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2.51k reviews by:
popthebutterfly
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Wildfire
Author: Carrie Mac
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: Broken families and one Indian side character
Publication Date: January 28, 2020
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 16+ (gore, language, drugs, alcohol, death, grief, and sex mentions)
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pages: 272
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Into the Wild meets The Serpent King in this story about Annie and Pete, two best friends on a dangerous and emotional trek through the woods.
Annie and Pete have been best friends since they were little. They know each other better than anyone, and they've been on more adventures than they can count--they even have a notebook filled with all the times they've almost died. But they always survive, because together, they're invincible.
And they've always been just friends. But lately, Annie has been thinking that maybe friendship is just the beginning, and she's been mentally replaying all the times they were almost something more.
Now they're heading out on their next great quest: a ten-day backpacking trip through the mountains of Washington State, ending at Fire Camp, where they'll learn to fight the area's growing wildfire problem. The woods spark with the promise of adventure, but a freak climbing accident interrupts their progress, and as the wildfires close in and smoke envelops them, Annie and Pete wander farther from the trail. Carrie Mac's gripping story of the power of unrequited love and the danger of the elements is harrowing, beautiful, and unforgettable.
Review: This book was a roller coaster of emotions. The book is a back and forth of Annie and Pete’s life together as the bestest friends of all who love to hike. The writing was amazing and the plot was very intriguing. I also love how the book wasn’t a normal contemporary tale.
However, I didn’t really like how the book began, it kinda began in an odd place and it took a bit to get into the rhythm of this book. The book also showed the two making really dumb/bad decisions, which is realistic and infuriating. I understand that every hiker makes mistakes, you can never full prepare for what will happen in the wild, but the mistakes they made were completely within their control and should have been accounted for. The most infuriating is that they didn’t tell their fathers where exactly they would be going. I understand that’s a teenager thing and it’s infuriating, but I did appreciate how the book showed how horrible it can be when your parents don’t know where exactly you are. My main concern is that, at one part of the book, Annie gets drunk and drives into a pole. Pete tells her to say she swerved to miss a dog so she wouldn’t get in trouble. I don’t think the book did a proper explanation of how dangerous and stupid that was of her to do… and honestly, because I work in the CJ field, the doctors would have run tests for the police to see if she was drunk or not. While you are transported to the ER first and formost when in an accident, you are detained and they can arrest you formally once released. The excuse of swerving for a dog will not work and you can kill someone when you drink and drive, if not yourself. It’s stupid to drive a two ton weight around like it’s a toy for any reason.
Verdict: Overall, I really loved this novel and it will stick with me for awhile.
Book: Wildfire
Author: Carrie Mac
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: Broken families and one Indian side character
Publication Date: January 28, 2020
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 16+ (gore, language, drugs, alcohol, death, grief, and sex mentions)
Publisher: Alfred A. Knopf Books for Young Readers
Pages: 272
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Into the Wild meets The Serpent King in this story about Annie and Pete, two best friends on a dangerous and emotional trek through the woods.
Annie and Pete have been best friends since they were little. They know each other better than anyone, and they've been on more adventures than they can count--they even have a notebook filled with all the times they've almost died. But they always survive, because together, they're invincible.
And they've always been just friends. But lately, Annie has been thinking that maybe friendship is just the beginning, and she's been mentally replaying all the times they were almost something more.
Now they're heading out on their next great quest: a ten-day backpacking trip through the mountains of Washington State, ending at Fire Camp, where they'll learn to fight the area's growing wildfire problem. The woods spark with the promise of adventure, but a freak climbing accident interrupts their progress, and as the wildfires close in and smoke envelops them, Annie and Pete wander farther from the trail. Carrie Mac's gripping story of the power of unrequited love and the danger of the elements is harrowing, beautiful, and unforgettable.
Review: This book was a roller coaster of emotions. The book is a back and forth of Annie and Pete’s life together as the bestest friends of all who love to hike. The writing was amazing and the plot was very intriguing. I also love how the book wasn’t a normal contemporary tale.
However, I didn’t really like how the book began, it kinda began in an odd place and it took a bit to get into the rhythm of this book. The book also showed the two making really dumb/bad decisions, which is realistic and infuriating. I understand that every hiker makes mistakes, you can never full prepare for what will happen in the wild, but the mistakes they made were completely within their control and should have been accounted for. The most infuriating is that they didn’t tell their fathers where exactly they would be going. I understand that’s a teenager thing and it’s infuriating, but I did appreciate how the book showed how horrible it can be when your parents don’t know where exactly you are. My main concern is that, at one part of the book, Annie gets drunk and drives into a pole. Pete tells her to say she swerved to miss a dog so she wouldn’t get in trouble. I don’t think the book did a proper explanation of how dangerous and stupid that was of her to do… and honestly, because I work in the CJ field, the doctors would have run tests for the police to see if she was drunk or not. While you are transported to the ER first and formost when in an accident, you are detained and they can arrest you formally once released. The excuse of swerving for a dog will not work and you can kill someone when you drink and drive, if not yourself. It’s stupid to drive a two ton weight around like it’s a toy for any reason.
Verdict: Overall, I really loved this novel and it will stick with me for awhile.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publishers on Netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Diamond City
Author: Francesca Flores
Book Series: Diamond City Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: January 28, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, some language, abuse TW)
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Pages: 400
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Good things don't happen to girls who come from nothing...unless they risk everything.
Fierce and ambitious, Aina Solís as sharp as her blade and as mysterious as the blood magic she protects. After the murder of her parents, Aina takes a job as an assassin to survive and finds a new family in those like her: the unwanted and forgotten.
Her boss is brutal and cold, with a questionable sense of morality, but he provides a place for people with nowhere else to go. And makes sure they stay there.
DIAMOND CITY: built by magic, ruled by tyrants, and in desperate need of saving. It is a world full of dark forces and hidden agendas, old rivalries and lethal new enemies.
To claim a future for herself in a world that doesn't want her to survive, Aina will have to win a game of murder and conspiracy—and risk losing everything.
Full of action, romance and dark magic, book one of Francesca Flores' breathtaking fantasy duology will leave readers eager for more!
Review: For the most part, this was a great book. The world building was great, the writing was well done, and the characters were very well developed. The pacing was also on point throughout most of the novel.
However, I had a couple of issues. The book had a LOT of info dumps. Like, sometimes pages of info dumps after info dumps. I felt really bogged down while reading it, almost like I was reading two different books at once. The other issue I have is the issue of abuse. I don’t mind abuse portrayed in novels and I don’t mind when main characters suffer through it. I do mind when the characters are hit by someone and then proceed to state how much they love them. Like… NO! That’s not the message you want to send to younger kids. Love does not beat! And I just didn’t feel like that message came through strong enough. Lastly, I didn’t think this book was heist-y enough for my tastes. Just my personal preferences. Other than those things, this was a great book!
Verdict: A pretty good heist!
Book: Diamond City
Author: Francesca Flores
Book Series: Diamond City Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: January 28, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, some language, abuse TW)
Publisher: Wednesday Books
Pages: 400
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Good things don't happen to girls who come from nothing...unless they risk everything.
Fierce and ambitious, Aina Solís as sharp as her blade and as mysterious as the blood magic she protects. After the murder of her parents, Aina takes a job as an assassin to survive and finds a new family in those like her: the unwanted and forgotten.
Her boss is brutal and cold, with a questionable sense of morality, but he provides a place for people with nowhere else to go. And makes sure they stay there.
DIAMOND CITY: built by magic, ruled by tyrants, and in desperate need of saving. It is a world full of dark forces and hidden agendas, old rivalries and lethal new enemies.
To claim a future for herself in a world that doesn't want her to survive, Aina will have to win a game of murder and conspiracy—and risk losing everything.
Full of action, romance and dark magic, book one of Francesca Flores' breathtaking fantasy duology will leave readers eager for more!
Review: For the most part, this was a great book. The world building was great, the writing was well done, and the characters were very well developed. The pacing was also on point throughout most of the novel.
However, I had a couple of issues. The book had a LOT of info dumps. Like, sometimes pages of info dumps after info dumps. I felt really bogged down while reading it, almost like I was reading two different books at once. The other issue I have is the issue of abuse. I don’t mind abuse portrayed in novels and I don’t mind when main characters suffer through it. I do mind when the characters are hit by someone and then proceed to state how much they love them. Like… NO! That’s not the message you want to send to younger kids. Love does not beat! And I just didn’t feel like that message came through strong enough. Lastly, I didn’t think this book was heist-y enough for my tastes. Just my personal preferences. Other than those things, this was a great book!
Verdict: A pretty good heist!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher and Netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Given
Author: Nandi Taylor
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Diversity: West-African and Caribbean
Publication Date: January 21, 2020
Genre: YA Romance
Recommended Age: 15+ (romance, some violence, and… lots of romance)
Publisher: Wattpad Books
Pages: 352
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Yenni has never been this far from home. With only her wits, her strength and her sacred runelore, the fierce Yirba warrior princess is alone in the Empire of Cresh. It’s a land filled with strange magics and even stranger people—many of whom mistrust anyone who’s different. But Yenni will prove herself, and find a cure for her father’s wasting illness. She will not fail.
No one warned her about the dragons. Especially not about him.
Yes, there is something powerful and compelling about the violet-black dragon known as Weysh. In human form he’s muscular, beautiful—and completely infuriating. What kind of arrogant creature claims a stranger as his Given; as his destined mate? Yenni is no man’s—or dragon’s—plaything. But other magics must be at work here, because Weysh might just be her best hope at finding the answers she seeks.
Only now Yenni can’t tell if she’s fighting her attraction to a dragon…or fighting fate itself.
Review: Overall, I thought this was an interesting tale with very interesting characters. For the most part, they’re developed and the book had a lot of interesting lore that I’d love to know more about.
However, the book is completely different than what the synopsis leads me to believe. It’s basically a romance. The book also didn’t do well in the writing department. The book didn’t fully incorporate racism and it didn’t really develop the plot well in my opinion.
Verdict: It’s worth the read, but it could use some work in my opinion. But it’s got a really interesting concept and I’d love to see it further developed!
Book: Given
Author: Nandi Taylor
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Diversity: West-African and Caribbean
Publication Date: January 21, 2020
Genre: YA Romance
Recommended Age: 15+ (romance, some violence, and… lots of romance)
Publisher: Wattpad Books
Pages: 352
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Yenni has never been this far from home. With only her wits, her strength and her sacred runelore, the fierce Yirba warrior princess is alone in the Empire of Cresh. It’s a land filled with strange magics and even stranger people—many of whom mistrust anyone who’s different. But Yenni will prove herself, and find a cure for her father’s wasting illness. She will not fail.
No one warned her about the dragons. Especially not about him.
Yes, there is something powerful and compelling about the violet-black dragon known as Weysh. In human form he’s muscular, beautiful—and completely infuriating. What kind of arrogant creature claims a stranger as his Given; as his destined mate? Yenni is no man’s—or dragon’s—plaything. But other magics must be at work here, because Weysh might just be her best hope at finding the answers she seeks.
Only now Yenni can’t tell if she’s fighting her attraction to a dragon…or fighting fate itself.
Review: Overall, I thought this was an interesting tale with very interesting characters. For the most part, they’re developed and the book had a lot of interesting lore that I’d love to know more about.
However, the book is completely different than what the synopsis leads me to believe. It’s basically a romance. The book also didn’t do well in the writing department. The book didn’t fully incorporate racism and it didn’t really develop the plot well in my opinion.
Verdict: It’s worth the read, but it could use some work in my opinion. But it’s got a really interesting concept and I’d love to see it further developed!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher on Netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Girls With No Names
Author: Serena Burdick
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: January 7, 2020
Genre: Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 15+ (unwanted feelings, TW abuse, gore, and violence)
Publisher: Park Row
Pages: 336
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The Girls with No Names pulls readers into the gilded age of New York City in the 1910s, when suffragettes marched in the street, unions fought for better work conditions—and girls were confined to the House of Mercy for daring to break the rules.
Not far from Luella and Effie Tildon’s large family mansion in Inwood looms the House of Mercy, a work house for wayward girls. The sisters grow up under its shadow with the understanding that even as wealthy young women, their freedoms come with limits. But when the sisters accidentally discover a shocking secret about their father, Luella, the brazen older sister, becomes emboldened to do as she pleases.
But her rebellion comes with consequences, and one morning Luella is mysteriously gone. Effie suspects her father has made good on his threat to send Luella to the House of Mercy and hatches a plan to get herself committed to save her sister. But she made a miscalculation, and with no one to believe her story, Effie’s escape from the House of Mercy seems impossible—unless she can trust an enigmatic girl named Mable. As their fates entwine, Mable and Effie must rely on each other and their tenuous friendship to survive.
Review: I thought this book was set up well. The world building was amazing, the history behind it great, and well-researched from what I could tell. I really liked the POV switches in the books and the character development was very well done.
However, I thought the book could do more and show the reader more. I also thought it was very slow paced. It was a great read, but I was just left with this feeling that more could have been done in this novel, within the time period and within the House of Mercy. Also, the amount of details in this book was way too much. It really bogs down the read in my opinion.
Verdict: Overall, a good read.
Book: The Girls With No Names
Author: Serena Burdick
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: January 7, 2020
Genre: Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 15+ (unwanted feelings, TW abuse, gore, and violence)
Publisher: Park Row
Pages: 336
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The Girls with No Names pulls readers into the gilded age of New York City in the 1910s, when suffragettes marched in the street, unions fought for better work conditions—and girls were confined to the House of Mercy for daring to break the rules.
Not far from Luella and Effie Tildon’s large family mansion in Inwood looms the House of Mercy, a work house for wayward girls. The sisters grow up under its shadow with the understanding that even as wealthy young women, their freedoms come with limits. But when the sisters accidentally discover a shocking secret about their father, Luella, the brazen older sister, becomes emboldened to do as she pleases.
But her rebellion comes with consequences, and one morning Luella is mysteriously gone. Effie suspects her father has made good on his threat to send Luella to the House of Mercy and hatches a plan to get herself committed to save her sister. But she made a miscalculation, and with no one to believe her story, Effie’s escape from the House of Mercy seems impossible—unless she can trust an enigmatic girl named Mable. As their fates entwine, Mable and Effie must rely on each other and their tenuous friendship to survive.
Review: I thought this book was set up well. The world building was amazing, the history behind it great, and well-researched from what I could tell. I really liked the POV switches in the books and the character development was very well done.
However, I thought the book could do more and show the reader more. I also thought it was very slow paced. It was a great read, but I was just left with this feeling that more could have been done in this novel, within the time period and within the House of Mercy. Also, the amount of details in this book was way too much. It really bogs down the read in my opinion.
Verdict: Overall, a good read.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher on Netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own!
Book: Cast In Wisdom
Author: Michelle Sagara
Book Series: The Chronicles of Elantra Book 15
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: January 28, 2020
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, some gore, some adult moments)
Publisher: MIRA
Pages: 544
Amazon Link
Synopsis: SOMETHING IS WAKING
The fiefs that exist at the heart of the city of Elantra are home to sentient Towers that guard the world against the incursion of Shadow. But between the fiefs exists the gray world of the border zone. In it, geography changes between one passage across a border and the next. The rules of magic are different there—and yet somehow familiar to Kaylin Neya.
When a Shadow escapes, Kaylin must find out how…and why. If Shadows can breach the barrier erected by the Towers, the whole of Elantra will be devoured. It’s happened on other worlds. Bellusdeo, Kaylin’s Dragon companion, absolutely believes it can happen on theirs.
The border zone holds secrets and ancient histories, and people are gathering there in search of its power. Without even understanding what that power is, or why it exists, Kaylin is in a desperate race against time to find those secrets first. She doesn’t know who her enemies are. She doesn’t know how many she’ll face. But she won’t face them alone.
Review: So… I didn’t know this was part of a series. It’s number 15 in the series. But fortunately, this was easy to get into. The world is complex and amazingly well built. The characters are also well developed. The book is also well written.
However, I felt like the pacing was a bit too fast for me and jumping into the middle of the series left me confused with some plot points, but it was fairly easy to catch on. I also felt that the book was a bit longer than it needed to be, but that’s personal preference.
Verdict: I wish I had started the series at the beginning, but pretty great book!
Book: Cast In Wisdom
Author: Michelle Sagara
Book Series: The Chronicles of Elantra Book 15
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: January 28, 2020
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, some gore, some adult moments)
Publisher: MIRA
Pages: 544
Amazon Link
Synopsis: SOMETHING IS WAKING
The fiefs that exist at the heart of the city of Elantra are home to sentient Towers that guard the world against the incursion of Shadow. But between the fiefs exists the gray world of the border zone. In it, geography changes between one passage across a border and the next. The rules of magic are different there—and yet somehow familiar to Kaylin Neya.
When a Shadow escapes, Kaylin must find out how…and why. If Shadows can breach the barrier erected by the Towers, the whole of Elantra will be devoured. It’s happened on other worlds. Bellusdeo, Kaylin’s Dragon companion, absolutely believes it can happen on theirs.
The border zone holds secrets and ancient histories, and people are gathering there in search of its power. Without even understanding what that power is, or why it exists, Kaylin is in a desperate race against time to find those secrets first. She doesn’t know who her enemies are. She doesn’t know how many she’ll face. But she won’t face them alone.
Review: So… I didn’t know this was part of a series. It’s number 15 in the series. But fortunately, this was easy to get into. The world is complex and amazingly well built. The characters are also well developed. The book is also well written.
However, I felt like the pacing was a bit too fast for me and jumping into the middle of the series left me confused with some plot points, but it was fairly easy to catch on. I also felt that the book was a bit longer than it needed to be, but that’s personal preference.
Verdict: I wish I had started the series at the beginning, but pretty great book!
Disclaimer: I bought this book! Support your authors!
Book: A Heart So Fierce and Broken
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Book Series: Cursebreakers Book 2
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: openly gay m/m couple
Publication Date: January 7, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (some slight sexual references, violence, gore, love, and heartache)
Publisher: Bloomsbury YA
Pages: 464
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Find the heir, win the crown.
The curse is finally broken, but Prince Rhen of Emberfall faces darker troubles still. Rumors circulate that he is not the true heir and that forbidden magic has been unleashed in Emberfall. Although Rhen has Harper by his side, his guardsman Grey is missing, leaving more questions than answers.
Win the crown, save the kingdom.
Rumored to be the heir, Grey has been on the run since he destroyed Lilith. He has no desire to challenge Rhen--until Karis Luran once again threatens to take Emberfall by force. Her own daughter Lia Mara sees the flaws in her mother’s violent plan, but can she convince Grey to stand against Rhen, even for the good of Emberfall?
The heart-pounding, compulsively readable saga continues as loyalties are tested and new love blooms in a kingdom on the brink of war.
Review: Oh. My. God. This book was absolutely wonderful! I loved the world building in this book, the well developed and complex characters, and how well this book blends and mirrors the first book. The book centers on two characters: Grey and Lia Mara, both of which are powerful and strong characters in their own right. They both hold their own and seeing them throughout the book satisfied every need I had since I was mad at Rhen throughout most of the novel. But even Rhen was redeemed and omg I need the last book!
The only thing that would have made me love this more is if I had more Harper POV. I missed her voice… but she wasn’t entirely absent throughout the book and this book is important for setting the stage for book 3. The audience needs to know Grey and Lia Mara as they’ll prove pivotal in the final book.
Verdict: I highly recommend this!
Book: A Heart So Fierce and Broken
Author: Brigid Kemmerer
Book Series: Cursebreakers Book 2
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: openly gay m/m couple
Publication Date: January 7, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (some slight sexual references, violence, gore, love, and heartache)
Publisher: Bloomsbury YA
Pages: 464
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Find the heir, win the crown.
The curse is finally broken, but Prince Rhen of Emberfall faces darker troubles still. Rumors circulate that he is not the true heir and that forbidden magic has been unleashed in Emberfall. Although Rhen has Harper by his side, his guardsman Grey is missing, leaving more questions than answers.
Win the crown, save the kingdom.
Rumored to be the heir, Grey has been on the run since he destroyed Lilith. He has no desire to challenge Rhen--until Karis Luran once again threatens to take Emberfall by force. Her own daughter Lia Mara sees the flaws in her mother’s violent plan, but can she convince Grey to stand against Rhen, even for the good of Emberfall?
The heart-pounding, compulsively readable saga continues as loyalties are tested and new love blooms in a kingdom on the brink of war.
Review: Oh. My. God. This book was absolutely wonderful! I loved the world building in this book, the well developed and complex characters, and how well this book blends and mirrors the first book. The book centers on two characters: Grey and Lia Mara, both of which are powerful and strong characters in their own right. They both hold their own and seeing them throughout the book satisfied every need I had since I was mad at Rhen throughout most of the novel. But even Rhen was redeemed and omg I need the last book!
The only thing that would have made me love this more is if I had more Harper POV. I missed her voice… but she wasn’t entirely absent throughout the book and this book is important for setting the stage for book 3. The audience needs to know Grey and Lia Mara as they’ll prove pivotal in the final book.
Verdict: I highly recommend this!
Edit: This book has been called out by the American Indians in Children's Literature for being insensitive to Indigenous people and the author has been accused of pitting indigenous people against each other. For those reasons I am editing my star rating on all platforms and will no longer recommend this book to others.
Disclaimer: I bought this book! Support your authors!
Book: Dread Nation
Author: Justina Ireland
Book Series: Dread Nation Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: main mentions liking at least one girl, asexual side character, African American leads, girl power!
Publication Date: April 3, 2018
Genre: YA Historical Fiction/Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (language, gore, violence, sexual mentions)
Publisher: Balzar & Bray
Pages: 455
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Jane McKeene was born two days before the dead began to walk the battlefields of Gettysburg and Chancellorsville—derailing the War Between the States and changing America forever. In this new nation, safety for all depends on the work of a few, and laws like the Native and Negro Reeducation Act require certain children attend combat schools to learn to put down the dead. But there are also opportunities—and Jane is studying to become an Attendant, trained in both weaponry and etiquette to protect the well-to-do. It’s a chance for a better life for Negro girls like Jane. After all, not even being the daughter of a wealthy white Southern woman could save her from society’s expectations.
But that’s not a life Jane wants. Almost finished with her education at Miss Preston’s School of Combat in Baltimore, Jane is set on returning to her Kentucky home and doesn’t pay much mind to the politics of the eastern cities, with their talk of returning America to the glory of its days before the dead rose. But when families around Baltimore County begin to go missing, Jane is caught in the middle of a conspiracy, one that finds her in a desperate fight for her life against some powerful enemies. And the restless dead, it would seem, are the least of her problems
Review: Holy cow. I thought this book was amazing! I loved the plot and I loved how well written it was. The character development was on key as well and I fell in love with Katharine and Jane. The book was rife with representation and analogies (and sometimes flat out references) to the racism that is still deeply rooted in our country. The spin on history was fun and interesting to see, and honestly it fit in with the time period very well. I think this book will be one that sticks with me and one I will reread multiple times.
This is the part where I talk about the “negatives” but I really don’t have one with this book. I’m heavily anticipating the second in the series and I felt really drawn to the story since it had two of my faves (the Civil War and Zombies). For the sake of fairness, I will say that some of the battle scenes were a bit short. That’s just being nitpicky at this point because this book has won/was nominated for several awards and it rightly was so.
Verdict: Give me zombies and the civil war and I will give you my first born child.
Disclaimer: I bought this book! Support your authors!
Book: Dread Nation
Author: Justina Ireland
Book Series: Dread Nation Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: main mentions liking at least one girl, asexual side character, African American leads, girl power!
Publication Date: April 3, 2018
Genre: YA Historical Fiction/Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (language, gore, violence, sexual mentions)
Publisher: Balzar & Bray
Pages: 455
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Jane McKeene was born two days before the dead began to walk the battlefields of Gettysburg and Chancellorsville—derailing the War Between the States and changing America forever. In this new nation, safety for all depends on the work of a few, and laws like the Native and Negro Reeducation Act require certain children attend combat schools to learn to put down the dead. But there are also opportunities—and Jane is studying to become an Attendant, trained in both weaponry and etiquette to protect the well-to-do. It’s a chance for a better life for Negro girls like Jane. After all, not even being the daughter of a wealthy white Southern woman could save her from society’s expectations.
But that’s not a life Jane wants. Almost finished with her education at Miss Preston’s School of Combat in Baltimore, Jane is set on returning to her Kentucky home and doesn’t pay much mind to the politics of the eastern cities, with their talk of returning America to the glory of its days before the dead rose. But when families around Baltimore County begin to go missing, Jane is caught in the middle of a conspiracy, one that finds her in a desperate fight for her life against some powerful enemies. And the restless dead, it would seem, are the least of her problems
Review: Holy cow. I thought this book was amazing! I loved the plot and I loved how well written it was. The character development was on key as well and I fell in love with Katharine and Jane. The book was rife with representation and analogies (and sometimes flat out references) to the racism that is still deeply rooted in our country. The spin on history was fun and interesting to see, and honestly it fit in with the time period very well. I think this book will be one that sticks with me and one I will reread multiple times.
This is the part where I talk about the “negatives” but I really don’t have one with this book. I’m heavily anticipating the second in the series and I felt really drawn to the story since it had two of my faves (the Civil War and Zombies). For the sake of fairness, I will say that some of the battle scenes were a bit short. That’s just being nitpicky at this point because this book has won/was nominated for several awards and it rightly was so.
Verdict: Give me zombies and the civil war and I will give you my first born child.
Disclaimer: I received a Netgalley arc of this book from the publisher and a physical arc from @littleshopofstories! Thanks guys! All opinions are my own.
Book: Belle Revolte
Author: Linsey Miller
Book Series: Standalone so far
Rating: 3.5/5
Diversity: Asexual lesbian main character, trans men, lesbian representation, this book is just full of representation!
Publication Date: February 4, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 14+ (some gore, some violence, parent trap escapades, and some love)
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Pages: 384
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Emilie des Marais is more at home holding scalpels than embroidery needles and is desperate to escape her noble roots to serve her country as a physician. But society dictates a noble lady cannot perform such gruesome work.
Annette Boucher, overlooked and overworked by her family, wants more from life than her humble beginnings and is desperate to be trained in magic. So when a strange noble girl offers Annette the chance of a lifetime, she accepts.
Emilie and Annette swap lives—Annette attends finishing school as a noble lady to be trained in the ways of divination, while Emilie enrolls to be a physician’s assistant, using her natural magical talent to save lives.
But when their nation instigates a frivolous war, Emilie and Annette must work together to help the rebellion end a war that is based on lies.
Review: For the most part, this book was very enjoyable. The book had a complex and unique magic system that was so cool and the characters were very likable. The book is also full of French influence and is an exciting read filled with twists and turns.
However, I had some issues reading this book. I felt like the book was really hard to get into in the beginning. The beginning was really rocky and disconnected from the rest of the book. The magic system was fully explained in my opinion and that made for a somewhat of a confusing read. I think the book could have done better at explaining the magic and the first few chapters could be smoothed out to flow better and slide the reader better into this world.
Verdict: An exciting read, but somewhat confusing at the beginning.
Book: Belle Revolte
Author: Linsey Miller
Book Series: Standalone so far
Rating: 3.5/5
Diversity: Asexual lesbian main character, trans men, lesbian representation, this book is just full of representation!
Publication Date: February 4, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 14+ (some gore, some violence, parent trap escapades, and some love)
Publisher: Sourcebooks Fire
Pages: 384
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Emilie des Marais is more at home holding scalpels than embroidery needles and is desperate to escape her noble roots to serve her country as a physician. But society dictates a noble lady cannot perform such gruesome work.
Annette Boucher, overlooked and overworked by her family, wants more from life than her humble beginnings and is desperate to be trained in magic. So when a strange noble girl offers Annette the chance of a lifetime, she accepts.
Emilie and Annette swap lives—Annette attends finishing school as a noble lady to be trained in the ways of divination, while Emilie enrolls to be a physician’s assistant, using her natural magical talent to save lives.
But when their nation instigates a frivolous war, Emilie and Annette must work together to help the rebellion end a war that is based on lies.
Review: For the most part, this book was very enjoyable. The book had a complex and unique magic system that was so cool and the characters were very likable. The book is also full of French influence and is an exciting read filled with twists and turns.
However, I had some issues reading this book. I felt like the book was really hard to get into in the beginning. The beginning was really rocky and disconnected from the rest of the book. The magic system was fully explained in my opinion and that made for a somewhat of a confusing read. I think the book could have done better at explaining the magic and the first few chapters could be smoothed out to flow better and slide the reader better into this world.
Verdict: An exciting read, but somewhat confusing at the beginning.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Dear Future Self
Author: Lisa Becker
Book Series: A Starfish Novella
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: February 4, 2020
Genre: Romance
Recommended Age: 18+ (love and mature scenes)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 87
Amazon Link
Synopsis: People think they know Jase Connors: Former front man for Kings Quarters. Successful solo artist. Consummate playboy. What they don’t know is he’s tired from road life. Tired of road life. Just plain tired.
When a beloved high school teacher passes away, Jase returns to his Midwestern childhood home to honor the teacher’s final wishes. Sparks fly when he’s reunited with his childhood best friend, Cami, and is forced to confront choices that made him the man he is today.
Dear Future Self is a 23,000-word novella spin-off of award-winning Starfish: A Rock Star Romance. It can be read as a stand-alone and guarantees a happily ever after. For mature readers only.
Review: Another romance read (out of my regular genre) but a book that is so powerful that it made me devour it in one sitting. The book is a short romance book that touches on loneliness even when you’re at the top of the food chain. I really liked the connection to the previous novel (Starfish) and I definitely liked seeing the character development in this one. The writing was also very well done.
My only complaint is that the book was a bit slow paced for me, but it’s a romance so those usually are slower lol. The book was also really short and I felt like the book could have easily went another 50 pages with what it had, but that’s just my opinion.
Verdict: A well done romance novel!
Book: Dear Future Self
Author: Lisa Becker
Book Series: A Starfish Novella
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: February 4, 2020
Genre: Romance
Recommended Age: 18+ (love and mature scenes)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 87
Amazon Link
Synopsis: People think they know Jase Connors: Former front man for Kings Quarters. Successful solo artist. Consummate playboy. What they don’t know is he’s tired from road life. Tired of road life. Just plain tired.
When a beloved high school teacher passes away, Jase returns to his Midwestern childhood home to honor the teacher’s final wishes. Sparks fly when he’s reunited with his childhood best friend, Cami, and is forced to confront choices that made him the man he is today.
Dear Future Self is a 23,000-word novella spin-off of award-winning Starfish: A Rock Star Romance. It can be read as a stand-alone and guarantees a happily ever after. For mature readers only.
Review: Another romance read (out of my regular genre) but a book that is so powerful that it made me devour it in one sitting. The book is a short romance book that touches on loneliness even when you’re at the top of the food chain. I really liked the connection to the previous novel (Starfish) and I definitely liked seeing the character development in this one. The writing was also very well done.
My only complaint is that the book was a bit slow paced for me, but it’s a romance so those usually are slower lol. The book was also really short and I felt like the book could have easily went another 50 pages with what it had, but that’s just my opinion.
Verdict: A well done romance novel!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Birthright: Five Secrets to Reclaim The Power Of You
Author: Marga Macias
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: December 25, 2017
Genre: Self Help
Recommended Age: 16+ (it discusses support and some mental health topics)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 144
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Have you ever tried to change for the better, and someone you love comes and pulls you down?
You think you are finally going to be able to conquer your problems, but, out of nowhere, the people that are supposed to be there supporting you end up being the ones who drag you deeper into your struggles until you "can't go on anymore."
Why? Why does this happen? Why is the world like this?
One word: apathy.
Hellen Keller once said, "Science may have found a cure for most evils; but it has found no remedy for the worst of them all - the apathy of human beings."
Are you ready to understand "why" horrible things happen?
The answer has helped thousands of readers break-free from their biggest problems, and given them the strength to overcome. The strength to find their birthright.
Review: This is a self help book. I thought it did well at sticking to the topic and it did well to explain how introspection could help someone out of a dark time. The book is wrote from the authors own experiences and it just feels like a nice fireside chat, it’s not at all lecture-y in my opinion.
However, I did think that sometimes the author could get a little long winded and circle back to reiterate the same message over and over again. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, it just didn’t work for me. I will also say that if you are struggling and you don’t have anyone, please also seek help if you are seeking self help books. Self help can be great, but they can’t replace a person who has knowledge and tools at their disposal to help you help yourself.
Verdict: A decent self help!
Book: Birthright: Five Secrets to Reclaim The Power Of You
Author: Marga Macias
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: December 25, 2017
Genre: Self Help
Recommended Age: 16+ (it discusses support and some mental health topics)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 144
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Have you ever tried to change for the better, and someone you love comes and pulls you down?
You think you are finally going to be able to conquer your problems, but, out of nowhere, the people that are supposed to be there supporting you end up being the ones who drag you deeper into your struggles until you "can't go on anymore."
Why? Why does this happen? Why is the world like this?
One word: apathy.
Hellen Keller once said, "Science may have found a cure for most evils; but it has found no remedy for the worst of them all - the apathy of human beings."
Are you ready to understand "why" horrible things happen?
The answer has helped thousands of readers break-free from their biggest problems, and given them the strength to overcome. The strength to find their birthright.
Review: This is a self help book. I thought it did well at sticking to the topic and it did well to explain how introspection could help someone out of a dark time. The book is wrote from the authors own experiences and it just feels like a nice fireside chat, it’s not at all lecture-y in my opinion.
However, I did think that sometimes the author could get a little long winded and circle back to reiterate the same message over and over again. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, it just didn’t work for me. I will also say that if you are struggling and you don’t have anyone, please also seek help if you are seeking self help books. Self help can be great, but they can’t replace a person who has knowledge and tools at their disposal to help you help yourself.
Verdict: A decent self help!