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popthebutterfly
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Vengeance of Hope: Can Freedom Ever Be For All?
Author: P.J. Berman
Book Series: Silrith Book 1
Rating: 2/5
Publication Date: November 14, 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, dnf-ed
Publisher: Indie published
Pages: 525
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Vengeance of Hope, P.J.Berman’s explosive debut novel, marks the beginning of the Silrith series; a new power in the world of epic fantasy.
This opening book pitches you head first into the intense and unrelentingly dangerous Kingdom of Bennvika, a world of strong, powerful women and ambitious, ruthless men. As a bitter power struggle surges through the land, you are just as likely to die in a devious political plot as you are in the carnage of a great, bloody battle.
Your ears will ring with the clang of steel on steel. Your heart will tremble at the thundering of charging hooves. You will feel the cut and slash of blades as you follow three very different rebels in their desperate fight against a tyrannical King.
Silrith, the exiled Princess of Bennvika, stands shoulder to shoulder with her followers, sword in hand, ready to defend those in need of her protection. Yet she knows that if she falls, thousands more will also perish.
Ezrina, of the Hentani tribe, burns with desire for revenge against those who oppress her people, but more than anything she must fight to protect the woman she could be executed for loving.
Zethun, an ambitious young politician, yearns for a fairer world with a greater voice for the poor. However, for him and his followers, to speak the word ‘republic’, could be a fatally dangerous move in a land ruled by a despot.
Will the rebel factions succeed? Or in the indiscriminate butchery of war, will their disunity prove to be their downfall, bringing about the destruction of their world as they know it?
With vivid imagery, a punchy writing voice, detailed worldbuilding and an unapologetically fast pace, Vengeance of Hope has everything an epic fantasy novel needs.
Review: I had to DNF this book as well unfortunately. The book is very content heavy and there are so many characters and place that it’s hard to keep track of everything, but I had this same issue with game of thrones as well even with the TV series. While there is a glossary and map I still got super lost constantly. I had to finally give up, because while I was enjoying it I felt like there was a lot of writing issues and confusing structures within the book.
Verdict: It just wasn’t for me.
Book: Vengeance of Hope: Can Freedom Ever Be For All?
Author: P.J. Berman
Book Series: Silrith Book 1
Rating: 2/5
Publication Date: November 14, 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, dnf-ed
Publisher: Indie published
Pages: 525
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Vengeance of Hope, P.J.Berman’s explosive debut novel, marks the beginning of the Silrith series; a new power in the world of epic fantasy.
This opening book pitches you head first into the intense and unrelentingly dangerous Kingdom of Bennvika, a world of strong, powerful women and ambitious, ruthless men. As a bitter power struggle surges through the land, you are just as likely to die in a devious political plot as you are in the carnage of a great, bloody battle.
Your ears will ring with the clang of steel on steel. Your heart will tremble at the thundering of charging hooves. You will feel the cut and slash of blades as you follow three very different rebels in their desperate fight against a tyrannical King.
Silrith, the exiled Princess of Bennvika, stands shoulder to shoulder with her followers, sword in hand, ready to defend those in need of her protection. Yet she knows that if she falls, thousands more will also perish.
Ezrina, of the Hentani tribe, burns with desire for revenge against those who oppress her people, but more than anything she must fight to protect the woman she could be executed for loving.
Zethun, an ambitious young politician, yearns for a fairer world with a greater voice for the poor. However, for him and his followers, to speak the word ‘republic’, could be a fatally dangerous move in a land ruled by a despot.
Will the rebel factions succeed? Or in the indiscriminate butchery of war, will their disunity prove to be their downfall, bringing about the destruction of their world as they know it?
With vivid imagery, a punchy writing voice, detailed worldbuilding and an unapologetically fast pace, Vengeance of Hope has everything an epic fantasy novel needs.
Review: I had to DNF this book as well unfortunately. The book is very content heavy and there are so many characters and place that it’s hard to keep track of everything, but I had this same issue with game of thrones as well even with the TV series. While there is a glossary and map I still got super lost constantly. I had to finally give up, because while I was enjoying it I felt like there was a lot of writing issues and confusing structures within the book.
Verdict: It just wasn’t for me.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: In The Sun
Author: Mixie Plum
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: April 5, 2019
Genre: Novella
Recommended Age: 16+ (depression, suicide, romance)
Publisher: Indie published
Pages: 84
Amazon Link
Synopsis: A novella inspired from a life lived; almost lost, & lived again.In The Sun is written in a stream of consciousness past present narrative. Phoebe finds out she has a terminal diagnosis then contemplates suicide whilst revisiting her life. Dark and Funny, it is the author's self proclaimed "Catcher In The Rye" meets "High Fidelity"
Review: I thought that this book was beautiful with the prose and that the writing was compelling. The character was compelling and the way that the author describes the story is interesting.
However, I do feel like that the book is confusing. You’re constantly in between different time spaces and it’s hard to keep it all straight.
Verdict: It was a good book if you’re a poetic soul.
Book: In The Sun
Author: Mixie Plum
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: April 5, 2019
Genre: Novella
Recommended Age: 16+ (depression, suicide, romance)
Publisher: Indie published
Pages: 84
Amazon Link
Synopsis: A novella inspired from a life lived; almost lost, & lived again.In The Sun is written in a stream of consciousness past present narrative. Phoebe finds out she has a terminal diagnosis then contemplates suicide whilst revisiting her life. Dark and Funny, it is the author's self proclaimed "Catcher In The Rye" meets "High Fidelity"
Review: I thought that this book was beautiful with the prose and that the writing was compelling. The character was compelling and the way that the author describes the story is interesting.
However, I do feel like that the book is confusing. You’re constantly in between different time spaces and it’s hard to keep it all straight.
Verdict: It was a good book if you’re a poetic soul.
Disclaimer: I received this book in a book box I bought (@owlcrate). Thanks! All opinions are my own!
Book: Could You Escape the Paris Catacombs?
Author: Matt Doeden
Book Series: Interactive Survival Adventure Books
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: August 1, 2019
Genre: Children’s Adventure Choose Your Own Adventure
Recommended Age: 10+ (scary moments, skulls)
Publisher: Capstone Press
Pages: 112
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Could you escape the Paris Catacombs? You became the hero of your own adventure the moment you stepped underground. Will you escape the skeletal maze, or be trapped with the ghosts of France forever?
Review: Awww this was a cute book! I loved the interactive style of writing and I definitely dipped into my old interactive goosebumps days and skipped ahead to get the best ending lol. I loved the writing style and this was definitely a fun read!
The only issue is that I felt like the characters weren’t fully developed, but it was ok because there were pictures and the story was so fun!
Verdict: It’s fun and would be a hit for any kid!
Book: Could You Escape the Paris Catacombs?
Author: Matt Doeden
Book Series: Interactive Survival Adventure Books
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: August 1, 2019
Genre: Children’s Adventure Choose Your Own Adventure
Recommended Age: 10+ (scary moments, skulls)
Publisher: Capstone Press
Pages: 112
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Could you escape the Paris Catacombs? You became the hero of your own adventure the moment you stepped underground. Will you escape the skeletal maze, or be trapped with the ghosts of France forever?
Review: Awww this was a cute book! I loved the interactive style of writing and I definitely dipped into my old interactive goosebumps days and skipped ahead to get the best ending lol. I loved the writing style and this was definitely a fun read!
The only issue is that I felt like the characters weren’t fully developed, but it was ok because there were pictures and the story was so fun!
Verdict: It’s fun and would be a hit for any kid!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All options are my own.
Author: M. Weidenbenner
Book Series: Droit Series Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: October 22, 2019
Recommended Age: 16+ (animal abuse tw, bullying, death, violence)
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: indie published
Synopsis: Willow is just your average sixteen-year-old girl. Okay, maybe not so average. She can heal animals. For her own safety, her veterinarian parents have made her promise not to use her powers. But sometimes her compassion just takes over, and she can't help ... well ... helping.
Willow is a Droit, but hides her Droitism because people like her are feared and hated by those without special abilities. Two of Willow's schoolmates, rumored to be Droits, have simultaneously disappeared.
When Willow's non-Droit friend, Rain, is targeted, Willow wonders whether she should get involved--even if that means putting herself in the line of fire.
A mysterious new friend, Trae, just might be the key to unlock her courage.
In the end, she has a choice: she can deny who she is or declare her ability to heal, but either way, her life will never be the same again.
Review: This book gave me all the superhero wants and desires I've had since my last superhero book. The writing was superb, the voice was so authentic, and the world building was really good too.
My only issue is that the pacing was too fast for me in some areas and I felt really sick seeing the animal abuse. Like I love animals and it really hurt. I don't fault the book for it because it needed to drive a point home, but damn it hurt.
Verdict: The superhero we all need when we have sick animals.
Author: M. Weidenbenner
Book Series: Droit Series Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: October 22, 2019
Recommended Age: 16+ (animal abuse tw, bullying, death, violence)
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publisher: indie published
Synopsis: Willow is just your average sixteen-year-old girl. Okay, maybe not so average. She can heal animals. For her own safety, her veterinarian parents have made her promise not to use her powers. But sometimes her compassion just takes over, and she can't help ... well ... helping.
Willow is a Droit, but hides her Droitism because people like her are feared and hated by those without special abilities. Two of Willow's schoolmates, rumored to be Droits, have simultaneously disappeared.
When Willow's non-Droit friend, Rain, is targeted, Willow wonders whether she should get involved--even if that means putting herself in the line of fire.
A mysterious new friend, Trae, just might be the key to unlock her courage.
In the end, she has a choice: she can deny who she is or declare her ability to heal, but either way, her life will never be the same again.
Review: This book gave me all the superhero wants and desires I've had since my last superhero book. The writing was superb, the voice was so authentic, and the world building was really good too.
My only issue is that the pacing was too fast for me in some areas and I felt really sick seeing the animal abuse. Like I love animals and it really hurt. I don't fault the book for it because it needed to drive a point home, but damn it hurt.
Verdict: The superhero we all need when we have sick animals.
Disclaimer: I received an e-arc from the publisher and then bought my own copy. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Outrun the Wind
Author: Elizabeth Tammi
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Diversity: LGBT characters!
Publication Date: November 27, 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (murder, violence, gore, animal death)
Publisher: Flux
Pages: 302
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The Huntresses of Artemis must obey two rules: never disobey the goddess, and never fall in love. After being rescued from a harrowing life as an Oracle of Delphi, Kahina is glad to be a part of the Hunt; living among a group of female warriors gives her a chance to reclaim her strength, even while her prophetic powers linger. But when a routine mission goes awry, Kahina breaks the first rule in order to save the legendary huntress Atalanta.
To earn back Artemis’s favor, Kahina must complete a dangerous task in the kingdom of Arkadia— where the king’s daughter is revealed to be none other than Atalanta. Still reeling from her disastrous quest and her father’s insistence on marriage, Atalanta isn’t sure what to make of Kahina. As her connection to Atalanta deepens, Kahina finds herself in danger of breaking Artemis’ second rule.
She helps Atalanta devise a dangerous game to avoid marriage, and word spreads throughout Greece, attracting suitors willing to tempt fate to go up against Atalanta in a race for her hand. But when the men responsible for both the girls’ dark pasts arrive, the game turns deadly.
Review: Overall I thought this book was really good. If you’re into Greek Mythology then this book will be amazing for you. The characters are developed and the plot is intriguing. The book is also well written and I just felt so absorbed by it.
However, the book does drop you off in the middle of everything and it’s very hard to follow throughout. The book is too fast paced in my opinion and there is a lot going on in the beginning and throughout the book. If the book had just slowed down it could have easily been a trilogy with the amount of events that happen in this book.
Verdict: It was good, but could have been less chaotic.
Book: Outrun the Wind
Author: Elizabeth Tammi
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Diversity: LGBT characters!
Publication Date: November 27, 2018
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (murder, violence, gore, animal death)
Publisher: Flux
Pages: 302
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The Huntresses of Artemis must obey two rules: never disobey the goddess, and never fall in love. After being rescued from a harrowing life as an Oracle of Delphi, Kahina is glad to be a part of the Hunt; living among a group of female warriors gives her a chance to reclaim her strength, even while her prophetic powers linger. But when a routine mission goes awry, Kahina breaks the first rule in order to save the legendary huntress Atalanta.
To earn back Artemis’s favor, Kahina must complete a dangerous task in the kingdom of Arkadia— where the king’s daughter is revealed to be none other than Atalanta. Still reeling from her disastrous quest and her father’s insistence on marriage, Atalanta isn’t sure what to make of Kahina. As her connection to Atalanta deepens, Kahina finds herself in danger of breaking Artemis’ second rule.
She helps Atalanta devise a dangerous game to avoid marriage, and word spreads throughout Greece, attracting suitors willing to tempt fate to go up against Atalanta in a race for her hand. But when the men responsible for both the girls’ dark pasts arrive, the game turns deadly.
Review: Overall I thought this book was really good. If you’re into Greek Mythology then this book will be amazing for you. The characters are developed and the plot is intriguing. The book is also well written and I just felt so absorbed by it.
However, the book does drop you off in the middle of everything and it’s very hard to follow throughout. The book is too fast paced in my opinion and there is a lot going on in the beginning and throughout the book. If the book had just slowed down it could have easily been a trilogy with the amount of events that happen in this book.
Verdict: It was good, but could have been less chaotic.
Disclaimer: I received an arc from TheNovl! Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: This is My Brain in Love
Author: I. W. Gregorio
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Chinese and Nigerian culture/characters!
Publication Date: April 14, 2020
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 14+ (mental health discussed, love)
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Pages: 384
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Jocelyn Wu has just three wishes for her junior year: To make it through without dying of boredom, to direct a short film with her BFF Priya Venkatram, and to get at least two months into the year without being compared to or confused with Peggy Chang, the only other Chinese girl in her grade.
Will Domenici has two goals: to find a paying summer internship, and to prove he has what it takes to become an editor on his school paper.
Then Jocelyn's father tells her their family restaurant may be going under, and all wishes are off. Because her dad has the marketing skills of a dumpling, it's up to Jocelyn and her unlikely new employee, Will, to bring A-Plus Chinese Garden into the 21st century (or, at least, to Facebook).What starts off as a rocky partnership soon grows into something more. But family prejudices and the uncertain future of A-Plus threaten to keep Will and Jocelyn apart. It will take everything they have and more, to save the family restaurant and their budding romance.
Review: I thought this book was very well done. The book doesn’t shy away from the tough issues faced in this book and the characters are very well developed. The plot was intriguing and I loved how the book did with the dual POV. It was such a cute story!
My only issue was that the story moves fairly slowly in places.
Verdict: A well done contemporary!
Book: This is My Brain in Love
Author: I. W. Gregorio
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Chinese and Nigerian culture/characters!
Publication Date: April 14, 2020
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 14+ (mental health discussed, love)
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Pages: 384
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Jocelyn Wu has just three wishes for her junior year: To make it through without dying of boredom, to direct a short film with her BFF Priya Venkatram, and to get at least two months into the year without being compared to or confused with Peggy Chang, the only other Chinese girl in her grade.
Will Domenici has two goals: to find a paying summer internship, and to prove he has what it takes to become an editor on his school paper.
Then Jocelyn's father tells her their family restaurant may be going under, and all wishes are off. Because her dad has the marketing skills of a dumpling, it's up to Jocelyn and her unlikely new employee, Will, to bring A-Plus Chinese Garden into the 21st century (or, at least, to Facebook).What starts off as a rocky partnership soon grows into something more. But family prejudices and the uncertain future of A-Plus threaten to keep Will and Jocelyn apart. It will take everything they have and more, to save the family restaurant and their budding romance.
Review: I thought this book was very well done. The book doesn’t shy away from the tough issues faced in this book and the characters are very well developed. The plot was intriguing and I loved how the book did with the dual POV. It was such a cute story!
My only issue was that the story moves fairly slowly in places.
Verdict: A well done contemporary!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Blind Sympathy
Author: Roberta B. Bombonato
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 2.5/5
Diversity: blind main character
Publication Date: August 22, 2019
Genre: Romance
Recommended Age: 18+ (romance and sex)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 239
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Vafara is a blind composer who creates new symphonies for the world. Alone in a cabin with only her service dog, she's not concerned in the slightest for zero cell phone reception in a secluded in the woods. This is her special time where she can be free to let her musical compositions speak to her. Israfel is a demon one assignment short from graduation: possession of an innocent soul. He's always know he was different from others of his kind, and meeting the pure Vafara confirmed it.Will he be able to possess the passionate musician when all he wants to do is hold her? Or will he throw it all away and risk an Angels and Demons war to save her innocent soul from the dark fate that awaits?
Review: I felt like the book did good with the plot. It had an interesting story and the book was unique. The romance was interesting as well and I did like that the author included a blind main character.
However, I don’t think this was the book for me. The author had very strong views and it comes through in this book, which can irk some readers. The book just didn’t strike my fancy, I felt it was too fast paced and that the book wasn’t written very well. The romance scenes weren’t very well executed in my opinion as well.
Verdict: An interesting romance story!
Book: Blind Sympathy
Author: Roberta B. Bombonato
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 2.5/5
Diversity: blind main character
Publication Date: August 22, 2019
Genre: Romance
Recommended Age: 18+ (romance and sex)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 239
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Vafara is a blind composer who creates new symphonies for the world. Alone in a cabin with only her service dog, she's not concerned in the slightest for zero cell phone reception in a secluded in the woods. This is her special time where she can be free to let her musical compositions speak to her. Israfel is a demon one assignment short from graduation: possession of an innocent soul. He's always know he was different from others of his kind, and meeting the pure Vafara confirmed it.Will he be able to possess the passionate musician when all he wants to do is hold her? Or will he throw it all away and risk an Angels and Demons war to save her innocent soul from the dark fate that awaits?
Review: I felt like the book did good with the plot. It had an interesting story and the book was unique. The romance was interesting as well and I did like that the author included a blind main character.
However, I don’t think this was the book for me. The author had very strong views and it comes through in this book, which can irk some readers. The book just didn’t strike my fancy, I felt it was too fast paced and that the book wasn’t written very well. The romance scenes weren’t very well executed in my opinion as well.
Verdict: An interesting romance story!
Disclaimer: I received an arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: How to Survive A Horror Movie
Author: Seth Grahame-Smith
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: September 24, 2019
Publisher: Quirk Books
Pages: 176
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, gore, horror movie tropes)
Synopsis: Be Afraid. Be Very Afraid.
From ghosts, vampires, and zombies to serial killers, cannibalistic hillbillies, and haunted Japanese videocassettes, How to Survive a Horror Movie shows how to defeat every obstacle found in scary films. Readers will discover:
- How to Perform an Exorcism
- What to Do If You Did Something Last Summer
- How to Persuade the Skeptical Local Sheriff
- How to Vanquish a Murderous Doll
- How to Survive an Alien Invasion
- How to Tell If You've Been Dead Since the Beginning of the Movie
and much, much more. Complete with useful instructions, insane illustrations, and a list of 100 important films to study, How to Survive a Horror Movie is essential reading for prom queens, jocks, teenage babysitters, and anyone employed by a summer camp.
Review: This is a weird book but all book by Seth are and that's why I love them so much. This was basically a love story to all horror lovers. I loved how it was tongue and cheek as well.
My only issue is that I wished it ended better. It didn't feel wrapped up fully.
Verdict: If you love horror, you'll love this.
Book: How to Survive A Horror Movie
Author: Seth Grahame-Smith
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: September 24, 2019
Publisher: Quirk Books
Pages: 176
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, gore, horror movie tropes)
Synopsis: Be Afraid. Be Very Afraid.
From ghosts, vampires, and zombies to serial killers, cannibalistic hillbillies, and haunted Japanese videocassettes, How to Survive a Horror Movie shows how to defeat every obstacle found in scary films. Readers will discover:
- How to Perform an Exorcism
- What to Do If You Did Something Last Summer
- How to Persuade the Skeptical Local Sheriff
- How to Vanquish a Murderous Doll
- How to Survive an Alien Invasion
- How to Tell If You've Been Dead Since the Beginning of the Movie
and much, much more. Complete with useful instructions, insane illustrations, and a list of 100 important films to study, How to Survive a Horror Movie is essential reading for prom queens, jocks, teenage babysitters, and anyone employed by a summer camp.
Review: This is a weird book but all book by Seth are and that's why I love them so much. This was basically a love story to all horror lovers. I loved how it was tongue and cheek as well.
My only issue is that I wished it ended better. It didn't feel wrapped up fully.
Verdict: If you love horror, you'll love this.
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher! Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Music From Another World
Author: Robin Talley
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: March 31, 2020
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 17+ (love, some language, forced outings TW, some abusive language)
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Pages: 304
Amazon Link
Synopsis: It’s summer 1977 and closeted lesbian Tammy Larson can’t be herself anywhere. Not at her strict Christian high school, not at her conservative Orange County church and certainly not at home, where her ultrareligious aunt relentlessly organizes antigay political campaigns. Tammy’s only outlet is writing secret letters in her diary to gay civil rights activist Harvey Milk…until she’s matched with a real-life pen pal who changes everything.
Sharon Hawkins bonds with Tammy over punk music and carefully shared secrets, and soon their letters become the one place she can be honest. The rest of her life in San Francisco is full of lies. The kind she tells for others—like helping her gay brother hide the truth from their mom—and the kind she tells herself. But as antigay fervor in America reaches a frightening new pitch, Sharon and Tammy must rely on their long-distance friendship to discover their deeply personal truths, what they’ll stand for…and who they’ll rise against.
A master of award-winning queer historical fiction, New York Times bestselling author Robin Talley once again brings to life with heart and vivid detail an emotionally captivating story about the lives of two teen girls living in an age when just being yourself was an incredible act of bravery.
Review: Overall, I thought this was a good book. I loved how the story was told and I thought all of the characters were compelling. The world building was divine and overall I really enjoyed it.
The only issue is that I felt like there were multiple occurrences of forced outings, which can be triggering, and the letters and diary entries did get a bit stale after a bit.
Verdict: It’s pretty good! Definitely recommend!
Book: Music From Another World
Author: Robin Talley
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: March 31, 2020
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 17+ (love, some language, forced outings TW, some abusive language)
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Pages: 304
Amazon Link
Synopsis: It’s summer 1977 and closeted lesbian Tammy Larson can’t be herself anywhere. Not at her strict Christian high school, not at her conservative Orange County church and certainly not at home, where her ultrareligious aunt relentlessly organizes antigay political campaigns. Tammy’s only outlet is writing secret letters in her diary to gay civil rights activist Harvey Milk…until she’s matched with a real-life pen pal who changes everything.
Sharon Hawkins bonds with Tammy over punk music and carefully shared secrets, and soon their letters become the one place she can be honest. The rest of her life in San Francisco is full of lies. The kind she tells for others—like helping her gay brother hide the truth from their mom—and the kind she tells herself. But as antigay fervor in America reaches a frightening new pitch, Sharon and Tammy must rely on their long-distance friendship to discover their deeply personal truths, what they’ll stand for…and who they’ll rise against.
A master of award-winning queer historical fiction, New York Times bestselling author Robin Talley once again brings to life with heart and vivid detail an emotionally captivating story about the lives of two teen girls living in an age when just being yourself was an incredible act of bravery.
Review: Overall, I thought this was a good book. I loved how the story was told and I thought all of the characters were compelling. The world building was divine and overall I really enjoyed it.
The only issue is that I felt like there were multiple occurrences of forced outings, which can be triggering, and the letters and diary entries did get a bit stale after a bit.
Verdict: It’s pretty good! Definitely recommend!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Author: J.W. Golan
Book Series: Stormfall Chronicles Book 2
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: December 19, 2019
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, there be dragons)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 407
Amazon Link
Synopsis: A dragon: the most powerful, destructive and malevolent force known. The last thing Lynette ever wanted to get closer to – and the one thing she’s been tasked to go find.
For the first time in centuries, a dragon has been reported on the edge of the Feyfell. Homes, cities, and forests are all threatened with fiery destruction. The news has plunged the Fae Kingdom into a panic.
Desperate to know the truth behind the reports, and unable to discretely dispatch his own fae soldiers to investigate, King Elyan tasks Lynette, Baxter and Eirlon with tracking down the whereabouts and intentions of the fiery beast.
But Lynette is still only a second-year student at the Fae Academy. She has come far – but she knows she’s no Arche-Mage. Baxter is still struggling to prove his worth, hoping Lynette might see him as something more than the boy-squire she first met two years before. And Eirlon – he still hordes secrets Lynette can only suspect. A girl, a boy, and a gnome – on the hunt for a fire-breathing dragon.
The threats facing the Fae Kingdom, however, are multiplying. A traitor has set his sights on King Elyan, while the Arche-Fae Council continues to treat the Princess Elise as an outsider – an adopted daughter rather than a noblefae by birth. Hostile armies are gathering on the kingdom’s northern frontier, while the mage-turned-swordsman Garth must balance between rescuing a boy on a quest and averting a larger war.
With sightings of dragons, rumors of war, and trained assassins stalking the land, will there even be a Feyfell for Lynette to return to?
Review: I felt like this book was much better than the first. We got a lot more content to the overarching story and the settings were a lot more fleshed out. The dangers are more eminent now. The book is also well written and it has good pacing.
However, I did feel like the action was just non-stop and while that was a good thing for me I would have liked for there to have been breaks and slow downs and stuff.
Verdict: This is a good series.
Author: J.W. Golan
Book Series: Stormfall Chronicles Book 2
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: December 19, 2019
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, there be dragons)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 407
Amazon Link
Synopsis: A dragon: the most powerful, destructive and malevolent force known. The last thing Lynette ever wanted to get closer to – and the one thing she’s been tasked to go find.
For the first time in centuries, a dragon has been reported on the edge of the Feyfell. Homes, cities, and forests are all threatened with fiery destruction. The news has plunged the Fae Kingdom into a panic.
Desperate to know the truth behind the reports, and unable to discretely dispatch his own fae soldiers to investigate, King Elyan tasks Lynette, Baxter and Eirlon with tracking down the whereabouts and intentions of the fiery beast.
But Lynette is still only a second-year student at the Fae Academy. She has come far – but she knows she’s no Arche-Mage. Baxter is still struggling to prove his worth, hoping Lynette might see him as something more than the boy-squire she first met two years before. And Eirlon – he still hordes secrets Lynette can only suspect. A girl, a boy, and a gnome – on the hunt for a fire-breathing dragon.
The threats facing the Fae Kingdom, however, are multiplying. A traitor has set his sights on King Elyan, while the Arche-Fae Council continues to treat the Princess Elise as an outsider – an adopted daughter rather than a noblefae by birth. Hostile armies are gathering on the kingdom’s northern frontier, while the mage-turned-swordsman Garth must balance between rescuing a boy on a quest and averting a larger war.
With sightings of dragons, rumors of war, and trained assassins stalking the land, will there even be a Feyfell for Lynette to return to?
Review: I felt like this book was much better than the first. We got a lot more content to the overarching story and the settings were a lot more fleshed out. The dangers are more eminent now. The book is also well written and it has good pacing.
However, I did feel like the action was just non-stop and while that was a good thing for me I would have liked for there to have been breaks and slow downs and stuff.
Verdict: This is a good series.