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2.51k reviews by:
popthebutterfly
emotional
lighthearted
relaxing
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 and arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Sidelined
Author: Kara Bietz
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: Gay MC raised by grandma, Gay MC raised by single mom, M/m romance
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: young adult readers, contemporary, sports, sports romance, football, m/m romance
Genre: YA Contemporary Sports Romance
Publication Date: September 21, 2021
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Pages: 306
Recommended Age: 13+ (Religion, Romance, Teen pregnancy)
Explanation of CWs: Religion is central to the plot, but there's no homophobia or religion used to further homophobia. No one really cares they're gay. Romance is sweet and subtle. Just kisses and hugs. Teen pregnancy is used as a plot device to further the main characters romance and friendship.
Synopsis: Julian Jackson has a short to-do list for his senior year at Crenshaw County High School in Meridian, Texas: football, football, and more football. He knows he's only got one chance to earn a college scholarship and make it out of his small town, and keeping his head down, his grades up, and his cleats on the field is that one chance. And then Elijah Vance walks back into his life, throwing all of his carefully-laid plans into a tailspin.
Elijah and Julian used to be best friends, maybe even on their way to something more than just friends. But three years ago, Elijah broke into the school to steal money from the coach's office, and Julian was the one who turned him in. After that, Elijah and his family disappeared without a trace. And now he's back, sitting at Julian's grandmother's kitchen table.
But time and distance haven't erased all of their feelings, and Elijah knows that he finally has a chance to prove to Julian that he's not the same person he was three years ago. But with secrets still growing between them and an uncertain future barreling towards them, it may be harder to lean on each other than they thought.
Review: For the most part I liked this book a lot. I loved the sports romance and how well connected the boys were. I liked the enemies to lovers aspect and how well developed all of the characters were. The world building was also well done.
However, there's just some things in the book that didn't land well for me. Teen pregnancy was used as a plot device to further the romance between the two boys and once that was done it was never really talked about again. The book had two tropes: miscommunication and enemies to lovers. Both were solved mid way through the book. The cover scene on the book isn't even in the novel and, with the exception of one mention in the book, it nor the title connect with the story at all. The last chapter is a jump forward and it's disjointing and not detailed that it's a jump forward. And I just kinda felt like the issues Elijah had were resolved with Julian, but not with the town overall.
Verdict: Overall, good m/m romance but not enough plot behind the story.
Book: Sidelined
Author: Kara Bietz
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: Gay MC raised by grandma, Gay MC raised by single mom, M/m romance
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: young adult readers, contemporary, sports, sports romance, football, m/m romance
Genre: YA Contemporary Sports Romance
Publication Date: September 21, 2021
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Pages: 306
Recommended Age: 13+ (Religion, Romance, Teen pregnancy)
Explanation of CWs: Religion is central to the plot, but there's no homophobia or religion used to further homophobia. No one really cares they're gay. Romance is sweet and subtle. Just kisses and hugs. Teen pregnancy is used as a plot device to further the main characters romance and friendship.
Synopsis: Julian Jackson has a short to-do list for his senior year at Crenshaw County High School in Meridian, Texas: football, football, and more football. He knows he's only got one chance to earn a college scholarship and make it out of his small town, and keeping his head down, his grades up, and his cleats on the field is that one chance. And then Elijah Vance walks back into his life, throwing all of his carefully-laid plans into a tailspin.
Elijah and Julian used to be best friends, maybe even on their way to something more than just friends. But three years ago, Elijah broke into the school to steal money from the coach's office, and Julian was the one who turned him in. After that, Elijah and his family disappeared without a trace. And now he's back, sitting at Julian's grandmother's kitchen table.
But time and distance haven't erased all of their feelings, and Elijah knows that he finally has a chance to prove to Julian that he's not the same person he was three years ago. But with secrets still growing between them and an uncertain future barreling towards them, it may be harder to lean on each other than they thought.
Review: For the most part I liked this book a lot. I loved the sports romance and how well connected the boys were. I liked the enemies to lovers aspect and how well developed all of the characters were. The world building was also well done.
However, there's just some things in the book that didn't land well for me. Teen pregnancy was used as a plot device to further the romance between the two boys and once that was done it was never really talked about again. The book had two tropes: miscommunication and enemies to lovers. Both were solved mid way through the book. The cover scene on the book isn't even in the novel and, with the exception of one mention in the book, it nor the title connect with the story at all. The last chapter is a jump forward and it's disjointing and not detailed that it's a jump forward. And I just kinda felt like the issues Elijah had were resolved with Julian, but not with the town overall.
Verdict: Overall, good m/m romance but not enough plot behind the story.
informative
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Class 6: Secrets
Author: Fernando Velez, Doris Marcano, Daniel Grimaldi
Book Series: Class 6 S1 E8
Diversity: Drag queen MC
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: graphic novel readers
Genre: Graphic Novel
Publication Date: n/a
Publisher: Kraven Comics
Pages: 45
Recommended Age: 14+ (Language, Violence, Gore, Religion)
Explanation of CWs: Slight language, lots of violence and gore, and so much religion
Synopsis: Five thousand years ago, Queen Izaar Izaar ruled the human race on Earth. After a peaceful period, Queen Izaar finds herself facing an alien race that once was allied to our human ancestors but now is our enemy. Queen Izaar is holding strong the human empire, but somehow the human cities fall under the reptilian forces. Lucifer betrays his Queen. Queen Izaar, emotionally hurt, is about to lose her war. She decides to use all of the human resources to bring down the reptilian mother ship. She connects the pyramids worldwide, absorbing Earth's energy; she concentrates it on Giza's main pyramid and brings down the reptilian main mothership using it as a weapon.
Review: Again, this one was a lot of backstory and not a lot of the present day story. It did ok to give more of the backstory of what will be two pivotal characters and the artwork was amazing.
However, I really don't like all of the backstory and how it'll flash forward only to go back again. I think there are better ways to present an older story to your current story and this is not it.
Verdict: It's ok.
Book: Class 6: Secrets
Author: Fernando Velez, Doris Marcano, Daniel Grimaldi
Book Series: Class 6 S1 E8
Diversity: Drag queen MC
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: graphic novel readers
Genre: Graphic Novel
Publication Date: n/a
Publisher: Kraven Comics
Pages: 45
Recommended Age: 14+ (Language, Violence, Gore, Religion)
Explanation of CWs: Slight language, lots of violence and gore, and so much religion
Synopsis: Five thousand years ago, Queen Izaar Izaar ruled the human race on Earth. After a peaceful period, Queen Izaar finds herself facing an alien race that once was allied to our human ancestors but now is our enemy. Queen Izaar is holding strong the human empire, but somehow the human cities fall under the reptilian forces. Lucifer betrays his Queen. Queen Izaar, emotionally hurt, is about to lose her war. She decides to use all of the human resources to bring down the reptilian mother ship. She connects the pyramids worldwide, absorbing Earth's energy; she concentrates it on Giza's main pyramid and brings down the reptilian main mothership using it as a weapon.
Review: Again, this one was a lot of backstory and not a lot of the present day story. It did ok to give more of the backstory of what will be two pivotal characters and the artwork was amazing.
However, I really don't like all of the backstory and how it'll flash forward only to go back again. I think there are better ways to present an older story to your current story and this is not it.
Verdict: It's ok.
informative
fast-paced
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Class 6: Escape from Hell
Author: Fernando Velez, Doris Marcano, and Daniel Grimaldi
Book Series: Class 6 S1 E7
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: graphic novel readers
Genre: Graphic Novel
Publication Date: n/a
Publisher: Kraven Comics
Pages: 47
Recommended Age: 14+ (Religion, Violence, Gore)
Explanation of CWs: Religion is heavily used in this book. Some violence and gore.
Synopsis: In this episode, we introduce Lucifer, our villain, who happens to be Queen Izaar's ex-boyfriend. A series of events happened in their past that destroyed their relationship. Consequently, Lucifer ends up in Hell, a cell deep in the Earth's center where a world within a world was born, composed of two races: Reptilian and Humans. Now Lucifer will escape into our world after 5,000 years. In this episode, we learn about Queen Izaar's master plan to conserve two ancient races.
Review: This was a good mid-point-of-a-series book. It had good storytelling and helped further the plot of the other books. The artwork is still really well done.
However, this was not an exciting installment. It was a lot of talk and very little action. I also am not enjoying the religious tones of the book.
Verdict: It's ok.
Book: Class 6: Escape from Hell
Author: Fernando Velez, Doris Marcano, and Daniel Grimaldi
Book Series: Class 6 S1 E7
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: graphic novel readers
Genre: Graphic Novel
Publication Date: n/a
Publisher: Kraven Comics
Pages: 47
Recommended Age: 14+ (Religion, Violence, Gore)
Explanation of CWs: Religion is heavily used in this book. Some violence and gore.
Synopsis: In this episode, we introduce Lucifer, our villain, who happens to be Queen Izaar's ex-boyfriend. A series of events happened in their past that destroyed their relationship. Consequently, Lucifer ends up in Hell, a cell deep in the Earth's center where a world within a world was born, composed of two races: Reptilian and Humans. Now Lucifer will escape into our world after 5,000 years. In this episode, we learn about Queen Izaar's master plan to conserve two ancient races.
Review: This was a good mid-point-of-a-series book. It had good storytelling and helped further the plot of the other books. The artwork is still really well done.
However, this was not an exciting installment. It was a lot of talk and very little action. I also am not enjoying the religious tones of the book.
Verdict: It's ok.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
fast-paced
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Class 6 Midseason Special
Author: Various Authors
Book Series: Class 6 (1-6)
Diversity: F/f romance, Trans mc, M/m romance, drag queen mc, Black lesbian MC, Bear side character, leather side character, Twink MC
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: graphic novel readers
Genre: Graphic Novel
Publication Date: n/a
Publisher: Kraven Comics
Pages: 276
Recommended Age: 15+ (Kicked out of home, Running away, Homophobic slurs, Cutting tw, Violence, Gore, Suicide mentioned, Religion, Death, Homophobia, Rape in the form of incest)
Explanation of CWs: Scenes of rape and cutting shown. Homophobic slurs and homophobia throughout the book. Lots of gore and violence. Suicide is only mentioned, not shown. Rape is in the form of incest and it does result in pregnancy.
Synopsis: An LGBTQ+ heroes series starting with six heroes that represent various parts of the community: Lesbian (Jaseri), Transgender (Neveah), Bear (Kian), Twink (Nami), Drag Queen (Queen Izaar), and Leather (Eron).
An unforeseen force interconnects these six heroes' fates, and together they form Class6. Their mission is to defend vulnerable LGBTQ+ persons from hatred across the globe as soon as their fight begins. However, things change as they discover a much larger conflict that they must join on a scale grander than they could imagine, an old battle that has pitted Humanity against an ancient enemy for an unimaginable period. These enemies have infiltrated human society, intending to take back what they believe is theirs, our star.
We have been victims of discrimination, violence, and even death, and yet in this series, we, the LGBTQ community, are humanities' last hope of survival. Will the world unite to fight our common enemy, or will Humanity regress into division, prejudice, and hate?
Review: For the most part I liked the book series. I thought it had amazing artwork and I loved the storyline for the most part. The book heartbreaking and redeeming at the same time and if you're into superhero books then this one is for you possibly.
However there were some things I didn't like about the book. The story was little hard to follow at times because it has lots of back and forth between the past and the present. It also got weirder and weirder the more I read and there was a lack of things to explain the weirdness towards the end. I also really hate the lack of character development and that so much of the book is explained on the website instead of the pages.
Verdict: It was good!
Book: Class 6 Midseason Special
Author: Various Authors
Book Series: Class 6 (1-6)
Diversity: F/f romance, Trans mc, M/m romance, drag queen mc, Black lesbian MC, Bear side character, leather side character, Twink MC
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: graphic novel readers
Genre: Graphic Novel
Publication Date: n/a
Publisher: Kraven Comics
Pages: 276
Recommended Age: 15+ (Kicked out of home, Running away, Homophobic slurs, Cutting tw, Violence, Gore, Suicide mentioned, Religion, Death, Homophobia, Rape in the form of incest)
Explanation of CWs: Scenes of rape and cutting shown. Homophobic slurs and homophobia throughout the book. Lots of gore and violence. Suicide is only mentioned, not shown. Rape is in the form of incest and it does result in pregnancy.
Synopsis: An LGBTQ+ heroes series starting with six heroes that represent various parts of the community: Lesbian (Jaseri), Transgender (Neveah), Bear (Kian), Twink (Nami), Drag Queen (Queen Izaar), and Leather (Eron).
An unforeseen force interconnects these six heroes' fates, and together they form Class6. Their mission is to defend vulnerable LGBTQ+ persons from hatred across the globe as soon as their fight begins. However, things change as they discover a much larger conflict that they must join on a scale grander than they could imagine, an old battle that has pitted Humanity against an ancient enemy for an unimaginable period. These enemies have infiltrated human society, intending to take back what they believe is theirs, our star.
We have been victims of discrimination, violence, and even death, and yet in this series, we, the LGBTQ community, are humanities' last hope of survival. Will the world unite to fight our common enemy, or will Humanity regress into division, prejudice, and hate?
Review: For the most part I liked the book series. I thought it had amazing artwork and I loved the storyline for the most part. The book heartbreaking and redeeming at the same time and if you're into superhero books then this one is for you possibly.
However there were some things I didn't like about the book. The story was little hard to follow at times because it has lots of back and forth between the past and the present. It also got weirder and weirder the more I read and there was a lack of things to explain the weirdness towards the end. I also really hate the lack of character development and that so much of the book is explained on the website instead of the pages.
Verdict: It was good!
adventurous
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: LOAS
Author: Doris Marcano, Marifer Bohorquez, and Angela Montilla
Book Series: LOAS S1 E1
Diversity: Black characters and main characters
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: graphic novel readers
Genre: Graphic Novel
Publication Date: September 2021
Publisher: Kraven Comics
Pages: 40
Recommended Age: 14+ (Racism, Slavery)
Explanation of CWs:
Synopsis: In the 1680s, a powerful race ruled in what is known today as the Tongo area on the west coast of Africa. They were a thriving society led by women who held the highest positions in government and the military. In this kingdom, men were devoted to protecting and worshipping women as their gods, the creators of life. After thousands of years of prosperity, English colonists discovered them and quickly aim to conquer them, unaware that this was like no other race they had ever encountered. At first, they seemed like a tribe, but as the English men infiltrated to conquer them, they discovered this race to be much more powerful and resilient. These would-be conquerors will thrust the Kingdom of England into the most significant conflict it has ever seen.
Review: For the most part I thought it was good. The illustrations are well done, the story is interesting, and the world building is done well and fairly historically accurate.
However, I have a lot of concerns about where the future of this comic will go. I worry that the comic is setting up for a romance story line between a white colonizer who was there to get slaves for Europe and the Loas' leader's daughter, who is Black. I find nothing wrong with interracial relationships but I'm concerned more for the historical context of the book and what it could gloss over for the "interest" of a romance storyline. I also am concerned that most of the character development is done on the website rather than on the pages of the book.
Verdict: Fairly well done.
Book: LOAS
Author: Doris Marcano, Marifer Bohorquez, and Angela Montilla
Book Series: LOAS S1 E1
Diversity: Black characters and main characters
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: graphic novel readers
Genre: Graphic Novel
Publication Date: September 2021
Publisher: Kraven Comics
Pages: 40
Recommended Age: 14+ (Racism, Slavery)
Explanation of CWs:
Synopsis: In the 1680s, a powerful race ruled in what is known today as the Tongo area on the west coast of Africa. They were a thriving society led by women who held the highest positions in government and the military. In this kingdom, men were devoted to protecting and worshipping women as their gods, the creators of life. After thousands of years of prosperity, English colonists discovered them and quickly aim to conquer them, unaware that this was like no other race they had ever encountered. At first, they seemed like a tribe, but as the English men infiltrated to conquer them, they discovered this race to be much more powerful and resilient. These would-be conquerors will thrust the Kingdom of England into the most significant conflict it has ever seen.
Review: For the most part I thought it was good. The illustrations are well done, the story is interesting, and the world building is done well and fairly historically accurate.
However, I have a lot of concerns about where the future of this comic will go. I worry that the comic is setting up for a romance story line between a white colonizer who was there to get slaves for Europe and the Loas' leader's daughter, who is Black. I find nothing wrong with interracial relationships but I'm concerned more for the historical context of the book and what it could gloss over for the "interest" of a romance storyline. I also am concerned that most of the character development is done on the website rather than on the pages of the book.
Verdict: Fairly well done.
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Treasure in the Lake
Author: Jason Pamment
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: middle grade readers, graphic novel, action/adventure
Genre: MG Graphic Novel
Publication Date: September 7, 2021
Publisher: HarperAlley
Pages: 208
Recommended Age: 10+ (some scary moments, allusions to drowning)
Explanation of CWs: Some scenes contain lots of water and there's an assumption that a child almost or did drown.
Synopsis: Iris knows this because she’s read them all. However, as a thirteen-year-old stuck in the tiny town of Bugden, real adventure seems like a distant dream. But when Iris and her best friend, Sam, stumble upon an unusually dry river on the outskirts of town, they’re led to a discovery beyond anything Iris has ever read about: a hidden city and a forgotten tale of friendship.
In Jason Pamment's middle grade graphic novel debut, perfect for fans of Hilda and This Was Our Pact, can Iris and Sam uncover the truth in time to keep their own friendship afloat, or will history repeat itself and pull them apart forever?
Review: I really loved this graphic novel! It was absolutely adorable, the artwork was amazing, and I loved the story. I have always wanted to be an explorer and now I'm more inclined to be one after this book lol. I loved the character development, I loved the world building, and the writing was amazing.
The only thing I had issue with is that it took a second to catch up to speed with the characters. It was a little hard to figure out what was the motivation and why they felt it, but I caught on very fast.
Verdict: So cute!! Definitely recommend!
Book: Treasure in the Lake
Author: Jason Pamment
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: middle grade readers, graphic novel, action/adventure
Genre: MG Graphic Novel
Publication Date: September 7, 2021
Publisher: HarperAlley
Pages: 208
Recommended Age: 10+ (some scary moments, allusions to drowning)
Explanation of CWs: Some scenes contain lots of water and there's an assumption that a child almost or did drown.
Synopsis: Iris knows this because she’s read them all. However, as a thirteen-year-old stuck in the tiny town of Bugden, real adventure seems like a distant dream. But when Iris and her best friend, Sam, stumble upon an unusually dry river on the outskirts of town, they’re led to a discovery beyond anything Iris has ever read about: a hidden city and a forgotten tale of friendship.
In Jason Pamment's middle grade graphic novel debut, perfect for fans of Hilda and This Was Our Pact, can Iris and Sam uncover the truth in time to keep their own friendship afloat, or will history repeat itself and pull them apart forever?
Review: I really loved this graphic novel! It was absolutely adorable, the artwork was amazing, and I loved the story. I have always wanted to be an explorer and now I'm more inclined to be one after this book lol. I loved the character development, I loved the world building, and the writing was amazing.
The only thing I had issue with is that it took a second to catch up to speed with the characters. It was a little hard to figure out what was the motivation and why they felt it, but I caught on very fast.
Verdict: So cute!! Definitely recommend!
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
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: Iron Widow
Author: Xiran Jay Zhao
Book Series: Iron Widow Book 1
Diversity: Asian/Chinese inspired side characters and MC, Poly disabled mc, Bisexual boys
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: young adult readers, science fiction, historical fiction
Genre: YA Sci-fi
Publication Date: September 21, 2021
Publisher: Penguin Teen
Pages: 400
Recommended Age: 16+ (Emotional child abuse, Romance, Sex, Death, Attempted Sexual assualt TW, Violence, Domestic violence, Gore, Murder, Language, Alcohol abuse, Withdrawal, PTSD, Anxiety, Organ theft, Sexual coercion)
Explanation of CWs: Emotional child abuse is shown. Romance is not the forefront of the book, but is there sometimes. Sex is fade to black, but some sexual acts are shown and mentioned. Death is frequent. Sexual assualt is attempted and shown in the text. Lots of violence and gore. Some domestic violence shown and mentioned. Murder is shown. Slight Language. Alcohol abuse and withdrawal are shown in detail. One scene with sexual coercion and organ theft is mentioned.
Synopsis: The boys of Huaxia dream of pairing up with girls to pilot Chrysalises, giant transforming robots that can battle the mecha aliens that lurk beyond the Great Wall. It doesn't matter that the girls often die from the mental strain.
When 18-year-old Zetian offers herself up as a concubine-pilot, it's to assassinate the ace male pilot responsible for her sister's death. But she gets her vengeance in a way nobody expected—she kills him through the psychic link between pilots and emerges from the cockpit unscathed. She is labeled an Iron Widow, a much-feared and much-silenced kind of female pilot who can sacrifice boys to power up Chrysalises instead.
To tame her unnerving yet invaluable mental strength, she is paired up with Li Shimin, the strongest and most controversial male pilot in Huaxia. But now that Zetian has had a taste of power, she will not cower so easily. She will miss no opportunity to leverage their combined might and infamy to survive attempt after attempt on her life, until she can figure out exactly why the pilot system works in its misogynist way—and stop more girls from being sacrificed.
Review: This book blew me away! I absolutely loved how well done the book was and how I so easily fell in love with the vengeful Zetian. I absolutely loved the Pacific Rim vibe and I think the author did amazing to bring Chinese mythical beings to the Pacific Rim like world. The commentary on how men use women to get what they want with no concern for them was well do and the writing of how women were forced into Foot modifications like old times made for a great comparison to beauty standards of today's world, but more importantly made commentary of how woman are subjected to torturous practices for the ease and "betterment" of men. I also liked the "Handmaid's Tale" (in quotes because the horrors in that book were real to many of our BIPOC women and female identifying people) like feel of the book. Beyond the amazing message behind the text, the story itself is amazing. The characters are well developed, the world building was divine, this was the first poly relationship I've read in books and I loved the trios dynamic, and overall I really fell in love with this authors writing. Expect to see a lot of amazing things from this author, they're one to watch for!
To make things fair, the only downside I had was that I thought the book was going to suggest that family toxic relationships should be forgiven, something I deeply struggle with from my childhood, but I was surprised and elated that the book took a different turn.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
Book: Iron Widow
Author: Xiran Jay Zhao
Book Series: Iron Widow Book 1
Diversity: Asian/Chinese inspired side characters and MC, Poly disabled mc, Bisexual boys
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: young adult readers, science fiction, historical fiction
Genre: YA Sci-fi
Publication Date: September 21, 2021
Publisher: Penguin Teen
Pages: 400
Recommended Age: 16+ (Emotional child abuse, Romance, Sex, Death, Attempted Sexual assualt TW, Violence, Domestic violence, Gore, Murder, Language, Alcohol abuse, Withdrawal, PTSD, Anxiety, Organ theft, Sexual coercion)
Explanation of CWs: Emotional child abuse is shown. Romance is not the forefront of the book, but is there sometimes. Sex is fade to black, but some sexual acts are shown and mentioned. Death is frequent. Sexual assualt is attempted and shown in the text. Lots of violence and gore. Some domestic violence shown and mentioned. Murder is shown. Slight Language. Alcohol abuse and withdrawal are shown in detail. One scene with sexual coercion and organ theft is mentioned.
Synopsis: The boys of Huaxia dream of pairing up with girls to pilot Chrysalises, giant transforming robots that can battle the mecha aliens that lurk beyond the Great Wall. It doesn't matter that the girls often die from the mental strain.
When 18-year-old Zetian offers herself up as a concubine-pilot, it's to assassinate the ace male pilot responsible for her sister's death. But she gets her vengeance in a way nobody expected—she kills him through the psychic link between pilots and emerges from the cockpit unscathed. She is labeled an Iron Widow, a much-feared and much-silenced kind of female pilot who can sacrifice boys to power up Chrysalises instead.
To tame her unnerving yet invaluable mental strength, she is paired up with Li Shimin, the strongest and most controversial male pilot in Huaxia. But now that Zetian has had a taste of power, she will not cower so easily. She will miss no opportunity to leverage their combined might and infamy to survive attempt after attempt on her life, until she can figure out exactly why the pilot system works in its misogynist way—and stop more girls from being sacrificed.
Review: This book blew me away! I absolutely loved how well done the book was and how I so easily fell in love with the vengeful Zetian. I absolutely loved the Pacific Rim vibe and I think the author did amazing to bring Chinese mythical beings to the Pacific Rim like world. The commentary on how men use women to get what they want with no concern for them was well do and the writing of how women were forced into Foot modifications like old times made for a great comparison to beauty standards of today's world, but more importantly made commentary of how woman are subjected to torturous practices for the ease and "betterment" of men. I also liked the "Handmaid's Tale" (in quotes because the horrors in that book were real to many of our BIPOC women and female identifying people) like feel of the book. Beyond the amazing message behind the text, the story itself is amazing. The characters are well developed, the world building was divine, this was the first poly relationship I've read in books and I loved the trios dynamic, and overall I really fell in love with this authors writing. Expect to see a lot of amazing things from this author, they're one to watch for!
To make things fair, the only downside I had was that I thought the book was going to suggest that family toxic relationships should be forgiven, something I deeply struggle with from my childhood, but I was surprised and elated that the book took a different turn.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
adventurous
hopeful
relaxing
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:
Complicated
Disclaimer: I received a finished copy of this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Leopard Behind The Moon
Author: Mayonn Paasewe-Valchev
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: African MC and characters
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: middle grade readers, fantasy
Genre: MG Fantasy
Publication Date: September 21, 2021
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Pages: 288
Recommended Age: 10+ (some slight violence)
Explanation of CWs: some slight animal violence
Synopsis: There are three important laws in Ezomo’s village: Do not go to The Valley, do not go out at night, and never, ever, ever open the magical door that protects them all. But when Ezomo encounters the leopard believed to have killed his father, he and his two best friends embark on a journey that leads them past the boundaries set by their elders.
With his friends by his side, Ezomo chases after the leopard, certain that it has the power to cure all, and in the process he discovers the true history of his village, and that cautionary tales exist for a reason.
Review: I absolutely loved this read. It was beautiful in world building and the author did amazing to create the atmosphere. I loved the writing and I also loved the characters and how well developed they were for this being a middle grade novel.
The only thing I had some issue with is that the beginning was a bit slow.
Verdict: It was amazing. Highly recommend.
Book: The Leopard Behind The Moon
Author: Mayonn Paasewe-Valchev
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: African MC and characters
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: middle grade readers, fantasy
Genre: MG Fantasy
Publication Date: September 21, 2021
Publisher: Greenwillow Books
Pages: 288
Recommended Age: 10+ (some slight violence)
Explanation of CWs: some slight animal violence
Synopsis: There are three important laws in Ezomo’s village: Do not go to The Valley, do not go out at night, and never, ever, ever open the magical door that protects them all. But when Ezomo encounters the leopard believed to have killed his father, he and his two best friends embark on a journey that leads them past the boundaries set by their elders.
With his friends by his side, Ezomo chases after the leopard, certain that it has the power to cure all, and in the process he discovers the true history of his village, and that cautionary tales exist for a reason.
Review: I absolutely loved this read. It was beautiful in world building and the author did amazing to create the atmosphere. I loved the writing and I also loved the characters and how well developed they were for this being a middle grade novel.
The only thing I had some issue with is that the beginning was a bit slow.
Verdict: It was amazing. Highly recommend.
dark
emotional
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Disclaimer: I received a finished copy of this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Mad Woman's Ball
Author: Victoria Mas
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3.5/5
Recommended For...: Historical Fiction, thriller
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publication Date: September 7, 2021
Publisher: The Overlook Press
Pages: 224
Recommended Age: 18+ (sexual assualt TW, suicide attempt, forced institutionalization, Abelism, misogyny, grief, death, violence, gore)
Explanation of CWs: Forced institutionalization, sexual assualt, and suicide are graphically shown. There are abelist comments. Grief and death frequent.
Synopsis: The Salpetriere Asylum: Paris, 1885. Dr. Charcot holds all of Paris in thrall with his displays of hypnotism on women who have been deemed mad and cast out from society. But the truth is much more complicated—these women are often simply inconvenient, unwanted wives, those who have lost something precious, wayward daughters, or girls born from adulterous relationships. For Parisian society, the highlight of the year is the Lenten ball—the Madwomen’s Ball—when the great and good come to gawk at the patients of the Salpetriere dressed up in their finery for one night only. For the women themselves, it is a rare moment of hope.
Genevieve is a senior nurse. After the childhood death of her sister Blandine, she shunned religion and placed her faith in both the celebrated psychiatrist Dr. Charcot and science. But everything begins to change when she meets Eugenie—the 19-year-old daughter of a bourgeois family that has locked her away in the asylum. Because Eugenie has a secret: she sees spirits. Inspired by the scandalous, banned work that all of Paris is talking about, The Book of Spirits, Eugenie is determined to escape from the asylum—and the bonds of her gender—and seek out those who will believe in her. And for that she will need Genevieve's help . . .
Review: For the most part I enjoyed this read. It was informative and it gave me a lot of insight into asylums and how they were run. The book did well with the world building and atmosphere, it was positively creepy and terrifying.
However, I did feel like the character development was a bit lacking and I couldn't connect with a few of the characters. I also felt like the beginning was slow and the plot twist/device was obvious and gave away the ending.
Verdict: It was good, just predictable.
Book: The Mad Woman's Ball
Author: Victoria Mas
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3.5/5
Recommended For...: Historical Fiction, thriller
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publication Date: September 7, 2021
Publisher: The Overlook Press
Pages: 224
Recommended Age: 18+ (sexual assualt TW, suicide attempt, forced institutionalization, Abelism, misogyny, grief, death, violence, gore)
Explanation of CWs: Forced institutionalization, sexual assualt, and suicide are graphically shown. There are abelist comments. Grief and death frequent.
Synopsis: The Salpetriere Asylum: Paris, 1885. Dr. Charcot holds all of Paris in thrall with his displays of hypnotism on women who have been deemed mad and cast out from society. But the truth is much more complicated—these women are often simply inconvenient, unwanted wives, those who have lost something precious, wayward daughters, or girls born from adulterous relationships. For Parisian society, the highlight of the year is the Lenten ball—the Madwomen’s Ball—when the great and good come to gawk at the patients of the Salpetriere dressed up in their finery for one night only. For the women themselves, it is a rare moment of hope.
Genevieve is a senior nurse. After the childhood death of her sister Blandine, she shunned religion and placed her faith in both the celebrated psychiatrist Dr. Charcot and science. But everything begins to change when she meets Eugenie—the 19-year-old daughter of a bourgeois family that has locked her away in the asylum. Because Eugenie has a secret: she sees spirits. Inspired by the scandalous, banned work that all of Paris is talking about, The Book of Spirits, Eugenie is determined to escape from the asylum—and the bonds of her gender—and seek out those who will believe in her. And for that she will need Genevieve's help . . .
Review: For the most part I enjoyed this read. It was informative and it gave me a lot of insight into asylums and how they were run. The book did well with the world building and atmosphere, it was positively creepy and terrifying.
However, I did feel like the character development was a bit lacking and I couldn't connect with a few of the characters. I also felt like the beginning was slow and the plot twist/device was obvious and gave away the ending.
Verdict: It was good, just predictable.
dark
emotional
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: Stalking Shadows
Author: Cyla Panin
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: 1 same sex couple
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: young adult readers, fantasy, retelling
Genre: YA Fantasy Retelling
Publication Date: September 14, 2021
Publisher: Amulet Books
Pages: 400
Recommended Age: 14+ (kidnapping TW, anxiety TW, romance, child abuse TW, slight violence and gore)
Explanation of CWs: Slight romance, gore, and violence. Anxiety is present through a lot of the story. Kidnapping is integral to the story. Child abuse is touched on.
Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Marie mixes perfumes to sell on market day in her small eighteenth-century French town. She wants to make enough to save a dowry for her sister, Ama, in hopes of Ama marrying well and Marie living in the level of freedom afforded only to spinster aunts. But her perfumes are more than sweet scents in cheap, cut-glass bottles: A certain few are laced with death. Marie laces the perfume delicately—not with poison but with a hint of honeysuckle she’s trained her sister to respond to. Marie marks her victim, and Ama attacks. But she doesn’t attack as a girl. She kills as a beast.
Marking Ama’s victims controls the damage to keep suspicion at bay. But when a young boy turns up dead one morning, Marie is forced to acknowledge she might be losing control of Ama. And if she can’t control her, she’ll have to cure her. Marie knows the only place she’ll find the cure is in the mansion where Ama was cursed in the first place, home of Lord Sebastien LeClaire. But once she gets into the mansion, she discovers dark secrets hidden away—secrets of the curse, of Lord Sebastien . . . and of herself.
Review: For the most part, I enjoyed this book. It had a well done story and I was immediately intrigued by it in the beginning. It had great world building as well.
However, I felt like the plot of the book differed from where the characters were going. The sisters are supposed to be super bonded but aren't really in the book? The book slowed down significantly after the first few chapters. And the character development suffered a lot from the slow book and the lack of connection between them and the reader.
Verdict: It was ok, but could be better.
Book: Stalking Shadows
Author: Cyla Panin
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: 1 same sex couple
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: young adult readers, fantasy, retelling
Genre: YA Fantasy Retelling
Publication Date: September 14, 2021
Publisher: Amulet Books
Pages: 400
Recommended Age: 14+ (kidnapping TW, anxiety TW, romance, child abuse TW, slight violence and gore)
Explanation of CWs: Slight romance, gore, and violence. Anxiety is present through a lot of the story. Kidnapping is integral to the story. Child abuse is touched on.
Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Marie mixes perfumes to sell on market day in her small eighteenth-century French town. She wants to make enough to save a dowry for her sister, Ama, in hopes of Ama marrying well and Marie living in the level of freedom afforded only to spinster aunts. But her perfumes are more than sweet scents in cheap, cut-glass bottles: A certain few are laced with death. Marie laces the perfume delicately—not with poison but with a hint of honeysuckle she’s trained her sister to respond to. Marie marks her victim, and Ama attacks. But she doesn’t attack as a girl. She kills as a beast.
Marking Ama’s victims controls the damage to keep suspicion at bay. But when a young boy turns up dead one morning, Marie is forced to acknowledge she might be losing control of Ama. And if she can’t control her, she’ll have to cure her. Marie knows the only place she’ll find the cure is in the mansion where Ama was cursed in the first place, home of Lord Sebastien LeClaire. But once she gets into the mansion, she discovers dark secrets hidden away—secrets of the curse, of Lord Sebastien . . . and of herself.
Review: For the most part, I enjoyed this book. It had a well done story and I was immediately intrigued by it in the beginning. It had great world building as well.
However, I felt like the plot of the book differed from where the characters were going. The sisters are supposed to be super bonded but aren't really in the book? The book slowed down significantly after the first few chapters. And the character development suffered a lot from the slow book and the lack of connection between them and the reader.
Verdict: It was ok, but could be better.