This is a creepy, atmospheric, horror fantasy novel that definitely works if you're looking for horror to read in the summer. It reminded me a little of [book:Summer Sons|53290204] but more YA with a little more magic to it. It gave me similar kind of vibes, though. 

The characters in this are well done; you have a diverse group, working together to fight this bone monster that has shown up at Laurel's farm. Isaac was probably my favorite character, even though his story was probably the most heartbreaking. The scene with his dad in their apartment? Devastating. 

The only thing that really turned me off was the changing perspectives throughout. I understood the necessity of it, but it kind of threw me off, listening to the audiobook. It would take me a minute to realize that we were in a different character's mind.

All in all, if you're looking for a new YA horror book to check out, definitely pick this one up!

There is only one way that Briseis can save her mother. She must find the final piece of the Absyrtus Heart, one of the most deadly things in the world. In order to find it, Briseis must learn about her family history. Turning to blood relatives that she's never met and learning about their secret powers is the only way that she can save her mom. 

However, it turns out that Briseis and her family aren't the only one looking for the last piece of the heart. The fates spell out a journey, one that could lead to more tragedy. Will Briseis be able to harness her power and magic in time to save the ones that she loves?

Thanks to NetGalley and Bloomsbury YA for an advaced copy of this to review! I eagerly awaited this sequel after reading This Poison Heart, because how could you not with that ending? I had to know what was going to happen next, and I'm so glad this lived up to my expectations!

What I loved about these books is the way that Bayron plays with Greek mythology. It feels different than any other retelling that I've read before. This is truly where she excels in writing because even though you might be familiar with the story, there's unexpected twists and turns that keep you guessing all throughout. If you're at all familiar with the myths here, you'll love the tiny easter eggs throughout.

And the characters! The combination of the world building, the magic, and the characters makes this a truly engrossing book. Despite a bit of a slow start, once the action picks up, it never lets go. You won't be able to get to the end fast enough. And then you'll be sad it's over.

It's definitely safe to say that Kalynn Bayron is a writer I will continually be watching for her amazing skill for retellings!

Read this as the first part of a summer reading swap I'm a part of at a local bookshop, and it's definitely outside of what I normally read. But, I found myself enjoying it more than I expected! April has such a distinct voice throughout, and you find yourself rooting for her through everything.

This book definitely features the found family trope, which is one of my favorites. I loved the people April meets on her journey, and couldn't help but be frustrated when she kept leaving them behind. Like, I get it, but still. Let yourself be happy April! 

It's a book I'd never have read without this swap, but I think I'm glad I read it!

Tillie Walden will probably forever be one of my favorites because I love her art style. It's so unique. You see a graphic novel by her and you know it's hers almost immediately. And getting to see how that style changed over time? Amazing. I loved the little notes she included as well, talking about her own process as an artist and how she was influenced while she was creating. 

I don't know why it took me so long to read this particular collection, but I love that all her early work is together in one place. Something I definitely need to add to my own graphic novel collection, and I don't know why I haven't yet!

There's so much emotion in this book, even though some of the stories are short. For sure something I want to revisit again in the future!

With things cooled down, the boys can finally focus on their brand once again. I loved the mentor relationship they form with Joe, especially after getting rejected by the shop owner once again. That whole storyline was inspiring, and gives Ryo the courage to live completely out and proud. A great overall ending to the series!

There are some serious conversations in this volume about gender and sexual identity and the way we perceive that for famous people. These conversations have been happening a lot online lately too, with the popularity of shows like Heartstopper. People don't owe you those aspects of their lives, and they are allowed to change!

But anyway, I digress. I love Ryo being able to come into his own and I can't wait to see where he goes in the next volume.

In order to get the sales going on their new brand, Ryo and Jin team up with a popular YouTuber. This volume ends with a huge cliffanger, so I'm so glad I picked up volumes 3 and 4 at the same time!

What I liked about this volume is the way Ryo's struggles are laid out, we get to really see his thought processes. When he comes out to someone at work, he realizes that maybe he'll be accepted more than he thought. The complex relationships in this really added another dimension.

Can't wait to see what happens next!

From start to finish, you're going to be hooked by this book. By the emotions, by the characters, by the relationships. Right off the bat, you see how close May is with her brother Danny, and when he dies by suicide, it's heart wrenching. Seriously, Ho does those emotions so well. I don't often cry in books, but I definitely teared up a little at the end.

Outside of mental health, there are also so many great discussions about racism and who gets to tell the story. I love that one of the things May and her friends focus on when trying to make their voices heard is that often, their voices are silenced. The title is so apt, the way May eventually finds her voice is beautiful. Ugh. There's just so much to love.

The only reason this isn't get 5 stars is becuase I do think the pacing was off at times. But everything else was spot on, and if you're looking for a book that isn't afraid to tackle difficult issues, definitely check this one out!

The world building in this book was absolutely magical. I appreciated how Tooley combined Sofi's journey with us learning more about the world, also giving us flashbacks that slowly reveal what was actually going on. The overall pacing and the way the characters interacted with the world just worked really well. I was entranced by Sofi from the beginning, and thoroughly enjoyed the way that her relationship with Lara transformed thorughout the novel.

Really, the main reason this isn't getting a full 5 stars is because the twist was obvious to me from the beginning. Well, not 100% of the details, but there suggestions there right from the first time that Sofi plays her instrument. However, this didn't take away that much enjoyment from me, and I always love to find standalone fantasy so I don't have to wait for the next book.

If you're looking for a new, queer fantasy to try this summer, this will definitely be your jam!

There is so much to love about this book. The characters are complex, there are a lot of great discussions about ableism and mental health, and it's really just a book about learning to be true to yourself. Learning to get the courage to stand up for what you want. Verónica's journey is definitely an emotional one, but I loved seeing her find her voice and finally stand up for herself. All of that was so well done.

Outside of Verónica's journey, I wish that her relationship with Alex would have been a little more developed. It felt a little insta-lovey, which isn't always my favorite. And while they did have a few deep conversations, I didn't feel like it got developed much outside of that. 

But the whole mermaid thing was cool and awesome and I would totally read more stories about that. Definitely would recommend this book for anyone looking for a complex, emotional summer read!