This started out so strongly, but it definitely lost steam about halfway through. It's almost like she wasn't sure where the story was going by the end and the ending just felt underwhelming to me. There was a point where I thought that there might be a sequel coming, but I don't think that's the case.

I do wish the bookstore thing would have been explored more, because we get a lot of it at the beginning and then it fizzles out. Give me more of the interactions she had at the bookstore! Show me the trading, getting stories, the relationships she had with the people passing through. That would have made the book more interesting.

It is a good post-apocalyptic story, though, if you're interested in those. It reminded me a bit of All That's Left in the World by Erik Brown, so pick it up if that's your jam.

A delight, as always! There are some excellent Anya/Becky moments in this, and I loved the introduction of their new neighbors. So cute! This one actually ends on a pretty big cliffhanger, though!

I actually haven't read any of the other memoirs in this trilogy, but now I think I should go back and read the first two. This was the only Printz honor book that I hadn't read last year, so I'm glad to have finally picked this one up. It's such an important story, especially for young people that might find themselves in a similar situation.

This isn't an easy read, so check into content warnings before picking it up. The writing does the story justice, and I'm thankful to Rex Ogle for having the bravery for writing such a difficult topic. Unfortunately, this story might become even more important in the coming administration in the US. 

If you're in the right mindset for it, it is worth the read.

I had a difficult time getting into this one, if I'm being honest. The writing didn't really hook me at the beginning, and there is a lot going on between the three different POVs. At times, the timelines between the three don't always match, which makes it a little hard to follow what was going on.

The premise, however, was really interesting! I always enjoy a good dose of magical realism. It's not a book I'd necessarily know how to recommend to teens, though, because it is so unique.

I'm not sure audiobook was the way to go with this one because there are a lot of puzzles and clues to keep track of. I will fully admit I got lost in some of the treasure hunting because of it. However, it's still an enjoyable read! The descriptions of food are especially well done. I challenge you to read this when you're hungry!

Overall, the characters were well developed and I appreciated Xander and Gemma's changing relationship throughout the book as they both learned family secrets. The exes to lovers trope is always fun, and it's made more fun here with the treasure hunt! 

Thanks to NetGalley and Clarion Books for an advanced copy of A Wizard of Earthsea: A Graphic Novel by Ursula K. Le Guin, adapted by Fred Fordham. It’s been awhile since I read A Wizard of Earthsea, but I thoroughly enjoyed this adaptation! From what I can remember, it does  a good job of hitting the main themes and feel of the original story.

I was super impressed with the art in this. Fordham does a great job bringing this story to life, and the art is so detailed. There are multiple sections with no words, but the story is still carried forward with the art. Graphic novel artists are definitely bringing their A game when it comes to art this year.

This seems like it would be a good introduction to Ursula K. Le Guin if you haven’t encountered her work yet. As someone who doesn’t remember a lot from the novel, I didn’t feel like I was lost at any point. The characters and the world come to life nicely in this format, and I’m hopeful that they’ll continue with her other books as well.

If you’re a fan of fantasy graphic novels, definitely check this one out when it comes out in March! 
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The art in this is absolutely stunning. A full review coming soon!

I am hovering between 2.5 and 3 stars for this one, so I'll give it 3 to be generous.

This book has me convinced: there are not five books worth of story here. Much of this book felt like filler, and honestly, it’s filler that doesn’t feel like it’s furthering the story. We get introduced to a lot (and I mean a lot) of new characters that make it difficult to follow. We’re also introduced to all these new places as Violet and Xaden are looking for a cure/looking for Andarna’s family. Not to mention all the other subplots happening with the side characters. Most of the writing here was a mess, and I’m not sure Yarros herself knows where the story is going.

I know that Yarros wasn’t a fantasy writer before this series, and quite honestly, it shows. If you’re going to write a five book fantasy series, there needs to be some sort of plan of where the story is going, and you can’t convince me there is one. For that reason, the world building feels a bit all over the place in this book as Yarros tries to expand the world, but none of the rules she already established feel consistent. Consistency is key when you’re building an elaborate magical world!

Also, I have never been a fan of the sudden change to different POVs at the ends of books. Either commit to it or don’t. Multiple POVs might actually help with some of the world building stuff, so I wouldn’t mind if that was changed in future books.

Maybe not as badly as Iron Flame, but once again this book needed editing. Not just for repetitive writing, but for the overarching story as well. Maybe an editor could help Yarros figure out where the story is going from here lol.

Once again, I’m mostly here for the dragons. I’d keep reading for Andarna and Tairn only, and I would have loved more time with them in this book. There feels like there’s so much potential with the dragons that Yarros isn’t necessarily utilizing in the story, which is also a bit disappointing.
Let’s be honest, I’ve invested my time in three books, I’ll probably finish out the series just out of pure curiosity. 

Thanks to NetGalley and HarperAlley for an advanced copy of Strange Bedfellows by Ariel Slamet Ries to review! The cover is definitely what drew me in to this one, and the art inside is just as stunning. I’ve loved Ries’ art in everything I’ve read from them so far, so I’m not surprised that I loved this. 

The story and the characters match the artwork in quality. There is so much emotional tension in this, and the exploration of mental health is so well done. Both Oberon and Kon are dealing with their own struggles, from panic attacks to anxiety to depression. The unfolding of Kon’s story is extremely well done, and is so heartbreaking. 

This is a wonderfully layered story with absolutely gorgeous artwork. If you like sci-fi stories that are character forward, definitely check this one out in March! 
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Review to come!

 If you like Jane Austen/Bridgerton/historical dramas of any kind, this is definitely the graphic novel for you. But make it queer! What this has going for it is its characters. Sure, they don't always make the best decisions, but they're teenagers! You've gotta expect a little drama. George and Eleanor have such fantastic chemistry from the beginning that you'll be rooting for them to figure it out the entire time. Literally the entire time.

The art is great throughout, fitting both the time period and helping to bring the characters to life. My only complaint is that it's maybe slightly longer than it needs to be, but that's not the end of the world. I did appreciate all of the historical information provided at the end. If you're into learning more, there's a lot of great information that Conner provides. 

Be warned if you pick this one up: it gets pretty dark! There's a lot of discussion of sexual violence/rape, and women trying to take back their power. If you're familiar with the Medusa myth, those themes likely won't surprise you, but this does come from the Rick Riordan imprint which is usually aimed at a younger audience. I kinda like that he's branching out, though!

My favorite aspect of this was definitely the blending of the mythologies. This is a retelling of Medusa, but it's also steeped in Indian mythology. Those aspects of the story worked really well, and are honestly what kept me reading.

However, the plot did feel uneven to me, and at times, the timeline was difficult to follow (possibly because I was listening to the audiobook). Ends on a cliffhanger for the next book for sure, though!