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Originally posted at Between the Shelves!
Innovations Academy is a school where girls learn how to behave in high society. From the beginning, they are taught how to be obedient. The Guardians watch over them, ensuring that they always fall in line with the rules. Also ensuring that they are always on their best behavior. The girls don’t have to learn things like math or science; they’re trained to be obedient to men, no matter what.
After a field trip to a local garden, Mena starts to think that something else more sinister is behind the academy. Following the outburst of a fellow student, Mena begins to notice other things happening around the academy that seem a little fishy. And as she and her friends start to uncover the secrets of Innovations Academy, the truth is much darker than they ever expected. In order to save themselves, the girls must learn how to band together.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. And I’m so happy I did! From beginning to end, I liked almost everything about this book. The characters, the premise, the setting, the messages; everything worked together to create an engaging book I read in almost one entire sitting.
We’re not given a ton information right from the beginning. However, the way we learn about the world that Mena and her friends live in is parallel to the way that the girls figure out what’s happening in their own world. It’s an unraveling mystery throughout the entire book. You know from the beginning that there’s something more sinister behind the academy, but Young does a great job keeping you in the dark until the very end. And by then, you just have to know what’s really going on at Innovations Academy.
While this is a fictional tale, there’s also a lot of truth behind the knowledge that’s being bestowed upon the girls. Young’s story explores a lot about the power relationships between men and women, all the while emphasizing that girls are just as powerful as men. I loved the way that Mena and her friends come into their own strength through their knowledge, empowering them to want to get out of their current situation.
Overall, the book gives you plenty of twists, keeping you on your toes while you’re reading. One or two of the plot points are slightly predictable, but these don’t take away much from the story. I would recommend this book on its themes alone, but its portrayal of strong female characters and strong female friendships are also strong selling points.
Strong feminist themes and an unpredictable plot make Girls with Sharp Sticks the YA release you’ll want to immediately grab when it comes out in March.
4.5/5 stars
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Innovations Academy is a school where girls learn how to behave in high society. From the beginning, they are taught how to be obedient. The Guardians watch over them, ensuring that they always fall in line with the rules. Also ensuring that they are always on their best behavior. The girls don’t have to learn things like math or science; they’re trained to be obedient to men, no matter what.
After a field trip to a local garden, Mena starts to think that something else more sinister is behind the academy. Following the outburst of a fellow student, Mena begins to notice other things happening around the academy that seem a little fishy. And as she and her friends start to uncover the secrets of Innovations Academy, the truth is much darker than they ever expected. In order to save themselves, the girls must learn how to band together.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. And I’m so happy I did! From beginning to end, I liked almost everything about this book. The characters, the premise, the setting, the messages; everything worked together to create an engaging book I read in almost one entire sitting.
We’re not given a ton information right from the beginning. However, the way we learn about the world that Mena and her friends live in is parallel to the way that the girls figure out what’s happening in their own world. It’s an unraveling mystery throughout the entire book. You know from the beginning that there’s something more sinister behind the academy, but Young does a great job keeping you in the dark until the very end. And by then, you just have to know what’s really going on at Innovations Academy.
While this is a fictional tale, there’s also a lot of truth behind the knowledge that’s being bestowed upon the girls. Young’s story explores a lot about the power relationships between men and women, all the while emphasizing that girls are just as powerful as men. I loved the way that Mena and her friends come into their own strength through their knowledge, empowering them to want to get out of their current situation.
Overall, the book gives you plenty of twists, keeping you on your toes while you’re reading. One or two of the plot points are slightly predictable, but these don’t take away much from the story. I would recommend this book on its themes alone, but its portrayal of strong female characters and strong female friendships are also strong selling points.
Strong feminist themes and an unpredictable plot make Girls with Sharp Sticks the YA release you’ll want to immediately grab when it comes out in March.
4.5/5 stars
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Though a bit slow at the beginning, this certainly picks up pace by the end. Everyone says the second book is better,so I'm excited to see what that one brings!
Though it was a bit difficult for me to follow at the beginning, I thoroughly enjoyed this book by the end! The premise is unique and you'll be swept away by the fascinating characters.
Review originally posted at between-the-shelves.com!
After the death of her sister, Violet Saunders and her mother move back to Four Paths, her mom's hometown, in order to be with her aunt. She doesn't know anything about this small town in upper New York, and the locals aren't very welcoming to newcomers. However, it turns out that her mom might know much more about the town and its dark secrets than she lets on.
Disney-Hyperion and NetGalley sent me a review copy of this, which I requested after reading the tag line: "Fans of The Raven Boys and Stranger Things rejoice. This is your new obsession." Which is actually the best description for this book. At first, I thought that this was going to be set in a different world (admittedly, didn't read the summary before I requested it), it's definitely more Stranger Things-esque. Small town plagued by a monster trapped in another world.
One of the things I loved most about this book was the multiple narrators. We get points of view from Violet, Justin, and Harper, which helps in building this complex world that Herman created. And it's kind of creepy! We never really get a concrete description of the Beast itself, but what it can do adds an element of darkness throughout the entire novel.In addition to the creepiness of the Gray, Herman's book also looks at power and the different ways people wield it. Though the founders are using their powers to protect the town, their methods become questionable at times. But is it okay because they're doing it for a good cause? You know the mark of a good book when you're still thinking about it when you're finished.
The only ding that I would give this book is that there is a lot of information given to you at the beginning, which can make the story a bit difficult to follow. But as you get more into the characters and each of their struggles, the world starts becoming clear. And there's bi rep in this book! Like, lots of bi rep. Which is really cool!
I hope there's going to be a sequel because that ending left me wanting more.
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After the death of her sister, Violet Saunders and her mother move back to Four Paths, her mom's hometown, in order to be with her aunt. She doesn't know anything about this small town in upper New York, and the locals aren't very welcoming to newcomers. However, it turns out that her mom might know much more about the town and its dark secrets than she lets on.
Disney-Hyperion and NetGalley sent me a review copy of this, which I requested after reading the tag line: "Fans of The Raven Boys and Stranger Things rejoice. This is your new obsession." Which is actually the best description for this book. At first, I thought that this was going to be set in a different world (admittedly, didn't read the summary before I requested it), it's definitely more Stranger Things-esque. Small town plagued by a monster trapped in another world.
One of the things I loved most about this book was the multiple narrators. We get points of view from Violet, Justin, and Harper, which helps in building this complex world that Herman created. And it's kind of creepy! We never really get a concrete description of the Beast itself, but what it can do adds an element of darkness throughout the entire novel.In addition to the creepiness of the Gray, Herman's book also looks at power and the different ways people wield it. Though the founders are using their powers to protect the town, their methods become questionable at times. But is it okay because they're doing it for a good cause? You know the mark of a good book when you're still thinking about it when you're finished.
The only ding that I would give this book is that there is a lot of information given to you at the beginning, which can make the story a bit difficult to follow. But as you get more into the characters and each of their struggles, the world starts becoming clear. And there's bi rep in this book! Like, lots of bi rep. Which is really cool!
I hope there's going to be a sequel because that ending left me wanting more.
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Read more at between-the-shelves.com!
I'm actually giving this 3.5/5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Running Press Kids for providing me with an advanced copy to review! This was a quick read for me, which means that I basically flew through this book! At the surface, this is a fun read full of humor and your typical high school drama. But as you dig deeper, there's a lot to love from this book, between familial expectations, finding your voice, and navigating changing friendships.
Nira's at the core of the novel, and while she's completely oblivious to things happening around her a lot of the time, her voice is what carries readers through the novel. Though I was frustrated with her at times, I loved the way her character was able to learn and grow. And her relationship with her grandma! Her grandma was one of the best parts.
The portrayal of Guyanese culture within the book comes from an own voices author, making it feel authentic and giving readers a glimpse into a culture that is almost non-existent in YA. I actually learned a lot with the interactions between Nira and her family, and those scenes felt very intimate and real.
The only negative I think I'd take away from this book is that the plot is a bit predictable. It has a typical YA feel to it, meaning that the characters and themes are all the more important. For the most part, I think they're up to the task.
Overall, In the Key of Nira Ghani is sure to pull on your heartstrings, and a fitting read for the coming spring!
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I'm actually giving this 3.5/5 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley and Running Press Kids for providing me with an advanced copy to review! This was a quick read for me, which means that I basically flew through this book! At the surface, this is a fun read full of humor and your typical high school drama. But as you dig deeper, there's a lot to love from this book, between familial expectations, finding your voice, and navigating changing friendships.
Nira's at the core of the novel, and while she's completely oblivious to things happening around her a lot of the time, her voice is what carries readers through the novel. Though I was frustrated with her at times, I loved the way her character was able to learn and grow. And her relationship with her grandma! Her grandma was one of the best parts.
The portrayal of Guyanese culture within the book comes from an own voices author, making it feel authentic and giving readers a glimpse into a culture that is almost non-existent in YA. I actually learned a lot with the interactions between Nira and her family, and those scenes felt very intimate and real.
The only negative I think I'd take away from this book is that the plot is a bit predictable. It has a typical YA feel to it, meaning that the characters and themes are all the more important. For the most part, I think they're up to the task.
Overall, In the Key of Nira Ghani is sure to pull on your heartstrings, and a fitting read for the coming spring!
Follow me!
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Wow. I felt like a lot happened in this book, though that seems to be Sarah J. Maas's writing style. Because that definitely happened in Throne of Glass too. Not a bad thing, but there felt like a lot of back and forth until they finally figured out what to do.
I still like the second book in the series the most. There was more character development there, and while we got to meet more people in this one, I wanted the main characters to develop, transform a little more.
Everything always comes with an ultimatum, too. The world building is still amazing, and everything sounds beautiful. All in all, an intricate, entertaining series.
I still like the second book in the series the most. There was more character development there, and while we got to meet more people in this one, I wanted the main characters to develop, transform a little more.
Everything always comes with an ultimatum, too. The world building is still amazing, and everything sounds beautiful. All in all, an intricate, entertaining series.
There are lots of fun story arcs in this volume, ending with Spider-Man battling the Hulk in Canada. And we've got a great mystery to tie us into the next volume--what's going on with Aunt May?
The story isn't 100% my cup of tea, but it was still fascinating! Since we skimmed over a lot of Eastern history in school, it's nice to get these stories outside of Western norms. The art and the text work together really well to tell this story. We need more stories like this in YA lit, and I'm happy to promote them.
Spider-Man/Doctor Octopus: Negative Exposure
Jeff Youngquist, Tony Harris, Brian K. Vaughan, Staz Johnson
The art in this isn't my favorite; it feels too much like a cartoon. The story is all right. Doc Ock is still my favorite villain, but there are better storylines than this.
This is a wonderfully constructed piece of sci-fi, and there is a lot of history about China that I didn't know before. But the book overall is very science/physics heavy, which meant I couldn't connect with the story as much as I might have. Still, keeping up with my goal to read outside my comfort zone.