, and this book just didn't seem to do that very well with my limited knowledge of the movie. Beyond that, the writing was pretty blah, the plot was predictable, and the travel scenes were all really repetitive. I'm definitely going to try out more of Ernshaw's books in the future as well as more Disney books, but this one didn't do much for me.
Sally has just married the love of her life, Jack Skellington, and has officially been appointed the Pumpkin Queen of Halloween Town. Upon marrying Jack, Sally is thrust into a spotlight that she never wanted. It turns out that when one marries a king, it is hard to stick to the shadows that she knows and loves so well. Overwhelmed by all the expectations, Sally flees Halloween Town looking for a break. Her respite takes an unexpected turn when she accidently unleashes a dangerous force onto her beloved subjects. Now she must do everything in her power to save her people before it's too late.
This is the definition of a book that I would never pick out for myself to read. I've never been a huge fan of "The Nightmare Before Christmas" and Sally has always creeped me out, so it's no surprise that this book wasn't high on my bucket list. I found myself reading it now because I allowed some of my best friends to pick out books for me. Unsurprisingly, I found myself quite alienated by this book for several reasons, but I was holding out hope that maybe the writing would be spectacular, or the plot would be super engaging. Sadly, neither was the case.
Disney books are always interesting because they depend greatly on already knowing and loving the characters. In the past, I haven't liked Sally and it has been years since I've watched the original movie, so I found myself constantly having to think real hard to figure out what this book was talking about. This certainly alienated me and constantly took me out of the reading experience, which didn't do this book any favors.
On top of that, the writing was quite simple and though it was super creepy at times, the word choice was overall weak. I found the writing style to be plain and boring, which had me drifting away consistently and having to reread certain sections to catch up on what I had missed.
Lastly, the plot was predictable, cliche, and yet hard to believe at times. Also, a huge portion of this book features Sally traveling through the realms, which made for a real lackluster book. In the midst of all this traveling, Sally finds herself in Dream Town. While there, she learns many hard truths that I found hard to accept. I don't remember "The Nightmare Before Christmas" lore all that well, but this entire scenario just seemed super unlikely. And come on, I knew who the mysterious sand creature was from the first mention, which took away most of this book's urgency.
Overall, "Long Live the Pumpkin King" is probably a decent book, but I am definitely not the target audience. Not only am I not a fan of Sally and "The Nightmare Before Christmas," but I've had a hard time suspending my belief when it comes to the scenarios that are presented in Disney books. I am a stickler on it following Disney's canon, and this book just didn't seem to do that very well with my limited knowledge of the movie. Beyond that, the writing was pretty blah, the plot was predictable, and the travel scenes were all really repetitive. I'm definitely going to try out more of Ernshaw's books in the future as well as more Disney books, but this one didn't do much for me.