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2.51k reviews by:
popthebutterfly
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
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:
No
Disclaimer: I received this finished copy from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Last Fallen Star
Author: Graci Kim
Book Series: Gifted Clans book 1
Diversity: Adopted mc, Korean mc and family
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: mg readers, fantasy, mythology
Genre: MG Fantasy
Publication Date: May 4, 2021
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Pages: 312
Recommended Age: 9+ (Death, Gore, Violence, and Possession)
Synopsis: Riley Oh can't wait to see her sister get initiated into the Gom clan, a powerful lineage of Korean healing witches their family has belonged to for generations. Her sister, Hattie, will earn her Gi bracelet and finally be able to cast spells without adult supervision. Although Riley is desperate to follow in her sister's footsteps when she herself turns thirteen, she's a saram--a person without magic. Riley was adopted, and despite having memorized every healing spell she's ever heard, she often feels like the odd one out in her family and the gifted community.
Then Hattie gets an idea: what if the two of them could cast a spell that would allow Riley to share Hattie's magic? Their sleuthing reveals a promising incantation in the family's old spell book, and the sisters decide to perform it at Hattie's initiation ceremony. If it works, no one will ever treat Riley as an outsider again. It's a perfect plan!
Until it isn't. When the sisters attempt to violate the laws of the Godrealm, Hattie's life ends up hanging in the balance, and to save her Riley has to fulfill an impossible task: find the last fallen star. But what even is the star, and how can she find it?
As Riley embarks on her search, she finds herself meeting fantastic creatures and collaborating with her worst enemies. And when she uncovers secrets that challenge everything she has been taught to believe, Riley must decide what it means to be a witch, what it means to be family, and what it really means to belong.
Review: Oh my goodness I absolutely loved this book! The author did so well to intermingle mythology with this story and I enjoyed every last drop of it. I loved the characters, especially Riley, and I loved the world building. The book had a strong plot and I was hooked from beginning to end.
The only criticism I have for the book is that it was a bit too fast paced I think. I think it could have been slowed down and extended another 30-50 pages. I can't wait for the next book in this series!
Verdict: Highly recommend!
Book: The Last Fallen Star
Author: Graci Kim
Book Series: Gifted Clans book 1
Diversity: Adopted mc, Korean mc and family
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: mg readers, fantasy, mythology
Genre: MG Fantasy
Publication Date: May 4, 2021
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Pages: 312
Recommended Age: 9+ (Death, Gore, Violence, and Possession)
Synopsis: Riley Oh can't wait to see her sister get initiated into the Gom clan, a powerful lineage of Korean healing witches their family has belonged to for generations. Her sister, Hattie, will earn her Gi bracelet and finally be able to cast spells without adult supervision. Although Riley is desperate to follow in her sister's footsteps when she herself turns thirteen, she's a saram--a person without magic. Riley was adopted, and despite having memorized every healing spell she's ever heard, she often feels like the odd one out in her family and the gifted community.
Then Hattie gets an idea: what if the two of them could cast a spell that would allow Riley to share Hattie's magic? Their sleuthing reveals a promising incantation in the family's old spell book, and the sisters decide to perform it at Hattie's initiation ceremony. If it works, no one will ever treat Riley as an outsider again. It's a perfect plan!
Until it isn't. When the sisters attempt to violate the laws of the Godrealm, Hattie's life ends up hanging in the balance, and to save her Riley has to fulfill an impossible task: find the last fallen star. But what even is the star, and how can she find it?
As Riley embarks on her search, she finds herself meeting fantastic creatures and collaborating with her worst enemies. And when she uncovers secrets that challenge everything she has been taught to believe, Riley must decide what it means to be a witch, what it means to be family, and what it really means to belong.
Review: Oh my goodness I absolutely loved this book! The author did so well to intermingle mythology with this story and I enjoyed every last drop of it. I loved the characters, especially Riley, and I loved the world building. The book had a strong plot and I was hooked from beginning to end.
The only criticism I have for the book is that it was a bit too fast paced I think. I think it could have been slowed down and extended another 30-50 pages. I can't wait for the next book in this series!
Verdict: Highly recommend!
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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:
No
Disclaimer: I received this book in a book box I bought. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Bridge of Souls
Author: Victoria Schwab
Book Series: City of Ghosts Book 3
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: mg readers, Fantasy, paranormal, ghosts
Genre: MG Fantasy/Paranormal
Publication Date: March 2, 2021
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Pages: 304
Recommended Age: 8+ (HP stuff, Little gore, Violence, Scary moments)
Synopsis: Where there are ghosts, Cassidy Blake follows ... unless it's the other way around?
Cass thinks she might have this ghost-hunting thing down. After all, she and her ghost best friend, Jacob, have survived two haunted cities while travelling for her parents' TV show.
But nothing can prepare Cass for New Orleans, which wears all of its hauntings on its sleeve. In a city of ghost tours and tombs, raucous music and all kinds of magic, Cass could get lost in all the colourful, grisly local legends. And the city's biggest surprise is a foe Cass never expected to face: a servant of Death itself.
Cass takes on her most dangerous challenge yet...
Review: I really enjoy this series and this book was probably my favorite one out of the series so far. I love the continued character development even though this is the third book in the series. I really love the world building and it really feels like you are in New Orleans when you read this book. The plot of this book is intriguing it will keep you on the edge of your seat until you finish.
My only criticism of the book is that during the final Boss scene, if you will, it did get a little hectic reading it and a little confusing but I still enjoyed it.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
Book: Bridge of Souls
Author: Victoria Schwab
Book Series: City of Ghosts Book 3
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: mg readers, Fantasy, paranormal, ghosts
Genre: MG Fantasy/Paranormal
Publication Date: March 2, 2021
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Pages: 304
Recommended Age: 8+ (HP stuff, Little gore, Violence, Scary moments)
Synopsis: Where there are ghosts, Cassidy Blake follows ... unless it's the other way around?
Cass thinks she might have this ghost-hunting thing down. After all, she and her ghost best friend, Jacob, have survived two haunted cities while travelling for her parents' TV show.
But nothing can prepare Cass for New Orleans, which wears all of its hauntings on its sleeve. In a city of ghost tours and tombs, raucous music and all kinds of magic, Cass could get lost in all the colourful, grisly local legends. And the city's biggest surprise is a foe Cass never expected to face: a servant of Death itself.
Cass takes on her most dangerous challenge yet...
Review: I really enjoy this series and this book was probably my favorite one out of the series so far. I love the continued character development even though this is the third book in the series. I really love the world building and it really feels like you are in New Orleans when you read this book. The plot of this book is intriguing it will keep you on the edge of your seat until you finish.
My only criticism of the book is that during the final Boss scene, if you will, it did get a little hectic reading it and a little confusing but I still enjoyed it.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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: Ace of Spades
Author: Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: Black main characters, one is gay and the other is at least bisexual. F/f and m/m romances
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: Ya readers, mystery, secret society, thriller, racism
Genre: YA Thriller/Mystery
Publication Date: June 1, 2021
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Pages: 480
Recommended Age: 16+ (Murder, Sexual content, Getting outed, Homophobia, Racism, Mention of teacher/student affair/statutory rape mention, Blackmail, Language, Suicide mention, Death, Violence)
Synopsis: An incendiary and utterly compelling thriller with a shocking twist that delves deep into the heart of institutionalized racism, from an exceptional new YA voice. Welcome to Niveus Private Academy, where money paves the hallways, and the students are never less than perfect. Until now. Because anonymous texter, Aces, is bringing two students' dark secrets to light. Talented musician Devon buries himself in rehearsals, but he can't escape the spotlight when his private photos go public. Head girl Chiamaka isn't afraid to get what she wants, but soon everyone will know the price she has paid for power. Someone is out to get them both. Someone who holds all the aces. And they're planning much more than a high-school game...
Review: I really enjoyed this book. Going into the story, I felt like the book would be a lot like One of Us is Lying but then about 50% in it took a hard left and I absolutely love the twist on this. I loved our two main characters, they did well working off of each other even though they were the complete opposites of one another. I also enjoyed the character development of some of the other side characters in this book and the world building was very well done. I do have to say if you are really interested in thriller/secret society books I am highly recommending this one and I'm going as far as to say I think this should be required reading because of the topics that the book touches on such as racism in education and eugenics and its racist roots.
The only real criticism I have about the book is that the epilogue is a little short, I wish I got to see a little bit more but I'm hoping that there is a sequel to this book in the future because I would still be interested in seeing Devon and Chiamaka's journey in doing what they're doing in the future. I also hope that in the final book that the ending chapters are a little bit elongated as I felt like they were a little bit too fast-paced for the rest of the book and that there was too much happening for what short passages the arc had.
Verdict: Highly recommend and recommended reading
Book: Ace of Spades
Author: Faridah Àbíké-Íyímídé
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: Black main characters, one is gay and the other is at least bisexual. F/f and m/m romances
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: Ya readers, mystery, secret society, thriller, racism
Genre: YA Thriller/Mystery
Publication Date: June 1, 2021
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Pages: 480
Recommended Age: 16+ (Murder, Sexual content, Getting outed, Homophobia, Racism, Mention of teacher/student affair/statutory rape mention, Blackmail, Language, Suicide mention, Death, Violence)
Synopsis: An incendiary and utterly compelling thriller with a shocking twist that delves deep into the heart of institutionalized racism, from an exceptional new YA voice. Welcome to Niveus Private Academy, where money paves the hallways, and the students are never less than perfect. Until now. Because anonymous texter, Aces, is bringing two students' dark secrets to light. Talented musician Devon buries himself in rehearsals, but he can't escape the spotlight when his private photos go public. Head girl Chiamaka isn't afraid to get what she wants, but soon everyone will know the price she has paid for power. Someone is out to get them both. Someone who holds all the aces. And they're planning much more than a high-school game...
Review: I really enjoyed this book. Going into the story, I felt like the book would be a lot like One of Us is Lying but then about 50% in it took a hard left and I absolutely love the twist on this. I loved our two main characters, they did well working off of each other even though they were the complete opposites of one another. I also enjoyed the character development of some of the other side characters in this book and the world building was very well done. I do have to say if you are really interested in thriller/secret society books I am highly recommending this one and I'm going as far as to say I think this should be required reading because of the topics that the book touches on such as racism in education and eugenics and its racist roots.
The only real criticism I have about the book is that the epilogue is a little short, I wish I got to see a little bit more but I'm hoping that there is a sequel to this book in the future because I would still be interested in seeing Devon and Chiamaka's journey in doing what they're doing in the future. I also hope that in the final book that the ending chapters are a little bit elongated as I felt like they were a little bit too fast-paced for the rest of the book and that there was too much happening for what short passages the arc had.
Verdict: Highly recommend and recommended reading
emotional
funny
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:
Yes
Disclaimer: I received this book in a book box from @onceuponabookclubbox! Thanks guys! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Ex Talk
Author: Rachel Lynn Solomon
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: romance, enemies to lovers
Genre: Romance
Publication Date: January 26, 2021
Publisher: Berkley
Pages: 336
Recommended Age: 16+ (Death, language, Misogyny, Grief, Romance, Sexual content)
Synopsis: Shay Goldstein has been a producer at her Seattle public radio station for nearly a decade, and she can't imagine working anywhere else. But lately it's been a constant clash between her and her newest colleague, Dominic Yun, who's fresh off a journalism master's program and convinced he knows everything about public radio.
When the struggling station needs a new concept, Shay proposes a show that her boss green-lights with excitement. On The Ex Talk, two exes will deliver relationship advice live, on air. Their boss decides Shay and Dominic are the perfect co-hosts, given how much they already despise each other. Neither loves the idea of lying to listeners, but it's this or unemployment. Their audience gets invested fast, and it's not long before The Ex Talk becomes a must-listen in Seattle and climbs podcast charts.
As the show gets bigger, so does their deception, especially when Shay and Dominic start to fall for each other. In an industry that values truth, getting caught could mean the end of more than just their careers.
Review: For the most part I enjoyed this book. The writing was well done, the characters were well developed, and I liked the plot of the story and the plot was the only thing that kept me reading this book.
The main criticism of this book that I have is that I didn't think the love interest was appealing. I need a love interest to be likeable in some manner and Dominic was not doing it for me. The book also felt like it was trying too hard to fit into the enemies to lovers trope and it failed.
Verdict: Romance is cute and this one is passable.
Book: The Ex Talk
Author: Rachel Lynn Solomon
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: romance, enemies to lovers
Genre: Romance
Publication Date: January 26, 2021
Publisher: Berkley
Pages: 336
Recommended Age: 16+ (Death, language, Misogyny, Grief, Romance, Sexual content)
Synopsis: Shay Goldstein has been a producer at her Seattle public radio station for nearly a decade, and she can't imagine working anywhere else. But lately it's been a constant clash between her and her newest colleague, Dominic Yun, who's fresh off a journalism master's program and convinced he knows everything about public radio.
When the struggling station needs a new concept, Shay proposes a show that her boss green-lights with excitement. On The Ex Talk, two exes will deliver relationship advice live, on air. Their boss decides Shay and Dominic are the perfect co-hosts, given how much they already despise each other. Neither loves the idea of lying to listeners, but it's this or unemployment. Their audience gets invested fast, and it's not long before The Ex Talk becomes a must-listen in Seattle and climbs podcast charts.
As the show gets bigger, so does their deception, especially when Shay and Dominic start to fall for each other. In an industry that values truth, getting caught could mean the end of more than just their careers.
Review: For the most part I enjoyed this book. The writing was well done, the characters were well developed, and I liked the plot of the story and the plot was the only thing that kept me reading this book.
The main criticism of this book that I have is that I didn't think the love interest was appealing. I need a love interest to be likeable in some manner and Dominic was not doing it for me. The book also felt like it was trying too hard to fit into the enemies to lovers trope and it failed.
Verdict: Romance is cute and this one is passable.
hopeful
informative
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
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: Finding Napoleon
Author: Margaret Rodenburg
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: historical fiction
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publication Date: April 6, 2021
Publisher: She Writes Press
Pages: 374
Recommended Age: can't recommend, DNFed
Synopsis: With its delightful adaptation of Napoleon Bonaparte's real attempt to write a novel, Finding Napoleon offers a fresh take on Europe's most powerful man after he's lost everything. A forgotten woman of history--Napoleon's last love, the audacious Albine de Montholon--narrates their tale of intrigue, passion, and betrayal.
After the defeated Emperor Napoleon goes into exile on tiny St. Helena Island in the remote South Atlantic, he and his lover, Albine de Montholon, plot to escape and rescue his young son. Banding together African slaves, British sympathizers, a Jewish merchant, a Corsican rogue, and French followers, they confront British opposition--as well as treachery within their own ranks--with sometimes subtle, sometimes bold, but always desperate action.
When Napoleon and Albine break faith with one another, ambition and Albine's husband threaten their reconciliation. To succeed, Napoleon must learn whom to trust. To survive, Albine must decide whom to betray.
Two hundred years after Napoleon's death, this elegant, richly researched novel reveals a relationship history conceals.
Review: I had to DNF after 112 pages. While I thought the book was good and I loved the historical aspects of it, I felt like it was too slow for me and it focused too much on the characters rather than the history.
Verdict: It's good just not for me.
Book: Finding Napoleon
Author: Margaret Rodenburg
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: historical fiction
Genre: Historical Fiction
Publication Date: April 6, 2021
Publisher: She Writes Press
Pages: 374
Recommended Age: can't recommend, DNFed
Synopsis: With its delightful adaptation of Napoleon Bonaparte's real attempt to write a novel, Finding Napoleon offers a fresh take on Europe's most powerful man after he's lost everything. A forgotten woman of history--Napoleon's last love, the audacious Albine de Montholon--narrates their tale of intrigue, passion, and betrayal.
After the defeated Emperor Napoleon goes into exile on tiny St. Helena Island in the remote South Atlantic, he and his lover, Albine de Montholon, plot to escape and rescue his young son. Banding together African slaves, British sympathizers, a Jewish merchant, a Corsican rogue, and French followers, they confront British opposition--as well as treachery within their own ranks--with sometimes subtle, sometimes bold, but always desperate action.
When Napoleon and Albine break faith with one another, ambition and Albine's husband threaten their reconciliation. To succeed, Napoleon must learn whom to trust. To survive, Albine must decide whom to betray.
Two hundred years after Napoleon's death, this elegant, richly researched novel reveals a relationship history conceals.
Review: I had to DNF after 112 pages. While I thought the book was good and I loved the historical aspects of it, I felt like it was too slow for me and it focused too much on the characters rather than the history.
Verdict: It's good just not for me.
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Disclaimer: I bought this book! Support your authors!
Book: Shadow and Bone
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Book Series: Grishaverse Book 1, Shadow and Bone Book 1
Diversity: Not specifically mentioned but Asian alluded/coded characters, especially those who are considered the villains
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: ya, fantasy, found family, magic, chosen one
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publication Date: June 5, 2012
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co
Pages: 358
Recommended Age: 13+ (violence, gore, romance, slight sexual content)
Synopsis: Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.
Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.
Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha . . . and the secrets of her heart.
Review: I really enjoyed this book. I had been meaning to read this book for a hot minute and I'm really glad that the Netflix show pushed me to start reading this book. I thought that the book did really well plot wise and at the World building was absolutely amazing. Combined the World building in the book with the map and you can basically see everything in your head as you're reading. Well I do have concerns about the main character, I did think that the author did well developing all the characters.
My main criticism of the book is that I felt that the character was just your basic YA heroine. She really just kind of felt like a carbon copy of Katniss and Triss, but I think this book was published during a time when characters like that were still all the rage so it really gets a pass for me for that. I also have yet to read the second and third book so I don't know if the character develops from there but I have high hopes. I also didn't like that some of the "enemies" were coded to be Asian, and I hope the Netflix series rectifies this.
Verdict: It was great!
Book: Shadow and Bone
Author: Leigh Bardugo
Book Series: Grishaverse Book 1, Shadow and Bone Book 1
Diversity: Not specifically mentioned but Asian alluded/coded characters, especially those who are considered the villains
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: ya, fantasy, found family, magic, chosen one
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publication Date: June 5, 2012
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co
Pages: 358
Recommended Age: 13+ (violence, gore, romance, slight sexual content)
Synopsis: Surrounded by enemies, the once-great nation of Ravka has been torn in two by the Shadow Fold, a swath of near impenetrable darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh. Now its fate may rest on the shoulders of one lonely refugee.
Alina Starkov has never been good at anything. But when her regiment is attacked on the Fold and her best friend is brutally injured, Alina reveals a dormant power that saves his life—a power that could be the key to setting her war-ravaged country free. Wrenched from everything she knows, Alina is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling.
Yet nothing in this lavish world is what it seems. With darkness looming and an entire kingdom depending on her untamed power, Alina will have to confront the secrets of the Grisha . . . and the secrets of her heart.
Review: I really enjoyed this book. I had been meaning to read this book for a hot minute and I'm really glad that the Netflix show pushed me to start reading this book. I thought that the book did really well plot wise and at the World building was absolutely amazing. Combined the World building in the book with the map and you can basically see everything in your head as you're reading. Well I do have concerns about the main character, I did think that the author did well developing all the characters.
My main criticism of the book is that I felt that the character was just your basic YA heroine. She really just kind of felt like a carbon copy of Katniss and Triss, but I think this book was published during a time when characters like that were still all the rage so it really gets a pass for me for that. I also have yet to read the second and third book so I don't know if the character develops from there but I have high hopes. I also didn't like that some of the "enemies" were coded to be Asian, and I hope the Netflix series rectifies this.
Verdict: It was great!
emotional
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Disclaimer: I received this audiobook from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Stars of Whistling Ridge
Author: Cindy Baldwin
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: mixed race coded characters, side character with two moms, side character who is Indian as well as his family
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: mg, contemporary, magical realism, family, home, found family
Genre: MG Contemporary Magical Realism
Publication Date: June 15, 2021
Publisher: Quill Tree Books
Pages: 400
Recommended Age: 8+ (Environmentalism, Slight romance, Little gore, Animal death, Magical realism)
Synopsis: Ivy Mae Bloom, whose name is one letter away from a complete sentence, has lived her entire life on the road. Her mama is a fallen star who travels near and far to tend to the magic that underpins our world. When Ivy steals Mama's entire supply of wish jars in the hopes of finding a forever home, a series of disasters strands the Blooms in Whistling Ridge, North Carolina, with Mama's two star sisters. Ivy knows her wish has been granted and that Whistling Ridge is her forever home—she just needs to convince her parents to stay.
But something is draining the magic from Whistling Ridge, and the star sisters can't stop it. With help from some new friends, Ivy stumbles across a clue in the town's history that might explain the mysterious force threatening Whistling Ridge . . . but if the town's magic is healed, Mama will want to move on. Ivy must choose: Can she help her mama and aunts lift Whistling Ridge's curse—even if it means losing the only place she's ever called home?
Review: I really enjoyed this audiobook for the most part. I thought the story was really good and for the most part it kept me interested. I really liked the character development in the world building. I also really liked the magical realism elements of the book. I think that this is a very cute and very well done book for Middle graders and even for older readers.
My main criticism of the book is that there's really no explanation for the magic and that the questions around that filled my head more than the story itself.
Verdict: It was good!
Book: The Stars of Whistling Ridge
Author: Cindy Baldwin
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: mixed race coded characters, side character with two moms, side character who is Indian as well as his family
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: mg, contemporary, magical realism, family, home, found family
Genre: MG Contemporary Magical Realism
Publication Date: June 15, 2021
Publisher: Quill Tree Books
Pages: 400
Recommended Age: 8+ (Environmentalism, Slight romance, Little gore, Animal death, Magical realism)
Synopsis: Ivy Mae Bloom, whose name is one letter away from a complete sentence, has lived her entire life on the road. Her mama is a fallen star who travels near and far to tend to the magic that underpins our world. When Ivy steals Mama's entire supply of wish jars in the hopes of finding a forever home, a series of disasters strands the Blooms in Whistling Ridge, North Carolina, with Mama's two star sisters. Ivy knows her wish has been granted and that Whistling Ridge is her forever home—she just needs to convince her parents to stay.
But something is draining the magic from Whistling Ridge, and the star sisters can't stop it. With help from some new friends, Ivy stumbles across a clue in the town's history that might explain the mysterious force threatening Whistling Ridge . . . but if the town's magic is healed, Mama will want to move on. Ivy must choose: Can she help her mama and aunts lift Whistling Ridge's curse—even if it means losing the only place she's ever called home?
Review: I really enjoyed this audiobook for the most part. I thought the story was really good and for the most part it kept me interested. I really liked the character development in the world building. I also really liked the magical realism elements of the book. I think that this is a very cute and very well done book for Middle graders and even for older readers.
My main criticism of the book is that there's really no explanation for the magic and that the questions around that filled my head more than the story itself.
Verdict: It was good!
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
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:
No
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Off The Record
Author: Camryn Garrett
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: main character is black, bi, and fat and has anxiety. Love interest is bisexual.
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: contemporary readers, ya readers, me too, journalism
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publication Date: May 18, 2021
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pages: 320
Recommended Age: (Racism, Anxiety rep, Fat rep, Sexual abuse TW, Rape TW, Sexual harassment TW, romance, language)
Synopsis: Ever since seventeen-year-old Josie Wright can remember, writing has been her identity, the thing that grounds her when everything else is a garbage fire. So when she wins a contest to write a celebrity profile for Deep Focus magazine, she’s equal parts excited and scared, but also ready. She’s got this.
Soon Josie is jetting off on a multi-city tour, rubbing elbows with sparkly celebrities, frenetic handlers, stone-faced producers, and eccentric stylists. She even finds herself catching feelings for the subject of her profile, dazzling young newcomer Marius Canet. Josie’s world is expanding so rapidly, she doesn’t know whether she’s flying or falling. But when a young actress lets her in on a terrible secret, the answer is clear: she’s in over her head.
One woman’s account leads to another and another. Josie wants to expose the man responsible, but she’s reluctant to speak up, unsure if this is her story to tell. What if she lets down the women who have entrusted her with their stories? What if this ends her writing career before it even begins? There are so many reasons not to go ahead, but if Josie doesn’t step up, who will?
From the author of Full Disclosure, this is a moving testament to the #MeToo movement, and all the ways women stand up for each other.
Review: I absolutely loved this book! I loved the focus of MeToo and the message of standing up for what was right even against powerful people. I also loved how well written the book was. The subject is a really difficult one and I thought the author handled the book very well. The book also discussed sexual abuse and harassment on male and non binary people and I thought it did well to include that side. Not a lot of male people will state abuse that's happened to them, so I hope the book opens a discussion about that in the future. The book also had a well developed world and the character development was amazingly well done. The main character (Josie) was amazingly well written. I loved how she had anxiety and how it reflected my same struggles. I also related to her fatness, as I'm fat and the same conversations she has with herself about that are the ones I have about myself. The romance in this book is also queer (both are bisexual) and I loved how adorable the romance was written. The book was also evenly paced and the plot kept you hooked from beginning to end.
The only issues I had with the book is that it just kind of ends and I don't feel like the love interest got a good resolution in the book. I wanted to see him get some closure, like all of them did with the publication of the article. I also thought that NDAs were null and void if a crime had been committed, which is why the Olympics didn't sue when the female gymnasts didn't break their NDA with the sleaze ball who assaulted them. I would have to see the research on that because I'm pretty sure NDAs don't extend to crimes, but I'm also new to law so maybe it's true, but it bugged me that a crime was being protected because of an NDA in the book.
Verdict: A well done book! Highly recommend.
Book: Off The Record
Author: Camryn Garrett
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: main character is black, bi, and fat and has anxiety. Love interest is bisexual.
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: contemporary readers, ya readers, me too, journalism
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publication Date: May 18, 2021
Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pages: 320
Recommended Age: (Racism, Anxiety rep, Fat rep, Sexual abuse TW, Rape TW, Sexual harassment TW, romance, language)
Synopsis: Ever since seventeen-year-old Josie Wright can remember, writing has been her identity, the thing that grounds her when everything else is a garbage fire. So when she wins a contest to write a celebrity profile for Deep Focus magazine, she’s equal parts excited and scared, but also ready. She’s got this.
Soon Josie is jetting off on a multi-city tour, rubbing elbows with sparkly celebrities, frenetic handlers, stone-faced producers, and eccentric stylists. She even finds herself catching feelings for the subject of her profile, dazzling young newcomer Marius Canet. Josie’s world is expanding so rapidly, she doesn’t know whether she’s flying or falling. But when a young actress lets her in on a terrible secret, the answer is clear: she’s in over her head.
One woman’s account leads to another and another. Josie wants to expose the man responsible, but she’s reluctant to speak up, unsure if this is her story to tell. What if she lets down the women who have entrusted her with their stories? What if this ends her writing career before it even begins? There are so many reasons not to go ahead, but if Josie doesn’t step up, who will?
From the author of Full Disclosure, this is a moving testament to the #MeToo movement, and all the ways women stand up for each other.
Review: I absolutely loved this book! I loved the focus of MeToo and the message of standing up for what was right even against powerful people. I also loved how well written the book was. The subject is a really difficult one and I thought the author handled the book very well. The book also discussed sexual abuse and harassment on male and non binary people and I thought it did well to include that side. Not a lot of male people will state abuse that's happened to them, so I hope the book opens a discussion about that in the future. The book also had a well developed world and the character development was amazingly well done. The main character (Josie) was amazingly well written. I loved how she had anxiety and how it reflected my same struggles. I also related to her fatness, as I'm fat and the same conversations she has with herself about that are the ones I have about myself. The romance in this book is also queer (both are bisexual) and I loved how adorable the romance was written. The book was also evenly paced and the plot kept you hooked from beginning to end.
The only issues I had with the book is that it just kind of ends and I don't feel like the love interest got a good resolution in the book. I wanted to see him get some closure, like all of them did with the publication of the article. I also thought that NDAs were null and void if a crime had been committed, which is why the Olympics didn't sue when the female gymnasts didn't break their NDA with the sleaze ball who assaulted them. I would have to see the research on that because I'm pretty sure NDAs don't extend to crimes, but I'm also new to law so maybe it's true, but it bugged me that a crime was being protected because of an NDA in the book.
Verdict: A well done book! Highly recommend.
adventurous
emotional
funny
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Last Shadow Warrior
Author: Sam Subity
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: fantasy readers, Viking lovers, MG readers
Publication Date: May 4, 2021
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (violence, grief, some scary moments)
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Pages: 320
Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Abby Beckett is proud to come from a long line of elite Viking warriors known as the Aesir. She's spent her entire life training to hunt the horrific creatures known as Grendels - the ancient foe of the Aesir - just like her mother did before she died. But there's just one, small problem: No one has seen a Grendel in centuries, and the Viking Council wants to disband the Aesir . . . forever.
When her father is injured in an attack that leaves him in a coma, Abby is forced to take refuge at Vale Hall, a mysterious school in Minnesota where nothing is quite as it seems. She soon discovers the tables have turned and a Grendel is hunting her, but when she tries to alert the Viking Council, they accuse her of making up stories for attention . . . just like her mother did.
Desperate to protect her father and clear her mother's name, Abby goes on a dangerous quest to discover the truth--a journey that brings her face-to-face with some unlikely foes, including a Ping-Pong-playing sea monster with a wicked backhand, and a dark Valkyrie with a fondness for bingo. Abby quickly realizes that someone at the school is trying to stop her progress and destroy the Aesir for good. And only she can unravel the sinister plot before it's too late.
When her father is injured in an attack that leaves him in a coma, Abby is forced to take refuge at Vale Hall, a mysterious school in Minnesota where nothing is quite as it seems. She soon discovers the tables have turned and a Grendel is hunting her, but when she tries to alert the Viking Council, they accuse her of making up stories for attention . . . just like her mother did.
Desperate to protect her father and clear her mother's name, Abby goes on a dangerous quest to discover the truth--a journey that brings her face-to-face with some unlikely foes, including a Ping-Pong-playing sea monster with a wicked backhand, and a dark Valkyrie with a fondness for bingo. Abby quickly realizes that someone at the school is trying to stop her progress and destroy the Aesir for good. And only she can unravel the sinister plot before it's too late.
Review: I really liked this book! It was funny but also had my favorite: Viking folklore! I thought the characters were very well developed and played off each other well. The world building was amazing and the plot kept me interested from beginning to end.
The only issue I had with the book is that the pacing did slow down a bit throughout the book and it broke up the flow of the book.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
adventurous
hopeful
relaxing
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:
Yes
Disclaimer: I received this book from Book Sparks. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Kisses and Croissants
Author: Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: YA readers, contemporary readers, French set book lovers, ballet books
Publication Date: April 6, 2021
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 15+ (romance, car accident, language)
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Pages: 320
Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Mia, an American girl at an elite summer ballet program, has six weeks to achieve her dreams: to snag an audition with one of the world’s best ballet companies. But there’s more to Paris than ballet—especially when a charming French boy, Louis, wants to be her tour guide—and the pair discover the city has a few mysteries up its sleeve.
Review: I really liked this book! I thought that the book did well with the plot and setting. The book flowed well and the romance was sweet and cute. The book had well developed characters and the world building was amazing as well. The book keeps you wanting more and even more after the end.
The only issue I had with the book is the sudden twist at the end that kind of broke up the pacing and plot for me.
Verdict: It was great!
Book: Kisses and Croissants
Author: Anne-Sophie Jouhanneau
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: YA readers, contemporary readers, French set book lovers, ballet books
Publication Date: April 6, 2021
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 15+ (romance, car accident, language)
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Pages: 320
Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Mia, an American girl at an elite summer ballet program, has six weeks to achieve her dreams: to snag an audition with one of the world’s best ballet companies. But there’s more to Paris than ballet—especially when a charming French boy, Louis, wants to be her tour guide—and the pair discover the city has a few mysteries up its sleeve.
Review: I really liked this book! I thought that the book did well with the plot and setting. The book flowed well and the romance was sweet and cute. The book had well developed characters and the world building was amazing as well. The book keeps you wanting more and even more after the end.
The only issue I had with the book is the sudden twist at the end that kind of broke up the pacing and plot for me.
Verdict: It was great!