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popthebutterfly
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher and netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Station Zero
Author: Philip Reeve
Book Series: Railhead Book 3
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: May 3, 2018
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, dnf
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Pages: 288
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The Great Network is changing. New worlds, new alliances, new enmities. For Threnody the changes have brought great power. For Zen and Nova they have brought separation. For the trains that run from world to world, they have brought questions. Now all of them must find out what really matters to them and who they really are . . .
Review: I had to DNF this one because I was, once again, duped by netgalley into getting it. I get advertised an array of books by netgalley and some of them are sequels. I didn’t realize this one was a sequel until I started reading it. Because I want to read this series later when I have time I don’t want to review this one right away (but I won’t get around to these books for years so I’m leaving a 3/5 review because this book does sound amazing, but I’m utterly confused without the other books lol.
Verdict: Read books 1 and 2 first.
Book: Station Zero
Author: Philip Reeve
Book Series: Railhead Book 3
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: May 3, 2018
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, dnf
Publisher: Oxford University Press
Pages: 288
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The Great Network is changing. New worlds, new alliances, new enmities. For Threnody the changes have brought great power. For Zen and Nova they have brought separation. For the trains that run from world to world, they have brought questions. Now all of them must find out what really matters to them and who they really are . . .
Review: I had to DNF this one because I was, once again, duped by netgalley into getting it. I get advertised an array of books by netgalley and some of them are sequels. I didn’t realize this one was a sequel until I started reading it. Because I want to read this series later when I have time I don’t want to review this one right away (but I won’t get around to these books for years so I’m leaving a 3/5 review because this book does sound amazing, but I’m utterly confused without the other books lol.
Verdict: Read books 1 and 2 first.
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from netgalley and the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Nobody People
Author: Bob Proehl
Book Series: The Nobody People Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: Muslim faith character, LGBT
Publication Date: September 3, 2019
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, some language, and discrimination and racism TW)
Publisher: Del Rey Books
Pages: 481
Amazon Link
Synopsis: When a group of outcasts with extraordinary abilities comes out of hiding, their clash with a violent society will spark a revolution—or an apocalypse..
Avi Hirsch has always known his daughter was different. But when others with incredible, otherworldly gifts reveal themselves to the world, Avi realizes that her oddness is something more—that she is something more. With this, he has a terrifying revelation: Emmeline is now entering a society where her unique abilities unfairly mark her as a potential threat. And even though he is her father, Avi cannot keep her safe forever.
Emmeline soon meets others just like her: Carrie Norris, a teenage girl who can turn invisible . . . but just wants to be seen. Fahima Deeb, a woman with an uncanny knack for machinery . . . but it’s her Muslim faith that makes the U.S. government suspicious of her.
They are the nobody people—ordinary individuals with extraordinary gifts who want one only thing: to live as equals in an America that is gripped by fear and hatred. But the government is passing discriminatory laws. Violent mobs are taking to the streets. And one of their own—an angry young man seething with self-loathing—has used his power in an act of mass violence that has put a new target on the community. The nobody people must now stand together and fight for their future, or risk falling apart.
The first book of a timely two-part series, The Nobody People is a powerful novel of love and hope in the face of bigotry that uses a world touched by the fantastic to explore our current reality. It is a story of family and community. It is a story of continuing to fight for one another, no matter the odds. It is the story of us.
Review: I really liked this book! I felt it was equal parts superhero and equal parts steelheart (which is also superhero but go with me!) The character development was amazing and I appreciated all of the diverse characters in it. The book had amazing world building and it had a plot that was intriguing and kept the reader hooked.
However, I did feel like the book downfall was the pacing. It was so slow and it dragged at times with some spots I felt didn’t belong.
Verdict: I need book 2!
Book: The Nobody People
Author: Bob Proehl
Book Series: The Nobody People Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: Muslim faith character, LGBT
Publication Date: September 3, 2019
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, some language, and discrimination and racism TW)
Publisher: Del Rey Books
Pages: 481
Amazon Link
Synopsis: When a group of outcasts with extraordinary abilities comes out of hiding, their clash with a violent society will spark a revolution—or an apocalypse..
Avi Hirsch has always known his daughter was different. But when others with incredible, otherworldly gifts reveal themselves to the world, Avi realizes that her oddness is something more—that she is something more. With this, he has a terrifying revelation: Emmeline is now entering a society where her unique abilities unfairly mark her as a potential threat. And even though he is her father, Avi cannot keep her safe forever.
Emmeline soon meets others just like her: Carrie Norris, a teenage girl who can turn invisible . . . but just wants to be seen. Fahima Deeb, a woman with an uncanny knack for machinery . . . but it’s her Muslim faith that makes the U.S. government suspicious of her.
They are the nobody people—ordinary individuals with extraordinary gifts who want one only thing: to live as equals in an America that is gripped by fear and hatred. But the government is passing discriminatory laws. Violent mobs are taking to the streets. And one of their own—an angry young man seething with self-loathing—has used his power in an act of mass violence that has put a new target on the community. The nobody people must now stand together and fight for their future, or risk falling apart.
The first book of a timely two-part series, The Nobody People is a powerful novel of love and hope in the face of bigotry that uses a world touched by the fantastic to explore our current reality. It is a story of family and community. It is a story of continuing to fight for one another, no matter the odds. It is the story of us.
Review: I really liked this book! I felt it was equal parts superhero and equal parts steelheart (which is also superhero but go with me!) The character development was amazing and I appreciated all of the diverse characters in it. The book had amazing world building and it had a plot that was intriguing and kept the reader hooked.
However, I did feel like the book downfall was the pacing. It was so slow and it dragged at times with some spots I felt didn’t belong.
Verdict: I need book 2!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Fliers
Author: Laura Mae
Book Series: The Fliers Book 1
Rating: 2/5
Publication Date: March 27, 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, dnf-ed
Publisher: Indie published
Pages: 257
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Fight and love without fear
As descendants of fairies, fliers were an old, forgotten species who appear human but could fly without wings. They lived peacefully amongst humans for several decades until a secret government agency developed new technology that allowed experimentation on fliers and discovered how to make ordinary people fly. Not sitting back and accepting the news, Sydona Wilder and her fairy Raoul, set out to find the agency and put a stop to the capture of the rare species. But Sydona will have to fight her own battles of facing her dark past and learning how to trust people again.
Review: I had to DNF this book. I felt like the writing was awkward and sometimes unnatural. The characters were also not very well developed. I made it halfway through the novel before I felt like I had to put it down. While I did have to DNF the book I feel like the book is pretty good if you can get through the writing. The plot is intriguing and I’m interested in it, but the writing needs to be better structured.
Verdict: Not for me, but it might be for you!
Book: Fliers
Author: Laura Mae
Book Series: The Fliers Book 1
Rating: 2/5
Publication Date: March 27, 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, dnf-ed
Publisher: Indie published
Pages: 257
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Fight and love without fear
As descendants of fairies, fliers were an old, forgotten species who appear human but could fly without wings. They lived peacefully amongst humans for several decades until a secret government agency developed new technology that allowed experimentation on fliers and discovered how to make ordinary people fly. Not sitting back and accepting the news, Sydona Wilder and her fairy Raoul, set out to find the agency and put a stop to the capture of the rare species. But Sydona will have to fight her own battles of facing her dark past and learning how to trust people again.
Review: I had to DNF this book. I felt like the writing was awkward and sometimes unnatural. The characters were also not very well developed. I made it halfway through the novel before I felt like I had to put it down. While I did have to DNF the book I feel like the book is pretty good if you can get through the writing. The plot is intriguing and I’m interested in it, but the writing needs to be better structured.
Verdict: Not for me, but it might be for you!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Whispers From the Depths
Author: C.W. Briar
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 2/5
Publication Date: February 19, 2019
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, dnf-ed
Publisher: Uncommon Universes Press
Pages: 292
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Joyful and blessed are Voice-bearers, for the Heavens have set them apart.
As Whisperers gifted with the Voice, Betka and her people are enslaved. Only they can control the dangerous spirits that haunt the waters, but they are forced to serve under cruel taskmasters. Betka has little hope of freedom from her service or her own bitterness.
They toil for the goodness of others.
A powerful water spirit terrorizes the castle where Betka's sister is serving. Betka is assigned to the crew sailing to face the foe, and she fears for the only family she has left. There is no mercy for the Whisperer who fails in their task.
Rage is found nowhere in them.
In the beleaguered, flooded castle, a new threat awaits—a magic more powerful and horrifying than anything they have ever seen. Loyalties will be tested, and enemies will become desperate allies.
Betka is their only hope of escape—if she can subdue the wrath that endangers them all.
Review: I had to DNF this book as well. While I felt like this book started strong with a compelling plot, the books characters went in a direction and I couldn’t connect with them any further. The book is well written, with compelling characters and the world building was pretty good, but I couldn’t connect with it unfortunately.
Verdict: Not for me, but it might be for you!
Book: Whispers From the Depths
Author: C.W. Briar
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 2/5
Publication Date: February 19, 2019
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, dnf-ed
Publisher: Uncommon Universes Press
Pages: 292
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Joyful and blessed are Voice-bearers, for the Heavens have set them apart.
As Whisperers gifted with the Voice, Betka and her people are enslaved. Only they can control the dangerous spirits that haunt the waters, but they are forced to serve under cruel taskmasters. Betka has little hope of freedom from her service or her own bitterness.
They toil for the goodness of others.
A powerful water spirit terrorizes the castle where Betka's sister is serving. Betka is assigned to the crew sailing to face the foe, and she fears for the only family she has left. There is no mercy for the Whisperer who fails in their task.
Rage is found nowhere in them.
In the beleaguered, flooded castle, a new threat awaits—a magic more powerful and horrifying than anything they have ever seen. Loyalties will be tested, and enemies will become desperate allies.
Betka is their only hope of escape—if she can subdue the wrath that endangers them all.
Review: I had to DNF this book as well. While I felt like this book started strong with a compelling plot, the books characters went in a direction and I couldn’t connect with them any further. The book is well written, with compelling characters and the world building was pretty good, but I couldn’t connect with it unfortunately.
Verdict: Not for me, but it might be for you!
Disclaimer: I received an e-arc of this book from netgalley and the publishing company. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Swallows
Author: Lisa Lutz
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 1/5
Publication Date: August 13, 2019
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, dnf-ed
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Pages: 399
Amazon Link
Synopsis: A new teacher at a New England prep school ignites a gender war--with deadly consequences.
What do you love? What do you hate? What do you want?
It starts with this simple writing prompt from Alex Witt, Stonebridge Academy's new creative writing teacher. When the students' answers raise disturbing questions of their own, Ms. Witt knows there's more going on the school than the faculty wants to see. She soon learns about The Ten--the students at the top of the school's social hierarchy--as well as their connection to something called The Darkroom.
Ms. Witt can't remain a passive observer. She finds the few girls who've started to question the school's "boys will be boys" attitude and incites a resistance that quickly becomes a movement. But just as it gains momentum, she also attracts the attention of an unknown enemy who knows a little too much about her--including what brought her to Stonebridge in the first place.
Meanwhile, Gemma, a defiant senior, has been plotting her attack for years, waiting for the right moment. Shy loner Norman hates his role in the Darkroom, but can't find the courage to fight back until he makes an unlikely alliance. And then there's Finn Ford, an English teacher with a shady reputation who keeps one eye on his literary ambitions and one on Ms. Witt.
As the school's secrets begin to trickle out, a boys-versus-girls skirmish turns into an all-out war, with deeply personal--and potentially fatal--consequences for everyone involved.
Review: Another book I had to DNF. I’ve had this on my TBR for awhile and I was anticipating it, but in the end I couldn’t connect with the story or the characters. From what I did read (about 36%) I did like the writing but the plot had no point in my opinion. I just felt like we were talking circles and writing for the sake of writing, not for the sake of telling a story.
Verdict: Not for me, but maybe for you.
Book: The Swallows
Author: Lisa Lutz
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 1/5
Publication Date: August 13, 2019
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, dnf-ed
Publisher: Ballantine Books
Pages: 399
Amazon Link
Synopsis: A new teacher at a New England prep school ignites a gender war--with deadly consequences.
What do you love? What do you hate? What do you want?
It starts with this simple writing prompt from Alex Witt, Stonebridge Academy's new creative writing teacher. When the students' answers raise disturbing questions of their own, Ms. Witt knows there's more going on the school than the faculty wants to see. She soon learns about The Ten--the students at the top of the school's social hierarchy--as well as their connection to something called The Darkroom.
Ms. Witt can't remain a passive observer. She finds the few girls who've started to question the school's "boys will be boys" attitude and incites a resistance that quickly becomes a movement. But just as it gains momentum, she also attracts the attention of an unknown enemy who knows a little too much about her--including what brought her to Stonebridge in the first place.
Meanwhile, Gemma, a defiant senior, has been plotting her attack for years, waiting for the right moment. Shy loner Norman hates his role in the Darkroom, but can't find the courage to fight back until he makes an unlikely alliance. And then there's Finn Ford, an English teacher with a shady reputation who keeps one eye on his literary ambitions and one on Ms. Witt.
As the school's secrets begin to trickle out, a boys-versus-girls skirmish turns into an all-out war, with deeply personal--and potentially fatal--consequences for everyone involved.
Review: Another book I had to DNF. I’ve had this on my TBR for awhile and I was anticipating it, but in the end I couldn’t connect with the story or the characters. From what I did read (about 36%) I did like the writing but the plot had no point in my opinion. I just felt like we were talking circles and writing for the sake of writing, not for the sake of telling a story.
Verdict: Not for me, but maybe for you.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: I Never Eat… Cheesesteak
Author: Paul Lubaczewski
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: June 2, 2019
Genre: Humor
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, vampires)
Publisher: September Sky Press
Pages: 286
Amazon Link
Synopsis: They say life is what happens when you're making other plans. It is also what happens when you need cash to record a demo, but that isn't as catchy in a song, or a meme. Al was coasting through life without a plan or a clue when he was offered a way to make quick cash without doing anything illegal, mainly because killing vampires is not technically against any laws. If he agrees he jump starts his musical career, but on the downside he has to combat the forces of undead evil, including their horrific fashion sense. Will Al survive? Will his punk rocker sister Angie finally dump her loser boyfriend? Will Al's girlfriend come to her senses and dump him? Will Al's gruff partner Abdiel become "woke"? (depends on your definition) Will the citizens of Philadelphia discover the dark festering evil that lurks in their very city?(other than Eagles fans) Will anyone eat an actual cheesesteak? The only way to find out is to read this book, because there will probably never be a Cliff Notes for this one!
Review: I needed a good laugh and I found it in this book. It’s kinda satire about vampires, but it makes fun of the whole cliché of them and how serious they are taken. The book was funny and witty, and it had some great writing and moments.
However, I didn’t think the plot was that good. The book was ok and it was great for someone like me who needed a laugh, but otherwise I’m still not sure what exactly the book was about. But that might be me, I’ve had a rough few days.
Verdict: It was funny!
Book: I Never Eat… Cheesesteak
Author: Paul Lubaczewski
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: June 2, 2019
Genre: Humor
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, vampires)
Publisher: September Sky Press
Pages: 286
Amazon Link
Synopsis: They say life is what happens when you're making other plans. It is also what happens when you need cash to record a demo, but that isn't as catchy in a song, or a meme. Al was coasting through life without a plan or a clue when he was offered a way to make quick cash without doing anything illegal, mainly because killing vampires is not technically against any laws. If he agrees he jump starts his musical career, but on the downside he has to combat the forces of undead evil, including their horrific fashion sense. Will Al survive? Will his punk rocker sister Angie finally dump her loser boyfriend? Will Al's girlfriend come to her senses and dump him? Will Al's gruff partner Abdiel become "woke"? (depends on your definition) Will the citizens of Philadelphia discover the dark festering evil that lurks in their very city?(other than Eagles fans) Will anyone eat an actual cheesesteak? The only way to find out is to read this book, because there will probably never be a Cliff Notes for this one!
Review: I needed a good laugh and I found it in this book. It’s kinda satire about vampires, but it makes fun of the whole cliché of them and how serious they are taken. The book was funny and witty, and it had some great writing and moments.
However, I didn’t think the plot was that good. The book was ok and it was great for someone like me who needed a laugh, but otherwise I’m still not sure what exactly the book was about. But that might be me, I’ve had a rough few days.
Verdict: It was funny!
adventurous
emotional
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Updated Review:
Disclaimer: I bought this book. Support your authors! All opinions are my own.
Book: Dragon Pearl
Author: Yoon Ha Lee
Book Series: Thousand Worlds Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Korean MC and characters and inspired setting
Recommended For...: middle grade readers, sci-fi, mythology, own voice, Chinese inspired and mythology
Publication Date: January 15, 2019
Genre: MG Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 11+ (violence, gore, death, prejudice)
Explanation of CWs: There is some violence, including some explosions and spaceship crashes, and very slight gore. There is also death mentioned, but it is not sad as ghosts can be around and do things. There is also some talk about the prejudice that the MC experiences as a gumiho.
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Pages: 310
Synopsis: THIRTEEN-YEAR-OLD MIN comes from a long line of fox spirits. But you'd never know it by looking at her. To keep the family safe, Min’s mother insists that none of them use any fox-magic, such as Charm or shape-shifting. They must appear human at all times.
Min feels hemmed in by the household rules and resents the endless chores, the cousins who crowd her, and the aunties who judge her. She would like nothing more than to escape Jinju, her neglected, dust-ridden, and impoverished planet. She’s counting the days until she can follow her older brother, Jun, into the Space Forces and see more of the Thousand Worlds.
When word arrives that Jun is suspected of leaving his post to go in search of the Dragon Pearl, Min knows that something is wrong. Jun would never desert his battle cruiser, even for a mystical object rumored to have tremendous power. She decides to run away to find him and clear his name.
Min’s quest will have her meeting gamblers, pirates, and vengeful ghosts. It will involve deception, lies, and sabotage. She will be forced to use more fox-magic than ever before, and to rely on all of her cleverness and bravery. The outcome may not be what she had hoped, but it has the potential to exceed her wildest dreams.
Review: This was my first reread of the year and I absolutely loved it! The book is even better the second time around with the twists and so many little details that the author hides throughout the book. The character development is great, the world building is amazing, and the plot is so intriguing it’ll have you on the edge of your seat. Yoon Ha Lee is the go-to author if you’re looking for epic sci-fi books!
The only issue I had with the book is that the pacing is a bit fast and it can get a little confusing, but it’s still a wonderful read.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
Original Review:
Disclaimer: I received an e-arc of this book and then bought my own copy! Thanks! All opinions are my own!
Book: Dragon Pearl
Author: Yoon Ha Lee
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: This is Asian based!
Publication Date: January 15, 2019
Genre: MG Sci-Fi Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (some violence and death, scary moments)
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Pages: 312
Amazon Link
Synopsis: THIRTEEN-YEAR-OLD MIN comes from a long line of fox spirits. But you'd never know it by looking at her. To keep the family safe, Min’s mother insists that none of them use any fox-magic, such as Charm or shape-shifting. They must appear human at all times.
Min feels hemmed in by the household rules and resents the endless chores, the cousins who crowd her, and the aunties who judge her. She would like nothing more than to escape Jinju, her neglected, dust-ridden, and impoverished planet. She’s counting the days until she can follow her older brother, Jun, into the Space Forces and see more of the Thousand Worlds.
When word arrives that Jun is suspected of leaving his post to go in search of the Dragon Pearl, Min knows that something is wrong. Jun would never desert his battle cruiser, even for a mystical object rumored to have tremendous power. She decides to run away to find him and clear his name.
Min’s quest will have her meeting gamblers, pirates, and vengeful ghosts. It will involve deception, lies, and sabotage. She will be forced to use more fox-magic than ever before, and to rely on all of her cleverness and bravery. The outcome may not be what she had hoped, but it has the potential to exceed her wildest dreams.
Review: Overall, I really liked this book! It was parts fantasy and parts sci-fi! I loved the combo that Yoon Ha Lee came up with and it was fun to read! The characters were well developed and the writing was well done. The plot was also intriguing and kept me interested all throughout the book.
However, the book felt circular a bit. The pacing was slow and the characters repeated the same info multiple times. The book was a bit too simple for middle graders in my opinion, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The book just felt really slow and I kept wondering when we would get to the point. I also felt like we needed more world building.
Verdict: It was a good book, but had some slow moments.
Disclaimer: I bought this book. Support your authors! All opinions are my own.
Book: Dragon Pearl
Author: Yoon Ha Lee
Book Series: Thousand Worlds Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Korean MC and characters and inspired setting
Recommended For...: middle grade readers, sci-fi, mythology, own voice, Chinese inspired and mythology
Publication Date: January 15, 2019
Genre: MG Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 11+ (violence, gore, death, prejudice)
Explanation of CWs: There is some violence, including some explosions and spaceship crashes, and very slight gore. There is also death mentioned, but it is not sad as ghosts can be around and do things. There is also some talk about the prejudice that the MC experiences as a gumiho.
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Pages: 310
Synopsis: THIRTEEN-YEAR-OLD MIN comes from a long line of fox spirits. But you'd never know it by looking at her. To keep the family safe, Min’s mother insists that none of them use any fox-magic, such as Charm or shape-shifting. They must appear human at all times.
Min feels hemmed in by the household rules and resents the endless chores, the cousins who crowd her, and the aunties who judge her. She would like nothing more than to escape Jinju, her neglected, dust-ridden, and impoverished planet. She’s counting the days until she can follow her older brother, Jun, into the Space Forces and see more of the Thousand Worlds.
When word arrives that Jun is suspected of leaving his post to go in search of the Dragon Pearl, Min knows that something is wrong. Jun would never desert his battle cruiser, even for a mystical object rumored to have tremendous power. She decides to run away to find him and clear his name.
Min’s quest will have her meeting gamblers, pirates, and vengeful ghosts. It will involve deception, lies, and sabotage. She will be forced to use more fox-magic than ever before, and to rely on all of her cleverness and bravery. The outcome may not be what she had hoped, but it has the potential to exceed her wildest dreams.
Review: This was my first reread of the year and I absolutely loved it! The book is even better the second time around with the twists and so many little details that the author hides throughout the book. The character development is great, the world building is amazing, and the plot is so intriguing it’ll have you on the edge of your seat. Yoon Ha Lee is the go-to author if you’re looking for epic sci-fi books!
The only issue I had with the book is that the pacing is a bit fast and it can get a little confusing, but it’s still a wonderful read.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
Original Review:
Disclaimer: I received an e-arc of this book and then bought my own copy! Thanks! All opinions are my own!
Book: Dragon Pearl
Author: Yoon Ha Lee
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: This is Asian based!
Publication Date: January 15, 2019
Genre: MG Sci-Fi Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (some violence and death, scary moments)
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Pages: 312
Amazon Link
Synopsis: THIRTEEN-YEAR-OLD MIN comes from a long line of fox spirits. But you'd never know it by looking at her. To keep the family safe, Min’s mother insists that none of them use any fox-magic, such as Charm or shape-shifting. They must appear human at all times.
Min feels hemmed in by the household rules and resents the endless chores, the cousins who crowd her, and the aunties who judge her. She would like nothing more than to escape Jinju, her neglected, dust-ridden, and impoverished planet. She’s counting the days until she can follow her older brother, Jun, into the Space Forces and see more of the Thousand Worlds.
When word arrives that Jun is suspected of leaving his post to go in search of the Dragon Pearl, Min knows that something is wrong. Jun would never desert his battle cruiser, even for a mystical object rumored to have tremendous power. She decides to run away to find him and clear his name.
Min’s quest will have her meeting gamblers, pirates, and vengeful ghosts. It will involve deception, lies, and sabotage. She will be forced to use more fox-magic than ever before, and to rely on all of her cleverness and bravery. The outcome may not be what she had hoped, but it has the potential to exceed her wildest dreams.
Review: Overall, I really liked this book! It was parts fantasy and parts sci-fi! I loved the combo that Yoon Ha Lee came up with and it was fun to read! The characters were well developed and the writing was well done. The plot was also intriguing and kept me interested all throughout the book.
However, the book felt circular a bit. The pacing was slow and the characters repeated the same info multiple times. The book was a bit too simple for middle graders in my opinion, but that’s not necessarily a bad thing. The book just felt really slow and I kept wondering when we would get to the point. I also felt like we needed more world building.
Verdict: It was a good book, but had some slow moments.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: A Bend in the Stars
Author: Rachel Barenbaum
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 1/5
Diversity: Jewish characters!
Publication Date: May 14, 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: can’t recommend - dnf
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Pages: 464
Amazon Link
Synopsis: This is at once an epic love story and a heart-pounding journey across WWI-era Russia, about an ambitious young doctor and her scientist brother in a race against Einstein to solve one of the greatest mysteries of the universe.
In Russia, in the summer of 1914, as war with Germany looms and the Czar's army tightens its grip on the local Jewish community, Miri Abramov and her brilliant physicist brother, Vanya, are facing an impossible decision. Since their parents drowned fleeing to America, Miri and Vanya have been raised by their babushka, a famous matchmaker who has taught them to protect themselves at all costs: to fight, to kill if necessary, and always to have an escape plan. Can they bear to leave the homeland that has given them so much?
Before they have time to make their choice, war is declared and Vanya goes missing, along with Miri's fiancé. Miri braves the firing squad to go looking for them both. As the eclipse that will change history darkens skies across Russia, not only the safety of Miri's own family but the future of science itself hangs in the balance.
Review: Another book I had to DNF. The book was written well, but it felt YA when it wasn’t and the emotions of this book just didn’t turn me. The characters were hard to relate to, especially when the love triangle came out… and I hate love triangles. The book just, overall, felt forced and I didn’t like forcing my way through it.
Verdict: Not for me, but it might be for you.
Book: A Bend in the Stars
Author: Rachel Barenbaum
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 1/5
Diversity: Jewish characters!
Publication Date: May 14, 2019
Genre: Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: can’t recommend - dnf
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Pages: 464
Amazon Link
Synopsis: This is at once an epic love story and a heart-pounding journey across WWI-era Russia, about an ambitious young doctor and her scientist brother in a race against Einstein to solve one of the greatest mysteries of the universe.
In Russia, in the summer of 1914, as war with Germany looms and the Czar's army tightens its grip on the local Jewish community, Miri Abramov and her brilliant physicist brother, Vanya, are facing an impossible decision. Since their parents drowned fleeing to America, Miri and Vanya have been raised by their babushka, a famous matchmaker who has taught them to protect themselves at all costs: to fight, to kill if necessary, and always to have an escape plan. Can they bear to leave the homeland that has given them so much?
Before they have time to make their choice, war is declared and Vanya goes missing, along with Miri's fiancé. Miri braves the firing squad to go looking for them both. As the eclipse that will change history darkens skies across Russia, not only the safety of Miri's own family but the future of science itself hangs in the balance.
Review: Another book I had to DNF. The book was written well, but it felt YA when it wasn’t and the emotions of this book just didn’t turn me. The characters were hard to relate to, especially when the love triangle came out… and I hate love triangles. The book just, overall, felt forced and I didn’t like forcing my way through it.
Verdict: Not for me, but it might be for you.
Disclaimer: I received a book in a book box I purchased and then the author sent me a copy. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Control Freakz
Author: Michael Evans
Book Series: Control Freakz Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: July 23, 2018
Genre: YA Dystopian
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, kidnapping, post apocalyptic world, mind control, and it’s not even our world)
Publisher: Boundless Press
Pages: 407
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Memories will haunt you.
Natalie has lost everything but herself, and she’s just one of thousands. After Protocol 00 is enacted, Natalie’s family is taken by the government, along with the families of her two best friends, Hunter and Ethan. With nothing to lose and the threat of government hitmen kidnapping them at any moment, the three must battle to survive in a horrid, post-apocalyptic world run by President Ash and his invasive government.
Risking ruthless leaders, attempted mind control, and her very existence on the planet, Natalie, along with Hunter and Ethan, will stop at nothing in their quest to regain everything they’ve ever known. But there are unrivaled powers working against them, and with impending doom looming at any moment, there is no one to trust and nowhere to hide. In a life devoid of hope, happiness, and safety, Natalie must battle both the darkness lurking inside and out of her in order to regain one fleeting memory of her past that has all but fallen away for good, but it might already be too late.
Review: Overall, I thought this was a great book! I loved the writing and the plot kept me intrigued throughout the novel. The characters are compelling as well. The author was a sophomore in high school and I think that’s commendable in itself.
However, I did think there should have been more world building and I felt like this book could have been better detailed. It just felt too short for me.
Verdict: It was great!
Book: Control Freakz
Author: Michael Evans
Book Series: Control Freakz Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: July 23, 2018
Genre: YA Dystopian
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, kidnapping, post apocalyptic world, mind control, and it’s not even our world)
Publisher: Boundless Press
Pages: 407
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Memories will haunt you.
Natalie has lost everything but herself, and she’s just one of thousands. After Protocol 00 is enacted, Natalie’s family is taken by the government, along with the families of her two best friends, Hunter and Ethan. With nothing to lose and the threat of government hitmen kidnapping them at any moment, the three must battle to survive in a horrid, post-apocalyptic world run by President Ash and his invasive government.
Risking ruthless leaders, attempted mind control, and her very existence on the planet, Natalie, along with Hunter and Ethan, will stop at nothing in their quest to regain everything they’ve ever known. But there are unrivaled powers working against them, and with impending doom looming at any moment, there is no one to trust and nowhere to hide. In a life devoid of hope, happiness, and safety, Natalie must battle both the darkness lurking inside and out of her in order to regain one fleeting memory of her past that has all but fallen away for good, but it might already be too late.
Review: Overall, I thought this was a great book! I loved the writing and the plot kept me intrigued throughout the novel. The characters are compelling as well. The author was a sophomore in high school and I think that’s commendable in itself.
However, I did think there should have been more world building and I felt like this book could have been better detailed. It just felt too short for me.
Verdict: It was great!
Disclaimer: I bought this book but I regret it. @bookofthemonth and @sohopress, do better next time to select books that don’t present awful messages to young impressionable minds.
Book: All of Us With Wings
Author: Michelle Ruiz Keil
Book Series: Standalone (thank god)
Rating: 1/5
Diversity: Mexican-American main character
Publication Date: June 18, 2019
Genre: YA Magical Realism
Recommended Age: 18+ (drug use (heroin, cocaine, etc), sexual grooming, statutory rape and rape TW, underage relationship presented in a positive light (ew))
Publisher: Soho Press
Pages: 360
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Michelle Ruiz Keil’s YA fantasy debut about love, found family, and healing is an ode to post-punk San Francisco through the eyes of a Mexican-American girl.
Seventeen-year-old Xochi is alone in San Francisco, running from her painful past: the mother who abandoned her, the man who betrayed her. Then one day, she meets Pallas, a precocious twelve-year-old who lives with her rock-star family in one of the city’s storybook Victorians. Xochi accepts a position as Pallas’s live-in governess and quickly finds her place in their household, which is relaxed and happy despite the band's larger-than-life fame.
But on the night of the Vernal Equinox, as a concert afterparty rages in the house below, Xochi and Pallas accidentally summon a pair of ancient creatures devoted to avenging the wrongs of Xochi’s adolescence. She would do anything to preserve her new life, but with the creatures determined to exact vengeance on those who’ve hurt her, no one is safe—not the family she’s chosen, nor the one she left behind.
Review: I read the whole of this book and I’m still rating it a 1/5. This book has been getting a lot of hate for “pedophilia” and while that is not the right term, there is still some very wrong things in this book. It’s romantizing statutory rape and it presents this “relationship” as normal when it’s controlling and sets kids to be victims of rape. The love interest is basically grooming the character throughout the novel and it’s fetishizing a relationship between a nanny (17) and a “lonely father” (29). I can’t imagine how this got past all of the revisions and stuff it takes to get a novel published. Did no one look at this book and think how wrong it was, how wrong the message it was sending to young children was? When you publish YA you have a responsibility to make sure stuff like this doesn’t get out there. It’s another thing when it presents a positive message about it versus a negative message, and this presents this type of relationship in a positive light. And as much as the book is beautiful (the prose is awesome and the plot besides the sexual grooming is good), the message it presents makes the whole book basic trash. As someone who has trained in a rape crisis center and has studied the psychology behind criminals who do this and has many friends and family members who have went through varying degrees of this, I can’t tell you enough how you need to keep this away from anyone under the age of 18.
Verdict: Do not buy this book.
Book: All of Us With Wings
Author: Michelle Ruiz Keil
Book Series: Standalone (thank god)
Rating: 1/5
Diversity: Mexican-American main character
Publication Date: June 18, 2019
Genre: YA Magical Realism
Recommended Age: 18+ (drug use (heroin, cocaine, etc), sexual grooming, statutory rape and rape TW, underage relationship presented in a positive light (ew))
Publisher: Soho Press
Pages: 360
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Michelle Ruiz Keil’s YA fantasy debut about love, found family, and healing is an ode to post-punk San Francisco through the eyes of a Mexican-American girl.
Seventeen-year-old Xochi is alone in San Francisco, running from her painful past: the mother who abandoned her, the man who betrayed her. Then one day, she meets Pallas, a precocious twelve-year-old who lives with her rock-star family in one of the city’s storybook Victorians. Xochi accepts a position as Pallas’s live-in governess and quickly finds her place in their household, which is relaxed and happy despite the band's larger-than-life fame.
But on the night of the Vernal Equinox, as a concert afterparty rages in the house below, Xochi and Pallas accidentally summon a pair of ancient creatures devoted to avenging the wrongs of Xochi’s adolescence. She would do anything to preserve her new life, but with the creatures determined to exact vengeance on those who’ve hurt her, no one is safe—not the family she’s chosen, nor the one she left behind.
Review: I read the whole of this book and I’m still rating it a 1/5. This book has been getting a lot of hate for “pedophilia” and while that is not the right term, there is still some very wrong things in this book. It’s romantizing statutory rape and it presents this “relationship” as normal when it’s controlling and sets kids to be victims of rape. The love interest is basically grooming the character throughout the novel and it’s fetishizing a relationship between a nanny (17) and a “lonely father” (29). I can’t imagine how this got past all of the revisions and stuff it takes to get a novel published. Did no one look at this book and think how wrong it was, how wrong the message it was sending to young children was? When you publish YA you have a responsibility to make sure stuff like this doesn’t get out there. It’s another thing when it presents a positive message about it versus a negative message, and this presents this type of relationship in a positive light. And as much as the book is beautiful (the prose is awesome and the plot besides the sexual grooming is good), the message it presents makes the whole book basic trash. As someone who has trained in a rape crisis center and has studied the psychology behind criminals who do this and has many friends and family members who have went through varying degrees of this, I can’t tell you enough how you need to keep this away from anyone under the age of 18.
Verdict: Do not buy this book.