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popthebutterfly
Disclaimer: I received an e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Sisters of Sword and Song
Author: Rebecca Ross
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: sister bonds, mythology, gods
Publication Date: June 23, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, romance, TW “mind sweeping” which can be eluded to rape in a sense, it’s not but it had a lot of similarities)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 432
Synopsis: After eight long years, Evadne will finally be reunited with her older sister, Halcyon, who has been proudly serving in the queen’s army. But when Halcyon appears earlier than expected, Eva knows something has gone terribly wrong. Halcyon is on the run, hunted by her commander and charged with murder.
Though Halcyon’s life is spared during her trial, the punishment is heavy. And when Eva volunteers to serve part of Halcyon’s sentence, she’s determined to find out exactly what happened. But as Eva begins her sentence, she quickly learns that there are fates much worse than death.
Review: Overall, this was a great book! The book had great character development and I loved seeing Evadne and Halcyon’s relationship grow and strengthen. The sisters had great character arcs, with one rising in power while the other faltered, and they worked well as a power duo. The writing was absolutely fantastic and the world building was absolutely fantastic.
However, while the book did well to grab my attention in the beginning, it faltered in the middle. I think the book pacing was a bit too fast and I think the book would have been better was two books and just elongated. The middle of the book really did feel like the breaking of “act one” and then “act two” began, which I think would have been great for two books separately.
Verdict: Worth the read!
Book: Sisters of Sword and Song
Author: Rebecca Ross
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: sister bonds, mythology, gods
Publication Date: June 23, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, gore, romance, TW “mind sweeping” which can be eluded to rape in a sense, it’s not but it had a lot of similarities)
Publisher: HarperTeen
Pages: 432
Synopsis: After eight long years, Evadne will finally be reunited with her older sister, Halcyon, who has been proudly serving in the queen’s army. But when Halcyon appears earlier than expected, Eva knows something has gone terribly wrong. Halcyon is on the run, hunted by her commander and charged with murder.
Though Halcyon’s life is spared during her trial, the punishment is heavy. And when Eva volunteers to serve part of Halcyon’s sentence, she’s determined to find out exactly what happened. But as Eva begins her sentence, she quickly learns that there are fates much worse than death.
Review: Overall, this was a great book! The book had great character development and I loved seeing Evadne and Halcyon’s relationship grow and strengthen. The sisters had great character arcs, with one rising in power while the other faltered, and they worked well as a power duo. The writing was absolutely fantastic and the world building was absolutely fantastic.
However, while the book did well to grab my attention in the beginning, it faltered in the middle. I think the book pacing was a bit too fast and I think the book would have been better was two books and just elongated. The middle of the book really did feel like the breaking of “act one” and then “act two” began, which I think would have been great for two books separately.
Verdict: Worth the read!
Disclaimer: I received an e-book from the author. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: By Sea & Sky
Author: Antoine Bandele
Book Series: The Sky Pirate Chronicles Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: pirates, romance, rescue, revenge
Publication Date: June 19, 2020
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, gore, kidnapping TW, romance)
Publisher: Bandele Books
Pages: 414
Synopsis: With no magic, no brawn, and no pirate crew, Zala seeks to steal back the one treasure that matters to her most: her husband.
To succeed she needs a ship—and not just any ship, but the latest, secret invention by the Vaaji Empire. An airship.
Zala will have to use her wits to overcome scoundrels and nobles alike on her journey through the clouds.
But if she's smart enough, she may just have what it takes to save her husband—and go down in history as the first sky pirate.
Delve into a pirate fantasy inspired by the West Indies, The Swahili Coast, and Arabia, where Zala will encounter ruthless raiders, arrogant aristocrats, and imperial secrets.
Review: Overall, this was a great read! The book had some great character development and I really liked how Karim was set up in this book. The book had an intriguing plot as well and the book was amazing for people, like me, who crave more pirate books!
However, I thought that the world building could have been built up a little bit more and that the plot could have been built up better. The plot and pacing made the book really slow and I think it could have been done a bit better if things happened sooner in the novel.
Verdict: A great pirate read!
Book: By Sea & Sky
Author: Antoine Bandele
Book Series: The Sky Pirate Chronicles Book 1
Rating: 4/5
Recommended For...: pirates, romance, rescue, revenge
Publication Date: June 19, 2020
Genre: Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, gore, kidnapping TW, romance)
Publisher: Bandele Books
Pages: 414
Synopsis: With no magic, no brawn, and no pirate crew, Zala seeks to steal back the one treasure that matters to her most: her husband.
To succeed she needs a ship—and not just any ship, but the latest, secret invention by the Vaaji Empire. An airship.
Zala will have to use her wits to overcome scoundrels and nobles alike on her journey through the clouds.
But if she's smart enough, she may just have what it takes to save her husband—and go down in history as the first sky pirate.
Delve into a pirate fantasy inspired by the West Indies, The Swahili Coast, and Arabia, where Zala will encounter ruthless raiders, arrogant aristocrats, and imperial secrets.
Review: Overall, this was a great read! The book had some great character development and I really liked how Karim was set up in this book. The book had an intriguing plot as well and the book was amazing for people, like me, who crave more pirate books!
However, I thought that the world building could have been built up a little bit more and that the plot could have been built up better. The plot and pacing made the book really slow and I think it could have been done a bit better if things happened sooner in the novel.
Verdict: A great pirate read!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: In the Role of Brie Hutchens
Author: Nicole Melleby
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: LGBT+ main character
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: LGBT, coming out, theatre, romance, finding yourself
Publication Date: June 30, 2020
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Pages: 261
Recommended Age: 14+ (finding yourself, coming out, romance)
Synopsis: Introducing Brie Hutchens: soap opera super fan, aspiring actor, and so-so student at her small Catholic school. Brie has big plans for eighth grade. She’s going to be the star of the school play and convince her parents to let her go to the performing arts high school. But when Brie’s mom walks in on her accidentally looking at some possibly inappropriate photos of her favorite actress, Brie panics and blurts out that she’s been chosen to crown the Mary statue during her school’s May Crowning ceremony. Brie’s mom is distracted with pride—but Brie’s in big trouble: she has not been chosen. No one has. Worse, Brie has almost no chance to get the job, which always goes to a top student.
Desperate to make her lie become truth, Brie turns to Kennedy, the girl everyone expects to crown Mary. But sometimes just looking at Kennedy gives Brie butterflies. Juggling her confusing feelings with the rapidly approaching May Crowning, not to mention her hilarious non-star turn in the school play, Brie navigates truth and lies, expectations and identity, and how to—finally—make her mother really see her as she is.
Review: I really liked this read! I thought the character development was marvelous and I adored Brie's dramatic but heartbreaking voice and how you could feel how much the author poured of herself into this book. The writing was spectacular and the world building was amazing. I definitely loved this book!
My only issue is that the pacing of the book was a bit too fast. It didn't bother me because it matched well with how I felt the book was progressing but fyi! The book is also incredibly short and while it's a great short summer read, I felt like it could have been longer.
Verdict: a definite must read.
Book: In the Role of Brie Hutchens
Author: Nicole Melleby
Book Series: Standalone
Diversity: LGBT+ main character
Rating: 5/5
Recommended For...: LGBT, coming out, theatre, romance, finding yourself
Publication Date: June 30, 2020
Publisher: Algonquin Young Readers
Pages: 261
Recommended Age: 14+ (finding yourself, coming out, romance)
Synopsis: Introducing Brie Hutchens: soap opera super fan, aspiring actor, and so-so student at her small Catholic school. Brie has big plans for eighth grade. She’s going to be the star of the school play and convince her parents to let her go to the performing arts high school. But when Brie’s mom walks in on her accidentally looking at some possibly inappropriate photos of her favorite actress, Brie panics and blurts out that she’s been chosen to crown the Mary statue during her school’s May Crowning ceremony. Brie’s mom is distracted with pride—but Brie’s in big trouble: she has not been chosen. No one has. Worse, Brie has almost no chance to get the job, which always goes to a top student.
Desperate to make her lie become truth, Brie turns to Kennedy, the girl everyone expects to crown Mary. But sometimes just looking at Kennedy gives Brie butterflies. Juggling her confusing feelings with the rapidly approaching May Crowning, not to mention her hilarious non-star turn in the school play, Brie navigates truth and lies, expectations and identity, and how to—finally—make her mother really see her as she is.
Review: I really liked this read! I thought the character development was marvelous and I adored Brie's dramatic but heartbreaking voice and how you could feel how much the author poured of herself into this book. The writing was spectacular and the world building was amazing. I definitely loved this book!
My only issue is that the pacing of the book was a bit too fast. It didn't bother me because it matched well with how I felt the book was progressing but fyi! The book is also incredibly short and while it's a great short summer read, I felt like it could have been longer.
Verdict: a definite must read.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Forest of Souls
Author: Lori M. Lee
Book Series: Shamanborn Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Southeast-Asian inspired characters and setting!
Recommended For...: fantasy, southeast Asian ownvoice, magic
Publication Date: June 23, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (spiders, violence, gore)
Publisher: Page Street Kids
Pages: 400
Synopsis: Sirscha Ashwyn comes from nothing, but she’s intent on becoming something. After years of training to become the queen’s next royal spy, her plans are derailed when shamans attack and kill her best friend Saengo.
And then Sirscha, somehow, restores Saengo to life.
Unveiled as the first soulguide in living memory, Sirscha is summoned to the domain of the Spider King. For centuries, he has used his influence over the Dead Wood—an ancient forest possessed by souls—to enforce peace between the kingdoms. Now, with the trees growing wild and untamed, only a soulguide can restrain them. As war looms, Sirscha must master her newly awakened abilities before the trees shatter the brittle peace, or worse, claim Saengo, the friend she would die for.
Review: Overall I thought this book was really well done! The characters were well developed and I adored Sirscha and Saengo’s relationship. I thought the writing was well done and the setting and world building was amazing. I also thought the plot, in particular the problem Sirscha encounters, was very unique in terms of what I’ve read before. It was action packed and easily one of my favorite YA high fantasy novels.
However, I did think that beginning was a little slow (but well crafted) and I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I didn’t want Saengo and Sirscha to be more than friends, but they’re very well suited to be sisters of heart in this novel.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
Book: Forest of Souls
Author: Lori M. Lee
Book Series: Shamanborn Book 1
Rating: 5/5
Diversity: Southeast-Asian inspired characters and setting!
Recommended For...: fantasy, southeast Asian ownvoice, magic
Publication Date: June 23, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 16+ (spiders, violence, gore)
Publisher: Page Street Kids
Pages: 400
Synopsis: Sirscha Ashwyn comes from nothing, but she’s intent on becoming something. After years of training to become the queen’s next royal spy, her plans are derailed when shamans attack and kill her best friend Saengo.
And then Sirscha, somehow, restores Saengo to life.
Unveiled as the first soulguide in living memory, Sirscha is summoned to the domain of the Spider King. For centuries, he has used his influence over the Dead Wood—an ancient forest possessed by souls—to enforce peace between the kingdoms. Now, with the trees growing wild and untamed, only a soulguide can restrain them. As war looms, Sirscha must master her newly awakened abilities before the trees shatter the brittle peace, or worse, claim Saengo, the friend she would die for.
Review: Overall I thought this book was really well done! The characters were well developed and I adored Sirscha and Saengo’s relationship. I thought the writing was well done and the setting and world building was amazing. I also thought the plot, in particular the problem Sirscha encounters, was very unique in terms of what I’ve read before. It was action packed and easily one of my favorite YA high fantasy novels.
However, I did think that beginning was a little slow (but well crafted) and I’d be lying if I didn’t say that I didn’t want Saengo and Sirscha to be more than friends, but they’re very well suited to be sisters of heart in this novel.
Verdict: Highly recommend!
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publishing company. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Thomas Wildus and the Book of Sorrows
Author: J.M. Bergen
Book Series: The Elandrian Chronicles Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Diversity: many different POC side characters
Recommended For...: middle grade, fantasy
Publication Date: February 2, 2019
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (science, magic, and technology combined, slight violence)
Publisher: Elandrian Press
Pages: 352
Synopsis: Thomas thinks he's an ordinary twelve year old, but when a strange little man with gold-flecked eyes gives him an ancient text called The Book of Sorrows, the world he knows is turned upside down. Suddenly he’s faced with a secret family legacy, powers he can hardly begin to understand, and an enemy bent on destroying everything he holds dear. The more he reads and discovers, the deeper the danger to himself and the people he loves. As the race to the final showdown unfolds, Thomas must turn to trusted friends and uncertain allies as he seeks to prevent destruction at an epic scale.
Review: This was a good book. The book had great world building and the story was interesting. I felt like the book was well written for the most part and that the book did well to blend different sciences with magic and technology.
However, I had a lot of issues with the characters. I felt like the female and POC characters were stereotypical. They didn’t have much of a personality outside of what you normally perceive of them and that was a bit of a problem with me. I loved the inclusion, but I think more could have been done or a team of sensitivity readers could have been used. I also felt like that pacing was very slow overall.
Verdict: It was a good book, but just some issues.
Book: Thomas Wildus and the Book of Sorrows
Author: J.M. Bergen
Book Series: The Elandrian Chronicles Book 1
Rating: 3/5
Diversity: many different POC side characters
Recommended For...: middle grade, fantasy
Publication Date: February 2, 2019
Genre: MG Fantasy
Recommended Age: 10+ (science, magic, and technology combined, slight violence)
Publisher: Elandrian Press
Pages: 352
Synopsis: Thomas thinks he's an ordinary twelve year old, but when a strange little man with gold-flecked eyes gives him an ancient text called The Book of Sorrows, the world he knows is turned upside down. Suddenly he’s faced with a secret family legacy, powers he can hardly begin to understand, and an enemy bent on destroying everything he holds dear. The more he reads and discovers, the deeper the danger to himself and the people he loves. As the race to the final showdown unfolds, Thomas must turn to trusted friends and uncertain allies as he seeks to prevent destruction at an epic scale.
Review: This was a good book. The book had great world building and the story was interesting. I felt like the book was well written for the most part and that the book did well to blend different sciences with magic and technology.
However, I had a lot of issues with the characters. I felt like the female and POC characters were stereotypical. They didn’t have much of a personality outside of what you normally perceive of them and that was a bit of a problem with me. I loved the inclusion, but I think more could have been done or a team of sensitivity readers could have been used. I also felt like that pacing was very slow overall.
Verdict: It was a good book, but just some issues.
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher! Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Black Swan of Paris
Author: Karen Robards
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3.5/5
Recommended For...: history lovers, WWII, resistance, romance
Publication Date: June 30, 2020
Genre: Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 17+ (romance, violence, slight gore, resistance, and war)
Publisher: MIRA
Pages: 400
Synopsis: Paris, 1944
Celebrated singer Genevieve Dumont is both a star and a smokescreen. An unwilling darling of the Nazis, the chanteuse’s position of privilege allows her to go undetected as an ally to the resistance.
When her estranged mother, Lillian de Rocheford, is captured by Nazis, Genevieve knows it won’t be long before the Gestapo succeeds in torturing information out of Lillian that will derail the upcoming allied invasion. The resistance movement is tasked with silencing her by any means necessary—including assassination. But Genevieve refuses to let her mother become yet one more victim of the war. Reuniting with her long-lost sister, she must find a way to navigate the perilous cross-currents of Occupied France undetected—and in time to save Lillian’s life.
Review: I really loved this book! I thought the writing was beautiful and well done. The book was about the French Revolution, which I don’t know a ton about and I thought it gave me some insight into the historical movement. The book had very well developed characters and the world building was also very well done.
However, I felt like the middle of the book slowed down in pacing. It was extremely long and almost made reading it feel like crawling through mud. However, the ending was good and it was worth the read in my opinion.
Verdict: Recommended!!
Book: The Black Swan of Paris
Author: Karen Robards
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3.5/5
Recommended For...: history lovers, WWII, resistance, romance
Publication Date: June 30, 2020
Genre: Historical Fiction
Recommended Age: 17+ (romance, violence, slight gore, resistance, and war)
Publisher: MIRA
Pages: 400
Synopsis: Paris, 1944
Celebrated singer Genevieve Dumont is both a star and a smokescreen. An unwilling darling of the Nazis, the chanteuse’s position of privilege allows her to go undetected as an ally to the resistance.
When her estranged mother, Lillian de Rocheford, is captured by Nazis, Genevieve knows it won’t be long before the Gestapo succeeds in torturing information out of Lillian that will derail the upcoming allied invasion. The resistance movement is tasked with silencing her by any means necessary—including assassination. But Genevieve refuses to let her mother become yet one more victim of the war. Reuniting with her long-lost sister, she must find a way to navigate the perilous cross-currents of Occupied France undetected—and in time to save Lillian’s life.
Review: I really loved this book! I thought the writing was beautiful and well done. The book was about the French Revolution, which I don’t know a ton about and I thought it gave me some insight into the historical movement. The book had very well developed characters and the world building was also very well done.
However, I felt like the middle of the book slowed down in pacing. It was extremely long and almost made reading it feel like crawling through mud. However, the ending was good and it was worth the read in my opinion.
Verdict: Recommended!!
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Last Wife
Author: Karen Hamilton
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: thriller, suspense, mystery
Publication Date: June 25, 2020
Genre: Thriller
Recommended Age: 17+ (death, terminal illness, secrets, slight violence and gore)
Publisher: Wildfire
Pages: 352
Synopsis: Two women. A dying wish. And a web of lies that will bring their world crashing down.
Nina and Marie were best friends—until Nina was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Before she died, Nina asked Marie to fulfill her final wishes.
But her mistake was in thinking Marie was someone she could trust.
What Nina didn’t know was that Marie always wanted her beautiful life, and that Marie has an agenda of her own. She’ll do anything to get what she wants.
Marie thinks she can keep her promise to her friend’s family on her own terms. But what she doesn’t know is that Nina was hiding explosive secrets of her own…
Review: Overall, I thought this was a good book. The book had great character development and the world building was good. The book also had an intriguing plot, which is what kept me reading the book.
However, I felt like the book had too much in it. There was a lot going on with the secrets and the manipulation and all the lies, that it makes it hard for the reader to get through it. The book isn’t very engaging for the reader, especially when it has so many layers like this one does. I did like the ending, but it was a struggle to get there.
Verdict: It was a good book, but there’s a lot going on.
Book: The Last Wife
Author: Karen Hamilton
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: thriller, suspense, mystery
Publication Date: June 25, 2020
Genre: Thriller
Recommended Age: 17+ (death, terminal illness, secrets, slight violence and gore)
Publisher: Wildfire
Pages: 352
Synopsis: Two women. A dying wish. And a web of lies that will bring their world crashing down.
Nina and Marie were best friends—until Nina was diagnosed with a terminal illness. Before she died, Nina asked Marie to fulfill her final wishes.
But her mistake was in thinking Marie was someone she could trust.
What Nina didn’t know was that Marie always wanted her beautiful life, and that Marie has an agenda of her own. She’ll do anything to get what she wants.
Marie thinks she can keep her promise to her friend’s family on her own terms. But what she doesn’t know is that Nina was hiding explosive secrets of her own…
Review: Overall, I thought this was a good book. The book had great character development and the world building was good. The book also had an intriguing plot, which is what kept me reading the book.
However, I felt like the book had too much in it. There was a lot going on with the secrets and the manipulation and all the lies, that it makes it hard for the reader to get through it. The book isn’t very engaging for the reader, especially when it has so many layers like this one does. I did like the ending, but it was a struggle to get there.
Verdict: It was a good book, but there’s a lot going on.
Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Around the Sun
Author: Eric Michael Bovim
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: business minded people, grief
Publication Date: June 1, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Recommended Age: 17+ (death, grief, and businesses)
Publisher: Epigraph Publishing
Pages: 288
Synopsis: Mark White appears to have it all as the head of a prestigious PR firm in Washington, DC. But in the aftermath of his wife’s sudden death, he is struggling to raise his eight-year-old son, Colin. When he takes on a controversial new technology startup mid-scandal and weeks before their IPO, Mark’s world rapidly begins to unravel. Adrift, Mark is soon forced to make life-altering choices that will affect his bond with Colin, the legacy of his deceased wife’s unsold paintings, and, most importantly, his relationship with himself. Set at intervals in present-day New York, San Francisco, Barbados, Italy, and Barcelona, Around the Sun is told in lush, graceful prose, a portrait of grief and hope in the age of social media, globalization, and artistic decadence.
Review: Overall I thought this was a beautifully done book. The book had great character development and the world building was so detailed it felt like you were in those places. The plot of the book kept me intrigued in it throughout the novel.
However, I think that the pacing was slowed down as the book went on and the business focus of the book was a bit hard of a concept for me to grasp, but I think the author did pretty well!
Verdict: It was a good book!
Book: Around the Sun
Author: Eric Michael Bovim
Book Series: Standalone
Rating: 3/5
Recommended For...: business minded people, grief
Publication Date: June 1, 2020
Genre: Contemporary Fiction
Recommended Age: 17+ (death, grief, and businesses)
Publisher: Epigraph Publishing
Pages: 288
Synopsis: Mark White appears to have it all as the head of a prestigious PR firm in Washington, DC. But in the aftermath of his wife’s sudden death, he is struggling to raise his eight-year-old son, Colin. When he takes on a controversial new technology startup mid-scandal and weeks before their IPO, Mark’s world rapidly begins to unravel. Adrift, Mark is soon forced to make life-altering choices that will affect his bond with Colin, the legacy of his deceased wife’s unsold paintings, and, most importantly, his relationship with himself. Set at intervals in present-day New York, San Francisco, Barbados, Italy, and Barcelona, Around the Sun is told in lush, graceful prose, a portrait of grief and hope in the age of social media, globalization, and artistic decadence.
Review: Overall I thought this was a beautifully done book. The book had great character development and the world building was so detailed it felt like you were in those places. The plot of the book kept me intrigued in it throughout the novel.
However, I think that the pacing was slowed down as the book went on and the business focus of the book was a bit hard of a concept for me to grasp, but I think the author did pretty well!
Verdict: It was a good book!
Disclaimer: I received this e-arc from the publisher! Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: Spiked
Author: Jon McGoran
Book Series: Spliced Book 3
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: May 5, 2020
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, science, romance, dystopian vibes)
Publisher: Holiday House
Pages: 352
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Committed to both peace and human rights for chimeras--people who alter themselves with animal DNA--seventeen-year-old Jimi Corcoran is torn when she's invited to a gathering of moderate pro- and anti-chimera rights activists seeking to find common ground. But when a militant chimera rights group prevents her from attending--and saves her from being killed by the bomb they've planted--Jimi herself falls under suspicion for the blast.
Seeking to clear her name, Jimi and her chimera boyfriend, Rex, investigate the mysterious group. . . . only to discover that her involvement is no accident. As they dig deeper, they're drawn into a whirlwind of secret identities, shocking experiments, and an apocalyptic plot that threatens the future of humanity.
In this thrilling conclusion to Jon McGoran's timely and heavy-hitting Spliced series, extremists on both sides square off in an escalating battle between competing visions of the future of humanity, and of the Earth. Set in a near-future society where science is both celebrated and vilified, the Spliced series tackles weighty questions about genetic manipulation, artificial intelligence, population control--and when, if ever, revolution is worth a life.
Review: I really loved the finale of this book! The science behind this whole series has completely blown me away and I really loved the writing. The book had great characters with excellent character development that continued to this book. The pacing was well done as well and the world building just continued to be magnificent! Definitely recommend this to anyone who loves sci-fi!
My only issue is that, again, it takes a bit to get into. It’s sometimes hard to understand the science as well, but hang in there!
Verdict: Recommend this series!
Book: Spiked
Author: Jon McGoran
Book Series: Spliced Book 3
Rating: 5/5
Publication Date: May 5, 2020
Genre: YA Sci-Fi
Recommended Age: 16+ (violence, science, romance, dystopian vibes)
Publisher: Holiday House
Pages: 352
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Committed to both peace and human rights for chimeras--people who alter themselves with animal DNA--seventeen-year-old Jimi Corcoran is torn when she's invited to a gathering of moderate pro- and anti-chimera rights activists seeking to find common ground. But when a militant chimera rights group prevents her from attending--and saves her from being killed by the bomb they've planted--Jimi herself falls under suspicion for the blast.
Seeking to clear her name, Jimi and her chimera boyfriend, Rex, investigate the mysterious group. . . . only to discover that her involvement is no accident. As they dig deeper, they're drawn into a whirlwind of secret identities, shocking experiments, and an apocalyptic plot that threatens the future of humanity.
In this thrilling conclusion to Jon McGoran's timely and heavy-hitting Spliced series, extremists on both sides square off in an escalating battle between competing visions of the future of humanity, and of the Earth. Set in a near-future society where science is both celebrated and vilified, the Spliced series tackles weighty questions about genetic manipulation, artificial intelligence, population control--and when, if ever, revolution is worth a life.
Review: I really loved the finale of this book! The science behind this whole series has completely blown me away and I really loved the writing. The book had great characters with excellent character development that continued to this book. The pacing was well done as well and the world building just continued to be magnificent! Definitely recommend this to anyone who loves sci-fi!
My only issue is that, again, it takes a bit to get into. It’s sometimes hard to understand the science as well, but hang in there!
Verdict: Recommend this series!
Disclaimer: I received this arc from the publisher. Thanks! All opinions are my own.
Book: The Bone Thief
Author: Breeana Shields
Book Series: The Bone Charmer Book 2
Rating: 3.5/5
Publication Date: May 26, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, gore, romance)
Publisher: Page Street Kids
Pages: 384
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Saskia returns to Ivory Hall to train in bone magic, determined to stop Latham from gaining the power of all three Sights—past, present, and future. But danger lurks within the fortress’s marrow. Trials are underway for the apprentices, and the tasks feel specifically engineered to torment Saskia, which is exactly what Latham wants.
As she grows increasingly more suspicious, her thirst for revenge becomes all-consuming. Together with the friends she can trust and the boy she loved in another lifetime, Saskia traces clues from Latham’s past to determine what he’ll do next. Their search leads them across Kastelia and brings them to a workshop housing a vast collection of horrors, including the bones Latham stole from Gran, and the knowledge that the future isn’t all that’s in jeopardy—but the past as well.
Review: I was really excited to read this book (because, I mean, I look at the cover it’s gorgeous!) Anyways, the book was a lot better fleshed out for the character development then the previous book and I was so happy for that! The pacing is great and the plot is still so intriguing! I also felt like the world building had gotten better!
However, I still felt like there could have been more for the world building and I feel like that romance lacked in this one. The romance was there, but it wasn’t doing it for me. It felt a lot more cliché and tropey than in the first one and I got tired of it fast.
Verdict: It’s a great story!
Book: The Bone Thief
Author: Breeana Shields
Book Series: The Bone Charmer Book 2
Rating: 3.5/5
Publication Date: May 26, 2020
Genre: YA Fantasy
Recommended Age: 15+ (violence, gore, romance)
Publisher: Page Street Kids
Pages: 384
Amazon Link
Synopsis: Saskia returns to Ivory Hall to train in bone magic, determined to stop Latham from gaining the power of all three Sights—past, present, and future. But danger lurks within the fortress’s marrow. Trials are underway for the apprentices, and the tasks feel specifically engineered to torment Saskia, which is exactly what Latham wants.
As she grows increasingly more suspicious, her thirst for revenge becomes all-consuming. Together with the friends she can trust and the boy she loved in another lifetime, Saskia traces clues from Latham’s past to determine what he’ll do next. Their search leads them across Kastelia and brings them to a workshop housing a vast collection of horrors, including the bones Latham stole from Gran, and the knowledge that the future isn’t all that’s in jeopardy—but the past as well.
Review: I was really excited to read this book (because, I mean, I look at the cover it’s gorgeous!) Anyways, the book was a lot better fleshed out for the character development then the previous book and I was so happy for that! The pacing is great and the plot is still so intriguing! I also felt like the world building had gotten better!
However, I still felt like there could have been more for the world building and I feel like that romance lacked in this one. The romance was there, but it wasn’t doing it for me. It felt a lot more cliché and tropey than in the first one and I got tired of it fast.
Verdict: It’s a great story!