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popthebutterfly
Disclaimer: I received this book from Rockstar Tours. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: August 21st, 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance, mature scenes)
Pages: 250
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: “The time for Kiero’s reign in prosperity is over.”
Six years before the Black Dawn Rebellion, Adair Stratton and Emory Fae are following in their parent’s footsteps and living at The Academy, a home for those who are gifted. The pressure to uphold the future of their parent’s dream falls on them. An outcast and feared by most, Adair longs to break away from the expectations dictating his future. Even if Emory tries to make him see differently. An unexpected group of friends keep him there, but as whispers of unexplained disappearances start reaching from the capital, Adair starts to doubt The Academy is all it seems.
An unexpected visit ignites new tensions as the roguish king from across the Black Sea, Tadeas Maher of the Shattered Isles, and his heir, Marquis Maher sail to Kiero. Notorious for their pirating and wrath- for the first time in years, they demand the Fae’s listen to their proposition for a new treaty, holding the news of Nei’s father’s abrupt death over them. Caught in the middle of politics- Adair and Emory, with the help of their best friends Brokk and Memphis search for the one thing that matters most- finding out the truth.
In this gripping prequel to Black Dawn, their world is tipped upside down as unlikely alliances are made. War ravages through Kiero and is torn apart by acclaimed Kings. Through the throes of betrayal, lies, hidden magic and love, Adair is faced with a life changing decision- to fight or to bow to the darkness within him.
I felt that this would be the series I would love to read! While this is a prologue, this novella is absolutely beautiful. The characters are well developed and the plot is intriguing. It’s also very well written.
However, I do feel that this book was a bit lengthy at times and it ran a little long for me. I also felt that the pacing was a tad slow in most of the parts of the books.
Verdict: Amazing story and definitely worth the read if you want to read the rest of the series!
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: August 21st, 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance, mature scenes)
Pages: 250
Author Website
Amazon Link
Synopsis: “The time for Kiero’s reign in prosperity is over.”
Six years before the Black Dawn Rebellion, Adair Stratton and Emory Fae are following in their parent’s footsteps and living at The Academy, a home for those who are gifted. The pressure to uphold the future of their parent’s dream falls on them. An outcast and feared by most, Adair longs to break away from the expectations dictating his future. Even if Emory tries to make him see differently. An unexpected group of friends keep him there, but as whispers of unexplained disappearances start reaching from the capital, Adair starts to doubt The Academy is all it seems.
An unexpected visit ignites new tensions as the roguish king from across the Black Sea, Tadeas Maher of the Shattered Isles, and his heir, Marquis Maher sail to Kiero. Notorious for their pirating and wrath- for the first time in years, they demand the Fae’s listen to their proposition for a new treaty, holding the news of Nei’s father’s abrupt death over them. Caught in the middle of politics- Adair and Emory, with the help of their best friends Brokk and Memphis search for the one thing that matters most- finding out the truth.
In this gripping prequel to Black Dawn, their world is tipped upside down as unlikely alliances are made. War ravages through Kiero and is torn apart by acclaimed Kings. Through the throes of betrayal, lies, hidden magic and love, Adair is faced with a life changing decision- to fight or to bow to the darkness within him.
I felt that this would be the series I would love to read! While this is a prologue, this novella is absolutely beautiful. The characters are well developed and the plot is intriguing. It’s also very well written.
However, I do feel that this book was a bit lengthy at times and it ran a little long for me. I also felt that the pacing was a tad slow in most of the parts of the books.
Verdict: Amazing story and definitely worth the read if you want to read the rest of the series!
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher and netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Wild & Chance
Author: Allen Zadoff
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: April 28, 2020
Genre: MG Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 10+ (some adult topics mentioned like drug abuse, slight violence, some scary moments)
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Pages: 256
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Sit. Speak. Survive the chase.
A girl wakes up trapped on a sinking ship with no memory of who she is and nothing but her instinct to survive. She fights her way to freedom, only to discover two incredible facts: She is a dog, and she can understand human speech. She soon befriends a thirteen-year-old boy named Chance who gives her a name of her own-Wild.
But Wild and Chance find themselves running for their lives, pursued by relentless Animal Control officers. Joined by a mysterious hacker girl named Junebug, the unlikely trio fights for survival while trying to solve the mystery of Wild's extraordinary strength, superintelligence, and high-tech collar.
Equal parts heart-pounding action and heartfelt journey, Wild & Chancegrabs the reader from page one and never lets go.
Review: I thought this was a very cute book overall. I loved the inner voice of the dog and I loved the story. I thought the book did well to tackle big issues that, unfortunately, children are facing. The characters were all well developed, the world building was fantastic, and I absolutely fell in love with how easy the writing felt and read.
The only issues I had with the book is that I thought that sometimes, like when talking about the mother’s drug addiction, that the book was a bit too adult for some middle graders, but these are very important issues that effect children and I think they need to be discussed.
Verdict: It was a great read!
Book: Wild & Chance
Author: Allen Zadoff
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: April 28, 2020
Genre: MG Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 10+ (some adult topics mentioned like drug abuse, slight violence, some scary moments)
Publisher: Little Brown Books for Young Readers
Pages: 256
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Sit. Speak. Survive the chase.
A girl wakes up trapped on a sinking ship with no memory of who she is and nothing but her instinct to survive. She fights her way to freedom, only to discover two incredible facts: She is a dog, and she can understand human speech. She soon befriends a thirteen-year-old boy named Chance who gives her a name of her own-Wild.
But Wild and Chance find themselves running for their lives, pursued by relentless Animal Control officers. Joined by a mysterious hacker girl named Junebug, the unlikely trio fights for survival while trying to solve the mystery of Wild's extraordinary strength, superintelligence, and high-tech collar.
Equal parts heart-pounding action and heartfelt journey, Wild & Chancegrabs the reader from page one and never lets go.
Review: I thought this was a very cute book overall. I loved the inner voice of the dog and I loved the story. I thought the book did well to tackle big issues that, unfortunately, children are facing. The characters were all well developed, the world building was fantastic, and I absolutely fell in love with how easy the writing felt and read.
The only issues I had with the book is that I thought that sometimes, like when talking about the mother’s drug addiction, that the book was a bit too adult for some middle graders, but these are very important issues that effect children and I think they need to be discussed.
Verdict: It was a great read!
Disclaimer: I bought this book! Support your authors!
Book: Aru Shah And The End of Time
Author: Roshani Chokshi
Book Series: Pandava Quartet Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: May 27, 2018
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (slight violence and a little gore, some scary moments)
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Pages: 355
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Aru Shah has a tendency to stretch the truth in order to fit in at school. While her classmates are jetting off to family vacations in exotic locales, she'll be spending her autumn break at home, in the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture, waiting for her mom to return from her latest archeological trip. Is it any wonder that Aru makes up stories about being royalty, traveling to Paris, and having a chauffeur?
One day, three schoolmates show up at Aru's doorstep to catch her in a lie. They don't believe her claim that the museum's Lamp of Bharata is cursed, and they dare Aru to prove it. Just a quick light, Aru thinks. Then she can get herself out of this mess and never ever fib again.
But lighting the lamp has dire consequences. She unwittingly frees the Sleeper, an ancient demon whose duty it is to awaken the God of Destruction. Her classmates and beloved mother are frozen in time, and it's up to Aru to save them.
The only way to stop the demon is to find the reincarnations of the five legendary Pandava brothers, protagonists of the Hindu epic poem, the Mahabharata, and journey through the Kingdom of Death. But how is one girl in Spider-Man pajamas supposed to do all that?
Review: I absolutely fell in love with this book! The character voice and development were amazingly well done. The author did great to keep explanations and scenarios exciting, but also young child friendly. The writing was sublime and the language (some was Sanskrit, I’m not sure of the term for the others) used were done well. I also loved the pacing, it wasn’t too fast or too slow.
However, I did feel like some of the world building was a bit lacking. I felt a little lost at times, but it wasn’t a lot of the time.
Verdict: It was a great read! I highly recommend!
Book: Aru Shah And The End of Time
Author: Roshani Chokshi
Book Series: Pandava Quartet Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: May 27, 2018
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (slight violence and a little gore, some scary moments)
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Pages: 355
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Twelve-year-old Aru Shah has a tendency to stretch the truth in order to fit in at school. While her classmates are jetting off to family vacations in exotic locales, she'll be spending her autumn break at home, in the Museum of Ancient Indian Art and Culture, waiting for her mom to return from her latest archeological trip. Is it any wonder that Aru makes up stories about being royalty, traveling to Paris, and having a chauffeur?
One day, three schoolmates show up at Aru's doorstep to catch her in a lie. They don't believe her claim that the museum's Lamp of Bharata is cursed, and they dare Aru to prove it. Just a quick light, Aru thinks. Then she can get herself out of this mess and never ever fib again.
But lighting the lamp has dire consequences. She unwittingly frees the Sleeper, an ancient demon whose duty it is to awaken the God of Destruction. Her classmates and beloved mother are frozen in time, and it's up to Aru to save them.
The only way to stop the demon is to find the reincarnations of the five legendary Pandava brothers, protagonists of the Hindu epic poem, the Mahabharata, and journey through the Kingdom of Death. But how is one girl in Spider-Man pajamas supposed to do all that?
Review: I absolutely fell in love with this book! The character voice and development were amazingly well done. The author did great to keep explanations and scenarios exciting, but also young child friendly. The writing was sublime and the language (some was Sanskrit, I’m not sure of the term for the others) used were done well. I also loved the pacing, it wasn’t too fast or too slow.
However, I did feel like some of the world building was a bit lacking. I felt a little lost at times, but it wasn’t a lot of the time.
Verdict: It was a great read! I highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I bought this book! Support your authors!
Book: Aru Shah And The Song of Death
Author: Roshani Chokshi
Book Series: Pandava Quartet Book 2
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: April 30, 2019
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (slight violence and a little gore, some scary moments)
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Pages: 375
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Aru is only just getting the hang of this whole Pandava thing when the Otherworld goes into full panic mode. The god of love's bow and arrow have gone missing, and the thief isn't playing Cupid. Instead, they're turning people into heartless fighting-machine zombies. If that weren't bad enough, somehow Aru gets framed as the thief. If she doesn't find the arrow by the next full moon, she'll be kicked out of the Otherworld. For good.
But, for better or worse, she won't be going it alone.
Along with her soul-sister, Mini, Aru will team up with Brynne, an ultra-strong girl who knows more than she lets on, and Aiden, the boy who lives across the street and is also hiding plenty of secrets. Together they'll battle demons, travel through a glittering and dangerous serpent realm, and discover that their enemy isn't at all who they expected.
Review: Usually with the second book, a series will lag a bit as the author presents material that they need to build upon for the whole of the series, but honestly this book didn’t feel like a drag. It was amazing! The characters continued to be developed, which I really appreciate. The world building was much better in this one and I absolutely loved the introduction of new characters. One of the best series I’ve ever read!
The only issue I did have was that I felt like the pacing was a bit slower in this one in certain spots and that some little events dragged a bit, but it wasn’t a lot.
Verdict: I highly recommend this series!
Book: Aru Shah And The Song of Death
Author: Roshani Chokshi
Book Series: Pandava Quartet Book 2
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: April 30, 2019
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (slight violence and a little gore, some scary moments)
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Pages: 375
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Aru is only just getting the hang of this whole Pandava thing when the Otherworld goes into full panic mode. The god of love's bow and arrow have gone missing, and the thief isn't playing Cupid. Instead, they're turning people into heartless fighting-machine zombies. If that weren't bad enough, somehow Aru gets framed as the thief. If she doesn't find the arrow by the next full moon, she'll be kicked out of the Otherworld. For good.
But, for better or worse, she won't be going it alone.
Along with her soul-sister, Mini, Aru will team up with Brynne, an ultra-strong girl who knows more than she lets on, and Aiden, the boy who lives across the street and is also hiding plenty of secrets. Together they'll battle demons, travel through a glittering and dangerous serpent realm, and discover that their enemy isn't at all who they expected.
Review: Usually with the second book, a series will lag a bit as the author presents material that they need to build upon for the whole of the series, but honestly this book didn’t feel like a drag. It was amazing! The characters continued to be developed, which I really appreciate. The world building was much better in this one and I absolutely loved the introduction of new characters. One of the best series I’ve ever read!
The only issue I did have was that I felt like the pacing was a bit slower in this one in certain spots and that some little events dragged a bit, but it wasn’t a lot.
Verdict: I highly recommend this series!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Sorrow Patch: A tale of triumph against adversity
Author: Zion Blue
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: May 11, 2019
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (sex, sorrow)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 45
Amazon Link
Synopsis: In the once-tranquil village of Dwerry, change is stirring the air.
One soul touched by magic can feel it coming.
In this forgotten land lost to time, Patch’s peaceful, quiet, joyful life is about to turn into one adventure after another.
Recent events in the Creeper Forest have left Patch with terrible dreams and the nagging conviction that a supernatural force is trying to warn him about dire things to come.
Meanwhile, in the South Lands beyond Dwerry, a steely-eyed King Lucent sets his sights on something he wants from the village—and expects to have, whatever the costs.
Step into this wondrous realm of soldiers reborn and the fearsome Sorrow Man in a tale that will leave you shocked, saddened, and hungry for more.
Sorrow Patch, an epic adventure like no other, welcomes you on this mystical journey.
Review: For the most part this was a good book. I understood the overarching themes and concepts the author was going for and I liked the world building.
However, I felt like there was a lot missing for character development. I didn’t connect well with the main characters and I feel like I don’t know them at all. I also feel like a lot of the book is rushed and didn’t flow well.
Verdict: It was good, just needs work.
Book: Sorrow Patch: A tale of triumph against adversity
Author: Zion Blue
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: May 11, 2019
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (sex, sorrow)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 45
Amazon Link
Synopsis: In the once-tranquil village of Dwerry, change is stirring the air.
One soul touched by magic can feel it coming.
In this forgotten land lost to time, Patch’s peaceful, quiet, joyful life is about to turn into one adventure after another.
Recent events in the Creeper Forest have left Patch with terrible dreams and the nagging conviction that a supernatural force is trying to warn him about dire things to come.
Meanwhile, in the South Lands beyond Dwerry, a steely-eyed King Lucent sets his sights on something he wants from the village—and expects to have, whatever the costs.
Step into this wondrous realm of soldiers reborn and the fearsome Sorrow Man in a tale that will leave you shocked, saddened, and hungry for more.
Sorrow Patch, an epic adventure like no other, welcomes you on this mystical journey.
Review: For the most part this was a good book. I understood the overarching themes and concepts the author was going for and I liked the world building.
However, I felt like there was a lot missing for character development. I didn’t connect well with the main characters and I feel like I don’t know them at all. I also feel like a lot of the book is rushed and didn’t flow well.
Verdict: It was good, just needs work.
Updated review:
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Extraordinaries
Author: T.J. Klune
Book Series: The Extraordinaries Book 1
Diversity: M/m romance, ADHD gay MC, F/f relationship, Lesbian side characters, Black side character
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: young adult readers, fantasy, LGBT+, superheroes
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publication Date: July 14, 2020
Publisher: Tor Teen
Pages: 405
Recommended Age: 14+ (Sexual content, Sexual jokes, Slight Language, Violence, Slight gore)
Explanation of CWs: Some mentions of masturbation, sexual acts, and teenage jokes about sex and sexual organs.
Synopsis: Nick Bell? Not extraordinary. But being the most popular fanfiction writer in the Extraordinaries fandom is a superpower, right?
After a chance encounter with Shadow Star, Nova City’s mightiest hero (and Nick’s biggest crush), Nick sets out to make himself extraordinary. And he’ll do it with or without the reluctant help of Seth Gray, Nick's best friend (and maybe the love of his life).
Review: I really forgot how much I loved this book the first go around and now I love it even more! It's an absolutely amazing book with a fun story (I've also discovered I like superhero storylines lol). The characters were amazing, the diversity was on point, and the world building was immaculate. I also loved the tropes, I loved how the author switched up the Mary Jane like story to one for a male character, and I loved how well written it was.
My only issue with the book is that I wish that there was more to the superheroes than just fighting each other all the time. I kinda wanted to see them interact more with their environment, but it was still amazing overall!
Verdict: Absolutely amazing.
Old Review:
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher and netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Extraordinaires
Author: T.J. Klune
Book Series: The Extraordinaires Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: ADHD rep, gay main character, bi love interest, lesbian friends.
Publication Date: July 14, 2020
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 14+ (ADHD, death mention, medication usage)
Publisher: Tor Teen
Pages: 400
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Some people are extraordinary. Some are just extra. TJ Klune's YA debut, The Extraordinaries, is a queer coming-of-age story about a fanboy with ADHD and the heroes he loves.
Nick Bell? Not extraordinary. But being the most popular fanfiction writer in the Extraordinaries fandom is a superpower, right?
After a chance encounter with Shadow Star, Nova City’s mightiest hero (and Nick’s biggest crush), Nick sets out to make himself extraordinary. And he’ll do it with or without the reluctant help of Seth Gray, Nick's best friend (and maybe the love of his life).
Review: I really liked this one! It was rich with detail and character development. The writing was amazing and I loved the representation of ADHD! I thought that Nick was perfectly portrayed from what I know about it. It was also rich in LGBT friendly characters.
However, the pacing can be slow, especially in the beginning. Other than that I was swept away by this novel!
Verdict: Highly recommend this one!
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Extraordinaries
Author: T.J. Klune
Book Series: The Extraordinaries Book 1
Diversity: M/m romance, ADHD gay MC, F/f relationship, Lesbian side characters, Black side character
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: young adult readers, fantasy, LGBT+, superheroes
Genre: YA Fantasy
Publication Date: July 14, 2020
Publisher: Tor Teen
Pages: 405
Recommended Age: 14+ (Sexual content, Sexual jokes, Slight Language, Violence, Slight gore)
Explanation of CWs: Some mentions of masturbation, sexual acts, and teenage jokes about sex and sexual organs.
Synopsis: Nick Bell? Not extraordinary. But being the most popular fanfiction writer in the Extraordinaries fandom is a superpower, right?
After a chance encounter with Shadow Star, Nova City’s mightiest hero (and Nick’s biggest crush), Nick sets out to make himself extraordinary. And he’ll do it with or without the reluctant help of Seth Gray, Nick's best friend (and maybe the love of his life).
Review: I really forgot how much I loved this book the first go around and now I love it even more! It's an absolutely amazing book with a fun story (I've also discovered I like superhero storylines lol). The characters were amazing, the diversity was on point, and the world building was immaculate. I also loved the tropes, I loved how the author switched up the Mary Jane like story to one for a male character, and I loved how well written it was.
My only issue with the book is that I wish that there was more to the superheroes than just fighting each other all the time. I kinda wanted to see them interact more with their environment, but it was still amazing overall!
Verdict: Absolutely amazing.
Old Review:
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher and netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Extraordinaires
Author: T.J. Klune
Book Series: The Extraordinaires Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: ADHD rep, gay main character, bi love interest, lesbian friends.
Publication Date: July 14, 2020
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 14+ (ADHD, death mention, medication usage)
Publisher: Tor Teen
Pages: 400
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Some people are extraordinary. Some are just extra. TJ Klune's YA debut, The Extraordinaries, is a queer coming-of-age story about a fanboy with ADHD and the heroes he loves.
Nick Bell? Not extraordinary. But being the most popular fanfiction writer in the Extraordinaries fandom is a superpower, right?
After a chance encounter with Shadow Star, Nova City’s mightiest hero (and Nick’s biggest crush), Nick sets out to make himself extraordinary. And he’ll do it with or without the reluctant help of Seth Gray, Nick's best friend (and maybe the love of his life).
Review: I really liked this one! It was rich with detail and character development. The writing was amazing and I loved the representation of ADHD! I thought that Nick was perfectly portrayed from what I know about it. It was also rich in LGBT friendly characters.
However, the pacing can be slow, especially in the beginning. Other than that I was swept away by this novel!
Verdict: Highly recommend this one!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher and netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Ruby in the Sky
Author: Jeanne Zulick Ferruolo
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: selective mute main character. Syrian side character.
Publication Date: February 5, 2019
Genre: MG Contemporary
Recommended Age: 10+ (parent death, grief, sadness)
Publisher: Farrer, Straus, and Giroux
Pages: 304
Amazon Link
Synopsis: When twelve-year-old Ruby Moon Hayes and her mother move to Vermont, Ruby’s goal is to stay as silent and invisible as a new moon in the frozen sky. She doesn’t want kids at school asking about her missing father or discovering that her mother has been arrested. But keeping to herself isn’t easy when Ahmad Saleem, a Syrian refugee in her class, decides he’s her new best friend. Or when she meets “the Bird Lady,” a recluse named Abigail who lives in a ramshackle shed near Ruby’s house. No one in town understands Abigail — people whisper about her, about her boarded-up house and the terrible secrets she must be hiding.
As Mom’s trial draws near and Abigail faces eviction, Ruby is forced to make a choice: break her silence or risk losing everyone she loves. Ruby’s story is about the walls we hide behind and the magic that can happen when we are brave enough to break free.
Review: For the most part I liked this book. The characters in it were very well developed, I loved how the author included a selective mute main character and a Syrian refugee, and they tackled some real-world issues. The world building was also very well done and it was rich in detail. I also thought that the writing was very age appropriate and big world issues were explained very well for younger readers.
However, I hate that the grieving but unable to cope parents are becoming a trope. It’s a reality and I don’t deny it, but I don’t like the overuse of it in every novel. That’s just a me thing though.
Verdict: It’s a great read!
Book: Ruby in the Sky
Author: Jeanne Zulick Ferruolo
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: selective mute main character. Syrian side character.
Publication Date: February 5, 2019
Genre: MG Contemporary
Recommended Age: 10+ (parent death, grief, sadness)
Publisher: Farrer, Straus, and Giroux
Pages: 304
Amazon Link
Synopsis: When twelve-year-old Ruby Moon Hayes and her mother move to Vermont, Ruby’s goal is to stay as silent and invisible as a new moon in the frozen sky. She doesn’t want kids at school asking about her missing father or discovering that her mother has been arrested. But keeping to herself isn’t easy when Ahmad Saleem, a Syrian refugee in her class, decides he’s her new best friend. Or when she meets “the Bird Lady,” a recluse named Abigail who lives in a ramshackle shed near Ruby’s house. No one in town understands Abigail — people whisper about her, about her boarded-up house and the terrible secrets she must be hiding.
As Mom’s trial draws near and Abigail faces eviction, Ruby is forced to make a choice: break her silence or risk losing everyone she loves. Ruby’s story is about the walls we hide behind and the magic that can happen when we are brave enough to break free.
Review: For the most part I liked this book. The characters in it were very well developed, I loved how the author included a selective mute main character and a Syrian refugee, and they tackled some real-world issues. The world building was also very well done and it was rich in detail. I also thought that the writing was very age appropriate and big world issues were explained very well for younger readers.
However, I hate that the grieving but unable to cope parents are becoming a trope. It’s a reality and I don’t deny it, but I don’t like the overuse of it in every novel. That’s just a me thing though.
Verdict: It’s a great read!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher and netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own!
Book: Sal and Gabi Break the Universe
Author: Carlos Hernandez
Book Series: Sal and Gabi Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Cuban American rep and #ownvoices!
Publication Date: March 5, 2019
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (magic, parent death)
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Pages: 382
Amazon Link
Synopsis: How did a raw chicken get inside Yasmany's locker?
When Sal Vidon meets Gabi Real for the first time, it isn't under the best of circumstances. Sal is in the principal's office for the third time in three days, and it's still the first week of school. Gabi, student council president and editor of the school paper, is there to support her friend Yasmany, who just picked a fight with Sal. She is determined to prove that somehow, Sal planted a raw chicken in Yasmany's locker, even though nobody saw him do it and the bloody poultry has since mysteriously disappeared.
Sal prides himself on being an excellent magician, but for this sleight of hand, he relied on a talent no one would guess . . . except maybe Gabi, whose sharp eyes never miss a trick. When Gabi learns that he's capable of conjuring things much bigger than a chicken--including his dead mother--and she takes it all in stride, Sal knows that she is someone he can work with. There's only one slight problem: their manipulation of time and space could put the entire universe at risk.
A sassy entropy sweeper, a documentary about wedgies, a principal who wears a Venetian bauta mask, and heaping platefuls of Cuban food are just some of the delights that await in this mind-blowing novel gift-wrapped in love and laughter.
Review: This was an insanely cute and fun book! The characters were engaging, the world building was fantastic, and the fantasty elements were rooted in science! I absolutely loved the story and the writing just flowed so well!
If I had to state an issue I had with the book, it was that it took me a bit to get into it, but once I was into it, I was hooked!
Verdict: A great book for kids and adults alike!
Book: Sal and Gabi Break the Universe
Author: Carlos Hernandez
Book Series: Sal and Gabi Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Cuban American rep and #ownvoices!
Publication Date: March 5, 2019
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (magic, parent death)
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Pages: 382
Amazon Link
Synopsis: How did a raw chicken get inside Yasmany's locker?
When Sal Vidon meets Gabi Real for the first time, it isn't under the best of circumstances. Sal is in the principal's office for the third time in three days, and it's still the first week of school. Gabi, student council president and editor of the school paper, is there to support her friend Yasmany, who just picked a fight with Sal. She is determined to prove that somehow, Sal planted a raw chicken in Yasmany's locker, even though nobody saw him do it and the bloody poultry has since mysteriously disappeared.
Sal prides himself on being an excellent magician, but for this sleight of hand, he relied on a talent no one would guess . . . except maybe Gabi, whose sharp eyes never miss a trick. When Gabi learns that he's capable of conjuring things much bigger than a chicken--including his dead mother--and she takes it all in stride, Sal knows that she is someone he can work with. There's only one slight problem: their manipulation of time and space could put the entire universe at risk.
A sassy entropy sweeper, a documentary about wedgies, a principal who wears a Venetian bauta mask, and heaping platefuls of Cuban food are just some of the delights that await in this mind-blowing novel gift-wrapped in love and laughter.
Review: This was an insanely cute and fun book! The characters were engaging, the world building was fantastic, and the fantasty elements were rooted in science! I absolutely loved the story and the writing just flowed so well!
If I had to state an issue I had with the book, it was that it took me a bit to get into it, but once I was into it, I was hooked!
Verdict: A great book for kids and adults alike!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher and netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe
Author: Carlos Hernandez
Book Series: Sal and Gabi Book 2
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: Cuban american main character and #ownvoices, gender neutral terms!
Publication Date: May 5, 2020
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (multiverse, wibbly wobbly, timey wimey)
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Pages: 432
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Sal and Gabi have to try to make everything right with our world when there is a rogue Gabi from another universe running loose.
Sal Vidon creates wormholes. But Sal's father, a calamity physicist, is trying to shut down all the wormholes Sal creates, because Papi thinks they are eroding the very fabric of our world. All of Papi's efforts are in vain, however, because a Gabi from another universe has gone rogue and is popping up all over the place, seeking revenge for the fact that her world has been destroyed. While Sal and Gabi work together to keep both Papi and Rogue Gabi under control, they also have to solve the mystery of Yasmany, who has gone missing from school. Could it have something to do with the wormhole in the back of his locker?
Review: Overall, I thought the book was good. The characters were funny and engaging, also well developed. The pacing was suited for the book and the story really flowed well. I really liked the fantasy elements yet again.
However, there were some issues I had with the book. The teacher in this book wants to be referred by Srx which is a gender-neutral term, but referred to the kids in the class in her/him pronouns without really asking. One of Gabi’s 7 dads is also a bit of a mystery. She doesn’t use gender neutral terms but she still wants to be referred to as a dad. I’m all for being whatever you want to be called. Dad, mom, doesn’t matter it’s a parent title, but I would appreciate some more clarification on this. The story is also a bit harder to comprehend. There’s a lot of multiverse stuff that goes on and it gets a little complicated.
Verdict: It’s a good book!
Book: Sal and Gabi Fix the Universe
Author: Carlos Hernandez
Book Series: Sal and Gabi Book 2
Rating: 4/5
Diversity: Cuban american main character and #ownvoices, gender neutral terms!
Publication Date: May 5, 2020
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (multiverse, wibbly wobbly, timey wimey)
Publisher: Rick Riordan Presents
Pages: 432
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Sal and Gabi have to try to make everything right with our world when there is a rogue Gabi from another universe running loose.
Sal Vidon creates wormholes. But Sal's father, a calamity physicist, is trying to shut down all the wormholes Sal creates, because Papi thinks they are eroding the very fabric of our world. All of Papi's efforts are in vain, however, because a Gabi from another universe has gone rogue and is popping up all over the place, seeking revenge for the fact that her world has been destroyed. While Sal and Gabi work together to keep both Papi and Rogue Gabi under control, they also have to solve the mystery of Yasmany, who has gone missing from school. Could it have something to do with the wormhole in the back of his locker?
Review: Overall, I thought the book was good. The characters were funny and engaging, also well developed. The pacing was suited for the book and the story really flowed well. I really liked the fantasy elements yet again.
However, there were some issues I had with the book. The teacher in this book wants to be referred by Srx which is a gender-neutral term, but referred to the kids in the class in her/him pronouns without really asking. One of Gabi’s 7 dads is also a bit of a mystery. She doesn’t use gender neutral terms but she still wants to be referred to as a dad. I’m all for being whatever you want to be called. Dad, mom, doesn’t matter it’s a parent title, but I would appreciate some more clarification on this. The story is also a bit harder to comprehend. There’s a lot of multiverse stuff that goes on and it gets a little complicated.
Verdict: It’s a good book!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Talented
Author: Desy Smith
Book Series: Heavenly Messenger Book 1
Rating: 2/5
Publication Date: February 4, 2019
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 17+ (sexual content, violence)
Publisher: Floebe Publishing
Pages: 65
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Picture this, it’s your last night on the cruise ship. One would expect to drop it like it’s hot one more time or summon the courage to get up on stage and sing the karaoke song you choose days ago.
Of course, I didn't get the chance to partake in any of that, and I should be disappointed or even upset but I’m not, you see I anticipated this. As soon as he, Flame, also known as King Ezekiel’s right-hand man, boarded the ship, I knew without a doubt, something was going to happen.
So when the ship begins to sink, I don’t panic. I jump straight into action. You see, I’m not human, I’m referred to as Talented which are Angels. No, we don’t have wings, well not all of us anyway, and no our appearance is not human. We’re colorful, literally.
Now what I didn’t expect was for Flame to drag me to The Talented Kingdom under false pretenses, no less. If he didn’t make me tingle in weird places, I would have strangled him when he first boarded the ship.
I suppose going to The Talented Kingdom, isn’t bad. I mean, I’ll be around my people, and possibly get to see Flame butt naked. Which is great right? But something is telling me not to go and I don’t know why. Oh well, I guess I’ll figure it out when I get there, that’s if I don’t die first or fall into another coma.
Review: Overall, this was an ok book. The book had an interesting plot and that kept me reading the book. The book is also a fast paced read and ended on a cliff hanger, which makes me curious for the next one.
However, the characters weren’t developed in my opinion. There’s nothing really interesting about them and I didn’t feel connected to them. The writing was also jumbled and hard to read. The book wasn’t very well edited and it made it hard to keep track of who was saying what and what was going on. The writing is also really simplistic and it reads how a person is speaking, which can be confusing sometimes. I also think the book could be longer to help smooth out these parts. I also feel like the synopsis gives a bit too much away of the book.
Verdict: It was ok, but could use more editing.
Book: The Talented
Author: Desy Smith
Book Series: Heavenly Messenger Book 1
Rating: 2/5
Publication Date: February 4, 2019
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 17+ (sexual content, violence)
Publisher: Floebe Publishing
Pages: 65
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Picture this, it’s your last night on the cruise ship. One would expect to drop it like it’s hot one more time or summon the courage to get up on stage and sing the karaoke song you choose days ago.
Of course, I didn't get the chance to partake in any of that, and I should be disappointed or even upset but I’m not, you see I anticipated this. As soon as he, Flame, also known as King Ezekiel’s right-hand man, boarded the ship, I knew without a doubt, something was going to happen.
So when the ship begins to sink, I don’t panic. I jump straight into action. You see, I’m not human, I’m referred to as Talented which are Angels. No, we don’t have wings, well not all of us anyway, and no our appearance is not human. We’re colorful, literally.
Now what I didn’t expect was for Flame to drag me to The Talented Kingdom under false pretenses, no less. If he didn’t make me tingle in weird places, I would have strangled him when he first boarded the ship.
I suppose going to The Talented Kingdom, isn’t bad. I mean, I’ll be around my people, and possibly get to see Flame butt naked. Which is great right? But something is telling me not to go and I don’t know why. Oh well, I guess I’ll figure it out when I get there, that’s if I don’t die first or fall into another coma.
Review: Overall, this was an ok book. The book had an interesting plot and that kept me reading the book. The book is also a fast paced read and ended on a cliff hanger, which makes me curious for the next one.
However, the characters weren’t developed in my opinion. There’s nothing really interesting about them and I didn’t feel connected to them. The writing was also jumbled and hard to read. The book wasn’t very well edited and it made it hard to keep track of who was saying what and what was going on. The writing is also really simplistic and it reads how a person is speaking, which can be confusing sometimes. I also think the book could be longer to help smooth out these parts. I also feel like the synopsis gives a bit too much away of the book.
Verdict: It was ok, but could use more editing.