This was unique and adorable, even though it's about purgatory. I loved that the author placed purgatory in an airport because, ahem, liminal spaces. And you know, airports can feel like purgatory if you're stuck there for a long time. The characters arcs were great and I really enjoyed the way that Noone flips between the past and the present to give us the whole picture. A great read!

Set in 1992 during the Rodney King riots, it's sad how similar this story is to what's still happening today. This book is definitely a slow burn; it's very character driven and focuses a lot on the atmosphere and what's going on around Ashley and her friends. Ashley makes a lot of important realizations throughout the book, and there are a lot of discussions to be had from this book. Definitely required reading.

Okay, I was going to just give this three stars until that little wedding at the end. Soooo 3.5 it is. There was just too much going on in this book for me; it didn't live up to the first two in this trilogy. I love the Blackthorns and all their found family, but so. Many. Storylines. It felt like chaos in points, and I just lost track.

Trigger warnings: suicide ideation, suicide attempts, drug addiction, manic episodes

I'm trying to think of any YA books I've read that specifically deal with bipolar II disorder, and I think it's really well done. There are a lot of great discussions in this book about friends who help others through episodes and just discussions about mental health in general. Plus, there aren't many books that have magicians in them, either!

There was also bonus ace rep in here (Ellie's best friend Ripley), which I'm always here for. Overall, this was really well done!

This is one of those books that hooks you from the beginning with its magical world and fantastic characters. And then doesn't let go! Tarasi is just fighting to be her own person, and you get every ounce of that struggle here. I can't wait to see what else Ifueko does!

Review originally posted at between-the-shelves.com!

Thanks to Scribner and Net Galley for sending me an early copy of this to review! I always love reviewing graphic novels, even if they aren’t in their final stages at the time of review. I like seeing what they turn into for the final edition. It’s such a fun process!

This is an honest and personal graphic memoir, showing that most times, LGBTQ+ individuals don’t just pop out of the closet. It’s a process of learning and realization that can take time to get comfortable in your own skin. This is something that I think we need to see more of in LGBTQ literature, especially in the YA realm. It’s important to see this process of coming out, and by being so personal about it, I think a lot of teens and young adults will connect with this story.

I also really enjoyed the art style throughout, for the most part. I think I’d like to see what it looks like in person, as it’s quite minimal at times. This also means that the book reads a bit like a journal or a diary, which complements the story really well. It was engaging and real, exactly what you want a graphic memoir to be.

Overall, this was a great graphic memoir that I think will connect with a lot of people!
-----
Review to come tomorrow!

First of all, this book has so many beautiful lines. I just want to underline them all. Schwab has also infused this book with longing and loneliness and it feels like art from start to finish. I'm going to put my thoughts together and write a more cohesive view next week!

Review originally posted at between-the-shelves.com!

Thanks to Macmillan and Net Galley for sending me an advanced copy of this to review! I love Marie Lu and not only does this have a gorgeous cover, but the story sounded right up my alley. Fast paced and set in a unique world, this one is sure to meet all your dystopian fiction desires.

One of the things I love about Marie Lu is the way she writes action sequences. They’re on full display here, pulling you right in at the beginning and adding on as we learn more about this world. Mara is plagued by Ghosts, which are zombie-like creatures that spread by bites. They’re the Federation’s best weapon against Mara, and the sequences fighting them are really well written.

Lu also incorporates sign language throughout this book, adding another element I thoroughly enjoyed. Talin cannot speak, and the Strikers are required to keep silent when hunting Ghosts, so most of the population knows sign language. Not many action books incorporate sign language like this. Honestly, I thought it was so well done. It also added another element to the world building and made it all the more immersive.

Now, we haven’t even gotten to the characters! Talin and Red are definitely my favorites, and their connection was apparent from the beginning. They have a lot of great chemistry, and the side characters were developed as well. You really come to care about the whole cast of characters, making the book all the more engaging.

Overall, if you’re looking for a new world filled with great characters fighting to save their country, this one is for you!

Stay tuned for a full review tomorrow!

In such an important election year, this book does an excellent job highlighting the struggles that a lot of people face when trying to vote. Especially when voting while Black. Plus, there was great chemistry between Marva and Duke and a bonus storyline about an Instagram famous cat. What's not to like?

Seriously, I just love Magnus and Alec as a couple. I like being able to see what they're up to during these other Shadowhunter series. And the little nods to other books! And by finishing this, I am finally caught up on every Shadowhunter book that's out, thanks to the library! The narration wasn't my favorite in this one (he gave Jem such an odd accent), but overall, enjoyable!