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popthebutterfly
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher and Netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Race to the Sun
Author: Rebecca Roanhorse
Book Series: Standalone so far
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Native American main and side characters and lore.
Publication Date: January 14, 2020
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 12+ (some violence, some slightly scary moments)
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Pages: 320
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Lately, seventh grader Nizhoni Begay has been able to detect monsters, like that man in the fancy suit who was in the bleachers at her basketball game. Turns out he's Mr. Charles, her dad's new boss at the oil and gas company, and he's alarmingly interested in Nizhoni and her brother, Mac, their Navajo heritage, and the legend of the Hero Twins. Nizhoni knows he's a threat, but her father won't believe her.
When Dad disappears the next day, leaving behind a message that says "Run!", the siblings and Nizhoni's best friend, Davery, are thrust into a rescue mission that can only be accomplished with the help of Diné Holy People, all disguised as quirky characters. Their aid will come at a price: the kids must pass a series of trials in which it seems like nature itself is out to kill them. If Nizhoni, Mac, and Davery can reach the House of the Sun, they will be outfitted with what they need to defeat the ancient monsters Mr. Charles has unleashed. But it will take more than weapons for Nizhoni to become the hero she was destined to be . . .
Timeless themes such as the importance of family and respect for the land resonate in this funny, fast-paced, and exciting quest adventure set in the American Southwest.
Review: Oh my god, let’s talk about THIS BOOK. It was AMAZING! I loved the Native American rep in this, I loved how the lore was so effortlessly interwoven in this read, I loved how the characters were developed and how the world was built. The writing was phenomenal and the pacing was on key. The book is an amazing adventure and I loved every minute of it. I loved being in Nizhoni’s mind and I loved how the author snuck in references in the book about the harm that pipelines and other oil industry moves have on the land and environment.
I feel that this book is very well rounded, I read it in about 2 hours, but for fairness sakes I will say that the end fight scene was a bit chaotic for me to read and I wished that there was more of this book. I think the author has an amazing talent for writing and I want her to continue with Nizhoni’s adventures. Also, I need to know what happened to “the other kids”.
Verdict: Amazing read and definitely worth it! Seriously, go read it!
Book: Race to the Sun
Author: Rebecca Roanhorse
Book Series: Standalone so far
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Native American main and side characters and lore.
Publication Date: January 14, 2020
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 12+ (some violence, some slightly scary moments)
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Pages: 320
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Lately, seventh grader Nizhoni Begay has been able to detect monsters, like that man in the fancy suit who was in the bleachers at her basketball game. Turns out he's Mr. Charles, her dad's new boss at the oil and gas company, and he's alarmingly interested in Nizhoni and her brother, Mac, their Navajo heritage, and the legend of the Hero Twins. Nizhoni knows he's a threat, but her father won't believe her.
When Dad disappears the next day, leaving behind a message that says "Run!", the siblings and Nizhoni's best friend, Davery, are thrust into a rescue mission that can only be accomplished with the help of Diné Holy People, all disguised as quirky characters. Their aid will come at a price: the kids must pass a series of trials in which it seems like nature itself is out to kill them. If Nizhoni, Mac, and Davery can reach the House of the Sun, they will be outfitted with what they need to defeat the ancient monsters Mr. Charles has unleashed. But it will take more than weapons for Nizhoni to become the hero she was destined to be . . .
Timeless themes such as the importance of family and respect for the land resonate in this funny, fast-paced, and exciting quest adventure set in the American Southwest.
Review: Oh my god, let’s talk about THIS BOOK. It was AMAZING! I loved the Native American rep in this, I loved how the lore was so effortlessly interwoven in this read, I loved how the characters were developed and how the world was built. The writing was phenomenal and the pacing was on key. The book is an amazing adventure and I loved every minute of it. I loved being in Nizhoni’s mind and I loved how the author snuck in references in the book about the harm that pipelines and other oil industry moves have on the land and environment.
I feel that this book is very well rounded, I read it in about 2 hours, but for fairness sakes I will say that the end fight scene was a bit chaotic for me to read and I wished that there was more of this book. I think the author has an amazing talent for writing and I want her to continue with Nizhoni’s adventures. Also, I need to know what happened to “the other kids”.
Verdict: Amazing read and definitely worth it! Seriously, go read it!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: A People’s History of Heaven
Author: Mathangi Subramanian
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: LGBT and POC friendly book. Transgender main, Blind rep main, and many different beliefs.
Publication Date: March 19, 2019
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 16+ (some violence and slightly mature scenes)
Publisher: Algonquin Books
Pages: 304
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Heaven is a thirty-year-old slum hidden between brand-new, high-rise apartment buildings and technology incubators in contemporary Bangalore. In this tight-knit community, five girls on the cusp of womanhood-a politically driven graffiti artist; a transgender Christian convert; a blind girl who loves to dance; and the queer daughter of a hijabi union leader-forge an unbreakable bond.
When the local government threatens to demolish their tin shacks in order to build a shopping mall, the girls and their mothers refuse to be erased. Together they wage war on the bulldozers sent to bury their homes, and, ultimately, on the city that wishes that families like them would remain hidden forever.
Elegant, poetic, and vibrant, A People's History of Heaven takes a clear-eyed look at adversity and geography and dazzles in its depiction of love and female friendship.
Review: This book was absolutely beautiful! I loved the wide array of different but ultimately connected characters and I loved how the story was written. It was poetic and vibrant and the book was intriguing from start to finish. I loved the world building as well.
I did feel like there was some moments where the pace was slowed down. I also feel like while this book is gorgeously written there are a ton of metaphors and at some point it got too much for me. I feel like the book did very well to describe the environment and the characters, but maybe it was a bit too descriptive in a lot of places. There’s also a ton of characters and it’s honestly a lot of info to take in. Overall, I really liked it and I thought the way the book was being told needed those extra descriptors.
Verdict: If you’re into poetic books, definitely grab this read!
Book: A People’s History of Heaven
Author: Mathangi Subramanian
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: LGBT and POC friendly book. Transgender main, Blind rep main, and many different beliefs.
Publication Date: March 19, 2019
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 16+ (some violence and slightly mature scenes)
Publisher: Algonquin Books
Pages: 304
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Heaven is a thirty-year-old slum hidden between brand-new, high-rise apartment buildings and technology incubators in contemporary Bangalore. In this tight-knit community, five girls on the cusp of womanhood-a politically driven graffiti artist; a transgender Christian convert; a blind girl who loves to dance; and the queer daughter of a hijabi union leader-forge an unbreakable bond.
When the local government threatens to demolish their tin shacks in order to build a shopping mall, the girls and their mothers refuse to be erased. Together they wage war on the bulldozers sent to bury their homes, and, ultimately, on the city that wishes that families like them would remain hidden forever.
Elegant, poetic, and vibrant, A People's History of Heaven takes a clear-eyed look at adversity and geography and dazzles in its depiction of love and female friendship.
Review: This book was absolutely beautiful! I loved the wide array of different but ultimately connected characters and I loved how the story was written. It was poetic and vibrant and the book was intriguing from start to finish. I loved the world building as well.
I did feel like there was some moments where the pace was slowed down. I also feel like while this book is gorgeously written there are a ton of metaphors and at some point it got too much for me. I feel like the book did very well to describe the environment and the characters, but maybe it was a bit too descriptive in a lot of places. There’s also a ton of characters and it’s honestly a lot of info to take in. Overall, I really liked it and I thought the way the book was being told needed those extra descriptors.
Verdict: If you’re into poetic books, definitely grab this read!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: A Beginning at the End
Author: Mike Chen
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: January 14, 2020
Genre: Dystopian
Recommended Age: 18+ (violence, some mature scenes, death, plagues, CPS, the usual)
Publisher: MIRA
Pages: 400
Amazon Link
Synopsis: How do you start over after the end of the world?
Six years after a global pandemic wiped out most of the planet’s population, the survivors are rebuilding the country, split between self-governing cities, hippie communes and wasteland gangs.
In postapocalyptic San Francisco, former pop star Moira has created a new identity to finally escape her past—until her domineering father launches a sweeping public search to track her down. Desperate for a fresh start herself, jaded event planner Krista navigates the world on behalf of those too traumatized to go outside, determined to help everyone move on—even if they don’t want to. Rob survived the catastrophe with his daughter, Sunny, but lost his wife. When strict government rules threaten to separate parent and child, Rob needs to prove himself worthy in the city’s eyes by connecting with people again.
Krista, Moira, Rob and Sunny are brought together by circumstance, and their lives begin to twine together. But when reports of another outbreak throw the fragile society into panic, the friends are forced to finally face everything that came before—and everything they still stand to lose.
Because sometimes having one person is enough to keep the world going.
Review: I really liked this book! It was an amazing dystopian adventure with a highly imaginative post apocalyptic world! I loved the examination of characters and I really like seeing how people react to different pressures put upon them by society. I liked seeing how society reinvented itself and how it was trying to reclaim what it previously had. I also liked the writing and the world building.
However, I did feel like the pace was a little slow and that some dystopian fans would be turned off by the focus on the post apocalyptic and not the ensuring disaster. Overall, I really loved this book!
Verdict: Definitely recommend this one for dystopian fans!
Book: A Beginning at the End
Author: Mike Chen
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: January 14, 2020
Genre: Dystopian
Recommended Age: 18+ (violence, some mature scenes, death, plagues, CPS, the usual)
Publisher: MIRA
Pages: 400
Amazon Link
Synopsis: How do you start over after the end of the world?
Six years after a global pandemic wiped out most of the planet’s population, the survivors are rebuilding the country, split between self-governing cities, hippie communes and wasteland gangs.
In postapocalyptic San Francisco, former pop star Moira has created a new identity to finally escape her past—until her domineering father launches a sweeping public search to track her down. Desperate for a fresh start herself, jaded event planner Krista navigates the world on behalf of those too traumatized to go outside, determined to help everyone move on—even if they don’t want to. Rob survived the catastrophe with his daughter, Sunny, but lost his wife. When strict government rules threaten to separate parent and child, Rob needs to prove himself worthy in the city’s eyes by connecting with people again.
Krista, Moira, Rob and Sunny are brought together by circumstance, and their lives begin to twine together. But when reports of another outbreak throw the fragile society into panic, the friends are forced to finally face everything that came before—and everything they still stand to lose.
Because sometimes having one person is enough to keep the world going.
Review: I really liked this book! It was an amazing dystopian adventure with a highly imaginative post apocalyptic world! I loved the examination of characters and I really like seeing how people react to different pressures put upon them by society. I liked seeing how society reinvented itself and how it was trying to reclaim what it previously had. I also liked the writing and the world building.
However, I did feel like the pace was a little slow and that some dystopian fans would be turned off by the focus on the post apocalyptic and not the ensuring disaster. Overall, I really loved this book!
Verdict: Definitely recommend this one for dystopian fans!
Disclaimer: I bought this book! Support your authors! All opinions are my own.
Book: Five Dark Fates
Author: Kendare Blake
Book Series: Three Dark Crowns Book 4
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Some small f/f relationship will she won’t she moments
Publication Date: September 3, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 17+ (violence, gore, mentions of cutting, suicide TW, mature scenes, backstabbing, sisterly quarrels, and the chance to change the world as you know it)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 452
Amazon Link
Synopsis: After the battle with Katharine, the rebellion lies in tatters. Jules’s legion curse has been unbound, leaving her out of her mind and unfit to rule. Arsinoe must find a cure, even as the responsibility of stopping the ravaging mist rests heavy on her shoulders, and her shoulders alone. Mirabella has disappeared.
Queen Katharine’s rule over Fennbirn remains intact—for now. But her attack on the rebellion exacted a high price: her beloved Pietyr. Without him, who can she rely upon when Mirabella arrives, seemingly under a banner of truce? As oldest and youngest circle each other, and Katharine begins to yearn for the closeness that Mirabella and Arsinoe share, the dead queens hiss caution—Mirabella is not to be trusted.
In this conclusion to the Three Dark Crowns series, three dark sisters will rise to fight as the secrets of Fennbirn’s history are laid bare. Allegiances will shift. Bonds will be tested, and some broken forever.
The fate of the island lies in the hands of its queens.
Review: This book was an absolute rollercoaster. I went from loving Katherine to hating her to loving her and back to hating her. Jules remained my favorite, but even her managed to frustrate me at certain times. Arsinoe and Mirabella also made me waiver in my like for them, but this wasn’t because of a negative reaction I had to the book. In fact, the exact opposite. I think the writing in this book is very strong, the author is definitely talented and Kendare is able to make you feel so many things. The development is still so present and powerful in this book, even though this is the fourth in the series. The world building was also very powerful and Kendare was able to effortlessly paint the picture of this story in my head.
The only negatives I had about the book is that there are a lot of characters. I am grateful for the character list in the beginning but damn it gets confusing when people start switching sides and people die. Thus is the difficult life of a reader who likes epic fantasy. I also didn’t like how Jules didn’t pull the trigger on a specific person and I think that this would have been great to show in the book, but I did like that she didn’t as well… I’m all for rep but I feel that Jules still has a lot of depression and feelings to work through with the death of her lover. I’m conflicted but I think I am supposed to feel that way. Also, this leaves room for more stories in the future that feature just Jules… right Kendare? ;)
Verdict: Overall, a well crafted and satisfying ending to a saga that all of bookstagram was obsessed about for over a year.
Book: Five Dark Fates
Author: Kendare Blake
Book Series: Three Dark Crowns Book 4
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Some small f/f relationship will she won’t she moments
Publication Date: September 3, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 17+ (violence, gore, mentions of cutting, suicide TW, mature scenes, backstabbing, sisterly quarrels, and the chance to change the world as you know it)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 452
Amazon Link
Synopsis: After the battle with Katharine, the rebellion lies in tatters. Jules’s legion curse has been unbound, leaving her out of her mind and unfit to rule. Arsinoe must find a cure, even as the responsibility of stopping the ravaging mist rests heavy on her shoulders, and her shoulders alone. Mirabella has disappeared.
Queen Katharine’s rule over Fennbirn remains intact—for now. But her attack on the rebellion exacted a high price: her beloved Pietyr. Without him, who can she rely upon when Mirabella arrives, seemingly under a banner of truce? As oldest and youngest circle each other, and Katharine begins to yearn for the closeness that Mirabella and Arsinoe share, the dead queens hiss caution—Mirabella is not to be trusted.
In this conclusion to the Three Dark Crowns series, three dark sisters will rise to fight as the secrets of Fennbirn’s history are laid bare. Allegiances will shift. Bonds will be tested, and some broken forever.
The fate of the island lies in the hands of its queens.
Review: This book was an absolute rollercoaster. I went from loving Katherine to hating her to loving her and back to hating her. Jules remained my favorite, but even her managed to frustrate me at certain times. Arsinoe and Mirabella also made me waiver in my like for them, but this wasn’t because of a negative reaction I had to the book. In fact, the exact opposite. I think the writing in this book is very strong, the author is definitely talented and Kendare is able to make you feel so many things. The development is still so present and powerful in this book, even though this is the fourth in the series. The world building was also very powerful and Kendare was able to effortlessly paint the picture of this story in my head.
The only negatives I had about the book is that there are a lot of characters. I am grateful for the character list in the beginning but damn it gets confusing when people start switching sides and people die. Thus is the difficult life of a reader who likes epic fantasy. I also didn’t like how Jules didn’t pull the trigger on a specific person and I think that this would have been great to show in the book, but I did like that she didn’t as well… I’m all for rep but I feel that Jules still has a lot of depression and feelings to work through with the death of her lover. I’m conflicted but I think I am supposed to feel that way. Also, this leaves room for more stories in the future that feature just Jules… right Kendare? ;)
Verdict: Overall, a well crafted and satisfying ending to a saga that all of bookstagram was obsessed about for over a year.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: A Constellation of Roses
Author: Miranda Asebedo
Book Series: Companion to The Deepest Roots
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: November 5, 2019
Genre: YA Magical Realism
Recommended Age: 16+ (TW abuse, language, thieving)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 336
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Ever since her mother walked out, Trix McCabe has been determined to make it on her own. And with her near-magical gift for pulling valuables off unsuspecting strangers, Trix is confident she has what it takes to survive. Until she’s caught and given a choice: jail time, or go live with her long-lost family in the tiny town of Rocksaw, Kansas.
Trix doesn’t plan to stick around Rocksaw long, but there’s something special about her McCabe relatives that she is drawn to. Her aunt, Mia, bakes pies that seem to cure all ills. Her cousin, Ember, can tell a person’s deepest secret with the touch of a hand. And Trix’s great-aunt takes one look at Trix’s palm and tells her that if she doesn’t put down roots somewhere, she won’t have a future anywhere.
Before long, Trix feels like she might finally belong with this special group of women in this tiny town in Kansas. But when her past comes back to haunt her, she’ll have to decide whether to take a chance on this new life . . . or keep running from the one she’s always known.
With lovable and flawed characters, an evocative setting, and friendships to treasure, A Constellation of Roses is the perfect companion to Miranda Asebedo’s debut novel The Deepest Roots.
Review: Oh my god this book was a masterpiece! I absolutely loved this story and I loved how it was a side story to the wonderful and underrated The Deepest Roots. The author has a gift for speaking in the perfect character tones. The character development was amazing, the world building was solid, and the writing was heartbreaking. This book will make you weep for Trix.
The only downside I have to this is that I feel the book could have had more crossovers lol. I’m a sucker for them, so sue me! I would have loved to have a crossover with all of the mains but I think it’s amazing how it is. I’m deeply in love with this series and I would love to see more about this from the author.
Verdict: A must read if you like powerful feminist tales with magical powers.
Book: A Constellation of Roses
Author: Miranda Asebedo
Book Series: Companion to The Deepest Roots
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: November 5, 2019
Genre: YA Magical Realism
Recommended Age: 16+ (TW abuse, language, thieving)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 336
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Ever since her mother walked out, Trix McCabe has been determined to make it on her own. And with her near-magical gift for pulling valuables off unsuspecting strangers, Trix is confident she has what it takes to survive. Until she’s caught and given a choice: jail time, or go live with her long-lost family in the tiny town of Rocksaw, Kansas.
Trix doesn’t plan to stick around Rocksaw long, but there’s something special about her McCabe relatives that she is drawn to. Her aunt, Mia, bakes pies that seem to cure all ills. Her cousin, Ember, can tell a person’s deepest secret with the touch of a hand. And Trix’s great-aunt takes one look at Trix’s palm and tells her that if she doesn’t put down roots somewhere, she won’t have a future anywhere.
Before long, Trix feels like she might finally belong with this special group of women in this tiny town in Kansas. But when her past comes back to haunt her, she’ll have to decide whether to take a chance on this new life . . . or keep running from the one she’s always known.
With lovable and flawed characters, an evocative setting, and friendships to treasure, A Constellation of Roses is the perfect companion to Miranda Asebedo’s debut novel The Deepest Roots.
Review: Oh my god this book was a masterpiece! I absolutely loved this story and I loved how it was a side story to the wonderful and underrated The Deepest Roots. The author has a gift for speaking in the perfect character tones. The character development was amazing, the world building was solid, and the writing was heartbreaking. This book will make you weep for Trix.
The only downside I have to this is that I feel the book could have had more crossovers lol. I’m a sucker for them, so sue me! I would have loved to have a crossover with all of the mains but I think it’s amazing how it is. I’m deeply in love with this series and I would love to see more about this from the author.
Verdict: A must read if you like powerful feminist tales with magical powers.
Disclaimer: I received this book at an event with @yatl. Thanks Vania! All opinions are my own.
Book: We Are Lost and Found
Author: Helene Dunbar
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Diversity: Gay male MCs
Publication Date: September 3, 2019
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 16+ (sex, AIDs, language, and discovery)
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Pages: 304
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Michael is content to live in the shadow of his best friends, James, an enigmatic teen performance artist who everyone wants and no one can have and Becky, who calls things as she sees them, while doing all she can to protect those she loves. His brother, Connor, has already been kicked out of the house for being gay and laying low seems to be his only chance to avoid the same fate.
To pass the time before graduation, Michael hangs out at The Echo where he can dance and forget about his father's angry words, the pressures of school, and the looming threat of AIDS, a disease that everyone is talking about, but no one understands.
Then he meets Gabriel, a boy who actually sees him. A boy who, unlike seemingly everyone else in New York City, is interested in him and not James. And Michael has to decide what he's willing to risk to be himself.
Review: This was an amazingly well done and moving piece of art. The book was unapologetic in how it showed the grit and the glory of being gay in the 1980s, at the height of the AIDs epidemic. The book was well written and it was written very interestingly. The book is almost prose like and it forces you to read slowly and savor the novel.
The only downside is that I felt like there is a lot to unpack in the year that this takes place and that the book is wrote by a straight woman. While I am on the side of “you can write what you like as long as you have amazing sensitivity readers” I didn’t like how staying in the closet was likened to hiding and being cowardly and I didn’t like the slut shaming that happened. Sex is sex and you should do what you want with consenting parties and as long as you have the proper protection.
Verdict: Do what you can to make yourself happy.
Book: We Are Lost and Found
Author: Helene Dunbar
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Diversity: Gay male MCs
Publication Date: September 3, 2019
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 16+ (sex, AIDs, language, and discovery)
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Pages: 304
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Michael is content to live in the shadow of his best friends, James, an enigmatic teen performance artist who everyone wants and no one can have and Becky, who calls things as she sees them, while doing all she can to protect those she loves. His brother, Connor, has already been kicked out of the house for being gay and laying low seems to be his only chance to avoid the same fate.
To pass the time before graduation, Michael hangs out at The Echo where he can dance and forget about his father's angry words, the pressures of school, and the looming threat of AIDS, a disease that everyone is talking about, but no one understands.
Then he meets Gabriel, a boy who actually sees him. A boy who, unlike seemingly everyone else in New York City, is interested in him and not James. And Michael has to decide what he's willing to risk to be himself.
Review: This was an amazingly well done and moving piece of art. The book was unapologetic in how it showed the grit and the glory of being gay in the 1980s, at the height of the AIDs epidemic. The book was well written and it was written very interestingly. The book is almost prose like and it forces you to read slowly and savor the novel.
The only downside is that I felt like there is a lot to unpack in the year that this takes place and that the book is wrote by a straight woman. While I am on the side of “you can write what you like as long as you have amazing sensitivity readers” I didn’t like how staying in the closet was likened to hiding and being cowardly and I didn’t like the slut shaming that happened. Sex is sex and you should do what you want with consenting parties and as long as you have the proper protection.
Verdict: Do what you can to make yourself happy.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher on Netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Rogue Princess
Author: B.R. Myers
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: January 21, 2020
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 15+ (kidnappings, princesses, and arranged marriages. Also slight violence and some romantic bits)
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Pages: 304
Amazon Link
Synopsis: A princess fleeing an arranged marriage teams up with a snarky commoner to foil a rebel plot in B. R. Myers' Rogue Princess, a gender-swapped sci-fi YA retelling of Cinderella.
Princess Delia knows her duty: She must choose a prince to marry in order to secure an alliance and save her failing planet. Yet she secretly dreams of true love, and feels there must be a better way. Determined to chart her own course, she steals a spaceship to avoid the marriage, only to discover a handsome stowaway.
All Aidan wanted was to “borrow” a few palace trinkets to help him get off the planet. Okay, so maybe escaping on a royal ship wasn’t the smartest plan, but he never expected to be kidnapped by a runaway princess!
Sparks fly as this headstrong princess and clever thief battle wits, but everything changes when they inadvertently uncover a rebel conspiracy that could destroy their planet forever.
Review: I really liked this Fantasy like Sci-fi adventure. The book did a total twist on me and I completely fell for it. It’s also a gender-swapped Cinderella telling. And did I mention…. SPACEEEEEEEEEEEEE? Anyways, the writing was perfection, the book was amazing, and the characters were so well developed. The world building was also excellent!
The only downside is that the book was pretty fast paced and it’s such a fast beginning that it leaves you breathless.
Verdict: If you like fantasy and sci-fi you’ll like this!
Book: Rogue Princess
Author: B.R. Myers
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: January 21, 2020
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 15+ (kidnappings, princesses, and arranged marriages. Also slight violence and some romantic bits)
Publisher: Swoon Reads
Pages: 304
Amazon Link
Synopsis: A princess fleeing an arranged marriage teams up with a snarky commoner to foil a rebel plot in B. R. Myers' Rogue Princess, a gender-swapped sci-fi YA retelling of Cinderella.
Princess Delia knows her duty: She must choose a prince to marry in order to secure an alliance and save her failing planet. Yet she secretly dreams of true love, and feels there must be a better way. Determined to chart her own course, she steals a spaceship to avoid the marriage, only to discover a handsome stowaway.
All Aidan wanted was to “borrow” a few palace trinkets to help him get off the planet. Okay, so maybe escaping on a royal ship wasn’t the smartest plan, but he never expected to be kidnapped by a runaway princess!
Sparks fly as this headstrong princess and clever thief battle wits, but everything changes when they inadvertently uncover a rebel conspiracy that could destroy their planet forever.
Review: I really liked this Fantasy like Sci-fi adventure. The book did a total twist on me and I completely fell for it. It’s also a gender-swapped Cinderella telling. And did I mention…. SPACEEEEEEEEEEEEE? Anyways, the writing was perfection, the book was amazing, and the characters were so well developed. The world building was also excellent!
The only downside is that the book was pretty fast paced and it’s such a fast beginning that it leaves you breathless.
Verdict: If you like fantasy and sci-fi you’ll like this!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher on Netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Select Few
Author: Marit Wiesenberg
Book Series: Select Book 2
Rating: 2/5
Publication Date: October 9, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (some mature scenes and violence)
Publisher: Charlesbridge Teen
Pages: 378
Amazon Link
Synopsis: After rejecting the cult-like influence of her father's family, Julia moves into a fancy hotel in downtown Austin. But she finds herself alone except for her boyfriend, John--and her fears. Once again she's suppressing her abilities, afraid her family will come for John when they find out he's been developing abilities of his own in her presence. The FBI is also keeping a close eye on Julia hoping she can lead them to her father, Novak, as he's wanted for questioning in his former assistant's death.
With tensions high, Julia and John agree to go separate ways for the summer, paving the way for Julia to reunite with Angus, fellow outcast. Together they set out on a road trip to California to find Julia's mom and a way into Novak's secret underground world. Along the way Julia will learn the Puri perhaps aren't the only humans evolving into something different. . . and that maybe she's the leader her people have needed all along
Review: For the most part, this book did well to get the reader from point A to point B. It tells a decent story and, while not what I expected, it does well to convey what the author wanted.
So, I really loved the first book and it set the bar for this book and I feel like this book did not meet that bar. The book was just really flat and it felt like the author didn’t know exactly what to do in this book. I think it was a case of “second book in the series” syndrome but it was just not living up to my expectations. I was also really annoyed by the main character throughout this novel lol.
Verdict: I’d read it so you know how the series continues.
Book: Select Few
Author: Marit Wiesenberg
Book Series: Select Book 2
Rating: 2/5
Publication Date: October 9, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (some mature scenes and violence)
Publisher: Charlesbridge Teen
Pages: 378
Amazon Link
Synopsis: After rejecting the cult-like influence of her father's family, Julia moves into a fancy hotel in downtown Austin. But she finds herself alone except for her boyfriend, John--and her fears. Once again she's suppressing her abilities, afraid her family will come for John when they find out he's been developing abilities of his own in her presence. The FBI is also keeping a close eye on Julia hoping she can lead them to her father, Novak, as he's wanted for questioning in his former assistant's death.
With tensions high, Julia and John agree to go separate ways for the summer, paving the way for Julia to reunite with Angus, fellow outcast. Together they set out on a road trip to California to find Julia's mom and a way into Novak's secret underground world. Along the way Julia will learn the Puri perhaps aren't the only humans evolving into something different. . . and that maybe she's the leader her people have needed all along
Review: For the most part, this book did well to get the reader from point A to point B. It tells a decent story and, while not what I expected, it does well to convey what the author wanted.
So, I really loved the first book and it set the bar for this book and I feel like this book did not meet that bar. The book was just really flat and it felt like the author didn’t know exactly what to do in this book. I think it was a case of “second book in the series” syndrome but it was just not living up to my expectations. I was also really annoyed by the main character throughout this novel lol.
Verdict: I’d read it so you know how the series continues.
Disclaimer: I bought this! Support your authors!
Book: Wicked Fox
Author: Kat Cho
Book Series: Gumiho Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Korean characters!
Publication Date: June 25, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (illusions of rape, murder, violence, gore, and abuse TW)
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
Pages: 429
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Eighteen-year-old Gu Miyoung has a secret--she's a gumiho, a nine-tailed fox who must devour the energy of men in order to survive. Because so few believe in the old tales anymore, and with so many evil men no one will miss, the modern city of Seoul is the perfect place to hide and hunt.
But after feeding one full moon, Miyoung crosses paths with Jihoon, a human boy, being attacked by a goblin deep in the forest. Against her better judgment, she violates the rules of survival to rescue the boy, losing her fox bead--her gumiho soul--in the process.
Jihoon knows Miyoung is more than just a beautiful girl--he saw her nine tails the night she saved his life. His grandmother used to tell him stories of the gumiho, of their power and the danger they pose to humans. He's drawn to her anyway.
With murderous forces lurking in the background, Miyoung and Jihoon develop a tenuous friendship that blossoms into something more. But when a young shaman tries to reunite Miyoung with her bead, the consequences are disastrous . . . forcing Miyoung to choose between her immortal life and Jihoon's.
Review: Holy BTS guys! I absolutely loved this book! I had never read a book based on Korean lore before this and I’m so blessed to have read this! It was a treasure and it read so much like a k-drama it was so cool! I loved the complex characters, I loved how the romance wasn’t simplistic, I loved the world building and the unique monster (I say unique because I’ve not read about these before, so to me they are new but if you are in the know of the lore these are probably welcome reunion). And OMG that ending?! Holy crap never saw that coming! I was assuming something else but the rug was completely pulled from underneath my feet! Kudos to the author for making a story that twists the usual YA we have!
The only downside was that I felt like the book had a lull in the center where we had a climax and then the book continued. It fought valiantly to reach another climax, but it was just kinda a weird tempo change for me.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
Book: Wicked Fox
Author: Kat Cho
Book Series: Gumiho Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Korean characters!
Publication Date: June 25, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (illusions of rape, murder, violence, gore, and abuse TW)
Publisher: G.P. Putnam’s Sons Books for Young Readers
Pages: 429
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Eighteen-year-old Gu Miyoung has a secret--she's a gumiho, a nine-tailed fox who must devour the energy of men in order to survive. Because so few believe in the old tales anymore, and with so many evil men no one will miss, the modern city of Seoul is the perfect place to hide and hunt.
But after feeding one full moon, Miyoung crosses paths with Jihoon, a human boy, being attacked by a goblin deep in the forest. Against her better judgment, she violates the rules of survival to rescue the boy, losing her fox bead--her gumiho soul--in the process.
Jihoon knows Miyoung is more than just a beautiful girl--he saw her nine tails the night she saved his life. His grandmother used to tell him stories of the gumiho, of their power and the danger they pose to humans. He's drawn to her anyway.
With murderous forces lurking in the background, Miyoung and Jihoon develop a tenuous friendship that blossoms into something more. But when a young shaman tries to reunite Miyoung with her bead, the consequences are disastrous . . . forcing Miyoung to choose between her immortal life and Jihoon's.
Review: Holy BTS guys! I absolutely loved this book! I had never read a book based on Korean lore before this and I’m so blessed to have read this! It was a treasure and it read so much like a k-drama it was so cool! I loved the complex characters, I loved how the romance wasn’t simplistic, I loved the world building and the unique monster (I say unique because I’ve not read about these before, so to me they are new but if you are in the know of the lore these are probably welcome reunion). And OMG that ending?! Holy crap never saw that coming! I was assuming something else but the rug was completely pulled from underneath my feet! Kudos to the author for making a story that twists the usual YA we have!
The only downside was that I felt like the book had a lull in the center where we had a climax and then the book continued. It fought valiantly to reach another climax, but it was just kinda a weird tempo change for me.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: My hubby bought this book for me! Encourage more book buying!
Book: Fairest of All: A Tale of the Wicked Queen
Author: Serena Valentino
Book Series: Villains Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: August 18, 2009
Genre: YA Fantasy Retelling
Recommended Age: 15+ (addiction TW, inner beauty, murder)
Publisher: Disney Press
Pages: 250
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The tale of the young princess and her evil stepmother, the Wicked Queen, is widely known. Despite a few variations from telling to telling, the story remains the same—the Queen was jealous of the girl’s beauty, and this jealousy culminated in the Queen’s attempt on the sweet, naive girl’s life.
Another tale far less often spoken of is the one that explains what caused the Queen to become so contemptuously vile. Still, some have attempted to guess at the reason. Perhaps the Queen’s true nature was that of a wicked hag and her beautiful, regal appearance a disguise used to fool the King. Others claim that the Queen might have hated the girl for her resemblance to the King’s first wife. Mostly, the Queen is painted as a morally abhorrent woman who never loved another being during the course of her miserable life.
In fact, the theories about exactly what cause the Queen’s obsessive vanity and jealous rage are too numerous to catalog. This book recounts a version of the story that has remained untold until now. It is a tragic tale of love and loss, and it contains a bit of magic. It is a tale of the Wicked Queen…
Review: Okay, so this book was the best Villains book I’ve read so far. I think reading them out of order was bad on my end but whatever I’ll fix it when I reread them. The backstory of The Evil Queen was very interesting and heartwarming and I loved that the story touched heavily on addiction. The book also talks about vanity and inner beauty. The writing was amazing and the character development was superb as well.
The only thing I didn’t really like about this book is that the pacing was really quick. I would have devoured a 500 page dissertation of The Evil Queen and she’s always been my least favorite character. But yea expect to feel all the feels within 2 hours of your time.
Verdict: I stan The Evil Queen.
Book: Fairest of All: A Tale of the Wicked Queen
Author: Serena Valentino
Book Series: Villains Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: August 18, 2009
Genre: YA Fantasy Retelling
Recommended Age: 15+ (addiction TW, inner beauty, murder)
Publisher: Disney Press
Pages: 250
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The tale of the young princess and her evil stepmother, the Wicked Queen, is widely known. Despite a few variations from telling to telling, the story remains the same—the Queen was jealous of the girl’s beauty, and this jealousy culminated in the Queen’s attempt on the sweet, naive girl’s life.
Another tale far less often spoken of is the one that explains what caused the Queen to become so contemptuously vile. Still, some have attempted to guess at the reason. Perhaps the Queen’s true nature was that of a wicked hag and her beautiful, regal appearance a disguise used to fool the King. Others claim that the Queen might have hated the girl for her resemblance to the King’s first wife. Mostly, the Queen is painted as a morally abhorrent woman who never loved another being during the course of her miserable life.
In fact, the theories about exactly what cause the Queen’s obsessive vanity and jealous rage are too numerous to catalog. This book recounts a version of the story that has remained untold until now. It is a tragic tale of love and loss, and it contains a bit of magic. It is a tale of the Wicked Queen…
Review: Okay, so this book was the best Villains book I’ve read so far. I think reading them out of order was bad on my end but whatever I’ll fix it when I reread them. The backstory of The Evil Queen was very interesting and heartwarming and I loved that the story touched heavily on addiction. The book also talks about vanity and inner beauty. The writing was amazing and the character development was superb as well.
The only thing I didn’t really like about this book is that the pacing was really quick. I would have devoured a 500 page dissertation of The Evil Queen and she’s always been my least favorite character. But yea expect to feel all the feels within 2 hours of your time.
Verdict: I stan The Evil Queen.