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2.51k reviews by:
popthebutterfly
Disclaimer: I received an e-arc and a copy of this book from netgalley and the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: If We Were Giants
Author: Dave Matthews, Clete Barrett Smith
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: March 3, 2020
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 12+ (death, scary moments, kidnapping, environmental activism)
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Pages: 304
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Kirra, a curious, agile, and outgoing girl, lives in an idyllic community hidden inside a dormant volcano. She and her father are the only two people allowed to venture beyond its walls. Kirra is in training to become a Storyteller like him, and together they travel from village to village spreading fearsome tales designed to keep outsiders away from their secret nest. One day, after hearing rumors of strangers called the "Takers," Kirra leaves the volcano by herself, hoping to discover her own story. But she unknowingly leads the Takers back to her doorstep, and they rob her of everything she has ever held dear. A devastated Kirra is found by a boy named Luwan and adopted into his family, which lives among others high in the trees of a dense forest. Now quiet and withdrawn, Kirra hides her dark past from everyone and never wants to leave the safety of her tree dwelling. Luwan, on the other hand, loves to explore. One day it leads to trouble: He is captured while spying on a group of strangers. The Takers have returned. To save the Tree Folk, Kirra must face her inner demons and summon all her storytelling to weave the most important tale of her life. This compelling novel about overcoming loss, embracing community, and living in harmony with nature is highlighted with a full-color insert of concept artwork, making it perfect for family sharing.
Review: I thought this was a beautiful story about social activism. The book did well to convey the message of the importance of our environment and can be read by children and adults alike. The book was also well written and had amazing character development.
However, I did find that the world building could have been a bit better. Also, the pacing wanes a bit and the time skipping is a bit weird in places.
Verdict: A well done novel that’ll make you appreciate nature.
Book: If We Were Giants
Author: Dave Matthews, Clete Barrett Smith
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: March 3, 2020
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 12+ (death, scary moments, kidnapping, environmental activism)
Publisher: Disney-Hyperion
Pages: 304
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Kirra, a curious, agile, and outgoing girl, lives in an idyllic community hidden inside a dormant volcano. She and her father are the only two people allowed to venture beyond its walls. Kirra is in training to become a Storyteller like him, and together they travel from village to village spreading fearsome tales designed to keep outsiders away from their secret nest. One day, after hearing rumors of strangers called the "Takers," Kirra leaves the volcano by herself, hoping to discover her own story. But she unknowingly leads the Takers back to her doorstep, and they rob her of everything she has ever held dear. A devastated Kirra is found by a boy named Luwan and adopted into his family, which lives among others high in the trees of a dense forest. Now quiet and withdrawn, Kirra hides her dark past from everyone and never wants to leave the safety of her tree dwelling. Luwan, on the other hand, loves to explore. One day it leads to trouble: He is captured while spying on a group of strangers. The Takers have returned. To save the Tree Folk, Kirra must face her inner demons and summon all her storytelling to weave the most important tale of her life. This compelling novel about overcoming loss, embracing community, and living in harmony with nature is highlighted with a full-color insert of concept artwork, making it perfect for family sharing.
Review: I thought this was a beautiful story about social activism. The book did well to convey the message of the importance of our environment and can be read by children and adults alike. The book was also well written and had amazing character development.
However, I did find that the world building could have been a bit better. Also, the pacing wanes a bit and the time skipping is a bit weird in places.
Verdict: A well done novel that’ll make you appreciate nature.
Disclaimer: I bought this book! Support your authors!
Book: Sky Without Stars
Author: Jessica Brody and Joanne Rendell
Book Series: System Divine Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: March 26, 2019
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 16+ (prostitution mentioned, abuse)
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 582
Amazon Link
Synopsis: A thief. An officer. A guardian.
Three strangers. One shared destiny . . .
When the Last Days came, the planet of Laterre promised hope. But five hundred years later, it’s now a place where an extravagant elite class reigns supreme; where the clouds hide the stars and the poor starve in the streets; where a rebel group, long thought dead, is resurfacing.
Whispers of revolution have begun—a revolution that hinges on three unlikely heroes…
Chatine is a street-savvy thief who will do anything to escape the brutal Regime, including spying on Marcellus, the grandson of the most powerful man on the planet.
Marcellus is an officer—and the son of a traitor. Groomed to command by his legendary grandfather, Marcellus begins to doubt the government he’s vowed to serve when he discovers a cryptic message that only one person, a girl named Alouette, can read.
Alouette is living in an underground refuge, where she guards and protects the last surviving library on the planet. But a shocking murder will bring Alouette to the surface for the first time in twelve years…and plunge Laterre into chaos.
All three have roles to play in a dangerous game of revolution—and together they will shape the future of a planet.
Power, romance, and destiny collide in this sweeping reimagining of Victor Hugo’s masterpiece Les Misérables.
Review: The book was good for the most part. I loved the sci-fi elements and I thought the world building was well done. The character development was also well done. I really did like how they took a story like Les Mis and set it in space and spun the story on its head.
However, I did think that the pacing was slow and the plot was slow as well. I honestly got bored of reading this book at times, it just felt like there were a lot of unnecessary fillers.
Verdict: A well done sci-fi!
Book: Sky Without Stars
Author: Jessica Brody and Joanne Rendell
Book Series: System Divine Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: March 26, 2019
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 16+ (prostitution mentioned, abuse)
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 582
Amazon Link
Synopsis: A thief. An officer. A guardian.
Three strangers. One shared destiny . . .
When the Last Days came, the planet of Laterre promised hope. But five hundred years later, it’s now a place where an extravagant elite class reigns supreme; where the clouds hide the stars and the poor starve in the streets; where a rebel group, long thought dead, is resurfacing.
Whispers of revolution have begun—a revolution that hinges on three unlikely heroes…
Chatine is a street-savvy thief who will do anything to escape the brutal Regime, including spying on Marcellus, the grandson of the most powerful man on the planet.
Marcellus is an officer—and the son of a traitor. Groomed to command by his legendary grandfather, Marcellus begins to doubt the government he’s vowed to serve when he discovers a cryptic message that only one person, a girl named Alouette, can read.
Alouette is living in an underground refuge, where she guards and protects the last surviving library on the planet. But a shocking murder will bring Alouette to the surface for the first time in twelve years…and plunge Laterre into chaos.
All three have roles to play in a dangerous game of revolution—and together they will shape the future of a planet.
Power, romance, and destiny collide in this sweeping reimagining of Victor Hugo’s masterpiece Les Misérables.
Review: The book was good for the most part. I loved the sci-fi elements and I thought the world building was well done. The character development was also well done. I really did like how they took a story like Les Mis and set it in space and spun the story on its head.
However, I did think that the pacing was slow and the plot was slow as well. I honestly got bored of reading this book at times, it just felt like there were a lot of unnecessary fillers.
Verdict: A well done sci-fi!
Disclaimer: I received an e-arc from netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Between Burning Worlds
Author: Jessica Brody and Joanne Rendell
Book Series: System Divine Book 2
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: March 24, 2020
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, death, rape alluded to)
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 688
Amazon Link
Synopsis: A thief.
An officer.
A guardian.
All from different backgrounds, but sharing one same destiny…
The planet Laterre is in turmoil. A new militant revolutionary group has emerged calling themselves “The Red Scar” and claiming responsibility for a spate of recent bombings. The infamous rebels known as the Vangarde believe that in order to bring about a peaceful revolution, their charismatic leader, Citizen Rousseau must be freed from prison right away. Otherwise the bloodshed will only escalate.
Soon Marcellus, Chatine, and Alouette all find themselves pulled into battle with extreme consequences.
Marcellus is determined to uncover his corrupt grandfather’s plan to seize Laterre—even if that means joining the Vangarde.
Aloutte, trying to unearth the truth about her past, becomes a captive of Marcellus’s grandfather, the general.
Chatine, who is serving time on Bastille, hopes to escape the brutal and horrifying reality of the prison moon.
But the failed attempt to break Citizen Rousseau out of prison launches Aloutte, Chatine, and Marecellus into the middle of a dangerous war for control of Laterre. And in the midst of it all is the legend of a secret and dangerous weapon that could mean complete and absolute power to any that wields it.
Review: I liked this book more than the first! The character development is excellent, the ships are flying, and the world building was divine! I loved the action scenes too, they were better laid out in this one. The book is also very well written, it doesn’t feel like two authors writing one book.
However, the pacing and plot are both still so slow. I still feel like there are unnecessary events in the book that make this book much longer than needed.
Verdict: A great sequel! Can’t wait for the next!
Book: Between Burning Worlds
Author: Jessica Brody and Joanne Rendell
Book Series: System Divine Book 2
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: March 24, 2020
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, death, rape alluded to)
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Pages: 688
Amazon Link
Synopsis: A thief.
An officer.
A guardian.
All from different backgrounds, but sharing one same destiny…
The planet Laterre is in turmoil. A new militant revolutionary group has emerged calling themselves “The Red Scar” and claiming responsibility for a spate of recent bombings. The infamous rebels known as the Vangarde believe that in order to bring about a peaceful revolution, their charismatic leader, Citizen Rousseau must be freed from prison right away. Otherwise the bloodshed will only escalate.
Soon Marcellus, Chatine, and Alouette all find themselves pulled into battle with extreme consequences.
Marcellus is determined to uncover his corrupt grandfather’s plan to seize Laterre—even if that means joining the Vangarde.
Aloutte, trying to unearth the truth about her past, becomes a captive of Marcellus’s grandfather, the general.
Chatine, who is serving time on Bastille, hopes to escape the brutal and horrifying reality of the prison moon.
But the failed attempt to break Citizen Rousseau out of prison launches Aloutte, Chatine, and Marecellus into the middle of a dangerous war for control of Laterre. And in the midst of it all is the legend of a secret and dangerous weapon that could mean complete and absolute power to any that wields it.
Review: I liked this book more than the first! The character development is excellent, the ships are flying, and the world building was divine! I loved the action scenes too, they were better laid out in this one. The book is also very well written, it doesn’t feel like two authors writing one book.
However, the pacing and plot are both still so slow. I still feel like there are unnecessary events in the book that make this book much longer than needed.
Verdict: A great sequel! Can’t wait for the next!
Disclaimer: I bought this book! Support your authors!
Book: The Fountains of Silence
Author: Ruta Sepetys
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 1/5
Publication Date: October 1, 2019
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, DNFed
Publisher: Philomel Books
Pages: 512
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Madrid, 1957. Under the fascist dictatorship of General Francisco Franco, Spain is hiding a dark secret. Meanwhile, tourists and foreign businessmen flood into Spain under the welcoming promise of sunshine and wine. Among them is eighteen-year-old Daniel Matheson, the son of an oil tycoon, who arrives in Madrid with his parents hoping to connect with the country of his mother's birth through the lens of his camera. Photography--and fate--introduce him to Ana, whose family's interweaving obstacles reveal the lingering grasp of the Spanish Civil War--as well as chilling definitions of fortune and fear. Daniel's photographs leave him with uncomfortable questions amidst shadows of danger. He is backed into a corner of difficult decisions to protect those he loves. Lives and hearts collide, revealing an incredibly dark side to the sunny Spanish city.
Review: Another book I had to DNF. I couldn’t get into it as much as I love history and I thought that the pacing and plot were very slow coming. The characters weren’t interesting or developed in my opinion and the book had a lot of events that I thought were uneventful.
Verdict: Not for me.
Book: The Fountains of Silence
Author: Ruta Sepetys
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 1/5
Publication Date: October 1, 2019
Genre: YA Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, DNFed
Publisher: Philomel Books
Pages: 512
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Madrid, 1957. Under the fascist dictatorship of General Francisco Franco, Spain is hiding a dark secret. Meanwhile, tourists and foreign businessmen flood into Spain under the welcoming promise of sunshine and wine. Among them is eighteen-year-old Daniel Matheson, the son of an oil tycoon, who arrives in Madrid with his parents hoping to connect with the country of his mother's birth through the lens of his camera. Photography--and fate--introduce him to Ana, whose family's interweaving obstacles reveal the lingering grasp of the Spanish Civil War--as well as chilling definitions of fortune and fear. Daniel's photographs leave him with uncomfortable questions amidst shadows of danger. He is backed into a corner of difficult decisions to protect those he loves. Lives and hearts collide, revealing an incredibly dark side to the sunny Spanish city.
Review: Another book I had to DNF. I couldn’t get into it as much as I love history and I thought that the pacing and plot were very slow coming. The characters weren’t interesting or developed in my opinion and the book had a lot of events that I thought were uneventful.
Verdict: Not for me.
Disclaimer: I received an arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Tigers, Not Daughters
Author: Samantha Mabry
Book Series: Tigers, Not Daughters Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: March 24, 2020
Genre: YA Magical Realism
Recommended Age: 16+ (peeping tom stuff, language, animal death, alcoholism, abuse, violence, gore)
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Pages: 288
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The Torres sisters dream of escape. Escape from their needy and despotic widowed father, and from their San Antonio neighborhood, full of old San Antonio families and all the traditions and expectations that go along with them. In the summer after her senior year of high school, Ana, the oldest sister, falls to her death from her bedroom window. A year later, her three younger sisters, Jessica, Iridian, and Rosa, are still consumed by grief and haunted by their sister’s memory. Their dream of leaving Southtown now seems out of reach. But then strange things start happening around the house: mysterious laughter, mysterious shadows, mysterious writing on the walls. The sisters begin to wonder if Ana really is haunting them, trying to send them a message—and what exactly she’s trying to say.
Review: Overall, I thought this book was well done. The emotions behind the words were moving and the story was well crafted. The characters were well developed and the pacing was very fast and on point. The plot was also good and it kept me intrigued throughout the book.
However, I did feel like there were some unnecessary gross stuff in the book and the ending was really weird and unclear. I reread it and I honestly am still confused by this book. It was great, but I think it’ll stick with me.
Verdict: It was great, but I’m wondering about it still.
Book: Tigers, Not Daughters
Author: Samantha Mabry
Book Series: Tigers, Not Daughters Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: March 24, 2020
Genre: YA Magical Realism
Recommended Age: 16+ (peeping tom stuff, language, animal death, alcoholism, abuse, violence, gore)
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Pages: 288
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The Torres sisters dream of escape. Escape from their needy and despotic widowed father, and from their San Antonio neighborhood, full of old San Antonio families and all the traditions and expectations that go along with them. In the summer after her senior year of high school, Ana, the oldest sister, falls to her death from her bedroom window. A year later, her three younger sisters, Jessica, Iridian, and Rosa, are still consumed by grief and haunted by their sister’s memory. Their dream of leaving Southtown now seems out of reach. But then strange things start happening around the house: mysterious laughter, mysterious shadows, mysterious writing on the walls. The sisters begin to wonder if Ana really is haunting them, trying to send them a message—and what exactly she’s trying to say.
Review: Overall, I thought this book was well done. The emotions behind the words were moving and the story was well crafted. The characters were well developed and the pacing was very fast and on point. The plot was also good and it kept me intrigued throughout the book.
However, I did feel like there were some unnecessary gross stuff in the book and the ending was really weird and unclear. I reread it and I honestly am still confused by this book. It was great, but I think it’ll stick with me.
Verdict: It was great, but I’m wondering about it still.
Disclaimer: I received an e-arc from netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Edge of Anything
Author: Nora Shalaway Carpenter
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: OCD rep! Own voice!
Publication Date: March 24, 2020
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 15+ (mental health, depression)
Publisher: Running Press Kids
Pages: 368
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Len is a loner teen photographer haunted by a past that’s stagnated her work and left her terrified she’s losing her mind. Sage is a high school volleyball star desperate to find a way around her sudden medical disqualification. Both girls need college scholarships. After a chance encounter, the two develop an unlikely friendship that enables them to begin facing their inner demons.
But both Len and Sage are keeping secrets that, left hidden, could cost them everything, maybe even their lives.
Set in the North Carolina mountains, this dynamic #ownvoices novel explores grief, mental health, and the transformative power of friendship.
Review: I really loved this one! It was poignant and heartbreaking all in the same. The book did well with the dual POVs and the character development was amazing. The world building was also done well and I applaud the author for making realistic characters, with flaws and all. Also, hats off to the amazing OCD rep!
The only issue I had with the book is that there were some overdramatic scenes and writing that I felt was a bit out of character. Other than that, this was a great book!
Verdict: A must read!
Book: The Edge of Anything
Author: Nora Shalaway Carpenter
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: OCD rep! Own voice!
Publication Date: March 24, 2020
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 15+ (mental health, depression)
Publisher: Running Press Kids
Pages: 368
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Len is a loner teen photographer haunted by a past that’s stagnated her work and left her terrified she’s losing her mind. Sage is a high school volleyball star desperate to find a way around her sudden medical disqualification. Both girls need college scholarships. After a chance encounter, the two develop an unlikely friendship that enables them to begin facing their inner demons.
But both Len and Sage are keeping secrets that, left hidden, could cost them everything, maybe even their lives.
Set in the North Carolina mountains, this dynamic #ownvoices novel explores grief, mental health, and the transformative power of friendship.
Review: I really loved this one! It was poignant and heartbreaking all in the same. The book did well with the dual POVs and the character development was amazing. The world building was also done well and I applaud the author for making realistic characters, with flaws and all. Also, hats off to the amazing OCD rep!
The only issue I had with the book is that there were some overdramatic scenes and writing that I felt was a bit out of character. Other than that, this was a great book!
Verdict: A must read!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the Mouse himself for this tour! Thanks Disney! All opinions are my own.
Author: Bruce Steele, Bob Iger (introduction)
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: December 3, 2019
Publisher: Disney Editions
Recommended Age: 10+ (great for anyone really!)
Synopsis: Discover what it's like to report to work every day for The Walt Disney Company. Step behind the scenes to immerse yourself in one "ordinary" day at Disney. In addition to the book, the Disney+ team was on hand to capture stories along the way. A full-length documentary and 52 short-form episodes expand the profiles and delve deeper into the essence of what it's like to be a Disney cast member.
On a Thursday in 2019, a small army of photographers and videographers scattered across the globe to capture what goes on beyond those tantalizing "Cast Members Only" doors - whether eavesdropping on historic endeavors or typical tasks. All the photos in this book were taken on that single Thursday, beginning early in Tokyo and following the sun around the world through Shanghai, Hong Kong, Paris, Madrid, the Bahamas, Costa Rica, and dozens of places throughout the United States. More than 40 hours after it began, the day ended as the sun set on the Aulani resort in Hawaii.
On that day, some 80 Cast Members agreed to open up their workshops, dressing rooms, kitchens, cubicles, TV studios, labs, locomotive engines - and some even more surprising and diverse work spaces. They also shared their stories: childhood dreams and chapters, career pivots and triumphs, workaday hurdles and joys. It was just a day in the life, as extraordinary as any other day at Disney. As any Cast Member can tell you, a Disney job is less a destination than a limitless journey. And for just One Day at Disney, we can all tag along for the ride.
Review: Okay let's start off this review by saying this is an amazing book. It's a documentary that covers the behind the scenes of Disney and... Guys... I'm in awe. I'm a Disney lover and I loved seeing all the bits and pieces that go into making every kid and kid at hearts dreams come true. The book is so cool and so special, definitely should be on your buy list if you or someone you know is a Disney lover. The writing makes you feel like you're having a personal conversation with these people and the art and pictures in it really make it a collectable of sorts. Definitely will be on my coffee table forever.
Verdict: Definitely a must for this holiday season.
Author: Bruce Steele, Bob Iger (introduction)
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: December 3, 2019
Publisher: Disney Editions
Recommended Age: 10+ (great for anyone really!)
Synopsis: Discover what it's like to report to work every day for The Walt Disney Company. Step behind the scenes to immerse yourself in one "ordinary" day at Disney. In addition to the book, the Disney+ team was on hand to capture stories along the way. A full-length documentary and 52 short-form episodes expand the profiles and delve deeper into the essence of what it's like to be a Disney cast member.
On a Thursday in 2019, a small army of photographers and videographers scattered across the globe to capture what goes on beyond those tantalizing "Cast Members Only" doors - whether eavesdropping on historic endeavors or typical tasks. All the photos in this book were taken on that single Thursday, beginning early in Tokyo and following the sun around the world through Shanghai, Hong Kong, Paris, Madrid, the Bahamas, Costa Rica, and dozens of places throughout the United States. More than 40 hours after it began, the day ended as the sun set on the Aulani resort in Hawaii.
On that day, some 80 Cast Members agreed to open up their workshops, dressing rooms, kitchens, cubicles, TV studios, labs, locomotive engines - and some even more surprising and diverse work spaces. They also shared their stories: childhood dreams and chapters, career pivots and triumphs, workaday hurdles and joys. It was just a day in the life, as extraordinary as any other day at Disney. As any Cast Member can tell you, a Disney job is less a destination than a limitless journey. And for just One Day at Disney, we can all tag along for the ride.
Review: Okay let's start off this review by saying this is an amazing book. It's a documentary that covers the behind the scenes of Disney and... Guys... I'm in awe. I'm a Disney lover and I loved seeing all the bits and pieces that go into making every kid and kid at hearts dreams come true. The book is so cool and so special, definitely should be on your buy list if you or someone you know is a Disney lover. The writing makes you feel like you're having a personal conversation with these people and the art and pictures in it really make it a collectable of sorts. Definitely will be on my coffee table forever.
Verdict: Definitely a must for this holiday season.
Disclaimer: I received this arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Blame the Dead
Author: Ed Ruggero
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3.5/5
Publication Date: March 3, 2020
Genre: Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 18+ (violence, murder, gore, sex, rape mentioned a lot TW)
Publisher: Forge Books
Pages: 336
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The nurses of the US Army's Field Hospitals, mobile units that operate just behind the battle lines, contend with heat, dirt, short-handed staffs, the threat of German counterattack and an ever-present flood of horribly wounded GIs. At the 11th Field Hospital near Palermo, Sicily in the bloody summer of 1943, nurses also live with the threat of violent assault by one of their own--at least until someone shoots Dr. Myers Stephenson in the head.
Enter Eddie Harkins, a tough former Philadelphia beat cop turned Military Police lieutenant, who is first on the scene. Although he has never been a detective, Harkins soon finds himself the lone investigator, either because the Military Police are under-staffed or because someone in power thinks this rank amateur will never get close to the real killer. When the hospital commander tries to derail Harkins' investigation by transferring or harassing key witnesses, it becomes clear to Harkins that the unit is rotten to its core, that the nurses are not safe, and that patients who have survived Nazi bullets are still at risk after they arrive at this place that is supposed to save them.
Harkins fights--and worries that he is losing--multiple battles. He is driven to give hope to nurses who just want to do their life-saving work, to right at least a few of the wrongs around him, and to do penance for sins in his own past. The one bright note for Harkins is a rekindled relationship with Kathleen Donnelly, a nurse from Harkins' old neighborhood; but even that is complicated when Donnelly becomes a victim.
Review: I found the book to be pretty good. It hard a great mystery and the plot kept me interested for most of the book. The book had great character development and action was all over this book! The world building was also masterful and it really felt like you were in the combat during this book.
However, I had some issues with the book. I have a great grandpa who was an MP during WW2 and from researching stuff about him and his job I know that who conducted murders and special cases were a tricky topic. By 1942 they felt that MPs weren’t very well equipped to investigate these crimes effectively so by 1944 the CID was reestablished (which was still around from WW1 but was drastically smaller after that war ended). So I’m not sure if the type of crimes in this book would have still been investigated by an MP. Also, the book is very mature and there is a lot of awful things mentioned in it. Check the recommended age for those details. The book is also very slow paced, especially in the beginning.
Verdict: A great tale, a but mature, but overall really good.
Book: Blame the Dead
Author: Ed Ruggero
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3.5/5
Publication Date: March 3, 2020
Genre: Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 18+ (violence, murder, gore, sex, rape mentioned a lot TW)
Publisher: Forge Books
Pages: 336
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The nurses of the US Army's Field Hospitals, mobile units that operate just behind the battle lines, contend with heat, dirt, short-handed staffs, the threat of German counterattack and an ever-present flood of horribly wounded GIs. At the 11th Field Hospital near Palermo, Sicily in the bloody summer of 1943, nurses also live with the threat of violent assault by one of their own--at least until someone shoots Dr. Myers Stephenson in the head.
Enter Eddie Harkins, a tough former Philadelphia beat cop turned Military Police lieutenant, who is first on the scene. Although he has never been a detective, Harkins soon finds himself the lone investigator, either because the Military Police are under-staffed or because someone in power thinks this rank amateur will never get close to the real killer. When the hospital commander tries to derail Harkins' investigation by transferring or harassing key witnesses, it becomes clear to Harkins that the unit is rotten to its core, that the nurses are not safe, and that patients who have survived Nazi bullets are still at risk after they arrive at this place that is supposed to save them.
Harkins fights--and worries that he is losing--multiple battles. He is driven to give hope to nurses who just want to do their life-saving work, to right at least a few of the wrongs around him, and to do penance for sins in his own past. The one bright note for Harkins is a rekindled relationship with Kathleen Donnelly, a nurse from Harkins' old neighborhood; but even that is complicated when Donnelly becomes a victim.
Review: I found the book to be pretty good. It hard a great mystery and the plot kept me interested for most of the book. The book had great character development and action was all over this book! The world building was also masterful and it really felt like you were in the combat during this book.
However, I had some issues with the book. I have a great grandpa who was an MP during WW2 and from researching stuff about him and his job I know that who conducted murders and special cases were a tricky topic. By 1942 they felt that MPs weren’t very well equipped to investigate these crimes effectively so by 1944 the CID was reestablished (which was still around from WW1 but was drastically smaller after that war ended). So I’m not sure if the type of crimes in this book would have still been investigated by an MP. Also, the book is very mature and there is a lot of awful things mentioned in it. Check the recommended age for those details. The book is also very slow paced, especially in the beginning.
Verdict: A great tale, a but mature, but overall really good.
Disclaimer: I received an e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Between the Seas and Stars
Author: Chantal Gadoury
Book Series: Lena Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: June 19, 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance)
Publisher: The Parliament House
Pages: 266
Amazon Link
Synopsis: A Legend,
A Magical Shell
A Girl Who Dreamed Of Something More...
Lena, a Merrow girl, lives in the Skagerrak sea with her father, Carrick and her brother, Javelin who tells her of the legend of the Merrow Queen murdered by her human lover when greed takes over. But what’s worth spilling the queen’s blood? Gifted from Poseidon, himself, a magic shell gives any human the ability to control both land and sea.
When Javelin is called to join a clan of Merrow soldiers bent on protecting their waters from human invasion, Lena resists Merrow law and ventures to the shore with no choice but to swim to land.
With newfound legs, Lena is whisked away on a new adventure with new friends and new trouble. Everyone seems to want something from her as intrigue lurks around every corner.
Trying her best to hide who she is and remain safe from the dangers of the human world, will Lena finally find where she belongs, or will she be swept into a strong and stormy current by lust, greed, and jealousy?
Review: Overall, I thought this was an ok book. The plot is familiar and it has a familiar rhythm. The pacing is good as well.
However, I just felt really tired of the same cut and paste story, it just felt too similar to The Little Mermaid, not Disney but the real story. The character development was lacking on a lot of characters and even on the main character it felt that she was wrote younger than what she was intended to be. The world building was not there, it could have been better built, and the plot was super slow. Overall, I just felt like it could have been better and been more.
Verdict: Not my cup of tea but it’s ok.
Book: Between the Seas and Stars
Author: Chantal Gadoury
Book Series: Lena Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: June 19, 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance)
Publisher: The Parliament House
Pages: 266
Amazon Link
Synopsis: A Legend,
A Magical Shell
A Girl Who Dreamed Of Something More...
Lena, a Merrow girl, lives in the Skagerrak sea with her father, Carrick and her brother, Javelin who tells her of the legend of the Merrow Queen murdered by her human lover when greed takes over. But what’s worth spilling the queen’s blood? Gifted from Poseidon, himself, a magic shell gives any human the ability to control both land and sea.
When Javelin is called to join a clan of Merrow soldiers bent on protecting their waters from human invasion, Lena resists Merrow law and ventures to the shore with no choice but to swim to land.
With newfound legs, Lena is whisked away on a new adventure with new friends and new trouble. Everyone seems to want something from her as intrigue lurks around every corner.
Trying her best to hide who she is and remain safe from the dangers of the human world, will Lena finally find where she belongs, or will she be swept into a strong and stormy current by lust, greed, and jealousy?
Review: Overall, I thought this was an ok book. The plot is familiar and it has a familiar rhythm. The pacing is good as well.
However, I just felt really tired of the same cut and paste story, it just felt too similar to The Little Mermaid, not Disney but the real story. The character development was lacking on a lot of characters and even on the main character it felt that she was wrote younger than what she was intended to be. The world building was not there, it could have been better built, and the plot was super slow. Overall, I just felt like it could have been better and been more.
Verdict: Not my cup of tea but it’s ok.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Hunted
Author: Louisa Ellemind
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Diversity: f/f relationship
Publication Date: July 31, 2019
Genre: Fantasy? See review for confusion
Recommended Age: 15+ (language, violence)
Publisher: Indie published
Pages: 375
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Phoenix has rage.
Arin has love.
Ariel has mercy.
Glacia has a mind of her own.
Four young sisters with special abilities have spent their lives fighting against the creatures who murdered their mother.
Then they get separated, and suddenly nothing is as it was before.
Struggling through webs of lies and deceit, they could discover their purpose - or their breaking point.
Review: I thought this was a good book overall. The book had great moments, I loved the inclusion of sci-fi and I loved the maximum ride feels. The pacing was also fast and it keep the story moving, which I appreciated.
However, I did feel like that the book wasn’t structured well. The book was fast and sometimes plot points would move by and you wouldn’t notice until someone commented on it. The book also felt middle grade, but it had a lot of swearing in it.
Verdict: It was good, but weird.
Book: The Hunted
Author: Louisa Ellemind
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Diversity: f/f relationship
Publication Date: July 31, 2019
Genre: Fantasy? See review for confusion
Recommended Age: 15+ (language, violence)
Publisher: Indie published
Pages: 375
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Phoenix has rage.
Arin has love.
Ariel has mercy.
Glacia has a mind of her own.
Four young sisters with special abilities have spent their lives fighting against the creatures who murdered their mother.
Then they get separated, and suddenly nothing is as it was before.
Struggling through webs of lies and deceit, they could discover their purpose - or their breaking point.
Review: I thought this was a good book overall. The book had great moments, I loved the inclusion of sci-fi and I loved the maximum ride feels. The pacing was also fast and it keep the story moving, which I appreciated.
However, I did feel like that the book wasn’t structured well. The book was fast and sometimes plot points would move by and you wouldn’t notice until someone commented on it. The book also felt middle grade, but it had a lot of swearing in it.
Verdict: It was good, but weird.