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popthebutterfly
Disclaimer: I received this arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Spellbreaker
Author: Charlie N. Holmberg
Book Series: Spellbreaker Duology Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: fantasy lovers, historical fiction lovers, magic, ya
Publication Date: November 1, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (slight violence and gore, some language, slight romance)
Publisher: 47North
Pages: 300
Synopsis: The orphaned Elsie Camden learned as a girl that there were two kinds of wizards in the world: those who pay for the power to cast spells and those, like her, born with the ability to break them. But as an unlicensed magic user, her gift is a crime. Commissioned by an underground group known as the Cowls, Elsie uses her spellbreaking to push back against the aristocrats and help the common man. She always did love the tale of Robin Hood.
Elite magic user Bacchus Kelsey is one elusive spell away from his mastership when he catches Elsie breaking an enchantment. To protect her secret, Elsie strikes a bargain. She’ll help Bacchus fix unruly spells around his estate if he doesn’t turn her in. Working together, Elsie’s trust in—and fondness for—the handsome stranger grows. So does her trepidation about the rise in the murders of wizards and the theft of the spellbooks their bodies leave behind.
For a rogue spellbreaker like Elsie, there’s so much to learn about her powers, her family, the intriguing Bacchus, and the untold dangers shadowing every step of a journey she’s destined to complete. But will she uncover the mystery before it’s too late to save everything she loves?
Review: For the most part I think this book is pretty good! The characters fully engaging and well written. The world building was fantastic as well as the plot of the book.
However, the pacing of the book was very slow and it really took a lot out of me to push through the book and read it. The last part of the book was great and I wish the whole book was like that, but it’s not and that’s disappointing.
Verdict: It’s good but slowwwwww.
Book: Spellbreaker
Author: Charlie N. Holmberg
Book Series: Spellbreaker Duology Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: fantasy lovers, historical fiction lovers, magic, ya
Publication Date: November 1, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (slight violence and gore, some language, slight romance)
Publisher: 47North
Pages: 300
Synopsis: The orphaned Elsie Camden learned as a girl that there were two kinds of wizards in the world: those who pay for the power to cast spells and those, like her, born with the ability to break them. But as an unlicensed magic user, her gift is a crime. Commissioned by an underground group known as the Cowls, Elsie uses her spellbreaking to push back against the aristocrats and help the common man. She always did love the tale of Robin Hood.
Elite magic user Bacchus Kelsey is one elusive spell away from his mastership when he catches Elsie breaking an enchantment. To protect her secret, Elsie strikes a bargain. She’ll help Bacchus fix unruly spells around his estate if he doesn’t turn her in. Working together, Elsie’s trust in—and fondness for—the handsome stranger grows. So does her trepidation about the rise in the murders of wizards and the theft of the spellbooks their bodies leave behind.
For a rogue spellbreaker like Elsie, there’s so much to learn about her powers, her family, the intriguing Bacchus, and the untold dangers shadowing every step of a journey she’s destined to complete. But will she uncover the mystery before it’s too late to save everything she loves?
Review: For the most part I think this book is pretty good! The characters fully engaging and well written. The world building was fantastic as well as the plot of the book.
However, the pacing of the book was very slow and it really took a lot out of me to push through the book and read it. The last part of the book was great and I wish the whole book was like that, but it’s not and that’s disappointing.
Verdict: It’s good but slowwwwww.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Warriors of Wing and Flame
Author: Sara B. Larson
Book Series: Sisters of Shadow and Light Book 2
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommended For...: Sister books, duology, fantasy, viking inspired, romance
Publication Date: October 27, 2020
Publisher: TorTeen
Pages: 382
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, sexual content, romance)
Synopsis: The doorway between the magical Visempirum and the human world has been reopened. Paladin are once more living in the citadel where Zuhra and Inara grew up completely isolated by the magical hedge that trapped them there. Amidst the brewing conflict between the Paladin and humans looms the threat of Barloc, who has stolen Inara’s immense power and continues to elude the Paladin who are desperately searching for him.
In this sequel to Sisters of Shadow and Light, Inara and Zuhra must navigate the treacherous paths of self-discovery, their love for each other, and for the boys who have captured their hearts. Together, they search for the strength within themselves to bridge the divide between the two worlds they inhabit, even as war threatens to destroy everything—and everyone—they love.
Review: For the most part I enjoyed this book and series immensely. The book did well with the character development and I loved seeing Inara's voice more in this book. The world building was great, the pacing was good, and I really enjoyed the plot and ending.
The only things I didn't like were that the tone of the book felt a bit too somber for it in certain parts and that the book had too much action for a tone that was somber and emotional. Don't get me wrong, it was emotional and sometimes heartbreaking, but in the action scenes I felt a little depressed.
Verdict: it's a good series!!
Book: Warriors of Wing and Flame
Author: Sara B. Larson
Book Series: Sisters of Shadow and Light Book 2
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommended For...: Sister books, duology, fantasy, viking inspired, romance
Publication Date: October 27, 2020
Publisher: TorTeen
Pages: 382
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, sexual content, romance)
Synopsis: The doorway between the magical Visempirum and the human world has been reopened. Paladin are once more living in the citadel where Zuhra and Inara grew up completely isolated by the magical hedge that trapped them there. Amidst the brewing conflict between the Paladin and humans looms the threat of Barloc, who has stolen Inara’s immense power and continues to elude the Paladin who are desperately searching for him.
In this sequel to Sisters of Shadow and Light, Inara and Zuhra must navigate the treacherous paths of self-discovery, their love for each other, and for the boys who have captured their hearts. Together, they search for the strength within themselves to bridge the divide between the two worlds they inhabit, even as war threatens to destroy everything—and everyone—they love.
Review: For the most part I enjoyed this book and series immensely. The book did well with the character development and I loved seeing Inara's voice more in this book. The world building was great, the pacing was good, and I really enjoyed the plot and ending.
The only things I didn't like were that the tone of the book felt a bit too somber for it in certain parts and that the book had too much action for a tone that was somber and emotional. Don't get me wrong, it was emotional and sometimes heartbreaking, but in the action scenes I felt a little depressed.
Verdict: it's a good series!!
Disclaimer: I received this book from @enchanted_fandoms in a book box of theirs. Thanks! Make sure to purchase from your favorite small bookish shops and sub boxes! All opinions are my own.
Book: Sisters of Shadow and Light
Author: Sara B. Larson
Book Series: Sisters of Shadow and Light Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: ya readers, fantasy lovers, sister stories
Publication Date: November 5, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (child abuse, starvation, slight sexual content, violence, gore)
Publisher: Tor Teen
Pages: 368
Synopsis: Zuhra and Inara have grown up in the Citadel of the Paladins, an abandoned fortress where legendary, magical warriors once lived before disappearing from the world--including their Paladin father the night Inara was born.
On that same night, a massive, magical hedge grew and imprisoned them within the citadel. Inara inherited their father's Paladin power; her eyes glow blue and she is able to make plants grow at unbelievable rates, but she has been trapped in her own mind because of a "roar" that drowns everything else out--leaving Zuhra virtually alone with their emotionally broken human mother.
For fifteen years they have lived, trapped in the citadel, with little contact from the outside world...until the day a stranger passes through the hedge, and everything changes.
Review: Overall I really enjoyed this book! It had a great story and plot. The story hooked me right into it and I fell in love with the sisters. The character development was very well done and I felt like the world building was amazing as well.
The only issue I had with the book was that the book was rushed at the end in my opinion and I felt like the book would have been better on a bigger cliffhanger.
Verdict: It was great! Definitely read!
Book: Sisters of Shadow and Light
Author: Sara B. Larson
Book Series: Sisters of Shadow and Light Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: ya readers, fantasy lovers, sister stories
Publication Date: November 5, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (child abuse, starvation, slight sexual content, violence, gore)
Publisher: Tor Teen
Pages: 368
Synopsis: Zuhra and Inara have grown up in the Citadel of the Paladins, an abandoned fortress where legendary, magical warriors once lived before disappearing from the world--including their Paladin father the night Inara was born.
On that same night, a massive, magical hedge grew and imprisoned them within the citadel. Inara inherited their father's Paladin power; her eyes glow blue and she is able to make plants grow at unbelievable rates, but she has been trapped in her own mind because of a "roar" that drowns everything else out--leaving Zuhra virtually alone with their emotionally broken human mother.
For fifteen years they have lived, trapped in the citadel, with little contact from the outside world...until the day a stranger passes through the hedge, and everything changes.
Review: Overall I really enjoyed this book! It had a great story and plot. The story hooked me right into it and I fell in love with the sisters. The character development was very well done and I felt like the world building was amazing as well.
The only issue I had with the book was that the book was rushed at the end in my opinion and I felt like the book would have been better on a bigger cliffhanger.
Verdict: It was great! Definitely read!
Disclaimer: I received these books for free from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 4.5/5
Publication Date: April 17, 2017
Genre: YA Romance
Recommended Age: 15 + (romance)
Publisher: Indie
Pages: 368
Amazon Link
Synopsis: “Loving you was a race I was determined to win.”
I belonged to you before I was born.
I belonged to you when you first called me Cam and when I said my first word, your name, Jake.
I belonged to you as we grew up sharing a treehouse, a yard, and the lake. I even belonged to you when our three-year age difference tried to pull us apart rather than put us together.
But, I was most especially yours when you kissed me and told me you weren’t letting me go.
Except you did.
In the most painful way possible.
And now I’m wondering how to turn my life from a country love song without a happy ending into one that does…
Inspired by Taylor Swift songs, this is a story of aching love and loss and learning to live through life in all its pain and glory.
Review: Guys this is such a cute romance! It had me turning pages until the very end! The character development was amazing, the world building was solid, and the story was touching.
I feel that maybe it was a bit corny in places and that sometimes the main characters got a bit too annoying for me, but I’m a person that can only stand romance for so long lol.
Verdict: A amazing romance!
Rating: 4.5/5
Publication Date: April 17, 2017
Genre: YA Romance
Recommended Age: 15 + (romance)
Publisher: Indie
Pages: 368
Amazon Link
Synopsis: “Loving you was a race I was determined to win.”
I belonged to you before I was born.
I belonged to you when you first called me Cam and when I said my first word, your name, Jake.
I belonged to you as we grew up sharing a treehouse, a yard, and the lake. I even belonged to you when our three-year age difference tried to pull us apart rather than put us together.
But, I was most especially yours when you kissed me and told me you weren’t letting me go.
Except you did.
In the most painful way possible.
And now I’m wondering how to turn my life from a country love song without a happy ending into one that does…
Inspired by Taylor Swift songs, this is a story of aching love and loss and learning to live through life in all its pain and glory.
Review: Guys this is such a cute romance! It had me turning pages until the very end! The character development was amazing, the world building was solid, and the story was touching.
I feel that maybe it was a bit corny in places and that sometimes the main characters got a bit too annoying for me, but I’m a person that can only stand romance for so long lol.
Verdict: A amazing romance!
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Countdown
Author: Kasia Lasinska
Book Series: The Deathday Chronicles
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommended For...: dystopian lovers, ya readers
Publication Date: October 30, 2020
Genre: YA Dystopian
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, romance)
Publisher: Dreamscape Press
Pages: 253
Synopsis: In the Grand Alliance of American States… Your days are numbered.
I’m Theo, and my deathday is in ten days.
The vivid, poison-green digits burning into my left wrist won’t let me forget it.
I brave my remaining days with my best friend by my side — if only I could bring myself to finally kiss her.
But when I receive a mysterious parting gift from the Government, I’m thrown into a wild hunt for a clue that could explain deathdays. Or stop them.
With time running out, every choice I make could be my last…
The Countdown is the addictive full-length prequel to the young adult dystopian series The Deathday Chronicles. Full of action, adventure, romance and heroes in unexpected places, it’s perfect for fans of The Hunger Games, Divergent and The Maze Runner.
The countdown is on.
Review: For the most part I really enjoyed it! It had an early 2000s dystopian feel to it that I still really love. The romance was cute and I loved the progression of it. The world building was fairly well done and the character development was the strongest point of the book. I also really liked the premise of it.
However, I did think that the book felt like I had already read it. I don’t mean that it was plagerized, but that the idea was not something new to me and had already been done before. While I really enjoy plots like this, I did want to see more.
Verdict: Very well done book and I’m excited for the series.
Book: The Countdown
Author: Kasia Lasinska
Book Series: The Deathday Chronicles
Rating: 4.5/5
Recommended For...: dystopian lovers, ya readers
Publication Date: October 30, 2020
Genre: YA Dystopian
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, romance)
Publisher: Dreamscape Press
Pages: 253
Synopsis: In the Grand Alliance of American States… Your days are numbered.
I’m Theo, and my deathday is in ten days.
The vivid, poison-green digits burning into my left wrist won’t let me forget it.
I brave my remaining days with my best friend by my side — if only I could bring myself to finally kiss her.
But when I receive a mysterious parting gift from the Government, I’m thrown into a wild hunt for a clue that could explain deathdays. Or stop them.
With time running out, every choice I make could be my last…
The Countdown is the addictive full-length prequel to the young adult dystopian series The Deathday Chronicles. Full of action, adventure, romance and heroes in unexpected places, it’s perfect for fans of The Hunger Games, Divergent and The Maze Runner.
The countdown is on.
Review: For the most part I really enjoyed it! It had an early 2000s dystopian feel to it that I still really love. The romance was cute and I loved the progression of it. The world building was fairly well done and the character development was the strongest point of the book. I also really liked the premise of it.
However, I did think that the book felt like I had already read it. I don’t mean that it was plagerized, but that the idea was not something new to me and had already been done before. While I really enjoy plots like this, I did want to see more.
Verdict: Very well done book and I’m excited for the series.
Disclaimer: I received this arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Bitterwine Oath
Author: Hannah West
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: Fantasy, paranormal, ya
Publication Date: December 1, 2020
Publisher: Holiday House
Pages: 320
Recommended Age: 16+ (abuse, lynching, animal death and gore, molestation)
Synopsis: San Solano, Texas, is a quaint town known for its charm, hospitality, and history of murder. Twice now, twelve men have been brutally killed, and no one knows who did it. A shadowy witch? A copycat killer? Or a man-hating murderess?
Eighteen-year-old Natalie Colter is sure that the rumors about her great-great-grandmother's cult of wronged women are just gossip, but that doesn't stop the true-crime writers and dark tourism bloggers from capitalizing on the town's reputation. It's an urban legend that's hard to ignore, and it gets harder when Nat learns that the sisterhood is real. And magical. And they want her to join.
The more Nat learns of the Wardens' supernatural history, the more she wonders about the real culprits behind the town's ritualistic murders. Are the Wardens protecting San Solano from even darker forces? There are shadows in the woods, bones on the outskirts of town, and questions Nat needs answered.
But everything becomes more urgent when people start getting marked as new victims--including Levi Langford, the boy whose kiss haunted Nat for a year. With Levi in danger, doing nothing would be harder than fighting back.
Nat knows that no one is safe. Can she and the sisterhood stop the true evil from claiming their town?
Review: Overall, I liked the concept and storyline of this book. the plot was really interesting and the character development was the author strong point. The book is also fast paced and can be read in when sitting if the reader has a couple hours to kill.
However the book doesn't have a strong beginning and it takes a while for the reader to get into the book. I also thought the story was clunky and unorganized and that the world building was pretty bad. the book has potential to be really good and I hope that it is cleaned up in the finalized version but it has some work to do.
Verdict: It's good just needs work.
Book: The Bitterwine Oath
Author: Hannah West
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: Fantasy, paranormal, ya
Publication Date: December 1, 2020
Publisher: Holiday House
Pages: 320
Recommended Age: 16+ (abuse, lynching, animal death and gore, molestation)
Synopsis: San Solano, Texas, is a quaint town known for its charm, hospitality, and history of murder. Twice now, twelve men have been brutally killed, and no one knows who did it. A shadowy witch? A copycat killer? Or a man-hating murderess?
Eighteen-year-old Natalie Colter is sure that the rumors about her great-great-grandmother's cult of wronged women are just gossip, but that doesn't stop the true-crime writers and dark tourism bloggers from capitalizing on the town's reputation. It's an urban legend that's hard to ignore, and it gets harder when Nat learns that the sisterhood is real. And magical. And they want her to join.
The more Nat learns of the Wardens' supernatural history, the more she wonders about the real culprits behind the town's ritualistic murders. Are the Wardens protecting San Solano from even darker forces? There are shadows in the woods, bones on the outskirts of town, and questions Nat needs answered.
But everything becomes more urgent when people start getting marked as new victims--including Levi Langford, the boy whose kiss haunted Nat for a year. With Levi in danger, doing nothing would be harder than fighting back.
Nat knows that no one is safe. Can she and the sisterhood stop the true evil from claiming their town?
Review: Overall, I liked the concept and storyline of this book. the plot was really interesting and the character development was the author strong point. The book is also fast paced and can be read in when sitting if the reader has a couple hours to kill.
However the book doesn't have a strong beginning and it takes a while for the reader to get into the book. I also thought the story was clunky and unorganized and that the world building was pretty bad. the book has potential to be really good and I hope that it is cleaned up in the finalized version but it has some work to do.
Verdict: It's good just needs work.
Disclaimer: I bought this book to make my friend happy and review it. I would say you owe me, but you did buy me a book I wanted so I say we're even.
Book: Nexus
Author: Sasha Alsberg and Lindsey Cummings
Book Series: The Androma Saga Book 2
Rating: 1/5
Recommended For...: No one
Publication Date: May 7, 2019
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Pages: 544
Recommended Age: can't recommend, dnf
Synopsis: Her ship is gone, her crew is captured and notorious mercenary Androma Racella is no longer the powerful Bloody Baroness, but a fugitive ruthlessly hunted across the Mirabel Galaxy. The bloodthirsty Queen Nor now rules most of the galaxy through a mind-control toxin and she’ll stop at nothing to destroy her most hated adversary.
Andi will risk anything, even her precious freedom, to find a cure. Stranded with her unlikely ally, Dex, on the unforgiving ice planet of Solera, their plan to infiltrate a black-market city proves dangerously irresistible.
Back in Arcardius, Nor’s actions have opened Mirabel to invasion. As Andi’s crew fights to regain their freedom, Andi and Dex discover a threat far greater than anything they’ve faced before.
Only by saving their mortal enemy can the crew of the Marauder make one last desperate strike to save the galaxy—unaware that a shattering, centuries-old secret may demand the most wrenching sacrifice of all.
Review: I had to DNF this book at 60%. Upon opening the book I had instant PTSD from the first book. The first book was awful and this one didn't improve much more from it. The characters were flat and uninteresting. They're also obvious copies of other famous YA characters to the point that I wonder how much of their "development" was just straight up pulled from other works. The book doesn't do anything to set the appropriate mood for the theme of it. The science in this book is so superbly flawed and inaccurate that I wonder if the authors ever did any research to begin with. The world building was atrocious and underdeveloped. The romance... ugh, so tropey. I also thought the storyline didn't have any uniqueness to it. I felt like I read a better version of this book somewhere else and that I was beta reading this one. Basically, this book was so awful but I'm glad that the two authors didn't try to lie about it's spot on the NYT bestseller list, post fake reviews, or use their positions to get fake reviews. That, at least, is some improvement.
Verdict: One of the very few books I don't recommend.
Book: Nexus
Author: Sasha Alsberg and Lindsey Cummings
Book Series: The Androma Saga Book 2
Rating: 1/5
Recommended For...: No one
Publication Date: May 7, 2019
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Pages: 544
Recommended Age: can't recommend, dnf
Synopsis: Her ship is gone, her crew is captured and notorious mercenary Androma Racella is no longer the powerful Bloody Baroness, but a fugitive ruthlessly hunted across the Mirabel Galaxy. The bloodthirsty Queen Nor now rules most of the galaxy through a mind-control toxin and she’ll stop at nothing to destroy her most hated adversary.
Andi will risk anything, even her precious freedom, to find a cure. Stranded with her unlikely ally, Dex, on the unforgiving ice planet of Solera, their plan to infiltrate a black-market city proves dangerously irresistible.
Back in Arcardius, Nor’s actions have opened Mirabel to invasion. As Andi’s crew fights to regain their freedom, Andi and Dex discover a threat far greater than anything they’ve faced before.
Only by saving their mortal enemy can the crew of the Marauder make one last desperate strike to save the galaxy—unaware that a shattering, centuries-old secret may demand the most wrenching sacrifice of all.
Review: I had to DNF this book at 60%. Upon opening the book I had instant PTSD from the first book. The first book was awful and this one didn't improve much more from it. The characters were flat and uninteresting. They're also obvious copies of other famous YA characters to the point that I wonder how much of their "development" was just straight up pulled from other works. The book doesn't do anything to set the appropriate mood for the theme of it. The science in this book is so superbly flawed and inaccurate that I wonder if the authors ever did any research to begin with. The world building was atrocious and underdeveloped. The romance... ugh, so tropey. I also thought the storyline didn't have any uniqueness to it. I felt like I read a better version of this book somewhere else and that I was beta reading this one. Basically, this book was so awful but I'm glad that the two authors didn't try to lie about it's spot on the NYT bestseller list, post fake reviews, or use their positions to get fake reviews. That, at least, is some improvement.
Verdict: One of the very few books I don't recommend.
Edit 1/4/21: In light of what own voice reviewers have stated, I will be lowering my review of this book, adding it to the problematic list, and reviewing the second book with a better idea of what I need to pay attention to. I admit that I did not see much into the issues at hand (they perpetuate racist stereotypes and misconceptions about Bolivia and it's indigenous people, they center on white colonizers and fall into the white savior trope, real life Indigenous beliefs are horribly misconstrued and misrepresented, and it's sold as Bolivian Fantasy when it's rewritten to help make the colonizers look better). All of these talking points are from iamrainbou, but others have also voiced their valid opinions about the book. I am sorry for promoting a book that I should have researched into more and should have read more into.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Woven in Moonlight
Author: Isabel Ibanez
Book Series: Woven in Moonlight Book 1
Diversity: YA Fantasy
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: January 7, 2020
Publisher: Page Street
Recommended Age: 15+ (some violence, some gore, little romance, domestic violence TW)
Synopsis: Ximena is the decoy Condesa, a stand-in for the last remaining Illustrian royal. Her people lost everything when the usurper, Atoc, used an ancient relic to summon ghosts and drive the Illustrians from La Ciudad. Now Ximena’s motivated by her insatiable thirst for revenge, and her rare ability to spin thread from moonlight.
When Atoc demands the real Condesa’s hand in marriage, it’s Ximena’s duty to go in her stead. She relishes the chance, as Illustrian spies have reported that Atoc’s no longer carrying his deadly relic. If Ximena can find it, she can return the true aristócrata to their rightful place.
She hunts for the relic, using her weaving ability to hide messages in tapestries for the resistance. But when a masked vigilante, a warm-hearted princess, and a thoughtful healer challenge Ximena, her mission becomes more complicated. There could be a way to overthrow the usurper without starting another war, but only if Ximena turns her back on revenge—and her Condesa.
Review: Holy cow this book was so magical and amazing! I loved the lore used. I had never read a book with Bolvarian lore and it was an amazing tale. I loved that the main was fierce and a fighter, but her main strength was in her weaving. A lot of people don't realize that in the times of our ancestors, people used many things to smuggle secret messages especially during times of war, tapestries being one of the most popular. The message about equality and peace in the time of war was present, as well as an arms race style of fantasy. This book spoke to so many volumes and themes that are becoming more and more realistic in this decade and I loved how the author went with a message of peace rather than all out war as a solution. You very rarely see that in books and even though there was a fight in the book, because there will always be people who think fighting is the only way, it was still a very insightful and inspiring book. The characters were well developed, the world building was astounding, and the magic system was fantastic!
While I loved the book, in fairness I have to say a downside, and I think it will be how neat the ending was? Like it obviously leaves room for a book 2 but the ending didn't leave the reader with a cliffhanger, a need to read book 2. I want to read book 2 because I'm interested in the next city and I don't mind how the book ended (one of the best endings I've read in awhile) but I can see how it wouldn't suit for some readers.
Verdict: I HIGHLY recommend this one!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Woven in Moonlight
Author: Isabel Ibanez
Book Series: Woven in Moonlight Book 1
Diversity: YA Fantasy
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: January 7, 2020
Publisher: Page Street
Recommended Age: 15+ (some violence, some gore, little romance, domestic violence TW)
Synopsis: Ximena is the decoy Condesa, a stand-in for the last remaining Illustrian royal. Her people lost everything when the usurper, Atoc, used an ancient relic to summon ghosts and drive the Illustrians from La Ciudad. Now Ximena’s motivated by her insatiable thirst for revenge, and her rare ability to spin thread from moonlight.
When Atoc demands the real Condesa’s hand in marriage, it’s Ximena’s duty to go in her stead. She relishes the chance, as Illustrian spies have reported that Atoc’s no longer carrying his deadly relic. If Ximena can find it, she can return the true aristócrata to their rightful place.
She hunts for the relic, using her weaving ability to hide messages in tapestries for the resistance. But when a masked vigilante, a warm-hearted princess, and a thoughtful healer challenge Ximena, her mission becomes more complicated. There could be a way to overthrow the usurper without starting another war, but only if Ximena turns her back on revenge—and her Condesa.
Review: Holy cow this book was so magical and amazing! I loved the lore used. I had never read a book with Bolvarian lore and it was an amazing tale. I loved that the main was fierce and a fighter, but her main strength was in her weaving. A lot of people don't realize that in the times of our ancestors, people used many things to smuggle secret messages especially during times of war, tapestries being one of the most popular. The message about equality and peace in the time of war was present, as well as an arms race style of fantasy. This book spoke to so many volumes and themes that are becoming more and more realistic in this decade and I loved how the author went with a message of peace rather than all out war as a solution. You very rarely see that in books and even though there was a fight in the book, because there will always be people who think fighting is the only way, it was still a very insightful and inspiring book. The characters were well developed, the world building was astounding, and the magic system was fantastic!
While I loved the book, in fairness I have to say a downside, and I think it will be how neat the ending was? Like it obviously leaves room for a book 2 but the ending didn't leave the reader with a cliffhanger, a need to read book 2. I want to read book 2 because I'm interested in the next city and I don't mind how the book ended (one of the best endings I've read in awhile) but I can see how it wouldn't suit for some readers.
Verdict: I HIGHLY recommend this one!
Disclaimer: I received an arc and e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Amari and the Night Brothers
Author: B.B. Alston
Book Series: Supernatural Investigations Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Black main character and side characters
Recommended For...: fantasy lovers, mg readers
Publication Date: January 19, 2021
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (racism, classism, sexism, and prejudice)
Publisher: Balzer And Bray
Pages: 416
Synopsis: Quinton Peters was the golden boy of the Rosewood low-income housing projects, receiving full scholarship offers to two different Ivy League schools. When he mysteriously goes missing, his little sister, 13-year-old Amari Peters, can’t understand why it’s not a bigger deal. Why isn’t his story all over the news? And why do the police automatically assume he was into something illegal?
Then Amari discovers a ticking briefcase in her brother’s old closet. A briefcase meant for her eyes only. There was far more to Quinton, it seems, than she ever knew. He’s left her a nomination for a summer tryout at the secretive Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. Amari is certain the answer to finding out what happened to him lies somewhere inside, if only she can get her head around the idea of mermaids, dwarves, yetis and magicians all being real things, something she has to instantly confront when she is given a weredragon as a roommate.
Amari must compete against some of the nation’s wealthiest kids—who’ve known about the supernatural world their whole lives and are able to easily answer questions like which two Great Beasts reside in the Atlantic Ocean and how old is Merlin? Just getting around the Bureau is a lesson alone for Amari with signs like ‘Department of Hidden Places this way, or is it?’ If that all wasn’t enough, every Bureau trainee has a talent enhanced to supernatural levels to help them do their jobs – but Amari is given an illegal ability. As if she needed something else to make her stand out.
With an evil magican threatening the whole supernatural world, and her own classmates thinking she is an enemy, Amari has never felt more alone. But if she doesn’t pass the three tryouts, she may never find out what happened to Quinton.
Review: I absolutely loved this book! This is now one of my favorite series! I loved the writing and how captivating this story was. The character development was expertly well done and I loved how the author brought in and dealt with racism, sexism, classism, and prejudice. The concepts aren’t hard to understand and middle graders should be exposed to this more in their literature. We should be raising children to recognize these issues and deal with them appropriately. The world building was also so well done.
My only complaint is that in some spots the pacing was a little slow, but it was quickly resolved! I legitimately have nothing to complain about, but for the sake of fairness I have to say the downsides.
Verdict: I HIGHLY recommend this book! Go get it now!
Book: Amari and the Night Brothers
Author: B.B. Alston
Book Series: Supernatural Investigations Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Black main character and side characters
Recommended For...: fantasy lovers, mg readers
Publication Date: January 19, 2021
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (racism, classism, sexism, and prejudice)
Publisher: Balzer And Bray
Pages: 416
Synopsis: Quinton Peters was the golden boy of the Rosewood low-income housing projects, receiving full scholarship offers to two different Ivy League schools. When he mysteriously goes missing, his little sister, 13-year-old Amari Peters, can’t understand why it’s not a bigger deal. Why isn’t his story all over the news? And why do the police automatically assume he was into something illegal?
Then Amari discovers a ticking briefcase in her brother’s old closet. A briefcase meant for her eyes only. There was far more to Quinton, it seems, than she ever knew. He’s left her a nomination for a summer tryout at the secretive Bureau of Supernatural Affairs. Amari is certain the answer to finding out what happened to him lies somewhere inside, if only she can get her head around the idea of mermaids, dwarves, yetis and magicians all being real things, something she has to instantly confront when she is given a weredragon as a roommate.
Amari must compete against some of the nation’s wealthiest kids—who’ve known about the supernatural world their whole lives and are able to easily answer questions like which two Great Beasts reside in the Atlantic Ocean and how old is Merlin? Just getting around the Bureau is a lesson alone for Amari with signs like ‘Department of Hidden Places this way, or is it?’ If that all wasn’t enough, every Bureau trainee has a talent enhanced to supernatural levels to help them do their jobs – but Amari is given an illegal ability. As if she needed something else to make her stand out.
With an evil magican threatening the whole supernatural world, and her own classmates thinking she is an enemy, Amari has never felt more alone. But if she doesn’t pass the three tryouts, she may never find out what happened to Quinton.
Review: I absolutely loved this book! This is now one of my favorite series! I loved the writing and how captivating this story was. The character development was expertly well done and I loved how the author brought in and dealt with racism, sexism, classism, and prejudice. The concepts aren’t hard to understand and middle graders should be exposed to this more in their literature. We should be raising children to recognize these issues and deal with them appropriately. The world building was also so well done.
My only complaint is that in some spots the pacing was a little slow, but it was quickly resolved! I legitimately have nothing to complain about, but for the sake of fairness I have to say the downsides.
Verdict: I HIGHLY recommend this book! Go get it now!
Disclaimer: I received an e-arc of this book. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Roman and Jewel
Author: Dana L. Davis
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: Black main character and side characters
Recommended For...: contemporary lovers, ya readers
Publication Date: January 5, 2021
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance, drug usage, slight language)
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Pages: 336
Synopsis: Jerzie Jhames will do anything to land the lead role in Broadway's hottest new show, Roman and Jewel, a Romeo and Juliet inspired hip-hopera featuring a diverse cast and modern twists on the play. But her hopes are crushed when she learns mega-star Cinny won the lead...and Jerzie is her understudy.
Falling for male lead Zeppelin Reid is a terrible idea--especially once Jerzie learns Cinny wants him for herself. Star-crossed love always ends badly. But when a video of Jerzie and Zepp practicing goes viral and the entire world weighs in on who should play Jewel, Jerzie learns that while the price of fame is high, friendship, family, and love are priceless.
Review: For the most part, this book was fun! I loved the way the story was told and how hard this book hooks you from beginning to end. The book has some good character development for most of the characters and the book also has some well done world building. The book also sounds like something a teen would write, which I think is key to YA books.
However, I really wish that the author put more of the musical in the book. The book could have been so much better with the musical aspects in it and I wanted so bad to see it in there. I also thought the love interest was very insufferable and I wanted to yeet him from the book. I didn’t like the redemption arc the villain got, it was a bit too short for my liking, and I didn’t like the instalove trope.
Verdict: Highly recommend!!
Book: Roman and Jewel
Author: Dana L. Davis
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: Black main character and side characters
Recommended For...: contemporary lovers, ya readers
Publication Date: January 5, 2021
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance, drug usage, slight language)
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Pages: 336
Synopsis: Jerzie Jhames will do anything to land the lead role in Broadway's hottest new show, Roman and Jewel, a Romeo and Juliet inspired hip-hopera featuring a diverse cast and modern twists on the play. But her hopes are crushed when she learns mega-star Cinny won the lead...and Jerzie is her understudy.
Falling for male lead Zeppelin Reid is a terrible idea--especially once Jerzie learns Cinny wants him for herself. Star-crossed love always ends badly. But when a video of Jerzie and Zepp practicing goes viral and the entire world weighs in on who should play Jewel, Jerzie learns that while the price of fame is high, friendship, family, and love are priceless.
Review: For the most part, this book was fun! I loved the way the story was told and how hard this book hooks you from beginning to end. The book has some good character development for most of the characters and the book also has some well done world building. The book also sounds like something a teen would write, which I think is key to YA books.
However, I really wish that the author put more of the musical in the book. The book could have been so much better with the musical aspects in it and I wanted so bad to see it in there. I also thought the love interest was very insufferable and I wanted to yeet him from the book. I didn’t like the redemption arc the villain got, it was a bit too short for my liking, and I didn’t like the instalove trope.
Verdict: Highly recommend!!