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2.51k reviews by:
popthebutterfly
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
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:
Yes
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the author and publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: If You, Then Me
Author: Yvonne Woon
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: Asian American lead and side character, Nigerian side character
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: young adults, contemporary, coding, romance, fail and rise again trope
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publication Date: July 6, 2021
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Pages: 416
Recommended Age: (Racism, Slight sex content, Slight Language, Bullying, Alcohol consumption by minors, Drug use, Being drugged, TW Sexual assault, Victim blaming)
Explanation of CWs: There are mentions of racism against the MCs ethnicity by the bully character. There are some small instances of some curse words. Alcohol is consumed frequently throughout the novel by underaged characters. There is 1 mention of drug use by the main character and a few small scenes and mentions of seeing other characters use drugs. The main character is drugged in that same scene. It is not a roofie, but she was slightly unintentionally drugged by the villain character. There is one scene where the main character is forcibly touched and groped. She is also blamed for the day incident later in the text.
Synopsis: What would you ask your future self? First question: What does it feel like to kiss someone?
Xia is stuck in a lonely, boring loop. Her only escapes are Wiser, an artificial intelligence app she designed to answer questions like her future self, and a mysterious online crush she knows only as ObjectPermanence.
And then one day Xia enrolls at the Foundry, an app incubator for tech prodigies in Silicon Valley.
Suddenly, anything is possible. Flirting with Mast, a classmate also working on AI, leads to a date. Speaking up generates a vindictive nemesis intent on publicly humiliating her. And running into Mitzy Erst, Foundry alumna and Xia’s idol, could give Xia all the answers.
And then Xia receives a shocking message from ObjectPermanence: He is at the Foundry, too. Xia is torn between Mast and ObjectPermanence—just as Mitzy pushes her towards a shiny new future. Xia doesn’t have to ask Wiser to know: The right choice could transform her into the future self of her dreams, but the wrong one could destroy her.
Review: I really liked this book! When I first started it I was concerned because the book features a lot of coding lingo and computer knowledge and if you've ever been to a hang out with my friends (who are all into the coding/computer/IT world) and I then you might be concerned too lol. I've spent many a hang out session with them disassociating because computer talk is it's own language (insert Java/Ruby/HTML joke here). But I understood the book and what I didn't understand I was able to by the context. I loved the world the author built and I love the character development. The writing was amazing and it made for easy understanding of the computer lingo and world of Silicon Valley. I guess you could call this my first dedicated post to my friends and my husband. I never realized how much there is in programming/coding/IT and now I do and I'm tagging one particular friend in here if you'd love to check her out to learn/see more into the programming world too. I also loved the plot of the book and I thought that the characters struggles were very much in tune with what modern teens might see today.
The only issue I had with the book is that I felt like it ended too soon, I wanted to see more of Xia and make sure she was ok. I also had a slight issue with what happened to a certain villain character at the end of the book. It felt too swift of an end for that villain and not enough justice.
Verdict: I absolutely adored the book and I'm definitely buying it today! I'd also love for the author to come out with a sequel because I want to see bosslady Xia at work.
Book: If You, Then Me
Author: Yvonne Woon
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: Asian American lead and side character, Nigerian side character
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: young adults, contemporary, coding, romance, fail and rise again trope
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publication Date: July 6, 2021
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Pages: 416
Recommended Age: (Racism, Slight sex content, Slight Language, Bullying, Alcohol consumption by minors, Drug use, Being drugged, TW Sexual assault, Victim blaming)
Explanation of CWs: There are mentions of racism against the MCs ethnicity by the bully character. There are some small instances of some curse words. Alcohol is consumed frequently throughout the novel by underaged characters. There is 1 mention of drug use by the main character and a few small scenes and mentions of seeing other characters use drugs. The main character is drugged in that same scene. It is not a roofie, but she was slightly unintentionally drugged by the villain character. There is one scene where the main character is forcibly touched and groped. She is also blamed for the day incident later in the text.
Synopsis: What would you ask your future self? First question: What does it feel like to kiss someone?
Xia is stuck in a lonely, boring loop. Her only escapes are Wiser, an artificial intelligence app she designed to answer questions like her future self, and a mysterious online crush she knows only as ObjectPermanence.
And then one day Xia enrolls at the Foundry, an app incubator for tech prodigies in Silicon Valley.
Suddenly, anything is possible. Flirting with Mast, a classmate also working on AI, leads to a date. Speaking up generates a vindictive nemesis intent on publicly humiliating her. And running into Mitzy Erst, Foundry alumna and Xia’s idol, could give Xia all the answers.
And then Xia receives a shocking message from ObjectPermanence: He is at the Foundry, too. Xia is torn between Mast and ObjectPermanence—just as Mitzy pushes her towards a shiny new future. Xia doesn’t have to ask Wiser to know: The right choice could transform her into the future self of her dreams, but the wrong one could destroy her.
Review: I really liked this book! When I first started it I was concerned because the book features a lot of coding lingo and computer knowledge and if you've ever been to a hang out with my friends (who are all into the coding/computer/IT world) and I then you might be concerned too lol. I've spent many a hang out session with them disassociating because computer talk is it's own language (insert Java/Ruby/HTML joke here). But I understood the book and what I didn't understand I was able to by the context. I loved the world the author built and I love the character development. The writing was amazing and it made for easy understanding of the computer lingo and world of Silicon Valley. I guess you could call this my first dedicated post to my friends and my husband. I never realized how much there is in programming/coding/IT and now I do and I'm tagging one particular friend in here if you'd love to check her out to learn/see more into the programming world too. I also loved the plot of the book and I thought that the characters struggles were very much in tune with what modern teens might see today.
The only issue I had with the book is that I felt like it ended too soon, I wanted to see more of Xia and make sure she was ok. I also had a slight issue with what happened to a certain villain character at the end of the book. It felt too swift of an end for that villain and not enough justice.
Verdict: I absolutely adored the book and I'm definitely buying it today! I'd also love for the author to come out with a sequel because I want to see bosslady Xia at work.
adventurous
dark
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Disclaimer: I received this arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Deepest, Darkest
Author: William Ritter
Book Series: The Oddmire Book 3
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: Middle Graders, adventure
Publication Date: June 22, 2021
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (adventure, violence, war, scary moments, )
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Pages: 320
Synopsis:
Review: This was an enjoyable book! I really liked story, even more than I did in the first book, and I liked that this book was darker than the others. I loved the character development and the book also did great with the world building yet again. I also really liked the writing.
My only complaint about the novel is, again, the pacing in some places.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
Book: Deepest, Darkest
Author: William Ritter
Book Series: The Oddmire Book 3
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: Middle Graders, adventure
Publication Date: June 22, 2021
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (adventure, violence, war, scary moments, )
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Pages: 320
Synopsis:
Review: This was an enjoyable book! I really liked story, even more than I did in the first book, and I liked that this book was darker than the others. I loved the character development and the book also did great with the world building yet again. I also really liked the writing.
My only complaint about the novel is, again, the pacing in some places.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
adventurous
dark
hopeful
mysterious
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 e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Eat Your Heart Out
Author: Kelly deVos
Book Series: Standalone for now
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: horror, young adults, zombies
Genre: YA Horror
Publication Date: June 29, 2021
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 352
Recommended Age: 14+ (Fat phobia and fat remarks, Language, Teen pregnancy, Weight discussed, Violence, Gore, Death)
Explanation of CWs: Fatphobic remarks made by a main character to another main character and remarks remembered by a stepfather. Some cursing. A main character experiences teen pregnancy and birth. Weight is discussed, so please be safe if that's a trigger.
Synopsis: In the next few hours, one of three things will happen.
1--We'll be rescued (unlikely)
2--We'll freeze to death (maybe)
3--We'll be eaten by thin and athletic zombies (odds: excellent)
Vivian Ellenshaw is fat, but she knows she doesn't need to lose weight, so she's none too happy to find herself forced into a weight-loss camp's van with her ex-best friend, Allie, a meathead jock who can barely drive, and the camp owner's snobby son. And when they arrive at Camp Featherlite at the start of the worst blizzard in the history of Flagstaff, Arizona, it's clear that something isn't right.
Vee barely has a chance to meet the other members of her pod, all who seem as unhappy to be at Featherlite as she does, when a camper goes missing down by the lake. Then she spots something horrifying outside in the snow. Something...that isn't human. Plus, the camp's supposed "miracle cure" for obesity just seems fishy, and Vee and her fellow campers know they don't need to be cured. Of anything.
Even worse, it's not long before Camp Featherlite's luxurious bungalows are totally overrun with zombies. What starts out as a mission to unravel the camp's secrets turns into a desperate fight for survival--and not all of the Featherlite campers will make it out alive.
Review: I really loved this book! I felt very connected with Vivian because we're both fat females and I loved how badass she was and how well developed she became. I loved the horror inspo of this book and I loved the writing. I also loved the way the book used multiple POVs.
However, I do feel like that the book left a lot of room for a second book and I BETTER GET ONE BECAUSE I REFUSE TO BELIEVE that two characters who I can't name ARE DEAD. RULE NUMBER 3 OF THE HORROR FILMS: IF THEY DO NOT APPEAR DEAD AND DISMEMBERED IN ONE SHOT THEN THEY AIN'T DEAD. NOT DEAD! Need book 2. On a serious note I also thought the world building could have been better and the multiple povs, while great, was confusing a lot of the time. There also was some body positive messages in the beginning and a little at the end, but for the most part it was non-existent in the middle.
Verdict: It was great!
Book: Eat Your Heart Out
Author: Kelly deVos
Book Series: Standalone for now
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: horror, young adults, zombies
Genre: YA Horror
Publication Date: June 29, 2021
Publisher: Razorbill
Pages: 352
Recommended Age: 14+ (Fat phobia and fat remarks, Language, Teen pregnancy, Weight discussed, Violence, Gore, Death)
Explanation of CWs: Fatphobic remarks made by a main character to another main character and remarks remembered by a stepfather. Some cursing. A main character experiences teen pregnancy and birth. Weight is discussed, so please be safe if that's a trigger.
Synopsis: In the next few hours, one of three things will happen.
1--We'll be rescued (unlikely)
2--We'll freeze to death (maybe)
3--We'll be eaten by thin and athletic zombies (odds: excellent)
Vivian Ellenshaw is fat, but she knows she doesn't need to lose weight, so she's none too happy to find herself forced into a weight-loss camp's van with her ex-best friend, Allie, a meathead jock who can barely drive, and the camp owner's snobby son. And when they arrive at Camp Featherlite at the start of the worst blizzard in the history of Flagstaff, Arizona, it's clear that something isn't right.
Vee barely has a chance to meet the other members of her pod, all who seem as unhappy to be at Featherlite as she does, when a camper goes missing down by the lake. Then she spots something horrifying outside in the snow. Something...that isn't human. Plus, the camp's supposed "miracle cure" for obesity just seems fishy, and Vee and her fellow campers know they don't need to be cured. Of anything.
Even worse, it's not long before Camp Featherlite's luxurious bungalows are totally overrun with zombies. What starts out as a mission to unravel the camp's secrets turns into a desperate fight for survival--and not all of the Featherlite campers will make it out alive.
Review: I really loved this book! I felt very connected with Vivian because we're both fat females and I loved how badass she was and how well developed she became. I loved the horror inspo of this book and I loved the writing. I also loved the way the book used multiple POVs.
However, I do feel like that the book left a lot of room for a second book and I BETTER GET ONE BECAUSE I REFUSE TO BELIEVE that two characters who I can't name ARE DEAD. RULE NUMBER 3 OF THE HORROR FILMS: IF THEY DO NOT APPEAR DEAD AND DISMEMBERED IN ONE SHOT THEN THEY AIN'T DEAD. NOT DEAD! Need book 2. On a serious note I also thought the world building could have been better and the multiple povs, while great, was confusing a lot of the time. There also was some body positive messages in the beginning and a little at the end, but for the most part it was non-existent in the middle.
Verdict: It was great!
emotional
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:
Yes
Disclaimer: I bought this book after I met the author and they signed it for me. Thank you Mason! All opinions are my own.
Book: I Wish You All The Best
Author: Mason Deaver
Book Series: I Wish You All The Best Book 1
Diversity: Non-binary rep, Own voice, Korean side character, Black male love interest, Muslim side character
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: young adults, contemporary, coming out, non-supportive parents, found family, romance
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publication Date: May 14, 2019
Publisher: PUSH
Pages: 336
Recommended Age: 14+ (Coming out, Being kicked out, Homophobia, Transphobia, Underage alcohol usage, Mentions of hijabi pulling, HP mentioned and JKR mentioned in acknowledgements, romance)
Explanation of CWs: There are passages of homophobic and transphobic remarks made by the MCs father. There is one hijabi pulling mentioned very briefly. There is one Harry Potter reference in the story and JKR is mentioned in the acknowledgements in the very back of the book. This is also a romance story and there are some romantic scenes, but nothing graphic or sexual.
Synopsis: When Ben De Backer comes out to their parents as nonbinary, they're thrown out of their house and forced to move in with their estranged older sister, Hannah, and her husband, Thomas, whom Ben has never even met. Struggling with an anxiety disorder compounded by their parents' rejection, they come out only to Hannah, Thomas, and their therapist and try to keep a low profile in a new school.
But Ben's attempts to survive the last half of senior year unnoticed are thwarted when Nathan Allan, a funny and charismatic student, decides to take Ben under his wing. As Ben and Nathan's friendship grows, their feelings for each other begin to change, and what started as a disastrous turn of events looks like it might just be a chance to start a happier new life.
Review: I completely fell in love with this book. I really love the story and from the first page I instantly loved Ben and they are forever my favorite cinnamon roll character LOL. I loved the plot and the writing is so well done. I also really liked the character development and the world building as well.
The only thing that I really have for critique of this book is that sometimes the book would jump a few weeks or so and it wasn't really made that obvious in the writing. You quickly catch on, but it was only a little annoying.
Verdict: a very well done book and I highly recommend it.
Book: I Wish You All The Best
Author: Mason Deaver
Book Series: I Wish You All The Best Book 1
Diversity: Non-binary rep, Own voice, Korean side character, Black male love interest, Muslim side character
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: young adults, contemporary, coming out, non-supportive parents, found family, romance
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publication Date: May 14, 2019
Publisher: PUSH
Pages: 336
Recommended Age: 14+ (Coming out, Being kicked out, Homophobia, Transphobia, Underage alcohol usage, Mentions of hijabi pulling, HP mentioned and JKR mentioned in acknowledgements, romance)
Explanation of CWs: There are passages of homophobic and transphobic remarks made by the MCs father. There is one hijabi pulling mentioned very briefly. There is one Harry Potter reference in the story and JKR is mentioned in the acknowledgements in the very back of the book. This is also a romance story and there are some romantic scenes, but nothing graphic or sexual.
Synopsis: When Ben De Backer comes out to their parents as nonbinary, they're thrown out of their house and forced to move in with their estranged older sister, Hannah, and her husband, Thomas, whom Ben has never even met. Struggling with an anxiety disorder compounded by their parents' rejection, they come out only to Hannah, Thomas, and their therapist and try to keep a low profile in a new school.
But Ben's attempts to survive the last half of senior year unnoticed are thwarted when Nathan Allan, a funny and charismatic student, decides to take Ben under his wing. As Ben and Nathan's friendship grows, their feelings for each other begin to change, and what started as a disastrous turn of events looks like it might just be a chance to start a happier new life.
Review: I completely fell in love with this book. I really love the story and from the first page I instantly loved Ben and they are forever my favorite cinnamon roll character LOL. I loved the plot and the writing is so well done. I also really liked the character development and the world building as well.
The only thing that I really have for critique of this book is that sometimes the book would jump a few weeks or so and it wasn't really made that obvious in the writing. You quickly catch on, but it was only a little annoying.
Verdict: a very well done book and I highly recommend it.
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Zombies for Everyone
Author: Kimberly Wylie
Book Series: Jenna Sutton Supernatural Cozy Mystery Book 1
Rating: 2/5
Recommended For...: young adult, new adult, paranormal, mystery, cozy mystery
Genre: YA Paranormal Mystery
Publication Date: June 30, 2021
Publisher: Cypress Canyon Publishing
Pages: 185
Recommended Age: 14+ (violence, gore, romance)
Explanation of CWs: Lots of gore moments where blood and missing limbs are mentioned. Also mild violence for fighting.
Synopsis: Jenna Sutton is nothing like the iconic vampire slayer of TV fame.
She’s the antithesis of a cheerleader. She’s not peppy. And she sucks at gymnastics. She has nothing in common with the fictional Buffy, other than being blonde and in high school...
Oh, and occasionally she kills vampires for a living as well as other things that go bump in the night
Following an attack on an English teacher at a nearby school, it becomes clear this wasn’t an ordinary coyote bite. The gray-green Lichtenberg-like webbing of streaks making their way up Ms. Pruett’s arm can mean only one thing—zombies.
But this isn’t a normal zombie attack. The victims seem to be hand-picked.
Can Jenna complete her investigation without the school administrators figuring out she’s actually a high school student from another school? Will Jenna be able to find out who’s behind these attacks before a full-scale zombie outbreak overtakes the town? And, perhaps most importantly...
Why did her best friend kiss her after all of these years?
Review: Overall this was an ok book. I liked the premise of the book and I like how much it resembles Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The book had an intriguing plot that helped me keep going through the book.
However, I really didn't like this one. The book was very rushed and the backstory was very confusing and hard to understand. The Buffy inspo feels a little too much like Buffy and not enough of it's own. The romance is quickly rushed and the pacing is so rushed! I felt like I was running a marathon trying to read the book.
Verdict: It's not for me but maybe for you!
Book: Zombies for Everyone
Author: Kimberly Wylie
Book Series: Jenna Sutton Supernatural Cozy Mystery Book 1
Rating: 2/5
Recommended For...: young adult, new adult, paranormal, mystery, cozy mystery
Genre: YA Paranormal Mystery
Publication Date: June 30, 2021
Publisher: Cypress Canyon Publishing
Pages: 185
Recommended Age: 14+ (violence, gore, romance)
Explanation of CWs: Lots of gore moments where blood and missing limbs are mentioned. Also mild violence for fighting.
Synopsis: Jenna Sutton is nothing like the iconic vampire slayer of TV fame.
She’s the antithesis of a cheerleader. She’s not peppy. And she sucks at gymnastics. She has nothing in common with the fictional Buffy, other than being blonde and in high school...
Oh, and occasionally she kills vampires for a living as well as other things that go bump in the night
Following an attack on an English teacher at a nearby school, it becomes clear this wasn’t an ordinary coyote bite. The gray-green Lichtenberg-like webbing of streaks making their way up Ms. Pruett’s arm can mean only one thing—zombies.
But this isn’t a normal zombie attack. The victims seem to be hand-picked.
Can Jenna complete her investigation without the school administrators figuring out she’s actually a high school student from another school? Will Jenna be able to find out who’s behind these attacks before a full-scale zombie outbreak overtakes the town? And, perhaps most importantly...
Why did her best friend kiss her after all of these years?
Review: Overall this was an ok book. I liked the premise of the book and I like how much it resembles Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The book had an intriguing plot that helped me keep going through the book.
However, I really didn't like this one. The book was very rushed and the backstory was very confusing and hard to understand. The Buffy inspo feels a little too much like Buffy and not enough of it's own. The romance is quickly rushed and the pacing is so rushed! I felt like I was running a marathon trying to read the book.
Verdict: It's not for me but maybe for you!
adventurous
challenging
emotional
informative
fast-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 the e-arc for this book from the publisher and then bought my own copy. Thanks! All opinions are my own and support your authors!
Book: Tristan Strong Destroys the World
Author: Kwame Mbalia
Book Series: Tristan Strong Book 2
Diversity: Black MC and side characters
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: Middle grade, fantasy, mythology, African mythology and lore
Genre: MG Fantasy
Publication Date: October 6, 2020
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Pages: 390
Recommended Age: 10+ (Violence, Grief, Trauma)
Explanation of CWs: Punching and there are some weapons used. There are very scary moments and the subject of trauma is brought up literally and in an allegorical sense.
Synopsis: Tristan Strong, just back from a victorious but exhausting adventure in Alke, the land of African American folk heroes and African gods, is suffering from PTSD. But there's no rest for the weary when his grandmother is abducted by a mysterious villain out for revenge. Tristan must return to Alke--and reunite with his loud-mouthed sidekick, Gum Baby--in order to rescue Nana and stop the culprit from creating further devastation. Anansi, now a "web developer" in Tristan's phone, is close at hand to offer advice, and several new folk heroes will aid Tristan in his quest, but he will only succeed if he can figure out a way to sew broken souls back together.
Review: I really liked this sequel. While the first book felt like it could stand alone this book picked up well from the first and the ending led me to want more of it. The characters are all well developed, the world building is well done, and I loved the African mythology and lore. I love the stories and I love how the author condenses these stories for this book.
The only thing I had issue with is that the book was very fast paced. There's a lot going on in the book and you gotta pay attention or you'll be lost.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
Book: Tristan Strong Destroys the World
Author: Kwame Mbalia
Book Series: Tristan Strong Book 2
Diversity: Black MC and side characters
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: Middle grade, fantasy, mythology, African mythology and lore
Genre: MG Fantasy
Publication Date: October 6, 2020
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Pages: 390
Recommended Age: 10+ (Violence, Grief, Trauma)
Explanation of CWs: Punching and there are some weapons used. There are very scary moments and the subject of trauma is brought up literally and in an allegorical sense.
Synopsis: Tristan Strong, just back from a victorious but exhausting adventure in Alke, the land of African American folk heroes and African gods, is suffering from PTSD. But there's no rest for the weary when his grandmother is abducted by a mysterious villain out for revenge. Tristan must return to Alke--and reunite with his loud-mouthed sidekick, Gum Baby--in order to rescue Nana and stop the culprit from creating further devastation. Anansi, now a "web developer" in Tristan's phone, is close at hand to offer advice, and several new folk heroes will aid Tristan in his quest, but he will only succeed if he can figure out a way to sew broken souls back together.
Review: I really liked this sequel. While the first book felt like it could stand alone this book picked up well from the first and the ending led me to want more of it. The characters are all well developed, the world building is well done, and I loved the African mythology and lore. I love the stories and I love how the author condenses these stories for this book.
The only thing I had issue with is that the book was very fast paced. There's a lot going on in the book and you gotta pay attention or you'll be lost.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
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adventurous
challenging
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
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:
Yes
Disclaimer: I bought my own copy. Support your authors!
Book: Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky
Author: Kwame Mbalia
Book Series: Tristan Strong Book 1
Diversity: Black MC and family and a focus on African mythology and lore
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: Middle grade, fantasy, African mythology and lore
Genre: MG Fantasy
Publication Date: October 15, 2019
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Pages: 482
Recommended Age: 10+ (slavery mentioned and alluded to)
Explanation of CWs: Slavery is mentioned and is alluded to in the story.
Synopsis: Seventh-grader Tristan Strong feels anything but strong ever since he failed to save his best friend when they were in a bus accident together. All he has left of Eddie is the journal his friend wrote stories in. Tristan is dreading the month he’s going to spend on his grandparents’ farm in Alabama, where he’s being sent to heal from the tragedy. But on his first night there, a sticky creature shows up in his bedroom and steals Eddie’s journal. Tristan chases after it — is that a doll? — and a tug-of-war ensues between them underneath a Bottle Tree. In a last attempt to wrestle the journal out of the creature’s hands, Tristan punches the tree, accidentally ripping open a chasm into the MidPass, a volatile place with a burning sea, haunted bone ships, and iron monsters that are hunting the inhabitants of this world. Tristan finds himself in the middle of a battle that has left black American gods John Henry and Brer Rabbit exhausted. In order to get back home, Tristan and these new allies will need to entice the god Anansi, the Weaver, to come out of hiding and seal the hole in the sky. But bartering with the trickster Anansi always comes at a price. Can Tristan save this world before he loses more of the things he loves?
Review: This was my first reread of the year and I absolutely enjoyed it just like the first time I read it. I really like the character development and the World building and the book overall is very well written. The African mythology that is used in the book is rich and amazing. I loved looking up the stories as I read along in the book and I thought that the book did very well condensing the stories in a snapshot format for younger readers to understand. I also like that the book didn't shy away from the forced enslavement that much of the African population faced. The book has a lot of mentions of that time period and also has a lot of references to it, but it does not take that part of the history lightly. Another thing that really fascinates me about this book is that the author makes the protagonist a boxer, but also gives him a very unique ability of storytelling. I think that the combination of the two is perfect for a middle grade aged boy to show that not all battles can be won with weapons. I also love the plot of the book and it had me hooked from the first page.
The only thing that really bothered me about the book is that the book is really fast paced in the beginning and then it slows down tremendously towards the middle. The pacing is pretty wonky throughout the book and in the beginning you have a lot of questions about what's going on because you're throwing into the middle of Tristan's story, but I still think that this is one of the best middle grade books that I've read.
Verdict: a must read!
Book: Tristan Strong Punches a Hole in the Sky
Author: Kwame Mbalia
Book Series: Tristan Strong Book 1
Diversity: Black MC and family and a focus on African mythology and lore
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: Middle grade, fantasy, African mythology and lore
Genre: MG Fantasy
Publication Date: October 15, 2019
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Pages: 482
Recommended Age: 10+ (slavery mentioned and alluded to)
Explanation of CWs: Slavery is mentioned and is alluded to in the story.
Synopsis: Seventh-grader Tristan Strong feels anything but strong ever since he failed to save his best friend when they were in a bus accident together. All he has left of Eddie is the journal his friend wrote stories in. Tristan is dreading the month he’s going to spend on his grandparents’ farm in Alabama, where he’s being sent to heal from the tragedy. But on his first night there, a sticky creature shows up in his bedroom and steals Eddie’s journal. Tristan chases after it — is that a doll? — and a tug-of-war ensues between them underneath a Bottle Tree. In a last attempt to wrestle the journal out of the creature’s hands, Tristan punches the tree, accidentally ripping open a chasm into the MidPass, a volatile place with a burning sea, haunted bone ships, and iron monsters that are hunting the inhabitants of this world. Tristan finds himself in the middle of a battle that has left black American gods John Henry and Brer Rabbit exhausted. In order to get back home, Tristan and these new allies will need to entice the god Anansi, the Weaver, to come out of hiding and seal the hole in the sky. But bartering with the trickster Anansi always comes at a price. Can Tristan save this world before he loses more of the things he loves?
Review: This was my first reread of the year and I absolutely enjoyed it just like the first time I read it. I really like the character development and the World building and the book overall is very well written. The African mythology that is used in the book is rich and amazing. I loved looking up the stories as I read along in the book and I thought that the book did very well condensing the stories in a snapshot format for younger readers to understand. I also like that the book didn't shy away from the forced enslavement that much of the African population faced. The book has a lot of mentions of that time period and also has a lot of references to it, but it does not take that part of the history lightly. Another thing that really fascinates me about this book is that the author makes the protagonist a boxer, but also gives him a very unique ability of storytelling. I think that the combination of the two is perfect for a middle grade aged boy to show that not all battles can be won with weapons. I also love the plot of the book and it had me hooked from the first page.
The only thing that really bothered me about the book is that the book is really fast paced in the beginning and then it slows down tremendously towards the middle. The pacing is pretty wonky throughout the book and in the beginning you have a lot of questions about what's going on because you're throwing into the middle of Tristan's story, but I still think that this is one of the best middle grade books that I've read.
Verdict: a must read!
emotional
fast-paced
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Monster Child
Author: Rahela Nayebzabah
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: Afghan, Muslim, Immigrant MC, family, and side characters
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: fiction, adult content
Genre: Fiction
Publication Date: May 18, 2021
Publisher: Buckrider Books
Pages: 200
Recommended Age: can't recommend, DNFed (language, rape/sexual assault)
Explanation of CWs: Lots of cursing and explicit language. Sexual assault and rape is written in detail. Creepy language about women's bodies.
Synopsis: In a powerful debut novel author Rahela Nayebzadah introduces three unforgettable characters, Beh, Shabnam, and Alif. In a world swirling with secrets, racism, and a touch of magic we watch through the eyes of these three children as Nayebzadah’s family of Afghan immigrants try to find their way in an often uncaring society. But as a sexual assault on thirteen-year-old Beh unleashes the past and destroys the family the reader is left wondering who is the monster child? Is it Beh, who says she is called a disease? Is it Shabnam, who cries tears of blood? Is it Alif, who in the end declares “We are a family of monsters”? Or are the monsters all around us?
Review: I had to DNF the book at pg. 61. The book is good and I think a lot of people would enjoy the writing, but there's a lot of things in the book I felt really triggered by. There's lots of explicit language in the book. The way women are talked about in the book is very explicit and hurtful, especially when, in reference to Muslim children who adopt western culture "look like every other girl in school waiting to pop their cherries". There's also rape in detail in this book with a minor involved and I wasn't expecting that from this book. I knew it would be touched on but I didn't know the extent of it. I think this would be a great read and I wish this would have been a good read for me, but it was just too much for me in the end. However, the story is extremely well written and the characters are well developed. I also loved the world building and the plot of the book. The pacing was also on par.
Verdict: It's good and I'd have loved to read more, but I just can't at the moment. Not for me but maybe for you!
Book: Monster Child
Author: Rahela Nayebzabah
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: Afghan, Muslim, Immigrant MC, family, and side characters
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: fiction, adult content
Genre: Fiction
Publication Date: May 18, 2021
Publisher: Buckrider Books
Pages: 200
Recommended Age: can't recommend, DNFed (language, rape/sexual assault)
Explanation of CWs: Lots of cursing and explicit language. Sexual assault and rape is written in detail. Creepy language about women's bodies.
Synopsis: In a powerful debut novel author Rahela Nayebzadah introduces three unforgettable characters, Beh, Shabnam, and Alif. In a world swirling with secrets, racism, and a touch of magic we watch through the eyes of these three children as Nayebzadah’s family of Afghan immigrants try to find their way in an often uncaring society. But as a sexual assault on thirteen-year-old Beh unleashes the past and destroys the family the reader is left wondering who is the monster child? Is it Beh, who says she is called a disease? Is it Shabnam, who cries tears of blood? Is it Alif, who in the end declares “We are a family of monsters”? Or are the monsters all around us?
Review: I had to DNF the book at pg. 61. The book is good and I think a lot of people would enjoy the writing, but there's a lot of things in the book I felt really triggered by. There's lots of explicit language in the book. The way women are talked about in the book is very explicit and hurtful, especially when, in reference to Muslim children who adopt western culture "look like every other girl in school waiting to pop their cherries". There's also rape in detail in this book with a minor involved and I wasn't expecting that from this book. I knew it would be touched on but I didn't know the extent of it. I think this would be a great read and I wish this would have been a good read for me, but it was just too much for me in the end. However, the story is extremely well written and the characters are well developed. I also loved the world building and the plot of the book. The pacing was also on par.
Verdict: It's good and I'd have loved to read more, but I just can't at the moment. Not for me but maybe for you!
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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 the arc for this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Kind of Sort of Fine
Author: Spencer Hall
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: One Black side character, Main Character with Anxiety, Main Character that is overweight and dieting
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: ya readers, soon to be high school graduates, contemporary
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publication Date: June 22, 2021
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Pages: 283
Recommended Age: 14+ (Dieting/Food, Weight, and Exercise related content, Bullying, Alcohol consumption, Language, Anxiety and Panic Attack)
Explanation of CWs: Dieting, exercise, and weight are heavily discussed as apart of Lewis' story. Alcohol is consumed and one character gets drunk. There's a few curse words in the book. There's also heavy bullying by a side character on the main characters. There is also a main character and her mental health is discussed as well as a panic attack shown in the book.
Synopsis: Senior year of high school is full of changes.
For Hayley Mills, these changes aren’t exactly welcome. All she wants is for everyone to forget about her very public breakdown and remember her as the overachiever she once was—and who she’s determined to be again. But it’s difficult to be seen as a go-getter when she’s forced into TV Production class with all the slackers like Lewis Holbrook.
For Lewis, though, this is going to be his year. After a summer spent binging 80s movies, he’s ready to upgrade from the role of self-described fat, funny sidekick to leading man of his own life—including getting the girl. The only thing standing in his way is, well, himself.
When the two are partnered up in class, neither is particularly thrilled. But then they start making mini documentaries about their classmates’ hidden talents, and suddenly Hayley is getting attention for something other than her breakdown, and Lewis isn’t just a background character anymore. It seems like they’re both finally getting what they want—except what happens when who you’ve become isn’t who you really are?
Review: I really liked this book. It's your classic "it's my last year of high school and I gotta make it memorable" book but the characters are what makes this book. I really loved Hayley and I loved her story. I especially loved seeing her development and growth as a person and I think, especially if you have had stress or anxiety, you'll see yourself in her character. I also thought the plot was well done and the world building was great. I also really loved all of the 80s references.
The only things that I didn't entirely love is that I didn't really connect with Lewis or Cal that much. While I think they're well written for high school boys, the immature jokes about Hayley and about women's bodies in general made me uncomfortable. I also felt that the book needed trigger warnings for the dieting and exercise Lewis does. It's very present in the novel and there's a lot of comments about his weight as well that I feel might trigger some readers, especially those who suffer from eating disorders.
Verdict: It was a great book and if you like the trope definitely give it a go.
Book: Kind of Sort of Fine
Author: Spencer Hall
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: One Black side character, Main Character with Anxiety, Main Character that is overweight and dieting
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: ya readers, soon to be high school graduates, contemporary
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publication Date: June 22, 2021
Publisher: Atheneum Books for Young Readers
Pages: 283
Recommended Age: 14+ (Dieting/Food, Weight, and Exercise related content, Bullying, Alcohol consumption, Language, Anxiety and Panic Attack)
Explanation of CWs: Dieting, exercise, and weight are heavily discussed as apart of Lewis' story. Alcohol is consumed and one character gets drunk. There's a few curse words in the book. There's also heavy bullying by a side character on the main characters. There is also a main character and her mental health is discussed as well as a panic attack shown in the book.
Synopsis: Senior year of high school is full of changes.
For Hayley Mills, these changes aren’t exactly welcome. All she wants is for everyone to forget about her very public breakdown and remember her as the overachiever she once was—and who she’s determined to be again. But it’s difficult to be seen as a go-getter when she’s forced into TV Production class with all the slackers like Lewis Holbrook.
For Lewis, though, this is going to be his year. After a summer spent binging 80s movies, he’s ready to upgrade from the role of self-described fat, funny sidekick to leading man of his own life—including getting the girl. The only thing standing in his way is, well, himself.
When the two are partnered up in class, neither is particularly thrilled. But then they start making mini documentaries about their classmates’ hidden talents, and suddenly Hayley is getting attention for something other than her breakdown, and Lewis isn’t just a background character anymore. It seems like they’re both finally getting what they want—except what happens when who you’ve become isn’t who you really are?
Review: I really liked this book. It's your classic "it's my last year of high school and I gotta make it memorable" book but the characters are what makes this book. I really loved Hayley and I loved her story. I especially loved seeing her development and growth as a person and I think, especially if you have had stress or anxiety, you'll see yourself in her character. I also thought the plot was well done and the world building was great. I also really loved all of the 80s references.
The only things that I didn't entirely love is that I didn't really connect with Lewis or Cal that much. While I think they're well written for high school boys, the immature jokes about Hayley and about women's bodies in general made me uncomfortable. I also felt that the book needed trigger warnings for the dieting and exercise Lewis does. It's very present in the novel and there's a lot of comments about his weight as well that I feel might trigger some readers, especially those who suffer from eating disorders.
Verdict: It was a great book and if you like the trope definitely give it a go.
adventurous
challenging
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
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: Wings of Fury
Author: Emily R. King
Book Series: Wings of Fury Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: Greek mythology, fantasy
Genre: Fantasy
Publication Date: March 1, 2021
Publisher: 47North
Pages: 283
Recommended Age: 16+ (Sexual assault/Rape, Forced marriage, Kidnapping, Slavery, Sexual content, Romance, Language)
Explanation of CWs: Rape mentioned but not shown in book. Creepy age gaps, especially between the MC and a man who wants to have her sexually when she's a minor. Slavery mentioned in book a couple of times.
Synopsis: Cronus, God of Gods, whose inheritance is the world. Among his possessions: women, imprisoned and fated to serve. The strong-minded Althea Lambros controls her own fate and lives to honor her dying mother’s plea to protect her two sisters at all costs. Althea’s journey toward crushing the tyranny has begun. It is a destiny foretold by the Fates. And she is following their visions.
On the southern isle of Crete, hidden among mortal women who have fled the Titans, is the Boy God, son of Cronus and believed dead. He shares Althea’s destiny to vanquish the Almighty—fate willing. Because Cronus has caught wind of the plot. He’s amassing his own forces against Althea’s righteous rebellion and all those who will no longer surrender or run. There will be war. If she’s to survive to write their history, the indomitable Althea must soar higher than any god.
Review: For the most part I thought that this was a pretty well done book. I really like the storyline and I loved how fierce Althea was. I also loved how the author incorporated classic Greek mythology and I thought that the book was very well paced. The author also did well with the world building of the book.
However, I do have some issues with the book. The first thing that really jumps out at me is that the book starts when our main character is 11 and an adult male takes interest in her and marks her to be his when she is quote on quote ripened. That's really disgusting and then later on in the book another central character of the story is a 15-year-old boy (who is a God but is referred to as a boy God and is humanly 15) who is being sent maidens to have sex with and is at least shown in one part of the book to be having sexual relations with what I can assume is an older female. Age is really aren't specified, but the impression I got is that these women are adults while he is a minor. That might not be what the author intended, but that is how I interpreted it. So for those two facts alone the book really creeped me out, and the main character does have a relationship with a man who is at least 15 years older than her and while she is 18 throughout the majority of the book it's still really creepy. I also thought that the characters weren't that well developed and the twist at the end of the book wasn't very well explained. It really felt like the book was very rushed towards the end.
Verdict: It was good, but I got creeped out.
Book: Wings of Fury
Author: Emily R. King
Book Series: Wings of Fury Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: Greek mythology, fantasy
Genre: Fantasy
Publication Date: March 1, 2021
Publisher: 47North
Pages: 283
Recommended Age: 16+ (Sexual assault/Rape, Forced marriage, Kidnapping, Slavery, Sexual content, Romance, Language)
Explanation of CWs: Rape mentioned but not shown in book. Creepy age gaps, especially between the MC and a man who wants to have her sexually when she's a minor. Slavery mentioned in book a couple of times.
Synopsis: Cronus, God of Gods, whose inheritance is the world. Among his possessions: women, imprisoned and fated to serve. The strong-minded Althea Lambros controls her own fate and lives to honor her dying mother’s plea to protect her two sisters at all costs. Althea’s journey toward crushing the tyranny has begun. It is a destiny foretold by the Fates. And she is following their visions.
On the southern isle of Crete, hidden among mortal women who have fled the Titans, is the Boy God, son of Cronus and believed dead. He shares Althea’s destiny to vanquish the Almighty—fate willing. Because Cronus has caught wind of the plot. He’s amassing his own forces against Althea’s righteous rebellion and all those who will no longer surrender or run. There will be war. If she’s to survive to write their history, the indomitable Althea must soar higher than any god.
Review: For the most part I thought that this was a pretty well done book. I really like the storyline and I loved how fierce Althea was. I also loved how the author incorporated classic Greek mythology and I thought that the book was very well paced. The author also did well with the world building of the book.
However, I do have some issues with the book. The first thing that really jumps out at me is that the book starts when our main character is 11 and an adult male takes interest in her and marks her to be his when she is quote on quote ripened. That's really disgusting and then later on in the book another central character of the story is a 15-year-old boy (who is a God but is referred to as a boy God and is humanly 15) who is being sent maidens to have sex with and is at least shown in one part of the book to be having sexual relations with what I can assume is an older female. Age is really aren't specified, but the impression I got is that these women are adults while he is a minor. That might not be what the author intended, but that is how I interpreted it. So for those two facts alone the book really creeped me out, and the main character does have a relationship with a man who is at least 15 years older than her and while she is 18 throughout the majority of the book it's still really creepy. I also thought that the characters weren't that well developed and the twist at the end of the book wasn't very well explained. It really felt like the book was very rushed towards the end.
Verdict: It was good, but I got creeped out.