This book is such an interesting blend of science fiction and story-telling, which actually isn't what I would really guess from the cover. I love it when authors go across different genres, and this is a great example of that. I think it definitely trends a little older middle grade, and the writing is beautiful throughout. The writing itself is emotionally powerful and really focuses on the power of stories. Having also just read [book:Fahrenheit 451|13079982], that was an interesting juxtaposition.

Generally, while this is categorized as middle grade, I think the writing, the story, and the characters trend a little older to me. At least, that's how they felt reading through it. There are some gorgeous lines throughout this book, and Petra's emotions come through so well on the page. And in the audiobook. Because of the storytelling aspect of the story, I actually highly recommend the audiobook!

 Thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this to review! In all honesty, this kind of horror isn't necessarily my favorite genre. But, I read The Initial Insult last year and had to know how this story ended. In true Mindy McGinnis style, you're in for an absolutely wild ride.

This book picks up immediately where the first one leaves off, with no interruption in the events happening. What I found useful in this book is McGinnis includes the days everything is happening, becuase it would be easy to forget how much time is passing. Especially becuase for parts of the story, Tress is in a state of delirium. As she unravels the complete story, you'll figure out the mystery right along with her. Needing to know why all of this is happening in this town.

Did the ending seem a little far-fetched? Yes, but also so does the rest of the story. So, it kind of fits. I will say, if you get queasy at descriptions of gore or infected wounds, you might want to avoid this one. Because there are some very gruesome descriptions in this book. Like, I had to skip a few sections because I just couldn't do it.

I know the first book was a Poe story re-telling (I don't remember which one), but there are a lot of nods to Poe in general throughout this book. If you are an Edgar Allen Poe fan, I'm sure you would have a great time trying to find all the Easter eggs. Those are masterfully done!

Honestly, I feel like if you know Mindy McGinnis, you know what you're getting into when you pick up this book. She manages to keep the reader on their toes, and this is a dark, gruesome book that should definitely make it on your YA horror lists! 
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Is this a great ending to this duology? Absolutely, yes. Should you read it if you have a squeamish stomach? Probably not. That was absolutely a wild ride, stay tuned for a full review to come later this week!

Okay, I know a lot of people love this series and more power to you! I just thought this last book was too long. A lot of the plot feels too drawn out, and even if the characters make up for it (most of the time), it just still felt too long. There didn't seem like much of a point as to what was happening? Maybe it just needed a better edit.

Hands down, Alucard and Rhys were my absolute favorites and I would 100% read a book about just them. I loved their interactions, their relationship. It just worked so well for me. Kell and Lila had some chemsitry, but there wasn't a spark like there was for Alucard and Rhys.

While I get that there's this big bad villain, it didn't seem like he had too much motivation? A lot of the magic also seemed a bit too convenient, especially when it came to Lila. Pieces of her character arc were to be expected, but there was also no explanation for a lot of it. Actually, there was a lot of just forgetting about the past and why things were the way they were. Maybe I just wanted more explanation.

All in all, this is an enjoyable series, I just wanted something different from this final novel.

 Thanks to Tor Teen and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this to review! TJ Klune has become one of my favorite authors, and I was so excited to get a copy of this early! Yes, I have a lot of other spring books to review, but I was just in the mood for some of my favorite superheroes.

It was a bit difficult to summarize this without spoiling it, but I did my best! It picks up almost immediately after Flash Fire leaves off, dropping you right into the middle of the action. However, you know there's something that's not quite right. I thoroughly enjoyed how Klune teased this for the first half of the novel. It came in bits and pieces, just adding to the mystery.

If you're familiar with superhero stories, a lot of the plot points won't be a surprise to you. But that didn't matter much to me, as I just love these characters. One of the best things about this book is the way Nick's dad is so supportive of him. There are some frank conversations in this book about sex, and for gay teens to see that played out in a safe way on page is so important. And also absolutely leads to some hilarious scenes with Nick, his dad, and Seth. Like, laugh out loud funny.

The way ADHD is represented also feels authentic and real. I've though this in each of the books in this trilogy, and part of it is a journey of Nick accepting himself with it. Nick is such a great narrator, and for teens getting to see ADHD represented like this on the page is great. Nick is also thoroughly supported by his friends and their little found family. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Klune is the king of writing found families.

I would love for this series to get turned into a grpahic novel becuase I think it would be fantastic. This was a great ending to this trilogy, and I can't wait for everyone else to read it! 
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Not going to lie, I'm going to miss these characters! Stay tuned for a full review to come on Tuesday!

Thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this to review! The premise of this book sounded fascinating, so I was excited to pick it up. Especially looking at that cover! Even if I prefer to read dark and spooky things in fall. This will be a great book to add to that list!

I definitely got Lovecraftian vibes all throughout this book. I mean, look at the tentacles on the cover. Should have been your first clue that there might be some Cthlulu action going on. While it was always easy to follow what was happening when Adelle and Connie were in the world of Moira, I think that was part of the point. It added to the mystery of the novel, and also kind of fit that kind of horror genre.

For the most part, the characters were pretty well developed. Connie's struggle coming to terms with her sexuality and figuring that out especially felt well done. Her and Adelle have some great friendship moments, which helps balance some of the darker elements of the gothic horror plot.

Book lovers who have always wanted to dive into their favorite books will also find Addie and Connie relatable. Even though some of the world building could have been a bit stronger, the characters and the basic bones of the plot definitely make up for it.

All in all, if you're looking for book themed horror, you'll definitely fall in love with The Book of Living Secrets! 

From the characters to the art to the story, this graphic novel is entertaining and fun, but also isn't afraid to deal with difficult topics. Specifically surrounding transgender teens. Pulling from the magical girl trope in manga, Max, a trans boy, finds out he's the next in a long line of Magical Girls chosen to defend the world from darkness.

One of the things I loved about this book was the way that Max is eventually able to work with the magic he's given and use it the way he wants to. It works well with the way that Max is learning to accept himself and make changes in his regular life to fit the way he views himself as well. The support he gets from his best friend, Jen, and other characters along the way helps him to feel validated. Which in turn, helps him to better use his magic by the end. The way the plot and the characters work together in this instance just makes the story such fun to read.

I loved the manga style art as well. It works well with the story, and adds a fun element to the emotions of the characters throughout. Walnut, Max's cat, is also a great addition to the overall cast of characters, as who doesn't like a grumpy guardian cat? 

My only complaint would probably be some of the pacing doesn't quite work by the end of this, as parts of the story seem to go too fast and parts seem to go too slow. But for the most part, this didn't take away from the reading experience for me, and I'll definitely be picking up the second volume when it comes out later this year!

 Thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins for an advanced copy of this to review! I saw this cover on NetGalley and knew that it was something I absolutely had to review. Just look at it! It looks like a fun middle grade graphic novel full of fantasy and adventure. And it lived up to expectations!

From the beginning, Lius establishes this magical world. In the beginning, we meet Zuli, surrounded by magical birds in a wondeful tree. The art in this book defintiely lends itself well to the fantastical world Liu has crafted. Actually, this might be some of my more favorite art I’ve seen in a middle grade graphic novel. The colors are striking, and Issakhanian brings these characters and creatures to life. She helps transport the reader to this fantastical world.

Additionally, I loved that the birds had such personality in this book. Frowly especially, His quips and comments throughout added some humor in tense situations, and it made reading the story even more entertaining. Frowly is supposed to be guarding Zuli, but sometimes it’s the other way around.

However, my only complaint is that the book gets a bit wordy at times. While it is necessary to explain magic and rules, sometimes the text is overwhelming. Finding a way to break it up might have helped reduce some of the text heavy pages.

All in all, if you’re looking for a magical adventure in a graphic novel, this is definitely the book for you! 
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A magical book with beautiful art, great characters, and great writing. Stay tuned for a full review sometime this week!

 Thanks to HarperCollins and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this to review! The cover to this book is absolutely striking. You know from the beginning you're likely getting an action packed science fiction epic, and that's exactly what this book delivers.

Falaye sets the tone of this story right from the beginning. We get to see Sloane's powers in the first opening scene, and you know that something dangerous is going to follow it. This is definitely a military driven story, and we see how this affects Sloane from beginning to end. Thoughout, Falaye integrates the African mythology with the technology of those in power, making for an overall hard-hitting story.

While sometimes pacing can be difficult for stories like this, I'd argue the pacing is pretty spot on in this book. It makes the story itself more accessibly, and it makes it difficult to put the book down. In addition to the pacing, Falaye fleshes out each of the main characters well. They more than one dimensional, adding to the intense nature of the story.

All in all, if you're looking for something like Skyhunter by Marie Lu, this is a great read-a-like. I'd definitely be interested in reading the next book! 

I know this graphic novel just came out a few weeks ago, but why aren't more people talking about it? There is so much to love about it, from the way difficult issues are handled (eating disorders, depression, panic attacks, sexuality, therapy) to the emotions to the characters. They're all handled with grace and it 100% has found a home on the YA graphic novel shelf.

Following the story of Winifred, just starting her sophomore year of high school and ready to reinvent herself since her best friends have moved to different schools. In her art class, she forms a relationship with fellow outcasts April and Oscar. As they get closer, Winifred starts to come out of her shell. But there's one thing she's been holding back, and it just might cost her her friendship.

Let's start with the art. I am absolutely in love with the color palette, as I think it just suits the story really well. The way that Searle uses color and line to depict Winifred's emotions, especially as it relates to her anxiety. There are some gorgeous panels thorughout this book, and I'm happy to say that the writing matches the art. 

The inclusion of the zine that Winifred, Oscar, and April added to the complextiy of the emotions in the story, and reflects their friendship throughout. Searle also handles each of their different stories with care, especially when it comes to mental health. It feels realistic and authentic, which isn't always easy to do in graphic novel format.

All in all, there is so much to love about this graphic novel. You'll fall in love with the characters, and also with the writing and the art. 

A historical fiction novel in verse, this book is about the last group of enslaved Africans to be brought to the United States. I listened to the audiobook, which I actually would recommend because they use different narrators for all of the different characters and I think it really adds to the storytelling aspect of the book. 

I also highly recommend reading/listening to all of the information at the end in the author's note, because it gives a little persective as to why they chose to write this story. And then, take a look at this <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4284710801?book_show_action=true&from_review_page=1">review</a> that talks about the fact that one of the authors is white. Just some important things to think about while reading this story.

Overall, I think the writing is easy to read and makes the story more accessible to those that might not otherwise know much about this particular moment in history. Definitely an important read.