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Disclaimer: I received the earc from Netgalley and the finished book from Rockstar Book Tours and Freeform. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Book Two of The Belles
Rating: 2/5
Publication Date: March 5, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (suicide TW, slavery imagery, violence, slight gore)
Publisher: Freeform
Pages: 352
Amazon Link
Synopsis: In this sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller, Camille, her sister Edel, and her guard and new love Remy must race against time to find Princess Charlotte. Sophia's Imperial forces will stop at nothing to keep the rebels from returning Charlotte to the castle and her rightful place as queen. With the help of an underground resistance movement called The Iron Ladies-a society that rejects beauty treatments entirely-and the backing of alternative newspaper The Spider's Web, Camille uses her powers, her connections and her cunning to outwit her greatest nemesis, Sophia, and restore peace to Orleans.
Review: Okay so for the most part this book is really gorgeous. The writing, the cover, the artwork for the map. Everything is absolutely worthy of The Belles. The book also has really great imagery about slavery and equality and I can see where an English teacher like a decade from now would use this series for their English class. However, I do have some issues with this book.
The book begins and there’s no easing into the book. Usually a sequel will have some sort of in-book synopsis or explanation of the previous book’s events. So, I would definitely recommend reading this back to back with the first book. The book is really confusing otherwise and I struggled to remember all of the people and places and events that happened in the first book while reading this one. The character also had a name change I think. I thought her name was Camellia in the first book, but now it’s Camille? Or am I having a Mandella Effect? The side characters are very underdeveloped and unmentionable. I can’t connect with anyone in this book and the MC feels totally different. I’m so confused over the ending and I feel like there are a lot of plot holes in this book. This book feels like a different story overall. The first book was amazing and fantastic. I loved it and it was definitely one of my faves from 2018, but this one feels rushed and incomplete. I feel like it needed more time to develop and possibly a different course of action for the main. I also feel like the book would have benefited from being a trilogy instead where the story could have been slowed down and better thought out. Right now, the book feels like a first draft instead of a final draft.
Verdict: Read this if you need some sort of closure from the first book.
Book Series: Book Two of The Belles
Rating: 2/5
Publication Date: March 5, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (suicide TW, slavery imagery, violence, slight gore)
Publisher: Freeform
Pages: 352
Amazon Link
Synopsis: In this sequel to the instant New York Times bestseller, Camille, her sister Edel, and her guard and new love Remy must race against time to find Princess Charlotte. Sophia's Imperial forces will stop at nothing to keep the rebels from returning Charlotte to the castle and her rightful place as queen. With the help of an underground resistance movement called The Iron Ladies-a society that rejects beauty treatments entirely-and the backing of alternative newspaper The Spider's Web, Camille uses her powers, her connections and her cunning to outwit her greatest nemesis, Sophia, and restore peace to Orleans.
Review: Okay so for the most part this book is really gorgeous. The writing, the cover, the artwork for the map. Everything is absolutely worthy of The Belles. The book also has really great imagery about slavery and equality and I can see where an English teacher like a decade from now would use this series for their English class. However, I do have some issues with this book.
The book begins and there’s no easing into the book. Usually a sequel will have some sort of in-book synopsis or explanation of the previous book’s events. So, I would definitely recommend reading this back to back with the first book. The book is really confusing otherwise and I struggled to remember all of the people and places and events that happened in the first book while reading this one. The character also had a name change I think. I thought her name was Camellia in the first book, but now it’s Camille? Or am I having a Mandella Effect? The side characters are very underdeveloped and unmentionable. I can’t connect with anyone in this book and the MC feels totally different. I’m so confused over the ending and I feel like there are a lot of plot holes in this book. This book feels like a different story overall. The first book was amazing and fantastic. I loved it and it was definitely one of my faves from 2018, but this one feels rushed and incomplete. I feel like it needed more time to develop and possibly a different course of action for the main. I also feel like the book would have benefited from being a trilogy instead where the story could have been slowed down and better thought out. Right now, the book feels like a first draft instead of a final draft.
Verdict: Read this if you need some sort of closure from the first book.
Disclaimer: I received this book from BookSparks and HarperTeen. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 2.5/5
Publication Date: February 12, 2019
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 16+ (rape, rape culture, drug intake, sexual assault, suicide, suicidal thoughts, abuse, language, violence, slight gore)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 400
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Roses are read, violets are blue, if you hurt us, we’re coming for you.
The deeply secretive Black Coats have been exacting vengeance on men who hurt girls and women for years. And Thea has just received an invitation to join them. This is the opportunity she’s been waiting for to finally get justice for her cousin Natalie, whose killer went free.
Thea dives head first into the group, training every day with other girls whose stories rival hers. Together they carry out Balancings—acts of revenge guaranteed to teach a lesson. With every predator threatened, every blackmailer exposed, and every date rapist punished, Thea can feel herself getting closer to avenging Natalie’s death.
But then the Balancings begin to escalate in brutality, and Thea discovers that the Black Coats are not all they seem to be. Thea must confront just how far she’s willing to go for justice—and what kind of justice Natalie, and Thea herself, deserve. Because when the line between justice and revenge is razor thin, it’s hard not to get cut.
Review: Okay so for the most part this was a good book. The book was well written and the characters were pretty well developed. The book was fast, so this would be an excellent book to read in one sitting. The plot was intriguing and if you’re a big fan of action/spy books then you would more than likely love this book.
However, I have some slight issues with this book. There is a rape scene about 4 pages into the book and from what I could see there’s no trigger warning in the beginning of the book. I feel this can upset or trigger some people reading it that are unaware of this. There are also suicidal thoughts and tendencies presented in the book as well as drug use, so be careful reading this one. The book is really unrealistic. There is almost no mention of parents or cops being around. The book is also really slow. I’m mainly worried about the use of revenge in this book. Vigilantism is a problem in criminal justice and it can get people killed or in trouble with the law themselves. The book uses revenge as a means to get justice via online bullying or other means. This could cause kids to seek out and perform the same things in the name of “justice”, but two wrongs don’t make a right. As someone who has a masters in criminal justice and who has worked with juvenile justice programs, the majority of kids who do really stupid things like fighting or bullying are often suffering from problems at home. They oftentimes live a rough home life where they are sometimes abused themselves. Their cry for help is to act out on others. To perform vigilante justice on these bullies that more than likely need help can cause some severe issues to happen. The way to heal from being bullied is to find retribution, not revenge. I’m also worried about how Adam Porter was excused for being a cop. The book acknowledges racism, but I didn’t like how it discarded the fact that a majority of cops in America are perpetrators of domestic violence. In fact, when reading this book I looked over at some news articles on my phone and saw three instances where cops displayed racism and/or deliberately covered up crimes to cover their own asses. Being a cop in this day and age doesn’t excuse you for anything anymore. Also there’s a slight plot hole where an adopted child is said to look so much like their adopted mother.
Verdict: A really action packed book, definitely for fans of Moxie. I feel like the book is amazing and did well to explain the racism that exists and will definitely empower people, but it might have missed the mark a bit.
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 2.5/5
Publication Date: February 12, 2019
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 16+ (rape, rape culture, drug intake, sexual assault, suicide, suicidal thoughts, abuse, language, violence, slight gore)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 400
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Roses are read, violets are blue, if you hurt us, we’re coming for you.
The deeply secretive Black Coats have been exacting vengeance on men who hurt girls and women for years. And Thea has just received an invitation to join them. This is the opportunity she’s been waiting for to finally get justice for her cousin Natalie, whose killer went free.
Thea dives head first into the group, training every day with other girls whose stories rival hers. Together they carry out Balancings—acts of revenge guaranteed to teach a lesson. With every predator threatened, every blackmailer exposed, and every date rapist punished, Thea can feel herself getting closer to avenging Natalie’s death.
But then the Balancings begin to escalate in brutality, and Thea discovers that the Black Coats are not all they seem to be. Thea must confront just how far she’s willing to go for justice—and what kind of justice Natalie, and Thea herself, deserve. Because when the line between justice and revenge is razor thin, it’s hard not to get cut.
Review: Okay so for the most part this was a good book. The book was well written and the characters were pretty well developed. The book was fast, so this would be an excellent book to read in one sitting. The plot was intriguing and if you’re a big fan of action/spy books then you would more than likely love this book.
However, I have some slight issues with this book. There is a rape scene about 4 pages into the book and from what I could see there’s no trigger warning in the beginning of the book. I feel this can upset or trigger some people reading it that are unaware of this. There are also suicidal thoughts and tendencies presented in the book as well as drug use, so be careful reading this one. The book is really unrealistic. There is almost no mention of parents or cops being around. The book is also really slow. I’m mainly worried about the use of revenge in this book. Vigilantism is a problem in criminal justice and it can get people killed or in trouble with the law themselves. The book uses revenge as a means to get justice via online bullying or other means. This could cause kids to seek out and perform the same things in the name of “justice”, but two wrongs don’t make a right. As someone who has a masters in criminal justice and who has worked with juvenile justice programs, the majority of kids who do really stupid things like fighting or bullying are often suffering from problems at home. They oftentimes live a rough home life where they are sometimes abused themselves. Their cry for help is to act out on others. To perform vigilante justice on these bullies that more than likely need help can cause some severe issues to happen. The way to heal from being bullied is to find retribution, not revenge. I’m also worried about how Adam Porter was excused for being a cop. The book acknowledges racism, but I didn’t like how it discarded the fact that a majority of cops in America are perpetrators of domestic violence. In fact, when reading this book I looked over at some news articles on my phone and saw three instances where cops displayed racism and/or deliberately covered up crimes to cover their own asses. Being a cop in this day and age doesn’t excuse you for anything anymore. Also there’s a slight plot hole where an adopted child is said to look so much like their adopted mother.
Verdict: A really action packed book, definitely for fans of Moxie. I feel like the book is amazing and did well to explain the racism that exists and will definitely empower people, but it might have missed the mark a bit.
Disclaimer: I bought this book and I’m so glad I did!
Book Series: Book Two of the Renegades Series
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: November 6, 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (some slight language, violence, gore)
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Pages: 560
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The Renegades Trilogy continues, in this fiercely awaited second installment after the New York Times-bestselling Renegades by Marissa Meyer, author of the Lunar Chronicles.
Time is running out.
Together, they can save the world.
But they each other's worst nightmare.
In Renegades, Nova and Adrian (aka Insomnia and Sketch) fought the battle of their lives against the Anarchist known as the Detonator. It was a short-lived victory.
The Anarchists still have a secret weapon, one that Nova believes will protect her. The Renegades also have a strategy for overpowering the Anarchists, but both Nova and Adrian understand that it could mean the end of Gatlon City - and the world - as they know it.
Review: I didn’t know what to expect from this book. The first one was super good and I loved how the powers were unique. I was also skeptical about this book since it was supposed to originally be a duology, but was turned into a trilogy. But this book was absolutely amazing. The story picked right up where it left off, the story was just as intriguing, and the characters were very well developed. The romance wasn’t too overbearing in this book and I feel like we have so much built up for the third and I’m so excited!!!
However, I still have all of the same questions I had from the first book and I felt that the pacing was a tad slow in places.
Verdict: An amazing sequel! Can’t wait for number 3!
Book Series: Book Two of the Renegades Series
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: November 6, 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (some slight language, violence, gore)
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends
Pages: 560
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The Renegades Trilogy continues, in this fiercely awaited second installment after the New York Times-bestselling Renegades by Marissa Meyer, author of the Lunar Chronicles.
Time is running out.
Together, they can save the world.
But they each other's worst nightmare.
In Renegades, Nova and Adrian (aka Insomnia and Sketch) fought the battle of their lives against the Anarchist known as the Detonator. It was a short-lived victory.
The Anarchists still have a secret weapon, one that Nova believes will protect her. The Renegades also have a strategy for overpowering the Anarchists, but both Nova and Adrian understand that it could mean the end of Gatlon City - and the world - as they know it.
Review: I didn’t know what to expect from this book. The first one was super good and I loved how the powers were unique. I was also skeptical about this book since it was supposed to originally be a duology, but was turned into a trilogy. But this book was absolutely amazing. The story picked right up where it left off, the story was just as intriguing, and the characters were very well developed. The romance wasn’t too overbearing in this book and I feel like we have so much built up for the third and I’m so excited!!!
However, I still have all of the same questions I had from the first book and I felt that the pacing was a tad slow in places.
Verdict: An amazing sequel! Can’t wait for number 3!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: April 9, 2019
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 16+ (mentions of sex, slight language, violence/bombing/acts of terrorism mentioned)
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Pages: 320
Amazon Link
Synopsis: A powerful story of love, identity, and the price of fitting in or speaking out.
After her father’s death, Ruth Robb and her family transplant themselves in the summer of 1958 from New York City to Atlanta—the land of debutantes, sweet tea, and the Ku Klux Klan. In her new hometown, Ruth quickly figures out she can be Jewish or she can be popular, but she can’t be both. Eager to fit in with the blond girls in the “pastel posse,” Ruth decides to hide her religion. Before she knows it, she is falling for the handsome and charming Davis and sipping Cokes with him and his friends at the all-white, all-Christian Club.
Does it matter that Ruth’s mother makes her attend services at the local synagogue every week? Not as long as nobody outside her family knows the truth. At temple Ruth meets Max, who is serious and intense about the fight for social justice, and now she is caught between two worlds, two religions, and two boys. But when a violent hate crime brings the different parts of Ruth’s life into sharp conflict, she will have to choose between all she’s come to love about her new life and standing up for what she believes
Review: Overall, I thought this was a wonderfully well written book. It gave me more knowledge about an event that I didn’t have that much information about and it made the event more personable. The book shows the people behind the synagogue bombing, both the victims and the terrorists. The book has amazing character development and it displayed anti-Semitism and racism very well in my opinion. I felt it was very relevant to our world today, especially after the Christchurch terrorist act. It is also an own voices novel!
However, the pacing was really slow and the book had a lot more dialogue then what I would have thought it needed. I felt like, because the pacing was so slow, that I couldn’t connect with the book like I wanted to. The bombing was in the last 15% of the book and I felt like the buildup to the event was way too much. I also had a problem with the grandmother. The grandmother had an obvious problem with the mother and with the main character’s practicing religion. I don’t like that it wasn’t outright dealt with. In my personal opinion, even if you’re related to me I don’t tolerate any sort of hate language and I would never around my kids or husband.
Verdict: A beautifully well written novel for all to read!
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: April 9, 2019
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 16+ (mentions of sex, slight language, violence/bombing/acts of terrorism mentioned)
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Pages: 320
Amazon Link
Synopsis: A powerful story of love, identity, and the price of fitting in or speaking out.
After her father’s death, Ruth Robb and her family transplant themselves in the summer of 1958 from New York City to Atlanta—the land of debutantes, sweet tea, and the Ku Klux Klan. In her new hometown, Ruth quickly figures out she can be Jewish or she can be popular, but she can’t be both. Eager to fit in with the blond girls in the “pastel posse,” Ruth decides to hide her religion. Before she knows it, she is falling for the handsome and charming Davis and sipping Cokes with him and his friends at the all-white, all-Christian Club.
Does it matter that Ruth’s mother makes her attend services at the local synagogue every week? Not as long as nobody outside her family knows the truth. At temple Ruth meets Max, who is serious and intense about the fight for social justice, and now she is caught between two worlds, two religions, and two boys. But when a violent hate crime brings the different parts of Ruth’s life into sharp conflict, she will have to choose between all she’s come to love about her new life and standing up for what she believes
Review: Overall, I thought this was a wonderfully well written book. It gave me more knowledge about an event that I didn’t have that much information about and it made the event more personable. The book shows the people behind the synagogue bombing, both the victims and the terrorists. The book has amazing character development and it displayed anti-Semitism and racism very well in my opinion. I felt it was very relevant to our world today, especially after the Christchurch terrorist act. It is also an own voices novel!
However, the pacing was really slow and the book had a lot more dialogue then what I would have thought it needed. I felt like, because the pacing was so slow, that I couldn’t connect with the book like I wanted to. The bombing was in the last 15% of the book and I felt like the buildup to the event was way too much. I also had a problem with the grandmother. The grandmother had an obvious problem with the mother and with the main character’s practicing religion. I don’t like that it wasn’t outright dealt with. In my personal opinion, even if you’re related to me I don’t tolerate any sort of hate language and I would never around my kids or husband.
Verdict: A beautifully well written novel for all to read!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: February 2, 2019
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 17+ (violence, language)
Publisher: n/a
Pages: 283
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Humanity lies on the brink of disaster, but hidden in the shadows, another society's plight is even more desperate.
Beth and Ysabel are ageless, powerful, and losing hope. After waging war for over a century against the feral vampires stalking the land, the tide has turned against them.
Their only chance to save their people is an unlikely alliance with an ancient enemy – humans.
Captain Michael Beck is reeling from the fall out of a disastrous battle. Broken and unsure, he is called back to his duty and asked to do the impossible; lead a single unit of elite soldiers against a seemingly endless hoard of immortal foes.
His only help – an advisor who isn’t what she seems.
When the lines between enemy and ally are blurred, and the stakes become ever higher, how can they know which threats are real?
Review: I thought this was a good book. The character developments are really good and the pacing is good. I thought this book was unique and I liked the LGBT relationship. I also really liked the world building.
However, I feel that the story kind of fell flat. There was action, but it just kind of felt like a story my coworker was telling me. I felt it was predictable and that there wasn’t any hook to keep me interested after halfway through. I also feel that there were some small contradictory statements and plot holes in the book.
Verdict: Pretty good, just needs polishing.
Book Series: Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: February 2, 2019
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 17+ (violence, language)
Publisher: n/a
Pages: 283
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Humanity lies on the brink of disaster, but hidden in the shadows, another society's plight is even more desperate.
Beth and Ysabel are ageless, powerful, and losing hope. After waging war for over a century against the feral vampires stalking the land, the tide has turned against them.
Their only chance to save their people is an unlikely alliance with an ancient enemy – humans.
Captain Michael Beck is reeling from the fall out of a disastrous battle. Broken and unsure, he is called back to his duty and asked to do the impossible; lead a single unit of elite soldiers against a seemingly endless hoard of immortal foes.
His only help – an advisor who isn’t what she seems.
When the lines between enemy and ally are blurred, and the stakes become ever higher, how can they know which threats are real?
Review: I thought this was a good book. The character developments are really good and the pacing is good. I thought this book was unique and I liked the LGBT relationship. I also really liked the world building.
However, I feel that the story kind of fell flat. There was action, but it just kind of felt like a story my coworker was telling me. I felt it was predictable and that there wasn’t any hook to keep me interested after halfway through. I also feel that there were some small contradictory statements and plot holes in the book.
Verdict: Pretty good, just needs polishing.
Disclaimer: I bought this book because I was asked to by the author. All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: January 29, 2019
Genre: Fiction
Recommended Age: 16+ (mature scenes)
Publisher: n/a
Pages: 241
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Aditya and Meher are a young couple with a happy marriage, devoted families, and partially-bearable jobs between them. At least, that is what Meher believes, until one morning, she wakes up inside a cloud of doubt to realise Aditya has gone missing without a trace or warning.
Aside from the fear and frustration, doubt and paranoia, exasperation and rage, Meher feels isolated amongst friends and family, who she believes, hold her guilty of his disappearance. She resorts to unusual means to find her answers.
After months of relentless effort, is Meher successful? Does she find the right approach to reach him? Is she right in feeling abandoned, and not just by Aditya? Is there someone close who is trying to sabotage her life? Is she the reason behind her own misery? Is her husband in trouble or has he simply opted out of their marriage? Were they ever happily married? Who can she trust?
Get on the passenger seat with Meher to find out how much pressure she can take before the lines blur between imagination and reality. Talking about reality, how much do we really know about the people we share our lives with? Could they walk out on you while you sleep? A few months ago, Meher would have laughed at this question too.
Review: Overall, I thought this book was pretty good! I felt the story was engaging and the characters were well developed. I also felt that the writing was really well done. Overall, I really enjoyed this cozy read.
However, I do feel like the story was really predictable for my tastes even with all the twists. I also felt that the pacing was a bit off. It went fast and then really slow and back again.
Verdict: If this is your type of book you’ll really enjoy this.
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: January 29, 2019
Genre: Fiction
Recommended Age: 16+ (mature scenes)
Publisher: n/a
Pages: 241
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Aditya and Meher are a young couple with a happy marriage, devoted families, and partially-bearable jobs between them. At least, that is what Meher believes, until one morning, she wakes up inside a cloud of doubt to realise Aditya has gone missing without a trace or warning.
Aside from the fear and frustration, doubt and paranoia, exasperation and rage, Meher feels isolated amongst friends and family, who she believes, hold her guilty of his disappearance. She resorts to unusual means to find her answers.
After months of relentless effort, is Meher successful? Does she find the right approach to reach him? Is she right in feeling abandoned, and not just by Aditya? Is there someone close who is trying to sabotage her life? Is she the reason behind her own misery? Is her husband in trouble or has he simply opted out of their marriage? Were they ever happily married? Who can she trust?
Get on the passenger seat with Meher to find out how much pressure she can take before the lines blur between imagination and reality. Talking about reality, how much do we really know about the people we share our lives with? Could they walk out on you while you sleep? A few months ago, Meher would have laughed at this question too.
Review: Overall, I thought this book was pretty good! I felt the story was engaging and the characters were well developed. I also felt that the writing was really well done. Overall, I really enjoyed this cozy read.
However, I do feel like the story was really predictable for my tastes even with all the twists. I also felt that the pacing was a bit off. It went fast and then really slow and back again.
Verdict: If this is your type of book you’ll really enjoy this.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: January 14, 2019
Genre: Humor/General Fiction
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, the Oxford comma)
Publisher: n/a
Pages: 23
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Seventeen gruesome killings across the United States, within a span of six months and there is one clear connection among victims. They were all writers.
While media is decorating the murders with sensationalist stories, and law enforcement is playing catch-up, the homicidal maniac remains elusive and secretive.
Things get very interesting, when one day she decides to appear on an internet talk show for an honest fireside chat.
Review: I have never laughed and empathized with a character and book more than this one. I loved the concept! It was funny and gruesome all in one! The book is full of tongue-in-cheek humor and I’d “kill” to see more of these books in the world!
My only complaint is the size. It’s so small! I really would have liked it expanded, but it did well with the size as is.
Verdict: Don’t come after me Grammar Nazi.
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: January 14, 2019
Genre: Humor/General Fiction
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, the Oxford comma)
Publisher: n/a
Pages: 23
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Seventeen gruesome killings across the United States, within a span of six months and there is one clear connection among victims. They were all writers.
While media is decorating the murders with sensationalist stories, and law enforcement is playing catch-up, the homicidal maniac remains elusive and secretive.
Things get very interesting, when one day she decides to appear on an internet talk show for an honest fireside chat.
Review: I have never laughed and empathized with a character and book more than this one. I loved the concept! It was funny and gruesome all in one! The book is full of tongue-in-cheek humor and I’d “kill” to see more of these books in the world!
My only complaint is the size. It’s so small! I really would have liked it expanded, but it did well with the size as is.
Verdict: Don’t come after me Grammar Nazi.
Disclaimer: I received an e-arc from Netgalley and the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Book 1 of the Empirium Series
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: May 22, 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (suicide, language, child murder, attempted rape, sex, demons/angels, possession)
Publisher: Sourcefire Books
Pages: 501
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The stunningly original, must-read fantasy of 2018 follows two fiercely independent young women, centuries apart, who hold the power to save their world...or doom it.
When assassins ambush her best friend, Rielle Dardenne risks everything to save him, exposing herself as one of a pair of prophesied queens: a queen of light, and a queen of blood. To prove she is the Sun Queen, Rielle must endure seven elemental magic trials. If she fails, she will be executed...unless the trials kill her first.
One thousand years later, the legend of Queen Rielle is a fairy tale to Eliana Ferracora. A bounty hunter for the Undying Empire, Eliana believes herself untouchable--until her mother vanishes. To find her, Eliana joins a rebel captain and discovers that the evil at the empire's heart is more terrible than she ever imagined.
As Rielle and Eliana fight in a cosmic war that spans millennia, their stories intersect, and the shocking connections between them ultimately determine the fate of their world--and of each other.
Review: Overall, I thought this was a pretty good high fantasy read. The world building was really well done, the character development for the main characters were amazing, and the plot was interesting. I really liked how the author used duel POVs to further the plot. The concept was really interesting, even if I figured out the twist after chapter 1.
However, the book is really clunky. There’s a LOT going on in the book and I don’t think the book really explains what all is going on well enough. The pacing is super slow as well. I feel that the book really could have done better if it had a prologue explaining some of the angel/demon stuff and possession stuff. I felt really confused by that aspect.
Verdict: As a high fantasy novel, I feel this is really good. But definitely should not be someone’s first high fantasy book.
Book Series: Book 1 of the Empirium Series
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: May 22, 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (suicide, language, child murder, attempted rape, sex, demons/angels, possession)
Publisher: Sourcefire Books
Pages: 501
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The stunningly original, must-read fantasy of 2018 follows two fiercely independent young women, centuries apart, who hold the power to save their world...or doom it.
When assassins ambush her best friend, Rielle Dardenne risks everything to save him, exposing herself as one of a pair of prophesied queens: a queen of light, and a queen of blood. To prove she is the Sun Queen, Rielle must endure seven elemental magic trials. If she fails, she will be executed...unless the trials kill her first.
One thousand years later, the legend of Queen Rielle is a fairy tale to Eliana Ferracora. A bounty hunter for the Undying Empire, Eliana believes herself untouchable--until her mother vanishes. To find her, Eliana joins a rebel captain and discovers that the evil at the empire's heart is more terrible than she ever imagined.
As Rielle and Eliana fight in a cosmic war that spans millennia, their stories intersect, and the shocking connections between them ultimately determine the fate of their world--and of each other.
Review: Overall, I thought this was a pretty good high fantasy read. The world building was really well done, the character development for the main characters were amazing, and the plot was interesting. I really liked how the author used duel POVs to further the plot. The concept was really interesting, even if I figured out the twist after chapter 1.
However, the book is really clunky. There’s a LOT going on in the book and I don’t think the book really explains what all is going on well enough. The pacing is super slow as well. I feel that the book really could have done better if it had a prologue explaining some of the angel/demon stuff and possession stuff. I felt really confused by that aspect.
Verdict: As a high fantasy novel, I feel this is really good. But definitely should not be someone’s first high fantasy book.
Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley and the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: March 26, 2019
Genre: Upper Middle Grade Contemporary
Recommended Age: 13+ (slight language like one or two bad words, TW for mentions of suicide, TW for mentions of abuse and domestic violence, definitely an upper middle grade book)
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Pages: 240
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Pitched as Pippi Longstocking meets My Girl and Waitress, the book tells the story of the unlikely friendship between 12-year-old Gideon, who has just moved across the country to Nevada, and Roona, the adventurous girl next door who rollerskates everywhere, isn't afraid of anything, and can transform herself into Wonder Roo, a superhero version of herself. The book will publish in 2019.
Review: I DEVOURED this cute book in like less than two hours. It was adorable and amazing. It was fantastical and wonderful. I felt so connected to Roo and Gideon. I felt that the book handled sensitive topics well and it showed how kids shouldn’t be afraid to confide in adults when things are going wrong. I feel that’s something that’s missed in a lot of middle grade and younger YA books. A lot of them revolve around what the kids can do, but adults are needed for certain things, especially if it involves abuse. I also felt that the book showed a realistic view of how a child reacts to trauma. I think this book would be a great family read and a great read for parents to discuss certain elements of the book with your growing middle graders.
My only concern is that the book might be a bit tough on some middle graders. The book is fairly discreet, but you can catch what’s going on behind the scenes. I’d say that if you know your kid can handle the tough stuff then this is for them.
Verdict: A great MG read!
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: March 26, 2019
Genre: Upper Middle Grade Contemporary
Recommended Age: 13+ (slight language like one or two bad words, TW for mentions of suicide, TW for mentions of abuse and domestic violence, definitely an upper middle grade book)
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Pages: 240
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Pitched as Pippi Longstocking meets My Girl and Waitress, the book tells the story of the unlikely friendship between 12-year-old Gideon, who has just moved across the country to Nevada, and Roona, the adventurous girl next door who rollerskates everywhere, isn't afraid of anything, and can transform herself into Wonder Roo, a superhero version of herself. The book will publish in 2019.
Review: I DEVOURED this cute book in like less than two hours. It was adorable and amazing. It was fantastical and wonderful. I felt so connected to Roo and Gideon. I felt that the book handled sensitive topics well and it showed how kids shouldn’t be afraid to confide in adults when things are going wrong. I feel that’s something that’s missed in a lot of middle grade and younger YA books. A lot of them revolve around what the kids can do, but adults are needed for certain things, especially if it involves abuse. I also felt that the book showed a realistic view of how a child reacts to trauma. I think this book would be a great family read and a great read for parents to discuss certain elements of the book with your growing middle graders.
My only concern is that the book might be a bit tough on some middle graders. The book is fairly discreet, but you can catch what’s going on behind the scenes. I’d say that if you know your kid can handle the tough stuff then this is for them.
Verdict: A great MG read!
Disclaimer: I received this book from BookSparks. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Book 1
Rating: 3.5/5
Publication Date: March 12, 2019
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 16+ (language, sex, seizures, science)
Publisher: TorTeen
Pages: 368
Amazon Link
Synopsis: THE TESLA LEGACY follows a precocious young scientist named Lucy Phelps whose fateful encounter in the Tesla Suite of the New Yorker Hotel unlocks her dormant electrical powers. As Lucy struggles to understand her new abilities through scientific experimentation, she is thrust into a centuries old battle between rival alchemical societies.
One side wants her help and the other wants her dead, but both believe she is the next step in human evolution. Unfortunately, carriers of the genetic mutation—including Nikola Tesla—have a greatly reduced life expectancy. Even if Lucy can outrun her enemies, she can’t outrun herself.
Review: I thought this book was really good. It was really educational on Tesla, even if it was a bit fantastical on some of the details. The book has a really good concept and the pacing is perfect for this book. The characters are also really well developed as well.
However, the book is really clunky in the middle and with the fight scenes. Some of the side characters are unremarkable and need development. I really feel that the book could have been better, but I just felt so bogged down by the action scenes and by these secret societies that, to me, aren’t really that well developed.
Verdict: A decent book overall!
Book Series: Book 1
Rating: 3.5/5
Publication Date: March 12, 2019
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 16+ (language, sex, seizures, science)
Publisher: TorTeen
Pages: 368
Amazon Link
Synopsis: THE TESLA LEGACY follows a precocious young scientist named Lucy Phelps whose fateful encounter in the Tesla Suite of the New Yorker Hotel unlocks her dormant electrical powers. As Lucy struggles to understand her new abilities through scientific experimentation, she is thrust into a centuries old battle between rival alchemical societies.
One side wants her help and the other wants her dead, but both believe she is the next step in human evolution. Unfortunately, carriers of the genetic mutation—including Nikola Tesla—have a greatly reduced life expectancy. Even if Lucy can outrun her enemies, she can’t outrun herself.
Review: I thought this book was really good. It was really educational on Tesla, even if it was a bit fantastical on some of the details. The book has a really good concept and the pacing is perfect for this book. The characters are also really well developed as well.
However, the book is really clunky in the middle and with the fight scenes. Some of the side characters are unremarkable and need development. I really feel that the book could have been better, but I just felt so bogged down by the action scenes and by these secret societies that, to me, aren’t really that well developed.
Verdict: A decent book overall!