Taylor is quickly establishing herself as a master of interesting magic systems and world building, as that's why I was initially drawn into this story. The magic system was fascinating, especially how it relates to the postal system in this world. There's also a great slow burn romance and plenty of tension as we build to the climax towards the end of the book.

If you like your YA fantasy on the darker side, definitely check this one out!

As always, I am a huge fan of the art in these graphic novels. The way color is used, the different layouts, the style of the characters. It all works so beautifully together. 

We do get more Persephone/Hades content in this, as well as explorations of trauma and healing in different contexts. The plot in this one feels a bit more direct, and I appreciate getting to see what's going on outside of Persephone and Hades' little bubble. All in all, not a bad entry into the series!

Thanks to NetGalley and Top Shelf for an advanced copy of Low Orbit by Kazimir Lee to review! The cover is what grabbed me for this book, and I’m happy to say that the art throughout matched the vibes. I’m also always a sucker for those discovering identity kind of books, and this is definitely that!

Though this isn’t sci-fi, there are pieces of the sci-fi novel that Azar grows to love interwoven throughout the story. Azar also deals with some complicated family/friend stuff, in addition to trying to figure out her identity. There’s a lot for teens to relate to in her story, and I appreciated that the ending isn’t necessarily quite a happily ever after. But it still ends with hope. 

There’s a cast of strong characters here, with all of their relationships evolving over the story. Tristan, Azar’s neighbor turned best friend, was possibly the most interesting to me. They have a lot on their plate with their dad, but their friendship with Azar allows them a little more freedom to be themselves again. It really is a sweet story.

All in all, if you like graphic novels that explore identity and relationships, definitely check it out when it comes out at the end of this month! 
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Review to come!

In my experience, it's rare that comp titles actually describe the feelings of a book because usually they're used to make connections to popular books. However, this book is spot on with it's description The Cruel Prince meets The Selection because that's honestly exactly how I would describe it. A marriage competition featuring fae and magic would hit well with both of those audiences.

One of my favorite things about this book was the inclusion of the stories from the other girls in the competition. I think it helped in rounding out the world that Smith created and added a depth to everyone who was in the competition. I almost wish we could have gotten more from them!

Fair warning, there is some sexual content in this book, in case you're thinking of recommending it for younger audiences. But overall, a great fantasy romance.

A historical graphic novel where something more sinister and supernatural is going on below the surface. The art style worked really well for the story, and the characters were engaging and interesting all around. The world building was well done, immersing us in this horror based history, and adding to the tension. Really well done all around!

I always have a hard time with anthologies for teens because, for the most part, I don't think they're necessarily drawn to read them. At least, in my experience talking with them. This one is different in that it's more an anthology of information rather than short stories, and I do think it's highly informative about the current state of book banning and what many authors have had to deal with in today's climate.

I also appreciated the book lists and information sandwiched between the essays, and any teen looking to learn more about the process should definitely check this one out.

Suzanne Collins really was like, you wanna see why Haymitch drinks all the time? Bet. And then wrote a story guaranteed to emotionally devastate you, but also comment on the current political climate (as she does). Getting the full story of Haymitch's Games changes the context of the books that follow. Especially when it comes to propaganda and who gets to tell the story. I highly recommend reading the Q&A with Suzanne Collins that's included in the B&N edition because it shows her thought process and the importance of the quotes at the beginning of the book. 

While the overall structure of the story is familiar (Reaping, Game prep, Games themselves, aftermath), we get different insight in this book, especially in relation to the whispers of rebellion in Panem. Haymitch's and Katniss's Games parallel each other in so many ways, honestly making me like their relationship in the original books even more. 

From a plot standpoint, you could probably read this before reading the original trilogy, but I think you get more out of it if you don't read them in chronological order (plus there are spoilers in the epilogue for Mockingjay). The little connections, both from Katniss's story and from Ballad, make this an even more intense reading experience. Lots of people from other stories make an appereance in this book, giving us more context for their backgrounds as well. 

In addition to familiar faces, we meet a lot of new people as well. It is a Hunger Games novel, though, so be wary of getting attached to anyone because there are 48 people in Haymitch's Games. 48. If you read Ballad and thought that getting Snow's background made hime more likable, Suzanne Collins really said think again. His actions in this book...oof. 

Suzanne Collins is a masterful storyteller, writing stories you'll still be thinking about long after you finish them. There's so much more I want to say about this book, so I'll probably write a blog post about it eventually. If you are a Hunger Games fan, I would say this book is a must-read.

Also, side note, does anyone else remember this <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7mUjssn86h4">fan made video</a> from back when the original books came out? It came to mind while I was reading this, and the real story behind the Games is so much worse than we ever could have imagined.

Thanks to NetGalley and Simon & Schuster for an advanced copy of Love at Second Sight by FT Lukens! Always a fan of Lukens work, and this might have worked its way up to my favorite book by them. It seemed like there was a little more at stake in this book than in their previous books.

Let me just start by saying Lukens brilliantly draws parallels between the way Cam’s parents won’t accept their supernatural ability and parents that won’t accept their kids’ sexuality. Cam’s parents are trying to change who he is, despite his journey towards accepting himself. It’s a very fitting comparison to make in a society that is actively trying to erase LGBTQ+ identities.

Aside from that, the characters are what initially drew me into this story. Cam is a wonderful narrator, and eventually finds a little group of friends who accept him wholeheartedly. And help him on his journey towards the supernatural. His relationship with Mateo was adorable, and it had a realistic progression throughout the book.

The ending of the book is a bit wild, taking a turn that you might not expect. But this made the book even more engaging for me, and I was definitely on edge for that last 20% of the book. If you like supernatural mysteries, definitely check this one out when it comes out in April! 
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Review to come!

I finished this entire audiobook while doing housework yesterday and honestly, I might like it better than the first one. This was supposed to be my light read before (hopefully) starting Sunrise on the Reaping today, but the emotions hit hard in this one. Also the beginning of this one definitely had Red, White, & Royal Blue vibes to me (rivals that don't like each other have to make good for the paparazzi and end up falling in love? We love to see it).

Though this book follows different characters, I would still recommend reading the first book because there are some spoilers for that book in this one. Plus, it adds to the emotional depth (especially for Kris and his relationship with his brother Coal). 

Yes, this is silly holiday fun, but it packs an emotional depth that will absolutely make you fall in love with these characters.

While this didn't necessarily wow me, it was still an entertaining read! Especially if you enjoy enemies to lovers, through the way of vampire x vampire hunter. The romance was mostly believable, and I apreciated the inclusion of Mexican mythology with the vampire lore. That is definitely was kept me reading until the end.

The plot seems to lose its was a bit towards the middle, and for a minute at the end, I thought we were going to get a cliffhanger ending. I do appreciate a standalone in YA fantasy, though, because those don't happen very often! If you enjoy vampire romance, this one is worth checking out.