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2.51k reviews by:
popthebutterfly
adventurous
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: Creatures of the Flood
Author: Erin Hunter
Book Series: Bamboo Kingdom Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: middle grade readers, fantasy
Genre: MG Fantasy
Publication Date: September 28, 2021
Publisher: Harper Kids
Pages: 256
Recommended Age: 10+ (some scary moments)
Explanation of CWs: Some moments that might be a little scary for younger readers
Synopsis: The pandas of the Bamboo Kingdom have never forgotten the great flood that ended the peaceful life they’d always known. But for three young creatures born that day, the flood marks not an end, but a beginning—the beginning of their struggles to find a place in very different worlds.
Leaf, raised in the sparse Northern Forest, works tirelessly to help her family find bamboo to eat; Rain, hot-tempered, refuses to accept a suspicious new leader in her Southern Forest community; and Ghost, clumsy and uncoordinated, worries he’ll never fit in with his hunter family in the mountains.
None of them know that the others are out there, but thanks to a mysterious tiger that’s been threatening the Kingdom, they will soon find each other—and fulfill a prophecy that had been made long before they were born.
Review: I really liked this book! I've never really read the Warriors books but now I want to a lot. I thought the character development was amazingly well done, the world building was well done, and the plot was intriguing enough to keep me intrigued throughout the book.
The only thing that I had issue with is that the pacing in the beginning was a bit slow for me, but it picked up fairly quickly.
Verdict: It was well done! Perfect for Warriors fans.
Book: Creatures of the Flood
Author: Erin Hunter
Book Series: Bamboo Kingdom Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: middle grade readers, fantasy
Genre: MG Fantasy
Publication Date: September 28, 2021
Publisher: Harper Kids
Pages: 256
Recommended Age: 10+ (some scary moments)
Explanation of CWs: Some moments that might be a little scary for younger readers
Synopsis: The pandas of the Bamboo Kingdom have never forgotten the great flood that ended the peaceful life they’d always known. But for three young creatures born that day, the flood marks not an end, but a beginning—the beginning of their struggles to find a place in very different worlds.
Leaf, raised in the sparse Northern Forest, works tirelessly to help her family find bamboo to eat; Rain, hot-tempered, refuses to accept a suspicious new leader in her Southern Forest community; and Ghost, clumsy and uncoordinated, worries he’ll never fit in with his hunter family in the mountains.
None of them know that the others are out there, but thanks to a mysterious tiger that’s been threatening the Kingdom, they will soon find each other—and fulfill a prophecy that had been made long before they were born.
Review: I really liked this book! I've never really read the Warriors books but now I want to a lot. I thought the character development was amazingly well done, the world building was well done, and the plot was intriguing enough to keep me intrigued throughout the book.
The only thing that I had issue with is that the pacing in the beginning was a bit slow for me, but it picked up fairly quickly.
Verdict: It was well done! Perfect for Warriors fans.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Disclaimer: I received this arc and e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities
Author: Rick Riordan, Carlos Hernandez, Roshani Chokshi, J. C. Cervantes, Yoon Ha Lee, Kwame Mbalia, Rebecca Roanhorse, Tehlor Kay Mejia, Sarwat Chadda, and Graci Kim
Book Series: Companion to many Rick Riordan Presents novels
Diversity: Indian, Mesoamerican, Korean, Cuban, Black American, African, Navajo, Mexican, Mesopotamian, and Celtic.
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: middle grade readers, fantasy, retellings, mythology
Genre: MG fantasy
Publication Date: September 28, 2021
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Pages: 496
Recommended Age: 10+ (slight violence, slight gore, some scary moments)
Explanation of CWs: Some moments can be a little scary for younger readers.
Synopsis: A cave monster . . . an abandoned demon . . . a ghost who wants to erase history . . . a killer commandant . . . These are just some of the challenges confronting the young heroes in this highly entertaining anthology.
All but one of the heroes previously starred in a popular book from Rick Riordan Presents. You''ll be reunited with Aru Shah, Zane Obispo, Min the fox spirit, Sal and Gabi, Tristan Strong, Nizhoni Begay, Paola Santiago, Sikander Aziz, and Riley Oh. Who is the new hero? Read Rick Riordan''s short story to find out!
Review: I absolutely loved this story and it'll definitely be a reread! I loved seeing all my favorite characters and seeing how they're all interwoven. The character development was amazing, the world building was awesome, and it's definitely a favorite anthology of mine since I'm a huge fan of the Rick Riordan Presents universe.
The only thing I had issue with is that there were some spoilers for other books, so if you're not up to date on the stories you might want to get caught up before you read this.
Verdict: It was amazing! Highly recommend.
Book: The Cursed Carnival and Other Calamities
Author: Rick Riordan, Carlos Hernandez, Roshani Chokshi, J. C. Cervantes, Yoon Ha Lee, Kwame Mbalia, Rebecca Roanhorse, Tehlor Kay Mejia, Sarwat Chadda, and Graci Kim
Book Series: Companion to many Rick Riordan Presents novels
Diversity: Indian, Mesoamerican, Korean, Cuban, Black American, African, Navajo, Mexican, Mesopotamian, and Celtic.
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: middle grade readers, fantasy, retellings, mythology
Genre: MG fantasy
Publication Date: September 28, 2021
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Pages: 496
Recommended Age: 10+ (slight violence, slight gore, some scary moments)
Explanation of CWs: Some moments can be a little scary for younger readers.
Synopsis: A cave monster . . . an abandoned demon . . . a ghost who wants to erase history . . . a killer commandant . . . These are just some of the challenges confronting the young heroes in this highly entertaining anthology.
All but one of the heroes previously starred in a popular book from Rick Riordan Presents. You''ll be reunited with Aru Shah, Zane Obispo, Min the fox spirit, Sal and Gabi, Tristan Strong, Nizhoni Begay, Paola Santiago, Sikander Aziz, and Riley Oh. Who is the new hero? Read Rick Riordan''s short story to find out!
Review: I absolutely loved this story and it'll definitely be a reread! I loved seeing all my favorite characters and seeing how they're all interwoven. The character development was amazing, the world building was awesome, and it's definitely a favorite anthology of mine since I'm a huge fan of the Rick Riordan Presents universe.
The only thing I had issue with is that there were some spoilers for other books, so if you're not up to date on the stories you might want to get caught up before you read this.
Verdict: It was amazing! Highly recommend.
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Disclaimer: I received this arc and e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Only If You Dare: 13 Stories of Darkness and Doom
Author: Josh Allen and Sarah J. Coleman (Illustrator)
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: Middle Grade readers, horror
Genre: MG Horror
Publication Date: August 31, 2021
Publisher: Holiday House
Pages: 208
Recommended Age: 12+ (death, some scary moments)
Explanation of CWs: Very free of gore and violence, but death is shown and mentioned. There's also some scary moments for younger kids.
Synopsis: You never know what's out to get you. Though you might think you're safe from monsters and menaces, everyday objects can turn against you, too. A mysterious microwave. A threatening board game. A snowman that refuses to melt. Even your own heartbeat has its secrets. Thu-thump. Thu-thump. When you stop to listen, each beat sounds more menacing than the last.
Master storyteller Josh Allen brings thirteen nightmare scenarios to life in this page-turning collection that's perfect for budding horror junkies. In his wondrous world, danger waits behind every doorway . . . even in the most ordinary places.
Review: I really liked this! It was a fun short story anthology and I loved how horrifying but fun they all were. The book had great story building and it's definitely campfire story material!
My only concern is that I wish the book was a bit more interwoven and connected.
Verdict: It was great!
Book: Only If You Dare: 13 Stories of Darkness and Doom
Author: Josh Allen and Sarah J. Coleman (Illustrator)
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: Middle Grade readers, horror
Genre: MG Horror
Publication Date: August 31, 2021
Publisher: Holiday House
Pages: 208
Recommended Age: 12+ (death, some scary moments)
Explanation of CWs: Very free of gore and violence, but death is shown and mentioned. There's also some scary moments for younger kids.
Synopsis: You never know what's out to get you. Though you might think you're safe from monsters and menaces, everyday objects can turn against you, too. A mysterious microwave. A threatening board game. A snowman that refuses to melt. Even your own heartbeat has its secrets. Thu-thump. Thu-thump. When you stop to listen, each beat sounds more menacing than the last.
Master storyteller Josh Allen brings thirteen nightmare scenarios to life in this page-turning collection that's perfect for budding horror junkies. In his wondrous world, danger waits behind every doorway . . . even in the most ordinary places.
Review: I really liked this! It was a fun short story anthology and I loved how horrifying but fun they all were. The book had great story building and it's definitely campfire story material!
My only concern is that I wish the book was a bit more interwoven and connected.
Verdict: It was great!
dark
mysterious
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 an e-arc and an arc of this book. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: To Break a Covenant
Author: Alison Ames
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: Lesbian MC, Queer side character, F/f romance
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: young adult readers, horror, paranormal, friends to lovers romance
Genre: YA Paranormal Horror
Publication Date: September 21, 2021
Publisher: Page Street Kids
Pages: 306
Recommended Age: 14+ (Death, Gore, Violence, Animal Gore, Animal Death, Language, Child abuse and neglect, Child murder, Suicide TW)
Explanation of CWs: Lots of death and gore and lots of animal death and gore. Child abuse and neglect mentioned. Child murder mentioned once. Suicide is mentioned a handful of times and shown once.
Synopsis: Moon Basin has been haunted for as long as anyone can remember. It started when an explosion in the mine killed sixteen people. The disaster made it impossible to live in town, with underground fires spewing ash into the sky. But life in New Basin is just as fraught. The ex-mining town relies on its haunted reputation to bring in tourists, but there’s more truth to the rumors than most are willing to admit, and the mine still has a hold on everyone who lives there.
Clem and Nina form a perfect loop—best friends forever, and perhaps something more. Their circle opens up for a strange girl named Lisey with a knack for training crows, and Piper, whose father is fascinated with the mine in a way that’s anything but ordinary. The people of New Basin start experiencing strange phenomena—sleepwalking, night terrors, voices that only they can hear. And no matter how many vans of ghost hunters roll through, nobody can get to the bottom of what’s really going on. Which is why the girls decide to enter the mine themselves.
Review: I really liked this book overall! I loved the plot and the story. The characters were well developed and lovable. The world building was decent. And it just reads as one of those campfire tales you listen to at camp before a masked murderer starts killing everyone.
The only issue I really had with the book is that the monster wasn't well defined and wasn't well explained. I also felt like the ending was a bit rushed.
Verdict: A perfect ghost story! Highly recommend!
Book: To Break a Covenant
Author: Alison Ames
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: Lesbian MC, Queer side character, F/f romance
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: young adult readers, horror, paranormal, friends to lovers romance
Genre: YA Paranormal Horror
Publication Date: September 21, 2021
Publisher: Page Street Kids
Pages: 306
Recommended Age: 14+ (Death, Gore, Violence, Animal Gore, Animal Death, Language, Child abuse and neglect, Child murder, Suicide TW)
Explanation of CWs: Lots of death and gore and lots of animal death and gore. Child abuse and neglect mentioned. Child murder mentioned once. Suicide is mentioned a handful of times and shown once.
Synopsis: Moon Basin has been haunted for as long as anyone can remember. It started when an explosion in the mine killed sixteen people. The disaster made it impossible to live in town, with underground fires spewing ash into the sky. But life in New Basin is just as fraught. The ex-mining town relies on its haunted reputation to bring in tourists, but there’s more truth to the rumors than most are willing to admit, and the mine still has a hold on everyone who lives there.
Clem and Nina form a perfect loop—best friends forever, and perhaps something more. Their circle opens up for a strange girl named Lisey with a knack for training crows, and Piper, whose father is fascinated with the mine in a way that’s anything but ordinary. The people of New Basin start experiencing strange phenomena—sleepwalking, night terrors, voices that only they can hear. And no matter how many vans of ghost hunters roll through, nobody can get to the bottom of what’s really going on. Which is why the girls decide to enter the mine themselves.
Review: I really liked this book overall! I loved the plot and the story. The characters were well developed and lovable. The world building was decent. And it just reads as one of those campfire tales you listen to at camp before a masked murderer starts killing everyone.
The only issue I really had with the book is that the monster wasn't well defined and wasn't well explained. I also felt like the ending was a bit rushed.
Verdict: A perfect ghost story! Highly recommend!
tense
slow-paced
Disclaimer: I received the early audiobook from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Before We Disappear
Author: Shaun David Hutchinson
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 2/5
Recommended For...: young adult readers, fantasy
Publication Date: September 28, 2021
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, DNFed
Explanation of CWs: can’t recommend, DNFed
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 512
Synopsis: Jack Nevin’s clever trickery and moral flexibility have served him well his entire life—making him the perfect assistant to the Enchantress, one of the most well-known stage magicians in early-twentieth-century Europe. Without Jack’s steady supply of stolen tricks and copycat sleight-of-hand illusions, the Enchantress’s fame would have burned out long ago—not that she would ever admit it.
But when they’re forced to flee the continent for America, the Enchantress finds a new audience in Seattle at the 1909 Alaska–Yukon–Pacific World’s Fair Exposition. She and Jack are set to make a fortune until a new magician arrives on the scene. Performing tricks that defy the imagination, Laszlo’s act threatens to overshadow the Enchantress and co-opt her audience. Jack has no choice but to hunt for the secrets behind Laszlo’s otherworldly illusions—but what he uncovers isn’t at all what he expected.
What makes Laszlo’s tricks possible is, unbelievably, a boy that can seemingly perform real magic. Wilhelm’s abilities defy all the laws of physics. His talents are no clever sleights-of-hand. But even though Laszlo and Wilhelm’s act threatens to destroy the life Jack and the Enchantress have built, Jack and Wilhelm have near-instant connection. As the rivalry between the Enchantress and Laszlo grows increasingly dangerous and dire, Jack finds he has to choose between the woman who gave him a life and the boy who is offering him love. It's a new star-crossed romance about the magic of first love from acclaimed author Shaun David Hutchinson.
But when they’re forced to flee the continent for America, the Enchantress finds a new audience in Seattle at the 1909 Alaska–Yukon–Pacific World’s Fair Exposition. She and Jack are set to make a fortune until a new magician arrives on the scene. Performing tricks that defy the imagination, Laszlo’s act threatens to overshadow the Enchantress and co-opt her audience. Jack has no choice but to hunt for the secrets behind Laszlo’s otherworldly illusions—but what he uncovers isn’t at all what he expected.
What makes Laszlo’s tricks possible is, unbelievably, a boy that can seemingly perform real magic. Wilhelm’s abilities defy all the laws of physics. His talents are no clever sleights-of-hand. But even though Laszlo and Wilhelm’s act threatens to destroy the life Jack and the Enchantress have built, Jack and Wilhelm have near-instant connection. As the rivalry between the Enchantress and Laszlo grows increasingly dangerous and dire, Jack finds he has to choose between the woman who gave him a life and the boy who is offering him love. It's a new star-crossed romance about the magic of first love from acclaimed author Shaun David Hutchinson.
Review: DNFed at 10%. I have tried to get through this book for months and it’s just not working for me. I’m sure the story is interesting but it’s just not sticking with me.
Verdict: I’m sure it’s good, but not for me.
dark
mysterious
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: Never Saw Me Coming
Author: Vera Kurian
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 2/5
Recommended For...: thriller, mystery, suspense
Publication Date: September 7, 2021
Genre: Thriler Mystery
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, DNFed
Explanation of CWs: can’t recommend, DNFed
Publisher: Park Row
Pages: 400
Synopsis: Meet Chloe Sevre. She’s a freshman honor student, a leggings-wearing hot girl next door, who also happens to be a psychopath. Her hobbies include yogalates, frat parties, and plotting to kill Will Bachman, a childhood friend who grievously wronged her.
Chloe is one of seven students at her DC-based college who are part of an unusual clinical study for psychopaths—students like herself who lack empathy and can’t comprehend emotions like fear or guilt. The study, led by a renowned psychologist, requires them to wear smart watches that track their moods and movements.
When one of the students in the study is found murdered in the psychology building, a dangerous game of cat and mouse begins, and Chloe goes from hunter to prey. As she races to identify the killer and put her own plan into action, she’ll be forced to decide if she can trust any of her fellow psychopaths—and everybody knows you should never trust a psychopath.
Review: Had to DNF at 32%. The book was confusing and clunky. I also wasn’t connecting with any of the characters and it was just not worth getting through the text for me.
Verdict: It’s ok, just wasn’t for me.
Book: Never Saw Me Coming
Author: Vera Kurian
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 2/5
Recommended For...: thriller, mystery, suspense
Publication Date: September 7, 2021
Genre: Thriler Mystery
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, DNFed
Explanation of CWs: can’t recommend, DNFed
Publisher: Park Row
Pages: 400
Synopsis: Meet Chloe Sevre. She’s a freshman honor student, a leggings-wearing hot girl next door, who also happens to be a psychopath. Her hobbies include yogalates, frat parties, and plotting to kill Will Bachman, a childhood friend who grievously wronged her.
Chloe is one of seven students at her DC-based college who are part of an unusual clinical study for psychopaths—students like herself who lack empathy and can’t comprehend emotions like fear or guilt. The study, led by a renowned psychologist, requires them to wear smart watches that track their moods and movements.
When one of the students in the study is found murdered in the psychology building, a dangerous game of cat and mouse begins, and Chloe goes from hunter to prey. As she races to identify the killer and put her own plan into action, she’ll be forced to decide if she can trust any of her fellow psychopaths—and everybody knows you should never trust a psychopath.
Review: Had to DNF at 32%. The book was confusing and clunky. I also wasn’t connecting with any of the characters and it was just not worth getting through the text for me.
Verdict: It’s ok, just wasn’t for me.
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Blue Shadows Fall
Author: Lenore Stutznegger
Book Series: Blue Shadow Series Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: young adult readers, dystopian, fantasy
Publication Date: November 11, 2021
Genre: YA Dystopian
Recommended Age: 14+ (gore, murder, death, violence, plague, blinding)
Explanation of CWs: Murder and death are in the book as well as violence and gore. It’s not too gorey, but it’s there. There’s a plague that happens before the start of the book and it’s prevalent throughout the novel.
Publisher: Immortal Works Publishing
Pages: 395
Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Blue Haven, gifted with superhuman sight since birth, dreams of becoming a warrior—not that anything’s happened near the wall since Old Man Amos was attacked by that beaver. The Shadow Elves—humans infected by a zombie apocalypse-like plague—have died out over the past 150 years, leaving life altogether boring. In her quiet farming village nestled in the shadows of the Smoky Mountains, warriors are no more than a formality.
But Blue's unique sight is beginning to show her some troubling things. A suspicious green-eyed outsider. A strikingly beautiful Shadow Elf. These visions can’t be real—because if they are, that means everyone's been wrong. Dead wrong. They are not the last survivors in the world. And they aren't prepared for the reality Blue's eyes are showing her.
The outsiders want in, and they’re hungry.
Review: This is one I’ll definitely be buying a copy of! I absolutely loved this book so much. It was such a fun read with some great dystopian tropes and elements. I loved the character development and world building. I also loved the drama and romance, even if it was a little tropey. I also felt the plot was solid and it wasn’t info heavy like a lot of books of this genre sometimes are.
The only issue I really had with the book is that there were some slow moments in the pacing, but overall I loved it.
Verdict: So wonderful.
Book: Blue Shadows Fall
Author: Lenore Stutznegger
Book Series: Blue Shadow Series Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: young adult readers, dystopian, fantasy
Publication Date: November 11, 2021
Genre: YA Dystopian
Recommended Age: 14+ (gore, murder, death, violence, plague, blinding)
Explanation of CWs: Murder and death are in the book as well as violence and gore. It’s not too gorey, but it’s there. There’s a plague that happens before the start of the book and it’s prevalent throughout the novel.
Publisher: Immortal Works Publishing
Pages: 395
Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Blue Haven, gifted with superhuman sight since birth, dreams of becoming a warrior—not that anything’s happened near the wall since Old Man Amos was attacked by that beaver. The Shadow Elves—humans infected by a zombie apocalypse-like plague—have died out over the past 150 years, leaving life altogether boring. In her quiet farming village nestled in the shadows of the Smoky Mountains, warriors are no more than a formality.
But Blue's unique sight is beginning to show her some troubling things. A suspicious green-eyed outsider. A strikingly beautiful Shadow Elf. These visions can’t be real—because if they are, that means everyone's been wrong. Dead wrong. They are not the last survivors in the world. And they aren't prepared for the reality Blue's eyes are showing her.
The outsiders want in, and they’re hungry.
Review: This is one I’ll definitely be buying a copy of! I absolutely loved this book so much. It was such a fun read with some great dystopian tropes and elements. I loved the character development and world building. I also loved the drama and romance, even if it was a little tropey. I also felt the plot was solid and it wasn’t info heavy like a lot of books of this genre sometimes are.
The only issue I really had with the book is that there were some slow moments in the pacing, but overall I loved it.
Verdict: So wonderful.
adventurous
lighthearted
medium-paced
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Crow: The Four
Author: Vishnu Pinnaka
Book Series: The Crow Chronicles Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: middle grade readers, fantasy
Publication Date: May 13, 2021
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 8+ (some scary moments)
Explanation of CWs: Some little scary moments
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 296
Synopsis: No normal kid has ever tried paranormal ice cream. Nor have they visited a supernatural zoo, experienced mystical holidays, or toured a mesmerizing factory. However, this story isn't about normal children.
When mysterious men in white suits arrive at the doorsteps of Olivia Lee, David Gonzales, Vanessa Irvine, and Eric Andrews, they don't suspect a thing. However, when they are taken to a different planet, they begin to wonder: was anything they thought they knew about their lives true at all? Once they arrive on Magia, the four not only learn that they were born there, it's also a planet of magic. Before their questions could overcome them, the four meet Mr. Hale, who generously takes the children into his custody and forms a close bond with them. While on Magia, the four visit many sensational sights, and the planet seems like a paradise. However, no place is perfect. Magia has a deep dark secret. A secret that slowly shines through, no matter how wonderful the planet seems. A secret that could threaten all bliss in the realm. A secret that enigmatically revolves around the four...
Review: I really liked this book over all. The book had some cute moments and the characters are very well developed. The world building was also well done as well. I loved the story and if you have a kid who’s into spooky tales, this would be perfect for them this holiday season.
The only issue I really had was that it took me a little bit to get into the book, but overall so well done.
Verdict: Very well done!
dark
mysterious
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:
Yes
Disclaimer: I received an e-arc of this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: This is Why We Lie
Author: Gabriella Lepore
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: young adult readers, thriller, mystery, dark academia
Publication Date: September 21, 2021
Genre: YA Thriller
Recommended Age: 15+ (murder, violence, gore, drug use, kidnapping, language)
Explanation of CWs: Murder, slight violence, and slight gore are throughout the book. There is drug use mentioned and shown. There is one kidnapping scene. And there’s some language in the book.
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Pages: 320
Synopsis: When Jenna Dallas and Adam Cole find Colleen O'Dell's body floating off the shore of their coastal town, the community of Gardiners Bay is shaken. But even more shocking is the fact that her drowning was no accident.
Once Jenna's best friend becomes a key suspect, Jenna starts to look for answers on her own. As she uncovers scandals inside Preston Prep School leading back to Rookwood reform school, she knows she needs Adam on her side.
As a student at Rookwood, Adam is used to getting judgmental looks, but now his friends are being investigated by the police. Adam will do whatever he can to keep them safe, even if that means trusting Jenna.
As lies unravel, the truth starts to blur. Only one thing is certain: somebody must take the fall.
Review: For the most part I thought this was fairly well done. The book had good world building and I loved the dark academia vibes. I also liked the plot of the book for the most part.
However, I did feel like the book had a few issues. The characters weren’t well developed and it was hard to connect with them. The pacing was super slow and it was hard to keep reading. The flashbacks were awkwardly placed. And it was predictable in the end. Overall, the book is kinda clunky and needs a bit more work.
Verdict: It was ok.
Book: This is Why We Lie
Author: Gabriella Lepore
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: young adult readers, thriller, mystery, dark academia
Publication Date: September 21, 2021
Genre: YA Thriller
Recommended Age: 15+ (murder, violence, gore, drug use, kidnapping, language)
Explanation of CWs: Murder, slight violence, and slight gore are throughout the book. There is drug use mentioned and shown. There is one kidnapping scene. And there’s some language in the book.
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Pages: 320
Synopsis: When Jenna Dallas and Adam Cole find Colleen O'Dell's body floating off the shore of their coastal town, the community of Gardiners Bay is shaken. But even more shocking is the fact that her drowning was no accident.
Once Jenna's best friend becomes a key suspect, Jenna starts to look for answers on her own. As she uncovers scandals inside Preston Prep School leading back to Rookwood reform school, she knows she needs Adam on her side.
As a student at Rookwood, Adam is used to getting judgmental looks, but now his friends are being investigated by the police. Adam will do whatever he can to keep them safe, even if that means trusting Jenna.
As lies unravel, the truth starts to blur. Only one thing is certain: somebody must take the fall.
Review: For the most part I thought this was fairly well done. The book had good world building and I loved the dark academia vibes. I also liked the plot of the book for the most part.
However, I did feel like the book had a few issues. The characters weren’t well developed and it was hard to connect with them. The pacing was super slow and it was hard to keep reading. The flashbacks were awkwardly placed. And it was predictable in the end. Overall, the book is kinda clunky and needs a bit more work.
Verdict: It was ok.
adventurous
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Slow March of Light
Author: Heather B. Moore
Book Series:Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: historical fiction, biography, Berlin wall
Publication Date: September 7, 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, romance, slight language)
Explanation of CWs: Romance is a slow burn. There is a war going on, so there’s violence and gore.
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Pages: 368
Synopsis: In the summer of 1961, a wall of barbed wire goes up quickly in the dead of night, officially dividing Berlin. Aware of the many whose families have been divided, Luisa joins a secret spy network, risking her life to help East Germans escape across the Berlin Wall and into the West.
Bob Inama, a soldier in the US Army, is stationed in West Germany. He’s glad to be fluent in German, especially after meeting Luisa Voigt at a church social. As they spend time together, they form a close connection. But when Bob receives classified orders to leave for undercover work immediately, he doesn’t get the chance to say goodbye.
With a fake identity, Bob’s special assignment is to be a spy embedded in East Germany, identifying possible targets for the US military. But Soviet and East German spies, the secret police, and Stasi informants are everywhere, and the danger of being caught and sent to a brutal East German prison lurks on every corner.
Review: For the most part I thought the book was well done. It had some good character development and world building. I liked the plot for the most part and it was really interesting to read about this time period that I hadn’t read previously.
However, I did feel like the book was more of a documentary/biography than a historical fiction. There was a lot of history, which I appreciate, but it was just not enough “not real fiction” with my history, which made me wonder why not just go ahead and do a full biography at that point.
Verdict: It was good, just a little strangely written.
Book: The Slow March of Light
Author: Heather B. Moore
Book Series:Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: historical fiction, biography, Berlin wall
Publication Date: September 7, 2021
Genre: Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, romance, slight language)
Explanation of CWs: Romance is a slow burn. There is a war going on, so there’s violence and gore.
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Pages: 368
Synopsis: In the summer of 1961, a wall of barbed wire goes up quickly in the dead of night, officially dividing Berlin. Aware of the many whose families have been divided, Luisa joins a secret spy network, risking her life to help East Germans escape across the Berlin Wall and into the West.
Bob Inama, a soldier in the US Army, is stationed in West Germany. He’s glad to be fluent in German, especially after meeting Luisa Voigt at a church social. As they spend time together, they form a close connection. But when Bob receives classified orders to leave for undercover work immediately, he doesn’t get the chance to say goodbye.
With a fake identity, Bob’s special assignment is to be a spy embedded in East Germany, identifying possible targets for the US military. But Soviet and East German spies, the secret police, and Stasi informants are everywhere, and the danger of being caught and sent to a brutal East German prison lurks on every corner.
Review: For the most part I thought the book was well done. It had some good character development and world building. I liked the plot for the most part and it was really interesting to read about this time period that I hadn’t read previously.
However, I did feel like the book was more of a documentary/biography than a historical fiction. There was a lot of history, which I appreciate, but it was just not enough “not real fiction” with my history, which made me wonder why not just go ahead and do a full biography at that point.
Verdict: It was good, just a little strangely written.