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popthebutterfly
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from KidLitExchange and the publishing company. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 4/5
Genre: YA Retelling/Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (some violence, some scary moments with animals)
Pages: 224
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Snow and Rose didn't know they were in a fairy tale. People never do....
Once, they lived in a big house with spectacular gardens and an army of servants.
Once, they had a father and mother who loved them more than the sun and moon.
But that was before their father disappeared into the woods and their mother disappeared into sorrow.
This is the story of two sisters and the enchanted woods that have been waiting for them to break a set of terrible spells.
Bestselling author-illustrator Emily Winfield Martin has created a world that sits on the border of enchantment, with characters who are grounded in real emotions that readers will recognize in themselves.
This is probably one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever looked at. Not only is the cover gorgeous, but so are the illustrations. And the book isn’t just for looks. The characters are very complex, which is surprising for a young middle grade book. The plot was also very well developed and the writing was amazing. It didn’t feel like a regular retelling, but something extra special and that’s what made the book very enjoyable.
However, the only things I didn’t like about this book was that the book pacing was very slow and I fear that a slow pace could be offsetting to some kids. And the ending was rushed really bad. Those elements really pulled me out of an otherwise fantastic book.
Verdict: Amazing book that any young child (or old child) would love. Plus it’s pretty enough to be a coffee table book.
Rating: 4/5
Genre: YA Retelling/Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (some violence, some scary moments with animals)
Pages: 224
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Snow and Rose didn't know they were in a fairy tale. People never do....
Once, they lived in a big house with spectacular gardens and an army of servants.
Once, they had a father and mother who loved them more than the sun and moon.
But that was before their father disappeared into the woods and their mother disappeared into sorrow.
This is the story of two sisters and the enchanted woods that have been waiting for them to break a set of terrible spells.
Bestselling author-illustrator Emily Winfield Martin has created a world that sits on the border of enchantment, with characters who are grounded in real emotions that readers will recognize in themselves.
This is probably one of the most beautiful books I’ve ever looked at. Not only is the cover gorgeous, but so are the illustrations. And the book isn’t just for looks. The characters are very complex, which is surprising for a young middle grade book. The plot was also very well developed and the writing was amazing. It didn’t feel like a regular retelling, but something extra special and that’s what made the book very enjoyable.
However, the only things I didn’t like about this book was that the book pacing was very slow and I fear that a slow pace could be offsetting to some kids. And the ending was rushed really bad. Those elements really pulled me out of an otherwise fantastic book.
Verdict: Amazing book that any young child (or old child) would love. Plus it’s pretty enough to be a coffee table book.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from TheNovl and Little, Brown Books. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 5/5
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, death, cutting, suicide, mature scenes)
Pages: 384
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Three girls with three deadly secrets. Only one can wear the crown.
The king is dying, his heir has just been murdered, and rebellion brews in the east. But the kingdom of Kolonya and the outer Reaches has one last option before it descends into leaderless chaos.
Or rather, three unexpected options.
Zofi has spent her entire life trekking through the outer Reaches with her band of Travelers. She would do anything to protect the band, her family. But no one can ever find out how far she's already gone.
Akeylah was raised in the Eastern Reach, surrounded by whispers of rebellion and abused by her father. Desperate to escape, she makes a decision that threatens the whole kingdom.
Ren grew up in Kolonya, serving as a lady's maid and scheming her way out of the servants' chambers. But one such plot could get her hung for treason if anyone ever discovers what she's done.
When the king summons the girls, they arrive expecting arrest or even execution. Instead they learn the truth: they are his illegitimate daughters, and one must become his new heir. But someone in Kolonya knows their secrets, and that someone will stop at nothing to keep the sisters from their destiny... to rule.
Magic, mystery, and blackmail abound in this sensational and striking fantasy debut.
This was one of my hotly anticipated reads of this year and so when TheNovl sent out emails about it I squealed. At work. It was hard to explain to my coworkers. And then when I got it in the mail I cried. Literally. And then I worried that I would hate this book. On the surface it almost seems like a Three Dark Crowns esque book, but inside it’s totally different and amazing and AjsLKJ:DLjaldufr;alsdjflasjdroasuer;ojasdhnfsdjflkjsadlfanlsdfnasjl!!!!!! I am so in love with this book. Like seriously. LOVE! The characters are so amazingly complex and well developed. One of the girls is a lesbian and there’s a F/F relationship, which is something I don’t normally see in YA fantasy. The book is also incredible in that all of the main players, even the villains, are female and the love interests hardly help them out. This plot development is also awesome and the pacing is well done. The writing is fantastic. I can just rave about this book all day long.
The only issue I have with this book was that we ended on a cliffhanger and I NEED THE NEXT ONE NOW! I also want to slightly criticize the book on using cutting as a power, which can potentially give the wrong idea to some people. I don’t think it’s on the same level as the controversy around Carve the Mark, but it’s slightly worrying that someone could get the wrong idea.
Verdict: An all female trio that is truly feminist goals.
Rating: 5/5
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, death, cutting, suicide, mature scenes)
Pages: 384
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Three girls with three deadly secrets. Only one can wear the crown.
The king is dying, his heir has just been murdered, and rebellion brews in the east. But the kingdom of Kolonya and the outer Reaches has one last option before it descends into leaderless chaos.
Or rather, three unexpected options.
Zofi has spent her entire life trekking through the outer Reaches with her band of Travelers. She would do anything to protect the band, her family. But no one can ever find out how far she's already gone.
Akeylah was raised in the Eastern Reach, surrounded by whispers of rebellion and abused by her father. Desperate to escape, she makes a decision that threatens the whole kingdom.
Ren grew up in Kolonya, serving as a lady's maid and scheming her way out of the servants' chambers. But one such plot could get her hung for treason if anyone ever discovers what she's done.
When the king summons the girls, they arrive expecting arrest or even execution. Instead they learn the truth: they are his illegitimate daughters, and one must become his new heir. But someone in Kolonya knows their secrets, and that someone will stop at nothing to keep the sisters from their destiny... to rule.
Magic, mystery, and blackmail abound in this sensational and striking fantasy debut.
This was one of my hotly anticipated reads of this year and so when TheNovl sent out emails about it I squealed. At work. It was hard to explain to my coworkers. And then when I got it in the mail I cried. Literally. And then I worried that I would hate this book. On the surface it almost seems like a Three Dark Crowns esque book, but inside it’s totally different and amazing and AjsLKJ:DLjaldufr;alsdjflasjdroasuer;ojasdhnfsdjflkjsadlfanlsdfnasjl!!!!!! I am so in love with this book. Like seriously. LOVE! The characters are so amazingly complex and well developed. One of the girls is a lesbian and there’s a F/F relationship, which is something I don’t normally see in YA fantasy. The book is also incredible in that all of the main players, even the villains, are female and the love interests hardly help them out. This plot development is also awesome and the pacing is well done. The writing is fantastic. I can just rave about this book all day long.
The only issue I have with this book was that we ended on a cliffhanger and I NEED THE NEXT ONE NOW! I also want to slightly criticize the book on using cutting as a power, which can potentially give the wrong idea to some people. I don’t think it’s on the same level as the controversy around Carve the Mark, but it’s slightly worrying that someone could get the wrong idea.
Verdict: An all female trio that is truly feminist goals.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from KidLitExchange and Sky Pony Press. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 3/5
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 16+ (homophobia, transphobia, sexism, abuse, sexual assault)
Pages: 336
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: There’s no place for a girl in Mary’s world. Not in the home of her mum, desperately drunk and poor. Not in the household of her wealthy granny, where no girl can be named an heir. And certainly not in the arms of Nat, her childhood love who never knew her for who she was. As a sailor aboard a Caribbean merchant ship, Mary’s livelihood—and her safety—depends on her ability to disguise her gender.
At least, that’s what she thinks is true. But then pirates attack the ship, and in the midst of the gang of cutthroats, Mary spots something she never could have imagined: a girl pirate.
The sight of a girl standing unafraid upon the deck, gun and sword in hand, changes everything. In a split-second decision, Mary turns her gun on her own captain, earning herself the chance to join the account and become a pirate alongside Calico Jack and Anne Bonny.
For the first time, Mary has a shot at freedom. But imagining living as her true self is easier, it seems, than actually doing it. And when Mary finds herself falling for the captain’s mistress, she risks everything—her childhood love, her place among the crew, and even her life.
Breathlessly romantic and brilliantly subversive, The Unbinding of Mary Reade is sure to sweep readers off their feet and make their hearts soar.
2018 is the year of the YA sea-faring books so I found another sea faring book to review! I found this book to be an interesting read. The main character was very complex and I’m still not sure what to think about her. I also thought that this book was unique in that it showed a cross-dressing female.
However, I’m very concerned with how trans and genderqueer people were shown and portrayed and treated in this book. There was a lot of abuse and hurtful statements towards them and it was really hard to read. The way the book was written was also really jarring and it took me out of the book each time it shifted. The plot was also really weak and the pacing was super slow. I didn’t feel the romance in this book and honestly there was a lot of it for what I thought would be an awesome sea-faring book.
Verdict: I’d really like to know your opinion if you are LGBT+ on this book. I honestly feel there are some really upsetting parts about this book and I fear that it will be hurtful to people in the long run. In my opinion, I think it can be hurtful and I even got upset reading the book. But I’d like to know your opinion about it.
Rating: 3/5
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 16+ (homophobia, transphobia, sexism, abuse, sexual assault)
Pages: 336
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: There’s no place for a girl in Mary’s world. Not in the home of her mum, desperately drunk and poor. Not in the household of her wealthy granny, where no girl can be named an heir. And certainly not in the arms of Nat, her childhood love who never knew her for who she was. As a sailor aboard a Caribbean merchant ship, Mary’s livelihood—and her safety—depends on her ability to disguise her gender.
At least, that’s what she thinks is true. But then pirates attack the ship, and in the midst of the gang of cutthroats, Mary spots something she never could have imagined: a girl pirate.
The sight of a girl standing unafraid upon the deck, gun and sword in hand, changes everything. In a split-second decision, Mary turns her gun on her own captain, earning herself the chance to join the account and become a pirate alongside Calico Jack and Anne Bonny.
For the first time, Mary has a shot at freedom. But imagining living as her true self is easier, it seems, than actually doing it. And when Mary finds herself falling for the captain’s mistress, she risks everything—her childhood love, her place among the crew, and even her life.
Breathlessly romantic and brilliantly subversive, The Unbinding of Mary Reade is sure to sweep readers off their feet and make their hearts soar.
2018 is the year of the YA sea-faring books so I found another sea faring book to review! I found this book to be an interesting read. The main character was very complex and I’m still not sure what to think about her. I also thought that this book was unique in that it showed a cross-dressing female.
However, I’m very concerned with how trans and genderqueer people were shown and portrayed and treated in this book. There was a lot of abuse and hurtful statements towards them and it was really hard to read. The way the book was written was also really jarring and it took me out of the book each time it shifted. The plot was also really weak and the pacing was super slow. I didn’t feel the romance in this book and honestly there was a lot of it for what I thought would be an awesome sea-faring book.
Verdict: I’d really like to know your opinion if you are LGBT+ on this book. I honestly feel there are some really upsetting parts about this book and I fear that it will be hurtful to people in the long run. In my opinion, I think it can be hurtful and I even got upset reading the book. But I’d like to know your opinion about it.
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from KidLitExchange and Push. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 4/5
Genre: YA Contemporary Poetry
Recommended Age: 16+ (homophobia, alcoholism, drug usage, casual sex)
Pages: 304
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: How do you deal with a hole in your life?
Do you grieve?
Do you drink?
Do you make out with your best friend?
Do you turn to poets and pop songs?
Do you question everything?
Do you lash out?
Do you turn the lashing inward?
If you're Avery, you do all of these things. And you write it all down in an attempt to understand what's happened -- and is happening -- to you.
I Felt a Funeral, In My Brain is an astonishing novel about navigating death and navigating life, at a time when the only map you have is the one you can draw for yourself.
I don’t read a lot of poetry, but I do enjoy it sometimes. This book I honestly enjoyed. It’s written in verse and it’s so beautiful. I was moved by Avery’s journey from his grandfather’s death to where he finds himself after and all the little roads he travels. I thought that while the book was in verse the book was well written and all the characters super developed. The plot was also complex and amazing. Seriously, this book was good.
The only issue I had with it is that some of the verses got a bit confusing and I can see where people could get confused about the direction, but if you’ve read verse before then this shouldn’t be an issue.
Verdict: Verse poetry books are the future and I’m loving it.
Rating: 4/5
Genre: YA Contemporary Poetry
Recommended Age: 16+ (homophobia, alcoholism, drug usage, casual sex)
Pages: 304
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: How do you deal with a hole in your life?
Do you grieve?
Do you drink?
Do you make out with your best friend?
Do you turn to poets and pop songs?
Do you question everything?
Do you lash out?
Do you turn the lashing inward?
If you're Avery, you do all of these things. And you write it all down in an attempt to understand what's happened -- and is happening -- to you.
I Felt a Funeral, In My Brain is an astonishing novel about navigating death and navigating life, at a time when the only map you have is the one you can draw for yourself.
I don’t read a lot of poetry, but I do enjoy it sometimes. This book I honestly enjoyed. It’s written in verse and it’s so beautiful. I was moved by Avery’s journey from his grandfather’s death to where he finds himself after and all the little roads he travels. I thought that while the book was in verse the book was well written and all the characters super developed. The plot was also complex and amazing. Seriously, this book was good.
The only issue I had with it is that some of the verses got a bit confusing and I can see where people could get confused about the direction, but if you’ve read verse before then this shouldn’t be an issue.
Verdict: Verse poetry books are the future and I’m loving it.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from JustRead Tours and Wayside Press. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 4.5/5
Genre: Mystery
Recommended Age: 15+ (mystery, intrigue, suspense… there’s nothing too adult in this book for younger readers but it is aimed at an older audience)
Pages: 282
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The legendary Shroud of Turin is the most studied and controversial religious relic in human history. The ancient linen cloth bears the inexplicable image of a crucified man, alleged to be that of Jesus of Nazareth. What if it was real? What if the Shroud contained a secret powerful enough to alter the course of human history....and what if it fell into the wrong hands?
Manny Lusum is convinced the Shroud is the genuine article, and obsessed with proving it scientifically. Grace Barden is not only Manny’s best friend, but also secretly in love with the physics student and soon-to-be Catholic priest.
Across the globe, three grisly murders and the theft of a secret manuscript thrust Grace and Manny into a generations-old conspiracy of biblical proportions. From New York to Rome to the inner sanctum of the Vatican, they struggle to untangle a bizarre mystery surrounding the controversial artifact. In a dramatic confrontation between faith and the ultimate evil on the world stage, Grace and Manny are pushed to the edge of an abyss, balanced on the brink between heaven and hell.
I had never really read a Christian focused mystery book (not even the Da Vinci Code, don’t tell my momma), but I really enjoyed this one. I thought the plot was intriguing and the writing was superb. The book was mostly fast paced and heart pounding. There were a lot of twists and turns and in the end I was very surprised. I really liked this book and I really liked seeing the character development of the main characters.
However, I felt that the book could have focused a bit more on the side characters and some backstory. And I also felt that the plot slowed down a lot in some parts, so the pacing was a bit weird. But the pros definitely outweigh the cons for me in this one.
Verdict: A mystery you will love if you liked The Da Vinci Code.
Rating: 4.5/5
Genre: Mystery
Recommended Age: 15+ (mystery, intrigue, suspense… there’s nothing too adult in this book for younger readers but it is aimed at an older audience)
Pages: 282
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The legendary Shroud of Turin is the most studied and controversial religious relic in human history. The ancient linen cloth bears the inexplicable image of a crucified man, alleged to be that of Jesus of Nazareth. What if it was real? What if the Shroud contained a secret powerful enough to alter the course of human history....and what if it fell into the wrong hands?
Manny Lusum is convinced the Shroud is the genuine article, and obsessed with proving it scientifically. Grace Barden is not only Manny’s best friend, but also secretly in love with the physics student and soon-to-be Catholic priest.
Across the globe, three grisly murders and the theft of a secret manuscript thrust Grace and Manny into a generations-old conspiracy of biblical proportions. From New York to Rome to the inner sanctum of the Vatican, they struggle to untangle a bizarre mystery surrounding the controversial artifact. In a dramatic confrontation between faith and the ultimate evil on the world stage, Grace and Manny are pushed to the edge of an abyss, balanced on the brink between heaven and hell.
I had never really read a Christian focused mystery book (not even the Da Vinci Code, don’t tell my momma), but I really enjoyed this one. I thought the plot was intriguing and the writing was superb. The book was mostly fast paced and heart pounding. There were a lot of twists and turns and in the end I was very surprised. I really liked this book and I really liked seeing the character development of the main characters.
However, I felt that the book could have focused a bit more on the side characters and some backstory. And I also felt that the plot slowed down a lot in some parts, so the pacing was a bit weird. But the pros definitely outweigh the cons for me in this one.
Verdict: A mystery you will love if you liked The Da Vinci Code.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 4/5
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Recommended Age: 15+ (some sexual references)
Pages: 510
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: 16-year-old musician, Sylvia Baker, has always been different. She's the only one who can see the "flickering people." When she sees a gorgeous flickering man named Vincent, she learns that they are Muses.
With his help, she finds herself creating exquisite songs that she loves almost as much as songs by her favorite bands--Radiohead, M83, and The Black Keys--and she is falling in love in a way she never knew was possible. While trying to maintain her newfound friendships and her band, she falls deeper into the world of the Muses.
When the original Greek Muses wake to find a world in which the internet has given everyone the tools to be an artist, a battle between traditional and new methods of creation ensues. As Sylvia discovers how she is connected to the world of the Muses, she learns that this war may put her music, her love, her very life at stake.
Let’s start this off by saying this was a beautifully unique and moving book. I don’t think I’ve ever been so moved by a book that revolved around music except for Just Listen by Sarah Dessen. I thought it was well written and amazing. The characters were amazingly well constructed and complex. I loved the plot, I thought it was creative and well developed, and overall I felt that the book was one amazing song in itself.
The only tiny issues I had with the book are that Vincent gave me creeper vibes and I just couldn’t shake them. And the pacing was a bit sporadic at times. There were also some jumps in the scenes that didn’t make sense, but I don’t think they mattered overall for the book.
Verdict: If you’re looking for the perfect song, read this book.
Rating: 4/5
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Recommended Age: 15+ (some sexual references)
Pages: 510
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: 16-year-old musician, Sylvia Baker, has always been different. She's the only one who can see the "flickering people." When she sees a gorgeous flickering man named Vincent, she learns that they are Muses.
With his help, she finds herself creating exquisite songs that she loves almost as much as songs by her favorite bands--Radiohead, M83, and The Black Keys--and she is falling in love in a way she never knew was possible. While trying to maintain her newfound friendships and her band, she falls deeper into the world of the Muses.
When the original Greek Muses wake to find a world in which the internet has given everyone the tools to be an artist, a battle between traditional and new methods of creation ensues. As Sylvia discovers how she is connected to the world of the Muses, she learns that this war may put her music, her love, her very life at stake.
Let’s start this off by saying this was a beautifully unique and moving book. I don’t think I’ve ever been so moved by a book that revolved around music except for Just Listen by Sarah Dessen. I thought it was well written and amazing. The characters were amazingly well constructed and complex. I loved the plot, I thought it was creative and well developed, and overall I felt that the book was one amazing song in itself.
The only tiny issues I had with the book are that Vincent gave me creeper vibes and I just couldn’t shake them. And the pacing was a bit sporadic at times. There were also some jumps in the scenes that didn’t make sense, but I don’t think they mattered overall for the book.
Verdict: If you’re looking for the perfect song, read this book.
Disclaimer: I bought this book on my own. Yay me! No disclaimer needed =).
Rating: 3.5/5
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, disease, concentration like conditions, overthrowing the kingdom)
Pages: 390
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: A healer who cannot be healed . . .
When Zivah falls prey to the deadly rose plague, she knows it’s only a matter of time before she fully succumbs. Now she’s destined to live her last days in isolation, cut off from her people and unable to practice her art—until a threat to her village creates a need that only she can fill.
A soldier shattered by war . . .
Broken by torture at the hands of the Amparan Empire, Dineas thirsts for revenge against his captors. Now escaped and reunited with his tribe, he’ll do anything to free them from Amparan rule—even if it means undertaking a plan that risks not only his life but his very self.
Thrust together on a high-stakes mission to spy on the capital, the two couldn’t be more different: Zivah, deeply committed to her vow of healing, and Dineas, yearning for vengeance. But as they grow closer, they must find common ground to protect those they love. And amidst the constant fear of discovery, the two grapple with a mutual attraction that could break both of their carefully guarded hearts.
This smart, sweeping fantasy with a political edge and a slow-burning romance will capture fans of The Lumatere Chronicles and An Ember in the Ashes.
I love books with new concepts and this one was definitely one of those. Not a lot of books take place from the perspective of a doctor, but this one did and it was fabulous! I loved Zivah and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. The book was very good at character development and plot development. The plot was always intriguing and the writing was really good. You can tell the author is very intelligent and that she knows how the brain works.
However, I do feel that the book had some pacing issues and it failed to hold my interest as it kept repeating itself in my opinion. The book also had a problem with time. It moved inconsistently and sometimes scenes would take place over a matter of weeks or they would take place over a matter of hours.
Verdict: Overall, the book is really good, but it just failed to catch my attention.
Rating: 3.5/5
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, disease, concentration like conditions, overthrowing the kingdom)
Pages: 390
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: A healer who cannot be healed . . .
When Zivah falls prey to the deadly rose plague, she knows it’s only a matter of time before she fully succumbs. Now she’s destined to live her last days in isolation, cut off from her people and unable to practice her art—until a threat to her village creates a need that only she can fill.
A soldier shattered by war . . .
Broken by torture at the hands of the Amparan Empire, Dineas thirsts for revenge against his captors. Now escaped and reunited with his tribe, he’ll do anything to free them from Amparan rule—even if it means undertaking a plan that risks not only his life but his very self.
Thrust together on a high-stakes mission to spy on the capital, the two couldn’t be more different: Zivah, deeply committed to her vow of healing, and Dineas, yearning for vengeance. But as they grow closer, they must find common ground to protect those they love. And amidst the constant fear of discovery, the two grapple with a mutual attraction that could break both of their carefully guarded hearts.
This smart, sweeping fantasy with a political edge and a slow-burning romance will capture fans of The Lumatere Chronicles and An Ember in the Ashes.
I love books with new concepts and this one was definitely one of those. Not a lot of books take place from the perspective of a doctor, but this one did and it was fabulous! I loved Zivah and I can’t wait to read the next book in the series. The book was very good at character development and plot development. The plot was always intriguing and the writing was really good. You can tell the author is very intelligent and that she knows how the brain works.
However, I do feel that the book had some pacing issues and it failed to hold my interest as it kept repeating itself in my opinion. The book also had a problem with time. It moved inconsistently and sometimes scenes would take place over a matter of weeks or they would take place over a matter of hours.
Verdict: Overall, the book is really good, but it just failed to catch my attention.
Disclaimer: I received this book through KidLitExchange and Little, Brown Books! Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 3/5
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 16+ (sex, lgbt+, eating disorders, fixation, self-destructive tendencies. Please be aware there are some possible triggers for those who have eating disorders).
Pages: 352
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Freshman year at Harvard was the most anticlimactic year of Danny's life. She's failing pre-med and drifting apart from her best friend. One by one, Danny is losing all the underpinnings of her identity. When she finds herself attracted to an older, edgy girl who she met in rehab for an eating disorder, she finally feels like she might be finding a new sense of self. But when tragedy strikes, her self-destructive tendencies come back to haunt her as she struggles to discover who that self really is.
I have to say that this book, while sad and destructive, is so beautiful at the same time. The book revolves around a girl who’s fighting an eating disorder on top of all these other stresses in life. And when she meets someone she cares for? She has a whole new set of issues to conquer. The book did marvelous in pacing and the book’s writing was also well done. I personally liked the sarcastic humor in the main character.
However, I feel like we were missing the story. The main character really proved herself to be an unreliable narrator and it felt like she was cherry picking what she would tell us. It doesn’t feel like a complete story to me and that’s just weird in a book.
Verdict: Beautiful, but not quite whole. Is this a larger meaning about life in general?
Rating: 3/5
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 16+ (sex, lgbt+, eating disorders, fixation, self-destructive tendencies. Please be aware there are some possible triggers for those who have eating disorders).
Pages: 352
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Freshman year at Harvard was the most anticlimactic year of Danny's life. She's failing pre-med and drifting apart from her best friend. One by one, Danny is losing all the underpinnings of her identity. When she finds herself attracted to an older, edgy girl who she met in rehab for an eating disorder, she finally feels like she might be finding a new sense of self. But when tragedy strikes, her self-destructive tendencies come back to haunt her as she struggles to discover who that self really is.
I have to say that this book, while sad and destructive, is so beautiful at the same time. The book revolves around a girl who’s fighting an eating disorder on top of all these other stresses in life. And when she meets someone she cares for? She has a whole new set of issues to conquer. The book did marvelous in pacing and the book’s writing was also well done. I personally liked the sarcastic humor in the main character.
However, I feel like we were missing the story. The main character really proved herself to be an unreliable narrator and it felt like she was cherry picking what she would tell us. It doesn’t feel like a complete story to me and that’s just weird in a book.
Verdict: Beautiful, but not quite whole. Is this a larger meaning about life in general?
Disclaimer: I received this book at Bookcon from the publishing company because I got lucky! Thanks! All opinions are my own!
Rating: 5/5
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 17+ (rape, torture, lgbt+, political intrigue)
Pages: 336
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Each year, eight beautiful girls are chosen as Paper Girls to serve the king. It's the highest honor they could hope for...and the most cruel.
But this year, there's a ninth girl. And instead of paper, she's made of fire.
In this lush fantasy, Lei is a member of the Paper caste, the lowest and most oppressed class in Ikhara. She lives in a remote village with her father, where the decade-old trauma of watching her mother snatched by royal guards still haunts her. Now, the guards are back, and this time it's Lei they're after--the girl whose golden eyes have piqued the king's interest.
Over weeks of training in the opulent but stifling palace, Lei and eight other girls learn the skills and charm that befit being a king's consort. But Lei isn't content to watch her fate consume her. Instead, she does the unthinkable--she falls in love. Her forbidden romance becomes enmeshed with an explosive plot that threatens the very foundation of Ikhara, and Lei, still the wide-eyed country girl at heart, must decide just how far she's willing to go for justice and revenge.
TW: violence and sexual abuse.
Oh wow. Those were the words I was thinking immediately after finishing this book. It blew me away with how amazing and awesome it was! The character development was amazing, the plot was so well developed and easy to follow along with, and the pacing was on point. The writing was also fantastic and the book was just A.M.A.Z.I.N.G! I think this is one of my favorites of 2018 and I’m super stoked for when the book finally releases!
The only issue I had is that I felt that the some of the time shifts were a little awkward, but I was also on very little sleep when I read this book so it was probably me being weird.
Verdict: Amazing, fantastic, unique, and definitely should be on your TBR this October!
Rating: 5/5
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 17+ (rape, torture, lgbt+, political intrigue)
Pages: 336
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Each year, eight beautiful girls are chosen as Paper Girls to serve the king. It's the highest honor they could hope for...and the most cruel.
But this year, there's a ninth girl. And instead of paper, she's made of fire.
In this lush fantasy, Lei is a member of the Paper caste, the lowest and most oppressed class in Ikhara. She lives in a remote village with her father, where the decade-old trauma of watching her mother snatched by royal guards still haunts her. Now, the guards are back, and this time it's Lei they're after--the girl whose golden eyes have piqued the king's interest.
Over weeks of training in the opulent but stifling palace, Lei and eight other girls learn the skills and charm that befit being a king's consort. But Lei isn't content to watch her fate consume her. Instead, she does the unthinkable--she falls in love. Her forbidden romance becomes enmeshed with an explosive plot that threatens the very foundation of Ikhara, and Lei, still the wide-eyed country girl at heart, must decide just how far she's willing to go for justice and revenge.
TW: violence and sexual abuse.
Oh wow. Those were the words I was thinking immediately after finishing this book. It blew me away with how amazing and awesome it was! The character development was amazing, the plot was so well developed and easy to follow along with, and the pacing was on point. The writing was also fantastic and the book was just A.M.A.Z.I.N.G! I think this is one of my favorites of 2018 and I’m super stoked for when the book finally releases!
The only issue I had is that I felt that the some of the time shifts were a little awkward, but I was also on very little sleep when I read this book so it was probably me being weird.
Verdict: Amazing, fantastic, unique, and definitely should be on your TBR this October!
Disclaimer: I received this book from KidLitExchange and Bloomsbury. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 3/5
Genre: YA Fantasy?
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, assault, murder, cult like behavior, creepy kids, and confusion)
Pages: 432
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Every Christmas, Wren is chased through the woods near her isolated village by her family's enemies—the Judges—and there’s nothing that she can do to stop it. Once her people, the Augurs, controlled a powerful magic. But now that power lies with the Judges, who are set on destroying her kind for good.
In a desperate bid to save her family, Wren takes a dangerous undercover assignment—as an intern to an influential Judge named Cassa Harkness. Cassa has spent her life researching a transformative spell, which could bring the war between the factions to its absolute end. Caught in a web of deceit, Wren must decide whether or not to gamble on the spell and seal the Augurs’ fate.
Okay this book is strange and I’m not sure if it’s in a good way. For the sake of order I will say what I liked about it first. I liked that it’s strange and interesting. I feel this will be a big selling point of the book and that maybe there will be people who will understand this book and explain it to me.
However, I really didn’t like this book. Nothing was explained until about halfway through the book and even then not all of my questions were answered. The world building was nonexistent and I’m not even sure if this book is a fantasy, a contemporary, a dystopian, high fantasy, etc. The book tended to repeat itself… A LOT. The book was just confusing and frustrating to me. The characters weren’t developed at all and when I got to the end I still struggled to remember who was who. And the book was weirdly paced. While I felt that the book happened pretty fast, the book was also really slow?? I’m so confused by the book and I’m confused on how to even talk about it.
Verdict: If you’ve read this book please explain it to me!
Rating: 3/5
Genre: YA Fantasy?
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, assault, murder, cult like behavior, creepy kids, and confusion)
Pages: 432
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Every Christmas, Wren is chased through the woods near her isolated village by her family's enemies—the Judges—and there’s nothing that she can do to stop it. Once her people, the Augurs, controlled a powerful magic. But now that power lies with the Judges, who are set on destroying her kind for good.
In a desperate bid to save her family, Wren takes a dangerous undercover assignment—as an intern to an influential Judge named Cassa Harkness. Cassa has spent her life researching a transformative spell, which could bring the war between the factions to its absolute end. Caught in a web of deceit, Wren must decide whether or not to gamble on the spell and seal the Augurs’ fate.
Okay this book is strange and I’m not sure if it’s in a good way. For the sake of order I will say what I liked about it first. I liked that it’s strange and interesting. I feel this will be a big selling point of the book and that maybe there will be people who will understand this book and explain it to me.
However, I really didn’t like this book. Nothing was explained until about halfway through the book and even then not all of my questions were answered. The world building was nonexistent and I’m not even sure if this book is a fantasy, a contemporary, a dystopian, high fantasy, etc. The book tended to repeat itself… A LOT. The book was just confusing and frustrating to me. The characters weren’t developed at all and when I got to the end I still struggled to remember who was who. And the book was weirdly paced. While I felt that the book happened pretty fast, the book was also really slow?? I’m so confused by the book and I’m confused on how to even talk about it.
Verdict: If you’ve read this book please explain it to me!