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2.51k reviews by:
popthebutterfly
Disclaimer: I received this book in a trade. Thanks!
Book Series: Standalone at the moment
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: February 19, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (mature scenes, gore, and love)
Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers
Pages: 352
Amazon Link
Synopsis: It has been a year since the mysterious godsgem cured Cadrium’s king and ushered in what promised to be a new golden age. The heroes who brought the gem home are renowned in story and song, but for two fellows on the quest, peace and prosperity do not come easily.
Apprentice Knight Kalanthe Ironheart wasn't meant for heroism this early in life, and while she has no intention of giving up the notoriety she has earned, her reputation does not pay her bills. With time running out, Kalanthe may be forced to betray not her kingdom or her friends, but her own heart as she seeks a stable future for herself and those she loves.
Olsa Rhetsdaughter was never meant for heroism at all. Beggar, pick pocket, thief, she lived hand to mouth on the city streets until fortune--or fate--pulled her into Kalanthe's orbit. And now she's quite reluctant to leave it. Even more alarmingly, her fame has made her recognizable, which makes her profession difficult, and a choice between poverty and the noose isn't much of a choice at all.
Both girls think their paths are laid out, but the godsgem isn't quite done with them and that new golden age isn’t a sure thing yet.
In a tale both sweepingly epic and intensely personal, Kalanthe and Olsa fight to maintain their newfound independence and to find their way back to each other.
Review: I thought this book was super interesting and full of girl power. The characters were all interesting and the book was filled with queer and diverse women! I loved them all so much and thought they were all well developed.
Unfortunately, I felt that the book had some severe pacing issues. It was fast then slow then medium then slow then fast and faster and then slow. The book also was hard to follow along in my opinion. The book changed POV but you had to wonder who’s POV you were in constantly. I really wanted to connect more with the book, but I kept getting lost as to “who” I was at any given moment.
Verdict: A great and diverse book, but pay attention!
Book Series: Standalone at the moment
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: February 19, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (mature scenes, gore, and love)
Publisher: Dutton Books for Young Readers
Pages: 352
Amazon Link
Synopsis: It has been a year since the mysterious godsgem cured Cadrium’s king and ushered in what promised to be a new golden age. The heroes who brought the gem home are renowned in story and song, but for two fellows on the quest, peace and prosperity do not come easily.
Apprentice Knight Kalanthe Ironheart wasn't meant for heroism this early in life, and while she has no intention of giving up the notoriety she has earned, her reputation does not pay her bills. With time running out, Kalanthe may be forced to betray not her kingdom or her friends, but her own heart as she seeks a stable future for herself and those she loves.
Olsa Rhetsdaughter was never meant for heroism at all. Beggar, pick pocket, thief, she lived hand to mouth on the city streets until fortune--or fate--pulled her into Kalanthe's orbit. And now she's quite reluctant to leave it. Even more alarmingly, her fame has made her recognizable, which makes her profession difficult, and a choice between poverty and the noose isn't much of a choice at all.
Both girls think their paths are laid out, but the godsgem isn't quite done with them and that new golden age isn’t a sure thing yet.
In a tale both sweepingly epic and intensely personal, Kalanthe and Olsa fight to maintain their newfound independence and to find their way back to each other.
Review: I thought this book was super interesting and full of girl power. The characters were all interesting and the book was filled with queer and diverse women! I loved them all so much and thought they were all well developed.
Unfortunately, I felt that the book had some severe pacing issues. It was fast then slow then medium then slow then fast and faster and then slow. The book also was hard to follow along in my opinion. The book changed POV but you had to wonder who’s POV you were in constantly. I really wanted to connect more with the book, but I kept getting lost as to “who” I was at any given moment.
Verdict: A great and diverse book, but pay attention!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks Luke! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Part one of the Helio Apotheosis series
Rating: 3.5/5
Publication Date: January 15, 2018
Genre: Christian Fiction
Recommended Age: 15+ (some war scenes, angels, demons, and Satan and God).
Publisher: Lulu Publishing Services
Pages: 180
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Helio Apotheosis-Part 1: The Scorched Third begins with a mystery as a man, lying on his back in the dust, wakes up, opens his eyes, and sees above him a brown sky. He discovers that his surroundings, baked dry, are unfamiliar to him. Equally unknown are the details of his past. He does not know how he came to this desiccated locale. Thus, his journey for knowledge, understanding, and perspective begins. In time, he will come to realize his world confronts him with challenges, and he will begin to see that his enemies are both internal and external. The adventure that follows will prove to test his character to lengths he never thought possible. With the help of his angel and his God, will he overcome his enemies without and within? Helio Apotheosis-Part 1: The Scorched Third reveals the beginnings of a journey of discovery, endings and beginnings, defeats and victories, and the search for a revelation that will clarify the meaning of all that began in mystery, shrouded in a cloud of dust.
Review: Overall, I thought this book was pretty good! The writing was fast paced, the characters were pretty well developed, and the plot was interesting! I really enjoyed this and I feel that if you are Christian then you would probably enjoy some of the more biblical references to this book.
However, I do feel that there could have been more world building. I felt like the world was incomplete in a way and that it could have been more complete with the world being more detailed. Some things in this book confused me and I believe it was due to the character and world building. While the characters personalities were developed, I had issue seeing them in my mind clearly. It was all kinda muddy for me.
Verdict: Overall, an enjoyable book, definitely a good book for sci-fi lovers who like Christian fiction as well!
Book Series: Part one of the Helio Apotheosis series
Rating: 3.5/5
Publication Date: January 15, 2018
Genre: Christian Fiction
Recommended Age: 15+ (some war scenes, angels, demons, and Satan and God).
Publisher: Lulu Publishing Services
Pages: 180
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Helio Apotheosis-Part 1: The Scorched Third begins with a mystery as a man, lying on his back in the dust, wakes up, opens his eyes, and sees above him a brown sky. He discovers that his surroundings, baked dry, are unfamiliar to him. Equally unknown are the details of his past. He does not know how he came to this desiccated locale. Thus, his journey for knowledge, understanding, and perspective begins. In time, he will come to realize his world confronts him with challenges, and he will begin to see that his enemies are both internal and external. The adventure that follows will prove to test his character to lengths he never thought possible. With the help of his angel and his God, will he overcome his enemies without and within? Helio Apotheosis-Part 1: The Scorched Third reveals the beginnings of a journey of discovery, endings and beginnings, defeats and victories, and the search for a revelation that will clarify the meaning of all that began in mystery, shrouded in a cloud of dust.
Review: Overall, I thought this book was pretty good! The writing was fast paced, the characters were pretty well developed, and the plot was interesting! I really enjoyed this and I feel that if you are Christian then you would probably enjoy some of the more biblical references to this book.
However, I do feel that there could have been more world building. I felt like the world was incomplete in a way and that it could have been more complete with the world being more detailed. Some things in this book confused me and I believe it was due to the character and world building. While the characters personalities were developed, I had issue seeing them in my mind clearly. It was all kinda muddy for me.
Verdict: Overall, an enjoyable book, definitely a good book for sci-fi lovers who like Christian fiction as well!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks Varun! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: n/a
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: June 15, 2018
Genre: Sci-fi
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, slight gore, “magic”, technology)
Publisher: Kindle Direct Publishing
Pages: 100
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Alien Invasion, Dark Artificial Intelligence, Time-Travel, High-Tech Mythology, Djinn Folklore, Telekinetics, and life-consuming Cosmic Entities are some major themes in this book which has six tightly-knit, fast-paced Sci-Fi stories.
1. Nark-astra, The Hell Weapon
The weapons he possesses make him the destroyer of worlds, and he burns for revenge. A high-tech take on ancient Indian mythology.
2. Death by Crowd
The dark desires of the masses; darknet websites fueled by a crypto-currency. What lurks in the background – an advanced artificial intelligence?
3. Genie
He rubbed a lamp alright, but what he got was the shock of his life. An entirely sci-fi take on the djinn myth.
4. Time Crawlers
There are individuals who exist in multiple time periods at once, and there are those who know about them….
5. Eclipse
No attacks, no blood-shed, yet there was an invasion and a conquest. Who are these shapeshifter aliens being hounded by an eclipse?
6. The Cave
The fate of an advanced imperial race hangs in balance as a dark celestial entity meets a legendary protector.
Review: Overall, I thought this book of sci-fi short stories were interesting and well written. All of the books were interesting in concept at least and all of them did well to have well developed characters.
However, I have some nick picky things about some of the stories. Time Crawlers (the short story) is pure dialogue personally that doesn’t work for me as a reader. Some others lacked world building and some just weren’t as gripping as other stories.
Verdict: An interesting set of short stories for the sci-fi lover in you!
Book Series: n/a
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: June 15, 2018
Genre: Sci-fi
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, slight gore, “magic”, technology)
Publisher: Kindle Direct Publishing
Pages: 100
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Alien Invasion, Dark Artificial Intelligence, Time-Travel, High-Tech Mythology, Djinn Folklore, Telekinetics, and life-consuming Cosmic Entities are some major themes in this book which has six tightly-knit, fast-paced Sci-Fi stories.
1. Nark-astra, The Hell Weapon
The weapons he possesses make him the destroyer of worlds, and he burns for revenge. A high-tech take on ancient Indian mythology.
2. Death by Crowd
The dark desires of the masses; darknet websites fueled by a crypto-currency. What lurks in the background – an advanced artificial intelligence?
3. Genie
He rubbed a lamp alright, but what he got was the shock of his life. An entirely sci-fi take on the djinn myth.
4. Time Crawlers
There are individuals who exist in multiple time periods at once, and there are those who know about them….
5. Eclipse
No attacks, no blood-shed, yet there was an invasion and a conquest. Who are these shapeshifter aliens being hounded by an eclipse?
6. The Cave
The fate of an advanced imperial race hangs in balance as a dark celestial entity meets a legendary protector.
Review: Overall, I thought this book of sci-fi short stories were interesting and well written. All of the books were interesting in concept at least and all of them did well to have well developed characters.
However, I have some nick picky things about some of the stories. Time Crawlers (the short story) is pure dialogue personally that doesn’t work for me as a reader. Some others lacked world building and some just weren’t as gripping as other stories.
Verdict: An interesting set of short stories for the sci-fi lover in you!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the JKS Communications. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: standalone
Rating: 2.5/5
Publication Date: January 22, 2019
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (seizures, time travel, Nazis, jack the ripper, joan of arc. Also some violence and gore).
Publisher: Real Books 360
Pages: 176
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The year is 1095, Normandy, France. Five year old Skylar runs away into the woods to escape nuns who are convinced her inexplicable seizures are the work of satan. She survives after being adopted by wolves, when two mysterious strangers appear and reveal Skylar’s destiny to her. Skylar is the first of the Immortal Girls, destined to save humanity from itself.
"Immortal Girls" follows Skylar, Rachel, Caitlin, Beth, and Bethany, five immortal sisters who, over the course of a thousand years, attempt to learn the purpose of their own existence while hunting down the worst criminals this world has ever seen. They’ve faced the likes of Jack the Ripper and the Nazis, but as a new enemy arises to threaten the sisters’ survival they’ll soon learn that immortality doesn’t mean forever.
Review: I feel that this book, overall, was okay. The plot in intriguing, the author did well weaving in historical places, events, and characters into this story. I loved the creativity of this book and I loved the historical aspects of this.
However, this book was extremely short and it went by way too fast. The characters weren’t as developed and weren’t as connected as I would have liked and I didn’t like how the scenes were just separated by paragraphs. This made the book extremely confusing to me as a reader. I don’t like how Jack the Ripper was offed… it felt kinda silly and sometimes the events that happened are contradictory to what really happened in history (but this book doesn’t claim to be historically accurate so I’m willing to bend for that aspect, but not for the aspect of sharks being in the English Channel lol). I think the most disappointing aspect about this book is that it has so much potential. It’s an amazing concept, just poor execution.
Verdict: An amazing concept, just need a few rounds of beta readers to get finished up.
Book Series: standalone
Rating: 2.5/5
Publication Date: January 22, 2019
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (seizures, time travel, Nazis, jack the ripper, joan of arc. Also some violence and gore).
Publisher: Real Books 360
Pages: 176
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The year is 1095, Normandy, France. Five year old Skylar runs away into the woods to escape nuns who are convinced her inexplicable seizures are the work of satan. She survives after being adopted by wolves, when two mysterious strangers appear and reveal Skylar’s destiny to her. Skylar is the first of the Immortal Girls, destined to save humanity from itself.
"Immortal Girls" follows Skylar, Rachel, Caitlin, Beth, and Bethany, five immortal sisters who, over the course of a thousand years, attempt to learn the purpose of their own existence while hunting down the worst criminals this world has ever seen. They’ve faced the likes of Jack the Ripper and the Nazis, but as a new enemy arises to threaten the sisters’ survival they’ll soon learn that immortality doesn’t mean forever.
Review: I feel that this book, overall, was okay. The plot in intriguing, the author did well weaving in historical places, events, and characters into this story. I loved the creativity of this book and I loved the historical aspects of this.
However, this book was extremely short and it went by way too fast. The characters weren’t as developed and weren’t as connected as I would have liked and I didn’t like how the scenes were just separated by paragraphs. This made the book extremely confusing to me as a reader. I don’t like how Jack the Ripper was offed… it felt kinda silly and sometimes the events that happened are contradictory to what really happened in history (but this book doesn’t claim to be historically accurate so I’m willing to bend for that aspect, but not for the aspect of sharks being in the English Channel lol). I think the most disappointing aspect about this book is that it has so much potential. It’s an amazing concept, just poor execution.
Verdict: An amazing concept, just need a few rounds of beta readers to get finished up.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: standalone
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: November 4, 2014
Genre: Sci-fi
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, terrorist like acts, slight gore)
Publisher: Scribe Publishing Company
Pages: 234
Amazon Link
Synopsis: In 2153, cancer was cured. In 2189, AIDS. And in 2235, the last members of the human race traveled to a far distant planet called Pearl to begin the next chapter of humanity.
Several hundred years after their arrival, the remainder of humanity lives in a utopian colony in which every want is satisfied automatically, and there is no need for human labor, struggle or thought. But when the machines that regulate the colony begin to malfunction, the colonists are faced with a test for the first time in their existence.
With the lives of the colonists at stake, it is left to a young man named Samuel to repair these breakdowns and save the colony. Aided by his friend Penny, Samuel rises to meet each challenge. But he soon discovers a mysterious group of people behind each of these problems, and he must somehow find and defeat these saboteurs in order to rescue his colony.
Review: I thought this book was pretty good! It’s a dystopian novel that takes place on a different planet and I love dystopians. I thought the book was interesting. The plot was exciting and I think the author did great with the world building. The pacing was fast and this book really flew!
However, I do feel that the book had really underdeveloped characters. I think it could have slowed down greatly and developed some of the characters some more. I think that the book could have used slowing down altogether to make the book a bit more suspenseful and impactful. It just flew by so fast that I didn’t feel connected to the book.
Verdict: A pretty good book! Definitely a great one for dystopian lovers.
Book Series: standalone
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: November 4, 2014
Genre: Sci-fi
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, terrorist like acts, slight gore)
Publisher: Scribe Publishing Company
Pages: 234
Amazon Link
Synopsis: In 2153, cancer was cured. In 2189, AIDS. And in 2235, the last members of the human race traveled to a far distant planet called Pearl to begin the next chapter of humanity.
Several hundred years after their arrival, the remainder of humanity lives in a utopian colony in which every want is satisfied automatically, and there is no need for human labor, struggle or thought. But when the machines that regulate the colony begin to malfunction, the colonists are faced with a test for the first time in their existence.
With the lives of the colonists at stake, it is left to a young man named Samuel to repair these breakdowns and save the colony. Aided by his friend Penny, Samuel rises to meet each challenge. But he soon discovers a mysterious group of people behind each of these problems, and he must somehow find and defeat these saboteurs in order to rescue his colony.
Review: I thought this book was pretty good! It’s a dystopian novel that takes place on a different planet and I love dystopians. I thought the book was interesting. The plot was exciting and I think the author did great with the world building. The pacing was fast and this book really flew!
However, I do feel that the book had really underdeveloped characters. I think it could have slowed down greatly and developed some of the characters some more. I think that the book could have used slowing down altogether to make the book a bit more suspenseful and impactful. It just flew by so fast that I didn’t feel connected to the book.
Verdict: A pretty good book! Definitely a great one for dystopian lovers.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Book 2 of the Prophecy Allocation series
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: November 24, 2018
Genre: Sci-fi
Recommended Age: 18+ (dark humor, swearing, violence, strangeness)
Publisher: n/a
Pages: 131
Amazon Link
Synopsis: How twisted do you like your fairy tales?
A half-woman, half-cockroach fused in a bizarre gardening accident? That would be Mrs Jittery Twitch, dwelling in the shadows of our misdeeds. If in danger, you can call upon her help… all she asks is your soul as payment. But she’s just a legend, so no need to worry.
Barry Harris is a 28-year-old man, still living with his dear old mum in a little flat above a hairdresser. His obsession with Star Trek and the martial arts won’t help him when he’s forced out on a date.
And nobody knows about the weird string of events that’s about to put everyone’s lives in danger. A trio of samurai warriors and the strangest offer of help lead Barry on a perilous mission to save the day.
(This book is the second in the Prophecy Allocation series but works fine as a standalone read.)
Why you should read this book:
It explains revolutionary insights into the nature of reality that debunk the myth of free will (probably).
It proves the multiverse has only two parallel universes (depending on your criteria for what makes up proof).
It contains 50% extra innuendo-based gags than Book One in the series. Some of them might be considered funny (again this is relative).
The author achieved a heightened dynamic tension not found in other books. He was heavily constipated during its creation. There may be a link. The author is no way suggesting that this makes it better than every other book ever written.
Warning: The book is written in British English. All British slang terms are helpfully translated for the international reader, along with a short explanation of why British people are a little strange.
Review: I thought the book was okay. The book is full of dark humor and is compiled of scifi short stories. The footnotes are amusing and for the most part I enjoyed the book if only for the author’s excellent comedic writing. I did think that the characters and plot were well developed though.
However, I’m a bit confused as to what I just read lol. The writing isn’t bad, but there’s definitely a feeling of randomness in the book. The book is also the second book in the Prophecy Allocation series so maybe the book will make more sense if you spend the time to read the first book (I was unaware of this until after I read it cause sometimes I’m a bit of a blonde to titles lol).
Verdict: Funny if dark humor is your thing!
Book Series: Book 2 of the Prophecy Allocation series
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: November 24, 2018
Genre: Sci-fi
Recommended Age: 18+ (dark humor, swearing, violence, strangeness)
Publisher: n/a
Pages: 131
Amazon Link
Synopsis: How twisted do you like your fairy tales?
A half-woman, half-cockroach fused in a bizarre gardening accident? That would be Mrs Jittery Twitch, dwelling in the shadows of our misdeeds. If in danger, you can call upon her help… all she asks is your soul as payment. But she’s just a legend, so no need to worry.
Barry Harris is a 28-year-old man, still living with his dear old mum in a little flat above a hairdresser. His obsession with Star Trek and the martial arts won’t help him when he’s forced out on a date.
And nobody knows about the weird string of events that’s about to put everyone’s lives in danger. A trio of samurai warriors and the strangest offer of help lead Barry on a perilous mission to save the day.
(This book is the second in the Prophecy Allocation series but works fine as a standalone read.)
Why you should read this book:
It explains revolutionary insights into the nature of reality that debunk the myth of free will (probably).
It proves the multiverse has only two parallel universes (depending on your criteria for what makes up proof).
It contains 50% extra innuendo-based gags than Book One in the series. Some of them might be considered funny (again this is relative).
The author achieved a heightened dynamic tension not found in other books. He was heavily constipated during its creation. There may be a link. The author is no way suggesting that this makes it better than every other book ever written.
Warning: The book is written in British English. All British slang terms are helpfully translated for the international reader, along with a short explanation of why British people are a little strange.
Review: I thought the book was okay. The book is full of dark humor and is compiled of scifi short stories. The footnotes are amusing and for the most part I enjoyed the book if only for the author’s excellent comedic writing. I did think that the characters and plot were well developed though.
However, I’m a bit confused as to what I just read lol. The writing isn’t bad, but there’s definitely a feeling of randomness in the book. The book is also the second book in the Prophecy Allocation series so maybe the book will make more sense if you spend the time to read the first book (I was unaware of this until after I read it cause sometimes I’m a bit of a blonde to titles lol).
Verdict: Funny if dark humor is your thing!
Disclaimer: I was given this book by the author. All opinions are my own.
Book Series: standalone I believe
Rating: 1/5
Publication Date: Septemebr 19, 2015
Genre: YA fantasy
Recommended Age: 18+ (incestuous thoughts, sexually criminal activity, degrading females to their bodies)
Publisher: Clifton Kenny Publishing
Pages: 262
Amazon Link
Synopsis: A humble youth. A paranormal gift. A haunting history. In 1974, Shane Sullivan is a quiet, gangly teen in the suburbs of Boston who discovers he can explore the ancestral memories of a person’s lineage. Confused and frightened, his pursuit of this supernatural ability takes him down a dark and unexpected road of history long forgotten —or rewritten by historians.
With the aid of his two friends, Jimmer and Paige, he contemplates a more ruthless version of the reality he thought he knew. Shane finds himself on a shocking journey into a celestial world of truth that puts him face-to-face with his own destiny.
Filled with ghostly, historic discoveries of good versus evil, Reflections is a faithful, mystical tale about one teen’s unique coming of age.
Review: Okay so I had to stop reading this book. I DNFed about 20ish percent of the way through and it was because of some very disturbing things I thought were happening in the book. The main character is written to be a sexual predator and a peeping Tom. The main also has some very disturbing thoughts about his sisters and it made me really uncomfortable to read it. The main character, at one point, is in the shower where he has some really inappropriate thoughts about the sisters and he tries to look at one of them as they are naked. The sisters undress while he’s in the shower and it’s just all around icky. Because I’m an only child I asked my husband, who has a sister, if this was normal and his reaction was as followed: “No. Ew.” The main displays other sexually inappropriate things throughout the book (the portions I read) that I found very upsetting and criminal as well. Yes, being a peeping tom is a crime. The main doesn’t face consequences for his actions (from what I read) and we’re supposed to be rooting for him? Definitely not something that needs to be in a book that’s targeted towards young kids. Sex in YA books should be presented in a healthy manner or at least shown what the repercussions of that activity could be. It shouldn’t be shown as it is in this book. Especially in the era of the #metoo movement. Do you know that the majority of sex offenses for young children are by a member of their family? I do and I had to sit in court and listen to some of those, some of them perpetrated by their older siblings. It’s awful and it’s mentally and physically damaging for kids to go through stuff like that, definitely shouldn’t be taken light-heartedly in a YA novel.
Verdict: This book was a nope for me.
Book Series: standalone I believe
Rating: 1/5
Publication Date: Septemebr 19, 2015
Genre: YA fantasy
Recommended Age: 18+ (incestuous thoughts, sexually criminal activity, degrading females to their bodies)
Publisher: Clifton Kenny Publishing
Pages: 262
Amazon Link
Synopsis: A humble youth. A paranormal gift. A haunting history. In 1974, Shane Sullivan is a quiet, gangly teen in the suburbs of Boston who discovers he can explore the ancestral memories of a person’s lineage. Confused and frightened, his pursuit of this supernatural ability takes him down a dark and unexpected road of history long forgotten —or rewritten by historians.
With the aid of his two friends, Jimmer and Paige, he contemplates a more ruthless version of the reality he thought he knew. Shane finds himself on a shocking journey into a celestial world of truth that puts him face-to-face with his own destiny.
Filled with ghostly, historic discoveries of good versus evil, Reflections is a faithful, mystical tale about one teen’s unique coming of age.
Review: Okay so I had to stop reading this book. I DNFed about 20ish percent of the way through and it was because of some very disturbing things I thought were happening in the book. The main character is written to be a sexual predator and a peeping Tom. The main also has some very disturbing thoughts about his sisters and it made me really uncomfortable to read it. The main character, at one point, is in the shower where he has some really inappropriate thoughts about the sisters and he tries to look at one of them as they are naked. The sisters undress while he’s in the shower and it’s just all around icky. Because I’m an only child I asked my husband, who has a sister, if this was normal and his reaction was as followed: “No. Ew.” The main displays other sexually inappropriate things throughout the book (the portions I read) that I found very upsetting and criminal as well. Yes, being a peeping tom is a crime. The main doesn’t face consequences for his actions (from what I read) and we’re supposed to be rooting for him? Definitely not something that needs to be in a book that’s targeted towards young kids. Sex in YA books should be presented in a healthy manner or at least shown what the repercussions of that activity could be. It shouldn’t be shown as it is in this book. Especially in the era of the #metoo movement. Do you know that the majority of sex offenses for young children are by a member of their family? I do and I had to sit in court and listen to some of those, some of them perpetrated by their older siblings. It’s awful and it’s mentally and physically damaging for kids to go through stuff like that, definitely shouldn’t be taken light-heartedly in a YA novel.
Verdict: This book was a nope for me.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: February 5, 2019
Genre: Contemporary/Women’s Fiction
Recommended Age: 17+ (infertility, lying, mature scenes)
Publisher: n/a
Pages: 289
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Caroline has a one track mind. She wants a baby, and she’s willing to do anything to get what she wants. Her husband promised her she’d have her wish. When a secret from his past threatens to ruin Caroline’s plans, she takes matters into her own hands. His lies soon become her own web of lies and deceit.
Reese is desperate for a child too, but years of infertility and loss have jaded her. Secrets and lies have become second nature. The secrets she’s kept from her daughter. The lies to her husband about pregnancy tests. Reese hides behind these lies, protecting her family from truths that could hurt them and her.
Their lives are woven together in a way neither women understand. An unlikely, fragile friendship is born. Can it withstand the secrets and lies?
Review: I felt that this book was really emotional. It’s a great book to read if you want to cry, cause dangit you’re gonna cry during it. The characters are well developed, the plot is interesting, and the writing was really well done. I felt really well connected to the characters even though I haven’t gone through what they have before.
However, I do feel that the book was a bit uneven in pacing. It was slow then fast and then a normal speed. I also feel that readers might not connect as much to the characters unless they have also experienced what they have or are empathetic like I am. I also became really really irked with all the lying, but I feel that was the purpose of the book.
Verdict: A great read!
Book Series: standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: February 5, 2019
Genre: Contemporary/Women’s Fiction
Recommended Age: 17+ (infertility, lying, mature scenes)
Publisher: n/a
Pages: 289
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Caroline has a one track mind. She wants a baby, and she’s willing to do anything to get what she wants. Her husband promised her she’d have her wish. When a secret from his past threatens to ruin Caroline’s plans, she takes matters into her own hands. His lies soon become her own web of lies and deceit.
Reese is desperate for a child too, but years of infertility and loss have jaded her. Secrets and lies have become second nature. The secrets she’s kept from her daughter. The lies to her husband about pregnancy tests. Reese hides behind these lies, protecting her family from truths that could hurt them and her.
Their lives are woven together in a way neither women understand. An unlikely, fragile friendship is born. Can it withstand the secrets and lies?
Review: I felt that this book was really emotional. It’s a great book to read if you want to cry, cause dangit you’re gonna cry during it. The characters are well developed, the plot is interesting, and the writing was really well done. I felt really well connected to the characters even though I haven’t gone through what they have before.
However, I do feel that the book was a bit uneven in pacing. It was slow then fast and then a normal speed. I also feel that readers might not connect as much to the characters unless they have also experienced what they have or are empathetic like I am. I also became really really irked with all the lying, but I feel that was the purpose of the book.
Verdict: A great read!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: November 30, 2018
Genre: Self-Help
Recommended Age: 15+ (some mature stuff like slight mention of suicide)
Publisher: Wintertickle Press
Pages: 220
Amazon Link
Synopsis: This incredible anthology is sure to inspire! The stories are simple—yet powerful—vignettes of Heidi’s life that perfectly illustrate the magnitude of results when one chooses positivity. The beauty of these relatable snippets of real-life is the amplified way it resonates with everyday people. Whether it be having a meltdown in Costco or finding out your act of kindness saved a life, we can all pinpoint similar events in our own lives—and that is the magic of this book.Readers will discover:•How to navigate your own stories to find key lessons in your life;•The steps Heidi took to understand her true purpose, and how you can find yours;•The profound lessons Heidi was able to learn from her kids, marriage and friends; •How to broaden your mind to be open to the signs & messages sent to us from the Universe; •How long-lost memories can reveal important answers and lessons Susan Hay, broadcast journalist with Global News, Toronto, states, “Finding Your Wings is a fast, enjoyable read that will leave you thinking about the proverbial phrase ‘Is the glass half empty or half full?’ Each story provides teachable moments for those who dare to take risks despite their fears to find happiness.Heidi Allen is the founder of the Positive People Army, an incredible global online movement that grew at awe-inspiring speed. What started out as a blog idea has since blossomed into a system, a tribe, a way of living. Heidi has already proved that she is an emerging force within this space.
Review: I felt that this was a really good self-help book. It helps you focus on having a positive mindset and seizing the opportunities in life. The book was well written and I feel that it could really help someone out! If you’re into self-help books then this is the definitely the book for you!
Verdict: Self-help books are the best when you’re down.
Book Series: standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: November 30, 2018
Genre: Self-Help
Recommended Age: 15+ (some mature stuff like slight mention of suicide)
Publisher: Wintertickle Press
Pages: 220
Amazon Link
Synopsis: This incredible anthology is sure to inspire! The stories are simple—yet powerful—vignettes of Heidi’s life that perfectly illustrate the magnitude of results when one chooses positivity. The beauty of these relatable snippets of real-life is the amplified way it resonates with everyday people. Whether it be having a meltdown in Costco or finding out your act of kindness saved a life, we can all pinpoint similar events in our own lives—and that is the magic of this book.Readers will discover:•How to navigate your own stories to find key lessons in your life;•The steps Heidi took to understand her true purpose, and how you can find yours;•The profound lessons Heidi was able to learn from her kids, marriage and friends; •How to broaden your mind to be open to the signs & messages sent to us from the Universe; •How long-lost memories can reveal important answers and lessons Susan Hay, broadcast journalist with Global News, Toronto, states, “Finding Your Wings is a fast, enjoyable read that will leave you thinking about the proverbial phrase ‘Is the glass half empty or half full?’ Each story provides teachable moments for those who dare to take risks despite their fears to find happiness.Heidi Allen is the founder of the Positive People Army, an incredible global online movement that grew at awe-inspiring speed. What started out as a blog idea has since blossomed into a system, a tribe, a way of living. Heidi has already proved that she is an emerging force within this space.
Review: I felt that this was a really good self-help book. It helps you focus on having a positive mindset and seizing the opportunities in life. The book was well written and I feel that it could really help someone out! If you’re into self-help books then this is the definitely the book for you!
Verdict: Self-help books are the best when you’re down.
Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 2/5
Publication Date: March 19, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 13+ (violence, some scary moments)
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Pages: 352
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Every year for the past fifty-four years, the residents of Pinsbury Port receive a mysterious letter inviting all eligible-aged boys to compete for an esteemed scholarship to the all-male Stemwick University. Every year, the poorer residents look to see that their names are on the list. The wealthier look to see how likely their sons are to survive. And Rhen Tellur opens it to see if she can derive which substances the ink and parchment are created from, using her father’s microscope.
In the province of Caldon, where women are trained in wifely duties and men are encouraged into collegiate education, sixteen-year-old Rhen Tellur wants nothing more than to become a scientist. As the poor of her seaside town fall prey to a deadly disease, she and her father work desperately to find a cure. But when her Mum succumbs to it as well? Rhen decides to take the future into her own hands—through the annual all-male scholarship competition.
With her cousin, Seleni, by her side, the girls don disguises and enter Mr. Holm’s labyrinth, to best the boys and claim the scholarship prize. Except not everyone’s ready for a girl who doesn’t know her place. And not everyone survives the maze.
Review: So, for the most part the book was well written and I thought it was an interesting premise. I know this book resonated with a lot of young women and I respect the author for that. I also liked that the book didn’t overly rely on the romance aspect of this book. It seems like a lot of people think it’s a great book.
However, I’m not one of those people. I really really disliked this book for a multitude of reasons. The book had an issue with a lot of repeating sentences. I know that they were for effect, but it just annoyed me. It took me until 56% of the way through to get to the labyrinth. Everything before could have been summed up in a couple of chapters in my opinion and the way the book is now just makes it feel really slow. The exclusion that Rhen found in the papers was, in my opinion, really dumb. I feel like someone years before now could have seen it since it was so obvious. I feel that the premise of the book was that this main character would defy the societal rules to enter this labyrinth, but the way it was presented in this book feels that there was always an expectation for someone to find it and that when it would be found out it wouldn’t have been a big deal. The book is supposed to touch on gender inequality but I don’t feel like it adequately addressed it. I have a question about the university. Does it only accept one person a year? I’m so confused by this. At one point the main is in the labyrinth and thinks that mind altering drugs are being used, but she can see what the afflicted person is seeing… sooo it’s not drugs? Higher education doesn’t seem to be a big concern for the girls. Rhen’s main concern was healing her mother and Seleni’s whole personality can be summed as obsessed about this one boy. And speaking about the illness her mother suffers, this illness is really the focal point of the book. The whole labyrinth and Rhen is just a sidestory to this. The magic isn’t explained, some parts of the book aren’t explained at all, and I feel like the disguise part of the book is really laughably weak. The main cuts her hair. Seleni pins her hair up and under a hat. They wear pants. These people that have known them for 16 years don’t recognize them? It’s not like they live in NYC, they live in a small village. There are plot holes galore and the book reads more like a rushed rough draft than a nearly finished book.
Verdict: Overall, I feel really lied to about this book. I imagined it being something else, something fantastic and death defying and exciting. I got a book in which the main storyline isn’t represented by the hook or synopsis. I’m really disappointed in this book, as it was one of my most anticipated reads of this year. However, I know that the majority of people really liked this book, so if it seems interesting to you I definitely recommend that you read it for yourself.
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 2/5
Publication Date: March 19, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 13+ (violence, some scary moments)
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Pages: 352
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Every year for the past fifty-four years, the residents of Pinsbury Port receive a mysterious letter inviting all eligible-aged boys to compete for an esteemed scholarship to the all-male Stemwick University. Every year, the poorer residents look to see that their names are on the list. The wealthier look to see how likely their sons are to survive. And Rhen Tellur opens it to see if she can derive which substances the ink and parchment are created from, using her father’s microscope.
In the province of Caldon, where women are trained in wifely duties and men are encouraged into collegiate education, sixteen-year-old Rhen Tellur wants nothing more than to become a scientist. As the poor of her seaside town fall prey to a deadly disease, she and her father work desperately to find a cure. But when her Mum succumbs to it as well? Rhen decides to take the future into her own hands—through the annual all-male scholarship competition.
With her cousin, Seleni, by her side, the girls don disguises and enter Mr. Holm’s labyrinth, to best the boys and claim the scholarship prize. Except not everyone’s ready for a girl who doesn’t know her place. And not everyone survives the maze.
Review: So, for the most part the book was well written and I thought it was an interesting premise. I know this book resonated with a lot of young women and I respect the author for that. I also liked that the book didn’t overly rely on the romance aspect of this book. It seems like a lot of people think it’s a great book.
However, I’m not one of those people. I really really disliked this book for a multitude of reasons. The book had an issue with a lot of repeating sentences. I know that they were for effect, but it just annoyed me. It took me until 56% of the way through to get to the labyrinth. Everything before could have been summed up in a couple of chapters in my opinion and the way the book is now just makes it feel really slow. The exclusion that Rhen found in the papers was, in my opinion, really dumb. I feel like someone years before now could have seen it since it was so obvious. I feel that the premise of the book was that this main character would defy the societal rules to enter this labyrinth, but the way it was presented in this book feels that there was always an expectation for someone to find it and that when it would be found out it wouldn’t have been a big deal. The book is supposed to touch on gender inequality but I don’t feel like it adequately addressed it. I have a question about the university. Does it only accept one person a year? I’m so confused by this. At one point the main is in the labyrinth and thinks that mind altering drugs are being used, but she can see what the afflicted person is seeing… sooo it’s not drugs? Higher education doesn’t seem to be a big concern for the girls. Rhen’s main concern was healing her mother and Seleni’s whole personality can be summed as obsessed about this one boy. And speaking about the illness her mother suffers, this illness is really the focal point of the book. The whole labyrinth and Rhen is just a sidestory to this. The magic isn’t explained, some parts of the book aren’t explained at all, and I feel like the disguise part of the book is really laughably weak. The main cuts her hair. Seleni pins her hair up and under a hat. They wear pants. These people that have known them for 16 years don’t recognize them? It’s not like they live in NYC, they live in a small village. There are plot holes galore and the book reads more like a rushed rough draft than a nearly finished book.
Verdict: Overall, I feel really lied to about this book. I imagined it being something else, something fantastic and death defying and exciting. I got a book in which the main storyline isn’t represented by the hook or synopsis. I’m really disappointed in this book, as it was one of my most anticipated reads of this year. However, I know that the majority of people really liked this book, so if it seems interesting to you I definitely recommend that you read it for yourself.