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popthebutterfly
Disclaimer: My husband bought this for me. Get you a person who buys you books!
Author: Serena Valentino
Book Series: Villains Book 3
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: July 26, 2016
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 14+ (violence, some gore)
Publisher: Disney Press
Pages: 196
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The third novel in Serena Valentino's (Fairest of All, Beast Within) "VILLAINS" trilogy, featuring the story of the Little Mermaid from the perspective of the sea witch Ursula.
Review: I thought this book was really good. I loved the extra story about Ursula and the author did well to keep the same tone as Ursula had in the movie version. The writing was well done and the pacing was perfection.
However, I did read these out of order so I was confused for a bit (which was quickly fixed but still). I also felt that the world building could have been better and the character development could have been better as well.
Verdict: Under the sea!
Author: Serena Valentino
Book Series: Villains Book 3
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: July 26, 2016
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 14+ (violence, some gore)
Publisher: Disney Press
Pages: 196
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The third novel in Serena Valentino's (Fairest of All, Beast Within) "VILLAINS" trilogy, featuring the story of the Little Mermaid from the perspective of the sea witch Ursula.
Review: I thought this book was really good. I loved the extra story about Ursula and the author did well to keep the same tone as Ursula had in the movie version. The writing was well done and the pacing was perfection.
However, I did read these out of order so I was confused for a bit (which was quickly fixed but still). I also felt that the world building could have been better and the character development could have been better as well.
Verdict: Under the sea!
Disclaimer: Hubby bought this for me! Get you a person who buys you books!
Author: Serena Valentino
Book Series: Villains Book 5
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: August 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, gore, some scary moments)
Publisher: Disney Press
Pages: 390
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The tale of the legendary golden flower is widely known. The story has been told many times and in many ways. But always the flower is coveted by an old witch to keep herself young and beautiful. And always the flower is used to save a dying queen, who then gives birth to a princess with magical hair. Not willing to lose the flower, the old witch steals the princess and locks her away in a high tower, raising her as her own. But the princess always finds out who she truly is and manages to defeat the old witch.
And yet this is only half the story. So what of the old witch, Mother Gothel? Where does she come from? And how does she come across the magical golden flower? Here is one account that recounts a version of the story that has remained untold for centuries . . . until now. It is a tale of mothers and daughters, of youth and dark magic. It is a tale of the old witch.
Review: This was my first book by this author and this series and while I read them out of order I did feel like this book was really good. The world building was great, the character development was amazing, and the book was really interesting.
However, when it came time to the Repunzel part, the book got a bit too chaotic for my liking and it got really confusing. All of the time issues between the movie and the book didn’t help anything either.
Verdict: Wasting in my lonely tower--- oh wait wrong movie.
Author: Serena Valentino
Book Series: Villains Book 5
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: August 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, gore, some scary moments)
Publisher: Disney Press
Pages: 390
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The tale of the legendary golden flower is widely known. The story has been told many times and in many ways. But always the flower is coveted by an old witch to keep herself young and beautiful. And always the flower is used to save a dying queen, who then gives birth to a princess with magical hair. Not willing to lose the flower, the old witch steals the princess and locks her away in a high tower, raising her as her own. But the princess always finds out who she truly is and manages to defeat the old witch.
And yet this is only half the story. So what of the old witch, Mother Gothel? Where does she come from? And how does she come across the magical golden flower? Here is one account that recounts a version of the story that has remained untold for centuries . . . until now. It is a tale of mothers and daughters, of youth and dark magic. It is a tale of the old witch.
Review: This was my first book by this author and this series and while I read them out of order I did feel like this book was really good. The world building was great, the character development was amazing, and the book was really interesting.
However, when it came time to the Repunzel part, the book got a bit too chaotic for my liking and it got really confusing. All of the time issues between the movie and the book didn’t help anything either.
Verdict: Wasting in my lonely tower--- oh wait wrong movie.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher but then bought my own copy. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Author: Garth Nix
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: October 1, 2019
Recommended Age: 17+ (death, mutations, plague, violence, gore)
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Synopsis: More than a century has passed since Liliath crept into the empty sarcophagus of Saint Marguerite, fleeing the Fall of Ystara. But she emerges from her magical sleep still beautiful, looking no more than nineteen, and once again renews her single-minded quest to be united with her lover, Palleniel, the archangel of Ystara.
A seemingly impossible quest, but Liliath is one of the greatest practitioners of angelic magic to have ever lived, summoning angels and forcing them to do her bidding.
Liliath knew that most of the inhabitants of Ystara died from the Ash Blood plague or were transformed into beastlings, and she herself led the survivors who fled into neighboring Sarance. Now she learns that angels shun the Ystaran’s descendants. If they are touched by angelic magic, their blood will turn to ash. They are known as Refusers, and can only live the most lowly lives.
But Liliath cares nothing for the descendants of her people, save how they can serve her. It is four young Sarancians who hold her interest: Simeon, a studious doctor-in-training; Henri, a dedicated fortune hunter; Agnez, an adventurous musketeer cadet; and Dorotea, an icon-maker and scholar of angelic magic. They are the key to her quest.
The four feel a strange kinship from the moment they meet, but do not know why, or suspect their importance. All become pawns in Liliath’s grand scheme to fulfill her destiny and be united with the love of her life. No matter the cost to everyone else. . .
Review: For the most part I think this book is really interesting. It's definitely a different narrative than what you might read or expect from Garth Nix and it's highly imaginative. I think a lot of high fantasy lovers will like this book.
However, I felt like the book was really weirdly wrote. The book just jumps out of the hate without explanation and it's really hard for the reader to connect with the book and characters if you don't know what's going on. I also felt Lilith was an unlikable character and it made me not connect with her.
Verdict: It wasn't the book for me but it might be for you!
Author: Garth Nix
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: October 1, 2019
Recommended Age: 17+ (death, mutations, plague, violence, gore)
Genre: Fantasy
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Synopsis: More than a century has passed since Liliath crept into the empty sarcophagus of Saint Marguerite, fleeing the Fall of Ystara. But she emerges from her magical sleep still beautiful, looking no more than nineteen, and once again renews her single-minded quest to be united with her lover, Palleniel, the archangel of Ystara.
A seemingly impossible quest, but Liliath is one of the greatest practitioners of angelic magic to have ever lived, summoning angels and forcing them to do her bidding.
Liliath knew that most of the inhabitants of Ystara died from the Ash Blood plague or were transformed into beastlings, and she herself led the survivors who fled into neighboring Sarance. Now she learns that angels shun the Ystaran’s descendants. If they are touched by angelic magic, their blood will turn to ash. They are known as Refusers, and can only live the most lowly lives.
But Liliath cares nothing for the descendants of her people, save how they can serve her. It is four young Sarancians who hold her interest: Simeon, a studious doctor-in-training; Henri, a dedicated fortune hunter; Agnez, an adventurous musketeer cadet; and Dorotea, an icon-maker and scholar of angelic magic. They are the key to her quest.
The four feel a strange kinship from the moment they meet, but do not know why, or suspect their importance. All become pawns in Liliath’s grand scheme to fulfill her destiny and be united with the love of her life. No matter the cost to everyone else. . .
Review: For the most part I think this book is really interesting. It's definitely a different narrative than what you might read or expect from Garth Nix and it's highly imaginative. I think a lot of high fantasy lovers will like this book.
However, I felt like the book was really weirdly wrote. The book just jumps out of the hate without explanation and it's really hard for the reader to connect with the book and characters if you don't know what's going on. I also felt Lilith was an unlikable character and it made me not connect with her.
Verdict: It wasn't the book for me but it might be for you!
Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Author: Shari Simpson
Book Series: Sleepwakers Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: October 1, 2019
Recommended Age: 10+ (little violence, some scary moments, and some definate do not attempt at home moments)
Genre: MG Fantasy
Publisher: Disney Press
Synopsis: What would you do if you could stay out all night and not get in trouble?
Thirteen-year-old Sam has no friends, but you can't really blame her. She lives her life in a state of chronic exhaustion thanks to her nightly sleepwalking jaunts, which include trips to the store, treehouse-building projects, and breaking-and-entering escapades-none of which she remembers in the morning. Her condition is taking its toll on her family (and her life), so when her mom takes her to see a wacky strip-mall sleep specialist, Sam is wary, but 100 percent in.
The night after the doc works his mojo, Sam wakes up outside her body, watching herself sleep. FREAKY! But once she gets over the panic attack, she realizes there's a whole world of detached-souls out there, called SleepWakers-cliques of kids like the Achieves, who use their sleep time to learn new things; the Numbs, who eat junk food and play video games all night long, and the OCDeeds who search for missing things and organize other people's stuff. And then there are the Mean Dreams, led by Madalynn Sucret, the nicest girl in Sam's school, who shows Sam that she can use her power to get back at a bully who's been tormenting her. Sam is intrigued-until it becomes clear that Madalynn is the real bully and the "tormentor" is just, well... sad. Now Sam is faced with uniting the various tribes of SleepWakers to fight back against Madalynn and the Mean Dreams in the most epic battle the night has ever seen.
Review: I loved this book and I thought it was a fun book for middle grade fantasy lovers and a great start to a new series. The writing was wonderful and very kid friendly. The plot was interesting from beginning to end and the characters were wonderfully complex but not outside the realm of understanding of younger readers. I also really appreciated the positive message and positive way you can deal with bullies and how you can come to a mutual understanding with anyone. The book really hammers in that everyone is going through something and it stresses that the reader, as well as the main character, look at the underlying reason why bullies and others might be acting out rather than to get revenge on them or paint a villain in such black and white colors.
However, I do think that there were some situations that would need to be explained but nothing that they shouldn't begin knowing about at the target age. I also thought the pacing was a bit slow in a few areas but it was still interesting enough to carry the reader through the story. I also thought the final battle was a bit flat and too complex and it left me with many questions and a possible plot hole?
Verdict: Definitely recommend this book for beginning fantasy readers!
Author: Shari Simpson
Book Series: Sleepwakers Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: October 1, 2019
Recommended Age: 10+ (little violence, some scary moments, and some definate do not attempt at home moments)
Genre: MG Fantasy
Publisher: Disney Press
Synopsis: What would you do if you could stay out all night and not get in trouble?
Thirteen-year-old Sam has no friends, but you can't really blame her. She lives her life in a state of chronic exhaustion thanks to her nightly sleepwalking jaunts, which include trips to the store, treehouse-building projects, and breaking-and-entering escapades-none of which she remembers in the morning. Her condition is taking its toll on her family (and her life), so when her mom takes her to see a wacky strip-mall sleep specialist, Sam is wary, but 100 percent in.
The night after the doc works his mojo, Sam wakes up outside her body, watching herself sleep. FREAKY! But once she gets over the panic attack, she realizes there's a whole world of detached-souls out there, called SleepWakers-cliques of kids like the Achieves, who use their sleep time to learn new things; the Numbs, who eat junk food and play video games all night long, and the OCDeeds who search for missing things and organize other people's stuff. And then there are the Mean Dreams, led by Madalynn Sucret, the nicest girl in Sam's school, who shows Sam that she can use her power to get back at a bully who's been tormenting her. Sam is intrigued-until it becomes clear that Madalynn is the real bully and the "tormentor" is just, well... sad. Now Sam is faced with uniting the various tribes of SleepWakers to fight back against Madalynn and the Mean Dreams in the most epic battle the night has ever seen.
Review: I loved this book and I thought it was a fun book for middle grade fantasy lovers and a great start to a new series. The writing was wonderful and very kid friendly. The plot was interesting from beginning to end and the characters were wonderfully complex but not outside the realm of understanding of younger readers. I also really appreciated the positive message and positive way you can deal with bullies and how you can come to a mutual understanding with anyone. The book really hammers in that everyone is going through something and it stresses that the reader, as well as the main character, look at the underlying reason why bullies and others might be acting out rather than to get revenge on them or paint a villain in such black and white colors.
However, I do think that there were some situations that would need to be explained but nothing that they shouldn't begin knowing about at the target age. I also thought the pacing was a bit slow in a few areas but it was still interesting enough to carry the reader through the story. I also thought the final battle was a bit flat and too complex and it left me with many questions and a possible plot hole?
Verdict: Definitely recommend this book for beginning fantasy readers!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Author: William Lashner
Book Series: Standalone at the moment
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: October 15, 2019
Recommended Age: 10+ (some violence, some scary moments)
Genre: MG Fantasy
Publisher: Disney Press
Synopsis: Welcome to Elizabeth Webster's world, where the common laws of middle school torment her days . . . and the uncommon laws of an even weirder realm govern her nights.
Elizabeth Webster is happy to stay under the radar (and under her bangs) until middle school is dead and gone. But when star swimmer Henry Harrison asks Elizabeth to tutor him in math, it's not linear equations Henry really needs help with-it's a flower-scented, poodle-skirt-wearing, head-tossing ghost who's calling out Elizabeth's name.
But why Elizabeth? Could it have something to do with her missing lawyer father? Maybe. Probably. If only she could find him. In her search, Elizabeth discovers more than she is looking for: a grandfather she never knew, a startling legacy, and the secret family law firm, Webster & Son, Attorneys for the Damned.
Elizabeth and her friends soon land in court, where demons and ghosts take the witness stand and a red-eyed judge with a ratty white wig hands out sentences like sandwiches. Will Elizabeth's father arrive in time to save Henry Harrison-and is Henry the one who really needs saving?
Review: Oh my goodness I loved this book! I loved how intelligent it was, but how it simplified things for younger children. Not saying that children are dumb, but this book does have some legal terms and math terms and it was great to see how they can be incorporated into a MG book and how it can teach kids early on these terms. The book is interesting from beginning to end and the characters are wonderful and well developed.
My only complaint is that the pacing was slow in places but it quickly picked up in a lot more. The ending feels a bit rushed as well to me.
Verdict: A wonderful book! Highly recommend!
Author: William Lashner
Book Series: Standalone at the moment
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: October 15, 2019
Recommended Age: 10+ (some violence, some scary moments)
Genre: MG Fantasy
Publisher: Disney Press
Synopsis: Welcome to Elizabeth Webster's world, where the common laws of middle school torment her days . . . and the uncommon laws of an even weirder realm govern her nights.
Elizabeth Webster is happy to stay under the radar (and under her bangs) until middle school is dead and gone. But when star swimmer Henry Harrison asks Elizabeth to tutor him in math, it's not linear equations Henry really needs help with-it's a flower-scented, poodle-skirt-wearing, head-tossing ghost who's calling out Elizabeth's name.
But why Elizabeth? Could it have something to do with her missing lawyer father? Maybe. Probably. If only she could find him. In her search, Elizabeth discovers more than she is looking for: a grandfather she never knew, a startling legacy, and the secret family law firm, Webster & Son, Attorneys for the Damned.
Elizabeth and her friends soon land in court, where demons and ghosts take the witness stand and a red-eyed judge with a ratty white wig hands out sentences like sandwiches. Will Elizabeth's father arrive in time to save Henry Harrison-and is Henry the one who really needs saving?
Review: Oh my goodness I loved this book! I loved how intelligent it was, but how it simplified things for younger children. Not saying that children are dumb, but this book does have some legal terms and math terms and it was great to see how they can be incorporated into a MG book and how it can teach kids early on these terms. The book is interesting from beginning to end and the characters are wonderful and well developed.
My only complaint is that the pacing was slow in places but it quickly picked up in a lot more. The ending feels a bit rushed as well to me.
Verdict: A wonderful book! Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All options are my own.
Author: Bree Barton
Book Series: Heart of Thorns Book 2
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: November 5, 2019
Recommended Age: 16+ (sexual assault and depression tw, some violence)
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Synopsis: Mia Rose is back from the dead. Her memories are hazy, her body numb—but she won’t stop searching. Her only hope to save the boy she loves and the sister who destroyed her is to find the mother she can never forgive. Pilar is on a hunt of her own. Betrayed by her mother, and plagued by a painful secret, she’s determined to seek out the only person who can exact revenge. All goes according to plan… until she collides with Prince Quin, the boy whose sister she killed.
As Mia, Pilar, and Quin forge dangerous new alliances, they are bewitched by the snow kingdom’s promise of freedom and opportunity. But with the winter solstice drawing near, they must confront the truth beneath the glimmering ice, as lines between friend, foe, and lover vanish like snowflakes on a flame.
Review: Holy cow this book is so good. It's full of rich analysis and parallels to the issues that today's women and girls face. The book has amazing character development and touching yet realistic sibling relationship too. The writing is truly amazing and this book, for me, was a great improvement from the first one. The author is definitely one to watch for as she grows in her craft.
My only little nitpick issues are that the pacing was off in places and the world building could have been a bit better. That's it for me! Truly a wonderful book.
Verdict: definitely recommend.
Author: Bree Barton
Book Series: Heart of Thorns Book 2
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: November 5, 2019
Recommended Age: 16+ (sexual assault and depression tw, some violence)
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Synopsis: Mia Rose is back from the dead. Her memories are hazy, her body numb—but she won’t stop searching. Her only hope to save the boy she loves and the sister who destroyed her is to find the mother she can never forgive. Pilar is on a hunt of her own. Betrayed by her mother, and plagued by a painful secret, she’s determined to seek out the only person who can exact revenge. All goes according to plan… until she collides with Prince Quin, the boy whose sister she killed.
As Mia, Pilar, and Quin forge dangerous new alliances, they are bewitched by the snow kingdom’s promise of freedom and opportunity. But with the winter solstice drawing near, they must confront the truth beneath the glimmering ice, as lines between friend, foe, and lover vanish like snowflakes on a flame.
Review: Holy cow this book is so good. It's full of rich analysis and parallels to the issues that today's women and girls face. The book has amazing character development and touching yet realistic sibling relationship too. The writing is truly amazing and this book, for me, was a great improvement from the first one. The author is definitely one to watch for as she grows in her craft.
My only little nitpick issues are that the pacing was off in places and the world building could have been a bit better. That's it for me! Truly a wonderful book.
Verdict: definitely recommend.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All options are my own.
Author: Holly Black
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3.5/5
Publication Date: October 8, 2019
Recommended Age: 13+ (the past comes back to haunt and I don't think some of it is appropriate for younger kids especially since in the first movie Maleficent losing her wings was an analogy for rape. Nothing is really that bad in this one but I worry about the context younger kids might get from watching the movies then reading the book).
Genre: MG (ehhhh) Fantasy
Publisher: Disney Press
Synopsis: From New York Times bestselling author Holly Black comes a captivating original novel set between Disney's Maleficent and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, in which newly-queened Aurora struggles to be the best leader to both the humans and Fair Folk under her reign; her beau, Prince Phillip, longs to get to know Aurora and her kingdom better; and Maleficent has trouble letting go of the past.
Review: Overall, this book was pretty good. It had a lot of detail that were in the movies and some that wasn't. It had a lot of great insights as well.
However, I didn't really like the writing style of it and the book was a little weird to read. It's basically marketed as an MG book but the movies were definitely PG 13 and up. Like... There was a lot of stuff in it that would be a bit scary or over the head of younger children. Kinda confused about the marketing but it's whatever. The characters felt flat to me too and Maleficent just didn't feel like Maleficent to me.
Verdict: It's an okay book, just watch it around youngers.
Author: Holly Black
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3.5/5
Publication Date: October 8, 2019
Recommended Age: 13+ (the past comes back to haunt and I don't think some of it is appropriate for younger kids especially since in the first movie Maleficent losing her wings was an analogy for rape. Nothing is really that bad in this one but I worry about the context younger kids might get from watching the movies then reading the book).
Genre: MG (ehhhh) Fantasy
Publisher: Disney Press
Synopsis: From New York Times bestselling author Holly Black comes a captivating original novel set between Disney's Maleficent and Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, in which newly-queened Aurora struggles to be the best leader to both the humans and Fair Folk under her reign; her beau, Prince Phillip, longs to get to know Aurora and her kingdom better; and Maleficent has trouble letting go of the past.
Review: Overall, this book was pretty good. It had a lot of detail that were in the movies and some that wasn't. It had a lot of great insights as well.
However, I didn't really like the writing style of it and the book was a little weird to read. It's basically marketed as an MG book but the movies were definitely PG 13 and up. Like... There was a lot of stuff in it that would be a bit scary or over the head of younger children. Kinda confused about the marketing but it's whatever. The characters felt flat to me too and Maleficent just didn't feel like Maleficent to me.
Verdict: It's an okay book, just watch it around youngers.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Author: Scarlett St. Clair
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: May 25, 2019
Recommended Age: 17+ (romance ewww lol)
Synopsis: Persephone is the Goddess of Spring by title only. The truth is, since she was a little girl, flowers have shriveled at her touch. After moving to New Athens, she hopes to lead an unassuming life disguised as a mortal journalist.
Hades, God of the Dead, has built a gambling empire in the mortal world and his favorite bets are rumored to be impossible.
After a chance encounter with Hades, Persephone finds herself in a contract with the God of the Dead and the terms are impossible: Persephone must create life in the Underworld or lose her freedom forever.
The bet does more than expose Persephone’s failure as a Goddess, however. As she struggles to sow the seeds of her freedom, love for the God of the Dead grows—and it’s forbidden.
Review: I felt like this was a great romance and I'm loving how popular Hades and Persephone's romance is now. They definitely have one of the best in classic literature. I loved the writing and I also loved the world building done.
However, I'm not a romance lover so I had an issue getting into the book and I didn't like the slower pacing (but if you love romance it would be perfect I think).
Verdict: a gorgeous book from start to finish.
Author: Scarlett St. Clair
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: May 25, 2019
Recommended Age: 17+ (romance ewww lol)
Synopsis: Persephone is the Goddess of Spring by title only. The truth is, since she was a little girl, flowers have shriveled at her touch. After moving to New Athens, she hopes to lead an unassuming life disguised as a mortal journalist.
Hades, God of the Dead, has built a gambling empire in the mortal world and his favorite bets are rumored to be impossible.
After a chance encounter with Hades, Persephone finds herself in a contract with the God of the Dead and the terms are impossible: Persephone must create life in the Underworld or lose her freedom forever.
The bet does more than expose Persephone’s failure as a Goddess, however. As she struggles to sow the seeds of her freedom, love for the God of the Dead grows—and it’s forbidden.
Review: I felt like this was a great romance and I'm loving how popular Hades and Persephone's romance is now. They definitely have one of the best in classic literature. I loved the writing and I also loved the world building done.
However, I'm not a romance lover so I had an issue getting into the book and I didn't like the slower pacing (but if you love romance it would be perfect I think).
Verdict: a gorgeous book from start to finish.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Author: Randi Pink
Book Series: Standalone.
Rating: 3.5/5
Publication Date: October 29, 2019
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Recommended Age: 16+ (pregnancy, sex)
Synopsis: Set in the summer of 1972, this moving YA historical novel is narrated by teen girls from different backgrounds with one thing in common: Each girl is dealing with pregnancy.
Four teenage girls. Four different stories. What they all have in common is that they’re dealing with unplanned pregnancies.
In rural Georgia, Izella is wise beyond her years, but burdened with the responsibility of her older sister, Ola, who has found out she’s pregnant. Their young neighbor, Missippi, is also pregnant, but doesn’t fully understand the extent of her predicament. When her father sends her to Chicago to give birth, she meets the final narrator, Susan, who is white and the daughter of an anti-choice senator.
Randi Pink masterfully weaves four lives into a larger story – as timely as ever – about a woman’s right to choose her future.
Review: I loved the message that the book tried to present and I think the writing was really good. The book was good and the characters were enduring.
However, I didn't like that the girls didn't really do anything more than what was expected of them. I didn't like that not one of them defied the norm. The book is touching, but I expected better.
Verdict: It's good but I think they should have done better.
Author: Randi Pink
Book Series: Standalone.
Rating: 3.5/5
Publication Date: October 29, 2019
Publisher: Feiwel and Friends
Recommended Age: 16+ (pregnancy, sex)
Synopsis: Set in the summer of 1972, this moving YA historical novel is narrated by teen girls from different backgrounds with one thing in common: Each girl is dealing with pregnancy.
Four teenage girls. Four different stories. What they all have in common is that they’re dealing with unplanned pregnancies.
In rural Georgia, Izella is wise beyond her years, but burdened with the responsibility of her older sister, Ola, who has found out she’s pregnant. Their young neighbor, Missippi, is also pregnant, but doesn’t fully understand the extent of her predicament. When her father sends her to Chicago to give birth, she meets the final narrator, Susan, who is white and the daughter of an anti-choice senator.
Randi Pink masterfully weaves four lives into a larger story – as timely as ever – about a woman’s right to choose her future.
Review: I loved the message that the book tried to present and I think the writing was really good. The book was good and the characters were enduring.
However, I didn't like that the girls didn't really do anything more than what was expected of them. I didn't like that not one of them defied the norm. The book is touching, but I expected better.
Verdict: It's good but I think they should have done better.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Author: Naomi Hughes
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: November 5, 2019
Publisher: Page Street Kids
Recommended Age: 14+ (OCD, suicide mention)
Synopsis: After an attack on earth, all reflective surfaces become weapons to release monsters, causing a planet-wide ban on mirrors. Despite the danger, the demand rises, and 17-year-old Marty Callahan becomes a distributor in an illegal mirror trade―until he’s caught by the mayor's son, whose slate is far from clean. Both of them are exiled for their crimes to one of the many abandoned cities overrun by fog. But they soon realize their thoughts influence their surroundings and their deepest fears begin to manifest.
Review: I read this book in 4 hours and I have to say it's one of the most imaginative and best alagorical works of sci-fi I've ever read in my life. The book did amazing to draw the connection between the world and the writing was amazing. I loved to have a realistic OCD rep in this book as well. I highly recommend this book.
My only complaints are that the fight scenes went a bit fast, the pacing is extremely fast paced, and the character development could have been better with some of the background characters. Other than those I absolutely loved this book!
Verdict: Get it now!
Author: Naomi Hughes
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: November 5, 2019
Publisher: Page Street Kids
Recommended Age: 14+ (OCD, suicide mention)
Synopsis: After an attack on earth, all reflective surfaces become weapons to release monsters, causing a planet-wide ban on mirrors. Despite the danger, the demand rises, and 17-year-old Marty Callahan becomes a distributor in an illegal mirror trade―until he’s caught by the mayor's son, whose slate is far from clean. Both of them are exiled for their crimes to one of the many abandoned cities overrun by fog. But they soon realize their thoughts influence their surroundings and their deepest fears begin to manifest.
Review: I read this book in 4 hours and I have to say it's one of the most imaginative and best alagorical works of sci-fi I've ever read in my life. The book did amazing to draw the connection between the world and the writing was amazing. I loved to have a realistic OCD rep in this book as well. I highly recommend this book.
My only complaints are that the fight scenes went a bit fast, the pacing is extremely fast paced, and the character development could have been better with some of the background characters. Other than those I absolutely loved this book!
Verdict: Get it now!