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popthebutterfly
emotional
mysterious
tense
slow-paced
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Mother Next Door
Author: Tara Laskowski
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: Halloween reads, mystery, thriller, suspense
Publication Date: October 12, 2021
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Recommended Age: 18+ (revenge, slight violence and gore, language, romance, sexual content, death)
Explanation of CWs: Revenge is a major plot point. There is slight violence, gore, and language. There is an adultery scene and sexual references are made.
Publisher: Graydon House
Pages: 352
Synopsis: GOOD MOTHERS…
Never show their feelings.
Never spill their secrets.
Never admit to murder.
The annual Halloween block party is the pinnacle of the year on idyllic suburban cul-de-sac Ivy Woods Drive. An influential group of neighborhood moms—known as the Ivy Five—plans the event for months.
Except the Ivy Five has been four for a long time.
When a new mother moves to town, eager to fit in, the moms see it as an opportunity to make the group whole again. This year’s block party should be the best yet... until the women start receiving anonymous messages threatening to expose the quiet neighborhood’s dark past—and the lengths they’ve gone to hide it.
As secrets seep out and the threats intensify, the Ivy Five must sort the loyal from the disloyal, the good from the bad. They’ll do anything to protect their families. But when a twisted plot is revealed, with dangerous consequences, their steady foundation begins to crumble, leaving only one certainty: after this year’s block party, Ivy Woods Drive will never be the same.
Review: For the most part this was a good book. The book gave me Stepford Wives vibes mixed with Mean Girls. The book did well building the suspense and the character development was well done as well. I also liked the writing and I thought it was well done.
However, I did think that the pacing was a bit slow and there was some events that I didn’t think were possible within the realm of reality we were given. I also thought the world building wasn’t as well done as it could have been. I also saw some of the ending coming from the mid-point of the book.
Verdict: It was ok!
Book: The Mother Next Door
Author: Tara Laskowski
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: Halloween reads, mystery, thriller, suspense
Publication Date: October 12, 2021
Genre: Mystery Thriller
Recommended Age: 18+ (revenge, slight violence and gore, language, romance, sexual content, death)
Explanation of CWs: Revenge is a major plot point. There is slight violence, gore, and language. There is an adultery scene and sexual references are made.
Publisher: Graydon House
Pages: 352
Synopsis: GOOD MOTHERS…
Never show their feelings.
Never spill their secrets.
Never admit to murder.
The annual Halloween block party is the pinnacle of the year on idyllic suburban cul-de-sac Ivy Woods Drive. An influential group of neighborhood moms—known as the Ivy Five—plans the event for months.
Except the Ivy Five has been four for a long time.
When a new mother moves to town, eager to fit in, the moms see it as an opportunity to make the group whole again. This year’s block party should be the best yet... until the women start receiving anonymous messages threatening to expose the quiet neighborhood’s dark past—and the lengths they’ve gone to hide it.
As secrets seep out and the threats intensify, the Ivy Five must sort the loyal from the disloyal, the good from the bad. They’ll do anything to protect their families. But when a twisted plot is revealed, with dangerous consequences, their steady foundation begins to crumble, leaving only one certainty: after this year’s block party, Ivy Woods Drive will never be the same.
Review: For the most part this was a good book. The book gave me Stepford Wives vibes mixed with Mean Girls. The book did well building the suspense and the character development was well done as well. I also liked the writing and I thought it was well done.
However, I did think that the pacing was a bit slow and there was some events that I didn’t think were possible within the realm of reality we were given. I also thought the world building wasn’t as well done as it could have been. I also saw some of the ending coming from the mid-point of the book.
Verdict: It was ok!
dark
emotional
inspiring
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Update: There are some issues that Asian BIPOC reviewers have stated. I would urge others to read their reviews and respect their input. My review is not an endorsement of the book, but just how I felt while reading the work. Please read and respect ownvoice reviewers first and foremost.
Disclaimer: I received this arc from Little Shop of Stories and an e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Jade Fire Gold
Author: June C.L. Tan
Book Series: Standalone for now
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: Chinese MC and side characters. Ownvoice. Sapphic romance side characters
Recommended For...: young adult readers, fantasy, ownvoice, Asian inspired
Publication Date: October 12, 2021
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 17+ (violence, gore, death, grief, child abuse, parental death, torture, alcohol use, self harm TW)
Explanation of CWs: Self harm, child abuse, and torture are shown and mentioned. Violence and gore and death are throughout the book.
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 464
Synopsis: Ahn is no one, with no past and no family.
Altan is a lost heir, his future stolen away as a child.
When they meet, Altan sees in Ahn a path to reclaiming the throne. Ahn sees a way to finally unlock her past and understand her arcane magical abilities.
But they may have to pay a far deadlier price than either could have imagined.
Review: For the most part I liked this read. It was really well written and had some amazing world building. I liked the characters for the most part and they were well developed. I really enjoyed reading this for the most part and it’s your average YA book. I also really liked it because it gave me
However, I did feel like the pacing was completely off and that it threw off the entire book. The romance felt underdeveloped and rushed.
Verdict: It’s good, just needed a bit more.
Disclaimer: I received this arc from Little Shop of Stories and an e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Jade Fire Gold
Author: June C.L. Tan
Book Series: Standalone for now
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: Chinese MC and side characters. Ownvoice. Sapphic romance side characters
Recommended For...: young adult readers, fantasy, ownvoice, Asian inspired
Publication Date: October 12, 2021
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 17+ (violence, gore, death, grief, child abuse, parental death, torture, alcohol use, self harm TW)
Explanation of CWs: Self harm, child abuse, and torture are shown and mentioned. Violence and gore and death are throughout the book.
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 464
Synopsis: Ahn is no one, with no past and no family.
Altan is a lost heir, his future stolen away as a child.
When they meet, Altan sees in Ahn a path to reclaiming the throne. Ahn sees a way to finally unlock her past and understand her arcane magical abilities.
But they may have to pay a far deadlier price than either could have imagined.
Review: For the most part I liked this read. It was really well written and had some amazing world building. I liked the characters for the most part and they were well developed. I really enjoyed reading this for the most part and it’s your average YA book. I also really liked it because it gave me
However, I did feel like the pacing was completely off and that it threw off the entire book. The romance felt underdeveloped and rushed.
Verdict: It’s good, just needed a bit more.
adventurous
emotional
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: City of Shattered Light
Author: Claire Winn
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3.5/5
Diversity: M/M romance side characters, bisexual foster child MC, bisexual MC
Recommended For...: young adult readers, science fiction, heist
Publication Date: October 19, 2021
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 13+ (sexual innuendos, violence, gore, death, language, romance)
Explanation of CWs: Some sexual innuendos are here and there. The book is full of gore and violence. There are a few “bad” words used here and there. The romance is sweet, but small.
Publisher: Flux
Pages: 400
Synopsis: As darkness closes in on the city of shattered light, an heiress and an outlaw must decide whether to fend for themselves or fight for each other.
As heiress to a powerful tech empire, seventeen-year-old Asa Almeida strives to prove she's more than her manipulative father's shadow. But when he uploads her rebellious sister’s mind to an experimental brain, Asa will do anything to save her sister from reprogramming—including fleeing her predetermined future with her sister’s digitized mind in tow. With a bounty on her head and a rogue A.I. hunting her, Asa’s getaway ship crash-lands in the worst possible place: the neon-drenched outlaw paradise, Requiem.
Gun-slinging smuggler Riven Hawthorne is determined to claw her way up Requiem’s underworld hierarchy. A runaway rich girl is exactly the bounty Riven needs—until a nasty computer virus spreads in Asa’s wake, causing a citywide blackout and tech quarantine. To get the payout for Asa and save Requiem from the monster in its circuits, Riven must team up with her captive.
Riven breaks skulls the way Asa breaks circuits, but their opponent is unlike anything they’ve ever seen. The A.I. exploits the girls’ darkest memories and deepest secrets, threatening to shatter the fragile alliance they’re both depending on. As one of Requiem’s 154-hour nights grows darker, the girls must decide whether to fend for themselves or fight for each other before Riven’s city and Asa’s sister are snuffed out forever.
Review: For the most part I liked the book. It had good action and character development. I appreciated the bisexual rep, even though I wanted more of it in the book and had to wait until 40% in to get to the rep. The book was well plotted and I loved how well timed this book was in the wake of kidney-gate in the book community (joking, there is organ selling/kidnapping in this book). The book also did well to switch gender norms. The two leads were the captain and the mechanic respectively and those are roles that media typically shows men in. The book also let a man get kidnapped multiple times, making him the damsel in distress instead of the female identifying people.
The only issues I had with this book is that the book had an incredibly slow and confusing start. The book takes a bit to explain what’s going on and it felt like I spent most of the book playing catch up. The world building could have been better as well.
Verdict: It was good.
Book: City of Shattered Light
Author: Claire Winn
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3.5/5
Diversity: M/M romance side characters, bisexual foster child MC, bisexual MC
Recommended For...: young adult readers, science fiction, heist
Publication Date: October 19, 2021
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 13+ (sexual innuendos, violence, gore, death, language, romance)
Explanation of CWs: Some sexual innuendos are here and there. The book is full of gore and violence. There are a few “bad” words used here and there. The romance is sweet, but small.
Publisher: Flux
Pages: 400
Synopsis: As darkness closes in on the city of shattered light, an heiress and an outlaw must decide whether to fend for themselves or fight for each other.
As heiress to a powerful tech empire, seventeen-year-old Asa Almeida strives to prove she's more than her manipulative father's shadow. But when he uploads her rebellious sister’s mind to an experimental brain, Asa will do anything to save her sister from reprogramming—including fleeing her predetermined future with her sister’s digitized mind in tow. With a bounty on her head and a rogue A.I. hunting her, Asa’s getaway ship crash-lands in the worst possible place: the neon-drenched outlaw paradise, Requiem.
Gun-slinging smuggler Riven Hawthorne is determined to claw her way up Requiem’s underworld hierarchy. A runaway rich girl is exactly the bounty Riven needs—until a nasty computer virus spreads in Asa’s wake, causing a citywide blackout and tech quarantine. To get the payout for Asa and save Requiem from the monster in its circuits, Riven must team up with her captive.
Riven breaks skulls the way Asa breaks circuits, but their opponent is unlike anything they’ve ever seen. The A.I. exploits the girls’ darkest memories and deepest secrets, threatening to shatter the fragile alliance they’re both depending on. As one of Requiem’s 154-hour nights grows darker, the girls must decide whether to fend for themselves or fight for each other before Riven’s city and Asa’s sister are snuffed out forever.
Review: For the most part I liked the book. It had good action and character development. I appreciated the bisexual rep, even though I wanted more of it in the book and had to wait until 40% in to get to the rep. The book was well plotted and I loved how well timed this book was in the wake of kidney-gate in the book community (joking, there is organ selling/kidnapping in this book). The book also did well to switch gender norms. The two leads were the captain and the mechanic respectively and those are roles that media typically shows men in. The book also let a man get kidnapped multiple times, making him the damsel in distress instead of the female identifying people.
The only issues I had with this book is that the book had an incredibly slow and confusing start. The book takes a bit to explain what’s going on and it felt like I spent most of the book playing catch up. The world building could have been better as well.
Verdict: It was good.
emotional
lighthearted
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Holiday Switch
Author: Tif Marcelo
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: Filipino MC, love interest and side characters, Gay side character and side m/m romance, small F/f romance hinted by side characters
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: young adult readers, contemporary, romance, winter holiday season themed
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: October 5, 2021
Publisher: Underlined
Pages: 272
Recommended Age: 13+ (Romance, Sexual innuendos)
Explanation of CWs: Romance throughout the book and some small sexual innuendos.
Synopsis: Lila Castro is ready to take on her last winter break of high school. The snow is plentiful, the mood is full of holiday cheer, and she's earning extra cash working at the cozy local inn. But her perfect holiday plans crash to a halt when her boss's frustratingly cute nephew, Teddy Veracruz, becomes her coworker. When they accidentally switch phones one afternoon, they both realize they've been hiding things from each other. Will their secrets--and a dash of holiday spirit--bring them closer to love?
Review: I really liked this book! It was probably one of the more perfect winter holiday reads I've read and it was filled with so much Hallmark like tropes. The character development was good, the world building was great, and it had very good Christmas puns. The book is a great enemies to lovers romance and I loved how it was a love letter to bookworms. The book also did well to point out the lack of POC focused media for the winter holiday season, so I'm ready to see publishing improve on this in the future.
The only issue I really had is that the book was tropey, but it was fun tropes so I didn't mind it as much.
Verdict: it's so cute and fun!
Book: The Holiday Switch
Author: Tif Marcelo
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: Filipino MC, love interest and side characters, Gay side character and side m/m romance, small F/f romance hinted by side characters
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: young adult readers, contemporary, romance, winter holiday season themed
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Publication Date: October 5, 2021
Publisher: Underlined
Pages: 272
Recommended Age: 13+ (Romance, Sexual innuendos)
Explanation of CWs: Romance throughout the book and some small sexual innuendos.
Synopsis: Lila Castro is ready to take on her last winter break of high school. The snow is plentiful, the mood is full of holiday cheer, and she's earning extra cash working at the cozy local inn. But her perfect holiday plans crash to a halt when her boss's frustratingly cute nephew, Teddy Veracruz, becomes her coworker. When they accidentally switch phones one afternoon, they both realize they've been hiding things from each other. Will their secrets--and a dash of holiday spirit--bring them closer to love?
Review: I really liked this book! It was probably one of the more perfect winter holiday reads I've read and it was filled with so much Hallmark like tropes. The character development was good, the world building was great, and it had very good Christmas puns. The book is a great enemies to lovers romance and I loved how it was a love letter to bookworms. The book also did well to point out the lack of POC focused media for the winter holiday season, so I'm ready to see publishing improve on this in the future.
The only issue I really had is that the book was tropey, but it was fun tropes so I didn't mind it as much.
Verdict: it's so cute and fun!
adventurous
challenging
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Seventh Cadence
Author: Jim Wilbourne
Book Series: The Continua Chronicles Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: Fantasy reads
Genre: Fantasy
Publication Date: October 8, 2021
Publisher: Emergent Realms
Pages: 733
Recommended Age: 13+ (violence, gore, death, grief)
Explanation of CWs: Violence and gore are throughout the read. Themes of grief explored.
Synopsis: After a supernatural and unforeseen calamity shatters the tentative alliance of the five realms, the Deseran Dominion has returned to take back their homeland and restore their oppressive regime.
As the Dominion readies their troops for invasion, the fate of the entire world rests in the hands of a fugitive scientist, a powerful pacifist, and an unseasoned prince with little to guide them but their own ideals. With the freedom of a kingdom at risk, each must find their place in a world torn asunder.
Review: Oh wow! This book immediately hooked me in and for the most part it was a great read. The book had great world building and character development. The found family aspect was so sweet and I loved it. And honestly it was just a fun read.
However, the book was a little tropey and the pacing was slow at times in it. I also thought the character dialogue wasn't the best in some spots.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
Book: The Seventh Cadence
Author: Jim Wilbourne
Book Series: The Continua Chronicles Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: Fantasy reads
Genre: Fantasy
Publication Date: October 8, 2021
Publisher: Emergent Realms
Pages: 733
Recommended Age: 13+ (violence, gore, death, grief)
Explanation of CWs: Violence and gore are throughout the read. Themes of grief explored.
Synopsis: After a supernatural and unforeseen calamity shatters the tentative alliance of the five realms, the Deseran Dominion has returned to take back their homeland and restore their oppressive regime.
As the Dominion readies their troops for invasion, the fate of the entire world rests in the hands of a fugitive scientist, a powerful pacifist, and an unseasoned prince with little to guide them but their own ideals. With the freedom of a kingdom at risk, each must find their place in a world torn asunder.
Review: Oh wow! This book immediately hooked me in and for the most part it was a great read. The book had great world building and character development. The found family aspect was so sweet and I loved it. And honestly it was just a fun read.
However, the book was a little tropey and the pacing was slow at times in it. I also thought the character dialogue wasn't the best in some spots.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
adventurous
emotional
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Endless Skies
Author: Shannon Price
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: young adult readers, fantasy, romance
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publication Date: August 17, 2021
Publisher: Tor Teen
Pages: 354
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, gore, romance, plague)
Explanation of CWs: Romance is heavy throughout the book and it is a love triangle (1f, 2m). Disease is prevalent in the book as it's the motivation. Violence and gore throughout the book.
Synopsis: High above the sea, floats the pristine city of the Heliana. Home to winged-lion shapeshifters―the Leonodai―and protected from the world of humans by an elite group of warriors, the Heliana has only known peace.
After years of brutal training, seventeen-year-old Rowan is ready to prove her loyalty to the city and her people to become one of the Leonodai warriors. But before Rowan can take the oath, a deadly disease strikes the city’s children. Soon the warriors―including two of Rowan’s closest friends―are sent on a dangerous mission to find a fabled panacea deep within enemy lands.
Left behind, Rowan learns a devastating truth that could compromise the mission and the fate of the Heliana itself. She must make a decision: stay with the city and become a warrior like she always dreamed, or risk her future in an attempt to save everyone she loves. Whatever Rowan decides, she has to do it fast, because time is running out, and peace can only last so long...
Review: For the most part I thought this was an okay book. It had good plot and world building. I thought the book was interesting and for someone looking for love triangles and fantasy that harkens back to early 00s YA books, this would probably be a great fit for them.
However, this was such a hard book to get through. The characters were sorely underdeveloped. The book opens up without explanation and the characters were hard to connect with. I also hated the forced love triangle and it just felt too forced.
Verdict: It was just ok.
Book: The Endless Skies
Author: Shannon Price
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: young adult readers, fantasy, romance
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publication Date: August 17, 2021
Publisher: Tor Teen
Pages: 354
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, gore, romance, plague)
Explanation of CWs: Romance is heavy throughout the book and it is a love triangle (1f, 2m). Disease is prevalent in the book as it's the motivation. Violence and gore throughout the book.
Synopsis: High above the sea, floats the pristine city of the Heliana. Home to winged-lion shapeshifters―the Leonodai―and protected from the world of humans by an elite group of warriors, the Heliana has only known peace.
After years of brutal training, seventeen-year-old Rowan is ready to prove her loyalty to the city and her people to become one of the Leonodai warriors. But before Rowan can take the oath, a deadly disease strikes the city’s children. Soon the warriors―including two of Rowan’s closest friends―are sent on a dangerous mission to find a fabled panacea deep within enemy lands.
Left behind, Rowan learns a devastating truth that could compromise the mission and the fate of the Heliana itself. She must make a decision: stay with the city and become a warrior like she always dreamed, or risk her future in an attempt to save everyone she loves. Whatever Rowan decides, she has to do it fast, because time is running out, and peace can only last so long...
Review: For the most part I thought this was an okay book. It had good plot and world building. I thought the book was interesting and for someone looking for love triangles and fantasy that harkens back to early 00s YA books, this would probably be a great fit for them.
However, this was such a hard book to get through. The characters were sorely underdeveloped. The book opens up without explanation and the characters were hard to connect with. I also hated the forced love triangle and it just felt too forced.
Verdict: It was just ok.
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Everything Within and In Between
Author: Nikki Barthelmess
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: Latinx side characters, ownvoice Mexican American Biracial MC, Bisexual side character, f/f romance shown once by side characters
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: Young adult readers, contemporary, ownvoice
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publication Date: October 5, 2021
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 336
Recommended Age: 15+ (Racism, Microaggressions, Underage alcohol consumption, Drug use, Colorism, Language, Religion, Purity culture, Slut shaming, Teen pregnancy mentioned, Sex mentioned)
Explanation of CWs: Racism, colorism, and microaggressions are central to the plot. Underage alcohol consumption shown. Drug use shown. Slight language. Mentions of religion throughout the book. One chapter mentions purity culture fairly heavily. Slut shaming is mentioned. Teen pregnancy is mentioned. Sex is mentioned mildly.
Synopsis: For Ri Fernández’s entire life, she’s been told, “We live in America and we speak English.” Raised by her strict Mexican grandma, Ri has never been allowed to learn Spanish. What’s more, her grandma has always pushed Ri away from the neighborhood they call home and toward her best friend’s world of mansions and country clubs in the hopes that it’ll bring Ri closer to achieving the “American Dream."
In her most private thoughts, Ri has always believed that her mother, who disappeared when she was young, would accept her exactly how she is. So when Ri finds a secret unanswered letter from her mom begging for a visit, Ri decides to reclaim what her grandma kept from her: a language and a mother. But nothing goes as planned. Her mom isn’t who Ri imagined she would be. And Ri’s struggling to navigate the different interweaving threads of her mixed heritage that make her who she is. Nobody has any idea of who Ri really is—not even Ri, herself.
Review: I really loved this book. I thought it did well too show the struggles, that I can only imagine and that I have only heard about from friends and read about in books, Latinx families face when coming to America and feeling a need to assimilate more into the white culture. I loved how brutally honest this book was in showing that. I felt like the character development was amazingly well done and the world building was also wonderful. The plot was also intriguing from start to finish.
The only issue I had was that the pacing was a bit slow in the beginning but it picked up fast and overall I enjoyed this read immensely.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
Book: Everything Within and In Between
Author: Nikki Barthelmess
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: Latinx side characters, ownvoice Mexican American Biracial MC, Bisexual side character, f/f romance shown once by side characters
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: Young adult readers, contemporary, ownvoice
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publication Date: October 5, 2021
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 336
Recommended Age: 15+ (Racism, Microaggressions, Underage alcohol consumption, Drug use, Colorism, Language, Religion, Purity culture, Slut shaming, Teen pregnancy mentioned, Sex mentioned)
Explanation of CWs: Racism, colorism, and microaggressions are central to the plot. Underage alcohol consumption shown. Drug use shown. Slight language. Mentions of religion throughout the book. One chapter mentions purity culture fairly heavily. Slut shaming is mentioned. Teen pregnancy is mentioned. Sex is mentioned mildly.
Synopsis: For Ri Fernández’s entire life, she’s been told, “We live in America and we speak English.” Raised by her strict Mexican grandma, Ri has never been allowed to learn Spanish. What’s more, her grandma has always pushed Ri away from the neighborhood they call home and toward her best friend’s world of mansions and country clubs in the hopes that it’ll bring Ri closer to achieving the “American Dream."
In her most private thoughts, Ri has always believed that her mother, who disappeared when she was young, would accept her exactly how she is. So when Ri finds a secret unanswered letter from her mom begging for a visit, Ri decides to reclaim what her grandma kept from her: a language and a mother. But nothing goes as planned. Her mom isn’t who Ri imagined she would be. And Ri’s struggling to navigate the different interweaving threads of her mixed heritage that make her who she is. Nobody has any idea of who Ri really is—not even Ri, herself.
Review: I really loved this book. I thought it did well too show the struggles, that I can only imagine and that I have only heard about from friends and read about in books, Latinx families face when coming to America and feeling a need to assimilate more into the white culture. I loved how brutally honest this book was in showing that. I felt like the character development was amazingly well done and the world building was also wonderful. The plot was also intriguing from start to finish.
The only issue I had was that the pacing was a bit slow in the beginning but it picked up fast and overall I enjoyed this read immensely.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
dark
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Disclaimer: I received the e-arc and finished book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Vespertine
Author: Margaret Rogerson
Book Series: Vespertine Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: young adult readers, fantasy, religion based
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publication Date: October 5, 2021
Publisher: Mcelderry Books
Pages: 387
Recommended Age: 15+ (Scars, Religion, Death, Plague, Possession, Gore, Violence, Animal Gore, Animal Death)
Explanation of CWs:
Synopsis: The dead of Loraille do not rest.
Artemisia is training to be a Gray Sister, a nun who cleanses the bodies of the deceased so that their souls can pass on; otherwise, they will rise as spirits with a ravenous hunger for the living. She would rather deal with the dead than the living, who trade whispers about her scarred hands and troubled past.
When her convent is attacked by possessed soldiers, Artemisia defends it by awakening an ancient spirit bound to a saint’s relic. It is a revenant, a malevolent being that threatens to possess her the moment she drops her guard. Wielding its extraordinary power almost consumes her—but death has come to Loraille, and only a vespertine, a priestess trained to wield a high relic, has any chance of stopping it. With all knowledge of vespertines lost to time, Artemisia turns to the last remaining expert for help: the revenant itself.
As she unravels a sinister mystery of saints, secrets, and dark magic, her bond with the revenant grows. And when a hidden evil begins to surface, she discovers that facing this enemy might require her to betray everything she has been taught to believe—if the revenant doesn’t betray her first.
Review: The book was okay for the most part. I thought the character development was fairly well done and the plot was intriguing. The book had good writing for the most part and I loved the back and forth between the relic and Artemisia.
However, there were a lot of things I didn't like about the book. The world building was lacking in my opinion and I really wanted to know more about what the world looked like rather than just travel through it rapidly. I thought the book was really hard to get into. The book jumps into the story and doesn't do well at explaining the context or why certain things happen. The magic isn't explained at all. The book is fairly heavy handed on some religion and it's hard to know which one it's based on when there's little context clues. Lastly, the book reminded me a lot of Emily Duncan's Wicked Saints books and I really hated being reminded of that book. Overall, the book is bland. I say it time and time again that books where most of the plot is only told via the book blurb is not a good book and time and time again I prove myself right. When the author does more to explain the book on Goodreads via an update than the book does for 387 pages, that says, to me as a reader, that the book cannot hold its own.
Verdict: Not for me, but maybe for you
Book: Vespertine
Author: Margaret Rogerson
Book Series: Vespertine Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: young adult readers, fantasy, religion based
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publication Date: October 5, 2021
Publisher: Mcelderry Books
Pages: 387
Recommended Age: 15+ (Scars, Religion, Death, Plague, Possession, Gore, Violence, Animal Gore, Animal Death)
Explanation of CWs:
Synopsis: The dead of Loraille do not rest.
Artemisia is training to be a Gray Sister, a nun who cleanses the bodies of the deceased so that their souls can pass on; otherwise, they will rise as spirits with a ravenous hunger for the living. She would rather deal with the dead than the living, who trade whispers about her scarred hands and troubled past.
When her convent is attacked by possessed soldiers, Artemisia defends it by awakening an ancient spirit bound to a saint’s relic. It is a revenant, a malevolent being that threatens to possess her the moment she drops her guard. Wielding its extraordinary power almost consumes her—but death has come to Loraille, and only a vespertine, a priestess trained to wield a high relic, has any chance of stopping it. With all knowledge of vespertines lost to time, Artemisia turns to the last remaining expert for help: the revenant itself.
As she unravels a sinister mystery of saints, secrets, and dark magic, her bond with the revenant grows. And when a hidden evil begins to surface, she discovers that facing this enemy might require her to betray everything she has been taught to believe—if the revenant doesn’t betray her first.
Review: The book was okay for the most part. I thought the character development was fairly well done and the plot was intriguing. The book had good writing for the most part and I loved the back and forth between the relic and Artemisia.
However, there were a lot of things I didn't like about the book. The world building was lacking in my opinion and I really wanted to know more about what the world looked like rather than just travel through it rapidly. I thought the book was really hard to get into. The book jumps into the story and doesn't do well at explaining the context or why certain things happen. The magic isn't explained at all. The book is fairly heavy handed on some religion and it's hard to know which one it's based on when there's little context clues. Lastly, the book reminded me a lot of Emily Duncan's Wicked Saints books and I really hated being reminded of that book. Overall, the book is bland. I say it time and time again that books where most of the plot is only told via the book blurb is not a good book and time and time again I prove myself right. When the author does more to explain the book on Goodreads via an update than the book does for 387 pages, that says, to me as a reader, that the book cannot hold its own.
Verdict: Not for me, but maybe for you
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Disclaimer: I received this finished book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Pahua and the Soul Stealer
Author: Lori M. Lee
Book Series: Standalone for now
Diversity: Hmong mc and side characters
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: Middle Grade readers, fantasy, mythology, retelling
Genre: MG Fantasy
Publication Date: September 7, 2021
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Pages: 320
Recommended Age: 10+ (Slight racism, Murder mentioned, Parent leaving, Death, Slight gore)
Explanation of CWs:
Synopsis: Pahua Moua has a bit of a reputation for being a weirdo. A lonely eleven-year-old Hmong girl with the unique ability to see spirits, she spends her summer days babysitting her little brother and playing with her best friend, a cat spirit no one else can see.
One day Pahua accidentally untethers an angry spirit from the haunted bridge in her neighborhood--whoops. When her brother suddenly falls sick and can't be awoken, Pahua fears that the bridge spirit has stolen his soul. She returns to the scene of the crime with her aunt's old shaman tools, hoping to confront the spirit and demand her brother's return. Instead, she summons a demon.
Thankfully, a warrior shaman with a bit of an attitude problem shows up at the last minute and saves her butt. With the help of this guide, Pahua will have to find her way through the spirit worlds and rescue her brother's soul before it's too late. Little does she know she'll have her own discoveries to make along the way. . . .
With its unforgettable characters, unique nature-based magic system, breathtaking twists and reveals, and climactic boss battle, this story based on Hmong oral tradition offers everything a fantasy lover could want.
Review: I really loved this book! It was amazingly sweet and cute read. I loved the characters and character development. The world building was well done as well and the plot had me hooked from the first page.
However, I did feel like the the pacing was a bit fast. There was a lot of stuff that wasn't explained in story but I did appreciate that the context was in the back of the book.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
Book: Pahua and the Soul Stealer
Author: Lori M. Lee
Book Series: Standalone for now
Diversity: Hmong mc and side characters
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: Middle Grade readers, fantasy, mythology, retelling
Genre: MG Fantasy
Publication Date: September 7, 2021
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Pages: 320
Recommended Age: 10+ (Slight racism, Murder mentioned, Parent leaving, Death, Slight gore)
Explanation of CWs:
Synopsis: Pahua Moua has a bit of a reputation for being a weirdo. A lonely eleven-year-old Hmong girl with the unique ability to see spirits, she spends her summer days babysitting her little brother and playing with her best friend, a cat spirit no one else can see.
One day Pahua accidentally untethers an angry spirit from the haunted bridge in her neighborhood--whoops. When her brother suddenly falls sick and can't be awoken, Pahua fears that the bridge spirit has stolen his soul. She returns to the scene of the crime with her aunt's old shaman tools, hoping to confront the spirit and demand her brother's return. Instead, she summons a demon.
Thankfully, a warrior shaman with a bit of an attitude problem shows up at the last minute and saves her butt. With the help of this guide, Pahua will have to find her way through the spirit worlds and rescue her brother's soul before it's too late. Little does she know she'll have her own discoveries to make along the way. . . .
With its unforgettable characters, unique nature-based magic system, breathtaking twists and reveals, and climactic boss battle, this story based on Hmong oral tradition offers everything a fantasy lover could want.
Review: I really loved this book! It was amazingly sweet and cute read. I loved the characters and character development. The world building was well done as well and the plot had me hooked from the first page.
However, I did feel like the the pacing was a bit fast. There was a lot of stuff that wasn't explained in story but I did appreciate that the context was in the back of the book.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Disclaimer: I received this finished copy from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: We Can Be Heroes
Author: Kyrie McCauley
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: young adult readers, magical realism, contemporary, murder mystery, thriller
Genre: YA Mystery
Publication Date: September 7, 2021
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Pages: 368
Recommended Age: 16+ (death, violence, gore, Domestic Violence TW)
Explanation of CWs: Domestic violence shown. Death is shown and mentioned. Violence and gore is also shown.
Synopsis: “Welcome to Bell, proud home of Bell Firearms for two hundred years, and where five months ago, the teen heir to the Bell fortune took his father’s guns to school and killed his ex-girlfriend, Cassandra Queen.” —WE CAN BE HEROES PODCAST
Beck and Vivian never could stand each other, but they always tried their best for their mutual friend, Cassie. After the town moves on from Cassie’s murder too fast, Beck and Vivian finally find common ground: vengeance. They memorialize Cassie by secretly painting murals of her around town, a message to the world that Cassie won’t be forgotten. But Beck and Vivian are keeping secrets, like the third passenger riding in Beck’s VW bus with them—Cassie’s ghost.
When their murals catch the attention of a podcaster covering Cassie’s case, they become the catalyst for a debate that Bell Firearms can no longer ignore. With law enforcement closing in on them, Beck and Vivian hurry to give Cassie the closure she needs—by delivering justice to those responsible for her death.
Review: For the most part I really liked this book. It had a good hook and I was intrigued from start to finish. I feel like the character development was well done and the pacing was fairly well done as well.
However, I did think that the world building lacked a little different and the plot was a little slow to catch on for a bit.
Verdict: It was good!
Book: We Can Be Heroes
Author: Kyrie McCauley
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: young adult readers, magical realism, contemporary, murder mystery, thriller
Genre: YA Mystery
Publication Date: September 7, 2021
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Pages: 368
Recommended Age: 16+ (death, violence, gore, Domestic Violence TW)
Explanation of CWs: Domestic violence shown. Death is shown and mentioned. Violence and gore is also shown.
Synopsis: “Welcome to Bell, proud home of Bell Firearms for two hundred years, and where five months ago, the teen heir to the Bell fortune took his father’s guns to school and killed his ex-girlfriend, Cassandra Queen.” —WE CAN BE HEROES PODCAST
Beck and Vivian never could stand each other, but they always tried their best for their mutual friend, Cassie. After the town moves on from Cassie’s murder too fast, Beck and Vivian finally find common ground: vengeance. They memorialize Cassie by secretly painting murals of her around town, a message to the world that Cassie won’t be forgotten. But Beck and Vivian are keeping secrets, like the third passenger riding in Beck’s VW bus with them—Cassie’s ghost.
When their murals catch the attention of a podcaster covering Cassie’s case, they become the catalyst for a debate that Bell Firearms can no longer ignore. With law enforcement closing in on them, Beck and Vivian hurry to give Cassie the closure she needs—by delivering justice to those responsible for her death.
Review: For the most part I really liked this book. It had a good hook and I was intrigued from start to finish. I feel like the character development was well done and the pacing was fairly well done as well.
However, I did think that the world building lacked a little different and the plot was a little slow to catch on for a bit.
Verdict: It was good!