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popthebutterfly
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: We Could Be Heroes
Author: Mike Chen
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: science fiction lovers, superhero novels
Publication Date: January 26, 2021
Genre: Science Fiction
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, villain powers)
Publisher: Mira Books
Pages: 384
Synopsis: Jamie woke up in an empty apartment with no memory and only a few clues to his identity, but with the ability to read and erase other people’s memories—a power he uses to hold up banks to buy coffee, cat food and books.
Zoe is also searching for her past, and using her abilities of speed and strength…to deliver fast food. And she’ll occasionally put on a cool suit and beat up bad guys, if she feels like it.
When the archrivals meet in a memory-loss support group, they realize the only way to reveal their hidden pasts might be through each other. As they uncover an ongoing threat, suddenly much more is at stake than their fragile friendship. With countless people at risk, Zoe and Jamie will have to recognize that sometimes being a hero starts with trusting someone else—and yourself.
Review: For the most part this was a great read! I love anything involving superheroes and the power dynamic between them and villains. I loved the character development (the author is amazing at that) and the story kept me intrigued in the read from start to finish. I also loved how funny it was. It really reminded me a lot of Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson.
The only weaknesses of the book I saw was the world building (I wish it was a bit more expanded upon) and the pacing (which was really slow in a lot of places).
Verdict: It was a good book!
Book: We Could Be Heroes
Author: Mike Chen
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: science fiction lovers, superhero novels
Publication Date: January 26, 2021
Genre: Science Fiction
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, villain powers)
Publisher: Mira Books
Pages: 384
Synopsis: Jamie woke up in an empty apartment with no memory and only a few clues to his identity, but with the ability to read and erase other people’s memories—a power he uses to hold up banks to buy coffee, cat food and books.
Zoe is also searching for her past, and using her abilities of speed and strength…to deliver fast food. And she’ll occasionally put on a cool suit and beat up bad guys, if she feels like it.
When the archrivals meet in a memory-loss support group, they realize the only way to reveal their hidden pasts might be through each other. As they uncover an ongoing threat, suddenly much more is at stake than their fragile friendship. With countless people at risk, Zoe and Jamie will have to recognize that sometimes being a hero starts with trusting someone else—and yourself.
Review: For the most part this was a great read! I love anything involving superheroes and the power dynamic between them and villains. I loved the character development (the author is amazing at that) and the story kept me intrigued in the read from start to finish. I also loved how funny it was. It really reminded me a lot of Steelheart by Brandon Sanderson.
The only weaknesses of the book I saw was the world building (I wish it was a bit more expanded upon) and the pacing (which was really slow in a lot of places).
Verdict: It was a good book!
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Curse of the Divine
Author: Kim Smejkal
Book Series: Ink in the Blood Book 2
Rating: 3.5/5
Diversity: LGBT+ characters
Recommended For...: ya readers, fantasy lovers, magic lovers, LGBT+
Publication Date: February 9, 2021
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, gore, death, grief, religion, slight romance)
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Pages: 448
Synopsis: Celia Sand faced Diavala and won, using ink magic to destroy the corrupt religion of Profeta that tormented her for a decade. But winning came with a cost. Now Celia is plagued with guilt over her role in the death of her best friend. When she discovers that Diavala is still very much alive and threatening Griffin, the now-infamous plague doctor, Celia is desperate not to lose another person she loves to the deity’s wrath.
The key to destroying Diavala may lie with Halycon Ronnea, the only other person to have faced Diavala and survived. But Halcyon is dangerous and has secrets of his own, ones that involve the ink that Celia has come to hate. Forced to choose between the ink and Diavala, Celia will do whatever it takes to save Griffin—even if it means making a deal with the devil himself.
Review: For the most part I really enjoyed this read. The book had a lot of unique and fun elements to the book. The plot was intriguing and kept me hooked throughout it. The characters are well developed and the world building is well done.
However, I did feel like the book was a bit weirdly written. The book tended to hyper focus on certain events and it became a bit much to read at those points. The book was also slow paced in a lot of places.
Verdict: It was good!
Book: Curse of the Divine
Author: Kim Smejkal
Book Series: Ink in the Blood Book 2
Rating: 3.5/5
Diversity: LGBT+ characters
Recommended For...: ya readers, fantasy lovers, magic lovers, LGBT+
Publication Date: February 9, 2021
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, gore, death, grief, religion, slight romance)
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers
Pages: 448
Synopsis: Celia Sand faced Diavala and won, using ink magic to destroy the corrupt religion of Profeta that tormented her for a decade. But winning came with a cost. Now Celia is plagued with guilt over her role in the death of her best friend. When she discovers that Diavala is still very much alive and threatening Griffin, the now-infamous plague doctor, Celia is desperate not to lose another person she loves to the deity’s wrath.
The key to destroying Diavala may lie with Halycon Ronnea, the only other person to have faced Diavala and survived. But Halcyon is dangerous and has secrets of his own, ones that involve the ink that Celia has come to hate. Forced to choose between the ink and Diavala, Celia will do whatever it takes to save Griffin—even if it means making a deal with the devil himself.
Review: For the most part I really enjoyed this read. The book had a lot of unique and fun elements to the book. The plot was intriguing and kept me hooked throughout it. The characters are well developed and the world building is well done.
However, I did feel like the book was a bit weirdly written. The book tended to hyper focus on certain events and it became a bit much to read at those points. The book was also slow paced in a lot of places.
Verdict: It was good!
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Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Subversive
Author: Colleen Cowley
Book Series: Clandestine Magic Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: dystopian
Publication Date: September 27, 2020
Genre: Dystopian
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, slight gore, feminism, misogyny)
Publisher: Slender Sky Books
Pages: 444
Synopsis: In an America controlled by wizards and 100 years behind on women’s rights, Beatrix Harper counts herself among the resistance—the Women’s League for the Prohibition of Magic. Then Peter Blackwell, the only wizard her town has ever produced, unexpectedly returns home and presses her into service as his assistant.
Beatrix fears he wants to undermine the League. His real purpose is far more dangerous for them both.
Review: I really like this book. I felt like the premise of it and the plot was super interesting and very well done. I felt like the character development was also very well done and the world building was simply marvelous.
The only real issue I had with the book was to pacing. I felt like the pacing was eventually slow for this kind of book in certain places but for the most part I really did enjoy this book.
Verdict: I really liked this one!
Book: Subversive
Author: Colleen Cowley
Book Series: Clandestine Magic Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: dystopian
Publication Date: September 27, 2020
Genre: Dystopian
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, slight gore, feminism, misogyny)
Publisher: Slender Sky Books
Pages: 444
Synopsis: In an America controlled by wizards and 100 years behind on women’s rights, Beatrix Harper counts herself among the resistance—the Women’s League for the Prohibition of Magic. Then Peter Blackwell, the only wizard her town has ever produced, unexpectedly returns home and presses her into service as his assistant.
Beatrix fears he wants to undermine the League. His real purpose is far more dangerous for them both.
Review: I really like this book. I felt like the premise of it and the plot was super interesting and very well done. I felt like the character development was also very well done and the world building was simply marvelous.
The only real issue I had with the book was to pacing. I felt like the pacing was eventually slow for this kind of book in certain places but for the most part I really did enjoy this book.
Verdict: I really liked this one!
Disclaimer: I received a copy of the finished book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Flight
Author: Vanessa Harbour
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: Roma character, Jewish characters
Recommended For...: middle grade, historical fiction, horse stories
Publication Date: August 1, 2018
Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 13+ (Violence, Gore, Animal violence and killing, Starvation, Racism, Nazi imagery, Scary moments)
Publisher: Firefly Press LTD
Pages: 256
Synopsis: Austria 1945. After losing his family, Jakob shelters with Herr Engel in a rural stable, where they hide the precious Lipizzanner stallions they know Hitler wants to steal. When a German officer comes looking for Jakob and finds the horses, Jakob and his guardian know they must get the stallions to safety, but the only way is straight through Nazi territory. Joined by Kizzy, an orphan Roma girl, the three must guide the horses across the perilous Austrian mountains. Will they reach safety? What will be waiting for them on the other side?
Review: For the most part I enjoyed the book. It had some decent character development and the world building was marvelous. I also enjoyed the plot and it kept me hooked from beginning to end. The book is also equal parts horrifying and terrifying, and it blends together well to show and give off the feel of what the Jewish, Roma, LGBT+, etc. people felt those days.
However, the first 10 pages of the book nearly broke me as an animal lover and honestly there should be some trigger warnings in there. The first pages see the violent death of a horse and it gutted me to read that. I also felt the pacing was a bit too fast.
Verdict: It was good, but surprisingly gorey.
Book: Flight
Author: Vanessa Harbour
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: Roma character, Jewish characters
Recommended For...: middle grade, historical fiction, horse stories
Publication Date: August 1, 2018
Genre: Middle Grade Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 13+ (Violence, Gore, Animal violence and killing, Starvation, Racism, Nazi imagery, Scary moments)
Publisher: Firefly Press LTD
Pages: 256
Synopsis: Austria 1945. After losing his family, Jakob shelters with Herr Engel in a rural stable, where they hide the precious Lipizzanner stallions they know Hitler wants to steal. When a German officer comes looking for Jakob and finds the horses, Jakob and his guardian know they must get the stallions to safety, but the only way is straight through Nazi territory. Joined by Kizzy, an orphan Roma girl, the three must guide the horses across the perilous Austrian mountains. Will they reach safety? What will be waiting for them on the other side?
Review: For the most part I enjoyed the book. It had some decent character development and the world building was marvelous. I also enjoyed the plot and it kept me hooked from beginning to end. The book is also equal parts horrifying and terrifying, and it blends together well to show and give off the feel of what the Jewish, Roma, LGBT+, etc. people felt those days.
However, the first 10 pages of the book nearly broke me as an animal lover and honestly there should be some trigger warnings in there. The first pages see the violent death of a horse and it gutted me to read that. I also felt the pacing was a bit too fast.
Verdict: It was good, but surprisingly gorey.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: 10 Truths and a Dare
Author: Ashley Elston
Book Series: Companion to 10 Blind Dates
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: YA readers, contemporary, romance
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publication Date: May 4, 2021
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Pages: 304
Recommended Age: 13+ (romance)
Synopsis: It's Senior Week, that magical in-between time after classes have ended but before graduation, chock-full of gimmicky theme parties, last-minute bonding, and family traditions. Olivia couldn't be more ready. Class salutatorian and confident in her future at LSU, she's poised to sail through to the next phase of her life.
But when the tiny hiccup of an unsigned off-campus P.E. form puts Olivia in danger of not graduating at all, she has one week to set things straight without tipping off her very big and very nosy extended family. Volunteering to help at a local golf tournament should do it, but since Olivia's mom equipped her phone with a tracking app, there'll be no hiding the fact that she's at the golf course instead of all the graduation parties happening at the same time. Unless, that is, she can convince the Fab Four--her ride-or-die cousins and best friends Sophie, Charlie, and Wes--to trade phones with her as they go through the motions of playing Olivia for the week.
Sure, certain members of the golf team are none too pleased with Olivia's sudden "passion" for the game. And sure, a very cute, very off-limits boy keeps popping up in Olivia's orbit. But she is focused! She has a schedule and a plan! Nothing can possibly go wrong . . . right?
Review: So, I'm not gonna lie. I'm horrible at actually reading a blurb and just getting books based on authors, if I see it on bookstagram, or if the cover just looks pretty. So when I started this book I thought that there were a lot of things that were very familiar about it, and it took me until about 65 pages in to realize that this is a companion to one of my favorite contemporary books: 10 Blind Dates. So after I realized that it made me love the book so much more LOL. For clarification you do not have to read 10 blind dates before you read 10 truths and a dare, but the contexts helps a lot LOL. I really loved the continued character development and I loved how this character was set up. I also thought that the pacing was very well done and the plot kept me hooked throughout the book. I even thought that the third act climax was very well done because it circled back to the first act climax LOL.
The only thing that I didn't really like about this book is that the World building is very dependent on 10 blind dates. So if you choose to read this book before reading 10 blind dates then there will be a little confusion on that part.
Verdict: I loved it so much.
Book: 10 Truths and a Dare
Author: Ashley Elston
Book Series: Companion to 10 Blind Dates
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: YA readers, contemporary, romance
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publication Date: May 4, 2021
Publisher: Disney Hyperion
Pages: 304
Recommended Age: 13+ (romance)
Synopsis: It's Senior Week, that magical in-between time after classes have ended but before graduation, chock-full of gimmicky theme parties, last-minute bonding, and family traditions. Olivia couldn't be more ready. Class salutatorian and confident in her future at LSU, she's poised to sail through to the next phase of her life.
But when the tiny hiccup of an unsigned off-campus P.E. form puts Olivia in danger of not graduating at all, she has one week to set things straight without tipping off her very big and very nosy extended family. Volunteering to help at a local golf tournament should do it, but since Olivia's mom equipped her phone with a tracking app, there'll be no hiding the fact that she's at the golf course instead of all the graduation parties happening at the same time. Unless, that is, she can convince the Fab Four--her ride-or-die cousins and best friends Sophie, Charlie, and Wes--to trade phones with her as they go through the motions of playing Olivia for the week.
Sure, certain members of the golf team are none too pleased with Olivia's sudden "passion" for the game. And sure, a very cute, very off-limits boy keeps popping up in Olivia's orbit. But she is focused! She has a schedule and a plan! Nothing can possibly go wrong . . . right?
Review: So, I'm not gonna lie. I'm horrible at actually reading a blurb and just getting books based on authors, if I see it on bookstagram, or if the cover just looks pretty. So when I started this book I thought that there were a lot of things that were very familiar about it, and it took me until about 65 pages in to realize that this is a companion to one of my favorite contemporary books: 10 Blind Dates. So after I realized that it made me love the book so much more LOL. For clarification you do not have to read 10 blind dates before you read 10 truths and a dare, but the contexts helps a lot LOL. I really loved the continued character development and I loved how this character was set up. I also thought that the pacing was very well done and the plot kept me hooked throughout the book. I even thought that the third act climax was very well done because it circled back to the first act climax LOL.
The only thing that I didn't really like about this book is that the World building is very dependent on 10 blind dates. So if you choose to read this book before reading 10 blind dates then there will be a little confusion on that part.
Verdict: I loved it so much.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Wings of Fury
Author: Emily R. King
Book Series: Wings of Fury Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: Greek mythology, fantasy
Genre: Fantasy
Publication Date: March 1, 2021
Publisher: 47North
Pages: 283
Recommended Age: 16+ (Sexual assault/Rape, Forced marriage, Kidnapping, Slavery, Sexual content, Romance, Language)
Explanation of CWs: Rape mentioned but not shown in book. Creepy age gaps, especially between the MC and a man who wants to have her sexually when she's a minor. Slavery mentioned in book a couple of times.
Synopsis: Cronus, God of Gods, whose inheritance is the world. Among his possessions: women, imprisoned and fated to serve. The strong-minded Althea Lambros controls her own fate and lives to honor her dying mother’s plea to protect her two sisters at all costs. Althea’s journey toward crushing the tyranny has begun. It is a destiny foretold by the Fates. And she is following their visions.
On the southern isle of Crete, hidden among mortal women who have fled the Titans, is the Boy God, son of Cronus and believed dead. He shares Althea’s destiny to vanquish the Almighty—fate willing. Because Cronus has caught wind of the plot. He’s amassing his own forces against Althea’s righteous rebellion and all those who will no longer surrender or run. There will be war. If she’s to survive to write their history, the indomitable Althea must soar higher than any god.
Review: For the most part I thought that this was a pretty well done book. I really like the storyline and I loved how fierce Althea was. I also loved how the author incorporated classic Greek mythology and I thought that the book was very well paced. The author also did well with the world building of the book.
However, I do have some issues with the book. The first thing that really jumps out at me is that the book starts when our main character is 11 and an adult male takes interest in her and marks her to be his when she is quote on quote ripened. That's really disgusting and then later on in the book another central character of the story is a 15-year-old boy (who is a God but is referred to as a boy God and is humanly 15) who is being sent maidens to have sex with and is at least shown in one part of the book to be having sexual relations with what I can assume is an older female. Age is really aren't specified, but the impression I got is that these women are adults while he is a minor. That might not be what the author intended, but that is how I interpreted it. So for those two facts alone the book really creeped me out, and the main character does have a relationship with a man who is at least 15 years older than her and while she is 18 throughout the majority of the book it's still really creepy. I also thought that the characters weren't that well developed and the twist at the end of the book wasn't very well explained. It really felt like the book was very rushed towards the end.
Verdict: It was good, but I got creeped out.
Book: Wings of Fury
Author: Emily R. King
Book Series: Wings of Fury Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: Greek mythology, fantasy
Genre: Fantasy
Publication Date: March 1, 2021
Publisher: 47North
Pages: 283
Recommended Age: 16+ (Sexual assault/Rape, Forced marriage, Kidnapping, Slavery, Sexual content, Romance, Language)
Explanation of CWs: Rape mentioned but not shown in book. Creepy age gaps, especially between the MC and a man who wants to have her sexually when she's a minor. Slavery mentioned in book a couple of times.
Synopsis: Cronus, God of Gods, whose inheritance is the world. Among his possessions: women, imprisoned and fated to serve. The strong-minded Althea Lambros controls her own fate and lives to honor her dying mother’s plea to protect her two sisters at all costs. Althea’s journey toward crushing the tyranny has begun. It is a destiny foretold by the Fates. And she is following their visions.
On the southern isle of Crete, hidden among mortal women who have fled the Titans, is the Boy God, son of Cronus and believed dead. He shares Althea’s destiny to vanquish the Almighty—fate willing. Because Cronus has caught wind of the plot. He’s amassing his own forces against Althea’s righteous rebellion and all those who will no longer surrender or run. There will be war. If she’s to survive to write their history, the indomitable Althea must soar higher than any god.
Review: For the most part I thought that this was a pretty well done book. I really like the storyline and I loved how fierce Althea was. I also loved how the author incorporated classic Greek mythology and I thought that the book was very well paced. The author also did well with the world building of the book.
However, I do have some issues with the book. The first thing that really jumps out at me is that the book starts when our main character is 11 and an adult male takes interest in her and marks her to be his when she is quote on quote ripened. That's really disgusting and then later on in the book another central character of the story is a 15-year-old boy (who is a God but is referred to as a boy God and is humanly 15) who is being sent maidens to have sex with and is at least shown in one part of the book to be having sexual relations with what I can assume is an older female. Age is really aren't specified, but the impression I got is that these women are adults while he is a minor. That might not be what the author intended, but that is how I interpreted it. So for those two facts alone the book really creeped me out, and the main character does have a relationship with a man who is at least 15 years older than her and while she is 18 throughout the majority of the book it's still really creepy. I also thought that the characters weren't that well developed and the twist at the end of the book wasn't very well explained. It really felt like the book was very rushed towards the end.
Verdict: It was good, but I got creeped out.
Disclaimer: I received the e-arc for this book from the publisher and then bought my own copy. Thanks! All opinions are my own and support your authors!
Book: Tristan Strong Destroys the World
Author: Kwame Mbalia
Book Series: Tristan Strong Book 2
Diversity: Black MC and side characters
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: Middle grade, fantasy, mythology, African mythology and lore
Genre: MG Fantasy
Publication Date: October 6, 2020
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Pages: 390
Recommended Age: 10+ (Violence, Grief, Trauma)
Explanation of CWs: Punching and there are some weapons used. There are very scary moments and the subject of trauma is brought up literally and in an allegorical sense.
Synopsis: Tristan Strong, just back from a victorious but exhausting adventure in Alke, the land of African American folk heroes and African gods, is suffering from PTSD. But there's no rest for the weary when his grandmother is abducted by a mysterious villain out for revenge. Tristan must return to Alke--and reunite with his loud-mouthed sidekick, Gum Baby--in order to rescue Nana and stop the culprit from creating further devastation. Anansi, now a "web developer" in Tristan's phone, is close at hand to offer advice, and several new folk heroes will aid Tristan in his quest, but he will only succeed if he can figure out a way to sew broken souls back together.
Review: I really liked this sequel. While the first book felt like it could stand alone this book picked up well from the first and the ending led me to want more of it. The characters are all well developed, the world building is well done, and I loved the African mythology and lore. I love the stories and I love how the author condenses these stories for this book.
The only thing I had issue with is that the book was very fast paced. There's a lot going on in the book and you gotta pay attention or you'll be lost.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
Book: Tristan Strong Destroys the World
Author: Kwame Mbalia
Book Series: Tristan Strong Book 2
Diversity: Black MC and side characters
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: Middle grade, fantasy, mythology, African mythology and lore
Genre: MG Fantasy
Publication Date: October 6, 2020
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Pages: 390
Recommended Age: 10+ (Violence, Grief, Trauma)
Explanation of CWs: Punching and there are some weapons used. There are very scary moments and the subject of trauma is brought up literally and in an allegorical sense.
Synopsis: Tristan Strong, just back from a victorious but exhausting adventure in Alke, the land of African American folk heroes and African gods, is suffering from PTSD. But there's no rest for the weary when his grandmother is abducted by a mysterious villain out for revenge. Tristan must return to Alke--and reunite with his loud-mouthed sidekick, Gum Baby--in order to rescue Nana and stop the culprit from creating further devastation. Anansi, now a "web developer" in Tristan's phone, is close at hand to offer advice, and several new folk heroes will aid Tristan in his quest, but he will only succeed if he can figure out a way to sew broken souls back together.
Review: I really liked this sequel. While the first book felt like it could stand alone this book picked up well from the first and the ending led me to want more of it. The characters are all well developed, the world building is well done, and I loved the African mythology and lore. I love the stories and I love how the author condenses these stories for this book.
The only thing I had issue with is that the book was very fast paced. There's a lot going on in the book and you gotta pay attention or you'll be lost.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I bought this book after I met the author and they signed it for me. Thank you Mason! All opinions are my own.
Book: I Wish You All The Best
Author: Mason Deaver
Book Series: I Wish You All The Best Book 1
Diversity: Non-binary rep, Own voice, Korean side character, Black male love interest, Muslim side character
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: young adults, contemporary, coming out, non-supportive parents, found family, romance
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publication Date: May 14, 2019
Publisher: PUSH
Pages: 336
Recommended Age: 14+ (Coming out, Being kicked out, Homophobia, Transphobia, Underage alcohol usage, Mentions of hijabi pulling, HP mentioned and JKR mentioned in acknowledgements, romance)
Explanation of CWs: There are passages of homophobic and transphobic remarks made by the MCs father. There is one hijabi pulling mentioned very briefly. There is one Harry Potter reference in the story and JKR is mentioned in the acknowledgements in the very back of the book. This is also a romance story and there are some romantic scenes, but nothing graphic or sexual.
Synopsis: When Ben De Backer comes out to their parents as nonbinary, they're thrown out of their house and forced to move in with their estranged older sister, Hannah, and her husband, Thomas, whom Ben has never even met. Struggling with an anxiety disorder compounded by their parents' rejection, they come out only to Hannah, Thomas, and their therapist and try to keep a low profile in a new school.
But Ben's attempts to survive the last half of senior year unnoticed are thwarted when Nathan Allan, a funny and charismatic student, decides to take Ben under his wing. As Ben and Nathan's friendship grows, their feelings for each other begin to change, and what started as a disastrous turn of events looks like it might just be a chance to start a happier new life.
Review: I completely fell in love with this book. I really love the story and from the first page I instantly loved Ben and they are forever my favorite cinnamon roll character LOL. I loved the plot and the writing is so well done. I also really liked the character development and the world building as well.
The only thing that I really have for critique of this book is that sometimes the book would jump a few weeks or so and it wasn't really made that obvious in the writing. You quickly catch on, but it was only a little annoying.
Verdict: a very well done book and I highly recommend it.
Book: I Wish You All The Best
Author: Mason Deaver
Book Series: I Wish You All The Best Book 1
Diversity: Non-binary rep, Own voice, Korean side character, Black male love interest, Muslim side character
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: young adults, contemporary, coming out, non-supportive parents, found family, romance
Genre: YA Contemporary
Publication Date: May 14, 2019
Publisher: PUSH
Pages: 336
Recommended Age: 14+ (Coming out, Being kicked out, Homophobia, Transphobia, Underage alcohol usage, Mentions of hijabi pulling, HP mentioned and JKR mentioned in acknowledgements, romance)
Explanation of CWs: There are passages of homophobic and transphobic remarks made by the MCs father. There is one hijabi pulling mentioned very briefly. There is one Harry Potter reference in the story and JKR is mentioned in the acknowledgements in the very back of the book. This is also a romance story and there are some romantic scenes, but nothing graphic or sexual.
Synopsis: When Ben De Backer comes out to their parents as nonbinary, they're thrown out of their house and forced to move in with their estranged older sister, Hannah, and her husband, Thomas, whom Ben has never even met. Struggling with an anxiety disorder compounded by their parents' rejection, they come out only to Hannah, Thomas, and their therapist and try to keep a low profile in a new school.
But Ben's attempts to survive the last half of senior year unnoticed are thwarted when Nathan Allan, a funny and charismatic student, decides to take Ben under his wing. As Ben and Nathan's friendship grows, their feelings for each other begin to change, and what started as a disastrous turn of events looks like it might just be a chance to start a happier new life.
Review: I completely fell in love with this book. I really love the story and from the first page I instantly loved Ben and they are forever my favorite cinnamon roll character LOL. I loved the plot and the writing is so well done. I also really liked the character development and the world building as well.
The only thing that I really have for critique of this book is that sometimes the book would jump a few weeks or so and it wasn't really made that obvious in the writing. You quickly catch on, but it was only a little annoying.
Verdict: a very well done book and I highly recommend it.
Disclaimer: I received this arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Temple House Vanishing
Author: Rachel Donohue
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: Mystery lovers
Genre: Mystery
Publication Date: February 6, 2020
Publisher: Algonquin Publisher
Pages: 336
Recommended Age: 16+ (sexual content, TW suicide, slight gore, child abuse TW)
Explanation of CWs: Suicide at the beginning of the novel and child abuse is present throughout the novel.
Synopsis: Twenty-five years ago, a sixteen-year-old schoolgirl and her charismatic teacher disappeared without trace...
In an elite Catholic girls' boarding-school the pupils live under the repressive, watchful gaze of the nuns. Seeking to break from the cloistered atmosphere two of the students - Louisa and Victoria - quickly become infatuated with their young, bohemian art teacher, and act out passionately as a result. That is, until he and Louisa suddenly disappear.
Years later, a journalist uncovers the troubled past of the school and determines to resolve the mystery of the missing pair. The search for the truth will uncover a tragic, mercurial tale of suppressed desire and long-buried secrets. It will shatter lives and lay a lost soul to rest.
The Temple House Vanishing is a stunning, intensely atmospheric novel of unrequited longing, dark obsession and uneasy consequences.
Review: This book was pretty good. I liked the plot and I thought the writing was well done. I also liked the character development overall.
However, I did think that the opening was rather off-putting. It was really similar to other books like it. I also felt like the world building wasn't as well done as possible. The pacing was also a little too slow for me.
Verdict: It was great!
Book: The Temple House Vanishing
Author: Rachel Donohue
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: Mystery lovers
Genre: Mystery
Publication Date: February 6, 2020
Publisher: Algonquin Publisher
Pages: 336
Recommended Age: 16+ (sexual content, TW suicide, slight gore, child abuse TW)
Explanation of CWs: Suicide at the beginning of the novel and child abuse is present throughout the novel.
Synopsis: Twenty-five years ago, a sixteen-year-old schoolgirl and her charismatic teacher disappeared without trace...
In an elite Catholic girls' boarding-school the pupils live under the repressive, watchful gaze of the nuns. Seeking to break from the cloistered atmosphere two of the students - Louisa and Victoria - quickly become infatuated with their young, bohemian art teacher, and act out passionately as a result. That is, until he and Louisa suddenly disappear.
Years later, a journalist uncovers the troubled past of the school and determines to resolve the mystery of the missing pair. The search for the truth will uncover a tragic, mercurial tale of suppressed desire and long-buried secrets. It will shatter lives and lay a lost soul to rest.
The Temple House Vanishing is a stunning, intensely atmospheric novel of unrequited longing, dark obsession and uneasy consequences.
Review: This book was pretty good. I liked the plot and I thought the writing was well done. I also liked the character development overall.
However, I did think that the opening was rather off-putting. It was really similar to other books like it. I also felt like the world building wasn't as well done as possible. The pacing was also a little too slow for me.
Verdict: It was great!
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher and then bought my own copy of the book. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Firekeeper's Daughter
Author: Angeline Boulley
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: Biracial MC (Ojibwe/White French ancestry)
Canadian born MC
Part Ojibwe side character
Biracial Cherokee love interest
Anxiety rep MC
Black/Ojibwe side characters
Gay side character
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: young adult readers, indigenous reads, mystery, thriller
Genre: YA Mystery/Thriller
Publication Date: March 16, 2021
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co
Pages: 488
Recommended Age: 16+ (Colorism, Sexual content, Language, Underage alcohol consumption, Drugs especially meth, Death, Grief, Suicide TW, Gore, Boarding schools for indigenous children mentioned, Racism, Bigotry, Sexual assualt/Rape TW, Violence, Kidnapping TW)
Explanation of CWs: Colorism is discussed in the book in regards to the MCs biracial background. There is sex mentioned and sexual content described as well as a sexual assault and a rape taken place in the text. Meth plays a huge role in this book but other drugs are also mentioned. Underage alcohol consumption only mentioned and shown briefly. There is a murder/suicide shown and replayed throughout the book. Boarding schools are mentioned occasionally throughout the book. Racism and bigotry are shown throughout the book by white characters. There is also a very descriptive kidnapping shown.
Synopsis: As a biracial, unenrolled tribal member and the product of a scandal, eighteen-year-old Daunis Fontaine has never quite fit in, both in her hometown and on the nearby Ojibwe reservation. Daunis dreams of studying medicine, but when her family is struck by tragedy, she puts her future on hold to care for her fragile mother.
The only bright spot is meeting Jamie, the charming new recruit on her brother Levi’s hockey team. Yet even as Daunis falls for Jamie, certain details don’t add up and she senses the dashing hockey star is hiding something. Everything comes to light when Daunis witnesses a shocking murder, thrusting her into the heart of a criminal investigation.
Reluctantly, Daunis agrees to go undercover, but secretly pursues her own investigation, tracking down the criminals with her knowledge of chemistry and traditional medicine. But the deceptions—and deaths—keep piling up and soon the threat strikes too close to home.
Now, Daunis must learn what it means to be a strong Anishinaabe kwe (Ojibwe woman) and how far she'll go to protect her community, even if it tears apart the only world she’s ever known.
Review: So I thought this book would be something different, I can't remember what, but this is why I don't read the book blurb before I read a book. I was absolutely blown away by the story weaved by the author. The characters were amazing, I was kept on my toes the whole time, and the world building was impeccable. The plot was amazing and I loved how the author set the book during 2004 during the height of the meth crisis (at least that's when it became big in my hometown area) because I think the book does well to show how beautiful the Ojibwe tribe is but also show how it's not perfect, but give it a somewhat good resolution at the end (I wanted to see that Blanket Party not gonna lie but I understand why that can't happen). The book turned into one of my 2021 faves and I loved how it was a murder mystery thriller book but so lyrical as well. The book just sings to your soul and commands you to listen.
My only real issue is that for the first 50ish pages the book is a little hard to get into, but not in a bad way. The book uses a lot of French and Ojibwe words in it and for the first 50ish pages you're going to need Google until you figure out and memorize what the words mean. But please keep at the book, you'll not be sorry when you do.
Verdict: Highly recommend and should be required reading for schools.
Book: Firekeeper's Daughter
Author: Angeline Boulley
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: Biracial MC (Ojibwe/White French ancestry)
Canadian born MC
Part Ojibwe side character
Biracial Cherokee love interest
Anxiety rep MC
Black/Ojibwe side characters
Gay side character
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: young adult readers, indigenous reads, mystery, thriller
Genre: YA Mystery/Thriller
Publication Date: March 16, 2021
Publisher: Henry Holt and Co
Pages: 488
Recommended Age: 16+ (Colorism, Sexual content, Language, Underage alcohol consumption, Drugs especially meth, Death, Grief, Suicide TW, Gore, Boarding schools for indigenous children mentioned, Racism, Bigotry, Sexual assualt/Rape TW, Violence, Kidnapping TW)
Explanation of CWs: Colorism is discussed in the book in regards to the MCs biracial background. There is sex mentioned and sexual content described as well as a sexual assault and a rape taken place in the text. Meth plays a huge role in this book but other drugs are also mentioned. Underage alcohol consumption only mentioned and shown briefly. There is a murder/suicide shown and replayed throughout the book. Boarding schools are mentioned occasionally throughout the book. Racism and bigotry are shown throughout the book by white characters. There is also a very descriptive kidnapping shown.
Synopsis: As a biracial, unenrolled tribal member and the product of a scandal, eighteen-year-old Daunis Fontaine has never quite fit in, both in her hometown and on the nearby Ojibwe reservation. Daunis dreams of studying medicine, but when her family is struck by tragedy, she puts her future on hold to care for her fragile mother.
The only bright spot is meeting Jamie, the charming new recruit on her brother Levi’s hockey team. Yet even as Daunis falls for Jamie, certain details don’t add up and she senses the dashing hockey star is hiding something. Everything comes to light when Daunis witnesses a shocking murder, thrusting her into the heart of a criminal investigation.
Reluctantly, Daunis agrees to go undercover, but secretly pursues her own investigation, tracking down the criminals with her knowledge of chemistry and traditional medicine. But the deceptions—and deaths—keep piling up and soon the threat strikes too close to home.
Now, Daunis must learn what it means to be a strong Anishinaabe kwe (Ojibwe woman) and how far she'll go to protect her community, even if it tears apart the only world she’s ever known.
Review: So I thought this book would be something different, I can't remember what, but this is why I don't read the book blurb before I read a book. I was absolutely blown away by the story weaved by the author. The characters were amazing, I was kept on my toes the whole time, and the world building was impeccable. The plot was amazing and I loved how the author set the book during 2004 during the height of the meth crisis (at least that's when it became big in my hometown area) because I think the book does well to show how beautiful the Ojibwe tribe is but also show how it's not perfect, but give it a somewhat good resolution at the end (I wanted to see that Blanket Party not gonna lie but I understand why that can't happen). The book turned into one of my 2021 faves and I loved how it was a murder mystery thriller book but so lyrical as well. The book just sings to your soul and commands you to listen.
My only real issue is that for the first 50ish pages the book is a little hard to get into, but not in a bad way. The book uses a lot of French and Ojibwe words in it and for the first 50ish pages you're going to need Google until you figure out and memorize what the words mean. But please keep at the book, you'll not be sorry when you do.
Verdict: Highly recommend and should be required reading for schools.