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betweentheshelves

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hopeful inspiring lighthearted 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: Yes

 Thanks to Delacorte and NetGalley for an advanced copy of this to review! Not only is the cover of this debut absolutely adorable, but it matches the story inside. For anyone looking for cute romances to read over the summer/spring break, I definitely recommend this one!

Like many teen romances, it’s not difficult to guess the plot of this one. What makes it great is the characters and the setting. And the ballet! While I never was really going to go into dancing professionally, I did take dance classes up until high school. I loved seeing Mia work so hard at something, and her hard work definitely pays off. 

The romance between Mia and Louis is also perfectly heart-melty. Part of it is owed to the fact that they are in the city of love and get to go on cute dates. However, they also just have great chemistry on the page, right from the beginning. Those looking for an escapist romance to put them in a good mood will definitely find it in this book.

Fans of Love and Gelato, Again, But Better, and Just One Day will absolutely love Jouhanneau’s debut. 


Expand filter menu Content Warnings
hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

It feels like nothing happened in this book. I listened to it because I thought maybe I was missing something at the start of A Court of Silver Flames, but I wasn't really. I just honestly need to re-read the series at some point. This is mostly just a small glimpse at what happens directly after the war, setting up quite a few things that happen in the next book. Overall entertaining, but doesn't do a whole lot to move the story forward.

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challenging emotional informative 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 definitely lived up to all the hype! It's not getting 5 full stars just because it was a bit slow moving in parts, but it was necessary to the overall storytelling. Lo just captures Lily's voice so accurately, and the timelines and everything felt so authentic and well-researched. This isn't a topic covered much (if at all) in young adult literature, and I definitely think it was a voice that needed to be heard.

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challenging emotional hopeful fast-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

Honestly, DC is really nailing it with these YA graphic novels, for the most part. And their middle grade ones! It's such a great way to get tweens and teens back into reading comics. This one might be my favorite so far! We get Nubia's backstory and her connection to Wonder Woman and I would love for more of this story to get told.

What I loved about this is the way it examines how society perceives people of color who have power. Nubia is afraid to show her power because people (especially the police) will fear her and think of her as dangerous. There are a lot of important race conversations in this book and everyone should start it for that, but stay for the great characters and fantastic art.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
adventurous emotional slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Let me try to put my feelings into words. So, Nesta does show so much growth in this book, and I absolutely loved her friendship with Gywn and Emerie. Those scenes were absolutely some of the best scenes in this book, Nesta training with them and forming friendships. My favorite plot line of the entire book.

There was also great chemistry between Nesta and Cassian, and their evolution throughout the book works really well. Instead of just telling Nesta to get over everything, Cassian is so incredibly patient with Nesta and gives her the space that she needs. Let's her work through her trauma the way that she needs to. Those emotionally intimate scenes where Nesta finally lets down her walls were some of the best scenes in the book.

Despite that, there were some things in this book that made me cringe a little on the inside. Like how terribly everyone treats Nesta, for most of the book. She has PTSD! Also the whole thing between Rhysand and Feyre. I won't get into too much because spoilers, but there was some stuff there that didn't sit right with me. Maybe I'll explain more in a blog post sometime!

Anyway, the plot itself wasn't too surprising, as it fits the normal SJ Maas plot formula. Overall, this book was a bit all over the place for me. Not my favorite SJ Maas book, but it did have some good moments in it.

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dark emotional tense slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Finally jumped on the train and read (listened) to this, and I was mostly entertained! Edward is still as dramatic as ever, but I honestly preferred his voice to Bella's. Plus, I liked getting to know some of Edward's family a bit more, including more of Edward's background. If more books were published from his point of view, I'd likely read them! 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Plot
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Complicated
Diverse cast of characters: No
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

 
Thank you to NetGalley and Macmillan for an advanced copy of this to review! Honestly, the first thing I noticed about this book was the cover. Look how gorgeous it is! The writing within reflects the beautiful title, you can trust me on that.

First of all, this is a pretty dark, heavy book. It deals with a lot of heavy issues, like suicide, drug addiction, and abusive relationships. However, Anderson does it in such a way that your heart hurts for the characters. Jack and Matty find themselves in a more and more dangerous situation throughout, living through hardships that no one should have to endure.

While the character development is definitely well done, the plot is where this book shines. The book starts out running and doesn't let up until the very end. Seriously, I was on the edge of my seat almost the whole time reading this. The characters and the plot work together to create a story that pulls you in and doesn't let go. Plus, the ending sets up the sequel, which I'm sure will be just as compelling.

This book is dark, but there's still an element of hoping running through it. It's all that keeps Jack, Matty, and Ava moving forward. The hope that eventually, they'll get to the finish line. The hope that their lives could possibly be normal, someday.

Despite the emotional devastation this book might put you through, it's one of those books that will keep you thinking long after you finish it. These characters won't leave your mind easily, and all the more reason to wait anxiously for the next book. 
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This was so dark, and yet I didn't want to put it down. Also it's the beginning of a series, so I'm curious where it's going to go. Full review to come on Thursday!

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

 I just love the Karasuno volleyball team so much. The character development is just so well done! 
hopeful lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

It's tournament time!! Also way to end on a cliffhanger, and also so glad I have the next volume to read from the library!
funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I love that we get to keep seeing these characters grow! And continue to play volleyball. It's such a fun time, honestly, and I love jumping into their world.