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2.83k reviews by:
betweentheshelves
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This book snuck up on me. In the beginning, I wasn't quite hooked into the story, but the characters are what pulled me into it. By the end, you're rooting for them to make it, for Moon and her sister Star to get out of a toxic situation. I do think the book didn't quite have to be this long, but it was still so heartbreaking. By the time I got to the second half of the story, I couldn't put this book down.
There's a lot of great diversity in this book as well. Moon and Santiago have the best chemistry, and the side characters were just as fleshed out as the main ones. Definitely worthy of all the praise it has been getting!
There's a lot of great diversity in this book as well. Moon and Santiago have the best chemistry, and the side characters were just as fleshed out as the main ones. Definitely worthy of all the praise it has been getting!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Fatphobia
Moderate: Bullying, Sexual content, Suicide, Death of parent
Minor: Infidelity, Racism, Blood
There is also quite a bit of slut shaming in this book.
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I feel like I've read so many gays in space books this year, and I'm okay with that! I listened to the audiobook on this one and it was done so well. The narrator did a fantastic job. Overall, this story had the perfect blend of science fiction adventures and romance. Plus, the chemistry between Kiem and Jainan really propelled the story forward.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Domestic abuse, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship
Moderate: Physical abuse, Torture
emotional
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
New characters, new backstory, all of it is entertaining and engaging. Plus, I'm really enjoying the art style so far! I know this gets a little darker as it goes on, so I'm interested in seeing what's next!
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Honestly, I love Faith Erin Hick's art style becuase I think it works so well for the YA genre. So, I'll read pretty much anything she does art for. The story itself was a fun high school story, even if it was a bit predictable. The characters were fun and it was a quick, entertaining read!
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Thanks to NetGalley and Random House for an advanced copy of this to review! Karen McManus is always sure to produce a mystery that you’ll be hooked on until the end, with plenty of twists and turns. And this one is sure to keep you reading until that last twist!
McManus knows how to spin high school thrillers with a cast of characters that always make things interesting. Throughout this book, there are plenty of red herrings; just when you think you have things figured out, something else comes into play. This makes the book exciting and easy to fly through.
Additionally, each of the three main characters are equally fleshed out. You can tell that they have good chemistry together, making the book even more interesting and exciting. They each have a distinct voice that helps in adding to the mystery.
While making the story happen in 24 hours definitely helps with the pacing of the book, I think expanding the timeline just a bit would have helped in fleshing out some of the minor details. However, fans of McManus’s previous books will definitely enjoy her latest
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Another entertaining mystery from Karen McManus that I'm sure teens will love! Stay tuned for a full review next week.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death, Murder
Minor: Cursing
emotional
funny
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This is a YA romance that isn't afraid to step up and discuss body image issues and self esteem. Those conversations were important and I think Charlie's journey is one that a lot of teens will relate to. The writing in this was engaging, I just felt like the pacing was a bit off.
This has nothing to do with the writing or the story, but can publishers stop putting plot points in the summary that don't happen until like the last 4th of the book??? Who even approved that?? Stop putting spoilers in the book jacket summary!
This has nothing to do with the writing or the story, but can publishers stop putting plot points in the summary that don't happen until like the last 4th of the book??? Who even approved that?? Stop putting spoilers in the book jacket summary!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body shaming, Fatphobia
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Death of parent
Minor: Bullying
emotional
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
I have mixed feelings about this book. It's told in emails back and forth between Bea and Ezra, which didn't necessarily work super well in audiobook format, honestly. The passing of time also felt odd; I was never sure how much time was actually passing. However, the subject matter is important and I do think it will hit home with some teens.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Physical abuse
Moderate: Cursing, Violence, Death of parent
Minor: Domestic abuse, Toxic relationship, Kidnapping
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Thanks to NetGalley and Macmillan-Tor/Forge for an advanced copy of this to review! I don’t dabble in adult fantasy too much, but LGBTQ fantasy is right up my alley. Pitched as Red, White, & Royal Blue meets Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell, which sounds like something we all need in our lives!
For me, the beginning had a bit of a rough start, as it took a couple of chapters to really get into the world and the characters. I would say with Robin's curse, the story really picks up and is difficult to put down! Marske has paced the book just right to pull you in, filling in any lulls in the plot with excellent moments between Robin and Edwin.
This isn’t quite an enemies to lovers romance; I would more classify it as acquaintances/co-workers to lovers. Edwin and Robin have a lot of chemistry, which is clear from the beginning. Being set in the early 1900s means they have to be a bit more discreet, but I think that makes the romance even more exciting. Be warned, there are definitely some steamy scenes in here, firmly planting this into adult fantasy.
Of course, we get a bit of a cliffhanger at the end, but I don’t care because I want to read more about Edwin and Robin. They are just such great characters. Plus, I’m happy to say some of the side characters are fleshed out as well. All of the elements work well together here to create an engaging fantasy that you won’t want to put down.
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This was quite fun! The tone reminded me a bit of TJ Klune's books, honestly. Loved the characters, too! Stay tuned for a full review to come soon.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual content, Violence
Moderate: Bullying
Minor: Gore, Homophobia, Sexism
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The plot in this definitely takes a backseat to Willow's character, which means not a lot happens plotwise in this book. I think I just wanted a bit more resolultion at the end, especially with the main conflict. But the characters were great, and I actually really enjoyed the art style.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Cancer, Mental illness, Terminal illness
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
This was a quick read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it! The magic was interesting, and I loved the chemistry between Maeve, Fiona, and Roe. They honestly made the book for me. And I can't wait to see what comes next!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Hate crime, Homophobia
Moderate: Deadnaming, Suicide, Violence
Minor: Domestic abuse, Racial slurs, Racism