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2.51k reviews by:
popthebutterfly
Rating: 4/5
Genre: YA Contemporary with a Touch of Magic
Recommended Age: 16+ (mature content, underage alcohol consumption, drug usage, language, and illicit wishing)
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of KidLitExchange. All opinions are my own.
Rules for Wishing:
Never let an outsider find out about wishing. (Zip your lips and throw away the key.)
Wishes that would impact the world are off limits (i.e. no bringing back the dinosaurs).
Do no harm. (Murder = no bueno.)
No time travel. (What's done is done, pal.)
No bringing back the dead. (Come on. You've seen what happens in THE WALKING DEAD.)
NEVER BREAK THE RULES. (Seriously. We mean it. See Rule #7.)
There are always consequences.
Madison is a small town in the Mojave desert on the road between nothing and nowhere. It's an unremarkable speck on the map, which is perfect for protecting the town's secret. Because in Madison, everyone can make one wish on their eighteenth birthday-and that wish always comes true.
Most of Eldon's classmates have had their wishes picked out for months, even years. Not Eldon. He's seen how wishing has hurt the people around him. His parents' marriage is strained, his sister is a virtual ghost in their house, his ex-girlfriend is dating his ex-friend...where does he even begin?
One thing is for sure: Eldon has only twenty-five days to figure it out―and the rest of his life to live with the consequences. - Amazon.com
If you could have one wish what would it be? You would think everyone would ask for money, but that's not the case in this book. Some wish for love, some wish for smarts, and some don't know what to wish for. That's where we meet Eldon. Throughout the book we follow Eldon and his journey to discover what he should wish for. For the most part I enjoyed this book. The plot was intriguing and the pacing was well done. The book touched on very morally grey areas and had a very morally gray ending.
While I liked the book overall I did feel that there were some issues with the book. The main character was a jerk in the book. That I didn't have an issue with. I actually like the angry angsty characters because they're more real to me. Not every teen is full of sunshine and rainbows and they don't come up with the perfect solution to every problem. They also make a ton of mistakes and sometimes those mistakes effect more than just them. That's what the book did right, it told the reader that your actions effect more than just you. Outside of Eldon though the other characters felt a little flat. I felt like there could have been room to make Norie and Juniper more developed because they did play a huge part in Eldon's life during the course of this book. I also felt that the writing was a bit weird in places. The writing tone changes everytime Eldon writes about other people's wishes, which is great! Eldon would have a different writing style then an older female author. But I don't think the way she wrote Eldon's writing style fit him. It felt too much like a ringleader and the rapidly changing time periods could make a reader very confused.
Verdict: While I think this book was good there were some issues with the writing of the book and the fact that this book is morally gray and doesn't really have a true ending. However, if you're looking for a good cry, this book is the one you need to lean on.
Genre: YA Contemporary with a Touch of Magic
Recommended Age: 16+ (mature content, underage alcohol consumption, drug usage, language, and illicit wishing)
I received a free copy of this book courtesy of KidLitExchange. All opinions are my own.
Rules for Wishing:
Never let an outsider find out about wishing. (Zip your lips and throw away the key.)
Wishes that would impact the world are off limits (i.e. no bringing back the dinosaurs).
Do no harm. (Murder = no bueno.)
No time travel. (What's done is done, pal.)
No bringing back the dead. (Come on. You've seen what happens in THE WALKING DEAD.)
NEVER BREAK THE RULES. (Seriously. We mean it. See Rule #7.)
There are always consequences.
Madison is a small town in the Mojave desert on the road between nothing and nowhere. It's an unremarkable speck on the map, which is perfect for protecting the town's secret. Because in Madison, everyone can make one wish on their eighteenth birthday-and that wish always comes true.
Most of Eldon's classmates have had their wishes picked out for months, even years. Not Eldon. He's seen how wishing has hurt the people around him. His parents' marriage is strained, his sister is a virtual ghost in their house, his ex-girlfriend is dating his ex-friend...where does he even begin?
One thing is for sure: Eldon has only twenty-five days to figure it out―and the rest of his life to live with the consequences. - Amazon.com
If you could have one wish what would it be? You would think everyone would ask for money, but that's not the case in this book. Some wish for love, some wish for smarts, and some don't know what to wish for. That's where we meet Eldon. Throughout the book we follow Eldon and his journey to discover what he should wish for. For the most part I enjoyed this book. The plot was intriguing and the pacing was well done. The book touched on very morally grey areas and had a very morally gray ending.
While I liked the book overall I did feel that there were some issues with the book. The main character was a jerk in the book. That I didn't have an issue with. I actually like the angry angsty characters because they're more real to me. Not every teen is full of sunshine and rainbows and they don't come up with the perfect solution to every problem. They also make a ton of mistakes and sometimes those mistakes effect more than just them. That's what the book did right, it told the reader that your actions effect more than just you. Outside of Eldon though the other characters felt a little flat. I felt like there could have been room to make Norie and Juniper more developed because they did play a huge part in Eldon's life during the course of this book. I also felt that the writing was a bit weird in places. The writing tone changes everytime Eldon writes about other people's wishes, which is great! Eldon would have a different writing style then an older female author. But I don't think the way she wrote Eldon's writing style fit him. It felt too much like a ringleader and the rapidly changing time periods could make a reader very confused.
Verdict: While I think this book was good there were some issues with the writing of the book and the fact that this book is morally gray and doesn't really have a true ending. However, if you're looking for a good cry, this book is the one you need to lean on.
Rating: 3/5
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (biting and transforming... no not in the regular teenage way)
I bought my own copy of this book after receiving the sequel to promote and review! Yay me!
Nessa Kurland is running for her life.
High school junior Nessa Kurland is a cross-country runner with her eyes set on one thing: a college scholarship as her one-way ticket out of Tether, Michigan, a town on the brink of shutdown since it was devastated by corporate polluter Dutch Chemical.
Talented teammate Cynthia invites Nessa on a nighttime run through Tether's overgrown forest trails. But she speeds ahead, leaving Nessa alone to discover a trapped wolf. Nessa tries to free the animal but is badly bitten, seemingly ruining her hopes for a strong fall season.
Instead, Nessa's freakishly quick recovery is followed by improved running times. All her senses are heightened. Nessa has transformed.
She has become a werewolf.
In her new state, Nessa learns that Tether has many secrets. What is really going on at the small-town clinic? Can she decipher what the wolf pack she's been running with is trying to tell her? Nessa must navigate true human darkness and the uncertainty of young love, while making peace with her new, wild nature. - Amazon.com
I never was into werewolves. I was more of a vampire girl in my youth. But I will say that I enjoyed this modern take on werewolves and I loved how it focused on a girl instead of a male protagionist (like the majority of werewolf books). I thought the plot was intriguing enough and I did like how the book had a good flow to it, but I had a lot more dislikes about this book then likes.
I felt that the book became stagnant towards the end which made it really hard to finish this book. I also felt that the characters could have been developed better. I felt the side characters were a little more developed than our main, which made it a little frustrating to read. I also felt that the book could have been written a little differently. I think maybe I'm just spoiled by all of the werewolf movies, but I had expectations that weren't fulfilled in this book. This book also ended on such a cliff hanger!
Verdict: While this book had a lot of promise it didn't hold up well for me. Maybe my expectations were too great for this book. If you enjoy werewolves, this is the book for you!
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (biting and transforming... no not in the regular teenage way)
I bought my own copy of this book after receiving the sequel to promote and review! Yay me!
Nessa Kurland is running for her life.
High school junior Nessa Kurland is a cross-country runner with her eyes set on one thing: a college scholarship as her one-way ticket out of Tether, Michigan, a town on the brink of shutdown since it was devastated by corporate polluter Dutch Chemical.
Talented teammate Cynthia invites Nessa on a nighttime run through Tether's overgrown forest trails. But she speeds ahead, leaving Nessa alone to discover a trapped wolf. Nessa tries to free the animal but is badly bitten, seemingly ruining her hopes for a strong fall season.
Instead, Nessa's freakishly quick recovery is followed by improved running times. All her senses are heightened. Nessa has transformed.
She has become a werewolf.
In her new state, Nessa learns that Tether has many secrets. What is really going on at the small-town clinic? Can she decipher what the wolf pack she's been running with is trying to tell her? Nessa must navigate true human darkness and the uncertainty of young love, while making peace with her new, wild nature. - Amazon.com
I never was into werewolves. I was more of a vampire girl in my youth. But I will say that I enjoyed this modern take on werewolves and I loved how it focused on a girl instead of a male protagionist (like the majority of werewolf books). I thought the plot was intriguing enough and I did like how the book had a good flow to it, but I had a lot more dislikes about this book then likes.
I felt that the book became stagnant towards the end which made it really hard to finish this book. I also felt that the characters could have been developed better. I felt the side characters were a little more developed than our main, which made it a little frustrating to read. I also felt that the book could have been written a little differently. I think maybe I'm just spoiled by all of the werewolf movies, but I had expectations that weren't fulfilled in this book. This book also ended on such a cliff hanger!
Verdict: While this book had a lot of promise it didn't hold up well for me. Maybe my expectations were too great for this book. If you enjoy werewolves, this is the book for you!
Rating: 4.5/5
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (werewolves, FBI, and... more werewolves! Oh MY! Also, some slightly mature content)
I receieved a free copy of this book courtesy of Chooseco! Thank you so much! All opinions are my own.
The forest is full of secrets.
And who knows them better than Nessa Kurland, a sixteen-year-old cross-country star with a secret of her own: she can transform at will into a werewolf, and her power grows stronger with every moon.
Nessa returns home from a run with her pack to find an FBI raid and the shocking news that her mother, Vivian, is being arrested for violations so serious she may be facing life in prison. What did Nessa's mother, a small-town vet tech, do to threaten Homeland Security? Vivian's secret past leads Nessa to discover there is more to her story than she ever imagined.
The wolves that are running through Tether's woods are not the same pack Nessa knew before. These are not all natural wolves. And they are breeding.
As the lines between science, nature, and magic fade into one another, nothing is as it appears. And the wolves are not the only creatures in the woods.
Nessa's transformation is only just beginning...
Filled with romance, tragedy, perseverance, and adventure, C. D. Bell's CHIMERA is a breathtaking continuation of Nessa's story, as she confronts the truth of who she is, where she comes from, and what she has to do to survive. - Amazon.com
I will say that I loved this book much more than the first one. The beginning starts off slow and right where we left off in the last book. However the story soon picks up and the reader is racing to the end with the main character. I liked how much more developed the main character became along with all of the other characters. I felt that the author made tremendous improvement between the first and second book in terms of writing, character development, plot development, and pacing. A+ in effort for the author!
I only had one complaint and it was how the book ended. There were so many unanswered questions and so it almost guarantees that I'll have to reread the series in the future and then read the final book in the triology.
Verdict: I thought this book was so much better than the first book and I thought this book did amazing to build tension and make the plot a thousand times more interesting then in the first book. Definitely a series you need to check out if you're looking for a werewolf book or a different kind of fantasy book altogether.
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (werewolves, FBI, and... more werewolves! Oh MY! Also, some slightly mature content)
I receieved a free copy of this book courtesy of Chooseco! Thank you so much! All opinions are my own.
The forest is full of secrets.
And who knows them better than Nessa Kurland, a sixteen-year-old cross-country star with a secret of her own: she can transform at will into a werewolf, and her power grows stronger with every moon.
Nessa returns home from a run with her pack to find an FBI raid and the shocking news that her mother, Vivian, is being arrested for violations so serious she may be facing life in prison. What did Nessa's mother, a small-town vet tech, do to threaten Homeland Security? Vivian's secret past leads Nessa to discover there is more to her story than she ever imagined.
The wolves that are running through Tether's woods are not the same pack Nessa knew before. These are not all natural wolves. And they are breeding.
As the lines between science, nature, and magic fade into one another, nothing is as it appears. And the wolves are not the only creatures in the woods.
Nessa's transformation is only just beginning...
Filled with romance, tragedy, perseverance, and adventure, C. D. Bell's CHIMERA is a breathtaking continuation of Nessa's story, as she confronts the truth of who she is, where she comes from, and what she has to do to survive. - Amazon.com
I will say that I loved this book much more than the first one. The beginning starts off slow and right where we left off in the last book. However the story soon picks up and the reader is racing to the end with the main character. I liked how much more developed the main character became along with all of the other characters. I felt that the author made tremendous improvement between the first and second book in terms of writing, character development, plot development, and pacing. A+ in effort for the author!
I only had one complaint and it was how the book ended. There were so many unanswered questions and so it almost guarantees that I'll have to reread the series in the future and then read the final book in the triology.
Verdict: I thought this book was so much better than the first book and I thought this book did amazing to build tension and make the plot a thousand times more interesting then in the first book. Definitely a series you need to check out if you're looking for a werewolf book or a different kind of fantasy book altogether.
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Rating: 2/5
Genre: Thriller
Recommended Age: DNF-ed cannot recommend
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review courtesy of Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
I think I'm in a DNF spree. I had to DNF this book after about 100 pages. It's not because the book was poorly written or not interesting, but because I knew how it would end from the beginning. And a spoilery look at the end proved my theory to be right. That completely ruined the book for me and while it was my fault I can't help but wonder if the book could have been written in a different way to avoid the ending from being guessed completely at the beginning of the book.
Verdict: If you enjoy thrillers, please give this a read! It seems to be highly enjoyable for a lot of people and I hope one day to return to this book and reread it.
Genre: Thriller
Recommended Age: DNF-ed cannot recommend
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for my honest review courtesy of Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
I think I'm in a DNF spree. I had to DNF this book after about 100 pages. It's not because the book was poorly written or not interesting, but because I knew how it would end from the beginning. And a spoilery look at the end proved my theory to be right. That completely ruined the book for me and while it was my fault I can't help but wonder if the book could have been written in a different way to avoid the ending from being guessed completely at the beginning of the book.
Verdict: If you enjoy thrillers, please give this a read! It seems to be highly enjoyable for a lot of people and I hope one day to return to this book and reread it.
Rating: 4.5/5
Genre: YA/New Adult Fantasy/Steampunk
Pages: 274
Amazon Link
Author Link
I received a copy of this book for free from the wonderful author. Thank you so much!! All opinions are my own.
He cups me close to his face, near his mouth, so that his lips are grazing the reaches of my light. “You’re warm, B.” He grins. “Like a small fluttering bird.”
Then, his grin grows into something edging on salacious, and I have one hasty, breathless thought:
. . . He’s going to kiss me?
Nope.
At the last moment, he opens his mouth and shoves me inside.
If I’m not mistaken, I’ve just been swallowed.
. . . . . . . . . .
Bexley Lightborne is not your average run-of-the-mill mortal. She’s a realm-hopping, light-wielding badass . . . with just a touch of amnesia.
As shadows from the dark realm invade the world of light, Bexley enlists the help of a foul-mouthed, baby-faced newcomer holding magickal potential . . . who also happens to be the worst human boy Bexley has ever met.
Tethered together, two unlikely heroes will discover the truth of their forgotten bloodline and fight to reclaim what’s been lost, whether they want to or not.
Four colors collide in a war of light.
And all of this magick stuff? Pretty badass.
Step inside a world parallel to your own. Click now to start the fight. – Amazon.com
So this is my second book from Brindi and it completely floored me how well she wrote two different genres! You wouldn't be able to tell she wrote a dystopian by reading this fantasy steampunk novel! Obviously I loved this book and I loved how this book was fast paced, but did not skimp on any of the plot or world building. The plot was amazingly well done and super developed and interesting throughout the novel. The characters were all well developed as well. Brindi does something very well in her books from what I've read so far. She is really good at writing in her characters voice. Bexley has a very distinct voice in this book and the book flows very well.
I only had one minor complaint and that was the relationship between Bexley and Pidd slightly creeped me out because he was said to be 17 and I grew up in Tennessee where 17 was considered a minor. But now I live in Georgia where 17 is considered an adult and in other states 16 is considered an adult. I had to keep reminding myself (like I do daily at work) that 17 is a legal adult but it is a hard habit to break. However it got easier to deal with throughout the book.
Verdict: If you've not read any Brindi Quinn books you NEED to. Like NOW. She writes amazingly wonderful books and they're funny and deep at the same time. She's wrote a ton of books and if these two are any indication she definitely proves herself to be a versitle author.
Genre: YA/New Adult Fantasy/Steampunk
Pages: 274
Amazon Link
Author Link
I received a copy of this book for free from the wonderful author. Thank you so much!! All opinions are my own.
He cups me close to his face, near his mouth, so that his lips are grazing the reaches of my light. “You’re warm, B.” He grins. “Like a small fluttering bird.”
Then, his grin grows into something edging on salacious, and I have one hasty, breathless thought:
. . . He’s going to kiss me?
Nope.
At the last moment, he opens his mouth and shoves me inside.
If I’m not mistaken, I’ve just been swallowed.
. . . . . . . . . .
Bexley Lightborne is not your average run-of-the-mill mortal. She’s a realm-hopping, light-wielding badass . . . with just a touch of amnesia.
As shadows from the dark realm invade the world of light, Bexley enlists the help of a foul-mouthed, baby-faced newcomer holding magickal potential . . . who also happens to be the worst human boy Bexley has ever met.
Tethered together, two unlikely heroes will discover the truth of their forgotten bloodline and fight to reclaim what’s been lost, whether they want to or not.
Four colors collide in a war of light.
And all of this magick stuff? Pretty badass.
Step inside a world parallel to your own. Click now to start the fight. – Amazon.com
So this is my second book from Brindi and it completely floored me how well she wrote two different genres! You wouldn't be able to tell she wrote a dystopian by reading this fantasy steampunk novel! Obviously I loved this book and I loved how this book was fast paced, but did not skimp on any of the plot or world building. The plot was amazingly well done and super developed and interesting throughout the novel. The characters were all well developed as well. Brindi does something very well in her books from what I've read so far. She is really good at writing in her characters voice. Bexley has a very distinct voice in this book and the book flows very well.
I only had one minor complaint and that was the relationship between Bexley and Pidd slightly creeped me out because he was said to be 17 and I grew up in Tennessee where 17 was considered a minor. But now I live in Georgia where 17 is considered an adult and in other states 16 is considered an adult. I had to keep reminding myself (like I do daily at work) that 17 is a legal adult but it is a hard habit to break. However it got easier to deal with throughout the book.
Verdict: If you've not read any Brindi Quinn books you NEED to. Like NOW. She writes amazingly wonderful books and they're funny and deep at the same time. She's wrote a ton of books and if these two are any indication she definitely proves herself to be a versitle author.
Rating: 4/5
Genre: YA Contempory
Pages: 276
Amazon
Author
I received a free copy of this book through KidLitExchange. All opinions are my own.
A searing #OwnVoices coming-of-age debut in which an Indian-American Muslim teen confronts Islamophobia and a reality she can neither explain nor escape--perfect for fans of Angie Thomas, Jacqueline Woodson, and Adam Silvera.
Maya Aziz is torn between futures: the one her parents expect for their good Indian daughter (i.e.; staying nearby in Chicago and being matched with a "suitable" Muslim boy), and the one where she goes to film school in New York City--and maybe, just maybe, kisses a guy she's only known from afar. There's the also the fun stuff, like laughing with her best friend Violet, making on-the-spot documentaries, sneaking away for private swimming lessons at a secret pond in the woods. But her world is shattered when a suicide bomber strikes in the American heartland; by chance, he shares Maya's last name. What happens to the one Muslim family in town when their community is suddenly consumed with hatred and fear? - Amazon.com
I am loving these Own Voices novels I keep finding. And if you have any more you want to suggest to me PLEASE DO! I loved this book and it touched on islamophobia that has regretfully consumed many people. I loved that the main character was a Muslim girl, which you don't see a lot in many books unfortunately. I can't speak on how well the representation was to the average Muslim girl but on Goodreads there are many Muslim girls on there that have voiced their opinions of this so I would implore you to read thier comments. For my own reading I felt most of the characters were very well developed and the plot was intriguing. While you may not have been the target of islamophobia you can't help but feel for Maya. I also felt the pacing was very well done and the writing was magnificent.
However, I did have some issues with the main character and her parents. While I am not Muslim and I did not grow up in that culture, I do know and hope that parents out there hope for more than just their child to get married off. My mother's concern, while mainly being for me to find a good spouse, was to find true happiness. I also felt that Maya's character was a bit unrealistic. No matter what type of relationship you have with your parents, you're going to feel some guilt or some remorse for going behind thier back and I didn't feel like Maya had this. I was a teen once and I did dumb things in the name of love, but it didn't make me feel any less guilty.
Verdict: Overall, I think this book is an important book to read. We're in an age where there is outright hatard for a people and a culture that the average person is ignorant to or refuses to learn about. I've had a friend (ex-friend now) that pulled her son out of school because he was learning about the Muslim culture in a geography class and she didn't want him to know about the culture or religion because she holds very racist views on the Muslim people unfortunately. This is just one book, but I think it has the power to change a lot of people's perspectives on their views of the Muslim culture and the people who believe in Islam. I implore you to read this and many other novels with Muslim characters in it.
Genre: YA Contempory
Pages: 276
Amazon
Author
I received a free copy of this book through KidLitExchange. All opinions are my own.
A searing #OwnVoices coming-of-age debut in which an Indian-American Muslim teen confronts Islamophobia and a reality she can neither explain nor escape--perfect for fans of Angie Thomas, Jacqueline Woodson, and Adam Silvera.
Maya Aziz is torn between futures: the one her parents expect for their good Indian daughter (i.e.; staying nearby in Chicago and being matched with a "suitable" Muslim boy), and the one where she goes to film school in New York City--and maybe, just maybe, kisses a guy she's only known from afar. There's the also the fun stuff, like laughing with her best friend Violet, making on-the-spot documentaries, sneaking away for private swimming lessons at a secret pond in the woods. But her world is shattered when a suicide bomber strikes in the American heartland; by chance, he shares Maya's last name. What happens to the one Muslim family in town when their community is suddenly consumed with hatred and fear? - Amazon.com
I am loving these Own Voices novels I keep finding. And if you have any more you want to suggest to me PLEASE DO! I loved this book and it touched on islamophobia that has regretfully consumed many people. I loved that the main character was a Muslim girl, which you don't see a lot in many books unfortunately. I can't speak on how well the representation was to the average Muslim girl but on Goodreads there are many Muslim girls on there that have voiced their opinions of this so I would implore you to read thier comments. For my own reading I felt most of the characters were very well developed and the plot was intriguing. While you may not have been the target of islamophobia you can't help but feel for Maya. I also felt the pacing was very well done and the writing was magnificent.
However, I did have some issues with the main character and her parents. While I am not Muslim and I did not grow up in that culture, I do know and hope that parents out there hope for more than just their child to get married off. My mother's concern, while mainly being for me to find a good spouse, was to find true happiness. I also felt that Maya's character was a bit unrealistic. No matter what type of relationship you have with your parents, you're going to feel some guilt or some remorse for going behind thier back and I didn't feel like Maya had this. I was a teen once and I did dumb things in the name of love, but it didn't make me feel any less guilty.
Verdict: Overall, I think this book is an important book to read. We're in an age where there is outright hatard for a people and a culture that the average person is ignorant to or refuses to learn about. I've had a friend (ex-friend now) that pulled her son out of school because he was learning about the Muslim culture in a geography class and she didn't want him to know about the culture or religion because she holds very racist views on the Muslim people unfortunately. This is just one book, but I think it has the power to change a lot of people's perspectives on their views of the Muslim culture and the people who believe in Islam. I implore you to read this and many other novels with Muslim characters in it.
Rating: 3/5
Genre: YA Fantasy
Pages: 310
Amazon
Author
I received a free copy of this book through KidLitExchange. All opinions are my own.
The struggle to get into a top-tier college consumes sixteen-year-old Genie’s every waking thought. But when she discovers she’s a celestial spirit who’s powerful enough to bash through the gates of heaven with her fists, her perfectionist existence is shattered.
Enter Quentin, a transfer student from China whose tone-deaf assertiveness beguiles Genie to the brink of madness. Quentin nurtures Genie’s outrageous transformation—sometimes gently, sometimes aggressively—as her sleepy suburb in the Bay Area comes under siege from hell-spawn.
This epic YA debut draws from Chinese folklore, features a larger-than-life heroine, and perfectly balances the realities of Genie’s grounded high school life with the absurd supernatural world she finds herself commanding. - Amazon.com
Ever read a book that uses Chinese mythology?! What have I been missing in my life! I knew some of the more popular items in Chinese mythology, but what I've learned from this book just blows me away. I thought the characters in this book were marvelously well written (but I can't speak for the Chinese American rep), the plot was very fun and imaginative, and the author writing reminds me of Rick Riorden or Marie Lu, not complex but very well done and has a very easy flow. The pacing also never waned and kept me interested throughout the book.
However I do feel like the writing can be too simplistic for some readers and I feel that while the author did some new things in this novel there were still some of the same old tropes that we're tired of. The main character was a bit too perfect, the love interest was too hot, etc.
Verdict: While the book still has some of the same old tropes, it was an enjoyable novel for me. I can't speak to the rep but other than that I felt the book was very well done. Definitely a must read for diverse books and for readers who like books that are written a little younger than other YA.
Genre: YA Fantasy
Pages: 310
Amazon
Author
I received a free copy of this book through KidLitExchange. All opinions are my own.
The struggle to get into a top-tier college consumes sixteen-year-old Genie’s every waking thought. But when she discovers she’s a celestial spirit who’s powerful enough to bash through the gates of heaven with her fists, her perfectionist existence is shattered.
Enter Quentin, a transfer student from China whose tone-deaf assertiveness beguiles Genie to the brink of madness. Quentin nurtures Genie’s outrageous transformation—sometimes gently, sometimes aggressively—as her sleepy suburb in the Bay Area comes under siege from hell-spawn.
This epic YA debut draws from Chinese folklore, features a larger-than-life heroine, and perfectly balances the realities of Genie’s grounded high school life with the absurd supernatural world she finds herself commanding. - Amazon.com
Ever read a book that uses Chinese mythology?! What have I been missing in my life! I knew some of the more popular items in Chinese mythology, but what I've learned from this book just blows me away. I thought the characters in this book were marvelously well written (but I can't speak for the Chinese American rep), the plot was very fun and imaginative, and the author writing reminds me of Rick Riorden or Marie Lu, not complex but very well done and has a very easy flow. The pacing also never waned and kept me interested throughout the book.
However I do feel like the writing can be too simplistic for some readers and I feel that while the author did some new things in this novel there were still some of the same old tropes that we're tired of. The main character was a bit too perfect, the love interest was too hot, etc.
Verdict: While the book still has some of the same old tropes, it was an enjoyable novel for me. I can't speak to the rep but other than that I felt the book was very well done. Definitely a must read for diverse books and for readers who like books that are written a little younger than other YA.
Rating: 5/5
Genre: Middle Grade/Tween Fantasy
Pages: 306
Amazon
Author
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Dark times are upon us. Neci is back and she is more dangerous than ever. The warriors are forced to pick a side and to stand up for what they believe in. The race is on to find the missing warrior first. It's the only way to prevent a war from happening and to stop Neci from destroying everything. Emily Knight has to get sharper, stronger and faster because Neci has made her a target and someone is going to great lengths to hurt her. Can Emily win the race? Or will Neci take her down once and for all? - Amazon.com
So earlier this year I read the first book in this middle grade series and absolutely loved the book. I got another chance to read the second installment in this series and absolutely loved it. The story continues with Emily Knight and her struggles to not only fit in at school and figure out her feelings for a certain guy friend of hers, but also to figure out what she should do concerning Neci, the big bad villain of the series. I thought this book did really good character development wise. There are not a lot of books out there that conquer the tween phase and I thought A. Bello did magnificient with Emily's inner monologue and her growth as a character and as a girl overall. I also thought the plot was very intriguing, it kept me wanting to read throughout the book and the pacing was very well done as well. Not too fast or too slow. This is also another book with a ton of diversity in it. Not only is Emily, our main character, a strong black female (I believe she's British? I think this is set in the UK? Correct me if I'm wrong!) but Emily lives in a blended family with her godparents, her friends come in different ethnicities and cultural backgrounds, and nothing about this feels forced like it does sometimes in some of the books I've read in the past.
The only downside I had about the book was that I felt that as a middle grade read it might be a bit too much for younger middle graders. That's the downside of the reading system is that there's not a middle ground between middle grade and young adult. If there was (a tween reader?) then this book would certainly fit into that category.
Verdict: If you haven't checked out this series for you or your children then WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!? Go check it out now and see why I love this series! This would be a perfect christmas present for any fantasy lover and especially younger tween fantasy lovers.
Genre: Middle Grade/Tween Fantasy
Pages: 306
Amazon
Author
I received a free copy of this book from the author in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Dark times are upon us. Neci is back and she is more dangerous than ever. The warriors are forced to pick a side and to stand up for what they believe in. The race is on to find the missing warrior first. It's the only way to prevent a war from happening and to stop Neci from destroying everything. Emily Knight has to get sharper, stronger and faster because Neci has made her a target and someone is going to great lengths to hurt her. Can Emily win the race? Or will Neci take her down once and for all? - Amazon.com
So earlier this year I read the first book in this middle grade series and absolutely loved the book. I got another chance to read the second installment in this series and absolutely loved it. The story continues with Emily Knight and her struggles to not only fit in at school and figure out her feelings for a certain guy friend of hers, but also to figure out what she should do concerning Neci, the big bad villain of the series. I thought this book did really good character development wise. There are not a lot of books out there that conquer the tween phase and I thought A. Bello did magnificient with Emily's inner monologue and her growth as a character and as a girl overall. I also thought the plot was very intriguing, it kept me wanting to read throughout the book and the pacing was very well done as well. Not too fast or too slow. This is also another book with a ton of diversity in it. Not only is Emily, our main character, a strong black female (I believe she's British? I think this is set in the UK? Correct me if I'm wrong!) but Emily lives in a blended family with her godparents, her friends come in different ethnicities and cultural backgrounds, and nothing about this feels forced like it does sometimes in some of the books I've read in the past.
The only downside I had about the book was that I felt that as a middle grade read it might be a bit too much for younger middle graders. That's the downside of the reading system is that there's not a middle ground between middle grade and young adult. If there was (a tween reader?) then this book would certainly fit into that category.
Verdict: If you haven't checked out this series for you or your children then WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!? Go check it out now and see why I love this series! This would be a perfect christmas present for any fantasy lover and especially younger tween fantasy lovers.
Rating: 4.5/5
Genre: YA Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Pages: 438
Amazon
Author
I received a free copy of this book from Black Chateau and the author. All opinions are my own.
In the world of Senia, lawlessness consumes much of the planet, save for few city-states. Two of the most powerful, White Heart and Avalon, prepare for war with each other. In light of this approaching threat, a White Heart general, Amber Leavett, is green-lighted to form a special-ops unit, comprised of the best of the best, dedicated to protecting the innocent in a time of darkness. An ambitious general, a gunslinging tactician, an attack dog, a savage berserker, a cyborg raven, a sensual vigilante, a civil-rights leader, a ghastly thanatologist, and an orphan cryomancer, are all united because of their common enemies, and they become the indomitable Guardians. By overcoming the battles they face, they make a name for themselves as heroes of legend.
Drawing a cast of other vivid characters and factions into the fray, Our Guardian Renegade brims with unique and fascinating stories of intertwined fates, and it delves deep into themes of society, race, gender, and sexuality. It is a fast-paced, cinematically driven read, in which every character is involved in the conflicts taking place in the world of Senia. – Amazon.com
I love video games. I love books. I love books that are wrote like video games. So when I read this book I was super excited that it was wrote like a video game and that the story was so fast paced and adventurous! I felt the characters were all very well developed, the story arc was amazing, and that the pacing fit the book very well. The writing was also very well done and it really made this gamer girl very very happy.
The only thing I would say to watch out for are the mild sexual scenes and the violence. There is a lot of violence in this book. The book also talks about society, racism, gender, and sexuality, so if you’re on the younger teen side this might not be the book for you as some of the themes get a little deep.
Verdict: Absolutely loved this book! It’s a great book for anyone looking for an adventurous book and it’s amazing for gamers and non-gamers alike! Definitely put this on your wishlist for Santa this Christmas!
Genre: YA Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Pages: 438
Amazon
Author
I received a free copy of this book from Black Chateau and the author. All opinions are my own.
In the world of Senia, lawlessness consumes much of the planet, save for few city-states. Two of the most powerful, White Heart and Avalon, prepare for war with each other. In light of this approaching threat, a White Heart general, Amber Leavett, is green-lighted to form a special-ops unit, comprised of the best of the best, dedicated to protecting the innocent in a time of darkness. An ambitious general, a gunslinging tactician, an attack dog, a savage berserker, a cyborg raven, a sensual vigilante, a civil-rights leader, a ghastly thanatologist, and an orphan cryomancer, are all united because of their common enemies, and they become the indomitable Guardians. By overcoming the battles they face, they make a name for themselves as heroes of legend.
Drawing a cast of other vivid characters and factions into the fray, Our Guardian Renegade brims with unique and fascinating stories of intertwined fates, and it delves deep into themes of society, race, gender, and sexuality. It is a fast-paced, cinematically driven read, in which every character is involved in the conflicts taking place in the world of Senia. – Amazon.com
I love video games. I love books. I love books that are wrote like video games. So when I read this book I was super excited that it was wrote like a video game and that the story was so fast paced and adventurous! I felt the characters were all very well developed, the story arc was amazing, and that the pacing fit the book very well. The writing was also very well done and it really made this gamer girl very very happy.
The only thing I would say to watch out for are the mild sexual scenes and the violence. There is a lot of violence in this book. The book also talks about society, racism, gender, and sexuality, so if you’re on the younger teen side this might not be the book for you as some of the themes get a little deep.
Verdict: Absolutely loved this book! It’s a great book for anyone looking for an adventurous book and it’s amazing for gamers and non-gamers alike! Definitely put this on your wishlist for Santa this Christmas!
Rating: 4/5
Genre: Thriller
Pages: 322
Amazon
Author
I received a free copy of this book from Black Chateau and the author. All opinions are my own.
Han or 'The Shadow' as they call him is Hitler's most trusted henchman & sniper who was last seen deep within illicit Russian territory. Now, on the 1st day of May 1945 the world rejoices as Hitler's tyranny is crushed. The Red army has triumphantly marched into Berlin and right up to Hitler's doorstep. On this fateful night, a mysterious band of Germans christened 'Blood Moon' unite in an underground shelter in Berlin. These men prepare for an unusual mission to march into a secret Red army operation base run by the ruthless Russian warlord Konstantin. At such an hour into the war only dire straits can push someone to do so and hence these Germans traverse to reach Han for he holds many secrets of the Reich. Secrets that can help them live free lives. While the Germans embark on this mission a terrible probability tips the scale against them. For in reality, Hitler has disappeared without trace and a startling new possibility comes to fore suggesting that the Nazi dictator still lives. An undying audacity of hope keeps them alive as they are thrust into their worst nightmares in Konstantin's extermination camp. The Germans accidently stumble upon Hitler's personal diary that leads to bigger pieces of the puzzle as they evade death at every step. They must now race against time to procure the necessary information and not only reach Han but also hunt down Hitler. - Amazon.com
I'm not usually one who likes war related books, but I do enjoy the World War II period. So when I saw this book up for grabs from Black Chateau, I had to grab it! I thought this book was a very well researched book and really well written. The characters were also very well crafted and the book makes for an amazing read.
Verdict: While I personally didn't have anything I felt was bad about this book I do think that if you're not a fan of historical books or thrillers, then you won't enjoy this book as much. The book makes learning about the period not as boring as some think learning about history is, but if you're not interested in the topic I don't think this book will be for you.
Genre: Thriller
Pages: 322
Amazon
Author
I received a free copy of this book from Black Chateau and the author. All opinions are my own.
Han or 'The Shadow' as they call him is Hitler's most trusted henchman & sniper who was last seen deep within illicit Russian territory. Now, on the 1st day of May 1945 the world rejoices as Hitler's tyranny is crushed. The Red army has triumphantly marched into Berlin and right up to Hitler's doorstep. On this fateful night, a mysterious band of Germans christened 'Blood Moon' unite in an underground shelter in Berlin. These men prepare for an unusual mission to march into a secret Red army operation base run by the ruthless Russian warlord Konstantin. At such an hour into the war only dire straits can push someone to do so and hence these Germans traverse to reach Han for he holds many secrets of the Reich. Secrets that can help them live free lives. While the Germans embark on this mission a terrible probability tips the scale against them. For in reality, Hitler has disappeared without trace and a startling new possibility comes to fore suggesting that the Nazi dictator still lives. An undying audacity of hope keeps them alive as they are thrust into their worst nightmares in Konstantin's extermination camp. The Germans accidently stumble upon Hitler's personal diary that leads to bigger pieces of the puzzle as they evade death at every step. They must now race against time to procure the necessary information and not only reach Han but also hunt down Hitler. - Amazon.com
I'm not usually one who likes war related books, but I do enjoy the World War II period. So when I saw this book up for grabs from Black Chateau, I had to grab it! I thought this book was a very well researched book and really well written. The characters were also very well crafted and the book makes for an amazing read.
Verdict: While I personally didn't have anything I felt was bad about this book I do think that if you're not a fan of historical books or thrillers, then you won't enjoy this book as much. The book makes learning about the period not as boring as some think learning about history is, but if you're not interested in the topic I don't think this book will be for you.