13 stories between sunset and sunrise.

Happy Publication Day!

I’m not always a huge fan of anthologies, but when I was asked to join this blog tour and read the description I knew this was for me. Young adult short stories set between sunset and sunrise written by authors likes Karen M. McManus, Nina LaCour and Tiffany D. Jackson, sign me up!

Although these stories don’t connect they contain certain elements that bring them together to make this anthology work. I really respected the diversity and inclusion shown throughout this book.

I found myself relating to certain stories more than others just based on my life experiences. For example, I loved Creature Capture by Laura Silverman because I’m a Pokémon Go player, and What About Your Friends by Brandy Colbert reminded me of Dance Marathon when I went to Penn State.

My favorite story was The Ghost of Goon Creek by Francesca Zappia because it made me reminisce of my high school days going to the graveyard and ghost hunting with my best friends.

This book hits all different genres including thrillers, romance, drama, and horror. Full of teenage angst, these stories are about friendships, adventures, and first loves. There is a focus on diversity with many different types of characters including different races, LGBTQ+ representation, and a MC with a disability.

One thing I would say is there are some trigger warnings that weren’t mentioned prior to reading including racism and physical and sexual abuse of a child. These might be good to know going in especially if you are a young reader.

This is my first book tour, and I’m so excited to be included. Thank you Algonquin Young Readers and NetGalley for my advanced copies in exchange for my honest review.

3.5 stars

While at college, Priya is diagnosed with chronic Lyme disease which forces her to move back home with her family. Ashamed that she didn’t finish school, she befriends Brigid online. They join a virtual support group for people with chronic illnesses. Brigid does not talk about what her illness is, but when she suddenly goes offline, Priya decides to check on her. What she finds when she gets to Brigid’s house is a horrifying creature, a werewolf. Is it really a werewolf and if it is, where’s Brigid? What did the creature do to her or is there a chance this werewolf is actually Brigid?

This was an interesting take on a story about friendship and unconditional support. The relationship between Priya and Brigid was strange especially with one of them being a werewolf. I don’t know that I would drive to a different state if someone I only knew online stopped posting, but that’s exactly what Priya does. Their friendship grows though even after Priya figures out what Brigid’s illness is. One part I loved about their story though was the animal control person, Spencer, who Priya calls twice to help her when Brigid is in werewolf form. I thought his character was a great comedic addition to the story.

This book is young adult and has parts that are written as a chat with slang and hashtags used when the support group is meeting online. I actually enjoyed this even if I might have had to look up a couple of things! I loved the members of the support group and thought they were great secondary characters especially because they brought attention to the chronic illnesses they had.

Overall, I enjoyed this story. This book was an interesting take on how to live with a chronic illness and focuses on peer support and found families. I have read some reviews that say the cover is racist, but please know that the werewolf on the cover is not meant to be Priya, the Tamil character, but is actually Brigid in her werewolf form.

Thank you NetGalley and Quirk books for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.