Oh I liked this one even better than the first book, I think. Yeah, some of the themes and ideas are a bit heavy handed, but I didn't really find that I minded that. We get to see more of the Fae world, and some of the world details that were a little fuzzy in the first book get expanded on this book.

Of course, we get more of Wyatt and Emyr, who are my favorite. I just really loved their chemistry in both books, and their bond gets even stronger in this book. Briar also comes into her own, realizing that she can be someone besides the helped. There were some excellent character arcs throughout this one, and I can't wait to see what Edgmon does next.

Quite honestly, I have always enjoyed Dan Slott's writing. After all, Superior Spider-Man is probably one of my favorite comic runs. This volume gives us a little glimpse in Peter Parker's life after the spell that erased everyone's knowledge that he was Spider-Man. But you know, not nearly as devastating as No Way Home.

We get to see the Thunderbolts in this one, and a little bit of the Green Goblin. The storyline moves forward at a good pace, and I really enjoyed the artwork in this one. All in all, not a bad Spider-Man volume.

This isn't my usual cup of tea, but for the most part, I enjoyed it. It has a different focus than other WWII novels, with much of the story happening in the forests of Poland and focused on survival. There's a sort of magical realism quality to the beginning of the story, and that kind of permeates through Yona's perspective.

The overall story didn't really go where I was expecting it to, which is always a nice surprise. It felt more like a character driven story than anything else. There are also a lot of discussions about identity and home, which is why a lot of people connect with the book. 

Finally got around to reading this, and I'm honestly happy I waited until both books were out. Then I could just immediately go to the next book without waiting! This is Edgmon's debut novel, and there is so much to like about it. For me, I think the best aspect of the writing was the characters. They each had their own voices, and even though there got to be a fairly large cast of characters, I didn't feel like I lost track of who anyone was. Plus, there's a very strong found family aspect, which we always love.

Wyatt and Emyr's evolving relationship is also what kept me hooked. Even though they've lost a lot of years, you can tell there's a strong connection and great chemistry between them. They have a rocky start, but Edgmon did a great job writing the both of them. It's why I immediately needed the next book as well!

The only aspect I would have changed is a bit more world building and a bit more clarity in the timeline. At times, I felt a bit lost and a few more details would have helped situate me a little more in this particular world.

Aside from that, I was absolutely hooked and I can't wait to see what happens in book 2!

The whole issue with Becky at the Forger's house? Hilarious. Everything about this series is just so entertaining, from beginning to end. I'm honestly going to be sad when it's done because the characteres are great, the situations they get into are so funny, and it's just such a fun overall story. 

There's also a story in here with Loid and Bond, where Bond is just trying to help people and Loid doesn't get it. I don't know how Endo comes up with these situations, but I'm just entertained the entire time.

Mark Oshiro really has a knack for writing middle grade, honestly. David's voice feels so authentic throughout the book, and he's just trying to figure out who he is. I loved that this featured a kid who was adopted, and he was really learning how that influences his own identity. Plus, his friendships are changing because he's in middle school, and it's just something that's really relatable to middle grade readers.

I'll be honest, I was absolutely hooked for the second half of this book. I didn't want to put it down until I was done reading! While I think it ends up being slightly too long, I still enjoyed it all the way until the end. It's such a fun middle grade read, and IC an't wait to recommend it at work!

A sort of slice of life story, set in 1930s Chicago following a gay teen who heads there to earn money for his family. Unfortunately, he finds himself tied up in various criminal actitivies. But it also opens his eyes to the possibilities of being queer in the 1930s.

I appreciate these historical fiction novels featuring characters from the LGBTQ+ community, which I feel like has been happening more and more in YA. It gives insight into what life was like then, which unfortunately it's been headed back in that direction again.

For the most part, this is a character driven story, about Joe finding his way in a big city, getting the chance to actually have some romantic flings. While I wish some of the side characters were more developed, I thought Joe's overall character arc was well done. He does get some good character growth, even if the ending felt a little bit rushed.

All in all, if you like historical fiction, you'll probably enjoy this as well!

A mystery/thriller that fans of One of Us Is Lying or A Good Girl's Guide to Murder will definitely enjoy, though it might bear closest resemblance to If You Could See the Sun, a release from last year with a bit of a similar premise. About unravelling the secrets of the rich, and the way that the powerful uses their money to get away with things.

Hana is not a likable character, but that's part of the draw. She's not really afraid to take risks, at least when it comes to fixing other people's problems. Some of the other side characters could have used a bit more development, especially James becuase I felt like he fell a bit flat to me, but Hana's point of view kept the story interesting.

I will say, I kind of saw the plot twist coming towards the end, but that didn't take away from the overall enjoyment of the story. There was one plot element that did surprise me, though! So at least there was a little bit of that plot twist energy happening for me.

Overall, the writing was good and the book itself is paced well. It didn't feel like any moment was too slow or moved too quick. Yvonne Woon is definitely an author I would read from again!

A middle grade graphic novel about learning to make new friends and Dungeons and Dragons, from my favorite Molly Knox Ostertag. I especially appreciated the way the D&D games were included in this; they were illustrated like their own storytlines, which just added to the overall story. Plus, we get little character cards for each new character introduced, whether or not they play D&D. It's just such a fun concept, from start to finish.

There are a lot of middle grade readers who will absolutely love this, there's so much they will be able to relate to. Can't wait to recommend it to avid graphic novel readers at work.

Working at their family's taqueria in their home in San Antonia, Texas is all Ander has ever known. In fact, their home is what inspired them to be a muralist, to follow their dreams to become an artist. However, in order to make sure they make the best of their gap year between high school and college, their family "fires" them. Now, they have the chance to focus on their art.

Until Santi enters the picture. Santi, Ander's replacement at the restaurant, inspires Ander to explore their identity as an artist. Makes them feel more like themselves. But the threat of ICE agents hang over both of their heads. And they'll realize how fragile their new home really is.

Thanks to NetGalley and Wednesday books for an advanced copy of Ander & Santi Were Here by Jonny Garza Villa! This is their second YA book, and it packs a punch. Just like Fifteen Hundred Miles from the Sun. Both of these books explore the idea of that transition period between high school and college, especially when you find someone you connect with. If you haven't read their other book, I highly recommend it!

This book focuses on Ander's gap year, meeting with a mentor before they go off to an art program. However, part of the story is about their artistic journey, learning that they maybe don't have to follow the conventional path. And that those college art programs can sometimes put you into a specific box. I loved the way that art was woven into this story, and how it related to Ander's own growth as a person.

Their chemistry with Santi is also well written. Being undocumented, Santi has seen a lot of difficulties, but you can just tell that he feels safe with Ander. There were so many cute moments between them, and they both have a wonderful, vibrant community around them. A community that would do anything to make sure that they both feel safe.

Villa's writing has also gotten stronger in this book, with descriptions written in a way that just makes the images leap off the page. I honestly wanted to go paint something when I was done reading this!

All in all, another beautiful novel by Villa. Can't wait to see what they write next.