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popthebutterfly
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Book Series: Sweet Black Waves Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: June 5, 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (slight gore, war, witchcraft, sex, and love. I also can’t remember if it’s in book one or two but there is a little cutting scene)
Publisher: Imprint
Synopsis: Not you without me, not me without you.
Two proud kingdoms stand on opposite shores, with only a bloody history between them.
As best friend and lady-in-waiting to the princess, Branwen is guided by two principles: devotion to her homeland and hatred for the raiders who killed her parents. When she unknowingly saves the life of her enemy, he awakens her ancient healing magic and opens her heart. Branwen begins to dream of peace, but the princess she serves is not so easily convinced. Fighting for what's right, even as her powers grow beyond her control, will set Branwen against both her best friend and the only man she's ever loved.
Inspired by the star-crossed tale of Tristan and Eseult, this is the story of the legend’s true heroine: Branwen. For fans of Graceling and The Mists of Avalon, this is the first book of a lush fantasy trilogy about warring countries, family secrets, and forbidden romance.
Review: Holy cow this book was so good. The writing was near poetic and the world building was fantastic. I loved seeing this classic tale told through the eyes of someone not in the original tale and I loved how the author filled in the details left behind in the tale!
However, the book is really slow. It’s really good, but really slow. You’re also going to be confused if you’ve never read the original tale, so Wikipedia it.
Verdict: It’s worth the read!
Book Series: Sweet Black Waves Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: June 5, 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (slight gore, war, witchcraft, sex, and love. I also can’t remember if it’s in book one or two but there is a little cutting scene)
Publisher: Imprint
Synopsis: Not you without me, not me without you.
Two proud kingdoms stand on opposite shores, with only a bloody history between them.
As best friend and lady-in-waiting to the princess, Branwen is guided by two principles: devotion to her homeland and hatred for the raiders who killed her parents. When she unknowingly saves the life of her enemy, he awakens her ancient healing magic and opens her heart. Branwen begins to dream of peace, but the princess she serves is not so easily convinced. Fighting for what's right, even as her powers grow beyond her control, will set Branwen against both her best friend and the only man she's ever loved.
Inspired by the star-crossed tale of Tristan and Eseult, this is the story of the legend’s true heroine: Branwen. For fans of Graceling and The Mists of Avalon, this is the first book of a lush fantasy trilogy about warring countries, family secrets, and forbidden romance.
Review: Holy cow this book was so good. The writing was near poetic and the world building was fantastic. I loved seeing this classic tale told through the eyes of someone not in the original tale and I loved how the author filled in the details left behind in the tale!
However, the book is really slow. It’s really good, but really slow. You’re also going to be confused if you’ve never read the original tale, so Wikipedia it.
Verdict: It’s worth the read!
Disclaimer: I got this book from Booksparks! Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Sweet Black Waves Book 2
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: August 27, 2019
Diversity: prominent bisexual character
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (sex, TW for cutting, gore, war, love, and witchcraft)
Publisher: Imprint
Synopsis: Inspired by the legend of Tristan and Iseult, Wild Savage Stars is the spellbinding sequel to Sweet Black Waves.
Branwen has a secret powerful enough to destroy two kingdoms.
Her ancient magic led to a terrible betrayal by both her best friend, the princess Essy, and her first love, Tristan. Now this same magic is changing Branwen. Adrift in a rival court, Branwen must hide the truth from the enemy king by protecting the lovers who broke her heart―and finds herself considering a darker path.
Not everyone wants the alliance with Branwen’s kingdom to succeed―peace is balanced on a knife’s edge, and her only chance may be to embrace the darkness within…
Review: Holy cow this book is so good! I loved seeing the continued tale of Tristan, Essy, and Branwen. I loved seeing their characters become more developed and seeing how new characters further their journey. I also loved to see the original tale more developed and I thought the author did well to convey the message of the original tale through Branwen.
However, the book is still very slow paced.
Verdict: Loved this book so much!
Book Series: Sweet Black Waves Book 2
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: August 27, 2019
Diversity: prominent bisexual character
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (sex, TW for cutting, gore, war, love, and witchcraft)
Publisher: Imprint
Synopsis: Inspired by the legend of Tristan and Iseult, Wild Savage Stars is the spellbinding sequel to Sweet Black Waves.
Branwen has a secret powerful enough to destroy two kingdoms.
Her ancient magic led to a terrible betrayal by both her best friend, the princess Essy, and her first love, Tristan. Now this same magic is changing Branwen. Adrift in a rival court, Branwen must hide the truth from the enemy king by protecting the lovers who broke her heart―and finds herself considering a darker path.
Not everyone wants the alliance with Branwen’s kingdom to succeed―peace is balanced on a knife’s edge, and her only chance may be to embrace the darkness within…
Review: Holy cow this book is so good! I loved seeing the continued tale of Tristan, Essy, and Branwen. I loved seeing their characters become more developed and seeing how new characters further their journey. I also loved to see the original tale more developed and I thought the author did well to convey the message of the original tale through Branwen.
However, the book is still very slow paced.
Verdict: Loved this book so much!
Disclaimer: I bought this book!
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: February 21, 2012
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 15+ (secrets of universal size)
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Book for Young Readers
Synopsis: Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship—the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be.
Review: I thought this book was pretty good. The writing is good and the world building is amazing. The characters are interesting and for the most part it’s a decent read.
However, I just felt like I was over the book by the middle of it. I continued on reading it, but I just feel like it was really predictable and almost circular by halfway through.
Verdict: It’s okay, you should read it if you like.
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: February 21, 2012
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 15+ (secrets of universal size)
Publisher: Simon & Schuster Book for Young Readers
Synopsis: Aristotle is an angry teen with a brother in prison. Dante is a know-it-all who has an unusual way of looking at the world. When the two meet at the swimming pool, they seem to have nothing in common. But as the loners start spending time together, they discover that they share a special friendship—the kind that changes lives and lasts a lifetime. And it is through this friendship that Ari and Dante will learn the most important truths about themselves and the kind of people they want to be.
Review: I thought this book was pretty good. The writing is good and the world building is amazing. The characters are interesting and for the most part it’s a decent read.
However, I just felt like I was over the book by the middle of it. I continued on reading it, but I just feel like it was really predictable and almost circular by halfway through.
Verdict: It’s okay, you should read it if you like.
Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: One member of the family is gay, but unfortunately he doesn’t play a huge role in the book.
Publication Date: October 1, 2019
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Recommended Age: 15+ (some sex is mentioned, some slight language, lots of cute romance)
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Pages: 336
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Sophie wants one thing for Christmas-a little freedom from her overprotective parents. So when they decide to spend Christmas in South Louisiana with her very pregnant older sister, Sophie is looking forward to some much needed private (read: make-out) time with her long-term boyfriend, Griffin. Except it turns out that Griffin wants a little freedom from their relationship. Cue devastation.
Heartbroken, Sophie flees to her grandparents' house, where the rest of her boisterous extended family is gathered for the holiday. That's when her nonna devises a (not so) brilliant plan: Over the next ten days, Sophie will be set up on ten different blind dates by different family members. Like her sweet cousin Sara, who sets her up with a hot guy at an exclusive underground party. Or her crazy aunt Patrice, who signs Sophie up for a lead role in a living nativity. With a boy who barely reaches her shoulder. And a screaming baby.
When Griffin turns up unexpectedly and begs for a second chance, Sophie feels more confused than ever. Because maybe, just maybe, she's started to have feelings for someone else . . . Someone who is definitely not available.
This is going to be the worst Christmas break ever... or is it?
Review: Holy crap how cute is this book!?! I loved every minute of this read! I have a big family too and I just loved seeing a great big family working together to make one of their own happy. The characters were fantastic, the story was interesting, the romance was cute, the writing was well done, and I freaking love this book!
The only issues I had were that I wish I had more backstory on the other family members. The author could really market on this book and make it a series with some of the other characters from it, like Sara or Addie or even Nonna!
Verdict: I love this book so much.
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: One member of the family is gay, but unfortunately he doesn’t play a huge role in the book.
Publication Date: October 1, 2019
Genre: YA Contemporary Romance
Recommended Age: 15+ (some sex is mentioned, some slight language, lots of cute romance)
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Pages: 336
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Sophie wants one thing for Christmas-a little freedom from her overprotective parents. So when they decide to spend Christmas in South Louisiana with her very pregnant older sister, Sophie is looking forward to some much needed private (read: make-out) time with her long-term boyfriend, Griffin. Except it turns out that Griffin wants a little freedom from their relationship. Cue devastation.
Heartbroken, Sophie flees to her grandparents' house, where the rest of her boisterous extended family is gathered for the holiday. That's when her nonna devises a (not so) brilliant plan: Over the next ten days, Sophie will be set up on ten different blind dates by different family members. Like her sweet cousin Sara, who sets her up with a hot guy at an exclusive underground party. Or her crazy aunt Patrice, who signs Sophie up for a lead role in a living nativity. With a boy who barely reaches her shoulder. And a screaming baby.
When Griffin turns up unexpectedly and begs for a second chance, Sophie feels more confused than ever. Because maybe, just maybe, she's started to have feelings for someone else . . . Someone who is definitely not available.
This is going to be the worst Christmas break ever... or is it?
Review: Holy crap how cute is this book!?! I loved every minute of this read! I have a big family too and I just loved seeing a great big family working together to make one of their own happy. The characters were fantastic, the story was interesting, the romance was cute, the writing was well done, and I freaking love this book!
The only issues I had were that I wish I had more backstory on the other family members. The author could really market on this book and make it a series with some of the other characters from it, like Sara or Addie or even Nonna!
Verdict: I love this book so much.
Disclaimer: I received this book from Netgalley! Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: September 3, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (some language, some violence, some gore, history, and lore)
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Synopsis: Some legends never die…
Traveling with her treasure-hunting father has always been a dream for Theodora. She’s read every book in his library, has an impressive knowledge of the world’s most sought-after relics, and has all the ambition in the world. What she doesn’t have is her father’s permission. That honor goes to her father’s nineteen-year-old protégé—and once-upon-a-time love of Theodora’s life—Huck Gallagher, while Theodora is left to sit alone in her hotel in Istanbul.
Until Huck arrives from an expedition without her father and enlists Theodora’s help in rescuing him. Armed with her father’s travel journal, the reluctant duo learns that her father had been digging up information on a legendary and magical ring that once belonged to Vlad the Impaler—more widely known as Dracula—and that it just might be the key to finding him.
Journeying into Romania, Theodora and Huck embark on a captivating adventure through Gothic villages and dark castles in the misty Carpathian Mountains to recover the notorious ring. But they aren’t the only ones who are searching for it. A secretive and dangerous occult society with a powerful link to Vlad the Impaler himself is hunting for it, too. And they will go to any lengths—including murder—to possess it.
Review: holy cow this book was a worldwind! I absolutely loved this book and it's definitely on my reread list! It has an Indiana Jones vibe and the characters are fun and infuriating but in a likeable way. The worldbuilding was great and the writing was amazing. The pacing was also very well done, it was not too fast or too slow for me.
My only issue with the novel is that the ending fight scene was a bit chaotic and hard to follow and I expected a loose end to come back and it didn't.
Verdict: Indiana Jones for the young!
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: September 3, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (some language, some violence, some gore, history, and lore)
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Synopsis: Some legends never die…
Traveling with her treasure-hunting father has always been a dream for Theodora. She’s read every book in his library, has an impressive knowledge of the world’s most sought-after relics, and has all the ambition in the world. What she doesn’t have is her father’s permission. That honor goes to her father’s nineteen-year-old protégé—and once-upon-a-time love of Theodora’s life—Huck Gallagher, while Theodora is left to sit alone in her hotel in Istanbul.
Until Huck arrives from an expedition without her father and enlists Theodora’s help in rescuing him. Armed with her father’s travel journal, the reluctant duo learns that her father had been digging up information on a legendary and magical ring that once belonged to Vlad the Impaler—more widely known as Dracula—and that it just might be the key to finding him.
Journeying into Romania, Theodora and Huck embark on a captivating adventure through Gothic villages and dark castles in the misty Carpathian Mountains to recover the notorious ring. But they aren’t the only ones who are searching for it. A secretive and dangerous occult society with a powerful link to Vlad the Impaler himself is hunting for it, too. And they will go to any lengths—including murder—to possess it.
Review: holy cow this book was a worldwind! I absolutely loved this book and it's definitely on my reread list! It has an Indiana Jones vibe and the characters are fun and infuriating but in a likeable way. The worldbuilding was great and the writing was amazing. The pacing was also very well done, it was not too fast or too slow for me.
My only issue with the novel is that the ending fight scene was a bit chaotic and hard to follow and I expected a loose end to come back and it didn't.
Verdict: Indiana Jones for the young!
Disclaimer: I received this book from NetGalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Malamander Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: May 2, 2019
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (lost and found)
Publisher: Walker Books
Synopsis: A quirky, creepy fantasy set in Eerie-on-Sea finds a colorful cast of characters in hot pursuit of a sea monster thought to convey a surprising gift.
It’s winter in the town of Eerie-on-Sea, where the mist is thick and the salt spray is rattling the windows of the Grand Nautilus Hotel. Inside, young Herbert Lemon, Lost and Founder for the hotel, has an unexpected visitor. It seems that Violet Parma, a fearless girl around his age, lost her parents at the hotel when she was a baby, and she’s sure that the nervous Herbert is the only person who can help her find them. The trouble is, Violet is being pursued at that moment by a strange hook-handed man. And the town legend of the Malamander — a part-fish, part-human monster whose egg is said to make dreams come true — is rearing its scaly head. As various townspeople, some good-hearted, some nefarious, reveal themselves to be monster hunters on the sly, can Herbert and Violet elude them and discover what happened to Violet’s kin? This lighthearted, fantastical mystery, featuring black-and-white spot illustrations, kicks off a trilogy of fantasies set in the seaside town.
Review: This is a fun book! The characters are likable and the story is exciting. This would definitely be something many kids would absolutely love.
However, I think the story is predictable for me but for a kid I could see where this would be an amazing read.
Verdict: A cute book!
Book Series: Malamander Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: May 2, 2019
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (lost and found)
Publisher: Walker Books
Synopsis: A quirky, creepy fantasy set in Eerie-on-Sea finds a colorful cast of characters in hot pursuit of a sea monster thought to convey a surprising gift.
It’s winter in the town of Eerie-on-Sea, where the mist is thick and the salt spray is rattling the windows of the Grand Nautilus Hotel. Inside, young Herbert Lemon, Lost and Founder for the hotel, has an unexpected visitor. It seems that Violet Parma, a fearless girl around his age, lost her parents at the hotel when she was a baby, and she’s sure that the nervous Herbert is the only person who can help her find them. The trouble is, Violet is being pursued at that moment by a strange hook-handed man. And the town legend of the Malamander — a part-fish, part-human monster whose egg is said to make dreams come true — is rearing its scaly head. As various townspeople, some good-hearted, some nefarious, reveal themselves to be monster hunters on the sly, can Herbert and Violet elude them and discover what happened to Violet’s kin? This lighthearted, fantastical mystery, featuring black-and-white spot illustrations, kicks off a trilogy of fantasies set in the seaside town.
Review: This is a fun book! The characters are likable and the story is exciting. This would definitely be something many kids would absolutely love.
However, I think the story is predictable for me but for a kid I could see where this would be an amazing read.
Verdict: A cute book!
Disclaimer: I received this book from NetGalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Ignite The Stars Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: September 4, 2018
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 15+ (space, violence, gore, and new alliances)
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
Synopsis: Everyone in the universe knows his name. Everyone in the universe fears him. But no one realizes that notorious outlaw Ia Cōcha is a seventeen-year-old girl.
A criminal mastermind and unrivaled pilot, Ia has spent her life terrorizing the Olympus Commonwealth, the imperialist nation that destroyed her home. When the Commonwealth captures her and her true identity is exposed, they see Ia’s age and talent as an opportunity: by forcing her to serve them, they will prove that no one is beyond their control.
Soon, Ia is trapped at the Commonwealth’s military academy, desperately plotting her escape. But new acquaintances—including Brinn, a seemingly average student with a closely-held secret, and their charming Flight Master, Knives—cause Ia to question her own alliances. Can she find a way to escape the Commonwealth’s clutches before these bonds deepen?
Review: Holy cow why are more people not talking about this book?? It's absolutely amazing and I loved it so much!!! The writing is fantastic, the plot is intriguing, the world building is well done, and the characters are well developed! Definitely excited for the sequel!
My only issue with the book is that I felt a spark between the main character and another main character and I'm mad they didn't act on it. Maybe it was supposed to just be a good friendship but damn throw me a bone!
Verdict: Such an underrated series.
Book Series: Ignite The Stars Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: September 4, 2018
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 15+ (space, violence, gore, and new alliances)
Publisher: Albert Whitman & Company
Synopsis: Everyone in the universe knows his name. Everyone in the universe fears him. But no one realizes that notorious outlaw Ia Cōcha is a seventeen-year-old girl.
A criminal mastermind and unrivaled pilot, Ia has spent her life terrorizing the Olympus Commonwealth, the imperialist nation that destroyed her home. When the Commonwealth captures her and her true identity is exposed, they see Ia’s age and talent as an opportunity: by forcing her to serve them, they will prove that no one is beyond their control.
Soon, Ia is trapped at the Commonwealth’s military academy, desperately plotting her escape. But new acquaintances—including Brinn, a seemingly average student with a closely-held secret, and their charming Flight Master, Knives—cause Ia to question her own alliances. Can she find a way to escape the Commonwealth’s clutches before these bonds deepen?
Review: Holy cow why are more people not talking about this book?? It's absolutely amazing and I loved it so much!!! The writing is fantastic, the plot is intriguing, the world building is well done, and the characters are well developed! Definitely excited for the sequel!
My only issue with the book is that I felt a spark between the main character and another main character and I'm mad they didn't act on it. Maybe it was supposed to just be a good friendship but damn throw me a bone!
Verdict: Such an underrated series.
Disclaimer: I received this book from NetGalley, but then bought my own copy. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Dance of Thieves Book 1
Rating: 3.5/5
Publication Date: August 7, 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (gore, violence, romance, and thievery)
Publisher: Henry Holt And Co.
Synopsis: A new novel in the New York Times–bestselling Remnant Chronicles universe, in which a reformed thief and the young leader of an outlaw dynasty lock wits in a battle that may cost them their lives—and their hearts.
When the patriarch of the Ballenger empire dies, his son, Jase, becomes its new leader. Even nearby kingdoms bow to the strength of this outlaw family, who have always governed by their own rules. But a new era looms on the horizon, set in motion by a young queen, which makes her the target of the dynasty's resentment and anger.
At the same time, Kazi, a legendary former street thief, is sent by the queen to investigate transgressions against the new settlements. When Kazi arrives in the forbidding land of the Ballengers, she learns that there is more to Jase than she thought. As unexpected events spiral out of their control, bringing them intimately together, they continue to play a cat and mouse game of false moves and motives in order to fulfill their own secret missions.
Review: I thought this book was well done the second time I read it. The worldbuilding is great, the writing is amazing, the characters were well developed.
However, I feel my issue with the book is that the romance takes the forefront of the novel throughout most of it and I'm not liking that nowadays. I feel that's what you get with Mary Pearson so if you like that then this author is for you!
Verdict: It’s an excellent continuation of the Remnant Chronicles.
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Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book on NetGalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 1/5
Publication Date: August 7th, 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: can’t say, DNFed
Pages: 508
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: When the patriarch of the Ballenger empire dies, his son, Jase, becomes its new leader. Even nearby kingdoms bow to the strength of this outlaw family, who have always governed by their own rules. But a new era looms on the horizon, set in motion by a young queen, which makes her the target of the dynasty's resentment and anger.
At the same time, Kazi, a legendary former street thief, is sent by the queen to investigate transgressions against the new settlements. When Kazi arrives in the forbidding land of the Ballengers, she learns that there is more to Jase than she thought. As unexpected events spiral out of their control, bringing them intimately together, they continue to play a cat and mouse game of false moves and motives in order to fulfill their own secret missions.
I tried for a week to read this, but I had to DNF it in the end. I felt that the writing was way too detailed and fluffy for my liking, the characters were greatly detailed to a fault, and I was confused about the timeline. Normally, the detailing wouldn’t be a bad thing but I didn’t make it past page 40 and I felt like I knew these characters way too intimately for the time being. I was just so overwhelmed by the book and by detailing. I was also deterred by the slow pacing and overall confusion. The book shifts between the past and the present and it’s really hard to read casually.
Verdict: This book was too much for me.
Book Series: Dance of Thieves Book 1
Rating: 3.5/5
Publication Date: August 7, 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (gore, violence, romance, and thievery)
Publisher: Henry Holt And Co.
Synopsis: A new novel in the New York Times–bestselling Remnant Chronicles universe, in which a reformed thief and the young leader of an outlaw dynasty lock wits in a battle that may cost them their lives—and their hearts.
When the patriarch of the Ballenger empire dies, his son, Jase, becomes its new leader. Even nearby kingdoms bow to the strength of this outlaw family, who have always governed by their own rules. But a new era looms on the horizon, set in motion by a young queen, which makes her the target of the dynasty's resentment and anger.
At the same time, Kazi, a legendary former street thief, is sent by the queen to investigate transgressions against the new settlements. When Kazi arrives in the forbidding land of the Ballengers, she learns that there is more to Jase than she thought. As unexpected events spiral out of their control, bringing them intimately together, they continue to play a cat and mouse game of false moves and motives in order to fulfill their own secret missions.
Review: I thought this book was well done the second time I read it. The worldbuilding is great, the writing is amazing, the characters were well developed.
However, I feel my issue with the book is that the romance takes the forefront of the novel throughout most of it and I'm not liking that nowadays. I feel that's what you get with Mary Pearson so if you like that then this author is for you!
Verdict: It’s an excellent continuation of the Remnant Chronicles.
-----
Disclaimer: I received a free copy of this book on NetGalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 1/5
Publication Date: August 7th, 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: can’t say, DNFed
Pages: 508
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: When the patriarch of the Ballenger empire dies, his son, Jase, becomes its new leader. Even nearby kingdoms bow to the strength of this outlaw family, who have always governed by their own rules. But a new era looms on the horizon, set in motion by a young queen, which makes her the target of the dynasty's resentment and anger.
At the same time, Kazi, a legendary former street thief, is sent by the queen to investigate transgressions against the new settlements. When Kazi arrives in the forbidding land of the Ballengers, she learns that there is more to Jase than she thought. As unexpected events spiral out of their control, bringing them intimately together, they continue to play a cat and mouse game of false moves and motives in order to fulfill their own secret missions.
I tried for a week to read this, but I had to DNF it in the end. I felt that the writing was way too detailed and fluffy for my liking, the characters were greatly detailed to a fault, and I was confused about the timeline. Normally, the detailing wouldn’t be a bad thing but I didn’t make it past page 40 and I felt like I knew these characters way too intimately for the time being. I was just so overwhelmed by the book and by detailing. I was also deterred by the slow pacing and overall confusion. The book shifts between the past and the present and it’s really hard to read casually.
Verdict: This book was too much for me.
Disclaimer: I bought my own copy. Yay me! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Dance of Thieves Book 2
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: August 6, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (gore, violence, romance, and thievery)
Publisher: Henry Holt And Co.
Synopsis: Kazi and Jase have survived, stronger and more in love than ever. Their new life now lies before them―the Ballengers will be outlaws no longer, Tor's Watch will be a kingdom, and the two of them will meet all challenges side by side, together at last.
But an ominous warning mars their journey back, and in their rush to return to Tor's Watch, just outside the fortress walls, they are violently attacked and torn apart―and each is thrust into their own new hell.
Unsure whether the other is alive or dead, Kazi and Jase must keep their wits among their greatest enemies and unlikeliest allies. And all the while, Death watches and waits
Review: Again, I really thought this was solid book. The writing is poetic, the worldbuilding is great, the characters are amazing. I really liked this ending to the duology and I really liked how it tied into the Remnant Chronicles.
However, I just feel like her books may not be for me. I got irrationally mad at the romance being the forefront. While there's nothing wrong with that it's just not for me.
Verdict: It’s an excellent continuation of the Remnant Chronicles and I’m sad it’s over
Book Series: Dance of Thieves Book 2
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: August 6, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (gore, violence, romance, and thievery)
Publisher: Henry Holt And Co.
Synopsis: Kazi and Jase have survived, stronger and more in love than ever. Their new life now lies before them―the Ballengers will be outlaws no longer, Tor's Watch will be a kingdom, and the two of them will meet all challenges side by side, together at last.
But an ominous warning mars their journey back, and in their rush to return to Tor's Watch, just outside the fortress walls, they are violently attacked and torn apart―and each is thrust into their own new hell.
Unsure whether the other is alive or dead, Kazi and Jase must keep their wits among their greatest enemies and unlikeliest allies. And all the while, Death watches and waits
Review: Again, I really thought this was solid book. The writing is poetic, the worldbuilding is great, the characters are amazing. I really liked this ending to the duology and I really liked how it tied into the Remnant Chronicles.
However, I just feel like her books may not be for me. I got irrationally mad at the romance being the forefront. While there's nothing wrong with that it's just not for me.
Verdict: It’s an excellent continuation of the Remnant Chronicles and I’m sad it’s over
Disclaimer: I received this copy from NetGalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 2/5
Publication Date: April 18, 2019
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 18+ (technology and destruction)
Publisher: Indie published
Synopsis: In 2048, AI specialist Tomo is about to lose his job in Silicon Valley, as U.S. unemployment soars past thirty percent. He’s a terrible team player, and his ass-kissing skills are sub-par. While Tomo’s got talents for making robots act more human, the job makes him feel more like a machine.
When his hometown in Japan is destroyed by a tsunami, Tomo has the reason he needs to take a break.
But in Tokyo, Tomo overhears something impossible to ignore: a care-giving bot is pressuring his grandmother to sell her condo and move into an old folks’ home. Elderly neighbors complain their bots sing the same tune.
Tomo breaches the veil of customer service at the care-giving company, revealing a yakuza scheme that amounts to genocide. Tomo now has an opportunity to put his talents to better use—with help from an upbeat slacker and a rogue AI.
TOKYO GREEN (91,000 words) is a stand-alone SF novel that explores not only the dangers of technology, but also the ability of technology to thrust humanity deeper into nature, making the future a worthwhile destination for all.
Review: I thought if you like dystopian sci-fi this was a good book for you. The writing is solid and the characters are well developed. The story is interesting and the worldbuilding is really good.
However, the pacing kills it for me and I just struggled through this book. I might be in a mood, but it was just not for me.
Verdict: A decent book.
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 2/5
Publication Date: April 18, 2019
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 18+ (technology and destruction)
Publisher: Indie published
Synopsis: In 2048, AI specialist Tomo is about to lose his job in Silicon Valley, as U.S. unemployment soars past thirty percent. He’s a terrible team player, and his ass-kissing skills are sub-par. While Tomo’s got talents for making robots act more human, the job makes him feel more like a machine.
When his hometown in Japan is destroyed by a tsunami, Tomo has the reason he needs to take a break.
But in Tokyo, Tomo overhears something impossible to ignore: a care-giving bot is pressuring his grandmother to sell her condo and move into an old folks’ home. Elderly neighbors complain their bots sing the same tune.
Tomo breaches the veil of customer service at the care-giving company, revealing a yakuza scheme that amounts to genocide. Tomo now has an opportunity to put his talents to better use—with help from an upbeat slacker and a rogue AI.
TOKYO GREEN (91,000 words) is a stand-alone SF novel that explores not only the dangers of technology, but also the ability of technology to thrust humanity deeper into nature, making the future a worthwhile destination for all.
Review: I thought if you like dystopian sci-fi this was a good book for you. The writing is solid and the characters are well developed. The story is interesting and the worldbuilding is really good.
However, the pacing kills it for me and I just struggled through this book. I might be in a mood, but it was just not for me.
Verdict: A decent book.