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2.51k reviews by:
popthebutterfly
Disclaimer: I received the e-arc from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Gilded Ruins
Author: Chantal Gadoury
Book Series: Blinding Night Book 2
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: May 12, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance, slight sexual content, slight violence)
Publisher: The Parliament House
Pages: 295
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The Story Continues. . .
Summer and Darce are summoned by the order of Zeus himself to travel to the home of the Gods: Mount Olympus, where they're to face even more ancient Gods and Goddesses.
Summer braces to confront her mother again, illuminating secrets about the truth of her tragic pasts, while also persuading Zeus to allow her to stay with the God of the Underworld, her true love - Darce.
Aboard Poseidon's luxury yacht, Summer meets her mythological family, while also uncovering what exactly happened to her past lives - and the true roles her mother and Darce played.
When Darce and Summer suddenly find themselves separated, Summer must find her inner power and unite them together, before her mortal time runs out.
Review: I loved the first book and the love for the second book did not waiver. I loved the characters and felt they were fairly well developed. The book was full of pop culture references which made for a fun read and the book did well with the world building.
However, I felt the book was too short in my opinion, which makes the pacing a bit too fast for me. I think the author could have expanded on the book another 200 pages and it would have worked great!
Verdict:
Book: Gilded Ruins
Author: Chantal Gadoury
Book Series: Blinding Night Book 2
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: May 12, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance, slight sexual content, slight violence)
Publisher: The Parliament House
Pages: 295
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The Story Continues. . .
Summer and Darce are summoned by the order of Zeus himself to travel to the home of the Gods: Mount Olympus, where they're to face even more ancient Gods and Goddesses.
Summer braces to confront her mother again, illuminating secrets about the truth of her tragic pasts, while also persuading Zeus to allow her to stay with the God of the Underworld, her true love - Darce.
Aboard Poseidon's luxury yacht, Summer meets her mythological family, while also uncovering what exactly happened to her past lives - and the true roles her mother and Darce played.
When Darce and Summer suddenly find themselves separated, Summer must find her inner power and unite them together, before her mortal time runs out.
Review: I loved the first book and the love for the second book did not waiver. I loved the characters and felt they were fairly well developed. The book was full of pop culture references which made for a fun read and the book did well with the world building.
However, I felt the book was too short in my opinion, which makes the pacing a bit too fast for me. I think the author could have expanded on the book another 200 pages and it would have worked great!
Verdict:
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Colonel and The Bee
Author: Patrick Canning
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: June 1, 2018
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, slight gore)
Publisher: Evolved Publishing LLC
Pages: 304
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The Amazing Beatrix works as an acrobat in a 19th Century circus, no home or family to speak of. When a daring escape from her abusive ringleader crosses Beatrix's path with that of the daring adventurer Colonel James Bacchus, the unlikely pair team up, fly to safety aboard the Colonel’s miraculous four-story hot air balloon, and begin a grand quest to find the most precious gem in the world, The Blue Star Sphinx.
If the heroes can outmaneuver the deadly treasure hunters, escaped convicts, and double-crosses that await them, they may win the treasure they seek, or better yet, a sense of true belonging.
Witty banter, colorful characters, and exotic locations pack the fantastical, globe-trotting adventure that reads like Sherlock Holmes meets Around the World in Eighty Days.
Review: Overall, this was an ok book. The book had engaging characters and the book did well with the world building.
However, the book didn’t catch my interest that much. The book didn’t feel fun and I felt like I was having to slug through it. The pacing dragged and the story didn’t feel that well suited for young adults. The book’s plot was also not engaging and the world building, while good, did not feel realistic.
Verdict: It was an ok book, but not for me.
Book: The Colonel and The Bee
Author: Patrick Canning
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Publication Date: June 1, 2018
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, slight gore)
Publisher: Evolved Publishing LLC
Pages: 304
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The Amazing Beatrix works as an acrobat in a 19th Century circus, no home or family to speak of. When a daring escape from her abusive ringleader crosses Beatrix's path with that of the daring adventurer Colonel James Bacchus, the unlikely pair team up, fly to safety aboard the Colonel’s miraculous four-story hot air balloon, and begin a grand quest to find the most precious gem in the world, The Blue Star Sphinx.
If the heroes can outmaneuver the deadly treasure hunters, escaped convicts, and double-crosses that await them, they may win the treasure they seek, or better yet, a sense of true belonging.
Witty banter, colorful characters, and exotic locations pack the fantastical, globe-trotting adventure that reads like Sherlock Holmes meets Around the World in Eighty Days.
Review: Overall, this was an ok book. The book had engaging characters and the book did well with the world building.
However, the book didn’t catch my interest that much. The book didn’t feel fun and I felt like I was having to slug through it. The pacing dragged and the story didn’t feel that well suited for young adults. The book’s plot was also not engaging and the world building, while good, did not feel realistic.
Verdict: It was an ok book, but not for me.
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: This Is How I Lied
Author: Heather Gudenkauf
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: May 12, 2020
Genre: Mystery
Recommended Age: 17+ (violence, murder)
Publisher: Park Row
Pages: 336
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Twenty-five years ago, the body of sixteen-year-old Eve Knox was found in the caves near her home in small-town Grotto, Iowa—discovered by her best friend, Maggie, and her sister, Nola. There were a handful of suspects, including her boyfriend, Nick, but without sufficient evidence the case ultimately went cold.
For decades Maggie was haunted by Eve’s death and that horrible night. Now a detective in Grotto, and seven months pregnant, she is thrust back into the past when a new piece of evidence surfaces and the case is reopened. As Maggie investigates and reexamines the clues, secrets about what really happened begin to emerge. But someone in town knows more than they’re letting on, and they’ll stop at nothing to keep the truth buried deep.
Review: Overall, I liked this book. The book did well with the characters and the world building. The writing was well done and the book gripped me with the suspense. The book had me scared of the dark for a bit as well lol. I really liked the twists as well, even if I saw them coming.
However, I don’t know how realistic the book is. From my experience in criminal justice, they wouldn’t have put someone on that found the bodies and was the victims best friend to avoid conflict of interest and fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine (where when you do something out of police procedure then all evidence found via that means is not admissible in court). The pacing was also slow and the twists and plot were predictable.
Verdict: I liked this one!
Book: This Is How I Lied
Author: Heather Gudenkauf
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: May 12, 2020
Genre: Mystery
Recommended Age: 17+ (violence, murder)
Publisher: Park Row
Pages: 336
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Twenty-five years ago, the body of sixteen-year-old Eve Knox was found in the caves near her home in small-town Grotto, Iowa—discovered by her best friend, Maggie, and her sister, Nola. There were a handful of suspects, including her boyfriend, Nick, but without sufficient evidence the case ultimately went cold.
For decades Maggie was haunted by Eve’s death and that horrible night. Now a detective in Grotto, and seven months pregnant, she is thrust back into the past when a new piece of evidence surfaces and the case is reopened. As Maggie investigates and reexamines the clues, secrets about what really happened begin to emerge. But someone in town knows more than they’re letting on, and they’ll stop at nothing to keep the truth buried deep.
Review: Overall, I liked this book. The book did well with the characters and the world building. The writing was well done and the book gripped me with the suspense. The book had me scared of the dark for a bit as well lol. I really liked the twists as well, even if I saw them coming.
However, I don’t know how realistic the book is. From my experience in criminal justice, they wouldn’t have put someone on that found the bodies and was the victims best friend to avoid conflict of interest and fruit of the poisonous tree doctrine (where when you do something out of police procedure then all evidence found via that means is not admissible in court). The pacing was also slow and the twists and plot were predictable.
Verdict: I liked this one!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: More than Marmalade: Michael Bond and the Story of Paddington Bear
Author: Rosanne Tolin
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: March 3, 2020
Genre: Children’s Biography
Recommended Age: 8+ (cute, adorable, does talk about WW2 a little)
Publisher: Chicago Review Press
Pages: 176
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Michael Bond never intended to be a children’s writer. Though an avid reader, he was by no means a model student and quit school at 14. He repaired rooftop radio transmitters during the bombing of Britain in World War II and later joined the army. He wrote about the war and more, selling stories here and there.
One day, while searching for inspiration at his typewriter, hoping for a big story that would allow him to write full time, a stuffed bear on top of the shelf—a Christmas present for his wife—suddenly caught his eye. Bond poured his personal feelings about the events of his era—the refugee children his family had hosted in the countryside, a war-torn country in recovery, the bustling immigrant neighborhood where he lived—into the story of a little bear from Peru who tries very, very hard to do things right. The result was A Bear Called Paddington.
An incredible true tale, More than Marmalade: Michael Bond and the Story of Paddington Bear is the first biography about the writer behind the beloved series. Author Rosanne Tolin reveals how world history, Bond’s life, and 1950s immigrant culture were embedded into Paddington’s creation, bringing middle-grade readers a delightful, informative, and engaging book with a timely message of acceptance.
Review: This was such a cute book! I really loved this middle grade level biography about how Paddington came to be. While I was more of a Winnie the Pooh fan as a child, I did know Paddington and he was precious to me. The writing was really well done, it’s very informative but simplistic for young readers. The book is inspirational for young children.
The only issue I had with the book is that I didn’t want it to end. I thought it was a bit too short and could have been expanded on the details, but then again this is for young kids so for them the length is perfect!
Verdict: An exceptional book!
Book: More than Marmalade: Michael Bond and the Story of Paddington Bear
Author: Rosanne Tolin
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: March 3, 2020
Genre: Children’s Biography
Recommended Age: 8+ (cute, adorable, does talk about WW2 a little)
Publisher: Chicago Review Press
Pages: 176
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Michael Bond never intended to be a children’s writer. Though an avid reader, he was by no means a model student and quit school at 14. He repaired rooftop radio transmitters during the bombing of Britain in World War II and later joined the army. He wrote about the war and more, selling stories here and there.
One day, while searching for inspiration at his typewriter, hoping for a big story that would allow him to write full time, a stuffed bear on top of the shelf—a Christmas present for his wife—suddenly caught his eye. Bond poured his personal feelings about the events of his era—the refugee children his family had hosted in the countryside, a war-torn country in recovery, the bustling immigrant neighborhood where he lived—into the story of a little bear from Peru who tries very, very hard to do things right. The result was A Bear Called Paddington.
An incredible true tale, More than Marmalade: Michael Bond and the Story of Paddington Bear is the first biography about the writer behind the beloved series. Author Rosanne Tolin reveals how world history, Bond’s life, and 1950s immigrant culture were embedded into Paddington’s creation, bringing middle-grade readers a delightful, informative, and engaging book with a timely message of acceptance.
Review: This was such a cute book! I really loved this middle grade level biography about how Paddington came to be. While I was more of a Winnie the Pooh fan as a child, I did know Paddington and he was precious to me. The writing was really well done, it’s very informative but simplistic for young readers. The book is inspirational for young children.
The only issue I had with the book is that I didn’t want it to end. I thought it was a bit too short and could have been expanded on the details, but then again this is for young kids so for them the length is perfect!
Verdict: An exceptional book!
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher and netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Layover
Author: David Bell
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 1/5
Publication Date: July 2, 2019
Genre: Mystery
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, DNF-ed
Publisher: Berkley Books
Pages: 407
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Joshua Fields takes the same flights every week for work. His life is a series of departures and arrivals, hotels and airports. During yet another layover, Joshua meets Morgan, a beautiful stranger with whom he feels an immediate connection. When it's time for their flights, Morgan gets up to leave, leans over and passionately kisses Joshua, lamenting that they'll never see each other again.
As Morgan slips away, Joshua is left feeling confused by what just happened between them. That's when he looks up and is shocked to see Morgan's face flashing on a nearby TV screen. He's even more shocked when he learns the reason why--Morgan is a missing person.
What follows is a whirlwind, fast-paced journey filled with lies, deceit, and secrets to discover the truth about why Morgan is on the run. But when he finally thinks every mystery is solved, another rears its head, and Joshua's worst enemy may be his own assumptions about those around him...
Review: I had to DNF this one at 30%. I had issues connecting to it and I hated the slow start. The book isn’t intriguing enough for me to continue.
Verdict: Not for me.
Book: Layover
Author: David Bell
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 1/5
Publication Date: July 2, 2019
Genre: Mystery
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, DNF-ed
Publisher: Berkley Books
Pages: 407
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Joshua Fields takes the same flights every week for work. His life is a series of departures and arrivals, hotels and airports. During yet another layover, Joshua meets Morgan, a beautiful stranger with whom he feels an immediate connection. When it's time for their flights, Morgan gets up to leave, leans over and passionately kisses Joshua, lamenting that they'll never see each other again.
As Morgan slips away, Joshua is left feeling confused by what just happened between them. That's when he looks up and is shocked to see Morgan's face flashing on a nearby TV screen. He's even more shocked when he learns the reason why--Morgan is a missing person.
What follows is a whirlwind, fast-paced journey filled with lies, deceit, and secrets to discover the truth about why Morgan is on the run. But when he finally thinks every mystery is solved, another rears its head, and Joshua's worst enemy may be his own assumptions about those around him...
Review: I had to DNF this one at 30%. I had issues connecting to it and I hated the slow start. The book isn’t intriguing enough for me to continue.
Verdict: Not for me.
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher and netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Rise of the Hearts: Rebirth
Author: Antoine Bonner
Book Series: Rise of the Hearts Book 2
Rating: 1/5
Publication Date: January 26, 2019
Genre: Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, DNF-ed
Publisher: BookBaby
Pages: 108
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Months have passed since Nate has met Traeh, the deity of love with the pink heart-shaped irises. He's gotten used to his new powers she has given him and feels invincible, at least until someone predicts he's going to die a violent death. Nate becomes cautious and takes a break from his hobby of killing disloyal cheaters and gold diggers to avoid any unnecessary trouble. But trouble finds him because of his past actions and forces the hand of a powerful foe, pushing him to his limits and forcing him to deal with his inner demons.
Review: Another book I had to DNF at 15%. I felt like this book had a lot of potential, the short story was intriguing, but the book is jumpy and disjointed. The book doesn’t flow well and is confusing. I’m not sure if this is a translation or not, but it seems like a badly translated book. I’ve read translated books before and they’ve been amazing, but if this one of them then the translator did a bad job.
Verdict: Not for me.
Book: Rise of the Hearts: Rebirth
Author: Antoine Bonner
Book Series: Rise of the Hearts Book 2
Rating: 1/5
Publication Date: January 26, 2019
Genre: Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, DNF-ed
Publisher: BookBaby
Pages: 108
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Months have passed since Nate has met Traeh, the deity of love with the pink heart-shaped irises. He's gotten used to his new powers she has given him and feels invincible, at least until someone predicts he's going to die a violent death. Nate becomes cautious and takes a break from his hobby of killing disloyal cheaters and gold diggers to avoid any unnecessary trouble. But trouble finds him because of his past actions and forces the hand of a powerful foe, pushing him to his limits and forcing him to deal with his inner demons.
Review: Another book I had to DNF at 15%. I felt like this book had a lot of potential, the short story was intriguing, but the book is jumpy and disjointed. The book doesn’t flow well and is confusing. I’m not sure if this is a translation or not, but it seems like a badly translated book. I’ve read translated books before and they’ve been amazing, but if this one of them then the translator did a bad job.
Verdict: Not for me.
Disclaimer: I received this e-book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own!
Book: The Songbird’s Refrain
Author: Jillian Maria
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: w/w romance!
Publication Date: September 3, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, curses, murder)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 241
Amazon Link
Synopsis: When a mysterious show arrives in town, seventeen-year-old Elizabeth Brighton is both intrigued and unsettled. But none of the acts capture her attention quite like the blue-eyed woman. Locked in a birdcage and covered in feathers, the anguish in her voice sounds just a little too real to be an act—because it isn’t. The show’s owner, a sadistic witch known only as the Mistress, is holding her captive.
And she’s chosen Elizabeth as her next victim.
After watching the blue-eyed woman die, Elizabeth is placed under the same curse. She clings to what little hope she can find in the words of a fortune teller and in her own strange dreams. The more she learns, the more she suspects that the Mistress isn’t as invulnerable as she appears. But time is against her, and every feather that sprouts brings her closer to meeting the blue-eyed woman’s fate. Can Elizabeth unlock the secret to flying free, or will the Mistress’s curse kill her and cage its next victim?
Review: This was a great book! I loved the world building and the characters. The characters were fun and engaging and I loved the w/w romance! The world building was detailed and brilliantly incorporated into the plot. I loved the books overarching theme that we all important and I thought the writing was very well done.
The only issue I had was that in spots the pacing dragged a bit. Also, I feel like the book could have been longer.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
Book: The Songbird’s Refrain
Author: Jillian Maria
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: w/w romance!
Publication Date: September 3, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, curses, murder)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 241
Amazon Link
Synopsis: When a mysterious show arrives in town, seventeen-year-old Elizabeth Brighton is both intrigued and unsettled. But none of the acts capture her attention quite like the blue-eyed woman. Locked in a birdcage and covered in feathers, the anguish in her voice sounds just a little too real to be an act—because it isn’t. The show’s owner, a sadistic witch known only as the Mistress, is holding her captive.
And she’s chosen Elizabeth as her next victim.
After watching the blue-eyed woman die, Elizabeth is placed under the same curse. She clings to what little hope she can find in the words of a fortune teller and in her own strange dreams. The more she learns, the more she suspects that the Mistress isn’t as invulnerable as she appears. But time is against her, and every feather that sprouts brings her closer to meeting the blue-eyed woman’s fate. Can Elizabeth unlock the secret to flying free, or will the Mistress’s curse kill her and cage its next victim?
Review: This was a great book! I loved the world building and the characters. The characters were fun and engaging and I loved the w/w romance! The world building was detailed and brilliantly incorporated into the plot. I loved the books overarching theme that we all important and I thought the writing was very well done.
The only issue I had was that in spots the pacing dragged a bit. Also, I feel like the book could have been longer.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received this e-book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Kingdom Cold
Author: Brittni Chenelle
Book Series: Kingdom Cold Book 1
Rating: 1/5
Publication Date: February 14, 2019
Genre: YA Fantsay
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, DNF-ed
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 278
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Attempted murder, that's how sixteen-year-old Princess Charlotte's engagement starts. It seems like the only thing she has in common with Prince Young of Vires is their mutual discontent.
When her kingdom's attacked, Charlotte's parents renegotiate her hand in marriage to a handsome stranger with a sinister plan. With the people Charlotte loves dying around her, and her kingdom's future at stake, the only person she can turn to is the prince she betrayed. But, should she save her kingdom or her heart?
One must fall.
Review: I had to DNF this book at 15%. I couldn’t connect with the characters and it didn’t feel like the book had a clearly defined plot. It’s also incredibly slow.
Verdict: Not for me.
Book: Kingdom Cold
Author: Brittni Chenelle
Book Series: Kingdom Cold Book 1
Rating: 1/5
Publication Date: February 14, 2019
Genre: YA Fantsay
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, DNF-ed
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 278
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Attempted murder, that's how sixteen-year-old Princess Charlotte's engagement starts. It seems like the only thing she has in common with Prince Young of Vires is their mutual discontent.
When her kingdom's attacked, Charlotte's parents renegotiate her hand in marriage to a handsome stranger with a sinister plan. With the people Charlotte loves dying around her, and her kingdom's future at stake, the only person she can turn to is the prince she betrayed. But, should she save her kingdom or her heart?
One must fall.
Review: I had to DNF this book at 15%. I couldn’t connect with the characters and it didn’t feel like the book had a clearly defined plot. It’s also incredibly slow.
Verdict: Not for me.
Disclaimer: I received this e-book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Kingmaker Contest
Author: Troy Clem
Book Series: The Source of Magic Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: July 26, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy?
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, blood magic)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 192
Amazon Link
Synopsis: A brutal contest determines the King. Does a god control the outcome?
A thrilling epic fantasy world of magic and war.
Theo's empathic power lies untapped, but she knows of his abilities. Is she god or something worse? The only thing that’s certain: the rage and terror warring inside Theo can obliterate the Drasque Empire—if war doesn’t first.
Part one of an EPIC series
Theo couldn’t imagine the consequences when he stowed away. His freedom from Losik wasn’t worth war, but he didn’t know magical forces were waiting for him. In a time when whale oil and muskets replaced torches and swords, an ancient way of thinking still prevails, forcing men to kill other men for a chance to be king, and allowing a god and her blood magic warriors to bend the world to her will.
Review: Overall, I liked this book! It was a quick read, fast paced, and full of great writing! The characters were well developed and engaging. The world building was expertly done. The plot was intriguing from start to finish! Although the book could have been longer, it was great with how short it was!
However, I’m confused as to how to classify this. The main character is 12 but there is a lot of adult situations in this book ala Game of Thrones. It’s not clearly defined if this is for adults or children, which is my only complaint.
Verdict: I enjoyed this a lot!
Book: The Kingmaker Contest
Author: Troy Clem
Book Series: The Source of Magic Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: July 26, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy?
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, blood magic)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 192
Amazon Link
Synopsis: A brutal contest determines the King. Does a god control the outcome?
A thrilling epic fantasy world of magic and war.
Theo's empathic power lies untapped, but she knows of his abilities. Is she god or something worse? The only thing that’s certain: the rage and terror warring inside Theo can obliterate the Drasque Empire—if war doesn’t first.
Part one of an EPIC series
Theo couldn’t imagine the consequences when he stowed away. His freedom from Losik wasn’t worth war, but he didn’t know magical forces were waiting for him. In a time when whale oil and muskets replaced torches and swords, an ancient way of thinking still prevails, forcing men to kill other men for a chance to be king, and allowing a god and her blood magic warriors to bend the world to her will.
Review: Overall, I liked this book! It was a quick read, fast paced, and full of great writing! The characters were well developed and engaging. The world building was expertly done. The plot was intriguing from start to finish! Although the book could have been longer, it was great with how short it was!
However, I’m confused as to how to classify this. The main character is 12 but there is a lot of adult situations in this book ala Game of Thrones. It’s not clearly defined if this is for adults or children, which is my only complaint.
Verdict: I enjoyed this a lot!
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher and netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Private Lessons
Author: Cynthia Salaysay
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Filipino American main character!
Publication Date: May 12, 2020
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 18+ (sex and sexual content, statutory rape TW, underage drinking, death, child grooming, drug use, abuse: emotional mental verbal and psychological, racism, language, self-harm TW, depression, gaslighting, wanting to kill a character more than Umbridge)
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Pages: 320
Amazon Link
Synopsis: After seventeen-year-old Claire Alalay’s father's death, only music has helped her channel her grief. Claire likes herself best when she plays his old piano, a welcome escape from the sadness — and her traditional Filipino mother’s prayer groups. In the hopes of earning a college scholarship, Claire auditions for Paul Avon, a prominent piano teacher, who agrees to take Claire as a pupil. Soon Claire loses herself in Paul’s world and his way of digging into a composition’s emotional core. She practices constantly, foregoing a social life, but no matter how hard she works or how well she plays, it seems impossible to gain Paul’s approval, let alone his affection.
Author Cynthia Salaysay composes a moving, beautifully written portrait of rigorous perfectionism, sexual awakening, and the challenges of self-acceptance. Timely and vital, Private Lessons delves into a complicated student/teacher relationship, as well as class and cultural differences, with honesty and grace.
Review: This was a gorgeous book! The book does not shy from the tough points, where it shows our main character who is in love with this (for a lack of a better word) pedo who is abusing his authority to have sex with her (a minor, EW!). The book is expertly written, amazingly well detailed for world building, and the characters are engaging (and disgusting in Paul’s case). Sometimes when books say they are wrote for a certain thing (like feminism or otherwise) I find the book isn’t really embodying that movement. However, I feel like this book is a champion for the #metoo movement.
However, I felt like the book was a bit slower paced than what I usually preferred, but I think it’s intention. It makes you pause and forces you to hear Claire’s story, through the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Verdict: I recommend this as essential reading. It’s hard to read sometimes, but it’s essential to do so.
Book: Private Lessons
Author: Cynthia Salaysay
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Filipino American main character!
Publication Date: May 12, 2020
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 18+ (sex and sexual content, statutory rape TW, underage drinking, death, child grooming, drug use, abuse: emotional mental verbal and psychological, racism, language, self-harm TW, depression, gaslighting, wanting to kill a character more than Umbridge)
Publisher: Candlewick Press
Pages: 320
Amazon Link
Synopsis: After seventeen-year-old Claire Alalay’s father's death, only music has helped her channel her grief. Claire likes herself best when she plays his old piano, a welcome escape from the sadness — and her traditional Filipino mother’s prayer groups. In the hopes of earning a college scholarship, Claire auditions for Paul Avon, a prominent piano teacher, who agrees to take Claire as a pupil. Soon Claire loses herself in Paul’s world and his way of digging into a composition’s emotional core. She practices constantly, foregoing a social life, but no matter how hard she works or how well she plays, it seems impossible to gain Paul’s approval, let alone his affection.
Author Cynthia Salaysay composes a moving, beautifully written portrait of rigorous perfectionism, sexual awakening, and the challenges of self-acceptance. Timely and vital, Private Lessons delves into a complicated student/teacher relationship, as well as class and cultural differences, with honesty and grace.
Review: This was a gorgeous book! The book does not shy from the tough points, where it shows our main character who is in love with this (for a lack of a better word) pedo who is abusing his authority to have sex with her (a minor, EW!). The book is expertly written, amazingly well detailed for world building, and the characters are engaging (and disgusting in Paul’s case). Sometimes when books say they are wrote for a certain thing (like feminism or otherwise) I find the book isn’t really embodying that movement. However, I feel like this book is a champion for the #metoo movement.
However, I felt like the book was a bit slower paced than what I usually preferred, but I think it’s intention. It makes you pause and forces you to hear Claire’s story, through the good, the bad, and the ugly.
Verdict: I recommend this as essential reading. It’s hard to read sometimes, but it’s essential to do so.