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2.51k reviews by:
popthebutterfly
Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Home: A Dystopian Journey
Author: David Duane Kummer
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 2/5
Publication Date: August 1, 2019
Genre: Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, DNF-ed
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 145
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The wilderness shows no mercy.
On a journey to nowhere, an escape from the past, four travelers must confront the harsh realities of their chosen path. The terrain is treacherous; the supplies are low. But turning back isn't an option. Only death is behind.
Someone is following.
Others have tried this route. Many have gone; none have returned. Their only salvation, their only hope, lies at the end. But the end of the journey is not what it seems. Nothing is.
Home
Review: I couldn’t get into the book, so at 34% I had to DNF it. The book was ok, but I just couldn’t get into it and it was confusing me. I might come back to this book and read it again, but not for now.
Verdict: Not for me.
Book: Home: A Dystopian Journey
Author: David Duane Kummer
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 2/5
Publication Date: August 1, 2019
Genre: Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, DNF-ed
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 145
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The wilderness shows no mercy.
On a journey to nowhere, an escape from the past, four travelers must confront the harsh realities of their chosen path. The terrain is treacherous; the supplies are low. But turning back isn't an option. Only death is behind.
Someone is following.
Others have tried this route. Many have gone; none have returned. Their only salvation, their only hope, lies at the end. But the end of the journey is not what it seems. Nothing is.
Home
Review: I couldn’t get into the book, so at 34% I had to DNF it. The book was ok, but I just couldn’t get into it and it was confusing me. I might come back to this book and read it again, but not for now.
Verdict: Not for me.
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher and netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Sister Dear
Author: Hannah Mary McKinnon
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 1/5
Publication Date: May 26, 2020
Genre: Thriller
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, DNF-ed
Publisher: MIRA
Pages: 384
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Beauty. Wealth. Success.
She’s got it all.
And it all should’ve been mine.
When Eleanor Hardwicke’s beloved father dies, her world is further shattered by a gut-wrenching secret: the man she’s grieving isn’t really her dad. Eleanor was the product of an affair and her biological father is still out there, living blissfully with the family he chose. With her personal life spiraling, a desperate Eleanor seeks him out, leading her to uncover another branch on her family tree—an infuriatingly enviable half sister.
Perfectly perfect Victoria has everything Eleanor could ever dream of. Loving childhood, luxury home, devoted husband. All of it stolen from Eleanor, who plans to take it back. After all, good sisters are supposed to share. And quiet little Eleanor has been waiting far too long for her turn to play.
Review: I had to DNF this book about 42% through it. The book is entirely through the eyes of the main character who has a lot of self esteem issues and its exhausting being in her brain for 400ish pages. It made me really upset to read about her self doubt and other issues and kinda made me start thinking the same things about myself, which wasn’t great for my mental health. The book also wasn’t what I thought it would be, which was disappointing, and the plot of the book isn’t that intriguing in my opinion. The book also isn’t suspenseful and what I thought would happen didn’t at all. The rest of the characters are also very bland and not exciting at all.
Verdict: It wasn’t for me.
Book: Sister Dear
Author: Hannah Mary McKinnon
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 1/5
Publication Date: May 26, 2020
Genre: Thriller
Recommended Age: can’t recommend, DNF-ed
Publisher: MIRA
Pages: 384
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Beauty. Wealth. Success.
She’s got it all.
And it all should’ve been mine.
When Eleanor Hardwicke’s beloved father dies, her world is further shattered by a gut-wrenching secret: the man she’s grieving isn’t really her dad. Eleanor was the product of an affair and her biological father is still out there, living blissfully with the family he chose. With her personal life spiraling, a desperate Eleanor seeks him out, leading her to uncover another branch on her family tree—an infuriatingly enviable half sister.
Perfectly perfect Victoria has everything Eleanor could ever dream of. Loving childhood, luxury home, devoted husband. All of it stolen from Eleanor, who plans to take it back. After all, good sisters are supposed to share. And quiet little Eleanor has been waiting far too long for her turn to play.
Review: I had to DNF this book about 42% through it. The book is entirely through the eyes of the main character who has a lot of self esteem issues and its exhausting being in her brain for 400ish pages. It made me really upset to read about her self doubt and other issues and kinda made me start thinking the same things about myself, which wasn’t great for my mental health. The book also wasn’t what I thought it would be, which was disappointing, and the plot of the book isn’t that intriguing in my opinion. The book also isn’t suspenseful and what I thought would happen didn’t at all. The rest of the characters are also very bland and not exciting at all.
Verdict: It wasn’t for me.
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher and netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Breath Like Water
Author: Anna Jarzab
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: bipolar disorder openly discussed!
Publication Date: May 19, 2020
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 15+ (verbal abuse, competitive swimming, mental health, language)
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Pages: 416
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Susannah Ramos has always loved the water. A swimmer whose early talent made her a world champion, Susannah was poised for greatness in a sport that demands so much of its young. But an inexplicable slowdown has put her dream in jeopardy, and Susannah is fighting to keep her career afloat when two important people enter her life: a new coach with a revolutionary training strategy, and a charming fellow swimmer named Harry Matthews.
As Susannah begins her long and painful climb back to the top, her friendship with Harry blossoms into passionate and supportive love. But Harry is facing challenges of his own, and even as their bond draws them closer together, other forces work to tear them apart. As she struggles to balance her needs with those of the people who matter most to her, Susannah will learn the cost—and the beauty—of trying to achieve something extraordinary.
Review: This was such a sweet book! I really loved the character development, the story, and the world building. I never knew how competitive swimming could be, as I grew up in a rural school with no swimming teams. The characters were the lifeline of the story. They really made the story progress and enjoyable. The storyline was intriguing, and the detail the author incorporated was amazing.
The only issue I had with the book is that the pacing was slow in my opinion. I just wish it was a bit faster.
Verdict: It was a great read!
Book: Breath Like Water
Author: Anna Jarzab
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: bipolar disorder openly discussed!
Publication Date: May 19, 2020
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 15+ (verbal abuse, competitive swimming, mental health, language)
Publisher: Inkyard Press
Pages: 416
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Susannah Ramos has always loved the water. A swimmer whose early talent made her a world champion, Susannah was poised for greatness in a sport that demands so much of its young. But an inexplicable slowdown has put her dream in jeopardy, and Susannah is fighting to keep her career afloat when two important people enter her life: a new coach with a revolutionary training strategy, and a charming fellow swimmer named Harry Matthews.
As Susannah begins her long and painful climb back to the top, her friendship with Harry blossoms into passionate and supportive love. But Harry is facing challenges of his own, and even as their bond draws them closer together, other forces work to tear them apart. As she struggles to balance her needs with those of the people who matter most to her, Susannah will learn the cost—and the beauty—of trying to achieve something extraordinary.
Review: This was such a sweet book! I really loved the character development, the story, and the world building. I never knew how competitive swimming could be, as I grew up in a rural school with no swimming teams. The characters were the lifeline of the story. They really made the story progress and enjoyable. The storyline was intriguing, and the detail the author incorporated was amazing.
The only issue I had with the book is that the pacing was slow in my opinion. I just wish it was a bit faster.
Verdict: It was a great read!
Disclaimer: I received this e-book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Everything’s Not Fine
Author: Sarah Carlson
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: May 26, 2020
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 16+ (drug use, addiction, near death)
Publisher: Turner
Pages: 304
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Rose Hemmersbach aspires to break out of small town Sparta, Wisconsin and achieve her artistic dreams at Belwyn School for the Arts after she graduates. Painting is Rose’s escape from her annoying younger siblings and her family’s one rule: ignore the elephant in the room, because talking about it makes it real. That is, until the day Rose finds her mother dying on the kitchen floor of a heroin overdose. Kneeling beside her, Rose pleads with the universe to find a heartbeat. She does – but when her mother is taken to the hospital, the troubles are just beginning. Rose and her dad are left to pick up the pieces. Now all that matters are her siblings. Rose doesn’t have room to do her schoolwork, let alone pick up a paintbrush. Until Rose is forced to do the homecoming mural with Rafa, a new senior at Sparta High. Rose and Rafa don’t have an ounce of school spirit between them, but Rose discovers her brain still has room to paint. As Rose fights to hold everything together, and her dreams of the future start to slip from her grasp, she must face the question of what happens when – if – her mom comes home again. And if, deep down, if Rose even wants her to.
Review: What I think really will stick with me about this book is that this book wasn’t afraid to show the rawness about how drug abuse and addiction really is, much like Ellen Hopkins poetic books do. The book showed the before, the during, and the after and it did so without backing down. The book had amazing characters who were all wonderfully developed and the world building was marvelous. I really liked this book and I think the book can help kids and adults alike.
The only issue I had with the book was that I felt that the book was a bit too happy in the end and that the book had a slow pace.
Verdict: Worth the read!
Book: Everything’s Not Fine
Author: Sarah Carlson
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: May 26, 2020
Genre: YA Contemporary
Recommended Age: 16+ (drug use, addiction, near death)
Publisher: Turner
Pages: 304
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Seventeen-year-old Rose Hemmersbach aspires to break out of small town Sparta, Wisconsin and achieve her artistic dreams at Belwyn School for the Arts after she graduates. Painting is Rose’s escape from her annoying younger siblings and her family’s one rule: ignore the elephant in the room, because talking about it makes it real. That is, until the day Rose finds her mother dying on the kitchen floor of a heroin overdose. Kneeling beside her, Rose pleads with the universe to find a heartbeat. She does – but when her mother is taken to the hospital, the troubles are just beginning. Rose and her dad are left to pick up the pieces. Now all that matters are her siblings. Rose doesn’t have room to do her schoolwork, let alone pick up a paintbrush. Until Rose is forced to do the homecoming mural with Rafa, a new senior at Sparta High. Rose and Rafa don’t have an ounce of school spirit between them, but Rose discovers her brain still has room to paint. As Rose fights to hold everything together, and her dreams of the future start to slip from her grasp, she must face the question of what happens when – if – her mom comes home again. And if, deep down, if Rose even wants her to.
Review: What I think really will stick with me about this book is that this book wasn’t afraid to show the rawness about how drug abuse and addiction really is, much like Ellen Hopkins poetic books do. The book showed the before, the during, and the after and it did so without backing down. The book had amazing characters who were all wonderfully developed and the world building was marvelous. I really liked this book and I think the book can help kids and adults alike.
The only issue I had with the book was that I felt that the book was a bit too happy in the end and that the book had a slow pace.
Verdict: Worth the read!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Breaking Eselda
Author: Tabatha Shipley
Book Series: A Kingdom of Fraun Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: April 9, 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance, slight sexual content, slight violence and gore)
Publisher: Lulu
Pages: 304
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Strength, humility, speed, mirth, and wisdom are perfectly balanced in the kingdom or Fraun where council leaders make decisions in the best interest of all Fraunians. Meanwhile, young Princess Eselda is being groomed to eventually take the throne of Enchenda. But as her reign draws closer and long-held secrets are revealed, she realizes that her title comes with challenges she never imagined.
After Eselda hears the council has been withholding valuable information about age markers that only affect those born of royal blood, she is horrified to learn that she will soon become malicious, power hungry, and lustful. As she struggled to accept her destiny, Eselda is overwhelmed with fear. Still, she must face her future, one way or the other. There are rulers who will kill to keep these secrets hidden; and rulers who will kill to change the council. What kind of ruler will Eselda be?
In this fantasy fale, a young princess must overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges as she prepaes to take the throne of a kingdom in turmoil.
Review: I thought this was a great book! The characters were well developed, the world was well built, and the details of this book were excellent! The book was also well paced and the plot was intriguing from start to finish. This was a light and easy read!
However, the writing was a bit stiff and there was a bit more telling than showing, but it was still pretty good!
Verdict: It was good!
Book: Breaking Eselda
Author: Tabatha Shipley
Book Series: A Kingdom of Fraun Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: April 9, 2018
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance, slight sexual content, slight violence and gore)
Publisher: Lulu
Pages: 304
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Strength, humility, speed, mirth, and wisdom are perfectly balanced in the kingdom or Fraun where council leaders make decisions in the best interest of all Fraunians. Meanwhile, young Princess Eselda is being groomed to eventually take the throne of Enchenda. But as her reign draws closer and long-held secrets are revealed, she realizes that her title comes with challenges she never imagined.
After Eselda hears the council has been withholding valuable information about age markers that only affect those born of royal blood, she is horrified to learn that she will soon become malicious, power hungry, and lustful. As she struggled to accept her destiny, Eselda is overwhelmed with fear. Still, she must face her future, one way or the other. There are rulers who will kill to keep these secrets hidden; and rulers who will kill to change the council. What kind of ruler will Eselda be?
In this fantasy fale, a young princess must overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges as she prepaes to take the throne of a kingdom in turmoil.
Review: I thought this was a great book! The characters were well developed, the world was well built, and the details of this book were excellent! The book was also well paced and the plot was intriguing from start to finish. This was a light and easy read!
However, the writing was a bit stiff and there was a bit more telling than showing, but it was still pretty good!
Verdict: It was good!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Redeeming Jordyn
Author: Tabatha Shipley
Book Series: Kingdom of Fraun Book Two
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: April 23, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance, slight violence and gore, murder)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 365
Amazon Link
Synopsis: "First, there was the issue Eselda brought to me, royal blood being uncharted all over the realms. Then a seated prince was murdered. Now I find out the prince was murdered by a seated king. A king who somehow earned himself an army. An army which I practically gave to him.
This is my fault."
King Jordyn is realizing things in Fraun were not what they appeared to be. With Queen Eselda of Enchenda making the choice to side with King Tin of Sarcheda, it seems like war is coming to Fraun.
Does Jordyn have what it takes to save the kingdom?
Review: I think the author really developed her writing in this book. The characters were more complex and engrossing. The world building continued to be the highlight of the book. And the plot was still just as intriguing and interesting to me as it was in the first book.
While I really liked this book, I do think that there are still some improvements that could be made. The POV changes were a bit too fast for me and the emotions and pacing went from a bit too slow to too fast in my opinion.
Verdict: It was really good!
Book: Redeeming Jordyn
Author: Tabatha Shipley
Book Series: Kingdom of Fraun Book Two
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: April 23, 2019
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance, slight violence and gore, murder)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 365
Amazon Link
Synopsis: "First, there was the issue Eselda brought to me, royal blood being uncharted all over the realms. Then a seated prince was murdered. Now I find out the prince was murdered by a seated king. A king who somehow earned himself an army. An army which I practically gave to him.
This is my fault."
King Jordyn is realizing things in Fraun were not what they appeared to be. With Queen Eselda of Enchenda making the choice to side with King Tin of Sarcheda, it seems like war is coming to Fraun.
Does Jordyn have what it takes to save the kingdom?
Review: I think the author really developed her writing in this book. The characters were more complex and engrossing. The world building continued to be the highlight of the book. And the plot was still just as intriguing and interesting to me as it was in the first book.
While I really liked this book, I do think that there are still some improvements that could be made. The POV changes were a bit too fast for me and the emotions and pacing went from a bit too slow to too fast in my opinion.
Verdict: It was really good!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Training Tutor
Author: Tabatha Shipley
Book Series: Kingdom of Fraun Book 3
Rating: 3.5/5
Publication Date: May 5, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance, slight violence, slight sexual content)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 243
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The war has been fought and Fraun has been rebuilt in the council's image. On the surface, the kingdom's problems are gone. But Sarcheda's new king has no blood of his realm, earning his seat on a technicality. A technicality citizens will not ignore.
Has Tutor helped to save Fraun only to have Sarcheda tear it apart again?
Review: This book series continues and I thought this was a good book. The book still had compelling characters and amazingly detailed world building. I had just as much reading this novel as I did the first two and it was just as light and easy to read as the second one. The book was also well plotted!
However, I felt like this book was a bit slower in plot than the first two. This one wasn’t my fave among the first two, but it was still good. I just wish there was a bit more going on in it, but that’s just preference.
Verdict: Still a great series!
Book: Training Tutor
Author: Tabatha Shipley
Book Series: Kingdom of Fraun Book 3
Rating: 3.5/5
Publication Date: May 5, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (romance, slight violence, slight sexual content)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 243
Amazon Link
Synopsis: The war has been fought and Fraun has been rebuilt in the council's image. On the surface, the kingdom's problems are gone. But Sarcheda's new king has no blood of his realm, earning his seat on a technicality. A technicality citizens will not ignore.
Has Tutor helped to save Fraun only to have Sarcheda tear it apart again?
Review: This book series continues and I thought this was a good book. The book still had compelling characters and amazingly detailed world building. I had just as much reading this novel as I did the first two and it was just as light and easy to read as the second one. The book was also well plotted!
However, I felt like this book was a bit slower in plot than the first two. This one wasn’t my fave among the first two, but it was still good. I just wish there was a bit more going on in it, but that’s just preference.
Verdict: Still a great series!
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the author! Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Primal Instincts
Author: Peter Gulgowski
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Diversity: LGBT characters, m/m romance
Publication Date: May 8, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, gore, romance)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 211
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Bred for entertainment, designed for war.
Nick Davis awoke in a facility with no recollection of how he got there. Memories of his life before this moment are few and blurred. Now, his survival depends on his ability to shapeshift into a wolf for a televised battle to the death known as The Primal Battle.
His prison—the Institute.
His directive—to be a ruthless hunter.
But where does humanity fit into the merging of science and media?
Desperate to unravel the mysteries of his past, Nick uncovers a sinister secret the Institute would kill to keep hidden. They think they know him down to the very code of his DNA, but true power lies in the unpredictability of freewill.
To survive the Institute, he must play their game. Yet Nick knows the cost may be too high. Can he fight the animalistic rage of his genetic programming to cling to the human roots he knows exist within him? Or will what’s left of his humanity be lost to the allure of violent chaos?
Review: The book was good overall. The characters were well developed and the world building was well done. The plot was intriguing and it kept me interested throughout the novel. I like the storyline overall. It’s unique and definitely for the Hunger Games and Red Rising lovers out there.
However, while I liked the LGBT representation I did feel like it was a bit forced. They weren’t the ideal match and their continued romance felt like it existed for the sake of existing. The ending was also rushed and very open ended, so possibly there’s another book in store but I’m not sure. I also didn’t like the slow pacing of the novel and I think the book could have pulled off a faster pace. Also, it’s a really short book. I think it could have been better if expanded.
Verdict: A good book!
Book: Primal Instincts
Author: Peter Gulgowski
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Diversity: LGBT characters, m/m romance
Publication Date: May 8, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, gore, romance)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 211
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Bred for entertainment, designed for war.
Nick Davis awoke in a facility with no recollection of how he got there. Memories of his life before this moment are few and blurred. Now, his survival depends on his ability to shapeshift into a wolf for a televised battle to the death known as The Primal Battle.
His prison—the Institute.
His directive—to be a ruthless hunter.
But where does humanity fit into the merging of science and media?
Desperate to unravel the mysteries of his past, Nick uncovers a sinister secret the Institute would kill to keep hidden. They think they know him down to the very code of his DNA, but true power lies in the unpredictability of freewill.
To survive the Institute, he must play their game. Yet Nick knows the cost may be too high. Can he fight the animalistic rage of his genetic programming to cling to the human roots he knows exist within him? Or will what’s left of his humanity be lost to the allure of violent chaos?
Review: The book was good overall. The characters were well developed and the world building was well done. The plot was intriguing and it kept me interested throughout the novel. I like the storyline overall. It’s unique and definitely for the Hunger Games and Red Rising lovers out there.
However, while I liked the LGBT representation I did feel like it was a bit forced. They weren’t the ideal match and their continued romance felt like it existed for the sake of existing. The ending was also rushed and very open ended, so possibly there’s another book in store but I’m not sure. I also didn’t like the slow pacing of the novel and I think the book could have pulled off a faster pace. Also, it’s a really short book. I think it could have been better if expanded.
Verdict: A good book!
Disclaimer: I received an arc from the publisher and netgalley. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Colossus of Roads
Author: Christina Uss
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: May 5, 2020
Genre: MG Contemporary
Recommended Age: 10+ (traffic!)
Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books
Pages: 224
Amazon Link
Synopsis: "Traffic is a puzzle with one correct solution. And I've got to solve it!"
Rick has been studying maps and traffic patterns for years, and devises solutions to improve Los Angeles' notoriously terrible traffic that he calls his Snarl Solutions. He has big ideas, but not enough resources-- until his artistic friend, Mila brings him to a Girl Scout meeting.
Every week at Miss Diamond's art studio, the scouts paint recycled traffic signs with their own designs. The signs will be hung all over Los Angeles to beautify the city with art. But Rick, The Colossus of Roads, has ulterior motives . . . He will restore the signs to their original glory and find a way to install them strategically to rectify the traffic. Anything can be hung with duct tape!
But of course, it's not that easy. SPLAT (Stop Poor LA Traffic), BLAM (Bike-Loving Amazing Mamas), and the TCD (Traffic Calming Division) have their own methods of curing the city's dilemma and will undermine Rick's efforts however they can.
Will Rick be able to clear the notorious traffic problem on Sepulveda Pass in time for his parents to deliver Polish food to the movie studio and land the catering contract they need to keep their company afloat?
Review: Overall, I thought this was a great book. The characters and well developed and engaging, which is super important in a middle grade book. The main character is funny and has severe motion sickness. I also loved the theme of community and coming together to make something better. I felt like the writing was well done as well. I also liked how it showed a kid with a bit of an unusual hobby. I think it shows kids to go after what they want to do, no matter if others are doing it or not.
However, I did want more world building in the book and I felt like the pacing was a bit slow for me.
Verdict: A good book for kids!
Book: The Colossus of Roads
Author: Christina Uss
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Publication Date: May 5, 2020
Genre: MG Contemporary
Recommended Age: 10+ (traffic!)
Publisher: Margaret Ferguson Books
Pages: 224
Amazon Link
Synopsis: "Traffic is a puzzle with one correct solution. And I've got to solve it!"
Rick has been studying maps and traffic patterns for years, and devises solutions to improve Los Angeles' notoriously terrible traffic that he calls his Snarl Solutions. He has big ideas, but not enough resources-- until his artistic friend, Mila brings him to a Girl Scout meeting.
Every week at Miss Diamond's art studio, the scouts paint recycled traffic signs with their own designs. The signs will be hung all over Los Angeles to beautify the city with art. But Rick, The Colossus of Roads, has ulterior motives . . . He will restore the signs to their original glory and find a way to install them strategically to rectify the traffic. Anything can be hung with duct tape!
But of course, it's not that easy. SPLAT (Stop Poor LA Traffic), BLAM (Bike-Loving Amazing Mamas), and the TCD (Traffic Calming Division) have their own methods of curing the city's dilemma and will undermine Rick's efforts however they can.
Will Rick be able to clear the notorious traffic problem on Sepulveda Pass in time for his parents to deliver Polish food to the movie studio and land the catering contract they need to keep their company afloat?
Review: Overall, I thought this was a great book. The characters and well developed and engaging, which is super important in a middle grade book. The main character is funny and has severe motion sickness. I also loved the theme of community and coming together to make something better. I felt like the writing was well done as well. I also liked how it showed a kid with a bit of an unusual hobby. I think it shows kids to go after what they want to do, no matter if others are doing it or not.
However, I did want more world building in the book and I felt like the pacing was a bit slow for me.
Verdict: A good book for kids!
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Last Memoria
Author: Rachel Emma Snow
Book Series: Memoria Duology
Rating: 3.5/5
Publication Date: May 10, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (memory loss, stealing memories, slight violence, some romance,… did I say memory loss?)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 253
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Sarilla has learnt one thing from stealing memories. Everybody lies.
There's nothing Sarilla hates more than stealing memories, but the king forces her to take them to keep his subjects in line. She wants to escape to where nobody knows what she is or what she can do, but her plans go awry when she runs into Falon.
Falon has a six month void in his memories that he's desperate to restore. He doesn't know why they were taken or what they contained, nor why the man he loves is acting so cagily about what happened during that time. He hopes to use Sarilla to get back his stolen memories and doesn't care what she wants or why she's desperate to escape. She will help him get them back, whether she wants to or not.
Review: Overall, this was a good book. The plot is interesting and the book forces you to think constantly throughout the book. The book had okay character development, I felt it was too rushed though and didn’t give the character enough to realistically make the change. Overall, I really thought the book was intriguing.
However, I did have some issues with this book. I feel like it didn’t have any worldbuilding. There was a lot of room to expand on this world and I felt like it wasn’t taken advantage of. The pace was also incredibly fast and it felt like it was running a race.
Verdict: It’s a good story, but needs to be polished a bit more.
Book: Last Memoria
Author: Rachel Emma Snow
Book Series: Memoria Duology
Rating: 3.5/5
Publication Date: May 10, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (memory loss, stealing memories, slight violence, some romance,… did I say memory loss?)
Publisher: Indie Published
Pages: 253
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Sarilla has learnt one thing from stealing memories. Everybody lies.
There's nothing Sarilla hates more than stealing memories, but the king forces her to take them to keep his subjects in line. She wants to escape to where nobody knows what she is or what she can do, but her plans go awry when she runs into Falon.
Falon has a six month void in his memories that he's desperate to restore. He doesn't know why they were taken or what they contained, nor why the man he loves is acting so cagily about what happened during that time. He hopes to use Sarilla to get back his stolen memories and doesn't care what she wants or why she's desperate to escape. She will help him get them back, whether she wants to or not.
Review: Overall, this was a good book. The plot is interesting and the book forces you to think constantly throughout the book. The book had okay character development, I felt it was too rushed though and didn’t give the character enough to realistically make the change. Overall, I really thought the book was intriguing.
However, I did have some issues with this book. I feel like it didn’t have any worldbuilding. There was a lot of room to expand on this world and I felt like it wasn’t taken advantage of. The pace was also incredibly fast and it felt like it was running a race.
Verdict: It’s a good story, but needs to be polished a bit more.